Browse These 15 Home Styles To Find Your Dream Home

When you first start shopping for a house, you might be surprised by how many different home styles are available to you. Many homes have similar styles but also come with certain nuances that set them apart. There are dozens of home styles out there, but here are the top 15 in-demand options that you can consider when buying a house.

#1) Ranch

Ranch-style homes are modeled after houses built in the historic west. Today, they are known for their open floor plans and single-story construction. They tend to be longer than other, more vertical, styles.

#2) Townhouse

Townhouses are also known as rowhouses because each house touches another to form a row. Townhouses are mostly found in urban areas, where ten homes can take up the same space of three or four detached houses. Townhomes are usually multi-story and offer benefits that other homes don’t. For example, many townhomes operate similar to apartments or condos, where lawn maintenance is included, and there is a community pool. Recommended Reading: Townhouse vs. House: Find Out What’s Best for You

#3) Farmhouse

The farmhouse style actually comes from the location. These homes were built in rural areas for families on farms. As a result, they often mimic the style of the time, bringing in other colonial or neoclassical elements. Today, some farmhouses are still rural, while others can be found in suburbs where other homes have been built around them.

#4) Colonial

Colonial architecture was developed in the 1600s and is the cornerstone of American home styles. There are multiple types of colonial homes that you can find depending on your region. These include Dutch Colonial, Georgian Colonial, and Federal Colonial.

#5) Contemporary

Contemporary homes are the ones being built today. Their primary focus is on environmental efficiency and preservation. Buildings are made with locally-sourced, eco-friendly materials and are constructed for lower energy consumption. Their style may vary depending on the architect’s eye.

#6) Modern

There is a significant difference between modern and contemporary homes. Modern homes refer to the art movement modernism, while contemporary homes are the ones you find today. Most modern-style homes are more than 50 years old by now, which is your go-to sign that a home is not contemporary.

#7) Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern homes grew in popularity after WWII and through the 1980s. It is characterized by a single-story build, large windows, and wide-open space. This style also includes many dramatic cuts and colors, reflecting the rise of sharp fashion in the 1960s and 70s.

#8) Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes, similar to Bungalows, tap into nature with their materials and design. These homes typically have low-hanging roofs and wide porches, allowing for homeowners to sit outside and garden with plants that need low light. These homes are also typically smaller, though they are larger than cottages.

#9) Cottage

Cottages are typically small homes made of wood or stone. Most cottages are known for having elaborate gardens with flowers and vegetables growing around it. This makes for great curb appeal. These homes are usually only one-story and may have smaller rooms or fewer rooms than other houses. They are also known for their bright colors and historical significance.

#10) Victorian

Victorian homes rose in popularity under Queen Victoria in the 1800s. These homes are built for fashion, not function. Their outside is incredibly ornate, with dramatic cuts and strategically-placed windows to draw in the eye. These historic homes may not have the most sensible interior layout but are usually big enough for a whole family.

#11) Neoclassical

Neoclassical homes are reminiscent of the architecture of Greece and Rome. White pillars and domes are prominent, often contrasting against deep red brick. You will mostly find this style in colleges and universities, though some homes use it as well.

#12) Greek Revival

Like Neoclassical architecture, Greek Revival is inspired by the ancient structures of Greece. These are popular in the 1800s and form the bones of many historic Southern homes. Tall columns extend to the second floor and wrap-around porches elevate the home from the ground below.

#13) Mediterranian

Mediterranian homes were popular in the early to the mid-20th century. They mimic the beachside haciendas of Spain and Italy, with red roofs and deep orange colors. They also feature multiple stories, many windows, and balconies to overlook the water or let in a summer breeze.

#14) Spanish

Spanish-style homes rose in popularity with Mediterranian-style construction. This design is actually a combination of Mediterranian and Native American-style that has evolved into its own unique design. If you find a Mission revival from the early 20th century, you may find some clay roofs, arched corridors, and early cooling methods still intact.

#15) Prairie

Frank Lloyd Wright was the first to develop prairie homes, which have become popular in the midwest. These homes are meant to meet the needs of family members without being too showy or ornate. You can find homes in this style that have long, flat roofs and plenty of horizontal lines and windows.

Hire a Real Estate Agent Who Knows Their Home Styles

Real estate agents know that finding a home is personal. You will live in this place for several years and will form a deep emotional connection with it. This is why you need to find an agent who is dedicated to your needs and who can guide you through the buying process to find the best home. Check out our system at EffectiveAgents.com and talk with an agent who specializes in the home styles you are looking for. You can input certain criteria, and our data-backed algorithm will profile a few top agents for you to choose from. Find an agent you can trust to get you a home you love. Photo credit: r-architecture-eswMmfnL9Qk-unsplash Find an Effective Agents Realtor® Today