Your Next House

Here's a blog post on Jetson Green with information on a new survey by NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) and Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

I'll let you read the details, which I think are quite interesting. But the bottom line is that people are interested in smaller, more fuel efficient homes.

That's got me thinking and wondering? Has the current economic turbulence got people thinking differently about what they want in their next home? If you've got a very large home now, do you think you'd like to downsize and is that desire related to our current economic situation? Have your thoughts changed about where you live, city vs. country? Are you craving more land to grow more of your own food?

I'm curious whether people are deciding to make major changes in what they want in housing because of our current situation.

So tell me what you're thinking? How has how you think about your home, about buying or selling real estate, changed as a result of what's happening in the overall economy or in your own little economic corner?

RE: Your Next House

Great insights, Julie! Bigger is not always better. Without the extra sticks and bricks to pay for we can focus attention back to the lost art of craftsmanship. We can once again marry our houses to the land and in turn we can once again connect more meaningfully to our homes. It seems as though the “American Dream” of homeownership has become something too easily bought and sold – and sadly undervalued. Our houses have become “disposable”; little more than a five year fling.

As a custom home builder I savor the concept of the “not so big house”. Homes that occupy a smaller footprint must be designed with greater care in an attempt to maximize every available space. The oft-overlooked cubbyhole, reading nook, furniture niche, or low spot. How does the small custom builder know where to place these little gems or how these spaces will be used and by whom? Through close and personal contact with the people who will be living in these spaces. Through trust, care, and mutual understanding – through lasting relationships.

As a custom home builder I like to think that the homes I build are not “disposable” and as an American I am hopeful that, instead of buying and selling, we can learn to live the “American Dream” – in a house that is more intimate; more unique; responsible, sustainable, and economical; safer; healthier; in a house full of character, charm, warmth, and memories – in a house that is a home.

 As a custom home builder business would be great – better neighborhoods, a stronger community, a prosperous nation, perhaps the world would be a better place to live – if only we would fall deeply in love with our homes again.