I was reading an article this week about the most popular cars in the U.S. and how they are shifting from vehicles like large pick-ups and SUV's to smaller vehicles. Even the perennial sales champions like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are being outsold by small cars like the Honda Civic.
So my thought and question for the day is with people realizing the need to downsize their vehicles to save on gasoline costs, when will that same sort of logic filter down on a large scale to their housing choices?
Large houses take considerably more energy to light, heat, air condition and maintain than their smaller counterparts. Moving from my larger house to a condo half the size has more than halved my electricity and natural gas costs... a savings much greater than getting a car with better gas mileage would ever do.
I know that we are seeing more "Green" building, but one of the fastest and least expensive ways to reduce the costs of utilities and construction is to live in smaller spaces that those we have become spoiled with. Just as people are giving up their large SUV's and gas guzzlers, when will homebuyers start looking to "trade down" from McMansions to reasonably sized homes with lower ceiling heights, better insulation energy efficient systems?
Is it time for people to start looking at this option in the same way they are considering buying Smart Cars, Mini Coopers and Toyota Priuses?
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There was a piece about this on one of the nightly news shows last night. My car is paid for or I'd be looking for a newer, more fuel efficient model.
I saw an article on TV this morning just about this idea. Lots of folks are buying or building smaller homes ranging in size from 500 to 1,000 feet. They are energy efficient and the people said they have more time and money to do the things they really want to do instead of upkeeping a larger home.
It makes sense to build smaller and save money. Some homes are ridiculously large monuments to excess.
Steve - i posted on this subject recently, about how we are a "live large" society. I seemed to get alot of comments indicating that the new trend is small, simple and affordable. Especially, since baby boomers are not gettign any younger.
Oh its coming...in fact that very thought process was one of the reasons I finally decided to get off my butt and do the EcoBroker certification. I really think we are in the beginning stages of seeing a surge in "Hybrid" homes.
My brother and I have been building townhomes and patio homes for years. Hope this new trend helps us sell our inventoty.
Well, the greener you build, the bigger a space can be without draining you on energy costs. I'm happy to be representing a local Green builder here in town who can help make that possible!
But, many people are more interested in right-sized spaces so they don't feel cramped, yet are saving energy. They don't have to be tiny homes, but are usually somewhere in between.
PS...lower ceiling heights don't have to be the only solution, if a home is designed to circulate warm air efficiently.
I can tell you, I have 2 buyers now that have ask me when in a showing could I get a copy of theelectric bill. I don't know how well this would work for them because everyone is different. We turn of all lights when not needed. I know some people leave night lights on thru the house. The bill I guess will be a selling point as to how much it takes to powerup the house............
The house ego always trumps the car ego.
Hi Pat... I swear I did not see this on the news... but obviously it's a great topic! I am watching to see when this trends conveys to home ownership!
Hi Ricki... Maybe you and Pat are watching the same TV shows. I missed this on the news, but like I said, I think that eventually we will see a reuction in home sizes in this country.
Hi Lynn... I agree. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Carol... I think I commented on your post. It was very well written (as usual)!
Hi Mike... Hybrid Homes? I LIKE IT! :)
Hi Trey... I hope it helps you too!
Hi Suzanne... You are correct... it doesn't have to be "tiny", but sensible sized would be good.
Hi Scott... I am seeing what you described more and more often. Clients are definitely asking to see copies of electic bills here.
Hi Richard... Sometimes a House is just a Cigar!