Clik here to view.
Is Your House Ready for the Super Bowl?
Let’s face it, the Super Bowl is a big deal. Not as big of a deal as buying a house, but it is one of the most watched sporting events in this country. Approximately 115 million will watch the Super...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Creating a Backyard Bonanza
We’ve all heard the saying. “Not in my backyard.” It is used so frequently; it has its own acronym: NIMBY. Whatever your thoughts on the saying, there’s no denying that it seems to imply that backyards...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why a Back Porch is Worth the Investment
Back porch versus front porch. How are they different? Do you need both? One for socializing and one for privacy? Front porches These are the darlings of planning commissions, zoning boards, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How Small is Too Small?
I read in a New York Times article recently about the trend of building tiny houses – between 400 and 600 sq. ft. This wasn’t built-for-rent cottages or backyard Accessory Dwellings units (ADUs)– but...
View ArticleClik here to view.
“Found” Space Up on the Roof
In the past couple of weeks, we’ve been talking adding outdoor living to attached product. The next evolution in outdoor living for townhomes is the roof top deck. In restaurants and bars, roof top...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Defense of the (Functioning) HOA
I recently talked to a friend who was looking at townhomes at the beach. One popped up on Zillow that caught their eye. It was an older, three-story unit just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Sweet....
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Make a Small Home Live Large
Have you seen the news? The American home is shrinking. The median size of newly constructed homes is down by 4%, which represents a 13-year low. The new median square footage is 2,179. The drop in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Re-thinking 55+ Housing
An industry friend sent me a picture of two actors. One was Wilford Brimley in the movie Cocoon from 1985. With all due respect, he looks gray, tired, and old. He is 50 in that picture. Beside him was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Hidden Costs
I recently saw an article about a lack of optimism among younger Americans when it comes to buying a home. While they may be able to afford an existing home (if there were enough on the market),...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Vibrant Housing Market for 2024?
Spring has sprung in Northeast Florida, and I love it. The bright green color of the season’s new leaves, the beautiful colors of the azaleas in full bloom, the warmer and longer days. With spring...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Aging in Place for Longer
I saw an article recently that pointed out that baby boomers are staying in their homes longer and delaying moving into “senior” housing options. The article pointed out that their delay in selling...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Age in Place Longer – Part II
Last week, I reacted to an article about Boomers staying in their homes longer and what changes in our lifestyles might be contributing to the extended age-in-place phenomenon. Technology and less...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Getting the Most Out of Your Used Home Listing
Recently, I got a request for a blog – Getting Houses Ready for Resale. Initially, I didn’t think this was relevant for me to talk about – since most of our readers are focused on selling new homes –...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Carpet is Underrated
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I like carpet. I like it on my bare feet. I like that it feels soft and isn’t as cold as tile. I like how it absorbs sound, how it can make a room feel cozy, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Value Convenience in the Home
We live in a convenience-driven society. Some call it the law of the least effort. It is everywhere. Sitting on my desk is a book called The Convenience Economy by Greg Dickinson. It is chalked full of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
“Can-Do” Drives Innovation
*Special thank you to Open House Optics for providing the photos for this blog! Over the years, I have learned never say “I can’t.” Indeed, I hate it when I hear that. I may be skeptical, but I will at...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Don’t Sacrifice Livability in the Name of Affordability
I drove past a student house project recently and did a double take. There was only one window on the front of the unit! I turned around and drove into the project. Surely, there must be more windows...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Was My House Designed to Make Moving Easier?
Next week we are moving out of our current house! A bittersweet moment, I am dreading moving day. But in our industry, moving is a necessary evil if we want people to move into the homes we design and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Housing Design Matters
I love what I do! I am lucky enough to design places for people to live – and I believe live better! Many architects graduate from college with grand ideas about designing skyscrapers, airports, or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leaving Mabel Drive (in good hands)
Last week, we moved out of a very special place that had been our home for the last eight years. I thought I would be sad. Don’t get me wrong. I loved that home! But it no longer matched our lifestyle....
View Article