05/17/2026
Do you all feel builders are just not listening to the needs and wants of homebuyers today? And even more so, some homebuyers are assuming what is being built, especially in hit urban Triangle areas, is what buyers should want?
People keep assuming “newer and bigger” automatically means more modern or forward-thinking. I’m not convinced that’s true anymore.
After working for decades in real estate and seeing changes across generations in what people are prioritizing, I see increased demand for more thoughtfully designed smaller cottages on an established lot may actually better represent the future rather than a brand-new 3,500+ sq ft house covering nearly the same footprint.
Why I say this is because younger professionals as well as older empty nesters are increasingly about:
* efficiency over excess,
* quality over quantity,
* lower maintenance,
* lower utility consumption,
* aging in place,
* walkability,
* flexible living,
* environmental responsibility,
* and preserving mature neighborhoods rather than clear-cutting them.
An older cottage with mature trees, natural drainage, smaller conditioned space and a human-scaled design often uses fewer resources to heat, cool, furnish, repair, and maintain for decades to come. Leaving more time and money for living life.
I think people are waking up to longer term issues of oversized so-called “modern” homes as they tend to
* consume enormous amounts of energy,
* create larger runoff and heat-island effects,
* require constant maintenance,
* and dedicate huge square footage to rooms that are rarely used,
* plus, they are often built with materials that are engineered and not necessarily healthier or more durable.
Case in point: What I love about 232 Fairview Rd in downtown Cary (yes it’s on the market) is obviously first, and foremost, its location can’t be beat. Its 70 year old age says it’s time tested and built strong — proudly showing original hard wood floors. Its updated tiled bath, beautiful fixtures, LVP kitchen flooring and mini split HVAC system says it made beautiful upgrades that were smart and durable. Its untouched landscape offers an opportunity to keep intact or expand living outdoors which is nearly year round in our great NC climate.
This “old-fashioned” cottage in a natural setting and walkable to the most desirable town in North Carolina may just be the most resilient housing model for the future.
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