What Does Real Estate Have to do With Romance? Everything
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Location, location, location. It’s not just a catchphrase. When it comes to real estate, location is rule number one, two, and three.
Just ask veteran Realtor Jane Gordon, a multi-million-dollar producer with Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate. “A house in a great neighborhood is always going to appreciate faster. There’s no question: location drives property value.”
But real estate and relationships? The topic came up over cocktails at Park House. One thing our group adamantly agreed on: Where someone lives says a lot about them — including whether they’re date-worthy.
“For starters, you’re talking convenience,” said Gordon. “Celina is a long haul from the Park Cities.”
Another friend — who asked me not to name them — said location should be mandatory on dating apps. “You’d know immediately when not to swipe right.”
For Gordon, it boils down to lifestyle choices. “When you’re in your 40s, 50s, and 60s, you’re evaluating. You’ve got to ask yourself, ‘Can you live in that person’s world?'”
From there, the conversation turned to real estate-related red flags.
How do you know when it’s time to go?
- Steer clear of any guy who lives in a back house. It’s a double no if his ex-wife lives in the main one.
- Cleanliness is non-negotiable.
- Books really do tell a story. Case in point: the man with Resident Dog: Incredible Homes and the Dogs That Live There on his coffee table. He could be warm and caring. Or it may mean Fido will always come first. On the other hand, The Big Book of Serial Killers is a no-brainer. Make your escape, pronto.
Filmmaker John Waters once said, “If you go home with someone and they don’t have any books, don’t f**k them.”
- Beware of weird, moody lighting — think fuchsia LEDs, tacky neon, and ‘60s lava lamps.
- Clutter often means chaos. Is his life as messy as his house?
- Never date a guy over 25 who still lives with his mother.
- Bad sheets make for really bad pillow talk. “Good linens are worth the investment,” said Gordon. “The idea is for your bed at home to feel as luxurious as one in a five-star hotel.”
But let’s say the relationship works, but living styles don’t. Our girlfriend group had something to say about that, too.
Two words: Second home.
“Relationships will last longer — 100 percent. You can escape to your own personal retreat when you need a break,” said Gordon.
There’s an acronym here: LAT or living apart together. This offers yet another option. Some couples, both married and in longtime relationships, swear by separate homes.
“One client told me it keeps her sane. Seven days a week is just too much togetherness,” said Gordon. Another has a mother who lives in the same building as her boyfriend.
“It’s the ideal high-rise scenario. She’s on the fifth floor, he’s on four. I’d call that perfection.”
