One of the most difficult parts about preparing to buy a home is coming to a mutual agreement with your significant other when deciding between the wants and needs of your family. And then you have to prioritize them.

As you’re searching for the perfect home, the NEEDS seem to be pretty obvious and it’s possible that there’s very little, if any, disagreement on those.

It can be a completely different story when it comes to features that you want, though. Between the two of you, you’ll begin to notice that there are features that you don’t want to sacrifice.

To start finding middle ground, evaluate your wants and needs by each filling out a simple house hunting checklist. Once you’ve both finished your individual checklist, you can begin making a master checklist that you each agree on.

I've come up with a list of the top 10 most popular features that you typically have to decide whether they’re wants or needs:

1. Eat-in Kitchen

An eat-in kitchen is a feature of the Clayton Purdy model

Nowadays, kitchens have become a focal point in homes across America. Decide an eat-in kitchen is a must have home feature for your new home.

2. Walk-in Pantry

A walk-in pantry is a super storage option in the Southern Homes Hancock model 

If you prefer shelves to cabinets then maybe you’re thinking about a walk-in pantry. Whether it’s used for storing food, entertainment platters or cookbooks, a large pantry can be extremely handy if utilized correctly.

3. Home Office

Look for a home office in the Cavalier Platinum series

Having a home office has its ups and downs as it allows for flexibility, but you may have a hard time separating home from work. If you think a home office is a must have feature for your home, then you could see how having it works out, and if it’s not as productive as you would like, then it’s a bonus room!

4. Separate Laundry Room

A spacious laundry room as seen in the Hearthside series

In recent years, this has quickly become one of the most popular features in homes. According to American Housing Survey, 57% of people consider a laundry room to be a must have feature and would not buy a home without it.

5. Fenced yard

A privacy fence can come in handy, especially if you have small children or any pets, but if you don’t then it’s more of a decoration or is there for shelter and protection. A fence for your new home may be a must have, but it depends on you and your family's lifestyle!

6. Hardwood flooring

Hardwood highlights the kitchen in this Southern Energy model

Although they can be costly, if within your budget, hardwood floors might be a must have home item because they are durable, easy to clean and look great!

7. Kitchen Island

Clayton's Vision Extreme model has a versatile island that might be your next "need"

Recently becoming a norm in most homes, and maybe you’re deciding it must be in yours too, kitchen islands provide extra counter space to your beloved kitchen.

8. Patio

A welcoming patio from the Southern Energy Ashford series

A patio might be your next must have feature as a luxury outdoor entertainment area for all seasons!

9. A Garage

The Clayton Hickory model can have an attached garage

No matter the garage option you choose, a garage gives you easy, direct access to your vehicle and additional storage space without having to worry about crazy weather. For many families, an integrated garage is a must have home feature for their new home!

Last, but certainly not least…

10. Going Green

You might decide that energy efficient features are the best way to save money and the environment in your home.

Remember, evaluating your wants and needs can help you begin your home buying journey and find the perfect home for you and your family quicker! (And now you might have to decide on location!)

Also, you can check out 20 questions to help select your dream!