Bigger Isn't ALWAYS Better!

When my husband and I were thought about our first home, we wanted something that we could grow into. But when we started looking, something different happened. We went a bit smaller than first thought.

Whe we started to compare insurance, maintenence, taxes and overall payments, smaller was an option. And that was over six years ago and it still holds true. 

According to an article I read in Houselogic.com by Terry Sheridan, "Your Small Home: 5 Big Reasons to Love It," living in a small home has the benefits of lower insurance rates, less hassle, and less overall cost to own. Here is what the article says:

"A small home packs plenty of perks, and generally means a lower asking price. But entry price is only one factor—they’re easier on the pocketbook in a host of ways.

1. Lower property taxes. Your small home will be charged at a lower tax rate than its larger neighbors because the assessed value generally is lower.

2. Lower property insurance. The smaller the house, generally the lower the insurance cost, although it also matters where you live and how your small house is constructed. A brick house in wildfire-prone southern California is likely to cost less to insure than a similar-size house with wood siding.

3. You’ll save on heating and cooling. That’s regardless of how energy efficient the house is. In fact, one study indicates that a poorly insulated, 1,500 sq. ft. house is at least $200 cheaper per year to heat and cool than a well-insulated house twice that size. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says homes of 2,000 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft. use an average 102.3 million BTUs of fuel yearly—13% less than homes that are 1,000 square feet larger.

4. Save on major replacements. When you need to replace a major house component or system, you’ll be glad you’re living in a smaller home. For example: According to the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, the national average for vinyl replacement siding is about $9 per sq. ft.

For a modest-size house (1,500 sq. ft. of living space) with 1,740 sq. ft. of exterior wall space, that’s $15,660. For a 2,500-sq.-ft. house, you’ll pay up to $10,000 more!

5. Easier maintenance. You’ll spend less time cutting those smaller lawns, cleaning gutters, washing windows, and the umpteen other chores that home ownership involves. Figure 16 windows and sliding glass doors on a home of 2,000 square feet or less would take about 10 hours to clean, inside and out, twice a year. Double the house size, and that’s roughly 20 hours spent with a squeegee and rag."

So when looking at the home of your dreams, look at all shapes and sizes.  You might be surprised at what the little house has behind it's doors!

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/your-small-home-5-big-reasons-love-it/#ixzz1RXnKvIT1