Your Body Knows Before Your Brain Does...How I Can Tell

by Bridget Blonde, Realtor®, Nest Realty Inc.

December 31, 2025

Your body knows a home is "the one" long before your brain does.

Your body knows a home is "the one" long before your brain does.

I've seen it happen hundreds of times. Someone walks into a house and everything shifts.

Their breathing changes. Their shoulders relax. They start touching things.

And they don't even realize they're doing it.

Your brain is still making lists and checking boxes.

But your body? Your body is already home.

Here are the tiny clues I watch for. The ones that tell me you've found it before you even know you have.

You're Tasting the Tap Water

This one kills me every time.

You walk into the kitchen. You turn on the tap. You ask for a glass. And you actually taste the water.

Especially if it's a house on a well. This means something has already clicked and you want to make sure the water is a taste you can live with.

You're not thinking about it. You're just doing it.

Because somewhere in your brain, you're already living there. You're already making your morning coffee with that water.

This is a dead giveaway to me because it happens so rarely. Most people won't even touch the taps during a showing.

But when someone tastes the water? I know.

You Whisper "Ahhhh" the Moment You Walk In

You told your brain to play it cool. You were going to be objective. You were going to keep your poker face on and not give anything away.

And then you walk in and your mouth just couldn't help itself.

"Ahhhh."

Or "oh wow."

Or just this little exhale that says everything.

Your agent notices. Trust me. We notice.

Because that sound? That's not your brain talking.

That's your body recognizing something it's been looking for.

You Send 12 Photos to Your Bestie Before We've Even Left

We're still on the main floor and you're already texting.

Your mom. Your sister. Your best friend. Whoever your person is.

Photo after photo. "Look at this kitchen." "Look at this backyard." "Can you believe this light?"

When you loop in your important people that fast, it's a sure sign.

You're not waiting to think about it. You're not going home to process. You're bringing them in right now because you need them to see it too.

You need them to confirm what you're already feeling.

You Check the Sunlight for Your House Plants

This one makes me smile every time.

You walk into a room and you immediately start looking at the windows. Where the light comes in. How strong it is. What time of day it would hit.

And I know you're not thinking about the room. You're thinking about your plants.

If your plant babies won't thrive there, it's not the house for you.

This is such a specific thing. And it only happens when you're already mentally living there.

You're not just looking at the space anymore. You're placing your life into it.

You're Already Planning to Host the Next Holiday There

We walk into the dining room and you say it. Maybe out loud. Maybe just to yourself.

"Christmas dinner is happening here next year."

Or Thanksgiving. Or Easter. Or whatever your family does.

The right house makes you start planning. You can see the table set. You can hear the conversation. You can picture your people gathered there.

You're not thinking "could we fit everyone?" You're thinking "this is where we'll gather."

Big difference.

You Explain Away the House's Flaws

"The carpet's not that bad."

"We could easily update that bathroom."

"The kitchen's a little outdated but it has good bones."

When you start making excuses for a house, I know you're in deep.

Your brain is working overtime to justify what your heart has already decided.

And look. This is where I come in. Don't worry. I'm here to make sure you can see reality through your heart eyes.

I'll point out the things you need to know. The real issues. The costs. The timeline.

Not to talk you out of it. But to make sure you're going in with your eyes open.

Because feeling like a house is "the one" is great. But you still need to make a smart decision.

The Thing About Gut Feelings

Here's what I've learned after years of doing this.

Your gut is usually right about whether a house feels like home. That instinct is real. It matters.

But your gut doesn't know about foundation issues. Or electrical problems. Or whether the roof needs replacing in two years.

So when I see those signs that you've fallen for a house, I get it. I honour it. That feeling is important.

And then I make sure we do our due diligence anyway.

Because the goal isn't just to find a house that feels right. It's to find a house that feels right and actually is right.

What If You Haven't Felt It Yet?

Maybe you've been looking for a while and you haven't had that moment yet.

You've seen houses that are fine. Houses that check the boxes. Houses that would work.

But none of them have made you taste the tap water or start planning Christmas dinner.

That's okay.

Sometimes it takes a while. Sometimes you have to see 15 houses before you walk into number 16 and just know.

And sometimes, honestly, the "aha" moment is quieter than you think it's going to be.

Not everyone whispers "ahhhh" when they walk in.

Some people just get very quiet. Very still. And then they say "can we see it again?"

That's the moment too.

Trust the Process

From mentally moving the couch to planning your first holiday there, these tiny clues say more than words ever could.

Your body knows things your brain hasn't caught up to yet.

So if you walk into a house and you find yourself tasting the water or texting your sister or checking the light for your plants?

Pay attention.

That's your body telling you something.

And then call me so we can make sure your brain agrees.