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I don't see what's so good about large houses. It's especially stupid to have them if only one person lives in it who's filthy rich. If they have party's in it then I sort of understand the size. I'd just buy a house that fits my needs and has a good view if I wanted a dream home.
To each his/her own. Like I said, I HATE stuff so I don't need or want storage space, even clothes, I give tons away every year. My small house does have a large kitchen, and an amazing double shower so one doesn't necessarily need a huge house to get those things. I prefer going out for entertainment, I love my home to be my cozy haven. I'm not criticizing you for choosing a different way, people should do whatever is right for them, I do think some people don't really think enough about what they are doing, or choosing (in general, not you).
I don't think every person who has a huge house is using it as a status symbol, but I do think our culture encourages people to buy as big as they can afford, with no regard to whether they need the space or not. I could afford a bigger house, I looked at some, but obviously I don't want or need one, if I were to buy one just to show how successful I was it would be dumb and wasteful. I'd rather spend the extra money on travel, culture, and sometimes supporting myself while I enjoy life more by working less (I'm self employed).
Yes, I agree. We exercised a little restraint to save more for retirement.
I don't see what's so good about large houses. It's especially stupid to have them if only one person lives in it who's filthy rich. If they have party's in it then I sort of understand the size. I'd just buy a house that fits my needs and has a good view if I wanted a dream home.
This is not only one hell of a (modest) dream home, but it's also my favorite thread in all of CD: //www.city-data.com/forum/tenne...tennessee.html
So, to the nay sayers, happiness is all the proof needed. If Mike and Lisa wanted to throw a large party I believe the cows would greet and/or make room for company.
I'm all about quality over quantity. My 1800 sq foot bunglaow is small by today's standard and less than 1/2 the size of most other houses in my neighborhood... but I wouldn't trade it for any of my neighbor's new mcmansions that sprouted up in the former farmland all around me.
My house takes "overbuilt" to a new level; it's got an almost 2 foot thick foundation, 16" exterior masonry walls, almost 3"X12" floor joists, thick plaster walls, hardwood floors and moldings; everything you'd expect in a top-of-the-line early 20th century craftsman home and on a larger than average (for my area) piece of land with huge hardwood trees and a 1000 sq ft garage of more recent vintage. It's also on the National Historic Register.
Yet it appraises at half the value of the mcmansions because appraisers only seem to value square footage. Silly monkeys!
I grew up in a split-level (bi-level) home and our family always hosted the majority of the holidays and also had many relatives staying over. While the company was fun and enjoyable, I also remember the issues (lack of space, smaller kitchen, few bathrooms) which presented themselves. Because of this, we're in the process and about to close on a home around 3500 square feet not to show off but to continue the many traditions of hosting for holidays, etc. We don't want anyone to feel like they are intruding or becoming a nuisance because of the lack of space but want everyone to feel welcome.
But first and foremost, we made the decision to purchase a larger home based upon our financial situation, we could care less about impressing anyone. What's better are the people who spend 400k+ on a 950 square foot location in a city.
It's all relative. I grew up in a 12K sq ft home. When I went home shopping as an adult, I wanted a really small home...got about 3,000 sq ft. So, that's big to some but seemed small to me. We're building a new home shortly and will likely be a tiny bit bigger but the layout is the key. Our current home is traditional with formal rooms. Hate those and never use them. My new home will be more open with decent sized rooms so my entire family (which comes over ALL the time) will have plenty of room when they visit.
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