Downsizing is about more than simple geometry. The future of housing in America.Like many others in the “Baby Boomer” generation, I am approaching the point in life where I am ready to reassess both my future plans AND my current lifestyle.

Downsizing is NOT just about smaller spaces. It’s about assaying what is really important in life, and what we can actually live without.

I have always been a minimalist to some extent, but now even more so. All I need is a place that keeps me cool in the summer, warm in the winter, simple wholesome food and the love and affection of my family and friends.

If you combine this mindset with the trend towards more energy efficient “green” thinking, it would seem that the future of house is definitely leaning toward “smaller.”

The long term outlook for housing seems to be “less is better!”

Not because we HAVE to, but because we WANT to!

Follow Me on Twitter Follow Me on Facebook Lets get Linkedin My Outside Blog Watch my Videos on YouTube


We Need Listings! Call 770-827-6225

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.

 

North Georgia Photos

 
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: BananaTude

24 Comments on Downsizing is not just geometry. The future of housing in America.

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
18
1,057,838 Points 246 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Richard- please tell me the era of the McMansions is passing.  I read an article from architects that said that their clients were building smaller and more practical homes.   Anyone interested in energy conservation should give some thought to just how much it costs to heat and cool these things. 
5:29am • #5
175,357 Points Attended Rain Camp

Taxes, energy and the day to day cost of maintaining a home has cause a majority of the buyers we serve to talk about downsizing.  We will see if they are really able to do it or if they start making the small homes larger when they live in them for a while... you know a sunroom, an extra garage etc.
5:33am • #6
132,189 Points

Great point as usual Richard.  I think the trend toward smaller is here to stay and feel sorry for those that got caught up in the bigger is better scenario.
5:33am • #7
1,252,290 Points 81 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Richard,

We are definitely seeing consumers migrate to smaller, more energy efficient homes. Less is more. Kids coming back home is a temporary situation or at least should be. They don't last long under the same roof..they will settle for less to be on their own..as it should be:).
5:34am • #8
651,835 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Good morning Richard,

We have a mixed bag in the Dallas area market.  Downsizing without the high end amenities that many buyers desire is a no-go.
5:57am • #9
1,513,453 Points 358 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy...

And don't forget the real estate taxes! Thanks.

Gwen...

I see more and more rooms just filled with "stuff." And many a sunroom has been built that becomes another storeroom. You're right, it happens, but it is not practical! Thanks so much.
5:59am • #10
1,513,453 Points 358 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gary...

One only needs to look at the automobile market to learn the lesson of efficiency! Thanks so much.

Dorie...

That IS the natural order of things. Thanks my friend.
6:02am • #11
1,441,707 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You have described accurately the sentiments of millions of people. . ...abroad!
6:07am • #12
598,724 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Morning Richard,

We made a plan to downsize several years ago.  It's been great and has worked out very well for us.  We've outgrown the days of bigger is better.   Suggested.
7:21am • #13
276,190 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Maybe it is just where I live but I have not seen a shift toward smaller.  However, I have noticed an aversion toward homes with soaring ceilings because of the energy waste.  People still seem to resist the thought of children sharing a room...which is amazing to me.
7:49am • #14
366,480 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Richard, I totally agree. Not only more reasonable and more logical but is it cost worthy.  We are seeing it in our marketplace too.  The McMansions are a difficult sell.
8:50am • #15
394,859 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great blog posting and very thought-provoking.  It let me to do an analysis of my own area and I don't immediatly find any evidence of down-sizing in our market.  Kathryn's comment is interesting above, as well.  Here in Tucson, I find more buyers looking for those soaring ceilings, despite air conditioning challenges, than our 1970's homes and older than don't offer the option.  Funny thing, given our weather.  :)
8:52am • #16
504,813 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I'm definitely seeing a smaller home in my future - my husband wasn't so sure if we could do it until we talked about how much of our current house do we actually USE on a regular basis.... I want smaller, simpler, less maintenance, energy efficiency, and quality. (And moving to smaller may be the only way I'll ever get rid of my excess "stuff"!). I'm seeing quite a few buyers here in my age group leaning that same direction.
8:52am • #17
320,250 Points 17 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I'm seeing that also down here, even from my non-distressed sellers. They just don't want the hassle anymore. Nancy's comment is such good advice...go around and see what part of the house you actually use. I see lots of rooms just being used as storage too. Great post.
9:08am • #18
174,342 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Richard,

We have recently moved into a smaller, one story home and love it.  I wish we would have done it sooner.

Suggested.
11:02am • #19
1,144,688 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I used to think I would never buy a larger house, but I will.  Of course I want part of it to be basement storage
3:13pm • #20
1,424,985 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Because we want to is the only way it will work.  Forced downsizingg will meet with resistence
4:18pm • #21
1,939,447 Points 391 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Richard, a lot of people I know - and me - are thinking about the downsizing thing.   Like you, I'm wanting to trade in both my house and a lot of my stuff, including the lawnmower and edger!
7:34pm • #22
JUL
19
617,556 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am ready. I want to walk out of my house with a suitcase, my wife and some photos and start over REALLY small with great freedom and mobility.
7:13am • #23
JUL
20
811,642 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am ready for that myself but my wife has not reached the point. I will wait for her...like teh song by Brad Paisley "Waiting on a woman."
6:33am • #24

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All


Spam prevention

To submit the form,
drag the folder to the circle on the side.

Image?id=0785cc967fc0e106e0a14fb1af1d5dc10413d130 Image?id=9cf2a3cbf71033d66fa616726b7634d6f8942403 Image?id=4073c4960b3799ffe211eefcf01fc0fe02ca9abd Image?id=c37976daccb12ff8e62725826509a8b3531e08a5 Image?id=3bb0cb70601ec358bd66caae54e5d4dca2a82b63

Accessibility option: listen to a question and answer it!

Type below the answer to what you hear. Numbers or words, lowercase:
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam prevention

To submit the form,
drag the clip to the circle on the side.

Image?id=2d3ae15b47cbd971bb96a14ed26847b8fd20362c Image?id=de960a72273ddd13b459a2eb0b73898fb92edf13 Image?id=8d7ca61a7c874c84a4e89b78fedcdf6120d765ea Image?id=e4632eb648830c8c6253f3b43bd813a933d15d5f Image?id=189d2645a071b98661c3c9c4b29a3f0afefac462

Accessibility option: listen to a question and answer it!

Type below the answer to what you hear. Numbers or words, lowercase:
 
Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Coweta Newnan Homes for Sale (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers) Ambassador_large

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Coweta Newnan Homes for Sale

Newnan, GA

More about me…

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

Address: 209 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA, 30265

Office Phone: (770) 827-6225

Cell Phone: (770) 827-6225

Email Me

Author Bio: Richard Weisser is a Georgia real estate broker, licensed auctioneer, a candidate for GA House District 71 and has been writing about Georgia Real Estate since 1999.

Coweta Fayette Real Estate offers opinions and helpful information to consumers and real estate professionals in the Coweta County Georgia area.

Coweta Fayette Real Estate allows you to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with NO registration required!

Twitter cowetafayette


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find GA real estate agents and Newnan real estate on ActiveRain.