Small Is The New Big: A New Attitude For Changing Times
By Marianne Amodio
I was a renter for many years. When I moved to Vancouver, that hardwired dream of single family home ownership was socked away into the “it can never be” part of my brain and I tried to forget about it. As the years went on, that elusive dream came back again and again. Finally, I decided that if I had to vanquish the home of my dreams, well, maybe I could still get something.
I knew that I couldn’t afford a traditional home. So I went looking for something else: something old, unrenovated, even ugly. Something, that maybe, through some hard work, I could turn into a home that was truly mine. I remember when I first went through the apartment I now own; there were about 5 other people, most of whom walked away with a look a disappointment on their faces. The place was indeed ugly. It hadn’t been touched since the 1970s when it was first built. But the neighborhood was great. There was a skylight! And this old quirky functioning wood burning fireplace. I began to examine the possibilities.
Through months of stressful and rewarding renovation, I can now proudly say that my home is complete. It suits my family perfectly because all our needs were thought out and designed for. The spaces are small, but they function well and they look good. And when I take my few steps to my backyard (otherwise known as “the seawall”), I am reminded that living smarter might actually be better than living bigger. When we think of the words “custom home” we think immediately of large mansions for the wealthy; something that is perhaps out of our reach. There is no doubt that my home is a custom home: designed for me and by me.
Over the past year or so, there has been a shift in attitude that we can all feel and see. People are beginning to embrace notions of thoughtfulness, environmentalism and thinking more and more about what is enough to keep them happy. The days of excess, of the idea that bigger is better and wanting more and more has weighed on our pocketbooks and likely, on our spirits. We are in a quieter, more reflective time this is easily perceptible in how we choose to build, or the home we choose to buy. Small is the new big is a philosophy that espouses quality over quantity: that a small amount of a higher quality material is more valuable than a large amount of a cheaper material; that a small space that is designed with you and your family in mind is more valuable than an anonymous “great room” and that your surrounding community plays a large role in what we call “home”.
We are a generation caught between the new and old ways of living. Most of us grew up in houses in single family neighborhoods where the bigger car, the bigger house, the bigger tree house was indicative of status and our value as people. Now is the time to embrace the new ways of living: through creative thinking and innovative planning we can live within places of comfort, warmth and longevity. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be smart.
Marianne Amodio is a registered architect with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and principal of marianne amodio architecture studio, a practice specializing in custom single family and multi-family homes, renovations, additions and laneway housing. Her website is at www.maastudio.com.
What Do Single Women Want – In a Home?
By Christopher Shaw
There is a new trend in today’s real estate market and that trend is Single Woman buyers. In recent years single woman have become a “force to reckon with”. According to recent national studies by National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae, single women account for the fastest growing segment of home buyers. The reasons for this new trend varies. Today’s women are earning better wages, many are divorced or have simply chosen to postpone marriage and build lives independently. Quite simply many are wise enough to take advantage of the current market which is excellent for buyers. The question is what are these single women looking for in a home?
Studies show that women have a very distinct criteria when it comes to buying a home. They know exactly what they want!
1. Security was high on the list . Women are seeking homes in neighborhoods that they feel safe and secure in.
2. As they say in the real estate industry; location, location, location. If you did not get it the first time location is also very important. Woman typically desired homes in well planned communities in good school districts, close to family and work if possible, shopping and other conveniences.
3. Women, whether they savor the joy of cooking or the art of making reservations. Most tend to desire homes with spacious well equipped updated kitchens. Kitchens that provide lots of cabinets for storage, granite counter tops with five to six feet of workable space complete with appliances.
4. Bathrooms are also important. Women want bathrooms that offer a spa like experience.
5. Lots of closet space was also important along with ample storage space as well. We are a society of consumers, we have a lot of things. We need somewhere to put those things.
6. Financing assistance. Recognizing this trend, lenders are targeting and offering programs specifically designed to assist single women in purchasing homes. There are programs that offer assistance to divorced women, single mothers as well as down payment assistance just to name a few.
8. Although women are no longer afraid of maintenance many women are looking for condos and townhouses which offer lower maintenance like lawn care and landscaping along with amenities such as pools, recreational rooms, and gyms. Due to time constraints and busy lifestyles these living situations simply make things more convenient. I must add that women are also buying single family homes however the purchase of townhouses and condos is increasing with this trend.
9. Studies also state the women are buying homes in the median price range of $139,000 – $162,000. ????????
(note: the price range depends upon the income level of the single women used for the study.)
10. An investment in financial well-being. Single women are planning their financial futures and see owning a home as a part of building wealth. They are looking for homes that they can sell or rent at a later date as they climb the economic ladder.
As single women continue to buy into and change the face of the real estate market, it has become increasingly important that housing professionals continue to expand their marketing efforts toward this growing and powerful demographic.
Making Sure You Get What You Need
By Carmen O’Doherty Smith
When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of what you want and what you need. It keeps you on track to ultimately find the property that best fits your requirements. However, a lot of us get caught up in the excitement of looking at properties and confuse the two terms. So let’s clarify them right now.
A ‘need’ refers to a feature that is an absolute must in a new home. A ‘want’, by contrast, is a ‘nice-to-have’. Some home buyers make the mistake of choosing a ‘want’ at the expense of a ‘need’.
For example, say you ‘need’ four bedrooms in your new home but ‘want’ a golf course located nearby. It can be tempting to fall in love with a property that has a beautiful golf green just a couple of blocks away, even if it has only three bedrooms. You may find yourself signing the offer while dreaming of Saturday morning tee-offs, only to awake to the realization months later that the lack of an extra bedroom has become a serious inconvenience to you and your family.
Of course it is possible to get most, if not all, of what you need and want in a new home. But if it comes down to a choice, it’s usually a good idea not to sacrifice something you really need in order to get something you want. Working with an experienced Realtor will help you stay focused on the must haves. We have all made impulse purchases in our lives, but you don’t want your home to be one of them.
So when you’re making your house hunting checklist, be clear about what is a need-to-have and what is a nice-to-have. Don’t forget that some features you want – like a wraparound backyard deck, for example – can potentially be added to your new home later.
Carmen O’Doherty Smith, Sales Representative
Prudential Sterling Realty
778-773-2283
www.carmenodohertysmith.com
“Working with you and for you too reach all your real estate goals”
Benefits of Townhome Living
By Roby V. Pagong
Times have changed and it has reflected on the real estate market as well. Gone were the days when people dream of owning a single-family home with a vast lawn seen as they step out the door. Today, the needs and wants of the buyers have changed. To answer these, there is a variety of options provided in the real estate industry. Among them is the townhome.
Although the term townhome has become a common name, there are still a lot of people who do not understand what separates it from other properties. A townhome is another term of a townhouse. This type of property merges the conveniences of a single-family home and a condominium. It is characterized by a structure having several units for different occupants. Normally, they are multiple-story structure but they do not have a neighbor below and above the units.
Many are investing in townhomes today. This is because of the many benefits it offers. This is what people living in a fast paced community need. Among the benefits of townhome living is indicated below:
1. It is cheaper compared with the single-family home. Since they are similar, you can still enjoy the benefits of a single-family home at a much cheaper value.
2. You do not have to worry about privacy. Although there are multiple units in on structure, you will not have a neighbor below or above your unit. Homes are placed side by side.
3. There is no need for a tedious maintenance outside your property. This is because the space outside of the property is limited. It will still require some cleaning and monitoring, however, it is not as difficult as mowing the grass, watering the field and checking the landscape. This means that you will save more time, effort and energy.
4. It will also be difficult for burglars to enter your property. This is because the properties are next to each other. Neighbors can easily check suspicious behavior or noise next door.
5. Socialization in a townhome is also easier. You will get to know your neighbors with ease because your homes are next to each other. If you want to organize a party, it will be easier as well. You can just go next door and hand the invitation. There is no need to mail them or drive to different houses.
6. You can also enjoy several amenities. Most townhomes have swimming pools, fitness centers and tennis courts. You will definitely have the venue to relax and rejuvenate after a tiresome week at the office.
7. You can save time as well. Aside from the time you will spend maintaining the yard, you can use that time to rest or be with friends. There are also townhomes in areas near workplaces. If you can find one, you will surely save on travel time as well as the transportation expenses.
Although a townhome offers a lot of benefits, it is still not for everyone. However, if you feel that this is what you are looking for, find a townhome most suitable for you.
Consider the Carefree Condos for Sale and Townhomes in Cave Creek in your next purchase.
Article Source:EzineArticles
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