As we celebrate Valentine's Day, what about houses? What makes us fall in love?
A survey by Realtor.com shows that falling head over heels for a house is fairly common. Of the respondents, 69% reported that they have had a home crush. House hunters with a "home crush," as defined in the survey, are drawn to the same house again and again.
Many people approach house hunting the same way they approach dating, by checking compatibility and fit, but the tangible factors are what tips a house from crush to true love.
Also like dating, men and women approach a home crush very differently.
Women are more likely to crush on a home that is out of their price range. 41% of women said their home crush is out of their price range, compared to 30% of men.
Men tend to move from one home crush to another. 36% of men said they find a new home crush weekly, compare to 29% of women.
What attracts both men and women?
Outdoor living spaces are the most attractive. 54% of women and 46% of men said outdoor living spaces like backyards, decks, and patios make them fall in real estate love. In addition, 42% of women preferred open floor plans, and 40% men indicated garages.
Today, nearly 80% of home buyers first find their home crush on their computer. After that, about 1/3 then decode to go see the house in person.
Love can have a downside, heartbreak.
You have to be realistic. When you're looking at homes outside of your price range, the last thing you want to be is disappointed. It would be like falling in love with someone on the other side of the country. A good idea is to considered several houses at the same time, in case your first choice does not work out.
Fortunately, unlike with relationships, picky home buyers do not need to limit themselves to what's on the market, rebuilding, redecorating, or building from scratch are an option, too.