Feelings About Buying a Home
How gender and age affect your decision when buying a home
By: Leah Ingram
March 27, 2012
When I first walked into the house my husband and I bought five years ago, I knew the minute I stepped through the door that this house was "home." It reminded me of my grandmother's house where I spent many happy hours as a child, and everything about the place—even the outdated wallpaper, and the blue toilet and bathtub in the master bathroom—made it feel homey. We made an offer that day.
Many others feel the same way when buying a home. In fact, a new survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate shows that homebuyers rely on how they feel and how their lifestyle fits into a home when looking for a place to live. Here are some of the survey's findings:
28 percent of women and 25 percent of men put more emphasis on their feelings about a home than they do on the layout, square footage, or price.
Many women (62 percent) and men (61 percent) also know within the first visit if the home is right for them. (Sounds like my experience to a tee!)
Interestingly, as age increases, so does contentment with the current status of the home. Almost half (45 percent) of those older than 55 say they are very happy with their home just the way it is. (Could that be why I don't mind the blue toilets?)
"A home is more than square-footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and this survey shows just how much emotion can play a role in home buying process," says Jessica Edwards, Coldwell Banker Real Estate consumer specialist. "When two people are looking for a home together, there are many considerations to take into account. Of course, price and layout matter, but 'feeling at home' is an important factor."
For couples considering buying a home, here are 3 tips for harmonious house hunting:
Each person should come up with a list of a few things that are most important and then come together as a couple to decide on a list of the top three to five things that are important for the home.
When looking for a home, communication is key. Consider designating a point person for different aspects of the home-buying process, so that information is not delayed or communicated to just one part of the couple.
Don't get too many people involved; typically more people means more stress and what is most important is that the couple is happy with the decisions being made.