Swipe Right for Single 4BR that Loves to Cook

Home Buying Abby Wilson February 17, 2025

House hunting and dating share more in common than you might think. Both involve scrolling through endless profiles, judging by looks from the comfort of your couch, and hoping to find "the one." Let’s dive into the amusing parallels between these two adventures, how navigating the world of real estate can sometimes feel like looking for love online, and some common traps to avoid.

  1. The Perfect Profile Picture: Just like with online dating, the first impression when viewing homes online is all about the photos. We’ve all been there—clicking on a listing with a stunning exterior shot, only to find the interior looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 1970s. Similarly, that suave profile pic might not tell the full story.
  2. Being Catfished: One of our clients commented last year at a house we toured together that she felt “catfished.” The house was beautiful online, but when we arrived it was clear that although they weren’t fake per se, there was a loooot of airbrushing.
  3. The Overzealous Descriptions: In both realms, descriptions can be, shall we say, "optimistic." A cozy studio apartment in the listing translates to "you can touch all four walls from one spot." In the dating world, "adventurous" might mean skydiving every weekend, or it could mean trying oat milk. Deciphering these descriptions is half the battle—and the fun.  As soon as we see the word stunning, we’re ready to be disappointed. Yes, we have been proven wrong, but most of the time someone has been lazy with a thesaurus.
  4. The Needle in a Haystack: Whether you’re searching for a home or a heartthrob, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, and it can sometimes leave you with the feeling that there’s always something better out there.    Amidst the quirky floor plans and profiles, you just know there's a move-in ready, tastefully updated, and seriously underpriced 4 bedroom flooded with natural light throughout waiting for you - and only you!  Or you swipe endlessly through profiles or house listings actually look really good, but that don’t quite fit what you're looking for. And yet you somehow also realize  that you don’t actually know what you’re looking for in the first place!  Maybe it’s time to get off the app and into the world.  Have you read our time wasting post? Hit us up!
  5. Ghosting and Gone: Ah, the classic experience of finding a place you love (or a match you like) only to have it disappear—the listing gets pulled or your match suddenly goes silent. It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, and both worlds have their fair share of unsolved mysteries.  Why did they go with the other offer?  Some agents will give you feedback, and some disappear into thin air…
  6. The *First* This is It Moment: After countless hours of scrolling, you finally find it—the house that ticks all the boxes or the profile that makes you stop and say, "This could work!" That spark of excitement is universal, whether you're envisioning family dinners in the HGTV ready kitchen or getting dressed for your perfect date.  A word to the wise:  spend as little time as possible in this fantasy without seeing the house, unless you really are just looking for fun with zero intention of moving.  There are no perfect houses. Just like there are no perfect spouses.   Perhaps a better question is, is this house crazy in the way that we are crazy?  Also know that many of our clients lose an offer before they ultimately settle on "the house." This is painful, feels hopeless, and can be tough to get over.  We'll provide snacks, reassurance, and help you get back on the horse when you're ready. 
  7. The Awkward First Meeting: So you've decided to take the plunge—maybe it's a first date, or maybe it's walking through a home for the first time. Either way, nerves and excitement collide. Will it be love at first sight, or will you be looking for the nearest exit? Only time—and a thorough walkthrough—will tell. Open houses are real estate’s version of speed dating, and although they’re a great way to get a first impression, it’s rarely enough to put a ring on it.   Go back for a second showing with an experienced real estate advisor.  Bring a trusted contractor along with you if it’s a fixer upper!
  8. Sealing the Deal: Whether you’re falling in love with a charming bungalow or a recently divorced mountain biker, sealing the deal requires commitment, pragmatism, belief in people’s best intentions until you have evidence that tells you otherwise, and the acknowledgement that nothing is perfect. 

In the end, whether you're swiping for love or a new address, patience and persistence are key. And remember, laughter is the best way to cope with unexpected surprises along the way. So next time you're overwhelmed by endless listings or profiles, or crushed by a rejected offer on “the one,” think of it as a grand adventure. After all, both journeys lead you to a new chapter in life. Both should be cozy, mutually fulfilling, authentically you, and surrounded by people you genuinely care about and trust.  You’d like us to perform the ceremony?? We thought you’d never ask!!!! Happy hunting

 

Work With Us

We’re in the Experience Business, Not the Transaction Business “It is not enough that we build products that function, that are understandable and usable, we also need to build products that bring joy and excitement, pleasure and fun, and, yes, beauty to people’s lives.” – Don Norman, Author, The Design of Everyday Things