Finding the Perfect Home

Print out this worksheet to Determine Your Wants and Needs

If you'll have a co-owner, have that person fill out a list too, but don't share ideas just yet. Here is how you fill out the worksheet:

Column 1, List Must-Have Features:

If the house must be located in a specific neighborhood or school district.
If the house must have 3 bedrooms, a 2 car garage, a large kitchen, a view.
If there must be no restrictions against a home-based business.
If the home must be one level, with few or no steps.

List every feature you feel is a must.

Column 2, List Features You Would Like:

A basement or a deck.
Whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets.
A certain type of architecture.
Gas heat.

List all features that are important to you--but that you might be flexible about.

Column 3, List Features You Do NOT Want:

A home located next to a highway or in a congested area.
Certain types of architecture.
Homes that need a great deal of work.

List all features you absolutely cannot accept.

Review Your Lists

If your co-owner made a list, compare them to see if your priorities match. If they don't, you'll need to compromise, revising your lists so that both of you are happy.

Compare Possible Homes to Your List

Make copies of your needs and wants list and use it to compare each home that you look at - write the addresss of the home at the top and take notes, circling the needs and wants that house fulfills.

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