Home Search Priorities Worksheet

Wants against needs — and the difference matters more than people expect.

Print one copy for each person buying and fill it in separately, then compare. Couples are routinely surprised, and it is far better to find the disagreement now than in the car outside a house one of you loves. Mark each line N for need, W for want, or D for deal-breaker.

The house

• Bedrooms — minimum number: ____________
• Full bathrooms — minimum number: ____________
• Primary bedroom on the main level
• Basement — finished, unfinished, or none: ____________
• Single storey, or stairs acceptable
• Garage — attached, detached, or not needed: ____________
• Condition — move-in ready, light work, or a project: ____________
• Square footage — minimum: ____________

The land and the setting

• Acreage — minimum: ____________
• Water — waterfront, water view, water access, or none: ____________
• If waterfront: pier required, or acceptable without
• Fencing, or the ability to fence, for pets or children
• Outbuildings — barn, shop, detached garage: ____________
• Public water and sewer, or well and septic acceptable
• HOA or civic association — acceptable or not
• Private road or shared driveway — acceptable or not

Location and daily life

• Maximum commute, in minutes, door to door: ____________
• Commuting to where: ____________
• School district or specific school: ____________
• Proximity that matters — family, base, church, medical: ____________
• Towns or areas you want: ____________
• Towns or areas you have ruled out: ____________

Money and timing

• Comfortable monthly payment, all in: ____________
• Absolute price ceiling: ____________
• Cash available beyond the down payment: ____________
• Date you need to be in: ____________
• Date you could move if the right house appeared: ____________

The three questions that actually decide it

• Your top three needs, in order: ____________________________________________
• Your top three wants, in order: ____________________________________________
• The one thing on this sheet you would give up to get the right house: ____________

If you and your co-buyer answered that last line differently, start the conversation there.

← Back to the Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Southern Maryland