The beautiful homes of Bucks and Montgomery Counties come in all kinds of styles, from ranch to colonial. Of course, when you are looking to buy a home it helps to know which styles will best suit your needs. But being knowledgeable about different home styles can help sellers, too. Knowing more about the unique features and style of your home can help you market and stage it more effectively for prospective buyers, showing it off to its best advantage.
Check out the guide below to locate your home’s style:
Ranch. Ranch-style homes originated in America and first gained popularity in the 1920’s. Often boasting sliding doors and attached garages, they are characterized by long, low roof lines, and feature a single-story construction that makes them easy to access. Up until very recently, ranch-style homes were the most popular in the U.S., prized for their casual ease.
Split-Level. Split-level homes are a variation on ranch-style houses. While still featuring the trademark low and long roof line, split levels generally offer three levels for living: a main level with dining and living areas branching off with a half-stair leading to a lower basement level and a half-stair leading to an upper level with bedrooms.
Colonial. While originally influenced by the style of early European immigrants, colonial quickly became a style distinct to America. Known for its symmetry, colonial homes are generally square, with the front door in the middle flanked by two windows on either side. A second floor often features five windows, neatly aligned with the windows and door below. Wood and brick are popular facades, and the architectural style makes it relatively easy to make additions to a colonial home.
Cape Cod. Cape Cod homes are very similar to colonial homes in their symmetry and ease of building out with additions. The main distinction with Cape Cod homes, however, is that they tend to be even simpler than colonials, due in part to the influence of their roots in Puritan New England. Cape Cods were often originally built as wood frame homes that were one-room deep. Unlike Colonials that usually have matching chimneys, Cape Cods frequently feature one central chimney.
Craftsman. Craftsman homes originated out of England as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution. With their emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and the use of handcrafted natural wood, Craftsman-style homes gained popularity in the U.S. in the early 1900’s. Craftsman-style homes are distinguished by architectural features like covered porches, window seats, built-in storage, and fireplaces that serve as the focal point of a room.
Not sure what style home you have, or how to market it to its best advantage? Talk to your real estate agent today!
