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Much Ado About Mansionization?
Is there a perpetual shadow hovering over your house? Do you feel as though you live in a Batman movie? You may be the victim of a neighboring McMansion or a new development trend called mansionization, the housing industry's equivalent to bigger portions and fast food. These mansionizers-who are frequently "spec" builders--buy small or dilapidated homes, raze them and erect massive structures, often resembling sterile apartment buildings. Except for meager set-backs, they swallow up the entire lot, dwarf their Liliputian neighbors and invade the privacy of adjacent yards with their second-story windows. It's sort of like jamming five hotels onto "Baltic Avenue" and calling them a home. There simply isn't enough space without impacting the "Community Chest" and monopolizing the other players in the game. Most U.S. building codes are "mansionization friendly." For example, Beverly Hills caps home size at 15,000 square feet, restrictive only for those who dream of adding the ever-popular indoor football field. Los Angeles allows a 7600 square foot home on a 5000 square foot lot. This isn't fuzzy math, and the city is not saying you should re-position your neighbor's fence in the middle of the night, gaining a 2600 foot advantage for your new breakfast nook. You must build towards the sun, potentially leaving your neighbors in the dark. McMansions are perceived by some as the answer for a "Supersize Me," SUV society that subscribes to the notion that bigger is better and that all of ones extended family-regardless of whether they are still alive-must fit neatly into ones abode, even though there are an average of only 2.5 inhabits per property in the U.S. Proponents of these mini-castles say they increase the value of neighboring homes, help with much-needed living accommodations and are inevitable. As urban and suburban space becomes scarce, McMansions will pop up in much the same way as "more compressed" Europe is dotted with row houses. The average size of U.S. homes has grown over the past 45 years from 1,140 to 2,225 square feet, according to a Harvard University study. The National Association of Home Builders reports that 21 percent of houses built in 2004 equaled or exceeded 3000 square feet. These statistics boost the "inevitability" argument. The "increase in property values" assertion succeeds or fails depending on various factors, such as where ones house is situated, the nature of the community and what type of buyers are looking for homes at the time. Are they gourmets or gourmands? Do they welcome McMansions or are they afraid of monsters? The last argument by McMansionites seems flawed. It is unclear how a gargantuan property accommodating two or three inhabitants, as statistics indicate, aids the ever-increasing demand for housing. Mansionization's "contribution" seems more likely to reinforce the image of America as a land of over-consumption and spotlight the gap between the rich and middle class. Outraged neighbors in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts convene with local officials to discuss how to halt these stucco intruders, their goal being to implement moratoriums and anti-mansionization ordinances. Their arguments typically hinge both on objective and subjective factors. In addition to problems associated with a loss of privacy and sunlight, many seek to retain the character and architectural tone of their neighborhoods. They argue that the "David and Goliath" disparities and lack of pleasing curves on many of these "architecturally challenged" monstrosities make their communities less aesthetically appealing. Criticism of the "boxy" look is all too common.. But what if some people--such as McMansion shoppers--cherish the boxy look? Should government dictate taste, ruling whether a structure is a fairy princess, a plain Jane or an ugly stepmother? Are Building and Safety employees-usually ex-contractors-experts on charm and color coordination? Will art school graduates have to take their place? New ordinances could force homeowners to hire "housing stylists," in much the same way as Cher and Cameron Diaz employ wardrobe aides and makeup artists. Do we want to forfeit individuality, self-determination and the freedom to do as we please with our single family dwellings, all in exchange for neighborhood uniformity? After all, architectural consistency-as well as Big Brother-can be found in the condo complex or gated community. CC&Rs can impose fines on those who paint their doors red, have garage sales or allow their over-eating poodle to breach the "doggie weight limit." Local government must resist the temptation to formulate aesthetically-based rules; however, this does not preclude activist neighbors from boycotting certain builders and educating buyers about the merits associated with rejecting "trophy houses" comprised of cheesy materials. McMansion supply hinges on McMansion demand. Many builders construct quality products with style, grace and concern for residents of the area. They must be encouraged while less considerate developers should be brought into dialogue with local council members and the stakeholders in the community. In the end, it's not a matter of "much ado, " but a matter of much to do. Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is a member of the Greater Valley Glen Council, a Realtor with Prudential in Studio City and an author. Her real estate website is http://www.YourTopBroker.com and her political website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org Her blog for comments about this article is http://charlottelaws.typepad.com
MORE RESOURCES: Batman’s Office and Secret Bathrooms—These Real-Estate Agents Have Seen It All The Wall Street Journal Real estate deals, ‘high’ returns, 100 victims: Indian-origin ‘glam’ couple held for $4 million scam in US | World News - Hindustan Times Hindustan Times Real estate expert warns socialist mayoral candidate could trigger massive NYC exodus - Fox Business Office real estate wide open in Denver as vacancy rate hits 36 percent Colorado Public Radio Altadena’s rough real estate market: Slower sales, lower prices, lottery winner plucking up properties Los Angeles Times Erie County real estate transactions Buffalo News Real estate magazine reports Les Wexner as Blue Heron buyer The Martha's Vineyard Times 'Married to Real Estate' Stars Get Huge News after HGTV Cancellation Country Living Magazine NAR Real Estate Forecast Summit National Association of REALTORS® 20 Worst Housing Markets Facing Biggest Price Crash or Correction by 2026 Norada Real Estate Investments Residential lending shifts: Local credit unions gain ground, banks lose volume The Business Journals Real Estate agent speaks out as sheriff’s investigators search for missing foster mom fox5sandiego.com How Trump’s personal aesthetic is redefining White House décor: 'I picked it all myself' - USA Today Future of malls: Arizona's retail centers evolve as customers' habits change The Arizona Republic Central Mass. real estate transfers, Sunday, July 20 Worcester Telegram Neal Communities to celebrate Palmera at Wellen Park grand opening on July 25 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Don’t Skip This Moving Day Step: What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys - Better Homes & Gardens Don’t Skip This Moving Day Step: What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys Better Homes & Gardens I Tried Zillow’s New Aerial 3-D Search Tool, And I'm Obsessed Country Living Magazine Real Estate Property Transfers Spring Hill for June 23, 2025 Williamson Source Old Family Dollar demolished in Quincy Center. What will take its place? The Patriot Ledger New report documents that it's harder for Columbus and other Ohio residents to make rent The Columbus Dispatch Couple in California surrogate case also faces two lawsuits over real estate business practices NBC News International Buyers Purchased $56 Billion Worth of U.S. Homes from April '24 to March '25 National Association of REALTORS® Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson sets up shop in the Valley, records show The Business Journals Real Estate Transfers ~ June 25, 2025 The Bedford Citizen Top Real Estate Stocks Fast Growth Stock Alerts - Explosive earnings growth Autocar Professional ‘Taken advantage of’: Real estate agent ripped off friends, church, and federal government - WSOC TV New Hampshire the latest state to ban right-to-list agreements Real Estate News by RealEstateNews.com July Economist Snapshot: What Will the Big Beautiful Bill Mean for Commercial Real Estate and Housing? Urban Land Magazine Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment Premium Investor Signals - High-velocity capital appreciation Autocar Professional Florida Real Estate: The Hidden Opportunity Amid Market Crash Concerns Norada Real Estate Investments Best Real Estate Stocks Group Insights For Smart Investments - Overwhelming profit margins PrintWeekIndia OT Real Estate Spotlight of the Week: 3234 KY 140 East The Owensboro Times Real estate sales for Summit and Portage counties the week of May 27, 2025 Akron Beacon Journal Why these homeowners say the 15-year mortgage is the most underrated offering in real estate right now MarketWatch Is Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust Inc. a good long term investment - Rapid-fire capital growth PrintWeekIndia A New Perspective: Here Comes the Groom | Real Estate Insights Piedmont Exedra Tuscaloosa County home listings asked for the same amount of money in June – see the current median price here The Tuscaloosa News ‘Making more money than ever before’: Las Vegas real estate agents using loopholes to charge higher commissions Las Vegas Review-Journal RNR Real Estate Briefs – Texas & More Realty News Report Real estate transfers: 7/16 Toledo Blade How much did that house sell for? Deed transfers in Ocala/Marion: May 19-25, 2025 - Ocala StarBanner Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment AI Stock Forecasts - Free Investment Case Studies Autocar Professional Bitcoin Is Draining The Value Out Of Real Estate Bitcoin Magazine Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment Free Market Trend Analysis - Lightning-fast capital gains PrintWeekIndia Founding Father John Hancock's home is on the real estate market in Boston. Take a look The Patriot Ledger Best Real Estate Stocks Trusted Expert Guidance - Overwhelming financial success Autocar Professional Eric Adams Is Raking It in From Big Real Estate New York Magazine Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment in India Premium Financial Forecasting Tools - Unmatched market performance PrintWeekIndia Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties for July 19, 2025 Peoria Journal Star Top Real Estate Stocks Fast Growth Stock Alerts - Phenomenal capital gains Autocar Professional Mediterranean-style mansion in The Woodlands among priciest home sales week of July 6 (PHOTOS) The Business Journals New Valley mansion near Billionaire's Row lists for $13.5M The Business Journals Real Estate’s Big Gains From AI Morgan Stanley Best Real Estate Stocks Expert Backed Stock Investments - Superior portfolio returns Autocar Professional HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Shares Cryptic Message After ‘Married to Real Estate’ Cancellation tvinsider.com Scammed, Shamed and Deepfaked: Real Estate Agents Speak Out on the $15M Crypto Con National Association of REALTORS® Best Real Estate Stocks Smart Trading Moves - Explosive earning power Autocar Professional Best Real Estate Stocks in India Low Risk Stock Investments - Superior portfolio returns Autocar Professional |
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