It’s not unusual to go into the homebuying process with a priority list that needs to be whittled down once you see what’s available on the market. Using a checklist like this to refine what’s most important to you will help in the home search. Deal-breakers are features you can’t live without. Needs represent your baseline criteria but may be negotiable. Wants are nice-to-have items that might sway you when comparing two homes.

Your real estate agent will help you navigate the purchase or sale of a home; for legal advice, consult an attorney licensed in your state. Not all real estate professionals are REALTORS®. Only those who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®, and they are obligated under the NAR’s Code of Ethics to work in your best interest. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

Source: Consumer Guide: Needs vs. Wants in a Home Purchase National Association of REALTORS®