Patio Homes: Comfortable Communities in a Compact Package

If ever the old Goldilocks adage "Not too big, not too small but just right" ever applied to real estate it would certainly apply to patio homes, sometimes also referred to as garden homes. There are three types of housing on the market today and three very different buyers for these markets, first you have traditional condominium units that share common walls and are apartment like only with tax advantages, these type dwellings appeal to young singles because they are typically located close to nightspots and other entertainment. Second, there are the stand alone homes that are close to schools and shopping which appeals to young families and thirdly there are patio or garden home communities that are usually located in secluded areas close to nature on the outskirts of town and are most attractive to young professionals, empty nesters and active seniors.

This year (2006) the first of the Baby Boomers turn 60 and this fact has not gone unnoticed by real estate developers. More and more patio home communities are popping up all over our nation and such homes are a hot commodity. These single family detached homes, usually built on very small lots of ¼ acre or less are very popular with young professionals who travel often and recent retirees who are seeking a homey atmosphere with a lot less upkeep than a traditional home.

Most of these communities are gated thereby offering a sense of security not found in the average subdivision. In addition, once construction is completed homeowners associations usually assume control liberating the homeowners from mundane chores and costly expenditures (i.e. exterior and common area maintenance). Homeowners Association fees often include such services as lawn care and the operation of the sprinkler systems eliminating the worry of leaving the property unattended for extended periods of time. The associations also maintain architectural control to protect the integrity of the homes in the community.

You are definitely buying a lifestyle when you buy these homes, the close knit feeling of these communities' makes it is so easy to pack up and travel at a moments notice without worrying about your home. Services available to homeowners such as clubhouses, security guards and gates, exterior pest control and community garbage pick up are all amenities that make these communities appealing to many.

The average patio home ranges in size from 1750 to 2500 square feet and range in price from $ 250,000 to $ 575,000 but can be as large as 4,000 square feet and range in price any where from $ 750,000 to over 1 million dollars in some exclusive communities. They can be moderately priced yet contain specialty items and finishes. A case in point, even a patio home with a relatively low asking price in the mid 200's can feature such items as a central vacuum system, chair rail and crown moldings. Additionally, in the great room you may find a gas fireplace surrounded by highly sought after built in bookcases and a large screened patio overlooking a serene lake or a golf course as many of these homes do. You would expect to pay much more for these accoutrements commonly found in much more expensive traditional single family homes in the same square footage category.

Upscale courtyard patio homes often have an array of exceptional features such as an 18 foot tall mammoth Palladian style window that overlooks a professionally designed golf course and features such added luxuries as a pergola and small pool on the property are unique to this style home. Top of the line 42" cherry cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances along with cushion style tumbled marble backsplash tiles are impressive design details and are among some of the customized items you will find in homes of this caliber. Middle aged couples can not say enough good things about the convenience of living in a patio home. The concierge quality services often offered in these patio home communities such as lawn service, guard patrol, mail holding services, etc are a main draw to the active senior market.

Everyone has his or her own personal criteria for what they are looking for in a home but it is hard to deny that patio home living is right up there at the top of the list when it comes to convenience and they come in all different sizes, shapes and price ranges. Not too big, not too small, but "just right", we think Goldilocks would definitely approve.