Home Priorities Worksheet

Before you tour a single home, get clear on what you actually need versus what would be nice. This interactive worksheet prevents the #1 mistake first-time buyers make: shopping without priorities.

Phase 3: Preparation Stage 3.1: Market Understanding

What You'll Define

First-time buyers who define priorities before they start touring find homes 40% faster and report higher satisfaction with their purchase. Without clear priorities, you'll tour dozens of homes, feel confused, and potentially overpay for features you don't actually need.

Location and commute requirements
School district preferences
Size and layout needs
Outdoor space priorities
Features and finishes preferences
Community and HOA considerations

How to Use This Worksheet

For each feature below, select one of three options:

  • Must Have: Non-negotiable. You won't consider homes without this feature.
  • Nice to Have: You'd prefer it, but could compromise if the right home lacks it.
  • Not Important: Doesn't factor into your decision at all.

Be honest with yourself. The fewer "must-haves" you have, the more homes you'll have to choose from--but too few and you might settle for something that doesn't work.

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Auto-Save Feature

Your selections are automatically saved to your browser. Come back anytime to continue or update your priorities.

Your Progress 0 of 0 items
1

Location & Commute

Where you live affects daily life more than any other factor

⭕
30-minute or less commute to work
Daily drive time adds up--consider 45 min each way = 7.5 hours/week
Specific city or neighborhood
Are you set on a particular area, or open to exploring?
Walkable to shops/restaurants
Can walk to daily needs vs. driving everywhere
Close to major highways
Easy access to DNT, 75, 635, I-35, etc.
Low crime rate
Safety statistics significantly better than average
2

Schools & Family

Even without kids, schools impact home values

⭕
Top-rated school district (A-rated)
Frisco, Plano, Carroll, Lovejoy tier
Specific elementary school zone
Zoned to a particular campus you've researched
Near parks and playgrounds
Walking distance to outdoor family spaces
Family-friendly neighborhood
Other families with kids, community events
3

Size & Layout

How much space do you actually need?

⭕
3+ bedrooms
Master plus at least two additional bedrooms
2+ full bathrooms
At minimum, master bath plus one other full bath
Dedicated home office/study
Separate room for work-from-home (not just a corner)
Open concept living/kitchen
Kitchen flows into living area without walls
Single story (no stairs)
All living space on one level
2+ car garage
Covered parking for at least two vehicles
4

Outdoor Space

Yard and exterior considerations

⭕
Large backyard
Significant outdoor space for activities, pets, etc.
Privacy fence
Fully fenced backyard (important for pets/kids)
Covered patio/outdoor living
Shaded outdoor entertaining space
Swimming pool
In-ground pool (adds maintenance costs)
Low-maintenance landscaping
Minimal yard work required
5

Features & Finishes

Interior upgrades and amenities

⭕
Updated/modern kitchen
Recent updates, quality appliances, good counter space
Granite/quartz countertops
Upgraded countertops in kitchen and baths
Hardwood or luxury vinyl floors
No carpet in main living areas
Move-in ready (no major work)
Won't need renovations before moving in
Smart home features
Smart thermostat, doorbell, locks, etc.
Energy efficient
Good insulation, efficient HVAC, low utility bills
6

Community & HOA

Neighborhood lifestyle considerations

⭕
No HOA (or minimal fees)
Avoid monthly HOA dues and restrictions
Community pool/amenities
HOA-maintained pool, clubhouse, fitness center
Established neighborhood
Mature trees, no construction nearby, settled community
New construction community
Brand new homes, modern designs, builder warranty
Walking trails/greenbelts
Paths for walking, running, biking in neighborhood
7

Additional Notes

Anything else that's important to your search

Your Priorities Summary

Must-Haves

  • No selections yet

Nice-to-Haves

  • No selections yet

Not Important

  • No selections yet

Key Takeaways

  • Define your must-haves BEFORE you start touring homes
  • The fewer must-haves, the more options--but don't compromise on what truly matters
  • School districts impact home values even if you don't have kids
  • Be honest about lifestyle needs vs. Instagram-worthy features
  • Share your completed worksheet with your agent to save time
  • Revisit and update your priorities as your search evolves

Ready to Start Your Search?

Share your completed priorities worksheet with one of our verified local agents. They'll match you with homes that actually fit your needs--not just what's available.

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