Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Smaller Homes Setting Real Estate Trends All Over The U.S.!

By Gavin J. King

The latest trend toward little houses is a outcome of the financial downswing, but has many benefits to both homeowners and our nation. It is reported that nearly 60% of the builders in the United States are building smaller scale homes, by the American Institute of Architects, and the higher demand for such construction is reinforced by the reduction in other costs of housing.

As everyone's IRAs hit the skids in early 2008, so did the demand for larger homes causing a lot of the chaos still being ironed out in the real estate market. With the lack of money came a desire for a smaller scale home that worked and the square footage average dropped by over 300 square feet.

Expenses are often being reduced on these smaller houses by using part from other homes or outbuildings again in their construction. Many of the smaller residences that are being built are utilizing wood from old barns that are being torn down, or even older residences that are no longer able to be occupied.

The comparatively low price of 40-90 thousand dollars for a smaller home illustrates their true value, especially when viewed in the light of homeowners still receiving luxuries like modern homes.

The small homes one California builder makes can be put on a foundation or on wheels. He sells plans for a little under $999 and builds mobile, small residences for around thirty thousands dollars. He says that building a small home is similar to having a suit tailored to fit. Since it is a custom home, every plan has specific inclusions that are important to the home owners. Given the limited amount of space, many of the small residences have built-in space saving features and can store as much as larger houses.

When big businesses like Home Depot and Lowe's get into the business of selling home kits, you know that it is becoming a growing trend.

Given the tendency of people with extra room to accumulate more stuff, the smaller home size helps many people deal with the materialist nature we all tend to have. Many homeowners are taking those exact thoughts to heart and exchanging their energy "McMansions" for smaller, if not more humble residences.

Do not be fooled into thinking that these smaller scale residences are lacking in luxuries or the modern creature comforts of larger houses. The appliances in the smaller residences do not have to scaled down due to the incorporation of double door refrigerators and claw foot tubs. With economy in mind and luxury featured, these home are drawing a higher degree of green buyers too.

Featuring reduced energy costs and lower mortgage payments, little residences are really an easy sale. residences that have conventional ceiling heights of about 8 feet have a record of reduced energy costs. This holds true for not only heat but air conditioning as well, so this reduced home plan trend works everywhere from Texas to Alaska.

In addition to the previously listed traits, a smaller scale home will also increase the best use of your building lot in many ways. Given that a smaller scale footprint on the lot will allow for more room to grow gardens, put up gazebos and landscaping. Putting up that extra concrete pad for a basketball hoop may even be a reality!

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