Anyone else incapable of making BIG life decisions without a pack of sticky notes!?
This exercise is designed to bring clarity to what you really want in a vacation home so that your search feels less overwhelming and more purposeful.
Step 1: Gather Materials
—A stack of sticky notes
—A pen or marker
—A wall, table, or window where you can move and organize your notes
Step 2: Dream About Location
On separate sticky notes, write down your answers to these questions (one idea per note):
—How often do you plan on using your vacation home?
—Is it a weekend retreat or a seasonal escape?
—What seasons do you envision being there—winter ski trips, summer lake days, or year-round visits?
—How far are you willing to travel?
—Would you prefer to drive, or are you comfortable flying there?
—What types of settings do you like—coastal, mountain, countryside, urban centers, etc.?
—What contrasts are you seeking? If you live in a city, do you crave nature and solitude? If you’re in the suburbs, is walkability key?
—What activities matter most to you? Beaches, skiing, hiking, wineries, or proximity to cultural attractions?
💡 If you don’t already have a location in mind, these notes will help you discover possible destinations.
Step 3: Dream About the House
Now think about the property itself. Again, one answer per sticky note:
—What do you want in a vacation home that your primary residence doesn’t have—space, privacy, water access, or something else?
—How many people will it need to accommodate? Just your immediate family or a large extended group?
—How many bedrooms and bathrooms would you prefer?
—What amenities would make this home a dream? A fireplace, pool, hot tub, water access, a backyard?
—What’s your ideal design aesthetic? Modern, rustic, coastal chic?
💡 Browse listings on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com with no budget in mind. Note features that spark your interest—even small ones (like child-safe railings or a bathtub). Write them down on a sticky note.
Step 4: Prioritize Your Notes
Stick all your notes to the wall.
Rank them vertically: most important at the top, least at the bottom.
Draw a metaphorical line horizontally:
Above the line = Non-negotiables (must-haves)
Below the line = Nice-to-haves (bonuses)
💡 If buying with a partner, debate together and agree on where the line should sit.
Step 5: Create Your Vision
Transfer your sticky notes into the Vacation Home Vision template. This should be your compass during your property search.
Rule out any home that doesn’t have your non-negotiables.
For homes that meet them, use your nice-to-haves as a point system to compare properties: 1 point per each attribute it has.
If a house lacks some nice-to-haves, ask: can they be added later?
Why This Works
Clarity creates confidence: You’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.
Prioritization avoids overwhelm: Non-negotiables vs. nice-to-haves keeps you focused.
Protection from emotional bias: Helps you see past rose-colored glasses during tours.
Your vision = your compass: A personalized checklist that guides every decision.
👉 By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a clear, actionable definition of your dream vacation home—and a framework to evaluate each property you see with confidence.
