By Austin Bergman
When buyers begin their home search, square footage is often one of the first metrics they focus on. And while size certainly matters, it’s rarely the factor that determines long-term satisfaction.
I’ve worked with many Fort Lauderdale buyers who initially thought they needed more space, only to realize that layout, light, location, and lifestyle features were far more important once they started touring homes.
Buying the right home means looking beyond the numbers and evaluating how a property will actually support your day-to-day life. In a market as dynamic and lifestyle-driven as Fort Lauderdale, this perspective is essential.
Below is the ultimate home-searching checklist I guide my buyers through—designed to help you make a confident, informed decision that goes well beyond square footage.
Location Within the Location
Most buyers know which Fort Lauderdale neighborhood they want—Las Olas Isles, Coral Ridge, Victoria Park, Harbor Beach, or downtown condo corridors. But within each neighborhood, micro-location matters more than many realize.
Consider proximity to major roads, schools, marinas, beaches, and everyday conveniences. Is the home on a quiet interior street or a high-traffic thoroughfare? How close is it to restaurants, parks, or waterfront access? Two homes with identical square footage can offer completely different experiences depending on where they sit within the neighborhood.
Consider proximity to major roads, schools, marinas, beaches, and everyday conveniences. Is the home on a quiet interior street or a high-traffic thoroughfare? How close is it to restaurants, parks, or waterfront access? Two homes with identical square footage can offer completely different experiences depending on where they sit within the neighborhood.
Floor Plan and Flow
A well-designed 2,200-square-foot home can feel far more functional than a poorly laid-out 3,000-square-foot one. When touring homes, pay close attention to how spaces connect.
Ask yourself whether the layout supports how you actually live. Are the living areas open and inviting, or chopped into disconnected rooms? Is the kitchen positioned for entertaining? Are bedrooms thoughtfully separated for privacy?
In Fort Lauderdale, buyers often value seamless indoor-outdoor flow, so look for layouts that naturally connect living spaces to patios, pools, or balconies.
Ask yourself whether the layout supports how you actually live. Are the living areas open and inviting, or chopped into disconnected rooms? Is the kitchen positioned for entertaining? Are bedrooms thoughtfully separated for privacy?
In Fort Lauderdale, buyers often value seamless indoor-outdoor flow, so look for layouts that naturally connect living spaces to patios, pools, or balconies.
Natural Light and Orientation
Light is a non-negotiable for many South Florida buyers, and for good reason. Homes that are bright feel more welcoming, more spacious, and more aligned with the coastal lifestyle.
Take note of window placement, ceiling height, and the home’s orientation. Does the property receive consistent natural light throughout the day? Are there water, skyline, or garden views being maximized? Impact windows, sliding glass doors, and open sightlines can dramatically enhance a home’s livability, regardless of square footage.
Take note of window placement, ceiling height, and the home’s orientation. Does the property receive consistent natural light throughout the day? Are there water, skyline, or garden views being maximized? Impact windows, sliding glass doors, and open sightlines can dramatically enhance a home’s livability, regardless of square footage.
Outdoor Living Potential
In Fort Lauderdale, outdoor space isn’t a bonus—it’s a core feature. Whether it’s a waterfront dock, a private pool, a balcony, or a landscaped yard, outdoor areas should function as an extension of the home.
When evaluating a property, think about how you’ll use the outdoor space. Is there room to entertain? Does it offer privacy? Is the area usable year-round? A modest interior paired with exceptional outdoor living often delivers more lifestyle value than a larger home without usable exterior space.
When evaluating a property, think about how you’ll use the outdoor space. Is there room to entertain? Does it offer privacy? Is the area usable year-round? A modest interior paired with exceptional outdoor living often delivers more lifestyle value than a larger home without usable exterior space.
Storage and Functional Space
Square footage doesn’t always reflect how well a home handles real life. Storage is a perfect example. Adequate closets, pantry space, laundry rooms, and garage storage can significantly impact daily comfort.
Look beyond bedroom sizes and consider whether the home has space for bikes, beach gear, seasonal items, and hobbies. In condos, evaluate storage cages and parking arrangements. In single-family homes, assess garage layouts and closet depth. These details often become more important after move-in than initial impressions.
Look beyond bedroom sizes and consider whether the home has space for bikes, beach gear, seasonal items, and hobbies. In condos, evaluate storage cages and parking arrangements. In single-family homes, assess garage layouts and closet depth. These details often become more important after move-in than initial impressions.
Noise, Privacy, and Surroundings
During showings, take a moment to pause and listen. Noise levels can vary dramatically depending on traffic patterns, neighboring properties, and building construction.
Privacy is another critical factor. Are you overlooking neighboring windows? Is the outdoor space shielded by landscaping or fencing? In waterfront or condo living, consider boat traffic, marina activity, or shared amenities. A home that feels peaceful and private will enhance quality of life regardless of size.
Privacy is another critical factor. Are you overlooking neighboring windows? Is the outdoor space shielded by landscaping or fencing? In waterfront or condo living, consider boat traffic, marina activity, or shared amenities. A home that feels peaceful and private will enhance quality of life regardless of size.
Condition and Quality of Construction
A larger home with deferred maintenance can quickly become more of a liability than an asset. As you tour properties, pay attention to overall condition and build quality.
Look at roofing age, HVAC systems, windows, and major mechanical components. Inside, notice flooring, cabinetry, and finishes. Well-maintained homes often reflect pride of ownership and reduce the likelihood of unexpected expenses.
In Fort Lauderdale’s climate, construction quality and maintenance history matter immensely.
Look at roofing age, HVAC systems, windows, and major mechanical components. Inside, notice flooring, cabinetry, and finishes. Well-maintained homes often reflect pride of ownership and reduce the likelihood of unexpected expenses.
In Fort Lauderdale’s climate, construction quality and maintenance history matter immensely.
Community and Building Amenities
For condo buyers especially, the building itself is just as important as the unit. Amenities such as pools, fitness centers, security, marina access, and common areas should align with your lifestyle.
Ask about HOA management, financial reserves, and upcoming assessments. A smaller unit in a well-run building often outperforms a larger unit in a poorly managed one when it comes to long-term value and enjoyment.
Ask about HOA management, financial reserves, and upcoming assessments. A smaller unit in a well-run building often outperforms a larger unit in a poorly managed one when it comes to long-term value and enjoyment.
Long-Term Resale and Flexibility
Even if you’re buying a forever home, it’s wise to consider resale potential. Homes with flexible layouts, desirable locations, and timeless features tend to hold value better over time.
Think about how your needs may change. Could a guest room become a home office? Is there space to add value in the future? Evaluating flexibility helps ensure your home continues to serve you well for years to come.
Think about how your needs may change. Could a guest room become a home office? Is there space to add value in the future? Evaluating flexibility helps ensure your home continues to serve you well for years to come.
How I Help Buyers Look Beyond the Numbers
My role isn’t just to show homes—it’s to help buyers interpret them. I guide my clients to focus on livability, lifestyle, and long-term value, not just square footage or listing descriptions. In Fort Lauderdale’s competitive market, this approach leads to smarter decisions and better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Searching Beyond Square Footage
Is square footage still important when buying a home?
Yes, but it should be considered alongside layout, functionality, and lifestyle fit. Size alone doesn’t determine how well a home lives.
How can I tell if a floor plan will work for me?
Imagine your daily routines in the space. I also encourage buyers to think about furniture placement, entertaining flow, and privacy needs during showings.
What matters more: location or home size?
In most cases, location has a greater long-term impact on value and enjoyment than size. A smaller home in the right location often outperforms a larger one in a less desirable area.
Are outdoor spaces really that valuable in Fort Lauderdale?
Absolutely. Outdoor living is a defining feature of South Florida real estate and a major driver of buyer demand.
How do I avoid buyer’s remorse?
Working with an experienced local advisor, staying focused on lifestyle priorities, and looking beyond surface metrics all help prevent regret after closing.
Finding the right home isn’t about chasing the biggest floor plan—it’s about choosing a property that truly supports your lifestyle, goals, and future. I help buyers navigate Fort Lauderdale real estate with clarity, strategy, and confidence, ensuring nothing important gets overlooked.
If you’re planning a move and want expert guidance tailored to your needs, connect with me directly. I look forward to helping you find a home that feels right in every way.
Finding the right home isn’t about chasing the biggest floor plan—it’s about choosing a property that truly supports your lifestyle, goals, and future. I help buyers navigate Fort Lauderdale real estate with clarity, strategy, and confidence, ensuring nothing important gets overlooked.
If you’re planning a move and want expert guidance tailored to your needs, connect with me directly. I look forward to helping you find a home that feels right in every way.
