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Male Versus Female Differences in Buying a House
As a modern thinker, you probably believe that men and women are pretty much the same under the surface. Unfortunately, that's not true. When you're selling your home, it's important to realize that a few traditional men vs. women differences are alive and well and they can affect the sale of your home. Our REALTORS® view these differences as a challenge. As we market your home, we work with you to prevent them from becoming a roadblock to selling your home.
Man vs. Woman: Together But Different
When significant others search for their dream home, they scan listings, discuss properties and attend open houses together. Only as they examine each property with a critical eye, do their male versus female homeowner value systems clash. Couples often follow a pattern documented by real estate researchers. They arrive together to view your home but they look for different things.
- Women require safety
When a woman home-buyer searches for a good neighborhood, safety is her primary concern. She wants to feel secure in her home and anxiety-free if she takes an evening stroll through her neighborhood.
A man will choose convenience over safety. An occasional police run in his neighborhood doesn't bother him as long as his favorite eating and drinking spots are within walking distance. - Women want friends and family nearby
Women are friendlier than men. (It's not a stereotype if it's true.) Women want friends and family nearby. They want their homes to be a hub for friendly gatherings and family fun.
Men, don't care whether friends and family live nearby. They just want to live close to their workplace and they want neat and quiet neighbors. - Women want demographic sameness
A woman prefers neighbors whose work and social lives mirror her own. If she has a young family, she wants to live near other young families. If she's a retiree, she wants retiree neighbors.
Men don't care about demographics as long as their neighbors don't cause conflict. - Women like white paint and sunlight
Women home buyers prefer an open floor plan, blank white walls, and rooms bathed in a generous infusion of light.
Men think den. That usually means dark wood, dark fabric, and dark leather. - Women want spacious bedrooms
A woman wants a boudoir, a bedroom with dreamscape potential. She prefers an abundance of space, a luxurious bath, generous closets, and plenty of room for anything else she desires.
Men don't mind a compact bedroom as long as there's space enough to do whatever they want in other areas of the house. - Women want space in the kitchen too
When a woman home-buyer looks at a kitchen, she contemplates cooking and entertaining. She wonders if the layout is big enough and efficient enough for smooth meal preparation.
A man explores a kitchen looking for updated fixtures and high-tech gadget potential: electronic ovens, trendy built-ins appliances, and wireless-connected refrigerators. - Women look at the inspection bottom line
Women review inspection reports for conclusions. They just want to know if everything is okay. They don't need to know the details.
Men prefer to avoid handyman specials. They prevent this by scrutinizing every detail an inspector writes about electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and other critical home systems.
We're Here to Help
When you're struggling with man versus woman home buying difficulties, our real estate agents can help you overcome them by presenting your home in the best possible light. Contact us for more information about the realities of selling your home.
