A study conducted by Harris Interactive for Coldwell Banker Real Estate
looked a changing marriage trends in America and how they impact the
purchase of a first home.
According to the study, the timing of a first-home purchase hasn’t
changed a lot over the years, but an upswing in later marriages means
more couples are buying a home before they walk down the aisle – if they
ever do – or making a purchase earlier in the marriage.
About one in four married couples between the ages of 18 to 34 purchased
their first home together before their wedding date, compared to 14
percent of those ages 45 and older. According to the survey, 35 percent
of all married couples purchased their first home together by their
second wedding anniversary; 80 percent of these married homeowners said
it strengthened their relationship more than any other purchase.
“What we’re seeing is that young couples are switching up the order and
purchasing their first home regardless of whether or not they have set a
wedding date,” says Dr. Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist and Coldwell
Banker lifestyle correspondent.
“This is a huge movement within the American culture,” Ludwig adds.
“While younger generations may be focusing more on their career, and in
turn waiting longer to get married and have children, they are not
delaying their dream of homeownership.”
Other survey trends
• 17 percent of all married couples surveyed purchased a home together before their wedding day.
• 72 percent of married Americans in the South waited until after they
were married to purchase a home, compared to 60 percent of Americans in
the Northeast.
• Only 16 percent of married U.S. adults have not purchased a home together with their current spouse.
Ludwig says the tasks involved with a home purchase can strengthen a
marriage. “(Married couples) not only learn about each other’s wishes
and dreams during this process, but they also learn how to be practical
with each other and compromise,” he says. “Buying a home has more of an
impact on a couple’s relationship than any other purchase they will ever
make.”
Impact of home buying on a marriage
• 93 percent of homeowners who purchased their first home while married always planned on owning a home after marrying.
• 80 percent said purchasing a home with their spouse did more to
strengthen their relationship as a couple and family than any other
purchase they have made together.
• Over one-third of married homeowners (35 percent) wish they had taken
the plunge (into homeownership) sooner than they actually did.
Ludwig offers the following tips for couples buying their first home together:
1. Decide “needs” vs. “wants,” and be willing to compromise.
Ludwig says it’s common for a couple to uncover conflicting values,
interests, likes, dislikes and tastes to come that create tension. But
no one gets everything on their checklist, so it’s important to
compromise to get a home that pleases both people. Patience,
understanding, compassion and compromise are key.
2. Work together to prioritize what’s important in a home. Make
an independent list and compare notes. Even the closest couples are
still two people with separate ideas and agendas. Searching for a home
can bring up a couple’s different priorities and ideas about life.
Working together to decide what is best for a combined future
strengthens the bond between individuals and prepares couples to
effectively deal with future disagreements.
3. Be open, honest and organized with finances. This includes
the ability to talk about personal savings, debts, budgets and credit
ratings. Money is one of the leading causes of marital discord.
4. Think about the future for three, five and even 10 years down the road.
Before buying a home, talk about plans for careers, having a family,
and what that means in terms of neighborhood and space. For some people,
talking about their future needs creates anxiety. Support each other if
it does.
© 2013 Florida Realtors®
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