Tiny house movement thrives amid real estate bust
In this Oct. 19, 2010 photo, a "Sold" sign is added to a Realtor's sign in Santa Monica, Calif. Sales of previously occupied homes rose last month after a dismal summer but remain well short of healthy levels. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Posted: 11/29/2010
GRATON, Calif. (AP) - As Americans downsize in the aftermath of a colossal real estate bust, at least one tiny corner of the housing market appears to be thriving.
A small but growing number of Americans are buying or building homes that could fit inside many people's living rooms.
Jay Shafer, co-founder of the Small House Society, built an 89-square-foot house himself a decade ago and lived in it full-time until his son was born last year. Inside a space the size of an ice cream truck, he has a kitchen with gas stove and sink, bathroom with shower, two-seater porch, bedroom loft and a "great room" where he can work and entertain -- as long as he doesn't invite more than a couple guests.
"Living in a small house like this really entails knowing what you need to be happy and getting rid of everything else," Shafer said.
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
PRINTTampa Bay Jobs
-
Find jobs in Tampa Bay
Looking for a new career? New job advice? We are here to help. Check out all the latest Tampa Bay jobs.
Top Money Headlines
-
Former local teacher is 'Chief Coconut'
A former Osceola High School teacher is selling millions of dollars of organic coconut oil in a fast growing start-up business. Kelapo coconut oil is available at Whole Foods, Rollin' Oats, and soon, Publix.
-
Power surge fee doesn't cover all
-
Consumer Alert: Chrysler to recall Jeeps
-
Consumer Reports: Double ovens
-
EZ home inventory in case of storm
-
Consumer Update: Home safety
