For years, statistics have been showing that family sizes in the U.S. are shrinking, but home sizes have not been reducing in turn. The American Dream is apparently slow to give up the idea of larger homes on bigger sites. But current times – with higher interest rates, higher construction costs, and higher energy costs – have forced a new viewpoint in the news. Living Small is coming into focus in the media and at the International Builder’s Show, and being presented with all the advantages. And the next generation of home-buyers is taking notice.
Why Live Small?
- Smaller home sizes can allow first-time home buyers a better opportunity to get into a home of their own sooner, with lower down payments, smaller mortgages, and less risk.
- Smaller homes with lower payments and fewer costs for conditioning, maintenance, and furnishings allow homeowners more disposable income for travel and entertainment, instead of being house-poor and stuck in place.
- Smaller homes take less time and effort to keep up, allowing more time for the fun stuff, like spending time with friends and family.
- Smaller homes have a less negative impact on the environment, with smaller carbon footprints, and smaller actual footprints requiring less land use.
- Smaller homes are much easier to sell when relocation is necessary, again requiring less from the buyer to make the sale happen.
Living Small is Living Smart
Think about how you really live – how much space do you really need, and how much stuff do you have that you don’t really use, that is just taking up more space? Because these are things that you can change. Consider simple things like the benefits of being able to buy fewer pieces of better quality furniture that will be more comfortable and last longer. Because those simple things can add up to a big difference. Look at better ways to spend your hard-earned income – for instance on better technology, that can make your home more efficient and easier to run. Think about the future of the planet. Isn’t it time to lighten the load, and reduce costs, responsibilities, and waste? Isn’t it time to give living small a try, and concentrate on really Living?
Time efficiency is key when planning for your Cottage