Home styles, what they are and if/how they affect prices.

The 6 basic styles of single family homes you will see on the market are: Colonial, Split Level, Ranch, Cape Cod, Custom home and Victorian.

Colonial: this is the most sought after and liked style. It is your typical home with the family living space at 1^st floor level (ground floor) and the living quarters upstairs. Single flight of stairs takes you to the bedrooms where you will find a small corridor which leads to the various bedrooms. In a typical 4 bedroom, you will have a master bath (generally a large bathroom) and one that is shared by the other 2/3 bedrooms.

Colonials are generally priced higher for their stately appearance and desirable layout.

Split Levels were very popular in the 50s. It is typically a 3 level home where you have your living, dining and kitchen at a higher than ground level (5-6 steps) and a short flight of stairs (5-6) leads to bedrooms which are located over the garage which is at ground level. Typically in these homes you will find that the master bathroom is smaller than the shared bathroom. This style works for some since it creates a more open layout. These homes are priced a little lower compared to their Colonial cousins.

Ranches work for some. For those who do not like the up and down or those who are elderly, this is a great style. If you are looking to buy a house with the intention of expanding, ranches are easier to expand on (given that there is buildable area since there are restrictions based on a percentage of plot size and setbacks). It would be a good idea to consult an architect for feasibility but in general, Ranches are easiest to expand on.

Cape Cod are seen a lot less but are easily recognizable. Dormer windows and slopes in the ceiling in the bedrooms on upper floor and a central chimney are typical characteristics. Some find the style ‘charming’.

Custom homes are just that, designed by an architect to suit the lifestyle of the homeowner. People wizened up over the years and custom homes was no longer the norm as resale became more challenging. A home that works for one may not work for others. But if it suits your lifestyle then go for it. These days, even the new constructions are mostly Colonials and customization is more in terms of choice of granite, tiles or cabinet colors rather than layout.

Victorian: Prominent feature of this style in our part of the woods is that they have a wrap around balcony or a balcony or colonnaded porch along the front of the house. Very ‘charming’ style which is very popular amongst those looking to get away from the monotony of the modern new construction styles – the Centre Hall Colonial. Of course these homes were mostly built a while ago but I have seen some beautifully renovated and maintained Victorian homes which have been a perfect blend of modern interior and historical exterior.

In today’s market, I would say, don’t limit your choice to one style unless there is one that you truly dislike. See them all because you never know what magical interior modification has been done in one that may just make you want to call it home.

I do also want to talk about townhouses. There a number of townhouse communities in our neighboring towns and again, some people do not like the idea of being in a townhouse since they feel that they might as well enjoy the use of a private front and back yard. But the use of a front and back yard comes with the burden of maintenance. Townhouses typically have a maintenance companies that take care of common areas, snow removal and some of the communities even have pools, gyms, tennis courts so you don’t have to go anywhere else. There is a monthly association fee that covers all of that.

My next blog will be about kids extracurricular activities. I will be posting links to various websites of classes that are popular with elementary/middle school kids in terms of sport, music, art etc. in and around Millburn/Short Hills.

I would also like to hear what YOU want to know and read about.

For additional information feel free to call me at 201-892-7649 or email Njrealtor.ruchi@gmail.com