Maybe you're not quite ready to move, but you've started daydreaming about it. That's actually the perfect time to think about what everyday life in your next home should look like. When you get clear on your wants and needs early, it's much easier to narrow things down once you start searching for real. Here are seven features to help you start planning, plus a few finishing details worth noting.

1. Start With Your Budget

Before you start browsing listings, decide on a comfortable price range. That way you won't fall for a home that's out of reach. Build in some breathing room for renovations and the personal touches that will make the place yours.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart early step, too. It lets you move quickly when the right home comes along. Keep your budget front and center throughout your search, and if you'll need to sell your current home before buying, be sure to factor your equity into the math.

2. Put Location Near the Top

Of all the features on this list, location is the one you can never change, so give it plenty of weight. Think about the town, the neighborhood, and how close you'll be to the places you go most often. A few things to consider:

  • Downtown access: Do you want to walk to restaurants and nightlife, or would you prefer a quiet street away from the action?
  • Schools: If you have kids, look at where the schools are and how the district is regarded.
  • Your commute: How long will it take, and how will you get there? Is a train station or highway access important? If you work remotely, plan for a dedicated office space.
  • Community: What local amenities matter to you, whether it's parks, beaches, lakes, or community organizations?

Whether you're drawn to nature or love being in the middle of everything, pick a place that genuinely excites you.

3. Consider the Exterior

It's wise to plan as though you'll be in your next home for a good while. According to Realtor Magazine, homeowners stay an average of 8.05 years before moving.

The outside of a home is the first thing you and your guests will see. Think about which architectural styles appeal to you, such as a Colonial, a ranch, or a cottage. Then get into the details: paint color, window frames, and whether you like shutters. A trip to a local home improvement store can help you learn to spot these features when you're out touring homes.

Curb appeal, or how attractive a home looks from the street, matters as well, along with the look of the surrounding area. It shapes your home's personality and can affect resale value down the road.

4. Think About Size and Layout

Where you are in life plays a big role here. A growing family may need more space, while empty nesters might be ready for something smaller. Think about how your household could change in the coming years.

The floor plan should suit the way you live. Do you love an open concept, or do you prefer separate, defined rooms? Consider which features of your current home you can't live without, maybe a cozy family room or lots of windows that fill the space with natural light.

If you work from home, look for a room that could easily become an office, ideally tucked away from high-traffic areas so you can focus.

5. Plan Your Bedrooms and Bathrooms

These rooms are at the heart of daily life, so they deserve some careful thought.

  • How many and where: Figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need and how you'd like them laid out. For example, a nursery might be best placed away from busy parts of the house.
  • Primary suite: Should it be on the same level as the other bedrooms? Is a private ensuite bathroom high on your list?
  • Size: Make sure the rooms are large enough for your needs. Does every bathroom need a shower? Would a half bath near your entertaining space be a plus?

6. Don't Forget Storage

Storage is just as important as the living space you can see. Look for closets, as well as spaces that could be converted into storage. Do you dream of a big walk-in closet, or is a small coat closet by the front door enough?

Take stock of how much storage you use now to estimate what you'll need later. Decluttering before you move will give you a more accurate sense of what you actually own.

7. Weigh Your Outdoor Space

In 2021, extra space, whether inside or outside, became one of the features buyers wanted most. Consider what outdoor amenities matter to you:

  • Garden: If you love to garden, look for an existing garden or room to plant one.
  • Garage: Do you need a place to park that can also serve as storage? Not every home has one.
  • Backyard: Would you like a pool, an existing patio, or space to add a patio later?

A Note on Finishing Touches

Smaller details like flooring, kitchen cabinets, and wall colors are what make a house feel like home. They probably won't make or break your decision to buy, but it's worth jotting down what you like. Most finishes can be changed later, though updates can get expensive, so compare costs before you commit. And as always, keep your budget in mind first.

Make the List Your Own

Use these seven features as a starting point and tailor them to your own life. Then, when you're ready to go from casually browsing to actively searching, you'll know exactly what to look for. When that day comes, reach out. I'd love to help you find the right home.