Field Guide to the Small House Movement
(September 2009)
Does size matter? The challenging economy as well as a desire for a greener lifestyle has forced some to question their view of how much space they really need. Smaller doesn't always mean less expensive. Indeed, there are television shows dedicated to flaunting the luxury of reduced spaces. The small home movement is hardly a novel concept - just ask New Yorkers who often spend decades in studio apartments. This Field Guide shows the various aspects of living in a smaller home, as well as links to those considering the ultimate in downsizing. (D. Foligno, Project Coordinator)
Home Sizes and Home Buyers
- Median size of homes purchased in 2008: 1,825 sq. ft.
- Median home size, first-time buyers: 1,580 sq. ft.
- Median home size, repeat buyers: 2,030 sq. ft.
- 17% of all buyers reported making compromises on home size
Source: NAR's 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
Small Home Trends
When Home Shrinks, (New York Times, Sept. 9, 2009).
Will Obama's "Livability" program bring Britain's "Hobbit Homes" to America? (Heritage Foundation, Sept. 1, 2009).
The incredible shrinking home, (CNN Money, Aug. 11, 2009).
Home sizes shrink as downturn continues, (American Institute of Architects, July 31, 2009).
Tiny homes getting to be a big deal, (ABC TV, New York, July 28, 2009).
Smaller homes gain popularity, (Post Courier, July 26, 2009).
Is the next big thing smaller houses?, (National Association of Home Builders, July 20, 2009).
Did You Know: Size of Home Purchased, (NAR Research, July 6, 2009).
McMansions out of favor, for now, (Wall Street Journal, June 29, 2009).
At annual builders' show, small is in, (MSN.com, June 1, 2009).
Is It Wise to Downsize?, (Money, Sept. 2008). Q
The newest cottage industry; buyers snap up small homes; 1,000 square feet for $599,950, (Wall Street Journal, July 18, 2008). Q
The Green Impact
A return to living within our means, (Chicago Tribune, Aug. 9, 2009).
Tiny homes are attracting the thrifty and the green, (Globe Life, July 31, 2009).
The first step to downsizing your life, (Small Living Journal, Apr. 4, 2009).
Americans are moving on up to smaller, smarter homes, (USA Today, Mar. 17, 2009).
Live simply and decrease your carbon footprint with a tiny house, (Green Building Elements, Feb. 9, 2009).
How to downsize your house, (Wall Street Journal, Jan. 29, 2009).
20 Tips for living in small spaces, (TreeHugger.com, Oct. 14, 2007).
Good Things . . . Small Packages
Big things in small homes, (Cape Cod Times, Aug. 2, 2009).
Homebuilders think small, (Business Week, July 28, 2009).
Living in small spaces, (Associated Content, July 13, 2009).
The Bohemian dream, in 350 square feet, (New York Times, July 8, 2009).
Tips for downsizing your life, (Boston Globe, June 28, 2009).
Downsizing in high style at Lambeth House, (Times Picayune, May 16, 2009).
Tiny apartment wins national award for swankiest space, (Seattle Times, May 2, 2009).
Very little house on the prairie, (The Economist, Feb. 21, 2009).
Dense neighborhoods, smaller homes need not sacrifice design, (Builder Online, Jan. 21, 2009).
Websites
Tiny Houses, (Tumbleweed Tiny House Co.).
Small homes, (Coming Unmoored).
The art of living in small spaces, (Back Woods Home.com).
Small House Society resources, (Small House Society).
5 Absurdly Cramped Houses and Cramped Homes, (Web Urbanist, Aug. 7, 2008).
Jay's tiny house tour, video of a 100 sq. ft. home, (YouTube.com, Dec. 12, 2007).
eBooks & Other Resources
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Green Homes & Green Mortgages
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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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