What's on Your "Must Have" List?

As you read this, I want you to think about what attributes your next home "must have" to make you happy.

So I hosted an Open House yesterday and had a terrific time.  Not only was the house a pleasure to be in, but I got to meet many wonderful people and have many great conversations.  The folks that came through the door ranged from serious buyers working with Realtors, to young couples just starting their house search to the neighbors down the block who just wanted to get a look at the recent renovations.  All were a pleasure to meet and show around.

The house I was in was 4 Kenneth Terrace in Montclair, this house:

 It's a really awesome house, totally updated with a wonderful flow.  But the greatest thing about this house, it pretty much has everything on the "must have list". 



When I start to work with Buyers the first thing I ask them is what's on their "must have list".  Which is just what it sounds like.  I need to know what it is that their new home "must have" for them to be happy.  This can be a variety of things.  For Kim and I it was a Master Bath, Central Air and a Fireplace.  We have all three in our current house.  Other buyers I've worked with have needed a fence in yard for their dog, or had to have a finished basement for their kids.  And so in one of my many conversations yesterday it dawned on me that this house has all the "must haves" covered....well at least the most common requested.  It has a great fenced in yard, with paver patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

A huge finished basement with large laundry room, French drains and a sump pump.

A terrific open flow plan.  That's the enormous family room in the back!

A renovated "cook's kitchen"...

And my personal "must have" a fireplace.

So, now that you've thought about it, What's on your "Must Have" list?  I'd love to know...

And thanks again to the lovely people who came to the Open House yesterday.  It'd made for a great day!