When I talk with buyers, almost everyone starts with a wish list. Bedrooms, bathrooms, location, yard, garage. Some lists are short. Others are very specific!

But what I’ve noticed over the years is that the list we start with isn’t always the list that leads us home.

And the numbers back that up. Zillow’s housing research found that 83% of buyers consider air conditioning very or extremely important, followed by the right number of bedrooms at 73%. But right behind those basics? 70% say private outdoor space is important, 70% prioritize the right amount of space, and 69% care about the floor plan or layout. 

Even more interesting, recent search data shows buyers have been shifting away from simply wanting more house. Searches increasingly favor outdoor spaces, flexible rooms, water access, and features that make everyday life more enjoyable. 

I see that play out with my own clients all the time.

A buyer may tell me they need a completely updated kitchen, but after we start looking, they realize having a great backyard matters more. Someone who was convinced they needed another 500 square feet discovers they’d rather have a layout that actually works for their family.

That’s why I always encourage buyers to separate their needs from their wants, but leave a little room between the two.

Your budget matters. Location matters. The things your family truly needs matter. But sometimes the house that fits your life best isn’t the one that perfectly matches the picture you had in your head when we started.

And finding that out is part of the fun. ❤️