I’m a couple of weeks late for Valentine’s Day, but since love is a year ‘round emotion, I figured it’s never too late. And when it comes to buying real estate, love can be a dangerous emotion especially when there isn’t a lot to choose from.

The most recent inventory statistics show that Manatee County’s available single-family homes is under 4 months, well below the six-month figure that is considered healthy. Because of this, the amount of homes available to look at in a given price range are fewer. This makes falling in love with a home even more dangerous since your instinct is to go with your emotional gut, which is telling you this may be your only opportunity.

Even if inventory is down you still need not to get caught in the love trap. You still need to do your research on comparable properties, and you still need to keep your emotions in check when being shown the home, especially if the homeowner is there. Don’t gush when the dolphins jump out of the water, and don’t tell the homeowner that you just love what they did with the kitchen. It’s OK to ask about the taxes or association fees, the water bill or the schools, but wondering about the beautiful the sunset is a dead giveaway.

In a market with low inventory, you will be pressured to make an offer right away for the obvious reasons. It’s always better to go home, decompress and schedule another showing, even if it’s the next day. Twenty-four hours doesn’t sound that long but it can make a difference after the initial glow of love is gone.

Also don’t let falling in love make you blind to the legal and inspection aspects that you are entitled to as part of the process. Waiving contingencies like home inspections or a mortgage contingency because you’re afraid your lover will leave you could lead you down the road of financial ruin.

It is true that homeowners look at all cash buyers in a more favorable light and they are. There is nothing like cash that has no strings attached and no pesky bank appraisers to interfere. But you have to do what is best for you, and if obtaining a mortgage is what you must do to get into a home, you will just have to find the perfect love that will allow you to do that.

When you find your love in a tight market, work quickly and efficiently and pick your battles. You may want to overlook the little bit of mold the inspector found in the bathroom if other buyers are breathing down your neck, but you can’t overlook the dangerous outdated electrical system.

Right around Valentine’s Day I read something that caught my eye. The U. S. Federal Reserve, of all agencies, did research on credit scores relative to compatibility. Apparently, people who have higher credit scores are more likely to form committed relationships and stay with a partner longer. Makes you wonder if this was a good use of our tax money, but interesting nonetheless.

Falling in love is always the same, whether it’s a home or a person. Neither one are ever perfect. No matter what price range you’re in, if you look close enough you’ll find the chipped paint and cracked tile that we all have.