12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Ever Start Looking at Homes

Welcome to Week 2 of our series, How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget. If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about that move, you’re probably no stranger to scrolling through homes online or open houses like a pro. And while it’s all fun and games until you find yourself falling for a house that’s not “the one.” I’m here to tell you to put the brakes on the browsing—for now.

Before you start touring homes and imagining where your couch will go, it’s time for some serious self-reflection. I know, it sounds a little deep for a real estate journey, but trust me, this step is crucial. You see, diving into open houses without a plan is like heading to Horsetooth Reservoir without knowing if you want to hike, paddleboard, or just chill by the water. You’ve got to know what you want first!

That’s why I tell all my clients to slow down and ask themselves these 12 key questions before they ever set foot in an open house. These questions aren’t just about square footage or how many bedrooms you want; they’re about defining the life you want to live and finding a home that fits that vision—without blowing your budget.

So, let’s get into it! Here are the 12 questions you should ask yourself before you start house-hunting:

1. How long do you plan to live in this next home? This is the big one. How long you plan to stay will shape almost every decision you make. Whether you’re thinking of a short-term stop or a forever home, your timeline matters.
2. What will your life look like during that timeframe? Think about how your life might evolve in the next few years. Are you planning to grow your family, switch jobs, or finally start that home-based pottery business? Your home needs to support your life, not the other way around.
3. What about your current daily life do you love and are not willing to give up? What don’t you like? Do you love being able to walk to your favorite coffee shop? Maybe enjoy the convenience of being close to work? What do you not want to sacrifice? Maybe it’s that killer mountain view or having room for your gear for all those weekend adventures.
4. What about your current home that you would like to change in your next home? Think about what drives you nuts in your current home. Not enough closet space? Too much noise from the street? Let’s make sure your next home doesn’t come with the same headaches.
5. Are you more of a “homebody” or an “out-on-the-town” kind of person? This will help you decide how much space is need. If you love hosting friends or family, that open-concept kitchen might be non-negotiable. If you’re more about hitting the trails or the local breweries, maybe you prioritize location over a big living room.
6. Do you work late and need to be close to the office, or are you planning to work remotely? Your commute—or lack thereof—will play a huge role in where you should live. And if remote work is your thing, let’s make sure your home has a sweet setup for that.
7. What are your personal and financial goals during the timeframe you’ll be living in this new home? Are you planning to change jobs, start a family, or save up for that dream vacation? Your home’s price tag should leave room for all your other life goals.
8. What are your hobbies, and how will they impact your life while living in this home? Love to hike, bike, or ski? Or maybe you’re a budding artist who needs studio space. Your hobbies should definitely factor into where you live and what kind of space you need.
9. Are you a “location person” or a “house person”? Do you get more excited about being in a certain neighborhood, or are you more focused on the features of the house itself? This is a biggie and will help you prioritize your must-haves.
10. Are schools in the neighborhood a factor for this home purchase? Even if kids aren’t in the picture now, schools can impact resale value. And if you do have (or plan to have) kids, this will likely be a top priority.
11. Describe your ideal scenario when it comes to your home purchase and why. Now’s the time to dream big! Write down everything you want in your next home—no holding back. This list will guide us in making those dreams a reality.
12. What would you be willing to compromise on in a home? Once you’ve made your dream list, circle a few things you could live without. It’s all about finding the right balance between what you want and what you can realistically get within your budget.

Congratulations on tackling these questions! I know, it’s a lot of soul-searching, but it’s worth it. These answers will guide you to a home that fits your life like a glove. Whether that’s in the heart of Fort Collins or nestled up near the Rockies.

And if you need to talk through any of these questions (or you’re just stumped), I’m here to help. Next week, we’ll dive into whether you’re a “house” or “location” person—this one’s going to be a game-changer.

Happy house-hunting!