We have a renter again! Yay! It’s not finalized yet as we haven’t exchanged money yet, but I’m hopeful.
So, I’m going to look at houses this afternoon. To buy. I’m trying to think of all the things I want and need.
For example:
A playroom (keep the toys out of the living room).
Three bedrooms.
Lots of storage.
Two bathrooms.
Large kitchen.
What else do you think is important?
Oh Congrats!
I’ll second the mudroom. Our new house has a nice big one with lots of storage in it and I love having all that mess contained there.
On my list of things I was looking for in a house (outside of the 2 bathrooms and enough bedrooms and the practical things): nice porch, clawfoot bathtub, mainfloor playroom, fireplace/woodstove, big workable kitchen, space for entertaining. Our new kitchen looks workable but man there are a lot of things I would change about it – I do love that it is a good size and has a big island which is nice when the kids are helping me cook or when friends are hanging out.
I didn’t think I would want a great room – we have a big open kitchen dining room and I have 2 wingback chairs in the corner. For the first couple of months we lived here (in the winter) no one ever went into the living room – they all hung out by me in the kitchen and in those chairs. I can see a greatroom working for us better now that I’ve seen how that works, but I still like the idea of a separate living room.
Things I wish I had but don’t: cold room/root cellar, gas stove, mainfloor laundry (it’s in the basement)
I also agree with Tracey – find something that *feels* like home, that feeds you and that you can see yourselves living the life you want in (space for you to do yoga, a sunny corner for a chair where you can knit or journal, a tree for a tire swing, space for a garden, a big enough living/dining space for entertaining family and friends, a view of the sunset from your kitchen, walkability to things that matter to you- library? school? a cafe? trails/water?)
Good luck!
Oh, hooray!! I’m so happy for you, lady!!
I hope you find something with lots of windows to let the light in. I’d worry less about the amount of storage, and more about how the house just “feels” to you… if you have enough room to spread out. Sometimes ample storage is just a way for people to hold on to tonnes of crap they’d otherwise be forced to rid themselves of. (Purge when you pack… I hope it’s soon!!)
Great news, Erin! Sara’s points above are great.
I like having one “mudroom” entrance where kids can take off boots, snowsuits etc. and leave them without messing up your kitchen, living room or front doorway. At our house they come in via the garage and leave boots there, and we accumulate shoes, backpacks etc. in the laundry room right beside the garage entry.
How about a home office for parents’ computer(s), file cabinet and other paperwork?
Make sure the windows all open and close properly and seal well for winter.
Huge bonus points for walking distance to school. More points for a quiet street or cul-de-sac where kids can play safely in the front yard as well as the back, and ride bikes safely.
Happy house-hunting!
as a frequent buyer/seller – what I’ve misssed (and finally have again)…a decent bathtub, porch, dishwasher…..closets in all the bedrooms….
I”m SO HAPPY ABOUT THE RENTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!