Home & Family
What Men Want in a New Home by Kristy Armand
Men and women may agree that there is no place like home, but when it comes to choosing a new home, they don’t always see eye-to-eye on what matters most. Research shows that overall, men and women look at homes in totally different ways: women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of their homes as an extension of their personalities and hobbies. Home sellers should keep this and other key points in mind when they have their home on the market, and when they are staging their home for showing. “It’s also important for sellers to realize that although there are key differences in what features of a home matter most to men and women, there are also plenty of areas where priorities overlap,” Grace Robideaux, agent with Century 21 Bessette, said. “A big mistake many home sellers make is using stereotypical gender thinking when it comes to targeting potential home buyers. Men care about open floor plans and extra storage spaces too, for example. They aren’t just worried about the roof and the central air unit. It’s important for sellers to be aware of what matters to males and not leave them out of critical discussions related to these features. Doing so could mean missing out on a sale.”
Key Home-Shopping Differences Between the Sexes Women tend to make up their minds more quickly about a home than men. One recent study published in the Daily Real Estate News found that 70 percent of women surveyed said they made up their mind about a home the day they walked in, compared with 62 percent of men who said they needed two or more visits before deciding. Women are more likely to look at a home with an eye for décor changes. Men are more apt to focus on and ask questions about the functionality. It may come as a surprise, but women are more likely to read the small print in purchase negotiations. Men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections. Women tend to look for cozier settings or rooms that facilitate intimate conversations, while males gravitate toward rooms with gadgets, televisions and electronics. Open spaces and higher ceilings are a bigger draw for men – it satisfies their psychological need for a larger sense of personal space. The yard is higher up on a male’s priority list. A well-maintained lawn, including healthy grass, minimal bushes to trim and easy-to-clean beds will help make the sale. In addition, younger men are more likely to prefer a bigger yard; older men want something smaller that requires less upkeep. Garages are more important to men. They look for multiple parking spaces, painted walls, clean floors and space for storage and projects. Robideaux says couples shopping for a home should discuss the things at the top of their individual “must-have” lists before they start looking. “This will give you the chance to recognize the differences and the similarities between the two lists, and identify areas of compromise before you start looking at homes. This will save you a lot of time – and frustration – throughout the process.” For more information about selling a home, call CENTURY 21 Bessette at 474-2185 or visit www.century21-bessette.com.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Top 10 Features Men Look for in a Home: • Garage or designated parking spaces • Master suite versus just a bedroom • Ample storage space • Guest/spare bedroom • Large closets • Outdoor entertainment area • Updated kitchen • Breakfast room or eat-in kitchen • Recreation room (man cave) • Large yard February 2012