is to think of wants or desires as features that make the home more attractive or enjoyable. Upgraded gourmet kitchen, walk- in closets, and master bedroom suites are generally considered wants, but to each his/her own. One buyer’s need could be another buyer’s want. You need to focus on, and write down, what’s true for you and your situation. Perhaps you aren’t a fan of the home’s outdated or even ugly countertops, and you were hoping for granite countertops, but everything else about the home is just right. You could install granite countertops yourself, or hire someone else to do the job for you, and for a reasonable price. Th e same goes for cabinet style and colors; these can easily be touched up, repainted, or even replaced. Some home shoppers are put o ff by the kitchen’s appliances, while others aren’t bothered, but these are easy items to replace. Yes, it comes at a cost, but it’s not in the same ballpark as the home not having enough bedrooms for your family, or if it doesn’t have that yard or that garage you wrote down on your list of needs. Another item to consider is the yard. For some people it’s a need, for others a want. Still more spe cifi c is the size of the yard (for some, it needs to be large; for others, size doesn’t matter), the functionality of the yard (how or where it’s useful), the aesthetics of the yard (how it’s laid out and its overall appeal), and whether or not it’s fenced in. Note: If the home you’re considering has the yard you need, but it’s not fenced in, make sure you have the permission/authority to have one put in down the road. Make sure there are no homeowners’ association or zoning restrictions. Everyone understands important items (needs) and potential compromises (wants) diff erently. Needs are basic requirements 48
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