Little Houses Setting Real Estate Trends All Over The Nation!
Written by Gavin J. King   
Wednesday, 23 December 2009 08:34
The recession has created an interesting tendency in real estate construction, little houses that are more affordable and more energy efficient. The American Institute of Architects has reported a 59% change in the number of home builders in the U.S. featuring little homes and those trends are only reflecting the market trend of buyers preferring smaller scale homes.
by GavinJ.King


The recession has created an interesting tendency in real estate construction, little houses that are more affordable and more energy efficient. The American Institute of Architects has reported a 59% change in the number of home builders in the U.S. featuring little homes and those trends are only reflecting the market trend of buyers preferring smaller scale homes.

As the recession started to wreak havoc on the real estate market back in 2007 the size of houses being built started to decrease along with every one's' 401ks. The average size of new home construction plummeted over 9% as home buyers and builders lined up their home needs with their pockets books.

Expenses are often being reduced on these little residences by using part from other homes or outbuildings again in their construction. Old barns and homes that are being torn down have supplied many materials that can be used again for the builders who are constructing little homes.

Given that the smaller residences are much cheaper in value and can still have many of the extravagances of larger homes, you can understand why the trends are pointing up for them.

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.

Major corporations like Lowe's, the home improvement retailer, vends it's own "Katrina Cottages" designed to counter F.E.M.A.'s toxic trailers.

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.

Many people prefer the modern features of larger residences, but you do not have to go without when you buy a little home. Appliances and features likes double door refrigerators and claw foot tubs are all the rage in the mini-residences being built. With economy in mind and luxury featured, these home are drawing a higher degree of green buyers too.

Since the little houses have a lower energy bill and a reduced mortgage payment, it is not hard to tell you why the trends are what they are. homes that have conventional ceiling heights of about 8 feet have a record of reduced energy costs. With fewer square feet in the floor-plan, smaller houses require less energy to either heat or cool them off so you can save on your energy costs in a big way with them.

Finally, have a smaller home built will not only keep your cost of living down, but it can also increase the recreational value of your home. With more room on your lot due to the fact that you home now takes up less space on your lot, you can use your lot to put up solar panels, solar water heaters or grow your own veggies. Maybe you can put that shop in the back you have always dreamed of!

About the Author: