Size matters…but bigger isn’t always better
Our society seems to be obsessed with BIG. Cars are getting BIGGER. Take out meals are getting BIGGER. Prices are getting BIGGER. And in Gig Harbor, houses seem to be getting BIGGER.
In a quick search of new construction homes in Gig Harbor (homes built in ‘08), there are currently 67 homes for sale with a median size of 3214 square feet. Looking at home SALES in Gig Harbor (any single family home that has sold thus far in ‘08), the median size is 2400 square feet.
This makes me wonder if new home builders are building too much. If you were to be looking to buy a house in Gig Harbor, what would you look for? What matters most to you? Do you like huge houses on small lots, or would you be willing to sacrifice size of the home for a larger lot? What about the new homes that are starting to pop up that are smaller homes on nearly non-existent lots? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on size.
Thanks to Kate O’ for the photo of the homes.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I’m all for a smaller home on more lot … like the privacy that affords.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Layout and flow matter more than size. I’ve seen homes that are 3000+ sq ft that seem much smaller due to a poor floor plan. And some 2100 sq ft houses are very comfortable with a smart flow.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
2,000-2,200 square feet is perfect! All on one level (which is rare in Gig) and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and parks…We’ve lived in large homes with stairs and too many rooms….too much to clean and maintain…just my opinion…A lot size in the City around 12,000 S.F. is about right for privacy and gardening…
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Not only have homes become larger (whilst American families are 1/2 the size of a generation ago), they are being built in the suburbs and exburbs which require owners to commute greater distances causing a whole array of other issues. You raise an important and complicated question.
James Lupori
http://www.kenmoreundressed.com
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 am
SUE–I’d agree…not much of that being built now.
TIM–Your home is a perfect example. It lives MUCH larger than the square footage says that it is. No wasted space at all.
MARK–I’d agree. I have some clients looking at a place just up the road from you now (a condo) that fits that description perfectly, except it’s a condo with no yard (perfect for them). If they can only get their current home sold, they’ll be there.
JAMES–Good point…interesting to see what happens with that trend as cost of living shoots up.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
My husband just built two smaller (2,600 square foot) homes with views of the old fishing village in the North end of Gig Harbor. You are right about no ramblers available in town. These two stunning homes have Main Floor living, elevators for convenience, and washer dryers on the main floor so you don’t have to climb stairs. We believe in small, cozy, liveable homes. Plenty of room upstairs to entertain and live, and 2 Bdrs downstairs for guests/family/caretakers to stay.Check ‘em out! @ vintagecustomhomesgigharbor.com
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
KAREN–
I’ve gone through them and you’re right, they are great homes. I’d love to be able to include them on my open house list each week (as I think they are held open), but they’re never listed on the MLS as open. Maybe you could help get that taken care of?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Thanks Matt, you are more than welcome to put them on your open house list, we are taking care of that oversite right now! Thank you, Karen Beck