Here’s How to Create Your Home Buying Wishlist
Are you looking to buy a house and don’t know where to begin? We know that the process of buying a house can be overwhelming, that’s why we’ve put together a few suggestions that can make the process of buying a new home as easy and as fun as possible. All you need to do is create a wishlist and we’ll show you how to prioritise it.
A wishlist can help you narrow down your search and help you select a home that includes the characteristics that are important to you and your family. This will also keep you on track and ensure you’re only looking at houses you can afford so you can act quickly if you come across your next perfect home.
Before you begin your wishlist make sure you speak to every member of your family that will be affected by this decision. This will ensure you’re all on the same page and can make the process of creating your wishlist even more exciting.
- Evaluate your current home
The best way to figure out what to put on your wishlist is to take a look at your current space and answer a few questions that will help you figure out what your home’s best and worst qualities are. You can consider the interior and exterior of your home, as well as its location. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Do you have enough indoor/outdoor space?
Do you have enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Office Space?
Do you like the type and style of your home?
Do you like the features, fixtures and finishes?
Do you have a garden/yard? Do you want one?
Do you have enough space to park your car(s)? Do you have a garage?
Do you like your neighbourhood?
How far is your home from work, school and you family and friends?
Once you’ve finished evaluating your current home, create your wishlist and include everything that you can think of.
- Break down your wishlist
In order to get more clear, break down your wishlist into three categories:
- Must-haves: Include everything you MUST have in your next home that you absolutely cannot compromise on such as, number of bedrooms, parking, etc.
- Wants: This could include features and amenities that aren’t a must, but they would certainly be nice to have and can factor into your decision-making process. For example, a dishwasher.
- Wishes: Items on your wish list can include things you could live without, but could help you choose if your search came down to a couple options. i.e. electric vs. gas hob.
Breaking down your wishlist can help you envision your perfect home by allowing you to tap into your desires and get you thinking about how and where you want to live.
- Consider its location
Now that you’ve figured out the finer details, it’s time to consider the location of the house you want to buy. The location you choose will all depend on your family and lifestyle. If you have children or want kids in the future, it will be best to research the neighbourhoods you’re considering to ensure they have good schools for your children or future children to attend.
Other factors to consider when it comes to location is how long you are willing to commute to work. Do you want to live close to your family and friends? Do you want to be within walking distance of nearby amenities, shopping centres, or restaurant? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your location.
- Figure out your price range
You can find the perfect home that ticks off everything on your list, but if you can’t afford it you will be disappointed, not to mention the time you would’ve wasted looking at houses that are out of your price range. You should have a good idea of how much you can afford.
You can use an online calculator to figure out your budget or speak with an experienced mortgage broker and apply for an Agreement in Principle. An Agreement in Principle or AIP, is a written estimate from a mortgage lender that indicates how much can borrow. Use can use this information to search for houses in your selected neighbourhood.
Now that you know how much you can afford and have picked your location and created your wishlist, it’s time to get searching.
- Consult the experts
Are you looking to buy a house in Liverpool?
Lavelle Estates offers tools and resources to help you with your home search. We have experienced estate agents in Liverpool that can help you and your family search for your next perfect home. Contact us today to speak with one of our agents or use our search tool to search for your next home.
