Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves Checklist for Homebuyers

Agent shows family the features of the living room area in a home for sale.

Written By Rory Arnold

Reviewed By Tom McLean

Finding a home to buy can be as daunting as it is exciting. You might not know where to start.

One way to narrow your search is to separate what you want vs. need vs. must-have in a home. There are going to be aspects to a home that you can’t live without, features that are important to you, and others that you’d like but don’t absolutely need.

We’ve created this handy checklist to help you separate your preferences from priorities, and figure out what matters most to you in a home.

Click here to download our homebuyers wants and needs checklist PDF.

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Home Type

A great place to start is by thinking about which type of home would be right for you. There are pros and cons to buying a house, condo, or townhouse, depending on your lifestyle and needs. Here are some different home types and styles to consider.

Home Type Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Detached house	A detached house is a single-family home that stands alone, usually with outdoor space.	❏	❏	❏
Condominium	A condominium is a single unit within a larger building with shared amenities.	❏	❏	❏
Townhouse	A townhouse is a narrow, multifloor home that shares at least one wall with another home.	❏	❏	❏
Multifamily home	A multifamily home is a detached structure that contains more than one living space to accommodate multiple residents.	❏	❏	❏
Loft apartment	A loft apartment — also known as a studio — is an open space with multiple rooms.	❏	❏	❏
Single-story home	A single-story home — also known as a ranch-style home — has only one floor.	❏	❏	❏
Multistory home	Multistory homes are detached homes that have more than one floor.	❏	❏	❏
Split-level home	Split-level homes have at least three floors that are staggered and connected by multiple staircases.	❏	❏	❏
Architectural style	You may prefer a certain architectural style, whether it be modern, colonial, Spanish, or midcentury.	❏	❏	❏

Parking

If you have a car, you need a place to park it. Here are some of your options.

Parking Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Garage	A garage is an indoor space to park your car that provides both shelter and security.	❏	❏	❏
Driveway	A driveway gives you a place to park your car off the street. However, it lacks a roof and the security of a garage.	❏	❏	❏
Carport	A carport is an outdoor parking space that’s at least partially covered.	❏	❏	❏
Street parking	Parking your car on the street leaves your car more vulnerable to the elements, damage, and theft. You also might not always be able to find a free space.	❏	❏	❏

Bedrooms

The number of bedrooms you need will depend on how many people live with you — or will live with you, if you expect your family to grow. It’s also a big factor that affects the size and cost of the home.

Bedroom Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
One bedroom	If you live alone, you may need only one bedroom. This also works for couples looking to cut costs.	❏	❏	❏
Two bedrooms	Two bedrooms allow space for guests. You also could use the additional bedroom as an office or studio.	❏	❏	❏
Three or more bedrooms	If you have children — or plan to have children — you might want to look at homes with more bedrooms.	❏	❏	❏

Bathrooms

The number of bathrooms you need will depend on the number of people living with you, as well as your budget. Another factor to consider is whether you prefer a shower or a bathtub.

Bathroom Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Number of bathrooms	The average home has two bathrooms for every three bedrooms.	❏	❏	❏
Bathtub	Some people are bathtub people, and that’s just the way it is! If you prefer to bathe in the tub, then this might be a must-have for you.	❏	❏	❏
Walk-in shower	If you strictly shower, then you might prefer a walk-in shower and not need a bathtub.	❏	❏	❏
Fractional bathrooms	Some homes have fractional bathrooms. For example, a half bathroom has a toilet and sink, but no shower or bathtub.	❏	❏	❏

Kitchen

If you have a family, or are planning on starting one, having kitchen space might be important to you. Even if you live alone, you may want to have enough room to cook for yourself and guests.

Kitchen Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Appliances	An oven, stove, sink, and dishwasher are common must-haves. A modern, built-in refrigerator and microwave might be nice, but you can always buy them yourself if the home lacks those features.	❏	❏	❏
Countertops	Countertops are made from materials that range in looks and price, such as quartz, marble, and granite.	❏	❏	❏
Dining area	Some kitchens include a built-in dining area, such as a countertop space or breakfast nook.	❏	❏	❏
Island	A kitchen island is a stand-alone cabinet that comes with a countertop. An island offers additional storage, and may include a sink or cooking surface.	❏	❏	❏
Cabinets	Cabinets can be made from materials as varied as wood, fiberboard, and laminate.	❏	❏	❏
Pantry	A pantry offers more storage space for foods that don’t need to be refrigerated, and for small appliances and cookware that you use infrequently.	❏	❏	❏

Flooring

Each type of flooring has its own advantages and disadvantages. While this is something you may be able to change, buying a home that already has flooring you’re comfortable with will save time and money.

Flooring Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Hardwood	Floors made out of hardwood are durable and aesthetically pleasing.	❏	❏	❏
Carpet	Carpeted floors can be warm, cozy, and comfy — if they’re clean. Carpets can collect dirt, stains, and odors, and can deteriorate over time.	❏	❏	❏
Laminate	Laminate is an artificial material that often imitates the look and feel of hardwood, but is more affordable.	❏	❏	❏
Stone	Stone is another sharp-looking flooring option that can be used both indoors and outdoors.	❏	❏	❏
Tile	Tile comes in many different sizes, colors, and variations. A potential downside is that tiles may crack and chip over time.	❏	❏	❏
Bamboo	Bamboo isn’t only a stylish option — it’s also eco-friendly because it’s a grass that grows much faster than trees.	❏	❏	❏
Cork	Cork offers a warm look and is comfortable to walk on, since it’s a relatively soft material.	❏	❏	❏

Exterior

The outside features of a home have a big effect on both its durability and its appearance.

Exterior Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Wood	Wood siding gives your house a rustic character. However, its life span can be shorter than other materials, and it may need to be replaced every 10 years.	❏	❏	❏
Brick	Brick homes are study and durable. They’re also more fire-resistant.	❏	❏	❏
Shingles	Shingles — also known as shake siding — are often made of cedar, and can add character. However, this material also can rot and warp.	❏	❏	❏
Vinyl	Vinyl siding is affordable and durable — it’s the most popular siding material. However, some people don’t like the look of it.	❏	❏	❏
Stone	Stone siding offers a natural beauty that can boost curb appeal. It’s also expensive.	❏	❏	❏
Stucco	Stucco siding is a porous material commonly found on Mediterranean and Spanish Mission-style homes. It’s also long-lasting when installed correctly.	❏	❏	❏
Lot type	Some homes are located on a flat lot with plenty of outdoor space. Others are located on hills, or close to neighboring homes.	❏	❏	❏

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Interior

Each room in a home has a different purpose. Here are some of the different rooms to consider.

Interior Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Living room	If you love watching movies at home or spending time with your family, a big living room might be important to you.	❏	❏	❏
Dining room	The dining room is a place to have meals as a family or to entertain guests.	❏	❏	❏
Primary bedroom with bathroom	Your primary bedroom suite is usually the homeowner’s bedroom, and often comes with an attached bathroom.	❏	❏	❏
Home office	Since working remotely has become more common, many homebuyers are looking for homes with a room they can use as an office.	❏	❏	❏
Recreation room	A recreation room is a place for children to play in, or where adults can relax or play games.	❏	❏	❏
Closets	Closets offer important storage space for outerwear, towels, equipment, cleaning supplies, and more.	❏	❏	❏
Basement	Finished basements can add square footage to the home. However, the risk of flooding means it can require additional maintenance.	❏	❏	❏
Attic	Attics can provide storage space for items you want to hang on to but use infrequently. Some attics offer room for an additional bedroom.	❏	❏	❏
Laundry room	Not every home has a laundry room, but having a designated space for a washer and dryer gives you a place to keep laundry-related supplies.	❏	❏	❏
Porch	Buyers who want to maximize their outdoor space may seek homes with a porch attached.	❏	❏	❏
Gym	These days, more people have home gyms than gym memberships. If a home doesn’t come with a designated gym, you may want a room that you can convert into one.	❏	❏	❏
Mother-in-law suite	An additional living unit on the property that can house family members may add value to your property, or generate income as a rental.	❏	❏	❏

Energy and Environment

Heating and cooling systems play a big role in how much you pay for utilities. The efficiency of your home systems also affects your carbon footprint.

Energy and Environment Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Heating	Some homes have furnaces that burn natural gas or liquid propane, while other homes have electric furnaces.	❏	❏	❏
Air conditioning	Central air conditioning is energy-efficient and cost-efficient. It also adds value to the home.	❏	❏	❏
Water heater	Tankless water heaters are more efficient than conventional water heaters, but they are more expensive to buy.	❏	❏	❏
Fireplace	A fireplace can add charm to your living room — especially if you live in a cooler climate. However, they are an added cost and responsibility to maintain.	❏	❏	❏
Toilets	Energy-efficient toilets use less water, which can be useful in drier climates that are prone to drought.	❏	❏	❏
Accessibility	If you or someone you live with has limited mobility, it will be important for your home to be accessible.	❏	❏	❏
Insulation	If you live in a place with cold winters, then having a home that is well insulated helps you keep your heating costs under control.	❏	❏	❏
Windows	Energy-efficient windows are another feature that can help you save money on heating and cooling your home.	❏	❏	❏
Doors	Energy-efficient doors help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.	❏	❏	❏
Solar panels	Solar panels can help you reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. They come with high initial costs, which is why it might be nice to find a home that already has them installed.	❏	❏	❏

Outdoors

The outside of your home affects its curb appeal and its value. It’s also the first thing you see when you come home, so some features might matter to you more than others.

Outdoor Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
View	Everyone loves a great view, but houses along the coast or up in the hills usually are more expensive.	❏	❏	❏
Trees	Trees can add to the curb appeal of a home and offer shade. However, they also can be a liability, and are expensive to remove.	❏	❏	❏
Yard	A well-kept yard can increase the value of a home, and offer a safe place to play for kids and pets.	❏	❏	❏
Landscaping	Plants, shrubs, or a garden can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property.	❏	❏	❏
Lawn	A beautiful lawn can add to a home’s curb appeal and overall appearance. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming to water and maintain a lawn.	❏	❏	❏
Deck	A deck can be a pleasant place to barbecue and relax outdoors.	❏	❏	❏
Patio	Instead of a deck, you might prefer a patio space, with room for a table and chairs.	❏	❏	❏
Storage	A shed or garage can be a useful covered space to store things like lawn mowers.	❏	❏	❏
Sprinkler system	A sprinkler system can help keep a lawn or garden watered and healthy.	❏	❏	❏
Pool	If you have a passion for pool time, then finding a house with one might be a must-have for you. Just remember that they can be costly to heat and to maintain.	❏	❏	❏
Fire pit	Fire pits can be a cozy place to host company in the evening.	❏	❏	❏

Location

Location usually is cited as the most important factor in determining the value and desirability of a home. It’s possible to change many different features about a home, but you can’t change its location, so it’s extra important to choose wisely.

Location Wants vs. Needs vs. Must-Haves

Feature	Description	Want	Need	Must-Have
Neighborhood	Some people prefer to live in quiet, tranquil neighborhoods. Others prefer to live in a walkable neighborhood that’s more active and busier.	❏	❏	❏
Commute	The location of your job also can affect where you look for a home. Most people prefer to live as close to work as possible.	❏	❏	❏
Schools	If you have children, the quality of schools near your home is an important factor when buying a home. In general, homes in good school districts cost more.	❏	❏	❏
Shopping	It can be helpful and convenient to live in a home that’s near grocery stores and other retailers.	❏	❏	❏
Dining	If you enjoy eating out and meeting friends for dinner, it might be important to you to have a few good restaurant options nearby.	❏	❏	❏
Recreation	If you have an active lifestyle or enjoy the outdoors, then you might want to find a home that’s located near a park, a gym, or hiking trails.	❏	❏	❏
Culture	If you like going to the farmers market or theater, you may prefer a neighborhood that has more cultural opportunities.	❏	❏	❏
Transportation	If you use the bus or train to get around, you’ll want to find a home that gives you easy access to public transportation routes.	❏	❏	❏
Urban	Living in the city allows you to live closer to others, and have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. But depending on where in the city you live, the neighborhood can be louder and more crowded.	❏	❏	❏
Suburban	Suburban neighborhoods can be a nice middle ground — quieter than the city, but not too far away from others. You likely will need a car to get around.	❏	❏	❏
Rural	Buying a home in a rural area gives you space, privacy, and the ability to enjoy nature. However, you’ll be farther from stores, emergency services, and other people.	❏	❏	❏
Waterfront	Homes along the coast or another body of water often have spectacular views. They also typically cost more.	❏	❏	❏