Your Luxury Dream Home Checklist

The importance of the location of your luxury dream home can’t be overstated. Think about the lifestyle you want and how your home’s location supports it. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to be in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a rural retreat?  (Think a loft on F Street near the National Portrait Gallery, a home in Chevy Chase Village or a farm in Leesburg.)
• Is proximity to work, schools, or public transportation a priority?
• What amenities do I need nearby, such as shopping, fine dining, parks, or healthcare facilities?

Your dream home should fit your current needs and future plans. Consider:

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?  Guest space? Room for staff?
• Do I want an open-concept floor plan or more defined spaces?
• Is there enough storage, or do I need a garage, basement, or attic?  How many cars do I need to protect? a Gullwing Mercedes or a vintage Cobra? what about my wine collection or signed sports memorabilia?

Your home’s design sets the tone for daily life. Visualize:

• What architectural style resonates with me (contemporary, colonial, Victorian, Italianate etc.)?
• Are there specific features I’d love, like fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, or large windows?
• Do I prefer move-in ready or a fixer-upper I can personalize?

Your outdoor area is an extension of your luxury dream home. Think about:

• Do I need a backyard for kids, pets, or gardening?
• Would I like a koi pond, patio, balcony, deck or salt water or fresh water pool for entertaining?
• Does the property need to be fenced and gated?
• How much maintenance am I willing to handle?

Modern buyers often prioritize eco-friendly features. Ask:

• Does the home have energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation?
• Does the home have the capability of functioning off the grid in the event of a natural disaster?
• Are there opportunities for solar panels or other green upgrades?
• How does the property’s energy use align with my values?

While you’re buying for today, it’s smart to think about tomorrow – even in the luxury dream home market:

• Is the home in a growing area with increasing property values?
• Does it have features that are universally appealing to future luxury home buyers?
• Are there potential risks, such as flood zones or overdeveloped neighborhoods, which will impact your future enjoyment?

Inventory is improving but it is still lower in late 2024 than it was five years ago.  It is really important to be laser focused on what you want in a home so that when that perfect luxury dream home comes on the market, it shows up in your search notification immediately.  Differentiating between essentials and extras will keep your search focused. Your must-haves might include things like a certain lot or acreage size or being within a specific school district, while nice-to-haves luxury touches could be a wine cellar, home gym or walk-in closets because those things can typically be added post purchase.

Searching for your luxury dream home can be confusing, particularly in a hot spring market or one which offers limited inventory.  Taking the time to establish your must haves will help you when you find a property that might be “IT.”  What happens when you only have a few hours to decide whether to make an offer or not? You have to know what you are looking for – and have confidence that this property is the right one so that you can move forward.

As your trusted realtor, I’m here to help you refine your luxury dream home checklist and turn it into reality. Let’s sit down and discuss what’s most important to you so we can find a home that truly fits your goals and lifestyle. Contact me today at 240-401-5577 or by email at lise@lisehowe.com to begin your journey!