Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: How to Prioritize Your Home Search

When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. Do you prioritize a big backyard or a chef’s kitchen? A quiet cul-de-sac or walkability?

The key to a smooth search is knowing your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves.

What Are Must-Haves?

These are non-negotiables—things you need for your lifestyle to work. Common examples include:

• A specific number of bedrooms or bathrooms

• One-story layout for mobility

• Zoned for a specific school

• Within a set commute distance

• Price within budget

What Are Nice-to-Haves?

These are features you’d like to have, but could live without or add later. For example:

• Pool or hot tub

• Walk-in closets

• Quartz countertops

• Designer light fixtures

• Mature trees

How to Prioritize:

1. Start with Your Lifestyle. Think about how you live now and what needs are non-negotiable.

2. Be Realistic About Your Budget. Must-haves should fit within your price range.

3. Use a Checklist. I give my clients a personalized checklist to sort through their wants and needs—it helps reduce decision fatigue and avoid buyer’s remorse.

4. Leave Room for Flexibility. No house is 100% perfect. Focus on the bones of the home and the location—cosmetic upgrades can come later.

Bottom Line:
The clearer you are on your priorities, the smoother your search will be. Let’s build your must-have list together!