Posts from October 8th, 2025

When people start imagining their next home, their "wish list" of what they want it to have usually includes things like the number of bedrooms and baths, a particular style of home, maybe a yard…or definitely not a yard for those who'd rather avoid mowing. Some buyers dream about fully updated kitchens and bathrooms, while others are perfectly happy with a fixer-upper so they can make it their own.

Having an actual list of wants and must-haves is smart. It keeps you (and the process) focused, and helps you know where you can bend and where you need to draw the line.

There are common themes, but no two lists are exactly alike. Even couples buying together often have wildly different visions—which is one of the many reasons why real estate agents joke about being part-time therapists as they help partners negotiate their wishlists.

But one thing the vast majority of buyers agree on and tops the list of must-haves might surprise you—it's safety.