The 80/20 Rule of Real Estate: Embracing Imperfection in Your Dream Home

When searching for the perfect home, many buyers dream of finding a property that checks every single box on their list. Reality check: Even your dream home will have flaws. This is where the 80/20 rule comes into play.

What is the 80/20 Rule?

In real estate, the 80/20 rule means a home you love will likely meet around 80% of your expectations, while the remaining 20% may consist of compromises, imperfections, or aspects that need changing. The key is to focus on the 80% you adore rather than getting hung up on the 20% you don’t.

Why You’ll Never Love 100% of a House

Homes, like people, have their quirks. You might find the perfect open floor plan and a spacious backyard, but the outdated kitchen cabinets or the odd hallway layout may not be ideal. The truth is no house will ever be a 100% match, and that’s okay. Once you accept some imperfections are inevitable, the home-buying process becomes much less stressful.

Learning to Live with (or Change) the 20%

Sometimes the 20% you don’t love can be changed. A fresh coat of paint, a kitchen remodel, or updating light fixtures can transform a space. However, some aspects, like location or structural design can't be altered. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize what truly matters to you before house hunting.

Embracing the 80%

Focus on the non-negotiables: location, layout, and potential. If a house meets your primary needs and makes your heart skip a beat when you walk in, it’s worth considering. Sometimes, your attachment to the 80% outweighs the 20% of imperfections.

Final Thoughts

When house hunting, remember the goal isn’t perfection, but finding a place that feels right for your lifestyle. Embrace the 80/20 rule, and you’ll save yourself from unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations. After all, the perfect home is the one where you can envision your future, even if it comes with a few quirks.

Quick example of how that 80/20 rule works: Location of this home is perfect, but you don't love the color. Perfect, we can paint that! The kitchen has great space and it's setup well, but it's a little dated. That's okay because it is perfectly functional and can be updated in stages or all at once. And this living room is spacious, has great light and gorgeous hardwood floors that makes it move-in ready.