I’ve been a realtor for almost five years now, but it wasn’t until I began internet dating and put my own house on the market at the same time that I realized how very similar shopping for a new house online was to finding a new mate via Match.com or OKCupid. The internet should make these things easier; instead, it leads to exponentially more choices, more confusion, and more heartbreak…
Step One: The Pictures. You’re scrolling on Zillow or Match and you stop short when you see them. A white picket fence around the lawn. A smile that goes all the way to the ears. Your heart beats faster. This could be the one!
Step Two: The Contact. Excited texts and phone calls are exchanged. Everyone seems eager to meet! The first meeting is scheduled right away. You stress about what to wear, how early to arrive. Even though it’s early, you can’t help but plan ahead…. Commitments, time line, change of address… is it too soon to tell all your friends?
Step Three: The meeting. To be honest, it’s not exactly what you hoped for. You knew the pictures online were staged, but you weren’t expecting this. Still, nothing and no one’s perfect and you can’t be that picky. And everyone’s saying the right things… the master bedroom is amazing. We both love Star Wars! We’ll be in touch real soon!
Step Four. No one gets in touch. Should you text something casual… “just checking in?” Should you be more direct… “Will you be submitting an offer? Do you want to go to the new Spiderman movie?” No. You won’t. Because if they were really interested, you’d be hearing from them. Sigh… Thank you, next…
Step Five. Someone liked the pictures! They’re texting to set up a meeting! It’s so exciting!
Step Six. Repeat steps one through four as necessary.
Step Seven. After much trial and error, now you know the difference between what you can change/what will change (the tile in the kitchen; kids who live at home) and what you cannot change/what will not change (too close to a busy highway; he’s a Scientologist). You’ve made your choice. It’s not perfect, but what is? Congratulations as you move into a lovely future!
Check out my listing on Zillow!
