Hellobee Boards

We are in the beginning stages of building a home right now and these were our must-haves:

- South or west backyard
- Attached double car garage
- Granite countertops, hardwood/laminate and tile flooring
- Upstairs laundry room
- Big island in the kitchen
- Big pantry, preferably a corner one
- Stainless steel appliances, french door refridgerator
- Spacious shower in the ensuite

We were able to get all of that

I am not a homeowner by nature. I own a home, and I am so ready to have sold it. I want to rent in the future, but if I ever decided to buy again that house would have to be near perfect. I just don't think in this economy it is wise to buy a house that you don't plan to stay in (which is what we did).

Things I must have:

Good schools
Ranch style
3 or more bedrooms, 2 or more bathrooms
Lots of windows, preferably some floor to ceiling
Hardwood in most rooms (I guess depending on our finances this would be negotiable since I suppose we could change things out)
A fenced in backyard or at least fenceable, and level
A good mix of shade and sun (we have almost no mature trees on our lot)
On a road that is not close to a main street, that is walkable (ideally with sidewalks)
Storage (if no garage)
Up-to-date A/C and low ceilings

Dream:
4 bedrooms
Playroom on the main floor of the house

Things I used to care about but don't now:

Open concept. I have a semi open concept house and it is ok, but not super important to me the way it was when I was house shopping. I thought it would be a big deal, but I kinda like how all the mess of the living room and/or kitchen does not migrate into other areas. Plus I think I'd like a more historic home the next time around, and that is rare to find one that is open plan.

Absolutely never again:

High ceilings: equals high utility bill and sweltering and ladybugs.
POOL: EFF NO. Must get away from this money and time suck as soon as possible!

I'm a renter!

I want to be in the best neighborhood so LO can go to the best schools, among other things. I like to walk everywhere and would like to only own one car, so I need to be able to walk her to school (kindergarten is at age 4 here so I am already planning!)

We just moved to a location that meets these criteria but I am already realizing other things that matter to me. I'd like a walkout unit! We are in a highrise which is nice and very sunny but I would love to walk out!

Also, I would like to be closer to pleasant walking areas. I am close, but we live on the busiest street and I don't love it.

I love having two bathrooms! I love open floor plan and hardwoods. In a dream world a third bedroom would be nice for a studio. Though we walk most places the underground parking is really really nice as well.

If our current house had a fireplace, a garage, and a basement, it would be pretty close to perfect. Hopefully, we can at least find 2 out of those 3 in a future house.

This house fits our needs really well at the moment. I can't see us moving until we grow out of it as our family grows in the future.

I rent & will for probably forever, so:

3 bed/1.5-2 bath
Dishwasher
Storage closet/unit
fenced in backyard/green space. I do have a park 3 minutes down the street though so it's decent enough.

And I will neeeever go back to not having
A) my own laundry in-unit.
B) separate, private entrance.

We currently rent a 2 bedroom apartment, but will probably buy sometime next year. We have been discussing our must have list recently.

Must Have:
3 bedrooms - all on the same level
2 bathrooms
At least 1,500 square feet
Fenced yard or yard that can easily be fenced

Nice to Have:
Open floor plan
Garage
Hardwood floors
Gas range
Finished basement/bonus room

We live in an expensive area so we aren't too picky.

We are moving to a new apartment soon and are currently looking.

Musts:
Nice kitchen
Lots of natural light
High floor, well, here it's like 5th floor max
Elevator that the stroller fits in
3 bedrooms
Laundry in unit
City center/close to transportation

Would be nice:
Toilet in the bathroom -- they are big fans of separate toilets here and it makes me crazy, so inconvenient!
Bike storage
Terrace/balcony

We're going to be moving in a couple weeks or so depending when we find a place. We're still renting (in a pretty pricey area) but here's our list:

2bd/1ba at least, kids can share a room if need be
2 parking, preferably some privacy as dh keeps equipment in his work car
No shared laundry. No more coin op with kid(s)!
Would like a larger living room, but not a deal breaker necessarily (and my idea of large is probably not large here..)
Safe area, preferably in the same neighborhood
No upstairs neighbors if we end up in an apartment/walk up
Would like a deck/outdoor area for a BBQ, but also not a deal breaker
Well maintained/updated.

@googly-eyes: yes! That's one of the main reasons we are moving. The winters are long and grey here.

Main floor laundry
Wood fireplace
Workout room
Office