Should you list your home in winter?

/0 Comments/in , /by

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but is that true for real estate?

Conventional wisdom states that winter is the worst time to buy or sell a home, but we haven’t had a conventional real estate market in a while. People used to be less interested in buying and selling during the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasons, but the rules have been rewritten.

Why you should list your home in winter

The Internet Has Changed Everything

The internet lets buyers explore a new home without ever leaving the comfort of their own. Part of the old argument against listing your home in winter was the fact that shorter days meant fewer daylight hours. It’s hard to get a good look at the exterior of a home when it’s dark out. The internet has once again made this concern obsolete. If you do list your home in winter, it is a good idea to make sure the exterior of your home is well light. Focus on making your home look inviting for any prospective buyers who drive by or come to a showing.

Inventory is Down

The lack of housing inventory is well known. Factors such as the strong economy, the low unemployment rate, the Millennial generation coming of age and Baby Boomers looking to downsize has meant stiff housing competition.The McMansions that were so popular just before the housing crisis in the late aughts have faded from favor and instead smaller, more affordable homes are in high demand. Regardless of the type of home you have, listing in winter means you’ll face less competition on the market and your home will stand out.

Flaunt It If You’ve Got It

Winter is a great time to show off some of the special features of your home. Whether it’s a fireplace, built-in sound system, or formal dining room. With the holidays around the corner and entertaining on the mind, if you list your home in winter, these “extras” will really make your home stand out.

It is also a great time to showcase any energy efficiency upgrades you have as well.  Depending on where you live, winter may also bring out some of the challenges in a home. Think frosty windows and icy gutters–so being able to show your home at a challenging time, as long as your home stands up to the challenge, will help buyers see the value.

Nosey Neighbors Need Not Apply

Winter tends to bring out serious buyers. While there are great advantages to buying and selling a home in the winter, the fact of the matter is that most people are not looking for a new home during the holidays. This also means that the ones who are looking are serious about making a deal happen. You can expect that if you list your home in winter, any person who shows interest is motivated and ready to make a deal.

Winter can be an excellent time to sell your home, although it isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering putting your home up for sale this holiday season do you research, find an agent you trust, and enjoy the process. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

man speaking at conference

More than a meeting: Why conferences are still worth attending

/0 Comments/in /by

Conference season is upon us, ladies and gentlemen. From the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in early January to South by Southwest in March, the early months of 2020 are filled with opportunities to learn and connect, regardless of which industry you’re in. While the educational and networking opportunities abound at these events, are they really worth the sometimes astronomical cost of attending? Here are some of the advantages to attending conferences.

Learn from the experts

Yes, we all know how important continuing education is, but let’s be honest, it tends to take a backseat to the day-to-day work. Sure, you’d love to learn about the latest trends in your industry and keep abreast of the newest technologies, but you’ve got clients to meet, staff meetings to attend, and a non-work life to uphold. By attending conference you’re able to pack all that learning into the span of a couple of days.

Meet new people

One of the biggest advantages to participating in a conference is that you get to meet and network with others in a face-to-face manner. While being introduced through email or being a member of a group on a social network is a great way to meet people in your industry when you’re not at an event, getting to meet in person is the best way to form a relationship. Whether you’re looking for new clients, partners, or even mentors, conferences offer the chance to identify and introduce yourself to these key players.

Scope out the competition

Sure, you keep tabs on your competition now. Maybe you do watch their social media accounts or monitor their keywords. But, events are a great way to really suss out what’s going on with your competitor. Are they unveiling a new product? Does their booth match the rest of their branding? What kinds of items or information are they giving out? You can learn a lot about a company by just stopping by their booth at an event like this.

Learn what you didn’t expect

You never know what you don’t know is a great thing to keep in mind at conferences. Regardless of your field, most conferences will pull in speakers who cover topics that you wouldn’t normally think to have looked into yourself. From workshops on marketing to seminars on legal implications to a roundtable discussion on ethics, these horizontally integrated sessions can provide a ton of value where you didn’t realize you were lacking.

Do you plan to go to any conferences this year? This year my team is attending many conventions for the real estate industry. Hope to see you there!

Dog Laws & Home Ownership: What You Need to Know

/0 Comments/in , /by

You’ve lived in cramped apartments where having a dog wouldn’t make sense. You upgraded to a beautiful condo annnnnd unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed.

Finally, the moment has come. You’re buying a house! You can get as many dogs as you want now! You can open up your own rescue if you wanted? Right?

Surprisingly, the answer is no. Even as a homeowner, your dog ownership capabilities are more limited than you might think.

Number of Dogs

Buying a house out in the country with lots of land? The sky is pretty much your limit with how many dogs you can own. That’s not the case in many cities, where there are restrictions on how many dogs live in a household. Here are a few examples

  • In Holland, MI only two dogs are allowed per household. A man spent 90 days in jail for refusing to give up one of his three dogs.
  • The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in favor of a neighborhood law that homeowners could have one to three dogs.
  • Homeowners can have no more than four weaned dogs in Long Beach, CA.

Before you buy a house, check the area’s laws if you have more than two dogs, just to play it safe.

Kennel License

Kennel licenses are often thought of for breeders or doggie daycare owners, but that’s not always the case. Some cities require homeowners to get a special kennel license if they own more than four or five dogs. You might have to pay a few hundred dollars each year. Check this table to see each state’s laws (and how much you’ll owe).

Homeowner’s Insurance

Unless you buy a house in Michigan or Pennsylvania, homeowners insurance companies could deny you coverage, solely because of your dog’s breed. These are some of the breeds that are sometimes flagged by insurance companies:

  • Pitbull
  • Doberman
  • German Shepherd
  • Rottweiler
  • Huskie
  • Chow Chow
  • Great Dane
  • Akita
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Boxer

Some of those breeds are actually banned in cities as well. Keep in mind, simply having a dog might up your insurance costs — even if Fido is not one of the breeds listed above.

Fencing

The HOA will often have limits on the type of fencing you can have. In some cases, they might require you to have an underground, electric fence — even if you weren’t planning on installing one. The HOA typically has rules on the height, material, and possibly even color of your fence. It’s a good practice to check into HOA laws before buying a house, regardless of owning a dog.

Overall Costs

It’s already expensive to buy and own a house. Considering the kennel licenses, higher insurance premiums, and fence installation costs, it’s pretty clear to see that owning a dog ups your expenses even more. Make sure to factor all of this in when budgeting for buying a house.

Owning a dog is one of the greatest parts of life for many adults. The same goes for owning a house. Having both at the same time is borderline (collie) heavenly, and it’s certainly attainable. But as you’re looking for homes through RealtyHive, make sure you follow up with dog laws in the area before you buy a house, a dog, or both.

woman's arms while working on computer

Why You Should Get Licensed in Multiple States

/0 Comments/in , /by

For some agents, getting licensed in more than one state makes perfect sense. Agents who work in Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri may often find themselves crossing state lines into Kansas or Illinois on a daily basis, for example. But if you’re miles from the state line, does it still make sense to hold a Real Estate Salesperson license in more than one state? Here are some things to consider.

Important note: You should consult legal counsel before becoming involved in a transaction in another state. Failure to observe the law may result in loss of commission or even jeopardize your license. The following guide is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as legal advice.

You Might Get More Than Expected

While many states license their real estate agents on an individual state basis, many states allow for licensing reciprocity, meaning that while you have to apply for that state’s license (and usually take the state test), you won’t have to retake the coursework.

Other states have what is called portability, meaning that you can work as an agent in their state to some extent, but this can vary from requiring you to have a co-brokerage agreement with a broker licensed in that state (Cooperative States) to only allowing you to remotely help your client while you’re located in the state you’re licensed in (Physical Location States). Having more state licenses opens up more states you are able to work in.

It Frees You Up to Move

Being licensed in multiple states gives you more freedom to move yourself. Sure, if you decide to make a planned move you can always choose a state with reciprocity or pay to go through the licensing process in your new state, but that can cost both time and money. This can be especially useful for practicing real estate professionals who have seasonal homes where they live in one area for 4-6 months and another for the rest of the year. Rather than taking a hiatus from real estate (and the income it provides), being licensed in both states allows you to continue working while living the lifestyle you want in the location of your choice.

You Can Work in Turf States

There are four US states that do not allow out of state agents or brokers to conduct any business in their state either in person or remotely. These include Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The only way to work with a client in these states is to refer them to an agent/broker who is licensed in that state or to be licensed there yourself.

Things to Consider

Nothing about being licensed to practice real estate in another state prepares you for paying income tax in another state. As an independent business owner, you already know how important a good tax professional is, so you’ll want to consult a knowledgeable professional before you get started to save yourself future headaches.

Some states have more reciprocity than others. California does not allow licensed agents from any other state to apply for a California real estate license without completing California coursework, but Colorado is the opposite by allowing reciprocity for an agent from any US state to apply. Some states allow just neighbors, while others have scattered reciprocity states through the country.

Real estate is a great career path for those looking to create their own opportunities and set their own schedules and being licensed in multiple states can help to further that goal.

How to Decide Where to Live

/0 Comments/in , /by

Maybe it was a breakup. Maybe you no longer want to live in the city you grew up in. Maybe you’re simply feeling restless. Maybe you just don’t want to shovel your driveway anymore!

No matter the reason, this blog is here to help figure out where to move next. Sure, you can throw a dart at a map of the US, but we figure going through the best places to live in the US might provide just a skosh more stability.

Moving Based on Climate

It’s true what they say — the grass is always greener. Desert folks want to escape the heat and see some beautiful greenery. Landlocked people want an ocean breeze. Here are some great places to live in the US based on climate:

Desert

Arizona is popping off right now, and for a good reason. The warm winters are what dreams are made of, and if you’re burning up in the desert, cool off just 2-3 hours north in Sedona and Flagstaff to cool off.

Phoenix and Tucson have tons of hiking trails to behold. Scottsdale is known for its trendy restaurants and great nightlife. Plan your move in the middle of a snowy January and we’re pretty sure you’ll never look back.

Ocean

If you think living near the beach can only exist as a pipe dream, you’re blissfully mistaken. To be sure, it’s a little pricier. But if you can’t manage to own a home in Hawaii or Beverly Hills just yet, consider somewhere that’s a hop, skip, and a jump from the ocean.

Brawley, CA is just barely two hours away from San Diego. Lake Arrowhead is an hour and 40 minutes from Santa Monica — plus, this beautiful lake will surely suffice when you can’t make it to the ocean.

Mountains

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, people flock to Colorado in droves. While there’s nothing wrong with moving to this progressive and scenic state, there’s a city that’s less expensive and with equally stunning views — if not even better mountainous vistas.

Meet Livingston, Montana. An hour outside Yellowstone National Park, this city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and rivers with great restaurants. It’s perfect for small-town living but attracts some big names — John Mayer has a place just 8 minutes away in Paradise Valley, MT.

Moving Based on City

New York, LA, Boston, Seattle — these cities are popular destinations for a reason. But there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known cities that deserve time in the spotlight:

  • Lincoln, NE is #9 on Livability’s 2019 list of most livable cities in the US.
  • Salt Lake City, UT has great restaurants and an incredible public transit system.
  • Milwaukee, WI is a bustling city — if it’s too bustling for you, settle in a nearby suburb like Waukesha or Pewaukee that has its own vibe.
  • Grand Rapids, MI is right on the water and has amazing historic neighborhoods.

Moving Based on Accessibility

Living in a rural place and dreaming of convenience? While the city might be too big for your next step (and that’s perfectly fine), imagine the convenience of nearby international airports, multiple grocery stores, and shopping centers.

Goodyear, AZ is 30 to 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport (Sky Harbor International) but has tons of shopping areas in close proximity. West Allis, WI is not even 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Practically any suburb outside a bigger city will be a huge step up in convenience and accessibility.

Moving Based on Feeling

Countless people read about a city in a book or saw a place on TV and can’t get it out of their heads. While some might think it’s crazy to move based on instinct, we’re inclined to disagree. When you’re drawn to a location, you should honor your feelings and look into the possibility at the very least.

But here’s what we would recommend:

  • Check out the place first. Take a trip and see what you think.
  • Take your time, and don’t act too rashly. It’s super romantic to think about packing it all up and leaving. This quickly wears away if you get to a foreign place without a job or home lined up.
  • Consider others. Having a spouse or kids means you absolutely have to honor their needs. Moving at this point in time might not do that, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never get there.
  • Examine your “why.” Are you moving because you’re ready for a change, or because you’re running away? We’re not saying you’re wrong if your answer is the latter, but it’s something to think about. Know that your problems don’t magically disappear just because you’re in a new location.

When you’re ready to call a new place home, make RealtyHive your first step. Our listings are among the best places to live in the US, from places that are up-and-coming to homes that are practically off the grid. Find your new home with RH!

Home Staging for the Holidays

/2 Comments/in , , /by

Can home staging with holiday decorations help you sell?

As the holiday season approaches, home sellers wonder what to do with their holiday decor. Does stringing up holiday lights make your home stand out or will it turn a buyer off? Should you hang your stockings with care or keep them in storage as one less thing to pack? Will seasonal decorations distract a potential buyer from your granite counter tops or will it draw their eye to your Craftsman-style built-ins? 

According to REALTOR.com, 92% of realtors advise putting out some sort of decorations when trying to sell your home during the holidays. This home staging can range from putting out only non-religious seasonal decor (think snowflakes and ice skates) to putting out everything, including religious items like mangers or menorahs. When it comes to deciding what to do for your particular home, geography and local culture should be your guide.

Regardless of the specific type of decor you choose to use, here are a few tips home staging tips to make your place shine during a holiday-season open house.

home staged for holidays

Use the senses to your advantage

Scent is the sense most closely tied to memory and home sellers can use this to their advantage. Baking cookies is always a hit as it will make your kitchen smell divine. Use pre-made cookie dough so you won’t have dirty dishes to deal with and pop them in the oven just before the open house or showing begins to set a homey vibe.

Another tip is to light some seasonally-scented candles. The candlelight will bring a romantic flair to your rooms while the scent will add to the experience you’re creating. If you decide to set up an artificial Christmas tree, you may want to consider using a scent stick (available where most holiday decorations are sold) to really drive home the holiday smells, although be cautious of going overboard with this.

Assess your outdoor lighting

While you don’t need to string up lights (although you can if you’d like), you are going to need to make sure you have adequate lighting outside. As the hours of sun per day decreases, buyers are more likely to see your home in the dusk/dark so you want to make sure to have good lights. Not only will this help to showcase your property, it’s a necessary safety precaution.

A good rule of thumb is to use at least a 60-watt bulb, although if you have two fixtures together you can get by with 40-watt bulbs. These will provide enough light to show off your home without looking too bright or out of place. If your home is in a more remote area or you need additional light, consider using up to 120-watt bulbs in a floodlight fixture to really make your house shine.

Showcase the features of your home

The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase the special areas and features of your home. While you wouldn’t use your fireplace in the middle of August, lighting it up in December reminds buyers how nice a warm hearth can be. Have a built-in sound system? Show it off by softly playing some seasonal music. Have a lovely formal dining room? Set the table as if you were hosting a fancy dinner party complete with place settings and wine glasses. A little staging can go a long way to up the coziness factor throughout the home and provide the “wow” factor buyers are looking for.

While home staging isn’t required during any time of the year, it’s almost always a good idea. A trusty real estate agent can be a wonderful resource to help you find just the right amount of staging to draw in the best offers. Want to free up a little more cash for the holidays? Find agents who offer cash back to sellers through Cashifyd!

The Basics of Home Interior Design

/2 Comments/in , /by

The basics of home interior design are very much the same as cooking. While many of us crave chocolate, would love some tacos but also wouldn’t pass up an opportunity for pizza, we’d never pour all of those into one dish, bake, then serve. Unless you’re pregnant, in which case you can do whatever the hell you want.

Like cooking, interior design 101 requires you to stick to a theme — a flavor palette, if you will. For example, ginger stays with Asian dishes, just like mid-century modern pieces don’t belong in a Victorian house. Even if you’re not an interior decorator, it won’t be hard to master the basics of design with this RealtyHive blog.

Tip #1: Respect the house.

The foundation of your house, its architectural bones — they’re everything. Let the house’s architecture guide your design. If you have dreams of a beautiful Mediterranean revivalist home, you’ll need a house that fits the bill. Trying to force Mediterranean vibes into a Victorian house will certainly feel off.

And before we dive further, remember that it’s not just about what feels right for you. Even if you have no qualms when a home’s decor and structure don’t match, most people won’t feel similarly. As we’ve talked about in the past, a home that’s too niche or personalized is more difficult to sell.

Tip #2: When it comes to boldness, pick one.

A boldly colored accent wall? Go for it! A boldly patterned rug? Why not! However, if you pair both bold things at once, you’ve gone too far.

Mixing bold colors and patterns is overwhelming — for some people, it’s practically an assault on our senses. We often forget that what we see impacts our mood, and overstimulating environments can negatively affect us. Granted, if you love the clash (and some people do), implement your style to a single bedroom or study instead of letting that chaos rule the whole house for the best of both worlds.

Tip #3: Less is more.

As renowned designer Coco Chanel once said about accessorizing, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Too many collectibles and knickknacks reek of clutter. 

On the other hand, minimal decorating provides a sense of calm and serenity that can’t be beaten. It’s helpful for those staying in your house, it costs less than overdecorating, and it allows you to focus on a few important pieces, which inevitably makes the value of those pieces more meaningful.

Tip #4: Consistency is key.

As we mentioned, it’s OK if there’s a bedroom or study or even basement that doesn’t fit your entire home’s scheme. You can’t force a teenager to decorate their room differently, nor would you want to.

That being said, consistency throughout the house’s main rooms provides a necessary flow. A modern kitchen next to a neoclassical living room is confusing. Stick with a general theme and even a color scheme that connects the rooms in your home.

Tip #5: Look at examples.

One of the best ways to improve your understanding of interior design basics is to simply look around.

Find what you like or don’t like. Study up on modern trends. Watch architectural or interior design videos on YouTube. Look to the environment outside you and play off of the colors, shapes, and textures you see. The world is your oyster for inspiration!

Whether you’re looking for a mid-century modern house, a classic Victorian home, a modest ranch, or a Mediterranean manor, RealtyHive has it all. Find your next dream home by looking through our listings!

What to Do With Real Estate When Getting Divorced

/1 Comment/in , /by

Divorce is no easy topic to talk about. No matter if you’re glad for the split or devastated, divorce can be extremely hard. Sharing property usually only complicates the matter.

Nevertheless, if you’re trying to figure out what to do with your house during a divorce, let this blog serve as a guide. No matter what route you go down, know that we at RealtyHive are thinking of you, and wish you all the best.

Option 1: Continue owning the home together.

Sometimes marriages end amicably (or at the very least, without too much bitterness or resentment). If that’s the case, continuing to co-own your home isn’t out of the ballpark for dealing with real estate during a divorce.

This can work really well if it’s for a rental home or other investment property. It’s significantly more challenging (though not impossible) to navigate if it’s the home you’re both currently living in. Keep in mind that your emotional well-being is of the utmost importance. Don’t feel the need to force co-ownership if it’s more hassle than harmonious.

Option 2: One person stays in the house.

If both parties are deadset on staying in the house, here are a few scenarios to keep in mind.

When Kids Are Involved

While custody battles can be nightmarish, children often make determining who stays in the house at least a little easier. Typically, the parent who spends the most time with the kids (or who’s granted the majority of custody) will be allowed to stay in the house, if the house is in both parties’ names.

When One Person Owns the House

If the house is property of just one person, they might have the right to stay in the house. Separate property and a person’s right to them depends on the state you live in and date of purchase (see “equitable distribution” below).

When Both People Own the House (and Don’t Have Kids)

You and your spouse might reach an agreement of who gets to live in (and potentially own) the house. If that’s the case, good for both of you and your ability to effectively mediate.

However, many people are not in that boat, and that’s OK. Laws on real estate and divorce vary from state to state, which brings us to Option 3:

Option 3: Sell the house.

For the record, selling your house is not a last resort, nor is it a failure. Houses can unfortunately serve as painful reminders of memories you once shared. It’s completely fine — not to mention, usually recommended — to sell and start fresh.

How selling a house in divorce works depends on your state.

Community Property

If divorcing in a state that practices community property, all property of a married person is determined as community or separate property by a judge. Community property is typically divided between the divorcing couple. Any properties deemed “separate” stay with the spouse that it belongs to (ex. a husband buys a hunting cabin in his name).

The practice of splitting community property is found in the following states:

Equitable Distribution

All other states practice equitable distribution. This means that any property gained during the marriage is divided equitably between parties. Separate property is usually taken into account as well when dividing real estate.

You might be tempted to put your home on the market in the traditional manner of selling a house. Here’s why you want to sell with RealtyHive instead:

  • Faster: Your house could sit on the market for months or longer if you sell your house the old-fashioned way. Our time-limited events are exactly that — time-limited so that you can move on faster.
  • Risk-Free. Home doesn’t sell right away? You don’t pay until your home is sold. Had a change of heart and no longer want to sell? You don’t have to accept an offer!
  • Reduce Carrying Costs. Selling faster not only helps you start fresh sooner, it reduces your time paying for mortgage, insurance, etc.

You deserve to move on. You don’t deserve to feel shackled to the past and to a home that symbolizes something you’re no longer a part of. Work with RealtyHive to sell your home during a divorce and to start the next chapter of your life.

Investing in Real Estate vs. Stocks

/0 Comments/in , /by

To invest in real estate or in the stock market: that is the question. Investing is perhaps the greatest way to truly grow your financial portfolio. But which between property and stocks, which route should you take?

RealtyHive is here to explore both investment options. Answer the following questions to narrow your focus!

Would you rather play it safe or take some risks?

A game of cards can tell you a lot about yourself. When betting, are you more likely to put it all on the line, confident that others’ circumstances will work in your favor? Or are you more likely to hold back and bet conservatively, even if you have a great hand?

Honor whatever your comfort level is with risk-taking and investing to some degree. Especially for first-time investors, this might not be the time to go all the way in — but it’s not the time to hold everything back, either.

For some, starting out small in the stocks can feel safer because they control how much (or how little they put in). For others, investing in real estate can feel safer because it’s an asset that they can tangibly see. If you’re more comfortable putting in a lot of money off the bat, a real estate investment might be best for you.

How much time do you want to spend on your investment?

Very little? Investing in the stocks is likely your best bet, especially if you’re starting out. Whether you hire a financial advisor or simply put money in the market and monitor it, investing in stocks will take considerably less time than in real estate.

Want to make this investment a side hustle, a passion project, or a full-blown career? Real estate investing is the way to go. Flipping or renting out houses takes a lot of time. While you could eventually get to a point of hiring a team of property managers, it will take awhile to get there.

What’s your timeline — how quickly do you want to see results?

This is a bit tricky to answer because seeing a return on your investments will undoubtedly take time. However, you have more control of when you want to pull out of the stocks than real estate investing. By that, we mean you could theoretically make a profit in a single day for your stocks and decide to sell (though most financial planners wouldn’t recommend this).

It will take longer to make money in real estate. Even if you’re into flipping houses, this takes longer than profiting from day trading. Most houses take years to gain value. If you’re impatient, investing in stocks might be the better solution for you.

What can you make better guesses on?

Have you done a lot of research and feel more comfortable starting out in the stocks? Are you living in an area that’s about to become the next trendiest city to live? It’s truly up to you to know which investment will have the best chances of panning out — though as always, there’s no guarantee.

What’s your end goal?

When do you want to retire? What’s the number in your bank account that you’re trying to hit? Where are you trying to travel to? What lifestyle are you trying to live? 

Figuring out your goals is a crucial piece to investing. If you love the idea of making small gains (and losses) over time, stocks are your best bet. If you’re looking forward to retiring with a hefty chunk of change from selling a property that has appreciated wonderfully in value, real estate is for you.

In the event that all goes well, you can make a heftier chunk of change from selling real estate later on than you can from stocks. But that comes with a hefty amount of work. Once you have some goals in mind, you’ll be more able to determine the best course of action.

We know that stocks and real estate investing are no small topics. As always, RealtyHive is driven to help people achieve their goals. Look through our listings today to find your next (or first!) investment property!

Are Tiny Houses A Good Investment?

/0 Comments/in , /by

“We live in a tiny home.” A decade ago, this statement would have caused looks of sympathy. Now, it’s a topic of fascination and conversation — yet another example of how time changes all!

The tiny home movement has only continued to pick up speed. We all know the benefits: costs less to own and operate, takes up less space, encourages a minimalist lifestyle. But is owning a small house actually worth it? The RealtyHive blog is here to investigate.

Are tiny houses timeless, or simply trending?

Tiny houses are currently all the rage, but is this a trend that will last?

Historically, how people choose to occupy space is something that ebbs and flows. In the era of mass immigration during the 1800s, people flocked to New York by the millions, cramming into tiny apartments — sometimes shared by multiple families.

By the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, we saw a rise in Victorian manors and people moving westward, demonstrating a shift in people’s desire for more space. Row homes and single family homes grew in popularity in the ‘50s, only for sprawling mansions and bigger homes to be the trend of the ‘80s.

Based on these trends, it’s safe to predict that if everyone had a tiny home, we’d all eventually crave something roomier (or at the very least, future generations would). The resale value of a tiny house is remarkable right now, but down the line, this might not be the case.

Minimal size = minimal lifestyle?

Most of the time, tiny homes are depicted on the outskirts — both of society and societal norms as a whole. From gorgeous treehouse bungalows to shipping container homes in the Southwest, you’ll typically find these homes in more remote areas.

That’s great for the person living off the grid or the freelancer working from home, but what about the majority of people working 9-to-5s? Many subdivisions won’t allow tiny homes — there usually is a minimum square footage requirement. Longer commutes themselves are a nuisance, but for someone trying to lessen their carbon footprint, a tiny house probably isn’t the solution.

Tiny home expenses = tiny financial impact?

Certainly, this is one of the greatest advantages to the small-house movement. Building costs are likely less than buying a more traditional single family home.

With less room to heat/cool, light, and even clean than traditional homes, tiny houses will have substantially lower operation costs. Plus, less storage means you physically won’t be able to buy more stuff. People often forget that owning a house costs much more than just the down payment and mortgage — much of this can be eliminated with a tiny home.

More people = more problems?

This question goes in two directions:

Globally: As our population continues to grow, there’s a good chance that we will simply need to adjust to living in smaller spaces. For that reason, a tiny house could still have desirability in the future and positively influence your potential for ROI.

Individually: A tiny house is great for a person or a couple. It becomes significantly more challenging for growing families. As kids get older, space becomes a priority — not to mention more “stuff” (everything from toys to school papers) begins accumulating.

What worked for two people will be a massive challenge for three or four. If having a family is important to you, a tiny home might not fit your family’s needs.

For most people, tiny homes probably won’t work in the long run. But only you can decide if this is a worthy investment and lifestyle for you. Still on board with a tiny house? Check out our vacant land for sale to find the perfect place to build (oceanfront property in Honduras, anyone?). Thinking about finding a more traditional (yet modest) house? Look through the RealtyHive listings to find your dream home!