One of the smartest moves you can make as a homebuyer today is also one of the simplest: keep your wish list flexible.

Think of your wish list and budget as the boundaries of your home search. If your budget has to stay put, try adjusting the list — ask which features you really need versus which are nice-to-have. A small compromise could be what turns feeling stuck into getting the keys to your next home.

More buyers are turning to that strategy to make homes more affordable. A recent Cotality study found 70% of buyers ended up giving up one or more items from their original wish list, even though only 33% expected they would need to compromise before they began looking.

They discovered something while searching: the things you can’t change matter a lot more than the things you can update later.

You can:

• Install hardwood floors

• Add those marble countertops you’ve been dreaming about

• Upgrade the bathrooms down the line when it makes sense

Some things aren’t as simple to do:

• Adding more land

• Adding extra bedrooms or bathrooms

• Moving your house closer to the people you love

What really counts are the location, the layout, and the home's underlying structure — those matter a lot more than cosmetic touches you can update later. Once you realize that, you’re in a much stronger position.

A Simple Step That’ll Open More Doors

If your search feels stuck or online listings just aren’t clicking, try this quick exercise to reset things. Write down every feature you want in a home, then sort those items into three buckets: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers.

• Must-Haves: These are your deal-breakers—the things you really need to make everyday life work, like the number of bedrooms, a reasonable commute, accessibility, safety, or being close to family and your support system.

• Nice-to-Haves: Features that would make life more enjoyable but aren’t essential. Think fenced-in backyard, dual closets in the master, or a stamped patio.

• Dream Features: The extras that would be amazing to have—the “one day, I want…” kind of things. They’re wonderful if you get them, but it’s totally okay if you don’t—for now.

Once you break your list into categories, you’ll see something: your wish list can either narrow your choices or expand them.

Sometimes we treat “nice-to-haves” like nonnegotiables. Relax one or two, and more homes open up — maybe even ones you skimmed over that could actually fit your lifestyle.

Small Flexibility, Big Payoff

Your next home doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to have the things that matter most to you.

Maybe it means looking at a home that needs just a few cosmetic updates. Maybe it means opting for a smaller yard to get a better location.

These aren’t sacrifices — they’re smart trade-offs to help you get into a home. Cosmetic stuff can be fixed later, but good bones, a functional layout, and the right location set you up for the long haul.

An Agent Helps You See the Possibilities

If you’re unsure which things to stand firm on and where you can be flexible, a trusted agent can make a big difference. They’ll point out the best opportunities, explain which features are worth insisting on, and help you decide which upgrades can wait until later.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle, let’s go over your wish list together. With a local expert by your side, a bit of flexibility can open up a lot more possibilities.