We Almost Fell in Love with a House… Until We Looked Closer.
Okay, story time.
We were this close to putting in an offer on what we thought was our dream house.
Charming street? Check!
Great curb appeal? Check!
Kitchen that looked like it belonged in an Instagram reel? Check!
We had already mentally moved in, okay? Pinterest boards were updated. Housewarming guest list was forming. We were picking out names for the plants.
But then we stepped back and realized something: we were falling for the vibes, not the bones.
Because behind the shiny backsplash and cozy lighting were a few non-negotiables that… well, should’ve been dealbreakers. But we were too busy admiring the faucet to notice the house was basically laid out like a maze. Like, good luck getting from the kitchen to the dining room without bumping into three corners and a hallway.
And don’t even get us started on the ceilings.
So, if you’re house hunting and wondering how to tell what’s really non-negotiable, here’s the breakdown — from someone who’s stood in a beautiful kitchen and said, “Wait, where’s the laundry room?!”
The REAL Non-Negotiables (That You Can’t Just “Fix Later”)
These are the things that should live at the top of your wish list — the items that are either too expensive or too disruptive to change later on.
1. Schools – If schools matter to you, this is non-negotiable. You can’t renovate your way into a better district.
2. Location – You’ve heard it once and you’ve heard it again, location, location, location. You can change flooring. You can’t change your zip code. Make sure the commute, vibe, and community work for your life.
3. Lot Size – You can always add a patio. You cannot add acreage.
4. Square Footage – Unless you’re planning a full-blown addition (hello, permits and tens of thousands of dollars), you’re living with what’s there.
5. Layout – Knocking out a non-load-bearing wall? No big deal. But if the entire floor plan makes zero sense and needs to be flipped upside down? You’re opening the Pandora’s Box of construction. Think plumbing, electrical, HVAC. It’s not a facelift — it’s a full-blown identity crisis for your house.
6. Ceiling Height – Ceilings are tricky. But here’s a tip: look where they meet the windows. If it feels off, it might be a drop ceiling hiding lights or speakers. Sometimes you can open that up. But actual joist-level ceilings? Changing those = $$$.
What Feels Non-Negotiable (But Actually Isn’t)
These are the things that trick us. They’re flashy, they’re emotional, they’re aesthetic — but they’re fixable.
- Natural Light – You can play with mirrors, paint, and lighting before giving up.
- Flooring – Replaceable. Painful? Yes. Permanent? No.
- Cabinetry – If the layout works, doors and finishes can be updated.
- Paint Colors – Please don’t eliminate a house because the walls are mauve.
- Fixtures – Swap the light fixture. Keep the location.
TLDR
Falling in love with a house too quickly is kind of like dating someone because they have great shoes.
Shoes can be changed. Values — aka location, layout, lot size — cannot.
Start your house hunt with a strong filter. Know what’s truly non-negotiable for you — the things you can’t build, buy, or fake later.
Trust us. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
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