There’s a lot of push to buy new lately, but older homes have their charms too. You could appreciate older homes more if you know a little about their history and why they were designed the way they were at the time.
Suburbs became popular in the 1950s when the highways made commuting easier. The American dream meant that single story homes and big yards were popular. The baby boomers were born with space-aged Formica, luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting, built-in cocktail bars and huge 13 inch black and white television sets.
By the 1970s new homes were smaller and closer together. “Zero-lot-lines” became a new selling feature over homes with front and back yards, which means that skylights became the new windows with a view you’d enjoy with limited natural light on townhouses. “Great rooms” replaced the needed square footage for sperate living and den areas. “Jack and Jill” baths became a great way for kids to learn to share.
The 1980s saw a movement to dual income houses and a surge in childless families. The extra money went into luxury properties called McMansions. These feature 3 car garages, private baths for each bedroom, and extra living areas. Eat-in kitchens with palatial dining rooms became as common place as leg warmers.
In the 1990s natural materials became a crown jewel for homes. Hardwood floors and granite counter tops became the must have luxury items. Computers started entering homes, leading away from home libraries and into home offices.
Before the housing downturn hit McMansions were popping up all over. Featuring media rooms, master living areas, flexspaces, island kitchens, mud rooms, exercise rooms and more than 4 bedrooms! Since then, there have been very little construction.
Now it takes two incomes just to tread water, but hard-working families don’t want to compromise. They’re conscious of operating costs as well as purchase costs. Energy-efficiency has steadily moved up the ranks of most important considerations for home buyers. Homes that have been well-maintained, regardless of age, are desirable.
When you look for an older home, consider the advantages. The neighborhood is established, so what you see is what you get. An older home might work best for a decorating style you love, like mid-century modern. You can get the same square footage as a new home for far less cost. And you can remodel the home to make it your own. For more information on specific homes in your area, call Helen today at 847.967.0022 or email [email protected].