When considering your next home, one of the things you have to honestly address is your wants versus your needs. These are not the same, and a wants vs. needs checklist can be a good way to determine the issues that really matter to you and the things you’d like to have but don’t really need. Everyone has some deal breakers in the house they’re looking for, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you’re realistic about what you can live without and still be happy in your home.

It’s very important that you find the best house that fits you and your lifestyle. It’s not just about the right house, either, but about the layout, the neighborhood, and plenty of other factors you have to address in order to get the perfect place where you’ll be happy for a long time. It can feel overwhelming to remember everything you want to look for in every house, but writing down your wants and needs beforehand and comparing the house to your list can really help you make a more informed decision.

Using a handy checklist to address the importance of a number of different features is among the best ways to get through all of the homes you’ll look at. Especially if you want to see a number of homes, you need a way to categorize them and keep them separated, so you can talk them over and think about them before putting in an offer. If you wait too long you may lose out on a home you really love, but if you’re too hasty you could get stuck with a home that’s not right for you and your family. It’s difficult and expensive to sell and move again, especially in a short period of time, so making sure you get the right house the first time is important. Your checklist of wants vs. needs will help you succeed at that.