Prioritizing home features: 19 insights from homeowners
Choosing the right features for your home can be a daunting task, but expert insights can guide you through the process. This article presents valuable advice from experienced homeowners on what truly matters when selecting a house. From prioritizing location and floor plan functionality to considering future accessibility, these tips will help you make informed decisions about your next home purchase.
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- Prioritize Location and Floor Plan Functionality
- Focus on Home’s Engine Not Cosmetic Toys
- Value Smart Storage Solutions for Daily Life
- Seek Flexible Spaces for Changing Lifestyles
- Consider a Bathtub for Family-Friendly Living
- Emphasize Natural Light and House Orientation
- Assess Backyard Potential for Lifestyle Fit
- Plan for Future Accessibility in Home Design
- Choose Bones and Location Over Cosmetics
- Invest in Neighborhood Over Home Updates
- Examine Property Drainage and Foundation Health
- Opt for Adaptable Floor Plans
- Install Tankless Water Heater for Convenience
- Plan for Future Space Needs
- Prioritize Dedicated Workspace for Remote Work
- Consider Ceiling Height for Comfort
- Evaluate Long-Term Neighborhood Growth Potential
- Focus on Space and Light Interaction
- Value Room Proportions Over Square Footage
Prioritize Location and Floor Plan Functionality
For me, one essential feature that I’ve learned to prioritize when buying a home isn’t always the flashy upgrades or even the size of the property; it’s the location and functionality of the floor plan. In my opinion, too many buyers get caught up in cosmetic details that can be changed later, like countertops or paint colors, but they underestimate how much daily life is affected by the flow of a home and the surrounding neighborhood.
I’ve seen clients fall in love with a house that looks great on the surface but later regret compromises, like poor natural light, a lack of storage, or being too far from schools, work, or family. Those are the kinds of things you can’t easily fix after moving in. On the other hand, I’ve also had clients who chose a home with a slightly older kitchen or dated finishes, but because the layout and location fit their lifestyle perfectly, they were much happier long-term.
My advice for buyers is to make two lists before starting your search: must-haves and nice-to-haves. Must-haves should be structural or lifestyle-driven features, like the number of bedrooms, layout, yard size, or school district. Nice-to-haves can be cosmetic items that can be upgraded over time. When you focus on the things that truly impact your daily comfort and long-term satisfaction, you avoid the trap of choosing a house that only looks good in photos but doesn’t actually support your lifestyle.
For me, the bottom line is this: buy for the things you can’t change easily (location, floor plan, lot size) and be flexible about the things you can update later. That mindset makes the home-buying process a lot less overwhelming and ensures you end up with a home you’ll actually love living in, not just looking at.
Jack Ma, Real Estate Expert, Jack Ma Real Estate Group
Focus on Home’s Engine Not Cosmetic Toys
I remember when my wife and I bought our first apartment. We were so focused on the things you see on a checklist: two bedrooms, a balcony, close to the metro. We found a place that ticked every box and were thrilled. The problem was, we never really thought about the flow of the space. The kitchen was isolated from the living area, making it impossible to cook and talk with guests. We had the features, but we missed the feeling.
Knowing what I know now, here’s how I’d advise anyone to prioritize:
1. Separate the “Engine” from the “Toys.” The engine of a home is its fundamental layout, the quality of natural light, and its location — things that dictate your daily quality of life and are incredibly difficult or expensive to change. The toys are the shiny finishes: the trendy backsplash, the fancy taps, the specific color of the walls. Too many buyers fall for a home with great toys but a weak engine. So if you’re ever stuck between the two, put your money on the engine. The toys can always be changed or upgraded later.
2. Buy for Your Future Self. Don’t just buy a home for the life you have right now; buy it for the life you anticipate in five or even seven years. Will your family grow? Will you start working from home? Will you need a ground-floor apartment as you get older? Thinking about this forces you to prioritize features that offer flexibility. That second bedroom might be more valuable as a future office or nursery than a huge, single living room is today. That change in perspective is everything. You stop being just a homebuyer and start being an investor in your own life.
Tsanko Zanov, Co-founder, PropertyFinder.Bg
Value Smart Storage Solutions for Daily Life
Honestly, the one feature I wish I’d put front and center when choosing my home was storage, not just closets, but smart, usable storage everywhere. When you first walk through a house, it’s easy to get distracted by kitchen upgrades or curb appeal. But day-to-day life is a lot smoother when you’ve got places to put things out of sight, whether that’s in a mudroom, a walk-in pantry, or just deep, well-planned closets.
I’ve seen this with so many clients too — folks fall for big, open spaces or shiny finishes and then realize, months in, that they’re constantly tripping over shoes by the door or can’t find a spot for the bulk packs of paper towels. One family I worked with loved their living room’s vaulted ceilings but quickly found that toys, seasonal decorations, and even simple kitchen gadgets seemed to multiply without a home, making daily clean-up a chore.
So how do you actually prioritize what matters? I always tell people to start by living in your current space with your next move in mind. What drives you nuts right now? Is it laundry piling up, bikes cluttering the entry, or never having space for guests to stay? That pain point should go on your must-have list — even if it isn’t glamorous. Make a two-part list before you even look at homes: non-negotiables (stuff that truly impacts your quality of life) and nice-to-haves (the bells and whistles). If you’re buying with a partner or family, everyone should put their cards on the table.
And don’t be afraid to revisit those lists — sometimes your priorities shift once you actually tour homes. At the end of the day, function beats flash. Features like storage, flexible spaces, or even a mudroom often matter more in real life than a fancy appliance package or a slightly larger yard.
What I love about my work is helping people make choices that fit not just their “wishlist,” but their real, everyday lifestyle. When you buy with intention, focusing on what truly supports your routines, your new house feels like home a whole lot faster.
Dominykas Kalvelis, Owner, We Buy NJ Homes Fast
Seek Flexible Spaces for Changing Lifestyles
Looking back, I wish I had valued flexible space more when choosing my home. At the time, it felt like we had everything we needed. It was only later on that I realized life doesn’t stand still: kids grow up, routines shift, and family visits more often than you expect. All of a sudden, the house that was “just right” started to feel like it was bursting at the seams.
For me, the answer wasn’t adding on to our main home, but finding balance differently. We have a park model home tucked outside the city, and it’s become more than a getaway. It’s where we go when we need breathing room — some weekends it’s a family retreat, other times it’s a quiet place to work, or just a spot to step away from the pace of everyday life. It even doubles as extra storage, holding onto decor and pieces we’ve loved but no longer use in our main home. Having them there adds a layer of comfort and memory, almost like the space carries part of our family history.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: when choosing your main home, don’t underestimate the value of extra rooms and storage. Even if they sit empty at first, they’ll give you the flexibility to grow into the space. And when you’re ready for a different kind of flexibility, consider a park model as a second home. It doesn’t just add square footage, it adds options, comfort, and a way of living that grows alongside you.
Shelly Chaney, President, Overland Park Models
Consider a Bathtub for Family-Friendly Living
When choosing a home, I advise families to prioritize at least one bathtub in the house.
As a Realtor in Texas and a mom of two young boys, I can tell you firsthand that a tub is not just a luxury; it is an everyday essential.
Parents need it for quick cleanup after backyard play, for bedtime routines, and yes, for bubble baths that double as entertainment.
Many clients have told me that this is the one feature they wish they had insisted on. It makes life easier, adds to resale value, and helps turn daily chaos into a more manageable routine.
Hilary Schultz, Real Estate Investment Professional and Realtor, Bright Bid Homes
Emphasize Natural Light and House Orientation
Natural light and the orientation of the house would be my top priorities if I could go back in time. Even if a house appears ideal on paper, you will live in shadow if it faces the wrong way or is surrounded by taller structures. In order to make up for what could have been resolved with the correct exposure, I have witnessed clients spend thousands of dollars on heating, lighting, and even devices that improve their mood. Your way of waking up, working from home, and even saving money is altered by a house that faces south or east and has windows that let in sunlight in the morning and afternoon.
Buyers should stand inside the house more often throughout the day, in my opinion. Observe the movement of light in different rooms. When orientation is favorable, energy efficiency and resale value also increase subtly. Ignore the ostentatious fixtures at first. Those can be added later. You cannot alter the sun’s path or add more sunlight.
Chris Desino, Owner, Ocala
Assess Backyard Potential for Lifestyle Fit
We spend so much time looking at the inside of a potential home to purchase that we often forget to look at the outside, and I wish I had prioritized that aspect when choosing my home. The backyard of a home is often viewed as the least important factor during home shopping, as many see it as easily correctable or don’t consider things like size and privacy.
However, it is important to assess how a backyard will align with your lifestyle, whether you expect to entertain, enjoy relaxing mornings on your outdoor lounge, have pets, or simply want seclusion and privacy. If you consider how much the outside impacts your quality of living, then you can better assess whether a home’s backyard can accommodate your lifestyle as well as if it is the right place for you.
Dana Le, Director of Marketing & Sales, 405 Cabinets & Stone
Plan for Future Accessibility in Home Design
We often meet clients who regret buying multi-story homes once mobility becomes an issue.
As people age, the stairs that once seemed minor can turn into daily hurdles. Many Texas homeowners end up spending thousands on automated lift chairs just to keep living comfortably.
And it’s not just about the homeowners themselves. Think about when grandparents visit or stay for the holidays. If the bedrooms are upstairs, they may miss out on simple family moments, like reading a bedtime story to their grandchildren. Those are the memories that matter, and stairs can unintentionally put distance between generations.
Renovation can solve many problems, but the truth is, planning for accessibility before you need it saves money and stress. Homes should work for you as you age, not against you.
Ron Ramos, Manager, Plano Home Renovation
Choose Bones and Location Over Cosmetics
As a realtor, something I hear from clients all the time is that they wish they had prioritized the layout or location over cosmetic finishes. Many fall in love with fresh paint or trendy fixtures, only to realize later that the flow of the home or the commute doesn’t fit their life/lifestyle now.
I always encourage buyers to focus on the things that can’t be easily changed: location, layout, natural light, and lot size. Paint, floors & light fixtures can be updated, but the bones & location are there to stay!
Devin Ramsey, REALTOR®, Todd & Company | BHHS Foster Realtors
Invest in Neighborhood Over Home Updates
The trick is to realize that there is no such thing as a forever home. Your needs will change over time — a floor plan that works when you’re young might not suit you once you have kids, and it may change again as you grow older.
If I had to choose one essential feature, it would be location. It took me a couple of purchases to understand just how valuable it is. Being in a good neighborhood, with strong schools and close to everyday necessities, makes all the difference. My advice to others: it’s better to buy the least-updated home in the best neighborhood than the nicest home in an average one.
Robin Cherian, CEO, The Canadian Home
Examine Property Drainage and Foundation Health
When I bought my home, I wish I had prioritized the grading and drainage around the property. Over time, I’ve seen firsthand — both personally and as an inspector — how poor water management can lead to foundation movement, structural issues, and long-term maintenance headaches.
My advice to buyers is this: put the fundamentals first. A home with good drainage, a solid foundation, and dry crawl spaces will hold its value and give you peace of mind far more than one with trendy finishes or cosmetic upgrades.
Kyle Palmer, Owner, Palmer Inspections
Opt for Adaptable Floor Plans
Prioritize a flexible, functional floor plan above almost everything else.
A home with good bones and a layout that flows makes every later change, from adding kids to creating a home office, far easier and much cheaper.
Look for rooms that can serve multiple purposes, clear sightlines between main living spaces, sensible built-in storage, and easy paths for future reconfiguration so you avoid moving load-bearing walls or reworking major plumbing.
When you prioritize needs versus wants, keep your non-negotiables very short and strict. Check systems and structure before you care about finishes, because roofs, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical are expensive to fix. Favor adaptable layout over perfect finishes since kitchens and bathrooms can be upgraded later, but structural limitations are hard to change.
Tyler Bliha, CEO, Abode
Install Tankless Water Heater for Convenience
The one piece of feedback I hear most often as a Texas Realtor from large families is that they wish they had spent a little more for a tankless water heater.
Traditional tanks run out of hot water after a couple of back-to-back showers, which leads to stress in a busy household.
A tankless system heats water on demand, meaning no more cold showers and fewer morning arguments.
For families juggling school, sports, and multigenerational living, this is one feature that makes daily life smoother and far more comfortable.
Hilary Schultz, Owner, Rent to Own Homes Dallas
Plan for Future Space Needs
I know I am an expert at visualizing spaces for my clients, but one thing I underestimated when choosing my own home was flexible living space. I focused solely on the layout and number of bedrooms and did not account for the idea of finding a home that had a basement or room that could be transformed over time. Now, with a growing family and my need for a music studio space, I feel limited by not accounting for the extra space I might have needed.
So, for anyone looking for a home, my advice is to think about your life in different chapters. You should choose a floor plan that can support the person you will be in five or ten years, not simply the person you are today. A house with a partially unfinished basement, large den, or oversized garage has a lot of potential. The additional square footage can change with your life and can become a playroom when the kids are young, a home office if your career changes, or, in my case, a dedicated studio.
Alex Smith, Manager & Co-owner, Render 3D Quick
Prioritize Dedicated Workspace for Remote Work
Looking back, one essential feature I wish I had prioritized when choosing my home was having a dedicated space that could double as a flexible working area. At the time, I thought a desk in the corner of a bedroom would be enough, but with hybrid work and client meetings becoming such a big part of life in Ireland, the lack of a proper workspace has been limiting. A quiet, well-lit room with good connectivity would have made day-to-day work smoother and created a clearer separation between professional and personal time.
For others who are weighing up needs and wants in their home search, my advice would be to think beyond how you live today and consider how your lifestyle and work habits might change. In Ireland, more people are blending remote work, small business ownership, and family life under one roof. Prioritize features that support those realities, such as a flexible spare room, strong broadband, and proximity to community hubs like coworking or serviced office spaces.
In business, we often encourage clients to plan with scalability in mind, and the same principle applies to choosing a home. Focus first on the essentials that will impact your comfort and productivity every single day, and then layer in the wants that add personality and charm once the foundations are in place.
Nick Simmons, Director, Workhub
Consider Ceiling Height for Comfort
The height of the ceiling would have been considered more when choosing my home. A shallower ceiling interferes with the functionality of a room, especially when located in an older house where there may be poor circulation. The 3.2-metre ceiling, as opposed to the traditional 2.4 metres, allows the building to utilize heat more effectively. This heat can be redirected to the surface and therefore does not encourage excessive use of cooling systems during the hot seasons of the year in Melbourne. It also enables you to fit additional concealed electrical fittings in that area, like recessed lighting and duct cabling, which might otherwise clutter the space.
I teach that we should prioritize what people require to feel comfortable in their daily lives and consider the long-term costs, not necessarily what seems beautiful on paper. The ceiling height is one such characteristic that influences airflow, lighting preferences, and daily energy consumption. The cost of this added vertical space is reduced floor space or a smaller backyard, as it is what reinvents the total performance of the home.
Caspar Matthews, Director & Electrician, Electcomm Group Electrical & Data
Evaluate Long-Term Neighborhood Growth Potential
Now that I reflect on my own home-buying experience, one thing I wish I had put more emphasis on was really considering the long-term growth of the neighborhood. It is so easy to get drawn in by the appeal of a property as well as being veered off course by how you feel in the moment. But the real value is in the future. When I purchased it for the first time, I did not even think about new businesses coming into the area or infrastructure that would eventually change the place. If I had, so much would have made more sense regarding where I believe my investment would go for the foreseeable future.
So, when I work with clients, I always stress the importance of thinking beyond what they need now. Ask yourselves, how will your needs change in 5 to 10 years? It’s imperative you think about how the area and the home will continue to evolve with you. Remember, your home is more than a place to sleep at night. It is an investment. You should not buy what you just fit in now; instead, buy what can grow with you and your goals.
Ryan McCallister, President & Founder, F5 Mortgage
Focus on Space and Light Interaction
When I was buying a home, I wish I’d thought more about how space and light work together. Designers get it, but I was too focused on size and looks. Now, I see that layout and sunlight really shape how a home feels every day.
So, when you’re checking out homes, don’t only focus on just the square footage or the upgrades. Focus on the design stuff that changes how you’ll live in the space, like which way the house faces, how rooms flow together, and how much natural light there is. These things don’t just make you feel better; they’re also classic design features that keep their value.
Sebastian Hardy, Co-Founder, Market Your Architecture
Value Room Proportions Over Square Footage
The only thing that I regret is that I did not give as much attention to the height of a ceiling or the proportion of rooms as I did to the square footage. The majority of buyers become obsessed with the number of bedrooms and the overall size, while I knew that generous height could make a space appear bigger than square footage alone could achieve. A house with a tall ceiling is more spacious and cozy compared to a house with a normal ceiling height.
My initial place of residence was spacious in terms of floor area but was lacking in terms of high ceilings to the extent that all the rooms were dark and narrow. The master bedroom was technically spacious with no ceiling, yet the low height was oppressive, and no amount of furniture rearrangement could redeem the space. Meanwhile, the smaller house with high ceilings accommodated a room which, though it would look very spacious and comfortable, would be far less obtrusive than the amount of floor space it would occupy.
The current customer is more conscious of room proportions than focused on square footage. Homes constructed in the past had ceiling heights that new constructions have compromised to save on cost. Even the smallest old house lot, with its well-balanced proportions suggesting an age and grandeur quite impossible in those cramped new houses with their large bathrooms, spare rooms, and other trappings, will always feel more spacious than its actual size would suggest.
Anthony Bowers, Mortgage Consultant, LMIwaiver.com
