Stacey-Ann:

I agree.  I think the economy has a lot to do with the movement toward smaller homes right now.

Julissa:

First-floor masters have not actually caught on in my area just yet. Nor have one-story homes.  But, I think, nationally, it may be more of a trend.

Gerry:

I also grew up in a ranch home (which would now make me feel claustrophobic) so I am a bit partial to the big colonials.  I don't want to see them fall out of favor at all.

Donne:

So, right - going up and down the stairs can be very hard on the legs and on the knees, in particular.

Teral:

I hope you are right about that.  I certainly do like to sell them and so many of my clients have been happy with their large homes.

Keisha:

Once you are accustomed to living in 2700 square feet plus - going back to a small space is not easy.  It may be more practical and economical but is still an adjustment.

Jenna:

Houses and hair? I guess both of these are still big in the South. Actually, that is comforting to hear.

Donne:

I think Jenna is a scream.  All that square footage without granite or hardwood? That is really a love of space.

Here we are somewhere in between your description and Jenna's.  The updates and granite are important - but so is the square footage. And we also value acreage and big yards.

John:

You would mention those important features since they are so critical to what you do. But, yes, energy efficiency has become more in the forefront and people are becoming aware of the resources that it takes to heat up the space in the cathedral ceiling areas as well as the bonus rooms.

Jenna:

Humidity will do that - Actually the humidity here has sufficiently puffed up my hair today.  It is steamy!

Craig:

I am in total agreement with that. What is one of the biggest factors that appraisers use? Square footage.  This, of course, varies from area to area.  But, I think in most places - size still matters.

Jane:

Yours is good case in point.  I guess no one can afford what you would have to pay for a huge home now in the Los Angeles area. 

Liz:

I think only Bill Gates would be able to afford a McMansion in Cambridge - if such a thing actually exists.  Your property values are extremely high.

Dorie:

People still want the granite counters and nice kitchens and baths even the home is a bit smaller.

Deborah:

At 250 to 350 square feet I would feel more than claustrophobic - they would have to take me away. The townhome my husband and I lived in years ago was 1800 square feet and when we went back to it a week later to retrieve some items after being in a 2700 square foot home we both looked at each other and said, "We actually lived here?"  I guess some people need more space than others.

I lived in the San Francisco Bay area for many years so I know exactly what you mean about close quarters.  Yes, I also like the size of the homes in my area and I really do hope they do not get smaller. 

Loreena:

Yes, I have heard that famous expression about Texas. Around here homes are also generally pretty large. We will have to watch the progression of this trend but I cannot really imagine houses becoming very small in this area.