By Johanna Wiseman
We all love to talk about real estate, don’t we? Let’s cover some current housing topics.
From the social sphere, the Cocktail Pool is the latest outdoor entertainment trend. Smaller than a standard pool for swimming, Cocktail Pools are less costly by virtue of their size, and create a very desirable feature for homeowners with limited outdoor space. They can be customized with heat and jets, from a “pool” to a “spool” (spa + pool) and though the expense would be higher, the range of use can then be expanded. Imagine being able to enjoy a summer soak chatting with friends over drinks. Then later, having the option to turn on the heated jets for private hydrotherapy and relaxation. A Cocktail Pool is an attention-grabbing feature that might really enhance a home’s appeal when it’s time to sell. 
What if a pool is an unattainable luxury when you are desperately trying to find a home you can afford? Across New Jersey, leaders are looking for solutions to today’s housing crisis. A limited inventory of available homes is one piece of the puzzle. The Property Ladder is a metaphor beginning with first-time buyers in rentals/starter homes, and progressing through ownership of various properties fitting a person’s life stage and needs. Many older homeowners want to downsize their living situation by reducing square footage or yard size. They may be looking to move from multi-story to one-level living. When they can’t find homes to meet that wish, they don’t leave, which keeps property unavailable to the next generation of home seekers.
Affordability is another large component of the housing crisis. Did you know that builders are now 3-D printing homes to address that challenge? New technology is at work in Texas, in a community near Austin. Their modest-sized, quick-delivery dwellings are designed to be low-cost and sustainable. Supply-chain and material expense issues are minimized by the concrete-dependent style of construction. Aspiring homeowners who are priced out of the market would welcome smaller homes that they can afford. Homeowners wanting to downsize would have additional options. The builders hope their project is scalable and can be imported to other states. Because our zoning laws in New Jersey are very restrictive, perhaps a trial community would provide the opportunity to examine the concept and its feasibility.
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, represent limited-size extra places to live on the lot of an existing home. ADUs can be garage apartments, cottages, attached dwellings, or other styles. Depending on what a municipality will allow, ADUs can be rented out, age-restricted, or reserved for relatives only. Very few towns in New Jersey have zoning ordinances permitting ADUs. Obviously, the idea of added housing is controversial and raises the question of overcrowding. Each municipality will have to weigh the pros and cons of housing evolution as our lawmakers propose changes to increase the number and variety of affordable homes.
Now you’re ready to join the housing conversation at your next neighborhood gathering.
Contact local expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals at
908-705-0652, or visit www.MyBridgewaterHome.com