What will the home of tomorrow look like?

Say goodbye to suburban tract homes and hello to the future of housing. With the population rising and increased energy and fuel costs, new housing projects will become denser and environmentally friendly.

80% of Orange County's current housing was built between 1950 and 1990 - a time when we weren't worried about increasing population and decreasing resources. Some 825,000 homes were built across large open spaces in a mass produced form. But Orange County's detached, SFR will soon be seen less and less and multi-family dwellings in urbanized, contemporary environments will become more frequent.

The new home will include more open rooms rather than individual family, living and dining rooms. No more 3 car garages and more sharing of amenities (think pools, parks, fitness centers and tennis courts). Lofts will be built above stores for less travel time to shopping and groceries. You will become friendly again with your neighbors. Housing will become transit -oriented, near rail lines and other transportation methods. And solar power will become a normal part of daily life.

Current regional development and planning students in universities around the country are learning about this new way of life and upon graduation they will make it a reality.

Even though Orange County may not be ready for this lifestyle just yet, it is definitely heading in this direction and it needs to as space runs out. We will undeniably have to compromise and so will everyone else. But is not having a yard more important than saving a driving time of 2 hours in traffic each way to work and allowing for more time with your family?

Something to think about....

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Specialist!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Images from www.ucxarchitects.com