The Ranch Returns!

Widely popular in the 1950s, ranch-style homes are making a comeback among Baby Boomers, first-time buyers, and many in between. Buyers want help to understand the pros and cons to determine if this type of home is right for them.

• Aging boomers can stay put if they already live in a ranch, or they may search for one as they downsize if they want to avoid stairs. Boomers who are still active also find it’s a good choice if they want to bring an older family member to live with them, says Jeff Tanenbaum, salesperson with Halstead Property in New York.

• Mid-century aficionados view some ranches as an extension of that style, particularly when they have a brick facade. The best examples may also include solid hardwood floors, steel casement windows, interior brick work, and a fireplace. In fact, some savvy salespeople market ranches as mid-century homes to take advantage of the design trend’s popularity.

• First-time buyers consider it an affordable option since many are less costly to buy than comparably sized two-story houses. Whether they’re less expensive to heat and cool depends on construction, square footage, and layout. But many with young children also like the idea of one-level living to avoid worrying about blocking stairways with child-safety gates. Furthermore, many in this generation may not have grown up in ranches, so they hold appeal as a new, novel style.

• Contemporary-loving home owners who prefer an open-style loft plan consider the ranch a way to gain that look if they can open rooms without compromising structural support. “Because older ranches usually weren't that large, it’s often not a big deal to re frame a span with beam or joist to carry the [open] load,” says New York-based architect Joe Eisner. The ranch is also relatively easy to add onto, at multiple locations if the site is large enough, says Peter Feinmann, whose eponymous design and build firm is based in the Boston area.

• Nature lovers also find ranch-style houses appealing because they can be adapted with large glazed doors to fashion good flow between outdoors and indoors, says Mark Stapp, executive director of the Masters of Real Estate development program at Arizona State University and former chairman of the board at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Foundation.

• Those who prefer the idea of a mature infrastructure that older neighborhoods provide, such as older styles of homes, mature trees, and maybe a nearby walk-able downtown with mass transit, may also find ranches a better fit than a brand-new neighborhood.

• Older ranches generally were constructed with low 8-foot-high ceilings versus today’s more popular 9-foot-high and taller heights, says Eisner. It can be expensive to raise a roof.

• It also can be expensive to add onto since building a foundation or slab may be pricier than constructing a second story, says architect Alexander Kolbe of EvoDomus in Cleveland.

• They may be less energy-efficient than more compact styles, unless they don’t sprawl, says Feinmann.  

• Some occupy small lots, though the tight property size can be a boon for those who don’t want to spend time and money on yard maintenance.

• Some lack basements and attics, which are good for storm safety and extra storage and permit easy expansion.

Dating back to the 1920s but associated more with housing for burgeoning suburbs after World War II, the one-level, ranch-style home is now becoming the “it” property for a variety of reasons.

Its original appeal stemmed from being quick to build and affordable to buy as home owners gravitated to the suburbs to raise families. However, the ranch style fell from favor in more recent decades as two-story homes and mega-mansions started to turn heads. Many home buyers began to view the ranch as poor man’s housing. But now, many are actively looking for them. One reason for their resurgence is the nicer lots many ranch homes were built on in the ’50s and ’60s. Another reason ranches are becoming more popular is that the price point often offers more 'bang for the buck'. Home owners often re-model upon move in, most times to gain a master suite as some early designs didn't include an en-suite with the master bedroom.

Here are other reasons ranch appeal is up in many parts of the country:

While ranches offer many pluses, here are some points that potential buyers should be aware of:

As with any trend, the ultimate irony may be that the stock could eventually be tougher to find, not only because more buyers are seeing its advantages, but also because the wrecking ball continues to demolish some ranches that have survived.

If you are interested in finding your dream home, or selling your current home, Keller Williams Realty Cary has 176 real estate agents who specialize in residential, luxury and commercial properties. Give us a call today to speak to a real estate professional at 919-882-3200.

If you are looking for a career in Real Estate or are looking to grow your current real estate business, call Team Leader, Bill Middleton at 919-882-3229 to set up a free consultation or visit our website for more information today!