10 ways buying a Property is like online dating

I find analogies can be really helpful, particularly in situations where one’s personal real-world experience may be limited. So, when I’m dealing with clients who are buying property for the first time, I often liken it to the unpredictable world of online dating. A property purchase is a significant long-term commitment and the goal is to find a good match. With this in mind, these are 10 ways that buying a home and online dating are one and the same!

1. IT’S A NUMBERS GAME.
Imagine this: you’re scrolling through countless property listings like you’re browsing a dating app. It’s a never-ending parade of possibilities! But just like online dating, finding the perfect match may take time and perseverance. It can be really exhausting, particularly if you find yourself emotionally attached to one, but don’t let a few bad dates (I mean, property viewings) get you down. 

2. FINDING “THE ONE”
On the other hand, sometimes you might stumble across your perfect match really quickly – so quickly in fact that it seems too good to be true and you might wonder if there’s actually something better out there. This does happen occasionally, and I always use this analogy with clients – if you were online dating and you met someone perfect, would you pass them up because you thought someone better might come up? 

Doing your research before you get started is key. This will give you context so you can fully understand what properties have been selling and how frequently they pop up, so you can make an educated guess about whether something better is likely to come along. Don’t let the fear of missing out cloud your judgment!

3. GETTING LEAD ON
The world of property buying has its fair share of heartbreak, which most people can relate to. It is not uncommon to develop an affection for certain properties, only to realise that they are unattainable. You love them, but you can’t have them. Maybe the agent has been misleading in their quoting and you never had a chance or the vendors always wanted more than you could afford. 

You might fall head over heels for a house, only to discover it’s already off the market or has some hidden flaw. It’s tough, but remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty of houses in the market. Don’t dwell on the ones that got away — your perfect match is still out there!

4. TAKING TIME TO GET OVER IT:
We are only human, and we are emotional creatures by nature. When a potential dream home slips through your fingers, it is natural to feel a little disheartened. But try not to wallow for too long. 

The property market waits for no one, and timing is everything – I’ve seen clients miss out on other amazing opportunities while they took time to process a property “break-up”. Absolutely take some time to lick your wounds, then get back out there when you’re ready to resume the search with rejuvenated determination and enthusiasm.

5. IDENTIFY YOUR DEAL BREAKERS
Knowing your deal breakers is crucial and can save a lot of time and heartache in the future. Are you looking for a backyard big enough to fit a kids trampoline and keep your dog happy? A kitchen with enough counter space to fulfill your gourmet cooking dreams? Make a list of your non-negotiables, so you don’t waste time on properties that won’t make your heart skip a beat.

6. EVOLVING PREFERENCES
You might think you know your “type” and what you’re looking for but as you go on more dates (I mean, inspections) your tastes might change, and that’s totally normal. The same goes for property buying. Maybe you thought you wanted a sleek, modern townhouse, but then you fell in love with the charm of an older home. Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to explore different styles. You might be surprised by what steals your heart!

7. BEWARE OF BEING CATFISHED:
Ever gone on a date with someone who turned out to be completely different to their dating profile? Maybe they’ve used a 10-year-old photo or that person is not really who they claim to be. Real estate photography and modern technology can make a property look much nicer, brighter, and bigger than it really is, so be sure to do your due diligence before going to inspections. I recommend checking out Google’s street view or looking at the orientation of the property rather than solely at the photos.

8. DON’T IGNORE THE RED FLAGS!
Sometimes we can get so enamoured with the charm and attractiveness of a property that we’re willing to overlook some potential flaws. They might be beautifully presented but have no storage, or the bedrooms are too small or there’s very little natural light. Don’t let aesthetics cloud your judgement and ensure the property meets your practical needs too!  

9. SEEK OFFLINE OPPORTUNITIES
Sometimes the best connections are made in unexpected ways and your perfect match is actually not online at all. These are called “off-market” properties and the only way to get access to them is to network with your local agents, so be proactive and call around to give them a summary of what you’re looking for.  

10. IT’S NOT THEM, IT’S YOU.
If you’ve been searching for a while but not quite finding the right match, it’s possible it’s time for some introspection and a reality check. Are your expectations too high? Are you being overly selective or considering properties beyond your means? Adjusting your strategy and having realistic expectations can lead to greater success.

Property buying can be an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes you can get lucky, the stars align and everything goes your way and sometimes you have a bit of bad luck. Remember everyone’s journey is different so be sure not to compare.