What they say: "I want a house with character."
What they really mean: "I want brand-new construction that has some wood beams in the living room."
What they say: "We entertain a lot."
What they really mean: "We have three friends who come over about once a year."
What they say: "It has to be move-in ready."
What they really mean: "We definitely can't afford this, but we're praying."
What they say: "It's really important that we stay in budget."
What they really mean: "We're absolutely going to pick the one that's $60,000 over budget."
What they say: "It feels claustrophobic."
What they really mean: "I'm too dramatic to just say 'small.'"
What they say: "I need an open-concept space so I can keep an eye on the kids."
What they really mean: "Either I'm horribly overprotective or my children are walking nightmares who must be monitored 24/7."
What they say: "I need a gourmet kitchen, because I love to cook."
What they really mean: "I need a gourmet kitchen so that people will think that I cook."
What they say: "I work from home, so I'll need an office."
What they really mean: "I need a room to store bins of paperwork."
What they say: "I need a man cave."
What they really mean: "Please help me get away from my family."
What they say: "We're moving to another country because we wanted our kids to grow up in a different culture."
What they really mean: "We couldn't wait until retirement to live in the Bahamas, so we're dragging our kids along with us."
What they say: "We really need double sinks in the bathroom."
What they really mean: "Keep this person I married at least two feet away from me at all times please."
What they say: "I have to have a soaker tub."
What they really mean: "I will use this once the entire time we live here."
What they say: "This is...interesting."
What they really mean: "I hate this house."
What they say: "I really want granite countertops."
What they really mean: "I am unaware of any other type of countertop."
What they say: "I would love a craftsman-style home."
What they really mean: "I want people to think I know a lot about architecture."
What they say: "We're looking for a beachfront property or something with ocean views."
What they really mean: "We're either rich as hell or delusional about our budget."
What they say: "I hate this paint color."
What they really mean: "I'm too lazy to paint."
What they say: "I hate this wallpaper."
What they really mean: "Everybody hates wallpaper."
What they say: "Farmhouse sinks are totally my style."
What they really mean: "I saw a farmhouse sink on House Hunters once and now I really want it."