Will New Hampshire Turn into a California Sub Division?

[Valerie C]

McMansions are here Sparky, but they're the exception, rather than the rule. And they're sitting on the market for an awful long time these days (it's pretty darn expensive to heat those soaring 3 story foyers and great rooms!) Well... actually I guess since we're talking about California SubD's, they MIGHT be becoming the new rule.

I guess maybe McMansion means different things to different people (and regions). To me, a McMansion isn't necessarily a house that's too big for it's lot (since we live in the land of the septic tank, we really are limited). Rather, it is a cheaply house built of cheap-grade materials, found in a subdivision of similarly-built homes, built by the same builder, finished off with bells and whistles (granite counters, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring (maybe real, maybe not...) crown molding, coffered ceilings, etc) to be very attractive to hungry buyers because of a cheap price tag (ya know, like a Big Mac!) and while it's filling, it certainly not as satisfying as a bowl of good home-made soup.

[rmcewan]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

McMansions are here Sparky, but they're the exception, rather than the rule. And they're sitting on the market for an awful long time these days (it's pretty darn expensive to heat those soaring 3 story foyers and great rooms!) Well... actually I guess since we're talking about California SubD's, they MIGHT be becoming the new rule.

I guess maybe McMansion means different things to different people (and regions). To me, a McMansion isn't necessarily a house that's too big for it's lot (since we live in the land of the septic tank, we really are limited). Rather, it is a cheaply house built of cheap-grade materials, found in a subdivision of similarly-built homes, built by the same builder, finished off with bells and whistles (granite counters, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring (maybe real, maybe not...) crown molding, coffered ceilings, etc) to be very attractive to hungry buyers because of a cheap price tag (ya know, like a Big Mac!) and while it's filling, it certainly not as satisfying as a bowl of good home-made soup.

Nah - McMansion is definitely big house on a tiny lot. Back in Socal, you'd see a 3000 sq ft house on a 1/16th acre 60x50ft lot sell for $1.5M. But I agree on the materials. Almost all developer construction these days seems to be crap.

[casualobserver]

There is an exceptionally lengthy definition in Wikipedia.

[GregW]

I do not think NH will turn into California. The southern section has already turned into Massachussetts. Londonderry realestate prices nearly match Mass towns inside I-495 (outer belt road around Boston). I have always wondered why, if Mass is Taxachussetts, why are houses so darn expensive?

[OCCASparky]

Originally Posted by GregW1

I do not think NH will turn into California. The southern section has already turned into Massachussetts. Londonderry realestate prices nearly match Mass towns inside I-495 (outer belt road around Boston). I have always wondered why, if Mass is Taxachussetts, why are houses so darn expensive?

Supply and demand. That's usually the key.

[Sciamedia]

Originally Posted by GregW

I do not think NH will turn into California. The southern section has already turned into Massachussetts. Londonderry realestate prices nearly match Mass towns inside I-495 (outer belt road around Boston). I have always wondered why, if Mass is Taxachussetts, why are houses so darn expensive?

It does appear to me that some of the 55+ newer adult communities are built like your typical California Tract Home.