Why are all the houses so boring? (Phoenix, Scottsdale: buyers, school)

[DougStark]

Yup, JGMotorsport is right. The new homes in the south all look the same--one story homes with huge, steep roofs and generally brick exterior walls. I think those huge roofs look terrible. Not sure where that style came from.

On the other hand, I'm not sure why builders here don't use multiple exterior finishes, like stucco on portion, brick or stone accents. Another siding I never see here is metal (modern style) or fiber/cement siding. But, I haven't looked at new home communities here lately.

[stiffnecked]

I always check the fashion and lifestyle magazines to tell me what is hip and trendy. Like this house I just bought with the deep purple front door and shutters. It looks stupid and hideous but all my friends are salivating over it. They think I'm a real hipster. Seriously, if you're not hip and fresh then you're a zero....

[Thomasaz]

As others have mentioned, historic districts are your answer. You will find older homes that were built by people who actually cared how their homes looked like and at a time when it was affordable to do so. Nowadays, you have to build a custom home that would set you back a lot of money. I doubt that is what you're looking for.

[vfrpilot]

We also found most developments in the suburbs of Phoenix quite similar and boring. Fortunately, we found an older area in Avondale that is different from the standard recipe> no HOA, large lots, no street lights, and large animals. Even though the streets are normal width, it feels much more open due to the large yards and space between homes, which are mostly ranch style.
The area is not upscale, so there are a few homes that are not maintained well. I have no problem with this, but it could be offensive to some folks.
There are pockets of older non-HOA neighborhoods all over Phoenix. Some, like ours, are more agricultural, but there are older ones from the 40's and 50's, that are very cool. With a bit of persistence, you can find them. Good Luck.

[Hal Roach]

They have to appeal to people, who consider salt a spice.

[Jnvlv247]

I guess you would hate the houses in Sedona too

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by Handymanjojo

I really want to find a house I like, but they all are so boring and so ugly. I’m so sick of the same beige wall/ tile floor combo in every house in every price point. Or the supper goddy paint colors. Even the brand new houses are done up in that same beige wall and beige tile combo. I’m so sick of looking at houses- there’s nothing fresh or hip in any price point 😩

I don't disagree with you. As a realtor, I'll say that finding "character" homes is a challenge, especially in low price ranges. But if you start at downtown and go all the way up 7th Street to Greenway....you will find a plethora of homes that have a lot of character and charm. They aren't always cheap, but you are paying for uniqueness.

[life_explorer]

The problem with making houses non-boring is everyone's idea of what's tasteful varies greatly. What is cool and nice to you could be hideous to someone else. So the safest way to protect your real estate investment long term is to make it neutral and appeal to the widest market possible.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by life_explorer

The problem with making houses non-boring is everyone's idea of what's tasteful varies greatly. What is cool and nice to you could be hideous to someone else. So the safest way to protect your real estate investment long term is to make it neutral and appeal to the widest market possible.

I don’t find this to be true. Just as some find specific designs unappealing, there are plenty who don’t want anything to do with “neutral” or cookie cutter. Mid century modern homes have likely appreciated quicker and sell faster and are fairly specific.

Here are a couple awesome recent examples (check out how quickly they went under contract):

https://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/30.../home/27980829

https://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/11.../home/26968875

[asufan]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

I don’t find this to be true. Just as some find specific designs unappealing, there are plenty who don’t want anything to do with “neutral” or cookie cutter. Mid century modern homes have likely appreciated quicker and sell faster and are fairly specific.

Here are a couple awesome recent examples (check out how quickly they went under contract):

https://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/30.../home/27980829

https://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/11.../home/26968875

I don't know if that's true. I have a mid century home I rent out in Scottsdale and it hasn't appreciated as fast as a standard ranch property I own also in Scottsdale, based on recent comps. Although the ranch is walkable to Old Town and the other near McDonald Rd, maybe that's the reason. Percentage wise the ranch has appreciated better.

I'm seeing more and more varying of colors in new developments too, lots of blues and greys and whites and varying elevations too. Although I think it's a price point issue with the OP.