Buying a home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially for couples trying to merge their individual wants and needs into a single decision. The key to a smooth process is understanding that no home will check every single box. This is where the 85% Rule comes into play—a strategy that encourages couples to focus on homes that meet at least 85% of their criteria, allowing for flexibility while keeping expectations realistic. Here’s a breakdown of how this approach can make the home-buying process smoother and more satisfying for couples.
Step 1: Create Separate Lists
When a couple begins the home-buying process, it’s essential that both individuals separately create their own list of must-have features for the new home. This ensures that each person clearly defines what they value most without influence from their partner.
The lists should include the elements that are absolutely essential to each person, like the number of bedrooms, location, outdoor space, or proximity to work or schools. At this stage, it’s important for both individuals to be honest and specific. What’s crucial to you might not be a priority for your partner—and that’s okay. By creating separate lists, each person is empowered to think independently about what they truly need in a home.
Step 2: Narrow Down the List
Once each person has compiled their list, it’s time to refine it. Both individuals should narrow their list down to their top three must-haves. This is where the prioritizing comes in—what are the deal-breakers? These could be non-negotiable features like a large kitchen for someone who loves to cook, or a home office for someone who works remotely.
After narrowing it down, the couple should come together and share their top three must-haves. This is often an eye-opening moment, as couples might discover common ground or surprises in their partner’s priorities. Finding overlap in these lists is key because it establishes the shared priorities that will guide the rest of the home search.
Step 3: Keep the 85% Threshold in Mind
With a refined list of must-haves, the couple is now ready to start viewing homes. The crucial mindset here is to remember the 85% Rule—if a home meets 85% of what you’re looking for, it’s worth serious consideration.
No home is going to check every box, and waiting for the mythical “perfect” home can lead to frustration or missed opportunities. The 85% Rule helps couples avoid the common trap of thinking, “There’s got to be something better out there.” While it’s tempting to hold out for that dream property, the reality is that finding a home that meets 100% of your criteria is extremely rare. Focusing on the 85% threshold helps keep expectations grounded while still ensuring the major needs are met.
Step 4: Avoid the Perfect Home Fallacy
One of the most common pitfalls buyers face—especially couples—is the perfect home fallacy. This occurs when buyers, particularly those early in their search, come across a home that’s almost perfect but dismiss it because they believe a better option will come along.
In reality, the law of averages suggests that this is often not the case. While it’s natural to think that the more homes you see, the more options you’ll have, many buyers look back and realize they passed on the best option early in their search. The 85% Rule helps counteract this mindset by encouraging couples to recognize that an 85% match is a great find.
By seriously considering homes that meet the 85% threshold, couples increase their chances of finding a property that fits their most important needs without falling into the trap of endlessly searching for perfection.
Step 5: The 15% Flexibility
The remaining 15% of the home’s features that aren’t perfect? That’s where flexibility comes in. This is the part of the home you can work on over time, as you settle in and make it your own.
Even people who design and build their own custom homes often look back and wish they had made some different choices, like adding a bigger garage or expanding the pantry. So if your new home is missing that extra bathroom or doesn’t have quite as much closet space as you’d hoped for, remember that these things can often be improved later. Whether it’s through renovations, redecorating, or even just getting used to the space, the last 15% is something that can be adjusted as you live in the home.
It’s important to approach home-buying with an open mind, recognizing that many of the smaller features you might initially overlook can be changed later. Customizing your space and making it your own is part of the joy of homeownership, and it’s okay if the house isn’t perfect from day one.
Conclusion
The 85% Rule offers a balanced, realistic approach for couples buying a home. By focusing on what’s truly important, prioritizing those shared must-haves, and keeping expectations in check, couples can avoid the frustration of searching for a “perfect” home and instead focus on finding one that meets the majority of their needs.
The beauty of this strategy is that it allows for flexibility. The house doesn’t need to be flawless from the start—over time, the remaining 15% can be tailored to fit your lifestyle. Whether through minor renovations or simply growing into the space, you can create a home that works for you. So, as you start your home search, remember: if you find a home that’s 85% perfect, it’s definitely worth a closer look.
Leave a Reply