The Character of Houses

Some people believe that a car can tell a lot about the owner's personality, but I do not subscribe to this notion in general. A person's car is far more indicative, in my opinion, of how much they are willing to spend, or of their personal needs, than it is of their character, in general. But go to a person's house, and there, I believe, you will discover far more clues to their habits, personality, and character than any car could ever display.
I have seen cars worth sixty thousand dollars and more, gleaming brightly in front of hovels. The yards were strewn with junk and trash, weeds were prolific, and the house itself was in disrepair. Perhaps the paint was peeling noticeably, or the foundation was unlevel, but all contributed to an air of chaos.
I have seen other houses, whose owners were clearly poor, yet who could be seen to be industrious and proud of their homes. Though the roof might be missing shingles and the paint peeling badly everywhere, the yard was clean of all junk. Lawn tools and furniture were neatly, tastefully arranged, and perhaps there were several potted plants or even a garden, in straight rows free of weeds.
And, of course, I have seen the homes of the well-to-do, with trim lawns and ornate houses, perhaps with a deck or a swimming pool. Houses whose yards are filled with yard ornaments, obviously arranged in some order, but so cluttered as to confuse the eye. Houses showing their owners of intricate detail and bright colours, often manifested in a surrounding garden as well. Houses of little individuality or personality (though not through the owner's fault) side by side with like houses, having like cars in their driveways. And once, a poorly maintained, cluttered house with two large pots of beautiful plants tastefully arranged in the midst of the clutter.
Because of such observations, it is a personal belief of mine that a good, though not infallible, clue to a person's character is their house. Here can be seen signs of industry, or laziness, order or chaos, beauty or ugliness, irrespective of apparent poverty or wealth.