Thinking about buying a home in Lakewood? Discover smart Valentine’s Day homebuying tips for couples—money conversations, splitting costs, and finding the right local agent.
Valentine’s Day is more than chocolates and candlelit dinners — for many couples, it’s when deeper life conversations start. And in a community where front‑porched homes and walkable neighborhoods define everyday life, it’s no surprise that “maybe we should buy a place together” starts gaining traction around mid‑February.
The ‘Valentine's Day effect’
Real estate pros sometimes call this the “Valentine’s Day effect” — that emotional spark that leads to real‑world decisions. If you and your partner are ready to take that next step and explore buying a home together, here’s how to do it strategically without letting stress strain your relationship.
Before you’re walking tree‑lined streets near Birdtown or grabbing lattes on Madison Avenue, it pays to be transparent about money.
Money is often a sensitive topic for many people. But while there's nothing romantic talking about each of your finances, you don’t want to skip these conversations, especially when you’re planning to buy a home. In fact, you need to have a brutally honest chat about your financial situation and habits, including your beliefs and values around money.
Be open about your current financial shape with your partner, such as your income, savings, investments, debts, credit scores, spending habits, and even financial goals. Do they keep all their savings in a checking account? Do they still have debts they need to pay off? How much is your partner’s monthly take-home pay? Are they living paycheck to paycheck? How do they pay their credit card bills? Every person has a completely different view of money based on how they grew up, so disclosing everything is a key step for understanding their financial habits and attitudes.
As you take this huge step of purchasing a home together, having money talks now builds trust and helps avoid conflict when it’s time for you to split the bills, setting you up for a more realistic journey ahead.Being open about these sets expectations early. And when you find a cute bungalow south of Detroit or a cozy condo near the Lake, you’ll be able to act with confidence.
Pro Tip: Sit down over a coffee from Rising Star, Goodkind, or Pheonix on Madison Ave or Propaganda on Detroit and talk through your budgets — it’s local, relaxed, and gets real conversations started.
Before looking at properties, take a moment to outline your priorities, expectations, and the things that matter to each of you. To aid with your discussion, ask each other questions such as:
What are your non-negotiables? Decide between having more space, a strong sense of community, buying in a specific school district, or a faster commute from work, etc.
What things can you compromise on? What is one thing you won't compromise on? If one of you happens to like a home’s layout but doesn’t love the aesthetics, such as paint or wallpaper, can you let go of the small things, knowing that you can renovate later on?
How important is walkability and proximity to public transportation?
What size home is comfortable for both your needs and budget?
Do we want a move-in-ready home or a fixer-upper? Do we have time to tackle renovations?
Clarifying these priorities and shared goals upfront can prevent conflicts and make decision-making so much easier for you and your partner. You will be on the same page throughout the process, especially when it’s time to move into the specifics of home buying.
Lakewood’s home styles range from historic colonials and brick cottages to duplexes and high‑rise condos with views of Lake Erie and Birdseye views of Lakewood.
To prevent friction later:
Walkability to cafes, bakeries, and shops (think Detroit & Madison Avenues)
Proximity to parks like Lakewood Park and the Solstice Steps for weekday sunsets over the Lake.
Style of home — move‑in ready vs. character fixer‑upper
Commute and lifestyle fit
Getting aligned helps you decide quickly and confidently when you find the one.
After the not-so-sexy money talks, here's another not-so-romantic part: splitting up the bills. You have to figure out how to fairly divide the shared housing costs, ensuring each of you can pay his or her share. Don’t just assume that you and your significant other are automatically in sync about who pays what, or one can shoulder everything while the other can pay with hugs and kisses (sorry romantics!).
If you’re making the same amount, a 50/50 split on the mortgage might be the obvious answer. But if you’re not, you'll need to develop a system that works for both of you. For instance, you can do a 70-30 or even an 80-20 split. When one person pays for the mortgage, the other might handle other household expenses, such as groceries and utilities. Other couples might feel more comfortable with contributing an equal percentage of their income to both mortgage and other household expenses, such as taxes, maintenance, insurance, etc.
More importantly, be flexible with your plans and have an open conversation on compromising, especially if a partner gets a promotion or loses a job. Whatever life throws at you, make sure you’re both comfortable with your plans and can keep up with the changes.
The home-buying process can be daunting, but with teamwork, it'll be more bearable and worthwhile. Before you start house-hunting, define your roles and responsibilities based on your strengths. For example, if you’re a better researcher than your partner, explore house styles and neighborhoods that fit your needs. If your significant other is more financially savvy, leave the budgeting to him or her. The more organized one can keep track of all documents and important timelines, while the other can lead the negotiations (together with your trusted real estate agent).
Consulting each other along the way and acknowledging their input when it mattered most can help avoid unnecessary stress and make each other feel supported throughout the process.
Teamwork wins.
One partner can research neighborhoods, like Birdtown or West End.
One can manage mortgage details and budgeting.
One tracks paperwork and timelines.
Both attend showings together.
In a market where well‑priced homes can attract multiple offers, coordination, trust, and preparedness are your best advantages.
Finding the right real estate agent is essential, especially if you want your search to be as seamless as possible. A local agent serves as your guide so that you and your partner can stay focused on your shared goals. Aside from showing you suitable houses, they can also provide insights and practical advice on real estate and even negotiate on your behalf. The right agent also acts as a neutral third party, mediating disagreements whenever needed.
From viewing properties, leading negotiations, to handling tons of paperwork, work with an experienced real estate agent who has a reputation for competency and credibility. If you can, meet with at least three agents before deciding who you are most comfortable working with.
🤓 Why Work With a Local Lakewood Real Estate Agent?
A local agent helps you understand:
Which blocks will be more desirable in the long run
Pricing trends on historic homes vs. condos
Inspection and renovation considerations
How to structure competitive offers
And when decisions get tough — whether about budget or location — a trusted and experienced guide can help keep both your goals and your relationship in focus.
Purchasing your dream home together is a massive commitment—one that needs not only thorough planning, but healthy communication at all times. Don't let stress, money fears, or home search fatigue build up. Set aside time to talk about your journey and practice the following:
Take turns sharing your thoughts and perspective about the process.
Listen actively instead of preparing a rebuttal.
Acknowledge your partner’s concerns and provide reassurance.
Share what each of you needs from each other to feel supported.
Celebrate “small wins” and find moments to laugh together to maintain positivity.
Aside from these intentional check-ins, don’t forget to practice gratitude. Saying that you appreciate your partner and recognizing their efforts can go a long way. Remind each other why you’re in this together: to finally take the next step in your relationship and enjoy the benefits of homeownership.
House hunting can be emotional. You might love an original fireplaces’ character while your partner wants open concept living.
Keep connection strong by:
Setting intentional check‑ins after showings
Celebrating small wins (even a strong showing!)
Practicing active listening, not reactive arguing
Taking breaks — like an evening bike ride to Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps after a long day of tours
Remember — you’re building a life, not just buying a property.
📝 Quick Checklist for Couples Buying in Lakewood
✔ Have honest money conversations
✔ Get pre‑approved before touring homes
✔ Align on lifestyle and neighborhood priorities
✔ Decide how expenses will be split
✔ Assign roles based on strengths
✔ Work with a trusted local agent
✔ Communicate openly throughout the process
🧠 FAQ: Buying a Home as a Couple
Q: Is Lakewood a good place for young couples to buy a home?
A: Yes. With a walkable downtown, strong community spirit, parks, weekend and weekday farmers markets, and many locally owned spots to explore, it offers a lively yet cozy feel.
Q: How competitive is the Lakewood housing market?
A: Well‑priced homes often move quickly, especially historic or updated properties. Preparation and pre‑approval give you an edge.
Q: Should couples split the mortgage equally?
A: Not always. Many choose splits based on income or roles. The goal is fairness and adaptability if circumstances change.
Q: Is it smart to buy an older home together?
A: Older homes offer charm and character but may come with maintenance or renovation needs — plan for inspections and updates before committing.
💬 Thinking About Taking the Next Step?
Buying a home together is exciting — and it helps to have a guide. At The Carpenter Group, we focus on helping couples feel confident, informed, and ready — whether you’re just having early conversations or in the market and ready to tour homes.
No pressure — just real guidance for real decisions.
