Varieties of local real estate vary greatly both within individual cities and throughout the United States. If you are in the market for a real estate purchase, consider each of the types of housing available prior to making your first down payment.
The Ranch House: If you are interested in suburban living, a ranch house might be the style for you. Ranch houses are one-level and have an asymmetrical design, low roof lines and large windows. Typical ranch houses also have eave overhangs and patios or courtyards that are only partially enclosed. The location of your home will be a deciding factor in the construction materials used in your ranch. Local real estate materials might include wood, stucco or brick, depending on the style of your city. Regardless of the materials used, however, you can be assured your ranch will provide a casual, comfortable living space for years to come.
The Beaux Arts Style: In contrast to the low-profile look of the ranch home, the ornate Beaux Arts style features masonry walls, detailed decorations and classical pilasters or columns in pairs. Windows and doors in this design style are placed symmetrically to achieve a look of balance and sophistication. Homes such as these are rare and appear predominantly on the East Coast.
The Cape Cod Cottage: Located in New England, classic Cape Cod cottages have steeped roofs and are typically a story and a half tall with multi-paned windows and ridge-centered chimneys. You won’t see much ornamentation on the exterior of these homes, except for the little window hoods. Above the entry door you can find transom windows.
The Art Deco Style: Sometimes nicknamed “Retro Moderne” (a mix of styles inspired between the ‘20s and ‘30s), the Art Deco style is notable for its dramatic shapes, clean lines and colorful surfaces. Wall surfaces are smooth and made of stucco, and geometric shapes motifs frequently decorate facades. Stylized doorways, colorful surfaces and towers above the roof line further contribute to this style’s flair.
The Victorian Stick Style: Common in the latter half of the 1800s, these homes have two to two-and-a-half stories and are constructed of wood with bays, towers and wings. Steeply pitched roofs and stick work overlay the clapboarded wall surfaces. The colors of these homes are often bright, and square pillars are common. The Stick Style differs from the more formal and symmetric design of the high-style Victorian houses.
The Craftsman Bungalow: These cozy dwellings have low-pitched roofs and wide eave overhangs. The roof rafters are exposed, and porch support bases go to the ground level. The bungalow style of local real estate was first found in California but has since spread throughout the country.
If you would like to read more information about varieties of local real estate and these styles of homes, continue to search the Internet. You will find comprehensive background information on each design type and can also view pictures.
By Laura Hogg