Okay - making it real involves engagement. So happy to have found this one recently - perfect in every way for one lady who knows her homecraft. I grew up in privately owned homes and owned with my late husband and on my own after his early sudden passing. Later, I opted for a bit to NOT own a home. Ten rents later, I am looking at a home again. "Both sides now" was a popular song but I guess that is how I feel. Experience and several arrangements with varying details taught me well. Doing it so that I can enjoy these last independent years and rent a room then pay an aide to enjoy it as I age...Popular path today.

A quick list to start: cost of operation a big factor Green a big factor - sustainable

fixeruppers are fine - moneysaving and room to make it the perfect place in renovations.
yard for healthy pleasure with air, lawn and gardens
garage not visible from the main front of home
soundness in construction quality - foundations, framings, roof, siding, chimneys
plumbing, electrical and heating/AC up to date and even innovative - solar power YES
floors - same throughout the home with sound underlayments
walls - open floor plan, with some walls removed to optimize size and flow and light
ceilings - done nicely and high where possible - exposed beams and light fixtures
lighting adjustable and solar-powered
shelves, counters, built-ins : NO sharp corners, for safety - square with rounding off...or