value over time if you heed the advice of housing expert Marianne Cusato, best-selling authorof “Get Your House Right” (Sterling) and “The Value of Design” (James Hardie). She says smaller, smarter, well-designed homes are where long-term valuelies. “Adaptability,” “sustainability,” “livability” and “connectivity” are the new buzzwords, Cusato contends. Square footage, location and comparablesare no longerthe sole indicators of value. These days, she adds, Realtors and homeownersare looking through a new lens to understand how to achieve long-term valuein ourbiggestlifetimeinvestment. Out are the lawyer foyers, cathedral ceilings, space shuttle windows and Romantubs. In are authentic architectural details, windows onall walls, and rooms that can adapt to our changinglives over time. “We are entering an exciting new era where the value of our homeis defined not by a checklist of random items, but by our home's ability to live well through the years,” explained Cusato. “The bells and whistles of the average McMansion were focused on resale, not on living, and didn’t endupdelivering on the true aspirations for the American Dream Home. These aspirations are met when homes are designed to live in.” Cusato’s ideas werehailed at the recent International Builders’ Show, where she debuted plans for her New Economy Home. You can take a tour of the home (and qualify to win a Kindle) at www. builderconcepthome20 10.com. To learn more about Cusato, visit www.mariannecusato.com.
