Picture this: you’ve finally decided it’s time to buy a home—exciting, right? You jump online, start scrolling through listings, and suddenly, every house either looks amazing or completely wrong. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s where a homebuying wishlist comes in.
Creating a thoughtful wishlist isn’t just about picking your dream features; it’s about knowing what matters most to you and making smart decisions that match your lifestyle, budget, and future goals. Here’s how to build a wishlist that helps you stay focused—and actually find the right home.
Start With the Must-Haves
First things first: what can’t you live without?
These are your non-negotiables—the things that would make you walk away if they weren’t included. For most people, this list includes things like:
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms you need
- General location (close to work, schools, or family)
- Your ideal price range and comfortable monthly payment
- A certain amount of space (square footage)
- The type of home: single-family, townhome, condo?
These details create your search foundation. Without them, it’s easy to waste time looking at homes that don’t even meet your baseline needs.
Think About How You Actually Live
This is where your wishlist gets personal. Take a good look at your daily routine. What do you need in a home to support your lifestyle?
- Do you work remotely and need a home office with some privacy?
- Do you cook often and want a kitchen with space to spread out?
- Have pets that need a backyard to roam?
- Tired of sharing a bathroom with the whole family?
It’s easy to fall in love with a house based on looks—but make sure it also fits the way you live your everyday life.
Plan for the Future (Because It’s Coming)
Are you thinking long-term? You should be.
It’s not just about what works right now—it’s also about what will work five or ten years from now. Consider questions like:
- Are you planning to grow your family?
- Will you need space for aging parents or guests?
- Is this your “starter home” or your “forever home”?
- Would you want to rent it out later?
The more your home can adapt with you, the better your investment.
Include the Nice-to-Haves—You Deserve Them
Okay, now for the fun part: dream a little.
These are the features that would make life sweeter, even if you could live without them. Maybe it’s:
- A walk-in closet (because let’s be honest, we all want one)
- A soaking tub or rainfall shower
- Smart home technology
- A beautiful view
- A fireplace or a big backyard for entertaining
These aren’t musts, but if you find a home that checks a few of these boxes and meets your needs? That’s a win.
Be Honest About What You Can Compromise On
Here’s the truth: you probably won’t find a home that has everything on your wishlist—at least not without blowing past your budget. And that’s okay.
Decide ahead of time what you’re flexible on. Maybe you can live without that walk-in pantry if the rest of the kitchen is amazing. Or maybe location is more important than a big yard.
Knowing what you’re willing to give up helps you stay grounded when the pressure to decide kicks in.
A homebuying wishlist isn’t just a list—it’s a guide that keeps you focused, intentional, and confident throughout the buying process. It helps your realtor understand your priorities, keeps your emotions in check during showings, and makes decision-making so much easier.
And hey—if you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to help you walk through it. Buying a home should feel exciting, not stressful. Let’s make your wishlist work for you.
