Is it possible to find the perfect house for your situation?

Everyone has their own vision of the “perfect house” and many buyers begin the quest to find the idea that matches what is in their head, favorite TV show or magazine. It happens not only when buying a house, but also when renovating an existing home. Even I’ve found myself embracing the quest for the one that checks all the boxes!

Having learned a few things over the years, let me begin by saying: “my mother was right!” From day one, she championed the importance of storage and how you can never have too much. Even if you only have one pet, life can change in the blink of an eye, and storage is something that is essential.

Organization is a wonderful side effect of storage, as evidenced in a house I showed in Milford last week. Everything in their spacious closet was beautifully labelled and organized, from yard clothes to winter sweaters.

During my kitchen remodel, my Mother suggested a pantry. While not everyone needs a pantry, it comes in handy to hold the large containers of food purchased at Costco, the odd shaped platters and serving pieces — you get the idea.

Not every home will have a pantry, but look carefully to see if the kitchen layout has enough room to accommodate whatever you use for cooking preparation and entertaining.

Aside from advice from Mom, unless you’re buying your own home haven, you’ll have input from your spouse, partner, kids and well-meaning friends. There really is no perfect home — real estate is more like matchmaking.

You find the one that has many qualities you love, knowing that it won’t be perfect, but with time you can find a way to make it into exactly what makes you happy when you come home each day. Just don’t compromise on things that can’t be changed — like location!

Betsy Baldwin Anderson, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, (203) 641-3233, banderson@wpsir.com