Home Buyers Checklist: A Guide To Find The Perfect Home

What is the difference between a home and a sanctuary? I believe the answer is very simple: a home has rooms, usually it has at least a kitchen and a bathroom, furniture, windows, decorative items. In other words it’s a common place for many of us. A sanctuary is a place designed in a certain way, in order to fulfill our needs and provide comfort, peace and well-being. Let’ s call it a better home. That being said, here comes another question: what makes a better home? We’ve thought about it and we decided to put some thoughts under the spotlight.

1. Location

Down stairs wine cellar basement

People often say that the three most important aspects of a new home are location, location and location, so make sure you make the best choice when it’s time to buy a new home. Check for medical services, schools/high schools/universities, shopping centers, public transportation and everything else you might need if you plan to live there for a long period of time.

2. Neighbors

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Even though you probably think they are not so important, getting along with your neighbors might help you to integrate easier and faster in the local community.

3. Privacy

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

No matter how sociable we are, when it comes to our home, we always need privacy. Spending time with ourselves or with our family is important. Nobody wants to be bothered when spending quality time with the loved ones

4. Space

Down stairs wine cellar basement

When you have your own home, it is very important to have enough space at your disposal, and by enough space I mean enough rooms and storage spaces. Otherwise it would look messy and filled with unnecessary things.

5. Coziness

Down stairs wine cellar basement

This aspect usually goes hand in hand with privacy. Sometimes, a home feels cozy ever since you first enter the door. Even if you don’t have this feeling from the very beginning, don’t panic. You are free to create your own cozy corner, where you can live your weekends to the fullest!

6. Security

Down stairs wine cellar basement

There is nothing more important than feeling safe in your own house. There are so many gadgets you can use in order to secure your home, all you have to do is make the right choice for your needs. Oh, and never be afraid of investing in an alarm system. It may be expensive, but we guarantee it’s worth the money.

7. Insulation

Down stairs wine cellar basement

An energy efficient home will save your money and improve your way of living. The best thing about this is the fact that if you own a well insulated home, you won’t have any problems with heat control. You should probably know that insulation also reduces sound transmission.

8. Organizing like a pro

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Many people believe that the key to success is having an organized life. I think it’s somehow true. I also believe that your house is your C.V, so you better work on the appearances! Find a way to store your things and make your life easier. You’ll save time and energy everytime you’ll be looking for something.

9. Having a yard/backyard

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Living in a house rather than an apartment has an important advantage that’s worth taking into consideration: a yard or a backyard. It’s the perfect place to drink your hot coffee in the morning, while taking a breath of fresh air.

10. Views

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Having access to nice views will enhance your state of mind, will help you to achieve a certain level of relaxation and will also create a connection between you and the place you live in, even if it’s a big crowded city or just a house in the middle of nature.

11. Access to natural light

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Never forget about natural light! It will boost your energy, it’s an effective way to save energy and it’s also good for your health. You should definitely check the number of windows in your new home, you don’t want to live like a bat, do you?

12. Green walls

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Green walls (and I don’t mean painted) will always bring some “life” in any home. A fresh scent will surround the entire place.

13. Space saving furniture

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Space saving furniture would be very useful if you decide to live in a small apartment or house. It’s a win-win situation, you have more space and get rid of storage problems.

14. A skylight

Down stairs wine cellar basement

You can daydream as long as you desire under the skylight. It will help you to find peace, to relax and in the same time it will provide natural light.

15. A pool

Down stairs wine cellar basement

A summer without a pool party is like winter without snow: it has no charm. So, if you plan to buy a house, and you’re also a good swimmer, you might want to consider this aspect. Besides all the parties, swimming is healty and will allow you to stay fit.

16. A deck

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Why you need a deck to complete the ideal home? Well, think about it, where else could you gather your friends to share funny stories, and then play cards or any other game every summer evening?

17. A small garden

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Always refreshing and colorful, especially when it’s warm outside and sunny! A small garden will conquer the heart of every visitor and will turn into a Zen paradise.

18. Art

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Let the art speak for you! Empty walls are boring, the home you live in should tell a story about yourself. If you have artistic inclinations, let them rise on your walls!

19. A special place for your pet

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

If you love pets(and I hope you do) and you are the lucky owner of a furry pal, you know he is and will always be part of the family. Therefore, he deserves a special place in your home, make sure you find a good one for him.

20. An office

Down stairs wine cellar basement

Creating an office in your home is both challenging and requires a keen sense of observation. Why is that? Because you don’t want to waste space if that’s not fully necessary. And it’s not! Every home has some so called “dead spaces“, you just have to notice where they are and try to make the best of them. Good luck!

21. A very well organized garage

Down stairs wine cellar basement

When you think about a garage, you also think about a car, but the garage is so much more than the place you use to keep your car. It’s also a great place for storing tools, equipment, bikes and many other things.

22. A playground for your kids

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

If you have kids and you consider the best home for you and your family is an apartment or a loft, I believe you should sacrifice an entire room just for their toys. While they are home, they will use that room as a “playground“. If you live in a house and you have a backyard, half of your problems are already solved.

23. A cinema room

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

Yes, we know, maybe it’s too much, maybe you don’t have enough rooms or money to invest in such a project, but no worries! You can always improvise! All you need is a projector, an empty wall, a laptop, a good movie and some friends to have fun with. Don’t forget about popcorn!

24. A hammock

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon is in the company of a great book while you laze in a hammock. Don’t you agree?

25.  A wine cellar.

Down stairs wine cellar basement
Down stairs wine cellar basement

For exquisite tastes and special occasions! A toast is always a good way to give some good news to other people, so cheers everyone! May you find or create the home of your dreams.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27.