Why are all the houses so boring? (Phoenix, Tempe: HOA, new house) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

Handymanjojo · 03-24-2019, 12:29 AM

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 😩

gearedtowardssalad · 03-24-2019, 12:37 AM

Uh..ok.

WSPHXPELON · 03-24-2019, 01:55 AM

Check out some of the historic districts in central Phoenix. Those are very different from the bland, cookie cutter communities that you are taking about.

wit-nit · 03-24-2019, 02:43 AM

Massed produced housing keeps the costs affordable. Custom houses are out of most peoples price range. HOA's usually dictate uniform color(s).

Hiruko · 03-24-2019, 02:53 AM

Quote:

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 would strongly beg to differ. In the luxury space, there is a lot of variety and great architecture. If you are looking in $200-400k subdivisions, then I agree with you. However, with more money comes more options.

Tall Traveler · 03-24-2019, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wit-nit

Massed produced housing keeps the costs affordable. Custom houses are out of most peoples price range. HOA's usually dictate uniform color(s).

Pretty much sums up the situation. There are so many large subdivisions in Phoenix area that were built by large builders connected to HOA's that you do see such conformity but this allows large houses with moderate cost. What I like about most of the Phoenix area is just how good a place it is for middle class (boring perhaps to some) people. Like others have also mentioned, nothing stopping you but money, time and initiative from hiring an architect to make a very interesting house.

MN-Born-n-Raised · 03-24-2019, 07:04 AM

Quote:

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'd like to introduce you to something called paint.

Change the colors and at least 1/2 of your problem is solved. But be careful! If you attempt to sell years later with some "fresh and hip" colors, your home won't appeal to the masses and it will cost you BIG TIME on your resale. Why? Because like you, it seems the buyers didn't realize they could paint over "hip colors".

So the mantra is "light and bright" to appeal (or not offend) to the masses.

KurtAZ · 03-24-2019, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN-Born-n-Raised

I'd like to introduce you to something called paint.

Change the colors and at least 1/2 of your problem is solved. But be careful! If you attempt to sell years later with some "fresh and hip" colors, your home won't appeal to the masses and it will cost you BIG TIME on your resale. Why? Because like you, it seems the buyers didn't realize they could paint over "hip colors".

So the mantra is "light and bright" to appeal (or not offend) to the masses.

This! One of the first things we used to say when walking into a potential home was "Just remember, paint is cheap". Don't like the colors? Change it. Flooring is a bit more difficult but can be done if you have the $$. Exterior color may be dictated by the HOA so kinda SOL on that point. If the bones/systems are good, you like the layout of the floor plan and the price is right...just figure "personalization" money into the decision and go.

grmi66 · 03-24-2019, 08:59 AM

When I lived in Phoenix I solved the issue by living in one of the historic districts. But even if not in one of the historic neighborhoods I'm going to guess that everything from downtown up to Union Hills and from 43rd Avenue to roughly the 51 will be in an area without an HOA. Without an HOA you can almost do anything you want to your house.

locolife · 03-24-2019, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grmi66

When I lived in Phoenix I solved the issue by living in one of the historic districts. But even if not in one of the historic neighborhoods I'm going to guess that everything from downtown up to Union Hills and from 43rd Avenue to roughly the 51 will be in an area without an HOA. Without an HOA you can almost do anything you want to your house.