Home Must-Haves Worksheet

Work through nine categories—from location and neighborhood to budget and major systems—and rate each feature as a Must Have, Strong Preference, Nice to Have, or Not Important. Be honest. This clarity is what separates confident buyers from frustrated ones later.

If you're buying with a partner, complete the worksheet separately first. This helps each person name their real priorities before compromise enters the conversation, making your consultation with your agent much more productive.

Pay special attention to the 'My True Deal-Breakers' section. Your agent can only filter homes effectively if your must-haves are genuinely non-negotiable. Vague answers cost you time, energy, and money once the search begins.

Location & Neighborhood, Size & Layout, Kitchen Priorities, Primary Bedroom & Bathrooms, Outdoor Space, Parking & Garage, Home Condition & Major Systems, Technology & Energy Features, and Budget & Financial Non-Negotiables. Each section includes prompts designed to surface real priorities, not generic preferences.

Don't rush the Home Condition section—roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and moisture issues can shape your first year of ownership more than almost anything else. A beautiful kitchen cannot make up for major system concerns that could affect safety, comfort, or future repair costs.

The tradeoff pages help you get honest about what compromises you can actually live with. Most buyers don't get 100% of their list. Knowing in advance which compromises you can accept is what makes the difference between a satisfied buyer and a regretful one.

Complete the worksheet before your first buyer consultation. The final 'Your Agent Summary' pages distill your answers into a clear search brief—your ideal home in your own words, your three absolute must-haves, your three flexible areas, and your timeline.

A strong buyer consultation should make space for your goals, concerns, household needs, budget comfort, and non-negotiables. This worksheet is the planning tool that gets that conversation started on solid ground, so your agent can recommend properties that genuinely fit your life, not just your budget.