Wish List vs. Must Have List
Raise your hand if you purchased a home that had every single feature you told your Realtor you wanted? Probably not many hands going up. The reality is that most people have to rethink priorities and make some concessions during the home search process. Buyers often start with a long “wish list” and eventually widdle it down to a more realistic “must-have list”. Despite what your Instagram algorithm is feeding you, the perfect house doesn’t exist, so setting expectations and ranking priorities is vital.
The Wasatch Front offers diverse styles to match every preference with four seasons of mountain sunrises and lavender sunsets over the Great Salt Lake.
Something For Everyone
Mountain Green in Morgan County has a ski town vibe without the Park City prices. The fastest growing city in Davis County is Syracuse, aka the “Gateway to Antelope Island”. Syracuse was Utah’s 6th fastest town in 2024, according to the Census Bureau.
Comparing the communities of Mountain Green and Syracuse demonstrates the range of options in location and recreational activities (think mountain biking versus duck hunting) that you can find in Northern Utah. The architectural styles of the homes in each place are also unique.
Each of Utah’s enclaves showcase specific styles – American Colonial, Tudor, Victorian, and Modern Mountain, just to name a few.
Each of these distinct construction styles has quirks that reflect the era in which they were built. For example, Split Level homes, which are common in Layton and Cottonwood Heights, were designed for efficiency and affordability. With that comes stairs, and if you don’t do stairs then a Split Level is not for you. Determining your wants and needs with the support of a professional and experienced Realtor will set you up for success.
A throwback to fun magazine quizzes, this questionnaire is intended to help you identify your priorities at the beginning of the house hunting process.
Take The Quiz
1. What traits are most important to you in a home?
A.) Character and history
B.) Functionality and clean lines
C.) Natural light, warmth, and connection to nature
D.) Sustainability
2. What word best describes the kind of community you envision yourself in?
A.) Quaint
B.) Family-friendly
C.) Private
D.) Energetic
3. Which neighborhood amenities would make you happy?
A.) Tree lined streets near shops, restaurants and culture
B.) Suburb near parks with walkable schools
C.) Mountain views near trails and natural land
D.) Walkability, public transit and accessible green spaces
4. What is more important, space or location?
A.) I value both but lean toward established neighborhoods
B.) I need a balance of both
C.) I want space, even if it’s farther out
D.) I’ll take less space for prime location
5. On the weekend, where are you most likely to be seen?
A.) Walking to a local coffee shop or a listening to a concert at Red Butte Garden
B.) Hosting a dinner party with friends or attending a local sporting event
C.) Enjoying outdoor recreation; hiking, biking, skiing
D.) Local Farmer’s Market or shopping at a nursery selecting your newest house plant
6. How do you feel about color in your home?
A.) I love bold colors and layered textures
B.) I prefer clean, minimal palettes—neutrals or monochromes
C.) Inspired by the Rocky Mountains; deep forest green, rich stone grays or cool blues
D.) Natural, non-toxic warm beiges, sage greens or soft browns for durability
7. Rate your attitude towards home upkeep
A.) I enjoy doing projects that add personality to the home
B.) Low-maintenance with modern systems and materials
C.) I’m fine with occasional upkeep as long as it adds value
D.) Minimal but will to keep energy efficiency and up to date standards
8. What lot size (acreage) is practical and your attitude with landscaping?
A.) Small to moderate size; I love gardening and mature landscaping
B.) Moderate to large; fenced yard for pets, kids, and weekend bar-b-ques
C.) Large; I like privacy, the option to have additional storage and entertaining space
D. ) Minimalist; I’d prefer a balcony or shared green space
9. How much interior space do you need?
A.) Just what I use daily—efficient layout over square footage
B.) I need space for gatherings and hobbies
C.) A multi-bedroom setup with room for family or guests
D.) Less is more; enough space to make it feel cozy but not overwhelming
10. What sparks joy in your home?
A.) One of a kind aesthetics curated to give a sense of soul and story
B.) Room to grow a family/host family with modern conveniences
C.) A connection to the great outdoors
D.) A quiet, personal retreat
RESULTS: What’s Your Home Style Match?
Mostly A’s: Historic Home
You value charm and character with a strong sense of place. You don’t mind a little upkeep if it means a beautiful, storied home in a mature neighborhood.
Neighborhoods to Consider: Avenues, Federal Heights, Highland Park, Marmalade, Millcreek, Sugarhouse, Yalecrest
Mostly B’s: Suburban Craftsman, Ranch or New Construction
You’re looking for balance: comfort, community, and function. Your ideal home has practical upkeep, outdoor space, and nearby amenities.
Neighborhoods to Consider: Daybreak, Draper, Kaysville, North Salt Lake, South Weber, Syracuse, West Haven, West Layton, Woods Cross
Mostly C’s: Mountain Retreat
You crave calm, nature inspired design rooted in your surroundings, along with functionality. You are willing to sacrifice convenience for the things that ground you; privacy, the mountains, and being outdoors.
Neighborhoods to Consider: Alpine, Arlington Hills, Bountiful, Capitol Hill, Canyon Rim, Cottonwood Heights, East Bench/St. Mary’s, Mountain Green, Olympus Cove, Ogden East Bench
Mostly D’s – Modern Condo or Urban Loft
You’re a city lover who craves convenience and eco-friendly style. Low-maintenance living with walkability is a must. Your priorities include being environmentally responsible, to include a low waste lifestyle.
Neighborhoods to Consider: Avenues, Central City (SLC), Downtown (SLC),Farmington (Station Park), Millcreek, Murray, South Jordan, South Temple (SLC)
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve taken the quiz, check out our Neighborhood Pages for more information about the communities that match your criteria and take a look at our current listings to see if any of these fit the bill. Contact me today to schedule a consultation, I would love to help you find your match!
Kerry Harding is a Realtor with Niche Homes, specializing in Military Relocation and the Avenues neighborhood.
