Our House Wish List: Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves for Family Life

Back in the fall of 2010 we shared our house wish list, and we’ve kept updating it ever since. I recently found the folded-up list in a vase on the bedroom floor and thought it was a good moment to document what we still want for our “someday house.” Over the years the core of the list has stayed the same, but we’ve crossed things off, added new priorities, and refined what matters most for our family as we’ve lived in and learned from our homes.

Must-Haves

• Four bedrooms (or three bedrooms plus an office), with at least three of the bedrooms on one floor — practical for family routines and guests.
• At least two full bathrooms but no more than three — we prefer a balance of convenience and manageable cleaning.
• Within our budget — essential for long-term financial comfort.
• A private, low-traffic street so Clara can ride her scooter and eventually learn to bike safely.
• About the same square footage as our previous home (within roughly 100 square feet) so the layout feels familiar and comfortable.
• A house with character and history rather than something newly built — we enjoy the charm and potential of older homes.
• Located in a good school district — Clara’s schooling is our top priority.
• Walkable neighborhood — we love evening walks and want sidewalks and safe routes.

• A relatively flat backyard without steep drop-offs — important for Clara and our dog Burger’s safety.
• A well-cared-for neighborhood — we prefer the classic “pick the worst house in the best neighborhood” approach so our improvements won’t be overshadowed by nearby neglect.

Nice-To-Haves

These are features that aren’t dealbreakers but would make daily life nicer and increase long-term enjoyment of the home.

• A private backyard — we loved the mix of lawn and woods at our first house and wanted that again.
• Space to open the kitchen into a family or living room — a more open layout creates a relaxed, social atmosphere.
• Extra-high ceilings — always desirable but often out of reach within our budget. We did spot potential in an unfinished storage area where lofting and exposed beams might be possible someday.
• A brick exterior for low maintenance and classic curb appeal, though we were flexible if the right house didn’t have brick.

• Direct access from the kitchen to an outdoor BBQ or eating area so we can dine outside without navigating through multiple rooms.
• A window over the kitchen sink with a pleasant view — small comforts matter.
• A true pantry with a door — practical storage makes everyday life easier.
• Sidelights around the front door for a brighter, more welcoming entryway — something we didn’t expect to find in our price range until we actually did.

• A real foyer or entry area instead of a front door that opens straight into a living or dining room.
• If the house is two stories, a layout where the front door doesn’t immediately open onto the stairs — a small detail that affects how open and comfortable the entry feels.
• A garage — for convenience and storage, something we’ve missed in houses without one.
• An existing deck or patio that we can enjoy right away, even if it needs updating.

In the end, our new house met every must-have and nine of the twelve nice-to-haves. We don’t have the extra-high ceilings, the backyard could use more shrubbery for privacy, and the kitchen doesn’t yet open directly to a dining area outdoors — but those are projects we can tackle over time, and at least two of them are realistically achievable.

How We Use the Lists

We find it helpful to separate “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves.” It clarifies what we can’t compromise on (school district, layout, safety) and what we’re willing to improve over time. When house hunting, that distinction makes it easier to prioritize viewings, set realistic expectations, and make confident decisions if an otherwise great house is missing a few nonessential features.

What about you? Do you keep two lists when you look for a home — one for absolute needs and one for dream features — or do you blend everything into one list? Sorting needs from wants helped us stay focused and find a house that fits our family now while leaving room to shape it into our ideal home over the years.