Navigating a singular market

Real estate markets around the world operate differently, and Israel presents some fascinating contrasts to the American property scene.

For potential buyers considering an investment in Israel – whether as future residents (olim), investors, or those seeking connection to this historically significant land– understanding the differences is essential to navigating the market with confidence and fewer surprises.

The authentic Israeli ‘showing’

Open houses and property viewings reveal some of the most striking cultural differences between American and Israeli real estate practices. These distinctions reflect varying approaches to privacy/personal space, presentation, and market dynamics, which shape the entire buying experience.

WHILE AMERICAN property showings follow well-established protocols designed to maximize appeal and minimize distractions, Israeli property viewings, on the other hand, operate from entirely different cultural and practical norms. (credit: UNSPLASH)

The polished American standard

American property showings follow well-established protocols designed to maximize appeal and minimize distractions.

Homes often undergo professional staging or at least some styling with carefully selected furniture, strategic lighting, and curated decor that creates “aspirational lifestyle imagery.”

Even those that aren’t staged are cleaned and polished to the max, with many personal items put away.Homes smell good – often thanks to strategically placed candles, diffusers, or freshly baked cookies – while floors gleam and surfaces sparkle.

This approach creates pristine, almost museum-like environments where every detail serves the singular purpose of facilitating a sale. The idea is that they’re beautiful and impersonal enough for buyers to picture themselves living there.

Most significantly, American showings typically take place in vacant properties. Current owners go out during viewings, allowing potential buyers uninterrupted exploration. Buyers feel completely open to exploring, inspecting, and questioning, without any awkwardness or inhibition.

The unvarnished Israeli reality

Israeli property viewings, on the other hand, operate from entirely different cultural and practical norms. Current occupants – including children who may observe visitors with undisguised curiosity (prepare for the stare!) – typically remain present throughout showings. You’ll encounter authentic, lived-in spaces complete with family photographs covering walls, children’s artwork displayed on refrigerators, coats draped over chairs, towels hanging askew on hooks, and personal belongings scattered throughout rooms.

The preparation level varies dramatically from property to property and resident to resident. While some sellers maintain extremely tidy homes, others make minimal effort to clean up before viewings. Don’t be surprised to encounter dishes in sinks, overflowing laundry baskets, unmade beds, or full garbage bins.

Some properties showcase years of accumulated family life: books stacked on every surface, toys scattered across floors, and walls bearing the creative expressions of resident children (yes, that’s a euphemism for “scribbles”).

From sparkling floors to sandals at the door

Real estate culture shock from the US to Israel

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