Buyer’s heart will lead to home: survey

Canadian homebuyers make decisions based on feelings

CALGARY — A potential homebuyer’s feelings about a home are playing a more important role in deciding whether to purchase real estate property.

A survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, released Tuesday, reveals that 28 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men put more emphasis on their feelings about a home than they do on the layout, square footage or price.

“A home is much more than just bricks and mortar. It truly is where the heart is and this survey shows just what an important role emotions can play when buying a home,” said Susanita de Diego, Coldwell Banker Canadian consumer specialist based in Calgary.

“Whether a buyer is located in the U.S. or Canada, the emotional considerations of buying a home are borderless. The feel of a home is a critical part of the process, no matter where you’re buying, or whether you’re a man or a woman. I’ve experienced similar responses from my own buying customers here in Canada.”

The survey also said the majority of women (62 per cent) and men (61 per cent) know within the first visit if the home is right for them.

Some other survey results included: 54 per cent of women say that they take the lead when it comes to decorating; 68 per cent of women say they are the “primary chef” for their household; 54 per cent of people age 18-44 say major financial decisions are mutual, compared with 60 per cent of those 45-54, increasing to 70 per cent for people 55 and over; 45 per cent of those older than 55 say they are very happy with their home just the way it is, compared with 25 per cent of those age 18-44.