Home-Buying Process:
Factors to Consider in Housing Selection
Interior and Exterior Space
Some options to consider when determining what you desire in a house are addressed below:
- Think about the kind of space you want. The number and ages of the people who will live there and your lifestyle will help you make some of these decisions.
- Do you need formal and informal living spaces? Do you entertain frequently or need space for large family gatherings?
- How many bedrooms do you need? Do you have frequent guests and need a guest room? Does someone in the family work at home and need a room for a home office?
- Do you want a large kitchen where the family can gather, a smaller kitchen and a family room with an eating area or a separate dining room?
- How many bathrooms do you need or want? Is it important the bathroom(s) has/have a shower, bathtub or both?
- Do you want a big yard? What kind of landscaping do you want and how much time are you willing to spend on upkeep?
- Do you want your house wired for television and computer technology or a security system?
- Are there other features you want such as a fireplace, home theater, pool, room for a grand piano or other large pieces of furniture, extra storage such as a larger garage or room to park a recreational vehicle?
- What are the types and costs of utilities available, types of heating and cooling systems and projected maintenance and upkeep?
Use the Needs and Wants Work Sheet to record your choices about location, type of house, space needs and other desired features. You also could make a list of things you know you do not want. Use your list to help you to decide which houses fit your needs. If you only look at houses that meet your needs and price range, you will save time, energy and frustration.
Back to top
