This is a list to help you figure out what matters to you and what doesn’t. Not all of these questions will be helpful to you. Take what you need and skip what you don’t! And feel free to print out a copy to bring to your consultation.
TO BEGIN
- Who will be living in this home? List the adults, children, and pets that will inhabit the space.
- What are your non-negotiables?
- If you had to choose, what are your top 5 non-negotiables?
- Beyond your top 5 non-negotiable needs, what is something you really want?
- Do you have a preference for what year the house was built?
- Do you want a house in move-in condition or are you willing to do some work on it?
- When people visit your home, what do you want it to say about you?
- Are there any specific features that would make a house feel instantly like home to you?
- Will you require any accessibility options?
EXTERIOR
- What type of home are you looking for (e.g., single-family, condo, town house, etc.)?
- Approximately what square footage would adequately cover your living space?
- How many stories would you prefer?
- What lot size are you looking for?
- What architectural styles are you drawn to?
- What type of exterior siding appeals to you?
- Do you want a porch, deck, or both?
- What are you looking for in terms of a garage (e.g., attached, carport, etc.)?
- What type of driveway or vehicle entrance/exit will you require?
- Do you want a swimming pool or a hot tub?
- Are you looking for any structures such as a greenhouse or shed?
- Do you need special outdoor arrangements for pets (e.g., a dog run, fenced-in yard, etc.)?
- What other exterior features are important to you?
INTERIOR
- What style do you envision for the interior of your home (e.g., formal, casual, cozy, traditional, minimalist, modern, etc.)?
- What kind of floor plan do you prefer (e.g., open vs walls or divided living spaces)?
- In general, what are your preferences for the interior?
BATHROOMS
- How many bathrooms do you need?
- What are your needs for each of the bathrooms?
- Will any bathroom need to serve a specific purpose (powder room, swimming pool access, lit for small children, accessibility specifications)?
BEDROOMS
- How many bedrooms do you need?
- How will each of those rooms be used?
- What are your preferences for the master bedroom?
KITCHEN
- What are your general preferences for the kitchen?
- What features must your kitchen have (e.g., breakfast nook, types of appliances, etc.)?
- Will your kitchen need to accommodate anything with custom measurements (beverage cooler, island, farmhouse sink, butcher block countertop?
LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
- What are your general preferences for your living and family room(s)?
- What size room(s) do you have in mind?
- Do you prefer your living and family room(s) to be separate and intended for different purposes?
- Do you want a fireplace?
- What other living areas are you looking for (e.g., playroom for children, studio, mud room)?
- What else do you see for living areas?
DINING ROOM
- Would you like the dining room to be part of the kitchen configuration?
- What about the living room – how should it be situated with regard to the dining room?
- What size dining room table do you have? Is there other dining room furniture to take into account?
NEIGHBORHOOD
- What neighborhoods or areas would you enjoy living in?
- Are there any specific streets or characteristics in these neighborhoods you’re drawn to?
- If applicable, what school districts do you prefer?
- Where do you work?
- Where are your favorite places to shop? What other conveniences would you like nearby?
- What do you like to do for fun? Are there any recreational facilities that you enjoy?
- Any other considerations to be aware of as we find your ideal neighborhood?
