From 1960 to 1975 New Jersey built its share of Bi-Levels. You can trace the design back to the 1950's but the 1960's accelerated the construction of your basic model.
The Bi-Level craze waned by the 1970's once architects chased the next, young thing -- the Center Hall Colonial. And the young thing continues to lure buyers. 
Still, the New Jersey Bi-Level hangs around -- still in its prime -- and entices the eccentric buyer. This Suburban House Cougar isn't shy to wear olive green, fashion wrought-iron for interior railings and draw ample light in from full "First Floor" windows.
The Bi-Level lacks a traditional basement, however.
It features a direct staircase down to the First Floor from the front door and one staircase directly up to the Second Floor. Most fourth bedrooms are found on the First (or ground) Floor along with a half bath (a full bath if the original owner sprang for the upgrade) and a walkout.
Since a Bi-Level is on a slab, it's imperative proper irrigation routes roof and surface water as far from the structure as possible.
(I've yet to see a perimeter drain in a Bi-Level.)
On the Second Floor you'll find the Kitchen, Bedrooms, Living Room and Full Baths.
Probably why this Cougar can't sway gravity.
Today's buyers want their eat-in Kitchens on a separate level than the Bedrooms and Baths.
Why buy a Colts Neck Bi-Level?
Opportunity.
(You'll actually find a handful of Bi-Levels for sale in the Clover Hill section of Colts Neck every spring.)
True, the design ranks towards the bottom on most buyers' lists. Unlike the versatile Ranch that allows an investor or buyer to renovate "up" and add a Second Floor, thereby transforming the pedestrian Rancher into a Center Hall Colonial, the Bi-Level's upper fate is sealed.
Savvy sellers recognize they need to flash a lot of cosmetic improvements and lower their expectations when filling their dance cards on Singles' Night. So the Lonely Hearts Buyer gets one slow spin around the negotiating table, whispering ...
"Discount."
Yup, nobody deserves to be alone in the housing market.
Seriously, the Bi-Level attracts folks like myself -- fifty year-olds -- who wax nostalgic when entering a Bi-Level since we grew up during the 60's and 70's. We remember the Brady Bunch (an architect who slept three kids to a room), disco and Nixon.
Not necessarily in that order.
Interested in Colts Neck houses for sale? Contact me. I am the Branch Vice President and Broker/Manager of the Coldwell Banker office in Middletown and a 17 year resident of Colts Neck Township.
Andrew J. Lenza, ABR GRI MBA
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Office Telephone (732) 671-1000
Click HERE for the CB-Middletown Office for our Agent Roster and Listing Inventory
Click HERE to send me an e-mail!
