Whether you're buying or selling, reading real estate ads can be
confusing. Here's a primer on the styles mentioned in the ads.
Home Styles
What's the difference between a Tudor and Colonial style? What
about a Colonial and Dutch Colonial? Read on to find out.
"Colonial," "Georgian," or "Federal" style
Terms used when talking about a two (could be 3 or two and one
half) story house that is very symmetrical. The front door is in
the center of the house. There are an equal number of windows on
each side. There is an upstairs window over each downstairs
window and over the front door. There are usually exterior
shutters at the windows. (Note: The houses which inspired this
very traditional style were built in the early days of our
country and are seen mostly in the East.)
"Tudor" style
A style of home that borrows from merry old England. It
typically has exposed heavy dark beams. Some of the beams are
perpendicular, some horizontal, and some at a forty five degree
angle. The exterior walls are usually stucco between the beams.
The lower story is usually of brick or stone. The upper story
often has sections that are cantilevered out over the lower
story. Box bay windows and diamond shaped panes are frequent
features as are large chimneys.
"Dutch Colonial" style
Very much like colonial style except that the roof is a gambrel
roof. That is, it's shaped like most folks think of a barn roof.
It slopes down from a center ridge line and then, usually a
little more than half way to the edge, the angle of the slope
becomes sharper creating a second ridge at the front and back
where the angle changes.
"Spanish," "Mexican," "Hacienda" style
Seen mostly in the South and West of our country, this style
incorporates stucco or adobe type bricks and red half round roof
tiles. These homes are often built in a "U" shape with the walls
of the house extended to enclose the "U." This design device can
give a pleasant feeling of privacy to outdoor areas. Door and
window openings with curved tops and wrought iron grilles, door
hinges, and handles are frequent features.
Summary
When looking at homes, you'll find particular styles appeal to
you. Once you identify the styles, you can narrow your search
for the perfect home.
About the author:
Raynor James is with
http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for
sale by owner. Visit our home buying page at
http://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm to see homes for sale by
owner.
