Despite predictions of the bubble bursting soon, U.S. real estate prices remain at the highest they’ve been in 15 years after a 2021 spike. What’s more, real estate experts predict they’ll keep going up.
So, if you’ve been toying with selling your home, now’s your chance before things eventually go ‘bang’. Describing your house accurately is the first step in getting it sold fast.
Learn how with this concise guide to the different types of homes found in the USA today.
Types of Homes According to Construction
One of the most effective ways to describe your home is by describing the basics. Most people search for specific home types while house hunting.
These include:
Single-Family Homes
These freestanding buildings are most common in America’s suburbs, and house around 70% of the population. They’re designed to house a family unit and most often have a garage, front yard, and backyard.
Townhouses
Townhouses share some similarities with single-family homes. The homeowner owns the land and the building, but this is usually a small parcel of property located very close to the neighbors.
They’re typically narrow with multiple floors and part of a housing community. Sometimes the buildings share a wall.
Multifamily Homes
Multifamily homes include all types of attached housing, like homes split into two living units.
Apartments are the most common type of multifamily homes.
They’re defined by a shared wall between the units and often occupy high-rise buildings. Apartments rarely have gardens and individual garages, but they typically have a balcony and undercover parking areas.
Condos
Condos can resemble apartments or townhouses, but they stand out because the homeowner does not own the buildings or the surrounding land. They only own the right to occupy the space.
These types of houses are always located within a complex and each person owns a share of the whole property. Condos usually come with a range of attractive amenities like communal swimming pools and recreation areas.
They’re run by a Homeowners’ Association, and everyone pays a fee for them to keep things running smoothly. Duplex condos have living areas split over two levels, while triplex condos have one more floor above.
Co-ops
Co-ops are like condos in apartment buildings. Those who own space in these constructions own a share of the cooperative that owns the building housing them.
They’re run by a co-op board with strict rules to keep everything running smoothly.
Defining Homes by Architectural Style
Home styles can play an important role in attracting buyers, too. Some folks prefer to live in a home that looks a particular way.
These are some of the most popular home designs nowadays:
Bungalow
Bungalows are specifically defined as small single-story houses with a raised floor, and a front porch with steps leading up to it. They often feature a dormer window and a pitched roof over the attic.
Cottage
This term comes from the typical English cottage, usually built in the countryside. In the strictest terms, it refers to a small home with thick walls, a high thatched, and only one room.
In America, most people refer to their vacation homes as cottages. Yet, these luxurious homes are a far cry from the original definition of this housing style.
Cabin
Cabins are a type of cottage with a more rustic look. They’re almost always located in remote or rural locations.
Traditionally, cabins have a log construction.
Chalet
Typically associated with skiing holidays in the alps, cabins are frequently found in snowy, mountainous areas. They have a steep roof and long overhangs to combat snow piling up on the roof.
Ranch-Style
Ranch-style homes are among the best homes for families. They have one story and an open horizontal floor plan with a back door leading to a yard.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod homes have a distinct design style comprising shingle roofs and wood siding, with a central door flanked by windows. Nowadays, they’re built a little larger than the original 1700s design.
These homes are most common in New England and designed to withstand the weather in this area.
Colonial
Despite the name, this is a contemporary design style, featuring a basement and two or three stories. Most of these homes have a central staircase leading to the upstairs bedrooms.
The first floor features a kitchen, living room, and dining room. It’s a simple, symmetrical rectangular-shaped house with a row of windows on either side of a central door.
It has a steep roof with a gable on either side of the house.
Victorian
This architectural style refers to homes featuring elements of the Victorian era. These include large overhanging eves, wraparound porches, prominent front-facing gables, and an asymmetrical facade.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern homes arose after WWII at the height of the Bauhaus movement. They have an uncluttered, sleek design with large windows and a mix of man-made and natural building materials.
Function inspires form in the design of these homes.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean homes abound in warmer states. They’re based on Italian and Spanish architecture, with bright, tiled roofs over light-colored stucco exteriors.
Most Mediterranean homes have a courtyard or veranda.
When you know what type of house you’re selling, it’s easier to attract more interest from buyers and get top dollar for the sale. Look here for more tips on how to price your home accordingly.
Home Truths
Now that you’re more familiar with the types of homes and how they’re described, you can create real estate listings with confidence. Getting the terminology right can make all the difference when it comes to speeding up your home’s sale.
Would you like some more tips on how to sell your home at high speed? Browse our blog for the latest information about the modern real estate market.
