House Hunting Tips for Couples

(Because Your Dream Home Shouldn’t End Your Relationship)

House hunting as a couple is like going on a series of awkward blind dates—with bricks and bathrooms. One of you falls in love with the exposed beams, while the other wonders where the closest Taco Bell is. One sees “charming,” the other sees “haunted.”

But don’t worry. With the right mindset (and a shared snack bag), finding your forever home doesn’t have to end in a dramatic argument over backsplash tile. Here are some helpful—and slightly humorous—tips to survive and thrive during the couple's house hunting journey.

1. Make a “Non-Negotiables” List—Separately

Before you even step foot in an open house, each of you should write down your non-negotiables. These are the features that make or break a house for you. Maybe it's a big kitchen. Maybe it’s a garage. Maybe it’s a bathtub big enough to host a small musical.

Then compare lists and discuss. You might learn things about each other, like how your partner can’t live without a fireplace—even in Florida.

2. Learn the Art of the “Poker Face”

You might fall in love with the first house you see. You might also realize mid-tour that it smells like wet carpet and crushed dreams. Either way, maintain the poker face. Gushing or grimacing too early might cause tension—or make the seller jack up the price.

Whisper your thoughts to each other in the car like two spies exchanging top-secret intel. It’s more romantic that way.

3. Budget Like You’re Already Paying for a Wedding and a Baby Alpaca

Money conversations aren’t sexy, but you have to get honest about your financial reality. Know what you can actually afford—not what Zillow wants you to dream about at 2 a.m.

Factor in all the costs: mortgage, insurance, taxes, furniture, weird decorative lawn gnomes, and emergency “this house is trying to fall apart” repairs. A good rule: Buy the house that still lets you afford date nights and tacos.

4. Don't Fall for the “Flipper’s Special”

Yes, that renovated 1920s bungalow looks Pinterest-perfect, but ask yourself: Did they do quality work or just slap some subway tile over a mess? Don’t let shiplap hypnotize you into ignoring foundation cracks and wiring that’s older than your relationship.

Bring in a home inspector. Or two. Or someone’s very blunt uncle.

5. Location Matters More Than You Think

You may love a house, but if it’s 47 minutes from everything you do, you’ll start to resent it—and each other. Think about commutes, grocery runs, and how far you’ll have to go when you forget the milk for the fifth time.

Bonus tip: Walk around the neighborhood at different times of day. Make sure it doesn’t magically turn into a “Fast & Furious” film set after sunset.

6. Create a Safe Word for Open Houses

After your tenth showing of the day, everything starts to blur. You’re arguing over light fixtures. You’re confused about whether you’re in a bathroom or a glorified closet. You’re hangry.

Establish a silly word (like “pineapple” or “bingo sauce”) that signals: We’re cranky and need a snack break before we murder each other over grout colors.

7. Don’t Expect Your Partner to Love What You Love—And That’s Okay

They might not get your obsession with breakfast nooks. You might not understand their need for a man cave/yoga room/home gym combo. Relationships are about compromise—and your dream house should be, too.

It’s okay if the house isn’t perfect—as long as it becomes perfect for you two together.

8. Celebrate the Little Wins

Found a house you both kinda like? High five. Agreed on a location? Pop some champagne. Didn’t get into a fight at IKEA? You are thriving.

House hunting is a journey, and celebrating the little victories makes the big ones even sweeter.

It's Not Just a House—It's Your Home

At the end of the day, you’re not just choosing walls and windows—you’re picking the place where you’ll cook meals, binge-watch shows, and argue over thermostat settings for years to come.

So be patient with each other. Laugh when things get weird. And when you finally find that house that makes you both go, “Yes, this feels right,” hold hands and jump in.

Because home is where the weird little arguments happen—and you love each other anyway.