You have made the leap to house hunting. Have you taken the moment to examine what your must-haves, needs, and wants are? Just as Mas low's Hierarchy of Needs your housing needs have a hierarchy as well.
An absolute need would be survival. A place where we have shelter from the storm. If you are hunting for a house, I assume you have the economic means to satisfy this must-have. Let us look at something less extreme, Location, Location, and Location. Location and travel time to your work, shopping, and recreation. The recreation distance may fit the want classification, while the ability to reach work and bring your children to school would be considered must-haves.
Size how many bedrooms are needed? How many bathrooms? Children? In addition to giving the children their `own space, do you need a room to become a study? to become am office? Perhaps you are in skill labor profession where storage and work shop area is important. Such area would be garage, basement, and needed storage could be attic.
Preference of what school system? Is the school system rated the best? Is the system used to rate a school the best fit for your family? Different school systems will have programs that others do not such as music, marching band, sports such as swimming, or tennis. Perhaps a school has a reputation for having great private coaching.
How secure is the neighborhood? How secure is the dwelling and how secure can it be made? Is it well lit? Can entrances be be seen by others? Perhaps it is good that neighbors can see if strangers come, but can strangers see if you are not home?
You have preferences regarding changeable items, are you willing to make the changes after purchase? or do you need the product (the home) to match your every desire? The roof is the most obvious, How old? If the life of a roof is twenty years (varies depending upon roofing material and how much sun) are you prepared to replace if the roof is currently 19 years of age? How deep of a water table? The water table is how far below the house is the water level. Will it affect the basement? If climate change brings heavier rains? Is a sump pump a must-have? or will you if needed add a pump after purchase and after climate change?
What you can afford, does it allow you to have all of your must haves? Do you need to change your expectations or locate additional financing?
How does your current and future life style fit?
What is your preferred home style? Do you need a rancher? Would stairs be an obstacle? or do you view stairs as your form of exercise?
Location
Document, Make Notes, for comparison
A List that the Government (HUD) has prepared
