Similarities between online house finding and online dating

I hesitated for a long time whether I would write a blog on this topic. Why? I did not like to admit that I found myself on dating sites from time to time. And because I didn't have a clear line on how to describe my feel. And yet, I am going to try. First of all, I would like to say that there are many differences in the search for a partner and a house. But there are also similarities between the online search of a new house or partner. 

The wish

It all starts with a wish. The wish to live in another house or a nice holiday home. Or the wish to share the future or certain moments with a partner. The wish gets shape inside your thoughts. So many bedrooms, the view, a pool... Or a nice smile, not too far away, a certain age ... And then the exploration on the internet begins. You enter some search criteria and yes, the results are there. The first homes or first dates announce themselves on your screen. 

Found through portals, estate agents, dating sites and private advertisements. A nice first impression, but how reliable is the information? After some research on Google, you probably have a better idea about the quality of certain portals (Kyero, Rightmove etc.). About different dating sites (like Tinder and Badoo). And about real estate agents (Orange Villas or MLS:03724). From now on the search gets more serious.

Dream on!

In the early stage, the wish list is endless and often unattainable in practice. I want a detached villa within walking distance of the village. Four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. On a flat plot. With a swimming pool (heated) and of course a beautiful sea view. In excellent condition. And the budget? Between 250 and 300,000 euros. Or on the dating site: young, good job, intelligent, handsome, interests that match your own. No further than 25 km from where you live. No children or relationship history. DREAM ON!!!

To actually find the house or the partner of your dreams, it is necessary to be realistic. And to be somewhat flexible with all those demands. Some requirements are a real "must". Others are ideal, but not necessary. And on these points, you need to be more flexible. It may take some time to realize that the ideal does not exist. Use that time for more research. But at some point, you will have to adjust your wishes.

The supply side

The other side of the coin is not searching but offering. Here too, there are similarities. A good presentation of the house or you are indispensable for getting a good response. Photos are very important. It is the first impression. And as the saying goes: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, if you want to sell your house, make sure that it is clean and tidy on the day the photographer comes. Store personal items into a cupboard for a while. Like those nice, cluttered items, obscene paintings and family pictures. Take a plunge with an estate agency that works with a professional photographer. Like Orange Villas does. Are you looking for a partner? Do not present yourself with unclear selfies, filtered photos or crazy faces. Make sure you look realistic, clean and attractive. This applies to both categories.

Too good to be true

Then there comes a moment when you have found some suitable objects (houses or dates). And guess what? There are some that are too good to be true.

It is hard to believe, but after searching for a while you find the ideal objects (house / date). They meet all the requirements and are actually better than you could ever have hoped for. Too good to be true. Exactly, that says it all. In 99% of cases, if something is too good to be true, it is. That beautiful house in the countryside with an enormous plot of land for only 250,000 euro. It turns out to be illegal. Or that maintained villa with sea view in a luxury district for only 395,000 euros. What a shame! Nowhere did it say anything about the building plans on the plots in front of it. And the same story for dating sites. That attractive person, who only says the things you want to hear, but who always puts off further contact. Or the ideal candidate who is wearing sunglasses all the time. They turn out to be a completely different in real life. So once again: be REALISTIC.

Gut feeling

How long it takes, nobody knows. But there comes a time when you actually have to view properties or meet dates. Sometimes you have to visit many properties or meet many potential partners. Often you know within the first few seconds. The moment you step into the house or see your date for the first time, you know it is something special. A good feeling that you cannot even explain, but you know it. That is the perfect sign! The gut feeling speaks for itself.

The moment is there! You want to make an offer on a property, or you are seriously interested in a partner. Again: be realistic. If the asking price of a house is 695,000, an offer of 400,000 is a serious insult. And the black swan will never get the handsome prince.

The match

But the good news is, that after a long or short time there is a MATCH. You and your “home sweet home” or you and your partner. It feels good and there is a future for you. How that future will turn out depends on all kinds of circumstances. But the basis is there, and it is now up to you to enjoy what you have found.

Of course, the above article is a bit exaggerated, but it does contain a certain truth. And being realistic is the biggest similarity between both searches. It is important to work with reliable sites / persons. When it comes to real estate in the Costa Blanca Orange Villas is a solid and good choice. Years of experience and an excellent reputation. For dating sites, the writer of this blog is still searching for the most respectable option. Recommendations are welcome! 

The team of Orange Villas wishes you good luck in finding your future home or partner. And even more luck afterwards!