How to Create a Wishlist for Your Dream Home

Searching for your dream home in South Jersey is both exciting and overwhelming—especially in vibrant, diverse areas like Burlington and Camden Counties. With so many home styles, neighborhoods, and amenities to choose from, where do you start?

At Quarterman Realty Group, we believe the first step to a successful home search is crafting a thoughtful, personalized wishlist. It’s more than a list of must-haves; it’s a strategy that helps align your goals, needs, and budget.

Here’s how to build a powerful wishlist that simplifies your search and leads you to the perfect home.

Step 1: Define Your “Why”

Before you focus on granite countertops or walk-in closets, start with the bigger picture: why are you moving?

Are you relocating for work in Philadelphia or Camden? Do you need more space for a growing family? Are you downsizing after the kids leave for college? Maybe you're looking for better schools, a shorter commute, or a fresh start.

Knowing your “why” helps clarify your “what.” For example:

• A growing family moving from Philly may want a 4-bedroom home in Mount Laurel with good schools and a safe backyard.
  
  

• A couple working remotely may prioritize a Collingswood or Haddonfield home with walkability and dual home office space.
  
  

• An empty nester may want a low-maintenance townhome in Cinnaminson or Marlton with HOA-covered landscaping.
  
  

Step 2: Set Your Budget With Realistic Expectations

What you want and what you can afford don’t always match—especially in hot markets like Cherry Hill or Moorestown.

That’s why we help clients align their wishlist with real numbers:

• Connect with a local lender for pre-approval
  
  

• Understand monthly payment ranges (including taxes and insurance)
  
  

• Explore different down payment options
  
  

Remember: town-to-town property taxes can vary significantly in South Jersey. A $400,000 home in Voorhees may have a lower monthly cost than a similarly priced one in Riverton due to tax rates.

Step 3: Choose Your Ideal Location(s)

Where you live shapes your lifestyle. We recommend narrowing your search to 2–3 towns or communities based on your needs:

Top Picks in Burlington County:

• Mount Laurel: Great schools, suburban feel, access to Route 38 and I-295
  
  

• Delran: Budget-friendly with parks, shopping, and proximity to Philly
  
  

• Moorestown: Upscale, walkable, award-winning schools, small-town charm
  
  

Top Picks in Camden County:

• Cherry Hill: Diverse housing, top-rated schools, and everything from shopping to nature trails
  
  

• Collingswood: Vibrant downtown, train access, a favorite for younger buyers and creatives
  
  

• Haddon Heights: Quiet streets, great parks, and beautiful historic homes
  
  

Ask yourself:

• How long of a commute am I comfortable with?
  
  

• Do I want a walkable downtown or a more suburban/rural feel?
  
  

• What kind of community do I see myself in—family-oriented, active adult, urban mix?
  
  

Step 4: Divide Your Wishlist Into Must-Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and Deal Breakers

This is the meat of your wishlist. Get specific but stay flexible. A winning strategy is to divide features into these categories:

Must-Haves: (Non-negotiables)

• At least 3 bedrooms
  
  

• First-floor bedroom or full bath
  
  

• Yard for pets or kids
  
  

• Attached garage
  
  

Nice-to-Haves: (Bonus points)

• Home office space
  
  

• Updated kitchen
  
  

• Finished basement
  
  

• Walk to schools or train
  
  

Deal Breakers: (Absolutely not)

• Busy roads
  
  

• Flood zones
  
  

• Major structural issues
  
  

• HOAs with restrictions
  
  

We had a client relocating to Maple Shade who thought they needed a home office—but later realized a finished basement with a flex space was even better. Keeping a little flexibility opens up opportunities.

Step 5: Think About Future-Proofing

Look 3–5 years down the road. Are you planning to:

• Grow your family?
  
  

• Switch to a remote work schedule?
  
  

• Start investing in real estate?
  
  

If so, consider:

• School ratings and district boundaries (like Lenape Regional or Eastern Camden)
  
  

• Walkability and transportation access
  
  

• Lot size or potential for expansion
  
  

• Basement with separate entrance for a future rental unit
  
  

Step 6: Match Style to Lifestyle

Your dream home should reflect your personality and habits.

Do you love entertaining? Look for an open floor plan in a town like Evesham with plenty of backyard space.

Hate maintenance? A condo in Runnemede or townhome in Mount Laurel with HOA lawn care might be ideal.

Love charm and character? You’ll adore early 1900s homes in Collingswood or Haddonfield—just be ready for quirks and updates.

Want something new and modern? Consider newer developments in Westampton, Florence, or Sicklerville.

Bonus: Include Lifestyle Perks

What makes your day-to-day joyful? Add some fun lifestyle preferences to your wishlist:

• Close to nature trails (like Black Run Preserve or Cooper River Park)
  
  

• Proximity to gyms or yoga studios
  
  

• Easy drive to family or friends
  
  

• Great farmers markets or coffee shops
  
  

These may not be “make or break” features—but they do contribute to long-term happiness.

How We Help You Turn That List Into Reality

At Quarterman Realty Group, we walk you through the wishlist creation process in your first buyer consultation. We listen closely, ask the right questions, and refine your search based on:

• Your budget and financing options
  
  

• What’s currently on the market
  
  

• Off-market opportunities from our local agent network
  
  

We even build you a custom search portal, update you with daily matches, and preview listings that check all your boxes.

In one case, we had a buyer moving from NYC with a wishlist that included: 4 beds, walkable community, home office, under $500K. We ended up finding them a stunning home in Merchantville that met every criteria—and helped them close in just 28 days.

Final Thoughts: Your Wishlist is Your Blueprint

The perfect home doesn’t always exist—but the right fit does. Your wishlist is your compass, not a cage.

With our local expertise, you’ll not only find homes that meet your criteria—you’ll discover places you didn’t even know were possible.

Ready to start your journey in Burlington or Camden County? Let's sit down, build your wishlist, and get to work finding your South Jersey dream home.

Reach out today for your free buyer consultation—we're here to help