March 2004 COVER FEATURE
ALL YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:For Your Buyers
House Hunting Checklist: Prioritize Your Wants and Needs
The home features you want aren’t always the same as the ones you need. Use this checklist to help separate needs from wants. And consider how you’ll live in the house today and in years to come as you accommodate growing children or elderly parents.
N: Need
W: Want
DW: Don’t want
| N |
W |
DW |
TYPE |
| |
|
|
Single-family |
| |
|
|
Townhome |
| |
|
|
Condo |
| |
|
|
New |
| |
|
|
Existing |
| N |
W |
DW |
LOCATION |
| |
|
|
Central city |
| |
|
|
Suburbs |
| |
|
|
Outlying |
| |
|
|
Away from heavy traffic |
| |
NEAR |
| |
|
|
Job |
| |
|
|
Schools |
| |
|
|
Parks |
| |
|
|
Public transportation |
| |
|
|
Airport |
| |
|
|
Expressway |
| |
|
|
Neighborhood shopping |
| |
|
|
Regional mall |
| |
|
|
Entertainment/restaurants/theaters |
| N |
W |
DW |
CONDITION |
| |
|
|
Well kept |
| |
|
|
Fixer-upper |
| |
|
|
Needs minor work |
| N |
W |
DW |
STYLE |
| |
|
|
Traditional |
| |
|
|
Contemporary |
| |
|
|
Ranch |
| |
|
|
Two-story |
| |
|
|
Tudor |
| |
|
|
Victorian |
| |
|
|
Split-level |
| |
|
|
Colonial |
| |
|
|
Other |
| N |
W |
DW |
EXTERIOR |
| |
|
|
Brick |
| |
|
|
Stucco |
| |
|
|
Aluminum siding |
| |
|
|
Vinyl siding |
| |
|
|
Wood frame |
| N |
W |
DW |
SYSTEMS |
| |
|
|
Boiler, furnace, oil tank (circle preferred system) |
| |
|
|
Central air conditioning |
| |
|
|
Security |
| |
|
|
Internet/cable ready |
| N |
W |
DW |
FLOOR PLAN |
| |
|
|
Basement |
| |
|
|
Finished basement |
| |
|
|
Attic |
| |
|
|
Formal foyer |
| |
|
|
Formal living room |
| |
|
|
Great room |
| |
|
|
Family room |
| |
|
|
Formal dining room |
| |
|
|
Office |
| |
|
|
Media room/rec room |
| |
|
|
Mud room/laundry room |
| N |
W |
DW |
BATHROOMS |
| |
|
|
Number: ____________ |
| |
|
|
Shower |
| |
|
|
Tub |
| |
|
|
Double sinks |
| |
|
|
Dressing area |
| N |
W |
DW |
BEDROOMS |
| |
|
|
Number: _____________ |
| |
|
|
Master suite |
| |
|
|
First-floor master suite |
| |
|
|
Rooms for future children/elderly relatives |
| N |
W |
DW |
KITCHEN |
| |
|
|
Countertop materials: _____________ |
| |
|
|
New appliances |
| |
|
|
Eating area |
| |
|
|
Desk area |
| |
|
|
Pantry |
| |
|
|
Center island |
| N |
W |
DW |
GARAGE/PARKING |
| |
|
|
Size: ___________ |
| |
|
|
Street parking |
| |
|
|
Paved driveway |
| |
|
|
Reserved or deeded spot (for condos) |
| N |
W |
DW |
SPECIAL FEATURES |
| |
INTERIOR |
| |
|
|
Fireplace |
| |
|
|
Vaulted ceilings |
| |
|
|
High ceilings |
| |
|
|
Wood floors |
| |
|
|
Built-in cabinets |
| |
|
|
Big closets |
| |
|
|
Extra storage space |
| |
|
|
First/second-floor laundry |
| |
EXTERIOR |
| |
|
|
Good view |
| |
|
|
Natural light |
| |
|
|
Backyard |
| |
|
|
Garden |
| |
|
|
Play area |
| |
|
|
Screened porch |
| |
|
|
Patio/deck |
| |
|
|
Barbecue area |
| |
|
|
Outdoor lighting |
| |
|
|
Fenced yard |
| |
|
|
Mature trees |
| |
|
|
Mature shrubs |
| |
|
|
Maintenance provided by a homeowners association |
| |
COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD |
| |
|
|
Highly-rated schools |
| |
|
|
Swimming pool |
| |
|
|
Tennis courts |
| |
|
|
Golf course |
| |
|
|
Parks |
| |
|
|
Park programs/activities |
| |
|
|
Health clubs |
| |
|
|
Sidewalks |
| |
|
|
Local college |
| |
LIFESTYLE |
| |
|
|
Kid-friendly spaces |
| |
|
|
Room for older parents |
| |
|
|
Sport/basketball court |
| |
|
|
Room for guests/entertaining |
—Jane Adler
Sources: Gail G. Lyons, ABR, CRS, Boulder Real Estate Services Ltd./Realty Executives, Boulder, Colo., and REALTOR® Magazine Online.
