What happens when you go to the grocery store on an empty stomach and without a list? You impulse shop, right? Your stomach takes control of the outing and whatever looks good at the moment ends up in the shopping cart – whether it's something you need or not.

Lists are the road map for a shopping trip. They keep you on track, help you save money and protect you from frivolity.

You’ll need a shopping list – or a wish list – to determine what you need, as well as what you want, in a neighborhood and a home for the same reasons.

What Kind of a Home Do You Want?

Before deciding on a neighborhood, get clear on what type of structure you want to live in.

• Single-family detached home (previously owned or newly constructed?)
• Duplex
• Condominium
• Townhouse
• Mobile Home

Most of the time, the type of home you settle on will help narrow down the list of neighborhoods. You may not find, for instance, condos in luxury home neighborhoods. Likewise, if you have your heart set on living in a new home community you won’t want to shop in a historic district.

Make a List

Now it’s time to dream. Get some paper and a pencil or use your iPad to let your imagination run wild. What will the new home offer? Jot down not only what you need, but what you want as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• One story or two
• Square footage
• Specialty room such as a home gym, theater room or office
• Lots of outdoor space or a minimal, low-maintenance yard
• Do you need a garage or is a carport okay?
• Pool and/or spa
• Tennis court
• Yard

Think about what you don’t like in your current home. Not enough storage? Kitchen too small? When you know what you don’t like it will give you an idea of what you need in the new home.

The wish list will help us narrow down the choices of which homes to show you, ensuring we don’t waste your time on those that won’t work.