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Bigger Isn't Always Better

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Estate of Jackson Hole

In the past, one of the prime status symbols in a person's life was the size of their home. Just look at the so-called "McMansions" that have popped up all over the country. An unfortunate by-product of this up-sizing was that people mortgaged themselves to death to "keep up with the Joneses". Now, both they and the Joneses are losing their homes due to poor financing choices and multiple loans on one home. Also, with skyrocketing energy costs, simple day-to-day living expenses can go through the roof.

This has, in turn, created an interest in smaller, more energy-efficient homes. Studies have found that, even though most people want more storage in their homes, there still doesn't seem to be enough to fit the bill, no matter how large of a home you get. Simply decluttering your home of things that you no longer use can show you that a smaller home really can be more than enough to handle your belongings. Smaller homes mean less area to heat/cool, clean and clutter. This means less money from your pocketbook in expenses and more time with the family.

So, when looking for your next home, you may want to consider downsizing. It's good for the environment and it's good for your pocketbook. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact us today. We're always happy to help!

R. B. "Bob" Mitchell - Loan Officer Raleigh/Durham
Bank of England (NMLS#418481) - Raleigh, NC
Bob Mitchell (NMLS#1046286)

I always wondered about the McMansions and what the future would hold for them.  A while back I sold one to a couple who were empty nesters...Why they needed 3000+ sq. ft I'll never know.  Last time I heard, they were adding a breakfast room onto it!

My mother raised three boys in an 850 sq. ft home and while it was tight, we made do.  What do people need all this room for?

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Jun 18, 2008 04:40 AM
Roxanne Schilling
Coldwell Banker Lake Tulloch - Copperopolis, CA

I think people are going to now lean towards smaller cars also (with gas prices)  Back to basics, let's go SMALLER.

Roxanne Schilling, Realtor at Lake Tulloch in California

Jun 18, 2008 04:41 AM
Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker
https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com - Falmouth, MA
Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop

My emails every day tell me I need lots of bigger things.  The only thing not getting bigger is my bank account.

Jun 18, 2008 05:05 AM
Lisa Friedman
Alliance Realtors - Bedminster, NJ
Central New Jersey Real Estate

What I really hate seeing is when people build McMansions in neighborhoods of smaller homes.  They just look so out of place.

Jul 03, 2008 02:33 PM