https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:54:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466767 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:03:37 +0000 Minnie_Girl 466767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought a house this summer and our requirements were pretty standard (location, school district, lots of space, decent condition, etc.). </p> <p>I was surprised by how many houses we rejected because the yard was sloped, small, or awkward. A big selling point with our home was the big flat backyard. </p> <p>Another deal maker/breaker was having office space for both DH and I. We ended up getting a house with 4 brs, a full unfinished basement, and a small isolated sitting room. Sitting room became my office and DH uses a bedroom, with plans to eventually finish the basement. </p> <p>We wanted a house we could grow into, and we definitely got that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466729 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:45:36 +0000 mrs. bird 466729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're house hunting now &amp; our requirements for our starter house are:<br /> -3 bedrooms + or 2 bedrooms plus a loft/ finished basement/bonus room that could be used as a bedroom in a pinch<br /> -basement<br /> -a garage or space to build one<br /> -&gt;1,200sq ft<br /> -kitchen bigger than our apt kitchen<br /> -good elementary schools<br /> -within 10 minutes of highway<br /> -some yard space<br /> -a deck or large patio or ability to add one<br /> -gas preferable, oil ok, but not electric heat<br /> -more than one bath<br /> -not within walking distance of ILs<br /> -within 30 minutes of our parents </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466692 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:15:57 +0000 littlebug 466692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Back when we bought our house, it was just the 2 of us, we weren't married, and kids were barely a though in our head. So our must-haves were:<br /> -at least 2 bedrooms<br /> -driveway and/or garage<br /> -decent-sized kitchen<br /> -not on a main road<br /> -central air</p> <p>If we were to start looking for a new house now, with 1 kid coming in 2 weeks and definite plans for at least a 2nd kid in the future, it would look pretty different:<br /> -at least 4 bedrooms<br /> -big kitchen with lots of storage/counter<br /> -a master bath with DOUBLE vanity<br /> -2 additional baths<br /> -2-car garage<br /> -fenced-in yard </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466677 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:10:27 +0000 fussygal 466677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're just starting to think about looking (although I look online everyday...) and our requirements are:<br /> - at least 3 bedrooms, but prefer 4<br /> - big kitchen with a lot of counter space<br /> - 2 bathrooms<br /> - big, fenced backyard<br /> - lots of character!<br /> - 2 car garage </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466626 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:33:25 +0000 LuLu Mom 466626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For our next home (which will be our forever home)<br /> 1. 4 bedrooms (3 and an office upstairs okay)<br /> 2. 3 bathrooms - Master must have bathtub with jets<br /> 3. Open floor plan - kitchen/dining room/living room<br /> 4. Island in kitchen<br /> 5. Walk in closet in master<br /> 6. Fireplace in both upstairs and basement<br /> 7. Family room &amp; bonus bedroom in basement<br /> 8. Wet Bar in basement (at least roughed in to be done later) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466466 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:14:04 +0000 T.H.O.U. 466466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Good area/school district<br /> 2. At least half acre of land (husbands requirement)<br /> 3. At least 3 bedrooms with bedrooms being larger in size (12x12 or could fit a queen bed plus furniture).<br /> 4. Over 1,600 sq ft.<br /> 5. In our price range. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466407 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:32:54 +0000 SugarplumsMom 466407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Initially, our must-have list looked like this:</p> <p>1. Within 35 km from DH's work.<br /> 2. Cozy, quiet neighborhood feel in the boonies<br /> 3. At the opposite end of town from the IL's.<br /> 4. At least 3 bedrooms/2+ bath<br /> 5. Large kitchen at the center of the house (living room integrated with the kitchen)<br /> 6. Open plan<br /> 7. Ginormous backyard<br /> 8. At least 1500 sq ft<br /> 9. Older house that's newly renovated<br /> 10. Preferably a barn conversion </p> <p>After extensively house-hunting, we fine tuned our preferences. We realized we didn't want to live out in the sticks and there was no way we'd be able to maintain a large yard. What we ended up with is this:</p> <p>1. Within 35 km from DH's work.<br /> 2. Cozy, quiet, and established neighborhood<br /> 3. At the opposite end of town from the IL's.<br /> 4. 4 bedrooms/2.5 bath + sauna<br /> 5. Very small kitchen but with the possibility of (easy) expansion<br /> 6. Upstairs (our living area) is open plan<br /> 7. Large enough backyard 9709 sq ft with mature trees<br /> 8. 2217 sq ft living space<br /> 9. Older house but it has exposed beams reminiscent of the barn conversions I love so much</p> <p><u>What surprised me</u>:<br /> How I was willing to overlook the small kitchen for the master bathroom! Ours is the only one I've ever found! Our house does need some updates - there's still some orange wallpaper I need to strip! But in time, it'll (hopefully) be done. I LOVE our location! Every time we take a walk, I fall in love with our little town all over again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466396 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:21:52 +0000 yoursilverlining 466396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our must haves were:</p> <p>Good school district/neighborhood (and not on a busy street)<br /> Attached 2 car garage<br /> Over 2k square feet<br /> 2+ bathrooms<br /> Huge kitchen - not ugly and useable for people who actually cook<br /> no pool<br /> no huge yard<br /> hardwood throughout or majority of house<br /> newer roof<br /> newer systems throughout<br /> no major repairs needed<br /> at least 3 bedrooms + office<br /> under $400k</p> <p>We also wanted a master suite and open floorplan although those are pretty rare around here.</p> <p>We found a house with everything we wanted, and more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466360 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:54:18 +0000 MsMini 466360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our must haves were:<br /> Double attached garage<br /> Hardwood floors in the living room<br /> Open floor plan<br /> At least 4 bedrooms<br /> Decent sized closets<br /> Master ensuite </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466356 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:51:27 +0000 Bookish 466356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here were our 'must-haves'<br /> 1. 3+ bed/2+bath<br /> 2. No older than 2000<br /> 3. No smaller than 1400 sq ft<br /> 4. &lt;175,000<br /> 5. Well-established neighborhood w/good elementary school<br /> 6. Big, functional kitchen<br /> 7. Larger backyard w/trees (it's amazing how many new homes just cut down the trees on the lot!)</p> <p>We ended up getting all of that, and way more! We loooove our house :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466350 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:49:37 +0000 StrawberryBee 466350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For my first house I was buying as a single woman with two dogs who played in dog sports, so my must-have list was:</p> <p>A fenced in backyard that was level and had direct access from the house<br /> 2 bathrooms<br /> AC</p> <p>I ended up three bedrooms, finished third floor that could be turned into a fourth (which we did), in an excellent school district.</p> <p>For our next house (if we can ever afford to move) I would want more cabinets/counter space in the kitchen and a garage </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466347 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:48:21 +0000 Smurfette 466347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Must haves<br /> -3 bedrooms and a basement to make an office space or 4 bedrooms<br /> -master suite with double sinks<br /> -good school, especially elementary (looking at 5-10year house)<br /> -nice backyard<br /> -open floor plan<br /> -dining room</p> <p>We are going to look a house again tomorrow, 4 bedrooms with a huge unfinished basement. Which would give us one day 6 bedrooms. Already has 4 full baths. Fingers crossed we can get them to come down in price, based on the comps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466338 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:45:12 +0000 Mrs. Pen 466338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't own yet but we'll be picky when we do!</p> <p>1. 4 bedrooms. 3 would work for now but we plan to have at least two more kids.<br /> 2. 2 bathrooms<br /> 3. A decent sized kitchen with pantry and all appliances/hook ups<br /> 4. garage<br /> 5. At least 1/2 acre, but prefer 2-5 acres.<br /> 6. NO popcorn ceilings!<br /> 7. A lot of windows/natural light<br /> 8. 2,000 sq ft</p> <p>Almost must-haves, but negotiable:<br /> 1. Hard wood floors<br /> 2. Big family room for holidays, get togethers, parties etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466337 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:44:42 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 466337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This was on our list when we were house shopping:</p> <p>$150k or less<br /> At least 3 bedrooms<br /> 2 car detached garage<br /> Lots of closets<br /> Big kitchen<br /> Big master bathroom<br /> Open floor plan</p> <p>We were able to find all these things. The floor plan isn't as open as I'd like, but I love our house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466330 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:40:16 +0000 Rescuemom10 466330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It could not be in town. at least 3 bedroom and at least on 2 acres. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466317 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:34:22 +0000 MrsKoala 466317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's our must have list for next year:</p> <p>1. 3 bedrooms<br /> 2. 2 full baths<br /> 3. Master bedroom has attached bath<br /> 4. At least 2,000 square feet<br /> 5. Open floor plan<br /> 6. Two car garage</p> <p>And our nice to have list:</p> <p>1. fireplace<br /> 2. finished basement<br /> 3. between .5 and 1 acre lot<br /> 4. an island in the kitchen<br /> 5. hardwood floors<br /> 6. located on a cul-de-sac (DH's requirement... I'm not sold on it) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466305 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:30:23 +0000 pinkcupcake 466305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At least four bedrooms, double sinks in the master, big kitchen. </p> <p>Next home - in addition to the above, I'd like a bonus room upstairs, an island in the kitchen, pedestal sink in the downstairs bathroom, &amp; of course, good school district. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466299 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:28:59 +0000 autumnlove 466299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTiz: I feel ya...the costs of repairs and upkeep are making me cringe! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466297 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:27:41 +0000 polkadots 466297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are looking at houses now and our only requirements are a decent neighborhood, a garage, atleast 2 bedrooms and a basement or cellar (storm protection) </p> <p>our forever home needs to have 3-4 bedrooms, a basement that can be finished, 2-2.5 baths, decent sized yard, garage and a shop or enough land to build a shop. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466292 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:23:31 +0000 eeh 466292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Within reasonable distance to my husband's work, within reasonable distance to family/friends who can help when I'm home alone, 3+ bedrooms, big kitchen, basement, built to last.</p> <p>We bought a horribly outdated house that is in fantastic condition. It is by far the cleanest house I've ever stepped in. We didn't care at all about the looks of things because we knew we would slowly gut it and redo it over time with the help of my dad who's a general contractor. We had him look at the house and make sure it was sturdy and in good condition. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466289 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:22:48 +0000 yin 466289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Quiet neighborhood, good schools, 3 bedrooms and updated ac/heating/roof/windows. We initially wanted a starter home and wasn't that picky. Then we found our simple forever home. Ended up with everything we wanted and more. We did have to replace the roof and wi eventually replace the windows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466268 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:15:17 +0000 ladyfingers 466268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fenced-in back yard, and a large kitchen. We got them all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466266 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:14:38 +0000 MrsTiz 466266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: A pool was actually on our "no way" list! I grew up with an inground pool and cringe thinking about having to maintain one on my own! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466252 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:09:39 +0000 autumnlove 466252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsaudi: It is small and needs work! Hopefully, we will have it ready by summer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466250 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:08:57 +0000 MrsTiz 466250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wish list:<br /> -3 bedrooms<br /> -2 bathrooms<br /> -A big yard (preferably fenced)<br /> -Something that needed work<br /> -Built in the 60's or the 2000's+<br /> -One story<br /> -Nice kitchen layout</p> <p>We actually got our most of our list! A 3 bedroom, 2 bath house on 3/4th of an acre that was built in 2005, with an enormous kitchen.</p> <p>We didn't get:<br /> -A fenced in yard (it was only partially fenced but needed to be torn down)<br /> -We have a bonus room, so it does have stairs<br /> -No dining room, just an eat in kitchen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466248 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:08:18 +0000 Springtime 466248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: a pool? Jealous! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466247 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:08:16 +0000 mrs. wagon 466247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been renting for a while so we have really been able to refine our must-haves list. I'm glad we weren't able to buy immediately because we would have compromised... now we can take our time and really try to get into a house we can stay in for more than 10 or 15 years. </p> <p>Must haves:<br /> at least 3 bedrooms + study (4 bedrooms is ideal)<br /> finished or finishable basement<br /> at least 1 car garage<br /> open floor plan (ideal would be a great room kitchen/living combo)<br /> on a quiet street<br /> good sized yard<br /> in a good school district </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466245 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:07:27 +0000 Springtime 466245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>3 bedrooms<br /> Garage<br /> Good sized living room<br /> 2 bathrooms<br /> Big kitchen<br /> Somewhat updated </p> <p>We got everything except a large kitchen, it's tiny but we make it work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466244 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:07:21 +0000 mediagirl 466244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our next house will have:<br /> 1. At least 4 bedrooms<br /> 2. A basement or a 5th bedroom (bonus room)<br /> 3. 2-car garage<br /> 4. Yard that backs up to woods<br /> 5. Window moldings.<br /> 6. Flat top range, unless it is gas.<br /> 7. Good schools around it.<br /> 8. At least 2.5 bathrooms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-on-your-must-have-list-when-buying-a-home#post-466239 Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:04:33 +0000 autumnlove 466239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good school district &amp; good neighborhood, 4 bedrooms &amp; 3 bathrooms, decent sized bedrooms, big living areas, attached garage, large yard, we wanted a older home, close to family and a pool.</p> <p>We ended up with everything except the house has 2.5 bathrooms. </p>