HEARTH & HOME
A large, airy kitchen with modern
appliances is one point that
most couples can agree on
3. Compare Your Checklists
Writing things down helps because you can read each other’s
checklists and find the commonalities. Sometimes, in the middle of
arguing, you cannot find a reason to agree with your spouse, and having
everything in writing can mediate the conversation. You might just find
that you agree on more features than you thought.
Use your checklists to talk about what you visualize daily life would
be like in a new home. This way, you’re steering things more in the
direction of a conversation, rather than an argument.
4. When It Comes to Budget, Look at the Facts
One of the biggest disagreements married couples face when buying
a home is how much debt to take on. Money, debt, finances – all this can
get any couple emotional and ready to argue. But there shouldn’t be a
reason to fight if you just look at the numbers. Your mortgage payments
should not exceed 25 percent of your take-home pay. So when your
spouse thinks you can take on a high mortgage payment for a “dream
home,” just share this practical advice – and leave emotion out of it.
5. Know that No Home is Perfect (and Few Homes are
Forever)
Speaking of “dream homes,” it’s important to note that more
times than not, you won’t find one home that fits all your desires. As
marriage is about compromise, so is house hunting with your spouse.
Compromise and the understanding that you probably won’t find that
perfect home can give you more reason to come to an agreement with
your spouse.
At the end of the day, house hunting with your spouse can strengthen
your marriage. Make sure you understand your spouse’s thoughts and
feelings and that he or she understands yours, and you’ll open the door
to productive conversations – ones that lead to you both sharing a
happy (not perfect) home.
Avoid the bickering, drama and resentment, and just learn to work
together and agree on what will truly make a happy home for the both
of you.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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