Can You Really Do a Sleepover Before Buying a House
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article exploring the unusual requests some buyers make before committing to a home purchase. From test-driving a home for a night with a sleepover to spending extended time in the space, buyers are finding creative ways to make sure a house really fits their needs before signing on the dotted line. You can read the full article here: Why Homebuyers Want to Sleep in a House Before They Buy It.
Why Buyers Want More Than a Tour
It is easy to understand why a buyer might want more than a quick walkthrough. A tour tells you what a house looks like, but living in it for a day or a night tells you how it feels. Buyers may want to see how noisy the neighborhood gets after dark, how sunlight filters into the bedrooms in the morning, or even how their allergies react to materials inside the home.
While unusual, these requests highlight just how personal and emotional the decision to buy a home can be. A house is not only an investment. It is the place where you will spend your daily life.
My Personal Experience With a Sleepover Request
In 25 years of selling real estate, I only had one situation where a buyer asked for what could be considered a sleepover. It was not because they questioned the quality of the house. In fact, they really liked the property. Instead, the buyer had a severe sensitivity to a chemical that was difficult to diagnose. They were worried that exposure might make it impossible to live in the home long term.
The seller was not comfortable allowing a stranger to spend the night in their home, but they agreed to let the buyer spend a full day there. I met the buyer at 9 a.m. and locked up the house at 9 p.m. so that he could experience an extended stay inside the property. Unfortunately, during that time, he experienced a reaction, and the buyers decided not to move forward with the purchase.
The outcome was that they stayed in their current home, where the chemical was not present. Even 20 years later, they are still there. Despite the house no longer meeting all their needs, their health was the top priority, and the risk of moving was simply too high.
The Balance Between Buyer and Seller
Stories like this show how buying and selling a home is not just about price and paperwork. It is about people. Sellers want to protect their privacy and feel comfortable with the process, while buyers want reassurance that they are making the right choice. These situations can be tricky, and they require open communication and a willingness to compromise.
Final Thoughts
Requests like a sleepover might seem unusual, but they are a reminder that buying a home is deeply personal. Every buyer has unique needs and concerns, and sometimes those needs go beyond the standard home inspection. As a real estate agent, I believed it is my role to help navigate these situations with respect for both sides.
If you are buying a home and have special concerns, talk with your real estate agent early in the process. And if you are selling, know that some buyers may ask for unconventional ways to feel comfortable. With the right guidance, both sides can find a solution that works.
If you would like to talk more about this topic, reach out to me. I am always happy to chat and share my perspective. I can also connect you with a vetted real estate professional in your area who can guide you through buying or selling with confidence.
