used recreation facilities, or modes of transportation (bus or train access). Whether an item is a need or a desire depends on your circumstance. Closeness to family might be a need for a couple with young children or elderly parents to care for, or a desire if those factors aren’t involved. It’s items like these that make a checklist most helpful. After location needs and desires are compiled, housing factors can be considered. Needs include having all essential house structures and systems in good working order. Accepting a house that needs a new roof because the owner is willing to knock $7,000 off the listing price, but it will cost $10,000 to replace the roof in two years, is not a sensible deal. Needs might include a minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms, no steps, fenced yard, perhaps a first-floor laundry, and any feature you have decided you must have. Desires are features that make the home more attractive or enjoyable, an upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, walk-in closets, a master bedroom suite. Of course, one buyer’s needs is another buyer’s desires. The point is to know your own needs and desires so you can easily assess potential properties and make the process smoother. Regardless, buying a house is not a simple process. Much of the planning can be done well before contacting a real estate agent or looking at homes. Work the costs as well as your budget. Choose a general location. You can contact lenders well ahead of home shopping, or you can start by looking for a real estate agent ahead of time to help you with the process. Having the image of your dream home is reality married with imagination. In fact, you may find that some aspects of the house you intend to buy are different. It’s not the same as what
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