Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 22
Real Estate Corner
NAVIGATING HOME CHOICES THROUGH THE DECADES
By Bernadette Donohue
Spring is a time of rebirth, a gentle reminder that no matter how long and harsh a winter has been, the earth reawakens to begin
anew. Just as the melting snow gives way to green leaves and vibrant flowers, a colorful array of homes for sale also begins to pop up.
If spring has you yearning for a housing transition, you’re in luck, because 2025 predictions indicate an increase in available homes in
many price categories.
A house is much more than a roof over your head; it represents stability, belonging, personality, pride, and happiness. Personal
preferences and affordability will naturally guide your choices, but understanding the market and construction details can provide
valuable perspective as you navigate your search. This article explores typical pros and cons of homes from different eras, focusing on
mid- and late-20th-century homes versus newer homes built after 2000.
H
ere in the beautiful lakes and mountains of New Hampshire and Maine, we have an eclectic mix of homes that
reflects not just a year-round population but vacation
appeal as well. Ski chalets, lakeside camps, log homes, post &
beams, traditional, contemporary, and even some stone- and
earth-berm homes are scattered throughout the region. Unlike
suburban areas where houses tend to look alike, the White
Mountain and lake regions offer many one-of-a-kind properties.
With four decades of real estate experience, I believe I have
seen and shown it all. Construction techniques and materials
varied widely over the decades, from budget-friendly to highend luxury, so making broad generalizations is challenging.
However, let’s examine some common trends that may guide
your journey home.
Post-war homes built in the 1940s through the 1970s were
more compact with practical designs to meet housing demands.
Symmetrical capes, Colonials, splits, and ranches were common,
with earlier buildings featuring solid wood cabinets and doors,
and hardwood or pine floors. Interiors were often partitioned
into smaller rooms with lower ceilings for better heat retention.
Brick fireplaces with mantels were popular, and exteriors were
clapboard or wood shingles. Kitchens and bathrooms reflected
Art Deco influences with pastel colors and floral patterns.
As baby boomers fueled another housing surge in later
decades, engineered and cost-effective composite materials
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became more widely available. Home designs shifted toward
larger, more open floor plans with high ceilings. Earthy tones—
harvest gold and avocado green—dominated, before giving way
to bolder choices such as orange countertops and shag carpeting, followed by mauve and teals. Mirrored doors and brass
fixtures highlighted new features; we saw sunken living rooms
and interior balconies.
When I started in real estate in the mid-1980s, the Valley
was booming with new construction. Builders had transitioned
to 2x6 construction, allowing for improved insulation R-values—a significant advantage in our four-season climate. The
1990s brought a return to larger homes, some called “McMansions,” with soaring entryways, grand chandeliers, and Palladian
windows creating an upscale feel. Though visually impressive,
limited floor plans and material options contributed to a more
uniform appearance.
Energy efficiency improvements contributed to lower
heating bills, but sometimes caused poor air circulation and
increased moisture and radon problems. Fortunately, ventilation systems and air quality mitigation have become affordable
options to maintain a home’s health.
It’s easy to forget that newer homes built in the early
2000s are already approaching 20 years old, and may need
updates too. With an influx of empty nesters and early retirees,
trends shifted toward first-floor living options and multiple
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