15 Ways to Spot Your Housing Needs vs. Housing Wants 🏡💡
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions of your life—both financially and emotionally. But before you get swept away by dream-home fantasies (hello, chef’s kitchens and backyard pools! 🍷🏊♀️), it’s crucial to separate your needs from your wants.
Why? Because falling in love with fancy features can distract you from what actually fits your lifestyle and budget.
So, how do you prioritize your housing needs over your wants? 🤔 We’ve got you covered! Here are 15 ways to make the right choice and find a home that truly works for YOU! ✅🏡💰
1️⃣ Location, Location… You Know the Rest! 📍🏙️
✅ Need: A location that fits your daily life
• Close to work, school, or family
• Safe neighborhood with low crime rates
• Nearby public transportation, major roads, or highways
❌ Want: A trendy neighborhood just for the vibe
• That hipster coffee shop on the corner may be great, but if it adds an extra hour to your daily commute, is it really worth it? 🤷♂️
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Prioritize function over trends. A home’s location is one of the few things you CAN’T change—so choose wisely!
2️⃣ Space: How Much Do You Really Need? 📐🏠
✅ Need: The right number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• A family of four needs at least 3 bedrooms, but do you need 5?
• A home office is essential if you work remotely.
❌ Want: Extra rooms you won’t use
• Do you really need a home theater, or will a big-screen TV do?
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Think about your day-to-day life. If you won’t use a space regularly, it’s not a need—it’s a want!
3️⃣ Home Size vs. Maintenance 🛠️🏡
A bigger home isn’t always better. It means higher costs, more cleaning, and more maintenance.
✅ Need: A home that fits your lifestyle
• Can you afford the heating, cooling, and property taxes?
• Do you actually need multiple floors, or will a bungalow work?
❌ Want: A massive house just for the sake of space
• If it’s too big to maintain, it becomes a burden, not a dream.
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Be realistic about how much home you can maintain without stress.
4️⃣ Budget Reality Check 💰📉
✅ Need: A home within your financial comfort zone
• Your mortgage, property taxes, and utilities should be manageable.
• Avoid homes that push your budget to the max.
❌ Want: A luxury home that stretches your finances
• Fancy finishes can be added later—don’t overspend just for aesthetics!
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Stick to your budget. Homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint!
5️⃣ Layout Over Square Footage 📏🏡
A smart layout is often better than a bigger home.
✅ Need: A functional flow
• Do you need open-concept, or do you prefer defined spaces?
• Does the home fit your daily routine?
❌ Want: A bigger home just for extra square footage
• If space isn’t usable, it’s not worth the cost.
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Walk through the home as if you already live there—does it feel right?
6️⃣ Future-Proofing Your Home 🔮🏠
✅ Need: A home that grows with you
• Will it work if your family expands?
• Is it accessible for aging parents?
❌ Want: A home that only fits your current lifestyle
• If you outgrow the space in 2 years, you’ll regret it.
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 Think long-term—choose a home that adapts to life’s changes.
7️⃣ Must-Have Features vs. Upgrades You Can Add Later 🛠️
Focus on structural essentials, not cosmetic details.
✅ Need:
• Solid plumbing, electrical, and foundation
• Good insulation and energy efficiency
❌ Want:
• High-end countertops, smart appliances, and designer fixtures—these can be added later!
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 If it’s cosmetic, you can upgrade it later!
8️⃣ Garage, Parking & Storage 🚗🏡
If you own multiple cars, you’ll need sufficient parking.
✅ Need:
• A garage for winter weather (especially in Canada 🇨🇦❄️).
• Extra storage space for sports equipment, tools, etc.
❌ Want: A 3-car garage for just one car.
🔎 How to Decide:
👉 If you won’t use it, don’t pay extra for it!
9️⃣ Neighbourhood Amenities & Lifestyle 🌳🏡
✅ Need:
• Proximity to grocery stores, schools, and healthcare.
• A safe, walkable area for daily needs.
❌ Want: A golf course or resort-style community if you won’t use it.
🔟 Resale Value & Investment Potential 📈🏡
Think beyond today—is your home a good investment?
✅ Need:
• A home in a stable or growing market.
• A property with good resale potential.
❌ Want:
• Trendy features that may go out of style.
1️⃣1️⃣ Outdoor Space & Landscaping 🌿🏡
✅ Need:
• A yard that fits your maintenance ability.
❌ Want:
• A huge garden if you hate yard work.
1️⃣2️⃣ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability ⚡🏡
An energy-efficient home saves you money long-term!
1️⃣3️⃣ Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees 💵🏡
Some communities have extra fees—know them before buying!
1️⃣4️⃣ Home Inspection & Hidden Costs 🔍🏡
A house can look great on the surface but have hidden issues.
1️⃣5️⃣ Emotional vs. Logical Decision-Making 🧠❤️
✅ Need:
• A home that fits your practical needs.
❌ Want:
• Buying a home just because it “feels right”—without checking the facts.
💡 Final Thoughts: Balance is Key! ⚖️🏠
📢 Looking for expert advice?
Let the Ragona Sisters guide you!
🌐 RagonaSisters.ca