Congratulations! You have decided it is time to either buy your first home or upgrade/ downsize to another.  Maybe you are tired of paying rent, your family has grown, your location no longer works for you or you are moving for your career… whatever the reason when you begin your home search with your trusted local agent, you need to take some time to make a list of your “must have items” in your next home.

When dreaming of a home the options are endless. From a backyard oasis with a pool, a gourmet kitchen with plenty of room to entertain friends or a gorgeous master bedroom, everyone’s wish list will be different.

Know your budget

The reality is that your wish list and your budget may not be realistic. The first step to creating your list of must haves is to know your budget and be informed of what is available in your price range. Once your real estate agent is helping you in your home search this will become easier as they are an expert in the area and can help you to determine if your list is budget friendly by viewing comparable homes that have sold within your budget and what features and amenities they offer

Find the perfect location, location, location

This is the well know real estate agents mantra and it is so important that we say it three times. Although a homes appearance can improve over time, the physical location will always remain the same so be sure to determine ahead of time what you will need from your location. Proximity to school, works, family, recreation and transit are all important factors to consider

Determine how much space is needed

Having the space for the entire family in your new home is an absolute must have. If you are a family of 6 a three-bedroom home may not be enough for you. Or if you work from home having a designated space to use as home office will be a non-negotiable feature of the house that must be met

Lifestyle

Once the most important needs have been identified (budget, location, and space requirements) you should now take some time to consider your lifestyle and what your home must provide you with to accommodate this. If you enjoy entertaining, an ample amount of space to do so will be a priority.  If you like to cook, then an appropriate kitchen will be a key feature for you. No matter what your lifestyle and preferences, make sure to take the time to identify them prior to picking your house

Focus on the floor plan

When looking for a home, buyers can easily be distracted by decorations, paint colors and flooring. Remember, these items can be changed relatively easily, however you can’t change the location of the home and it may be much more difficult to do a large-scale renovation to meet your lifestyle needs