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Home Buying: The Features You Want vs. the Features You Need

Monday, February 23, 2015   /   by Deborah Argenta

Home Buying: The Features You Want vs. the Features You Need

 
 
Have you determined what features your new Indianapolis home absolutely must have?
 
Often, buyers approach the home search without a clear idea of what they're looking for. They think "they'll know it when they see it" so spend a lot of time viewing homes that just won't do. Others have a long list of "wants" and become frustrated because no one home offers all of them.
 
Save yourself time and streamline your home search by making two lists. The first is for those features and benefits that your new home absolutely must offer.
 
For instance, you might work from home and require an office or an extra bedroom to turn into an office. Put that on the list. You might be a gourmet cook and would be miserable without extensive counter and storage space in the kitchen. Put that on the list.
 
You might be a musician and own a grand piano – your list needs to note that you need a room large enough to accommodate that piano.
 
Once your list is made, share it with me. Using it, I can narrow our search to homes in the Indianapolis Area that meet your most important requirements.
 
Next, make a "nice to have" list.  These are the features and benefits that appeal to you but aren't absolutely vital. For instance, a bay window, cathedral ceilings, or a river rock fireplace.
 
After we’ve eliminated the choices that won’t work, we’ll have a list of possibilities that match your “must have” list - and can focus on viewing homes that include the items on your “nice to have” list.
 
Once we begin viewing homes together, we can further refine the search by paying attention to how you feel about the details in each home. You might notice features that you hadn't thought of before and want to add them to your list.
 
Paying attention, sorting through the listings, and saving you time in your home search are some of my functions as a buyer’s agent. Your lists will help that process go smoothly. 
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Deborah Argenta Associate Broker
11550 N Meridian St., Suite 450
Carmel, IN 46032
317-695-5764
April Shelburne
Nations Title Agency; Business Development Manager
Cell: 317.670.6603

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of March 26, 2025 12 AM. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker of MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some listings have been excluded from this website.
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