Do You Live in a House or a Home?

Nine out of ten people misuse the words “house” and “home” without giving it a second thought. Even real estate agents who should know better misuse the word “home.” Perhaps no one has had the heart to tell them the difference. Do you know there is a difference?

People are so excited when they are moving that they post a beautiful photo of a building and call it their new home. That is the wrong word to use. They are buying a “house.” Once they move in, the house can then become a home.

Don't be like those people who say, “I'm buying a home” when it would be more appropriate to say, “I'm buying a house.” No one can buy a home.

After a house is bought, it becomes a home because of the love, support, and mutual support of the household.

The late Luther Vandross was right when he sang A House Is Not a Home. He didn't beat around the bush. He came right out and said what a house is and what a house is not. He also said what a home is and what a home is not.

What Is a House?

The words “house” and “home” are closely akin, so people mistakenly think the two words can be used interchangeably, but that's not correct.

So, what is a house?

A house is a building made of brick and mortar. The size doesn't matter as long as it has walls, windows, and a door. The unit you purchase is a house. It can be called a home after you and your household live there. The unit that you live in with others is a household, no matter how large or small the group is, as long as the people live under the same roof.

What Is a Home?

A home is not a building that can be bought. A home is made up of the relationships of the people living in a house. It is safe to say that a house is a building or a structure made by hands, but a home is the relationships made by hearts.

Robert Frost said it best in his poem, “The Death of the Hired Man,” when he said, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” The hired hand was not part of the family, but when he was ready to die, he went back to the place where he knew he was loved.

Family Enjoying Their Home

You might have heard these popular quotes about a house and a home.

• “Home Sweet Home”
• “A man's home is his castle.”
• “There is no place like home.”
• “Make yourself at home.”
• “You can never go home again.”
• “Home is where the heart is.”
• “A House Is Not a Home” (1964 ballad by Luther Vandross)

Which is correct?

• I am buying a home.
• I am buying a house.

• The word to use when referring to a building is house. It is the structure you live in.
• The word to use when referring to the household's relationships is home. It is the bonding effect within that structure.
• A house is not a home, but it can become one by the actions of the people who live there, when everyone does what it takes to fit into the family unit.
• Keep in mind that you buy a house, but once you start living in it, you can make it your home.