How to Make a Home Wish List

A home wish list includes needs and wants. To make your wish list, consider must-haves you can’t do without, then nice-to-haves that’d be convenient or preferred, but not necessary. Give some thought to a “dream home” scenario, too. What features make it ideal?

The journey to finding your next home is full of possibilities, and a wish list can help you realize them. Here’s our step-by-step guide to making yours.

1. Must-haves and non-negotiables

The must-have amenities on your home wish list are just that: bare-minimum features you need for your home to be functional and livable. If a home doesn’t have these, it’d be a deal-breaker for you.

Your must-haves may include things like a certain cost, a new or existing home, a particular style of house, proximity to work or a fenced-in yard for your pet. Here are some of the characteristics buyers rated as “very or extremely important” in a home, according to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report:

• Air conditioning (83%)
• Preferred number of bedrooms (73%)
• Preferred size or square footage (70%)
• Private outdoor space (70%)
• Preferred floor plan or layout (69%)
• Preferred utilities (67%)
• Preferred number of bathrooms (66%)
• Ample storage (65%)
• Off-street or garage parking (65%)
• Ensuite or master bathroom (65%)

Think about your long-term plans, as well. If you’re not looking for your forever home, you may not have as many must-haves, or may be more amenable to letting some go.

Once you have your must-haves prioritized, you can use Zillow’s advanced search filters to zero in on homes that match your needs.

Making a home wish list with a partner or spouse

Many home buyers (63%) purchase a home with a co-buyer, whether a spouse, partner, friend or relative, according to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report. If that applies to you, it may be helpful to make your wish lists separately, then come together to compare. Discuss each item with empathy and an open mind. Consider where your non-negotiables align, where they differ and where you may be willing to meet in the middle.

2. Nice-to-haves and non-essentials

The nice-to-haves on your home wish list are any features you’re flexible on — you’d like your home to have them, but they won’t take a property out of contention if it doesn’t. They may include:

• Open floor plan
• Updated kitchen with modern or energy-efficient appliances
• Hardwood floors instead of carpet
• Spare bedroom
• Finished basement
• Separate laundry room
• Home office or other dedicated workspace
• Two-car garage
• Walk-in closet or pantry
• Deck or patio
• Whole-home generator
• Solar panels

Nice-to-haves may also serve as tie-breakers. If you’re choosing between two homes that meet your must-haves, the one with more nice-to-haves may be the clear winner.

3. Envisioning your dream home 

Even if you’re not building or buying a dream home, consider the features you’d love to have in a dream situation. Your real estate agent may be able to find a property that has at least one of your dream qualities. At the very least, you’ll be able evaluate properties for the potential to add dream home wish list items later on.

Your dream home may include amenities like:

• View of the mountains, skyline or water
• Professional-grade kitchen
• Gym
• Home theater
• Dedicated arts and crafts space
• Wine cellar
• Outdoor kitchen
• Swimming pool, hot tub or sauna
• Sports court
• Oversized garage

4. Organizing your home wish list

Keep your home wish list somewhere that’s convenient for you to access — maybe that’s pen and paper, an email to your real estate agent or a list-making or note-taking app. We have a printable house hunting list that may help.

As you browse listings and tour homes, refer to your wish list and priorities. You may find your wish list changes as you see more properties. You may realize a feature you once considered a must-have isn’t necessary, or think of something new and decide to add it to your list.

Revisit your wish list periodically throughout your home search. It’s a powerful tool to keep you focused and confident in your decisions. By understanding what you truly need, want and dream of, you’ll have more clarity to navigate the home-buying journey and find a place you’ll be happy to call home.

Ready to start your search? Connect with a local Zillow partner agent who can help you find a home that meets your needs — and maybe even a few of your wants.