New Real Estate Industry Term: the Man Cave
After spending more time with younger couples home searching before the tax stimulus deadline, I learned a new word or phrase that I believe is becoming an industry standard: the “man cave.” I’m not sure if it’s one word or two words or whether it’s hyphenated, but it’s definitely a term widely used. 
From what I’ve learned from clients, a “man cave” is the SINGLE room in the home that the male gets to decorate and keep his personal stuff not allowed anywhere else in the house. He can paint the man-cave whatever color he chooses and display whatever goofy treasures he brings from college or his parents that is simply not suitable anywhere else.
The “man cave” is usually a third bedroom, den or garage.
Now being a researcher at heart, I googled “man cave” and discovered that there is an official man cave web site: mancavesite.org. Definition supplied by this site is “man cave n. A dedicated area of a house, such as a basement, workshop, or garage, where a man can be alone or socialize with his friends.”
So, now I realize I’m NOT going to be the first to enter the term "man cave" in Wikipedia - it’s already there.
New Real Estate Industry Term: the Man Cave
My girlfriend just built a huge new home with every amenity you could want. She kept talking about her husband’s “media room” which has a full wet bar, large television screen, all of his sports memorabilia and ugly beer mugs displayed. She calls it a media room, but now I know it’s his man cave.
I wonder if younger couples are searching in google, “3 bedroom home under $150,000 in midtown Tulsa, Oklahoma with updated kitchen and a man cave?”
Come to think of it, my 55 year-old husband has his own man-cave that is spilling out into MY area of the house. Time to start stuffing things back in to HIS man cave!
Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.
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Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.
How funny, I have seen more and more garages tured into the "Man Cave" complete with TV.
Lori ~ Too funny! I know a lot of people with a "man cave" would love to hear about the first MLS system that creates a search term for man cave... wonder if it violates any advertising regulations?????
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One of my clients had taken a hot tub area and gazebo, and did away with the gazebo. He outfitted it with a bar, fridge, television and conversational seating. It was tastefully done with great garden views. But his daughter called it his 'manzebo'!
Oh, so that's what you call it?! I have always said, everyday I learn something new, and today, I have you to thank.
"Man Cave"? I'm still laughing.
Diane - I have one client who has carpet, furniture, fridge and t.v. on one side of the attached garage. It's also his "smoke hole."
Carra - wonder if that WOULD violate anything if that were an ammenity to list in MLS?
Karen - manzebo? I LOVE it!
Mercedes - here I thought I was introducing a new term and find out that it's been used for years!
Lori, I have a contractor friend who has been asked to provide a bid to build a detached man cave in the back yard.
Somehow, the term does fit if it is going to be detached, but the end-result is the same.
Ah yes, the man cave! My daughter's husband has one with a wonderful pool table and athletic posters and jerseys on the wall. It really is a fun addition for all. I too wonder if it will be added to the mls entry system here.
I already know that our MLS won't accept "Man Cave" in the public description, that would be !gasp! discrimination. We need to come up with a code name! How about ... "and a large bonus room fit for a Evac-nam". Let's see how long it takes for them to figure that one out!
Lori, this is a Feature of This Fine home that I think we will be seeing more of! I like the idea.
MK - detached man cave works for me!
Dick & Dixie - post photos!
Cynthia - how it that descrimination? Evac-nam is GOOD!
Pat - definite feature, indeed! LOL!
Hi Lori,
Yes they are great... but 100% autonomy in terms of decorating and furnishing? Well ..... maybe on television.
Lori - older guys like their Man Caves too. It always involves a gigantic TV for sports (at least my husband and his friends) The HGTV shows about Man Caves or Man Land are great!
You see - this troubles me - NEVER heard the term before. Then, x number of couples bring it up while shopping and I'm thinking I'm ON to something. :-)
Tim - get over it. :-)
Anna - nice to see your smiling face. Man Land? I think not!!
I wonder when we will start seeing an MLS category for "man cave."!
Hi Jane!! THAT would likely start in Oklahoma and the trend would move west! :-)
Hi Lori - I think the difference between "man cave" and "media room" is the price of the house. ;D
Hi again Lori,
Re: Post #13 (11)
Ha! I already have gotten over it-- a guy has to learn how to lose gracefully. At least my big speakers are still mounted on the walls. :-)
Tim - you're a good sport!
Pamela - you're probably right!!
Lori,
My man cave keeps getting smaller. The couch has turned into a filing cabinet, not overnight, it took months.
Brian
If I am not mistaken, the term originated in "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus."
Lori - This one became really prevalent over the past year or so here in Austin, too. I had never heard it before 2009. Interesting stuff, huh?
Hey Lori, I almost missed your post but it turned up in Patricia's "Week in Review" and it's great...Frankly I have discussed the prospect of the fully outfitted "man Cave" with Jason, your previous commenter and it would be on the list if we ever won the lottery! :-D
I've been using the man-cave phrase for the last 4-5 years. Here in Nevada there are many outbuildings or third car garage stalls that are completely converted with flooring, big screen televisions, card game playing tables, and other manly accessories!
My new listing has a man cave in the extra workshop/garage - complete with cable, lazy-boy chairs, and a wood stove. I am thinking I should post this on the MLS!
In the days of yesteryear it was the garage. The wife got the whole house and we guys could do anything we wanted with the garage and suffer no ridicule, you know don't make fun of my Stuff.
With the evolution of mankind how fortunate that some guys actually get a room in the house. WoW.
There are even businesses now that sell man cave furniture and accessories -- for dens and garages!
The man cave. Fun blog. Yes, it is an official term if Wiki has it and furniture stores specialize! But impressive Philip read Men are from Mars and remembers the origin or the first time I remember hearing the term... it was either in the book or about that time I heard it, as well.
I did a quick search of listings just to see if the term "man cave" is used. Here's a sample of what I found:
I guess if you want to sell your home, you better have a "man cave" as that's what buyers want today!
I would love to have a Man Cave. My Man Cave now is actually my office on the second floor. We have talked about remodeling our house when the kids move out (If they move out) and building a media room a.k.a. "Man Cave." I'd love to have one and it should be in MLS (perhaps as a media room).
Lori:
Perfect! Once back in Indiana, I sold a home that the husband was not real thrilled with the exterior, nor the rest of the house, till he saw the garage. Car lift, Bose sound system, custom cabinets, T.V. and last but not least a urinal! Try to beat that one!
That sold it! Closing was a hoot! Good post!
Lori, we have had the man cave here in Texas and also in Florida for years. They even make fun of it at craft shows with man cave signs. Women only enter with permission of the Cave Man LOL.
Lori, some of my renter clients,as well as buyer clients, have requested/required a man-cave, so I've been familiar with the term for some time. Personally, I'm looking forward to converting my unfinished basement into my man-cave, sooner rather than later. We men need our private space, a place all for us, after we've given everything else to the wife and children. Trust me, it makes for a happier home, doesn't it guys?
Cameron #25 - indeed. Cracking up about that one.
Lori, I guess I am in touch with my feminine side, a man cave is just totally unacceptable.
I have heard agents and buyers use this term - I think I have seen it in MLS descriptions - sure seems like it violates "the rules", but I think there are people looking for it.
We just recently finished our basement, and my husband calls the entire basement his man-cave. The washer/dryer is downstairs, but somehow it is no problem to go down to the 'man cave' to do clothes. LOL
When looking for homes with my clients, a lot of men are specifically looking for space for themselves, and they are all calling it the 'man cave'.
Boys, men whatever they are called .....will never grow up!
Patricia
Hi Lori~ A couple of my listings have really nice "man caves" so I hope they sell quickly....
It's just a new name for an old place ... here's the nicest man cave I ever saw:
Yep, that's neon tubing around the perimeter ... classic cars in the custom built garage. See the reflection of the checkerboard floor on the lower left? LOL!
Man Cave maybe a new real estate term, but it is an old idea. My brother converted his "workshop" into a man cave complete with plasma TV, mini fridge, and recliner.
Man caves are nothing new. My clients have been getting them for years...
We've also heard and used the term "man cave" in Missouri for many years. In our rural area, "media room" is not all that common. John Deere Rooms are also popular.
That gets brought up SO often when you are showing a couple from a younger generation!
Yes, yes, the infamous man cave! I'm convinced this term gained popularity from folks who are addicted to HGTV (like myself). Designers on HGTV use the term all the time but I agree that it usually ends up being some variation of a media room! :)
Another idea......
I have suggested sellers have a clean workbench in the garage, a television, a small refrigerator, and an ash tray.
As a man, I know where I will be spending my time! Don't need the couch or trash. My other dream is to have
a wash sink so my wife will not get upset with me coming into the house sweaty with grass all over me from moving the yard or
for those who do physical work for a living a place to leave their boots and work clothes including jacket.
If you listing is in a working class area, trust me this can help sell a home that has been stagnant on the market!
Sonny
Man Cave...yes we have one in our home...you can always fine my husband there :)
I use the term often and buyers seem to relate well to it. Everyone in their mind has a definition of what a man cave should be.
Having rehabbed 6 houses, when we got to the garage, we always made sure that the walls were painted as nicely as the interior of the house. We put epoxy finishes on the floors that made them look like terrazo and in essense, we made the potential "mancave" move in ready.
When I would pull up to show the house, I would hit the remote control, the garage door would open and the sparkling clean "Mancave" would magically be revealed. The menfolk would be in 7th heaven. The wives would look at the house and then come back and drag the guys back through the rest of the house. There is a lot to be said for paying attention to this area of the house and it doesn't take a lot to make it nicer than the norm and guys really appreciate having the nice space for their areas of interest.
This is just perfect! I have a house that I am trying to figure out a hook and this wil do it perfectly! Thanks for the idea!
I've noticed this, too, in just the past year I'm hearing comments as I'm showing homes such as "perfect man cave" or "no space for a man cave". Good post.
My home office is my man-cave, sequestered in an unfinished section of my basement, desk, computer, phones, surrounded by sports memorabilia, weight-lifitng equipment and a putting green, my wife uses our other office 2 levels above and when we have clients over they do not know my man-cave office exists!
Lori - nenver heard the term before, but love it! Even if the terms were never used, the space it represents has been around for quite awhile.
Without a "man cave" a home is just a shelter!
In Vermont, and probably other areas of the country too, in addition to the "man cave" a second place of escape is "deer camp" which could be called a "men cave". Of course those types of properties rarely go on the market as they are transferred to family members usually.
I had to list a man-cave of a condo last year. It was occupied by tenants. They were both 27 years old. The place came complete with Lazy Boy furniture, THREE massive televisions, two double screen computers and a bong. Women fled in horror - men were thrilled.
Hello: Back in the day, I had a man cave! It was nice, but now all I have room for is also my office. Oh well!
Hate to be the wet blanket but just wait until the PC Fair Housing people get hold of your ads saying "MAN cave.." Everyone else in the world chuckles at the terminology, but those few tight-a$$ trouble makers will eventually cause havoc.
Lori,
My garage is mine. We park in the driveway. The garage has every tool imaginable in it.
Oh, Brian - you and my husband must have a lot in common!
J. Philip - maybe. I detested that book.
Jason - I hope it hasn't been around longer than that!
Russell - I worry when you and Jason collaborate!
Christianne - you are a trend-setter, girlfrind!
Peggy - let us know how it's received!
Cameron - you made me laugh! Yes, we're letting you INSIDE now!
Dean and Sonia - I did NOT know that! Kristen - I was shocked when I found it in Wiki!
Lewis - I'm definitely going to begin advertising "man caves! "
Tom - good luck on the kids moving out! :-)
Susan - LOVE it when there is a urinal in the garage! That's a hoot!
Gary - of course you've had it in Texas and Florida longer - we expect that from you!
William - and a happy home is our combined objective.
Joe - of course you are the first guy to admit that!
Susan - don't see why it should violate the rules, although I'm sure it does.
Renee - now to talk your husband into doing the laundry . . .
Patricia - not touching that comment! Vickie - be sure to show lots of photos of the "man caves!"
Glenda - AWESOME man cave! Michael - indeed!
Debbie - "John Deere rooms" - have not heard that term!
Joan - that's my experience for sure.
Lisa - HGTV, huh? I have got to start watching that show.
Sonny - AWESOME idea. Imagine STAGING a man cave! You are BRILLIANT!
Rebecca - great - at least you know where to find him!
Duane - I'm learning that. Andi - I'll look for your blog!
Concord - that is such an excellent idea. I think you and Sonny (comment #44) have hit the nail on the head!
Evelyn - let us know how it turns out!
Sherri - it's definitely coming up more and more!
John - your man cave sounds perfect. Never thought of a putting green - my husband would love that!
Leah - not a new idea, just a new term, I think!
Green - just a shelter! LOL!
Ruthmarie - that's funny!
Aaron - bless your heart!
Pat - hope you're wrong, but doubt that you are.
Terry - sounds awesome - post a photo!
Every house should have a Man Cave. In fact, the MLS's should stick a new blank space in the listing form right after "family room" and "den".
That's funny...my husband took over one of our bedrooms when the kids left. It is definately a "man cave". All his models are in there, a huge glass case to show them and they are flying from the ceiling.
He loves it.
I do see those separate quarters in many of my friends homes in Nashville. Usually the bonus room over the garage.
I've always called it a Den for Men. And I need to fix one up pronto -- I've got 2 amps, 3 guitars and 1 special effects pedal board in my...[gasp]...LIVING ROOM!
Lori, I first heard the term on a TV program where a group of guys came in and remodeled a room specifically for the guys each week. Looks like it might be catching on.
As much as I don't like "trendy" terms, "Man Cave" seems so right on. And yes, I am using it. Everyone knows what I mean. And guys love it.
I'm seeing more and more man caves when I go on home staging consultations. I think its a great idea to maintain marital harmony. My husband has his "I love me" room where he displays all his awards & citations, photos, etc. It is also his office. He loves that he has his own space to do with as he wishes, and I love that I don't have to look at all that military memorabilia.
Every man needs his own space!
Lori: My poor wife ... as a mother of only boys ... she says our entire house evolved into a "man cave" and stays that way. Slowly, but surely .. over the years her delicate figurines, vases, and more feminine decor items got tucked away. Out of range of bouncing balls, a crazy dog, running boys, and me .. a husband that likes to practice his golf swing and limber up in the formal living room during the winter. She keeps saying "one day" she'll bring the safely packed away items out again, but now .. we have grandkids on the way. With her luck, they'll all be male. Thanks God she's patient and understanding ...
Gene
Lori, I had never heard this term before. Now, I have heard it four times within the last two months - it is definitely starting to catch on.
Jim - I think you're right.
Missy - at least he waited till one room was empty!
Tanya - Den for Men works too!
Michael - catching on evidently!
Evelyn - Guys DO love it!
Michelle - I think staging a man cave is a great idea!
Damon - we KNOW!
Gene - she sounds like a Saint!
Mark - exactly what I'm saying!
This is really cute. I wonder if Riley Rover has a dog cave in the house. I think he thinks it is the Master Bedroom because that is his favorite place to plop by all his toys.
I really enjoy showing houses with a 'man cave.' As soon as you enter the 'man cave' the conversation becomes much less formal and the husband and I can start talking about the real business at hand. It's funny how the conversation is quickly directed back to the wife immediately upon leaving said 'man cave.'
My 'man cave' is affectionately called 'The Shop,' It has a TV, a rather powerful stereo system and of course a fridge. My wife would tell you that I spend more time 'straightening' the shop than I do the house. I am waiting for her to figure out that 'straightening' the shop is nothing more than my 'man cave' lingo for doing absolutely nothing but watching TV....in 'The Shop.'
I think 'man caves' are the new FROGS and once a man has experienced his own 'man cave'....survival without once could be detrimental to his health.
Be good
We do use the term in the South - still usually brings a smile from Buyers when I say it with a "wink" to the buyer-man! Have yet to have that sway a final decision though. So many times the man wants to create his own "cave!" Thanks for your post!
Glendas picture is perfect! I even have that little SL in my Man Cave, just not in as pristine of a condition...
Man caves have been around forever, just w/o that name. Most men love a work shop or a garage, or for me BOTH! we need a place for our toys!
I love my man cave! I think they should be standard features in all new homes- complete with a big screen!
Lori - Hubby has been calling "his" garage his "man cave" for years. It's the only place I he gets to smoke and listen to his ridiculous macho he-man radio stations (think Howard Stern and the likes). I actually heard it first from him before I ever started hearing buyers and Realtors using the term.
Wow! It took this blog for me to get it: our garage is my husband's "man cave".
Now I understand why he is saying that my stuff (neatly packed four plastic boxes containing my "stuff" for flower arrangements) is taking too much space in the garage.
I think from now on I will be more understanding and give him "more space" ....
Thanks Lori.
Lori, thanks for enlightening me with your post. I'm going to remember that term!!!
Love it...... Now for the ladies, we need to create a spot for us!! And not the kitchen either!
Great post and great comments. I had one but my wife turned it into a bedroom. O what the Hell.
I have shown more than a couple homes where the entire house is a "man cave" --maybe there needs to be some sort of official valuation model associated with the man cave: if the value of the home theater equipment exceeds 20% of the entire value of the property (shown some that must have come close), then the entire property can be certified as a "man cave"...
Oh yes, yes, yes....this is why I've been happily married for over 15 years. Our "cave" is actually a cabin, 1 1/2 hours away. He can ride on the boat and fish and play loud music and BBQ red meat. When we start to get on each other's nerves, one of us hits the road.
I know exactly what you mean. I had buyer clients in from out of state and their main need was a "man room" aka man cave. We wouldn't look at anything that didn't have a room separate from the others and was big enough for all the toys. This was a first for me that one room would dictate a home search. Great post!
Woh! 82 comments! Seems like you're on to something here! My fitness trainer turned his detached garage in Santa Monica into a workout room which he calls "The Man Cave." When he opens the door he says, "The Man Cave is open for business!"
Lori, oh how true. My husband's room is call the "I love me" room. I now know it's a "Man Cave." Believe me, I enter at my own risk!
Great comments everyone! Tom Bailey - you are funny! Karen - two separate residences is never a bad idea.
Had no idea the "man cave" was so popular!
Yeah, my whole place is a man cave. i LOVE IT!
My kids keep invading my space and I cannot get any privacy.
Cliff - GOOD for you!
Gene - awwww - what a great photo!
I think it is so different here in Seattle. I have been hearing, and using, the term "man cave" for several years now. It just refers to a place where a guy can do what he wants. Period. It can be a room, shop, garage, or a whole condo, or even an extra house.
This is so funny because we just listed our 3rd investment property and our realtor suggested we put the "mancave" on the list of rooms. ...I think there might be something to this!!! :)
I love it! There are man caves and then there are man caves. Each is unique to the owner and are generally the most fun room in the house!
It IS funny! Why have we not heard of a WOMAN cave?!!