How to Figure Out What Matters Most to You When You’re House Hunting

Published On: July 18, 2023|Categories: Blog, Buyers, How-To|Tags: , |

How to Figure Out What Matters Most to You When You're House Hunting

House hunting in the vibrant Tampa Bay, Florida, can be an exhilarating journey. But figuring out what matters most to you during this process can make a world of difference. This guide helps to focus your priorities and make your house hunting experience smoother and more efficient.

How to Figure Out What Matters Most to You When You’re House Hunting

In this guide, you’ll discover the following:

  • Identifying Your Needs and Wants
  • Prioritizing Your List
  • Understanding Your Lifestyle
  • Considering the Future
  • Consulting with Professionals

Here’s a closer look at each.

Identifying Your Needs and Wants

The first step is differentiating your ‘needs’ from your ‘wants’. ‘Needs’ are non-negotiables that your new home must have, such as the number of bedrooms or a specific location. ‘Wants’ are the nice-to-haves like a pool or a modern kitchen. Recognizing what’s essential and what’s optional can help you narrow your search.

Related: The best native plants for your yard in Tampa Bay

Prioritizing Your List

After you identify your needs and wants, you’ll need to prioritize them. For example, if a large kitchen is more important than an extra bedroom, it should rank higher on your list. By arranging your needs and wants in order of importance, you’ll have a clearer picture of your ideal home.

Understanding Your Lifestyle

Reflect on your lifestyle and how a new home can complement it. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, proximity to parks and recreational facilities might be essential. If you frequently entertain guests, an open floor plan for socializing might rank higher. Understanding your lifestyle is a key component in identifying what matters most in your house hunt.

Related: Eco-friendly updates you should make to your home before you sell

Considering the Future

When house hunting, it’s crucial to consider not just your current needs but also your future plans. If you’re planning to grow your family or accommodate elderly parents down the line, additional space might be necessary. Always keep an eye on the future while making your decisions.

Consulting with Professionals

Never underestimate the power of professional advice. As a real estate agent, I can provide you with valuable insights, market trends, and other factors that can affect your home buying decision. Consulting with professionals can save you time, money, and stress.

FAQ About Figuring Out What Matters in House Hunting

Check out these commonly asked questions about figuring out what matters when you’re house hunting. If you don’t see the answers here, please call our office and we’ll get you the information you need.

What’s the most important factor when house hunting?

It varies for everyone, but generally, location, budget, and size are some of the most critical factors.

How can I decide what I need in a house?

Think about your lifestyle, future plans, and personal preferences. Also, consider consulting a real estate professional for guidance.

Related: An overview of Tampa Bay’s luxury real estate market

How can a real estate agent assist me in identifying what matters most?

An experienced agent can guide you through the process, offer valuable market insights, and help you align your needs and wants with your budget.

Understanding what matters most to you in your house hunt is critical to finding a home that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and personal preferences. Whether it’s the number of bedrooms, proximity to amenities, or room for growth, prioritizing your needs can make the house hunting process in Tampa Bay, Florida, more efficient and enjoyable. And remember, as a real estate professional, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process.

Move in ready townhome, great location in back of community very quiet.  Unique townhome with screen porch and private fenced yard.  New LVT flooring throughout.  Close to airport, shopping, dining, entertainment, vets xpwy and more.  Two assigned carport spaces, community pool $239,900 Active

7107 Hernando Court Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,296 SqFt 0.02 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. Mid-Century Charm Meets Modern Comfort offering Timeless Appeal. Welcome to your own private paradise in the heart of Lake Magdalene—as you step into this inviting home with its blend of nostalgic character and thoughtful updates. Fun retro details give a nod to the home’s roots while modern updates provide functionality and style. Situated on a large corner lot with mature landscaping-over one-third-acre homesite. This beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath home offers the perfect blend of tranquility, space, and style in one of Tampa’s most coveted neighborhoods. Step inside to discover luxury vinyl flooring flowing seamlessly throughout the home, complemented by fresh, neutral paint that sets the stage for any décor. The spacious, light-filled living and dining area creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining, while the separate family room offers a cozy retreat for everyday relaxation. The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with a charming eat-in area—perfect for morning coffee or casual meals. Retreat to the generous master suite, featuring its own private bath complete with a newly-tiled walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms are ideally situated sharing a well-appointed hall bath. Major updates provide peace of mind, including a new roof in 2024 and updated windows (2016 & 2017), ensuring years of worry-free living. Outside, the expansive yard is a verdant oasis, ideal for gardening, play, or future outdoor enhancements.
Tucked away in a serene yet centrally located neighborhood, members of the neighborhood civic association enjoy lake access to the picturesque Lake Magdalene, along with nearby park, fishing, and basketball courts. It’s a lifestyle of leisure and convenience—just minutes from shopping, dining, and major thoroughfares.

Homes of this caliber in Lake Magdalene rarely come to market—don’t miss your opportunity to make this one your own! $477,000 Pending

2308 Cape Bend Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,653 SqFt 0.36 Acres

Stunning Florida Home in Gated West Hampton in an A Rated School District & Highly Desirable Area -NO CDD fees 

Welcome to your dream home in sought-after West Hampton. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom + large bonus room home boasts 3,086 sq. ft. of heated living area and a spacious 3-car garage, offering both elegance and functionality. With its thoughtfully designed 3-way split floor plan, this home offers ultimate privacy and room for everyone.

Upon entering the welcoming foyer, you'll be captivated by the open natural lighting, volume ceilings, the rich wood look plank flooring, seamlessly blending with the home’s tasteful finishes. The expansive kitchen opens to the family room & features stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, breakfast-bar, pantry closet, a built-in desk, and plenty of space for family meals or entertaining. The heart of the home flows effortlessly into the open living and dining areas, making it perfect for gatherings of all sizes. Escape to the alluring primary bedroom & ensuite featuring dual walk-in closets & vanities, separate water closet, large shower and a relaxing soaking tub. 

Upstairs, you’ll find a huge bonus room — an ideal space for a media room, playroom, or home office. The possibilities are endless!
The private fenced yard offers a tranquil retreat, with a covered lanai and lush tropical landscaping surrounding the space. Whether you're enjoying the Florida sunshine, hosting a barbecue, love to garden, have kids (to include fur babies), this backyard is perfect for outdoor and low maintenance living. 

Recent upgrades including a 2023 Roof, 2024 AC system & Paint ensure peace of mind for years to come. Additional features include a decorative glass front door, gas tankless water heater, crown molding, volume ceilings, recessed lights, ceiling fans, inside laundry room with utility sink, built-in desk.

In addition to the home's impeccable features, this West Hampton community offers a range of amenities perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Take a stroll along the sidewalks, explore the scenic walking trails, or relax by the tree-lined tranquil pond with a fountain and park bench. Kids will love the nearby playground, and nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife sightings — deer, turkeys, hawks, and even eagles are frequent visitors to this beautiful setting.

Convenience is key with Top-Rated schools, Shopping, World Renowned Beaches, Tampa Bay Downs, Local Breweries, Theme Parks, Elev8, Culinary Diverse Cuisines & Breweries for the Foodies, Ice Hockey & Skating rink, TIA, Fishing, Skiing, Boating, Kayaking/Canoeing nearby and the 36-hole Eagles Golf & Country Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf and more wildlife encounters. 

This home offers an unparalleled combination of comfort, luxury, location, and peace of mind. A smart choice with NO CDD fees & NOT in a flood or evac zone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make this West Hampton beauty yours & schedule your tour today! $739,000 Active

12801 Stanwyck Circle Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,086 SqFt 0.23 Acres

Outstanding home in the Carrollwood area with over half an acre!  This 5BR & 3BA pool home includes an enormous flex room for a multitude of living options!  Entertain & host away - with a huge center kitchen island, a gas range, large cabinets, exhaust, & an open floorplan design.  Your family room overlooks impressive pavers, a covered lanai area, & a private pool.  The deep lot offers privacy & a paver fire pit & sitting area too.  This split plan design is perfect for families & also an in-law design (if needed).  No carpet here.... the main living areas & bedrooms have gorgeous (wood style) tiled floors.  Seldom do you have the opportunity to have all this space & be in the heart of Carrollwood!  Close to everything convenient to the Carrollwood area & minutes from shopping centers, dining, parks, & easy access routes for commuting!  Come see how private & spacious this lot & home feel & why you'll value the incredible location!  This home has a whole house water filtration system, a newer roof ('23), water softener system, & propane for selected home functions.  A portion of the garage was enclosed for additional living area.  Currently a functional oversized 1-car garage with ample storage.  A home and location like this does not come on market often!  Schedule to view and see what makes this home so special! $1,000,000 Active

3906 Floyd Road Tampa, Florida

5 Beds 3 Baths 3,787 SqFt 0.57 Acres

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