We have a housing crisis in America. Depending on who you ask, this is due to zoning policies, stagnant wages, COVID, or a mix of racial and/or economic inequities. Most if not all of these are probably true. I’m not an economist so I have zero business weighing in on that part of it. What I do know is this, the houses that are being built today aren’t very appealing.
Every house under $400K that’s being built around me is a box with a garage that could double as a front door. I have zero doubt it’s pretty cheap to build a box. It also takes up much less footprint on the lot allowing builders the ability to build tons of tiny boxes on 1 parcel of land. I understand the concept, I just wish they could be a bit more creative about it.
The other issue is longevity. How well built are these boxes? What will they look like in 20, 30 or 50 years? Will they have the same curb appeal as a 1960’s ranch, 1970’s split level or 1990’s 2 story home? Given that the builders clearcut the land beforehand and planted nothing but easily toppled Bradford Pears, this is highly unlikely.
What are the alternatives? Are we all destined to live in the same square home with ample garage space but a limited yard for our kids to play in?
No. Not unless this is what your heart desires. May I throw out 2 suggestions:
- Save your money and buy something you really want. Don’t settle for a box.
- Buy a much smaller house but one with charm and character.
Saving Your Money
This is a crazy concept. Hold off on buying something until you can actually afford to do so. Trust me, attempting to fulfill an immediate desire by purchasing the wrong home will only fulfill your need to move in a few years.
It’s entirely possible you bought one of the newer homes and you’re perfectly happy. I think that’s wonderful. I do find it hard to believe this is the case for a vast majority of people. If you truly love something, you’ll take pride in it. When I drive through a newer, treeless neighborhood filled with the same looking house as far as the eye can see, pride of place isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. If it’s not what you want, wait and buy later. You’ll be happy you did.
Buy a Smaller House
Why is it that everything has to be gigantic? Huge houses, huge cars, huge dinner portions. I’ll fully admit my house is larger than we need; however, we bought it because we liked it not because of the square footage. The reality is, when my family is home, we’re almost always in the same room. I’m convinced we’d have no problem living in a tiny house.
There are plenty of people in other countries who literally live in one room together. Why should we be any different?
When I was little, I used to love when my parents bought a new appliance because it came in a huge box. This gave me the opportunity to build my own “home,” where my friends and I could happily play and have fun.
I was 8 years old. Living in a box was fun back then.
Not so much anymore.
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