Dream Home Checklist: Wants and Needs

Use this printable checklist to prioritize your needs and wants as you search for your dream home. Remember, it's okay if you can't check off every item on this list. Determine your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves and be prepared to compromise. 

Tip: This checklist is meant to serve as a starting point and might not include all factors important to you. Feel free to add any additional items that are specific to your needs and preferences.

Home Details:

Home Location:  _________________________________________
Address:  ________________________________________________
Asking Price:  ____________________________________________
Annual Property Taxes:  __________________________________
Mortgage Terms:  ________________________________________

Exterior Features:

• Large lot and yard
• Single-family detached home
• Duplex/Triplex
• Semi-detached home
• Town home
• Condominium
• One storey home
• Two storey home
• Three storey home
• Fenced backyard
• Deck or patio area
• Mature trees, landscaping
• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Swimming pool
• Attached garage
• One-car garage
• Two-car garage
• Private driveway
• Enclosed front porch
• Eaves troughs and downspouts
• Brick
• Wood
• Aluminum siding
• Recently painted woodwork

Interior Features:

• 1 bedroom
• 2 bedroom
• 3 bedroom
• 4 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• 2 bathroom
• 3 bathroom
• 4 bathroom
• Closet in foyer
• Separate dining room
• Fireplace in living room
• Separate family room
• Fireplace in family or recreation room
• Eat-in kitchen
• Island kitchen
• Kitchen appliances with purchase
• Kitchen pantry/adequate cupboard space
• Garage has indoor access
• Utility room (for washer/dryer)
• Ensuite bathroom off master bedroom
• Main-floor bathroom
• Room for den or home office
• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Hardwood floors
• Plenty of closets/storage
• Large windows
• Thermopane windows
• Window screens
• Draperies or blinds
• Basement for storage/workshop
• Finished basement for additional living area
• Apartment in basement for rental income

Home Systems:

• Efficient heating system
• Oil heating system
• Gas heating system
• Electric heating system
• Heat pump heating system
• Wood heating system
• Window Air conditioning
• Central Air conditioning
• Modern plumbing (copper) and fixtures
• City water
• Well water
• High-amp electrical system (at least 100 amps)
• Circuit breakers
• Gas hot water heater
• Electric hot water heater
• Cable TV or antenna
• Sewer
• Septic Tank
   

Location & Neighbourhood:

• Nearby facilities
• Quiet street
• Shopping within walking distance or short drive
• Parks/playgrounds
• Golf course
• Skating rinks
• Restaurants /theaters
• Community centre
• Public swimming pool/tennis courts
• Public library
• Places of worship
• Police
• Fire department
• Hospital
• Medical (doctors, dentists, etc.)
• Day care
• Snow removal
• Public transportation
• Close to work
• Near major highway
• Schools
• School-operated transportation
   

Additional Notes: