When it comes to choosing their next home, it should come as no surprised that women and men tend to focus on different things (though they do share some areas of interest).

While women place home’s (and neighborhood’s) safety and security first, it doesn’t make the men’s list until #6. Alternatively, men place location at the top of their list while it barely makes the women’s list at #9.

Men focus more on a home’s quality of construction, potential for renovations, and spaces for a home office, gym, or workshop, while women think more about storage, privacy, and natural light.

Women’s Top 10 riorities on Home Buying

• Safety & Security – Doors and windows, security system, neighborhood safety.
• Kitchen – Is the kitchen modern, updated, with decent appliances and plentiful storage.
• Storage – Adequate closet space and storage options throughout the house.
• Outdoor Living – Are there garden areas, porches or patios, etc.
• Natural Light – Big windows, well-lit interiors.
• Privacy – Does the home delivery privacy from neighbors and passersy-by.
• Energy Efficiency – Sold windows and insulation, energy-saving appliances.
• Layout – Functional layout of the home for daily routines, especially around the kitchen.
• Location – How nearby are amenities and schools?
• Design – Does the home include aesthetic appeal she can work with?

Men’s Priorities on Home Buying

1. Location – Ranked at 9 with women, men are particularly sensitive to long commutes.
2. Garage/Parking – Is there ample parking, a good garage or workshop area.
3. Outdoor Living – Men and women both rank this pretty much the same.
4. Basement – Does the home have a big basement for a second TV room, extra storage, etc.
5. Home Size & Layout – Men care as much about the home’s size as its layout.
6. Security – For understable reasons, men don’t rank this nearly as highly as do women.
7. Energy Efficiency – Ranked pretty much the same.
8. Extra Rooms or Features – Men like the idea of a home office or added room for hobbies, a gym, workshops, etc.
9. Quality of Construction – Is the home well-built using solid materials for lower levels of upkeep and maintenance.
10. Potential for Customization – The degree to which a home can be renovated or enhanced to meet personal tastes.

What seems clear is that while men and women do share some home-buying tastes, it’s important that each individual’s unique interests are also understood and acknowledged in the search for the right home.