How Do Men and Women Approach the Home Buying Process

It’s Valentine’s Day and Trulia hired Harris Interactive to conduct a survey that looks at
the differences between men and women in the home buying process. The question was asked if a couple was in the market for their first home or condo, what are the different amenities that make men and women fall in love with the property? Secondly, Harris Interactive explored the desirability of a mate with regard to their current living situation. Is home-ownership more desirable in attracting dates?

Let’s start with women, where their priorities seem to be a gorgeous, master bathroom (75%), ample walk-in closets (72%), and a gourmet kitchen (62%). Surprisingly, men seem to value the importance of a walk in closet (55%), gourmet kitchen (51%) and the outdoor deck (51%) equally. The biggest difference between men and women reported in the survey is the need for that “man cave/entertainment center”. 42% of men surveyed considered this important as compared to 28% of the women. With this particular information in hand, perhaps the “man cave” issue should be negotiated and resolved prior to the couple starting their new home search.

Than again, if men and women buy when they were single they could avoid the whole lovers “man cave” spat completely.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies:

1. More than one in five home buyers is a single woman.
2. Twice as many unmarried women are buying homes than single men.
3. Single women make up more than one-third of the growth in real estate ownership since 1994.

Are women buying real estate in order to avoid the home entertainment nightmare? No, not according to the Harris survey:

1. 63% of unmarried US adults said homeowners had no significant advantage in attracting date.

2. 19% of men preferred dating homeowners compared to 36% of women who preferred someone who owned property.

3. 43% of unmarried US adults said that home-ownership is not an indication of a person’s desire to get married or be in a serious, long-term relationship.

4. 62% said that they would rather date someone who lives alone.

5. 74% of those surveyed said that they’d be willing to consider living with their significant other in order to save money.

Perhaps, men and women aren't so different in their desire to buy a house or condo that
they can call their own. After all, this Valentine’s Day the top amenity that both men and women love is a glamourama master bath. Next year, perhaps, Trulia should survey the relationship between a “man cave” and floating rose petals in the master bedroom bath.