The other day I stumbled across a Cleveland Ohio Real Estate Blog and it finally gave me the excuse I’ve been waiting for to write about how real estate and dating are alike. Cecilia Sherrard, the founder of the blog and a Cleveland Ohio Realtor, is currently challenging bloggers to post about real estate. Having worked directly with buyers and sellers as a licensed agent myself, I just couldn’t resist the temptation to include a little real estate on It Might Be Love.

Here are 5 ways dating and real estate are alike:

1. You need a marketing campaign: Real estate agents go to great lengths to market a home that is for sale. Internet listings, virtual tours, newspaper ads, open houses, and dozens of other things are done to spread the word a home is available and to gain the attention of prospective buyers. Don’t be afraid to market yourself a little and spread the word that you’re available and looking.

2. Network, network, network: You have to build a strong network of associates to find buyers and sellers in real estate. A strong network of friends can also help you to find a date. You can read more about how to incorporate networking into dating in my article about ways to meet new people.

3. The elusive perfect house: Buyers often want the “perfect” house that meets all of their criteria, even though no such thing exists. Are you doing the same in looking for the perfect mate? While it’s good to have a list of things you want in a partner, there has to be some room for compromise and know what requirements you could live without.

4. Online pictures can be deceiving: Many agents sadly exaggerate when describing homes or will post beautiful pictures of a home but neglect to mention in the ad there is a 200’ tower in the backyard. (Yes, I really did have this happen to me once when showing a house!) If you’re using online dating sites, research potential dates before you waste your time meeting someone who’s not right for you.

5. Houses that are staged sell faster: Sellers usually have to do a lot to prepare their home for the market. They might need to paint the walls, get new carpet, repair that leaky faucet, or rearrange the furniture to attract the buyer. When you’re single it’s equally important to get rid of your baggage from previous relationships, define who you are, and live life with a positive attitude to attract future dates.

If you know of any other ways real estate and dating might be related, feel free to share them in the comments below!