Househunters: Listen for your inner voice

by Patricia M. Cove
Posted 3/10/22

I wanted something historic, with deep crown moldings, multi-paned windows with true divided lights, and a center hall that opened to spacious living and dining rooms. There also had to be a calling of my name, or at least a whisper that that house had to be mine!

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Househunters: Listen for your inner voice

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We all know that the real estate market is hot.  There are two homes for sale on the street where I live.  The street is actually more like a lane, narrow and winding, creating a village-like atmosphere with very little vehicle or foot traffic. But since the “For Sale” signs went up, my street has been bustling.  It’s hard to miss the stream of visitors, who exit their cars and study the surroundings intently, beginning a process that will result in a new and hopefully exciting living experience.

The sight of all this activity got me remembering my own house hunting experience more than 20 years ago.  The memories of that process for me, are mixed.  Thinking back, there was only one thing that mattered to me, and that was that the house should speak to me.  

I had certain requirements, of course. I wanted something historic, with deep crown moldings, multi-paned windows with true divided lights, and a center hall that opened to spacious living and dining rooms. But beyond those requirements, there had to be something more. In some way or another, there had to be a calling of my name, or at least a whisper that that house had to be mine!

It was a long process. As the months went by, there was a period of disillusionment. There was the 1850’s manse in Wyndmoor, resplendent on three plus acres, with a barn! The egg and dart crown moldings, bowed and beaded mantels, and fluted door trims were whispering my name. My offer, well below the asking price, had been accepted. But then, after the inspection, I discovered that the entire mechanical system needed replacing. That’s when I realized that what I thought were whispers were actually warnings telling me to “head for the hills!”

Several months later, a dear client called to tell me her elderly neighbor had died, and the family was arriving to sell the property outright in a private sale.  I was listening intently as I toured the home.  It was a lovely house with lots of design potential, perfect for a renovation. But the only sound I was hearing was the voice of my client, egging me on to make an offer. I did, and it was eagerly accepted. Twenty-four hours later, I received a phone call from a local real estate agent who informed me that he had taken over the sale, and the price had nearly doubled. When a house does not speak to you, it is likely not meant to be.

Whether you hear shouts from a beamed ceiling, or whispers from a decorative door knob, listening to those voices can be the key to buying the right home. A mid-century modern can speak to you through its clean lined interior and its views of nature through long expanses of uninterrupted fenestration. Or a nondescript rancher could be calling out to you about the perfect opportunity to redesign its interior, creating a thoroughly modern open floor plan with just a hint of nostalgia.

Luckily, I won’t be in the market for a new home any time soon. After nearly 8 months of searching and browsing, looking and listening, I finally found my home on that narrow winding lane. It spoke to me then and it still speaks to me now,  reminding me of the qualities that were important to me, and that I love and enjoy every day. So, if you are one of those eager home buyers, keep your ears open, and believe what you hear!

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design in Chestnut Hill, and can be reached through her website: patriciacove.com.