The Ultimate Home Buying Checklist Every Buyer Needs
By: Mackenzie
Buying a home is a huge commitment, and having a list to keep you on track can be a useful tool. But what should you put on your home buying checklist? Consider your ideal design style (take our style quiz if you don’t know it!) and must-have elements and jot them down. But don’t look at your list as an end-all-be-all. As you look for a home, consider whether it has the capability of checking the box. Our designers will help you get there — check out these examples for proof.
Did you recently buy a home and want to make exterior updates? Maybe you’re thinking of changing elements on the home you’ve had for years. Wherever you’re at in your homeowning journey, our designers are here for you. Learn more about what we do!
Landscaping & garden potential
When it comes to your home buying checklist, put landscaping potential at the forefront. Thoughtful landscaping can significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of your exterior and beautify your yard. In the design above, there was no existing landscaping at play. Instead of seeing it as a flaw, the buyer saw the space and imagined all the ways our designers could elevate it through landscaping. We brought a mix of mulch and stone to the area surrounding the house, adding more dimension with plants, boulders, landscape lighting, walkway pavers, and permeable pavers.
For the below design, the existing landscaping was in need of a refresh. From a buyers’ perspective, existing landscaping — even if it’s not what you desire — can give you inspiration on how to make it your own. We removed the shrubs lining the arched openings and dotted the area with raised beds for a low maintenance garden. Our designers also revamped the walkway, flanking it with shrubs to add more dimension. Finally, we brought the left side landscaping bed back to life with fresh foliage.
Ultimately, when you’re thinking of purchasing a home, the yard’s potential for personalization is essential. Buyers should consider whether there’s space to create the garden or outdoor areas they envision.
Curb appeal is crucial
One of the first things that will jump out at you as you go down your home buying checklist is curb appeal. Does the house you’re thinking of buying pull you in at first sight? If it doesn’t, let the “could be” in for consideration. This exterior is the perfect example of how our designers can make impactful changes to take curb appeal from flat to captivating.
We focused on creating a more dynamic entrance, swapping the flat porch roofline with a peaked portico. We also used a pop of color for the front door, which plays well with the bright shrub next to the entry. Of course, we revamped the landscaping and added some comfortable outdoor furniture, creating a welcoming aura. The new gray hue of the brick, along with the section of vertical siding, adds a modern flare to ground the aesthetic.
Elements such as a welcoming front porch, stylish doors, and attractive lighting add to the appeal and make a home stand out. Plus, curb appeal can impact a home’s market value. Properties with strong exterior appeal tend to sell faster and at higher prices. For buyers, this means considering not only how the home looks today but also its potential for easy enhancements that could boost future resale value.
Room for subtle updates
You might need to scan your home buying checklist with a pair of “potential lenses.” These aren’t a tangible type of spectacle for sale, rather the ability to look at an exterior and see it for what it could be instead of exactly as it is. Of course, depending on your budget, it might not be in the cards to purchase a home that will require significant changes to get it where you want it. Consider focusing on the possibility for some smaller, more subtle changes — you might be surprised at the difference they make.
This existing exterior was charming and adorable, but the homeowner wanted space to enjoy relaxing in the front yard. Our designers added a simple patio to accompany the entrance. We opted for rich wood decking and sleek modern rails, bringing a bit of a modern look to the traditional exterior. We matched the modern vibe, swapping the existing front door for a bright orange option. Finally, we refreshed the landscape to tie the aesthetic together.
Backyard real estate
“A big backyard” might be high on your home buying checklist, especially if you’ve got an idea of what elements you want to add to your outdoor living space. There was plenty of room in this existing backyard, and we added tons of features ideal for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. We created a small deck, complete with a plunge pool and lounge furniture. Our designers also included an outdoor dining table with nearby grills, and a fire pit further into the yard.
Potential to infuse your design tastes
Architecture is important when you’re looking at buying a home. The architecture is the home’s bones. Exterior elements, on the other hand, are the clothes that cover the bones. They should be completely customizable, so you can mold them to your design tastes. We reimagined the existing mid-century modern design — marked by asymmetrical lines — with a farmhouse flare. The fresh white paint and screened-in porch, outlined with wood, create a warm, welcoming aesthetic.
Proximity to natural elements
This house is ideal if your goal is to feel like you’re one with nature. While the existing exterior had a good amount of plants, we redesigned it to emphasize even more. We freshened the patio, adding a Corten steel planter for a modern look. We weaved in a mix of other planters throughout, and carried the landscaping across the perimeter of the backyard.
Exterior materials & durability
If longevity and integrity of the materials on your exterior are high priority for you, add this to your home buying checklist. We gave this sturdy red brick exterior an overhaul with moody black trim and elegant landscaping. We also leaned further into the durability aspect, opting for a black metal roof. These exterior components directly affects the home’s ability to withstand different environmental conditions.
Entertaining essentials
We know the drill — if a pool is on your home buying checklist, it’s on there with a couple of asterisks beside it. So, you got the house with the pool and didn’t have to pay to put one in yourself (undoubtedly the more affordable approach). Lean on our designers to maximize the luster of the pool. We added an outdoor bar near the pool, maximizing the entertainment aspect.
Check off all the boxes
Even if you’re unable to check off a box right at the point of purchase, our designers will help you put that pencil to paper. Whether it’s subtle updates or revamped landscaping, we’re here to manifest your goals. Through intentional, impactful design moves, we’ll take you beyond the wildest boxes on your list!
Are you ready to overhaul your exterior? Whether you’re looking to make small changes or do a total makeover, we’ve got you. Our designers will work to understand your goals, and make them your reality. Get started today!
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