List for your housing needs

Before you start house-hunting, decide what you really need in a house. This is just like going to the grocery store with a shopping list - it can save you time and money.

The Basics
1. What part of town (or country) do you want to live in?
2. What price range would you consider?
3. Are schools a factor and, if so, what do you need to take into consideration?
4. Do you want an older home or a newer home (less than 5 years old)?
5. What kind of houses (e.g. One story, 2 story, split foyer, bi-level, tri-level, townhouse, etc) would you be willing to see?
6. What style house (e.g. contemporary traditional, modern, etc.) appeals to you most?
7. How much renovation would you be willing to do?
8. Do you have to be close to public transportation?
9. Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchair access?
10. Do you have any animals that will require special facilities?
11. Additional requirements that are essential or “nice-to-have”, e.g pool, carport, garage, special view, fenced, etc.

The Interior
12. How many bedrooms must you have? Would you like to have?
13. How many bathrooms do you want?
14. How big would you like your house to be (square meter)?
15. Additional interior features that are essential or “nice-to-have, e.g. air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpets, open plan, separate dining room, fireplace, guest room, lots of windows, steps, etc.