Unless you're buying a Bugatti Veyron, a house is probably the most expensive purchase you're likely to make. And, you're likely have it many more years than a car. When you're car shopping, you check out lots of models and actually test drive them. Some places let you keep the car for a few days and if you don't like it, they'll actually take it back. But a house? You tour it for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, max. Sure, you spend some time checking the schools (if applicable) and the neighborhood, etc. but really...maybe a half hour? Granted, it's difficult to "test drive" a house when people are living in it...but it's just crazy to think about, isn't it?