Big, bigger, best? Which size house is the RIGHT size house?

There are excellent arguments to made on both sides of the square footage debate, but in general, I think Goldilocks was definitely on to something.  Finding the home that is just the right size for you and your family is the goal. Being in a home too big may feel overwhelming, but being in a home too small can be incredibly uncomfortable!

Over the past 40 years, the typical new home being built has grown about 1,000 square feet. While many have expressed discontent that their current home is smaller than the home they hope to one day buy, other home owners experience the opposite concern.  According to a recent Trulia survey, just 32% of homeowners expressed satisfaction with the square footage of their home.

The concern about size depends on a number of different factors.  In general, people who are moving into their retirement years and live in houses 2000 square feet or more have expressed the desire to downsize.  Maintenance and upkeep are most often the reasons given for seeking less square footage.

The latest statistics available from the National Association of Home Builders says new houses averaged 2,433 square feet. That’s 38% larger than 20 years ago, and the increase has been partly attributed to the demand for more bedrooms.  37% of new homes were built with four or more bedrooms, compared with 18% 20 years ago.

Sometime in the early 90’s parents began to express the desire for separate bedrooms for all occupants of the household.  Each child should have their own space the prevailing wisdom of the day went.

The irony of this is that experts in child psychology and social development say sharing a bedroom may not be such an awful thing. In fact, it may be better for some children, in some circumstances. They can learn valuable skills, including the ability to share, compromise and develop a sense of closeness with others.

“A strong argument could be made for shared living arrangements based on how peer relations facilitate social, moral and intellectual development,” says Martin Ford, senior associate dean in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and an expert in child social development.

Thankfully, you’ll find homes of all sizes to meet everyone’s need in the neighborhoods of Montclair.  Seeking a bigger house or a smaller house has more to do with the size of your family, your financial situation, and your future life goals.  As your local Montclair marketing expert, I will introduce you to all of the choices available and help you find the house that is “just right” for you!