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Small and simple ...a new real estate trend

By
Real Estate Agent with Diamond Partners Inc 00244377

It wasn't soon after I moved into my current home twelve years ago when I began thinking about downsizing.  I was still in my 40's then. During my adult life up until that time, I kept wanting more and more and MORE. When you're in your 20's and 30's it's easy to believe that the only way to really measure success is by the size of a person's house or the type of car they drive. 

I purchased my first home at the age of 23. By the time I purchased my 5th home in my late 40's, I still imagined one more house one day that would be BIGGER and better.

Then the heating bills arrived. And the tax bill followed. We purchased our home that year after our firstborn had entered her first year of college. Still, there was one child left at home and due to my husband's business travel he was only home part time.

Soon, I was almost solely in charge of maintaining a home after many years of having a helpful daughter around to pitch in and help from a supportive husband who always pulled his weight when it came to household chores. 

I soon realized what a mistake it was to want a bigger house, and soon instead of dreaming of the next house being BIGGER and better ...I began wishing for a smaller home with maybe more whistles and bells. I realized that smaller means less to furnish and decorate, and less space would equate to a larger budget for upgrading. I liked the idea of having less to maintain, less space to heat and paying LESS in taxes.

Recently, my first time buyer clients were disappointed to be outbid on a starter home that needed a lot of work. And, while I hated to be the bearer of bad news, Realtors will always say that everything happens for a reason. I didn't have the heart to tell them that maybe they were biting off more than they could really chew. Finally, we found another house with a minimal to-do list. It was smaller. During the process of putting the deal together, I mentioned how I was very happy with their selection. I was pleased for them that they were getting a better maintained home, although I knew they were so lured by the idea of having MORE space and an extra bedroom. I don't know, maybe I was trying to justify how things worked out and ease any remaining disappointment. But, I felt assured when the wife smiled and shared with me something her sister told her - "smaller house, less to heat"  ....Exactly! OH, she took the words right out of my mouth.

In this part of the country, it appears that mostly what is selling right now are the smaller and more affordable homes.  Perhaps small and simple has become the new trend in housing. Goodbye McMansions!

Posted by

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Carol Culkin - REECENICHOLS REAL ESTATE

Carol Culkin - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson for ReeceNichols Real Estate, is your source for real estate in Overland Park and the bordering cities of Leawood, Olathe, Mission, Miriam, Lenexa and Shawnee, Stillwell and Spring Hill. Carol has been ranked as an award winning agent and offers her clients over 10 years of real estate experience.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, DESIGNATIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Member of National Associations of Realtors®, Member of Kansas Associations of Realtors®, Member of Kansas City Regional Associations of Realtors®, Member of Heartland Multiple Listing Services, Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Red Cross Volunteer - Greater Kansas City Chapter, Supportor of Cross-Lines Community Outreach.

 
 

ReeceNichols Real Estate

8001 College Blvd Suiite 100

Overland Park, KS 66210

Office: (913) 451-4415
Cell: (913) 333-8310
   
 http://www.overlandparkhomelocator.com/  
 

                                 

 

Comments (2)

Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Carol, it takes some time to get used to the idea that size does not matter :)

Dec 12, 2011 09:49 AM
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Less maintenace does sound good; less space not so good for us at this point. Our kids are still several years from college age but we'll get there soon enough.  I have also noticed the smaller lower priced homes are selling more in our area.

Mel

 

Dec 12, 2011 11:59 AM