1. Create a Dream Wish List.
When I made my list, it had 22 items on it. My current house had the potential to meet all of the items on my list with a little creativity, vision and hard work.
2. Separate the ‘Essentials’ and ‘Non-Essentials’.
After creating your dream home wish list, separate your ‘must haves’ from the things you’re willing to compromise on. No house is going to be perfect.
3. Location, Location, Location.
Remember, you can always change things in your house, but you can’t change the home’s location. Find a map of your city and highlight your ideal neighborhoods. This will help you narrow your home search. Is it important to you to have a view? Be close to schools or shopping? Find a location that fits your lifestyle.
4. Layout.
Think about the flow from the moment you walk in the door. Is the laundry room in a convenient location? Are you wanting that open concept so you can watch the kids while you cook? Many homes also have a formal living space that rarely gets used, so keep an open mind when viewing that space. They have a lot of potential to become something that fits your family – a game room, playroom, craft room or home office. ” Your home should be a reflection of the life you want to live.” – Peter Walsh
5. Storage.
As an organizer, I can’t stress enough how important proper storage space is in a home. Make sure your home has adequate closets or at least the potential to create additional storage space. Coat closets, linen closets and a pantry may not seem like a big deal in an empty house but they are essential for establishing and maintaining organization in a home that is being lived in. A garage is wonderful to have but is intended to store the car and not excess clutter. Pay close attention to any built-ins a home may have and be wary of homes that have cheap wire shelving in every closet, something you certainly will want to change.
6. Kitchen/Bathrooms.
These rooms are the selling points of homes. They are also some of the more costly in terms of renovation. Those costs can be lowered if the rooms have good bones, flow and function. Make sure there is a pantry and enough drawers and cupboards to fit your needs.
7. Lighting.
When we go to open houses, we are seeing the homes during daylight hours. We miss seeing the what the overhead lighting is like. I’ve been in so many homes that have poor lighting or none at all in the living rooms, dining rooms, and closets! Make sure there are overhead light fixtures in ALL the rooms and closets.
8. Children.
If you’re thinking about children, then look at a home as a long term investment. Find a home that has a nice backyard, a fence, and close to schools. Also, think about if you want the bedrooms all on the same floor or room to spread out when they get older? Is there a nice drop-zone area near the front door to organize keys, backpacks, coats, mail, etc?
9. Simplify.
Do you really need 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms for two people? If you have the tendency to collect clutter to fill those extra rooms, then maybe a smaller and more streamlined home is the best option for you. It means you have less to clean and maintain – therefore less stress.
10. Cosmetic Changes.
Look past the current homeowners taste to see the true potential of the space. We would be happy to help you unpack, organize and decorate the space for you! Contact Us today to learn more!
