Originally Posted by Leo99
Originally Posted by blupupher
Quote
"In the last 12 months, we have made an effort to try to build more affordable homes," Altura CEO Justin Webb says.
I agree, I just don't see how $250,000 is an affordable home (yes location makes a difference, but still).
Then (especially here in Texas) you have to add on the value based taxes you have to pay every year ($3,000 +, higher the more value of the home).
Homes now days are a huge waste of space. Hard to find a new home with less than 2,000 sq feet.
Breakfast area, dining room, office, den, huge laundry room, monstrous bathroom, giant vaulted ceilings, etc are a lot of space that a "starter" home does not need. Also costs more to heat and cool these wasted spaces.
Build a 1,200 to 1,500 sq foot house with a 2 car garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (master having only a shower, no need for a bath and shower), reasonable size living room and kitchen (dining area as part of kitchen extension area, what most call the breakfast area).
Sell for
Oh wait, that is what I have. And the reason the houses in my subdivision sell within a month of going on market vs the $250,000+ homes that surround me (although those are selling well also).
What they don't build and what I think would sell is similar to what you propose. A really nice 1200 sq ft house. The only really nice 1200 sq foot houses are in 55+ developments it seems. I want the nice tile floors, granite or solid surface counters, really fancy bathrooms. But I don't need 3000 sq feet. I don't need a dining room that I never use or a formal living that has no purpose.
Great post Leo....
I would much rather have a 1,000-1,200 sq ft very well built nice home... Very well insulated, 1/2 inch plywood for all exterior walls, custom real stone in laid in the walls on the outside of the house, granite countertops, very well put together electrical wise aka plenty of outlets and all run with 12 gauge wire, a large bath tub with a very good/large water heater, wood stove, and large back deck with a real good charcoal grill and located on 4-6 acres of land...
The lady and I have a very nice 1,000 sq ft apartment in a very good area of town... We both agree that this size is all we really need.