Some of the most memorable homes I've shown are homes that my clients would never buy because of something really unique or bizarre. Still, the house was in some way unforgettable and my day was that much more interesting.
Often when showing homes to clients, we will see a dozen or more homes in one outing. As we discuss and compare the homes, inevitably somebody will give certain homes a name whereby they don't have to explain all the details of the house, but by which each person knows exactly which house the speaker is referencing. This isn't planned, it's just what happens. It's usually a prominent feature, feeling or aroma that becomes the key word.
Here are some of the names I've heard (and used) for houses over the years. My favorites (obviously) are the names for homes that are... let's just say, sub-par. Most are legitimately and successfully used as code-speak to clearly convey a particular house to the others involved in the discussion. See if you can guess why a particular name was used... it should be pretty easy.
The Smoke House
The White House
The Doll House
The Dr. Seuss House
The Pee House
The Crack House
The Pool Table House
The Candle House
The House that's falling apart
The Hardwood Floor House
The House with No Coat Closet
The Tiny House
The Cabin House
The Crooked House
The Haunted House
The Dump House
The Incense House
The Bed & Breakfast House
The Tile House
The Swingset House
The House with the View
The Dog House (Bird House, Cat House, etc.)
The house where that kid was screaming in the neighborhood the whole time we were there
...and on and on.
If you're an agent, you probably remembered some of the houses that you've shown (or listed!) over the years.
If you have ever looked at homes as a Buyer, you probably helped invent some of these names.
Are there any special names for houses that I have forgotten? Remind me!
AND...
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Finally...
Benjamin, how about "The Wallpaper House" and the "Mean, Vicious, Scary Dog House" -- oh yeah, there's the "Ugly Pink & Green Paint House."
great memory jogger - Look at that Pink Home , Ho- there is a Purple House also - the Rainbow row
We had a builder who wanted zoning changes - so he built several homes and painted them pink, purple, etc - He told the planning board that he would redo the exterior if they would rezone a piece of land that he owned adjacent to these homes. He wanted to put up a strip mall with a convenience store.
The community passed an ordinance that solved the problem - he covered the exterior with brick - he did not get the property rezoned.
Benjamin,
If you visited our home at a normal time you'd probably refer to it as the 'full house' or 'fool house'...either one would suffice!!! :^) Thanks, Fran
How could I have forgotten:
"That 70's House"
Ben,
The first home I bought had a dead cat laying in the bushes right next to the front porch. And it became like Liz aid, the "cat house".
Great post!
I showed a home last month and after we walked out the door my client said, "I think I need to go home and take a shower..." In all seriousness, I felt the same. This is a very rare occurrence, but I'm sure some of you have been there before!
"The house that looks like a barn"
"The shag house"
"The Castle"
"The train house"
"The house with no yard"
The Pool House
The House on the Hill
The Creek House
The No Yard House
The Linoleum House
The House with no Sidewalk
The House with the Dead Lawn
Yes, we have all heard them and I'll bet we could write a book of all the names we've heard.