How to determine your list of ‘must have non-negotiables’ when buying luxury homes

DETERMINE YOUR LIST OF ‘MUST HAVE NON-NEGOTIABLES’ WHEN BUYING LUXURY PROPERTY

When buying a new home, we understand that there are endless features desired. It’s no wonder that the list of what is wanted to make a property our ideal home can be long.  Most discerning buyers have a unique picture in their mind of what they like and when properties fall short in one or more areas, they get discouraged and end up losing out on homes that could be the perfect fit. In this article, you will learn how to make a streamlined list of ‘must have non-negotiables’ that can be used as a foundation to start your home search.

Once the foundation is set, we can then narrow down the list further to homes that truly fit your vision. The goal is to give you more choices so you will see all active inventory that could be an option instead of a handful of ones that limit your possibilities. 

Before considering Charlotte Lake Norman luxury homes and planning for your move, let’s make a list that you can send directly to your Broker / Realtor with some of these common must haves for luxury properties. After reflecting on what is important to you and your family, write down some of your wants and needs. Luxury homes on Lake Norman in Charlotte, NC, are still in high demand, and if you rush into your purchase without thinking it through, you could end up moving again sooner than expected.

Choosing Your Luxury Haven: Waterfront Bliss or Serene Woodland Retreat?

When it comes to purchasing a luxury home, the decision is not just about square footage and architectural design. It’s about crafting your own personal haven, a retreat that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. One crucial choice often arises: Should you opt for the allure of a waterfront property with a boat dock or embrace the tranquility of a natural wooded landscape?

There is a huge allure for waterfront properties. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves and a breathtaking sunrise over the water. Waterfront homes offer unparalleled views and a sense of tranquility that is hard to match. If you own your own boat and are searching for lakeside living or desire the opulent view of the water while hosting a dinner party, then a waterfront property is the right choice. 

While the waterfront lifestyle is undeniably luxurious, it comes with its own set of responsibilities and costs. Regular maintenance of the shoreline, dock, and other waterfront features is crucial and can be costly. There is another option where you live in a lakeside community with your own boat dock or slip located a few short steps from your home.  While this doesn’t always have the pristine views that waterfront offers, it does allow you a lake lifestyle with lower maintenance and costs.

And finally, if you are a nature lover who values solitude and privacy, a home surrounded by lush trees providing a natural barrier from the outside world could be calling your name. The serenity of a wooded landscape can be the perfect antidote to a busy lifestyle. Bsinging in the morning, deer wandering through your property – the wooded retreat is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Weighing the Trade-offs: Making Your Decision

In the end, the choice between a waterfront property with a boat dock or boat slip versus a home surrounded by trees is a deeply personal one. Both options offer distinct lifestyles and experiences. Take the time to envision your daily routine, your ideal weekends, and the atmosphere you want to come home to. Whether it’s the rhythmic sounds of waves or the rustle of leaves, your luxury haven awaits – tailor it to match your dreams and aspirations.

Outdoor Living is a Way of Life

In the vibrant cities around Lake Norman, sunny days prevail, and outdoor living is a way of life, the allure of a well-designed outdoor space cannot be overstated. With Lake Norman offering a picturesque backdrop, homeowners are discovering the joy of extending their living spaces beyond the four walls of their homes. With approximately 214 sunny days per year, the region provides an ideal canvas for creating an outdoor haven that includes custom pools, open living spaces, and expansive outdoor kitchens.

Charlotte’s warm climate invites residents to bask in the sunshine, but let’s be real here…the presence of mosquitoes can sometimes dampen the outdoor experience. Screened porches become a sanctuary, allowing homeowners to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of Lake Norman while keeping insects at bay. It also extends the functionality of your home, offering a versatile space that can be used for relaxing, dining, or entertaining guests.

Determining what outdoor living experience, you must have will go a long way in your search.  If you feel a screened in porch is non-negotiable but an outdoor kitchen and pool can be added at a later date then have your Realtor search for properties big enough to add on the things you desire so long as it has the porch you must have from day one.

Kitchen, Baths, and Media Rooms—Oh My!

Navigating luxury home amenities is one of the most challenging lists to narrow down for discerning buyers. We get it! The quest for the perfect home goes beyond architectural elegance and square footage. It’s about crafting a living space that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle and indulges your desires for opulence and comfort.

Although not easy, as you narrow down the must have non negotiables inside the home, you’ll be amazed at properties that come up on the search giving you even more than you thought possible.

The Stately Kitchen: A Culinary Masterpiece

Those with a passion for cooking and entertaining, a vast, stately kitchen equipped with the latest upscale appliances is a non-negotiable luxury. Imagine preparing culinary masterpieces in a space that blends functionality with aesthetics, where every detail is meticulously designed for the gourmet enthusiast.

Opulent Retreats: Bathrooms and Primary Bedrooms

The main bedroom in a luxury home is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a sanctuary. Expansive layouts, plush furnishings, and panoramic views create an environment that exudes comfort and sophistication allowing you to relax and take in a good book in a spa like bathroom.  What really matters when you think of the bedrooms and bathrooms you desire in your home?  Do you value a large closet over large primary bedroom? Are you one to enjoy a project and look forward to remodeling the bathroom to fit your needs?  The options are endless.

Entertainment Extravaganza: Media Rooms and Family Spaces

For those with growing families or a love of entertaining, a dedicated media or entertainment room is a game-changer. On Lake Norman, it is common to have basement spaces that add a completely separate entertainment hub for the whole family to enjoy.  Wine cellars, pool tables, media theatres, additional bedrooms, and full kitchens are often found in Lake Norman luxury properties. This space, whether in the basement or a specially designed room, becomes the heart of family gatherings, providing a haven for movie nights, game days, and socializing.

Home Size – What’s too big or too small?

A big non-negotiable item for your family is the size of the home.  Depending on who will be living with you or visiting regularly, changes the size and square footage you will need. Luxury homes on Lake Norman in Charlotte, NC come in all shapes and sizes, but from my experience when moving here, the homes are bigger than average in most states and countries around the world. No matter what size you need there will be something for you!

Do you need a home office?  How many bedrooms are necessary?  Does every bedroom need a bathroom or can you share? Are you wanting a home gym to improve your quality of life?  Are you a wine enthusiast and want a wine celler? If you still can’t decide, start a home search with the space you can’t live without and then see what that is out there offers even more than you imagined. Remember it is not how much space you have, but how you use the space to improve your quality of life.

Community to Work or Must Have Local Amenities


Location. Location. Location.  We hear it often, however, when buying luxury homes on Lake Norman, it is absolutely true.  Your location matters!  Here are things to consider that can make your home location perfectly matched to your lifestyle.

  • Do you have to commute to Charlotte?  Then cities like Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and southern parts of Mooresville will be ideal. Think about how far and how often you will have to drive into the city.
  • Are your kids school age?  Do you want them to attend public, private, or charter schools? All are available in the area and it’s not uncommon for parents to drive 30 minutes to drop their kids at their school of choice.
  • What is an ideal night out?  Cozying up with a good book overlooking the lake or experiencing a local community event?
  • How active are you? Do you enjoy golf, tennis, hiking, or boating? You might want to prioritize master planned communities that have country clubs offering all of the above.
  • Do you love to swim? Desire a boat dock? Don’t discount neighborhoods that offer HOA’s that not only keep the property values up, but they have community events and activities for the whole family.

If you are like many of my home buyers, you have probably created a long list of ‘must have non-negotiables’ and my advice is to go back through and make sure everything on that list is something you just can’t live without.  Then it’s time to start your search by working with a great Broker / Realtor. Not all realtors are created equal and you want to find someone who has your best interest at heart and offers the elevated experience you deserve. 

When you’re ready reach out to Kimjera Whittington. Kimjera’s transforming the real estate industry with her innovative approach to client-broker relationships and storytelling marketing.  With two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and real estate, she understands that the true value of her enterprise lies in the strength and endurance of the relationships she cultivates with her clients and innovative marketing that delivers results.

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