What's Your House Sign? Finding A Home That Fits You

(NAPSI)-If you're like most people, you figure that practical factors, such as the size of the kitchen or the number of bedrooms, are most critical when buying a home. New research, however, suggests that intangible elements and a combination of mental and emotional characteristics more often determine the types of houses people choose.

Love At First "Site"

According to a survey conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) and Coldwell Banker, 60 percent of people say the "feel" of a home is as important as the price, and 78 percent place more emphasis on "quality" than square footage. Surprisingly, the survey also found that 12 percent of respondents knew their house was "the one" even before stepping inside. After visiting just once, that statistic rose to 51 percent.

"Many people do not realize how strongly emotional instincts factor into the home decision-making process," said Dr. Ruth Peters, a family psychologist. "Some people even experience 'love at first site' when it comes to their homes, meaning sellers cannot overestimate the importance of a strong first impression."

Dr. Peters has seen how emotions can influence major life decisions such as finding a home and how people may have trouble seeing past them. "While trusting our instincts is important, it's essential to look past emotional triggers like perfect white picket fences," she said. "Homebuyers must also consider practical factors, such as school districts, to make the most informed decision for their families and ultimately the best investment."

The survey was conducted as part of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC "Housetrology" initiative, designed to examine what makes a house a home--or even a "dream home."

Captivating Quiz

To encourage people to think beyond standard homebuying variables, the real estate company also developed an offbeat quiz that can help people determine their just-for-fun "House Sign" by answering a collection of lifestyle and behavioral questions. Most people are surprised and amused by their results.

The quiz can be a fun way to link lifestyle preferences, such as your form of ideal downtime or the perfect meal, to being an "Urbanist" or even "Contemporarian."

Learn More

To learn more or take the quiz for yourself, visit www.coldwellbanker.com/housetrology.

Some people experience love at first "site" when buying a new home.