As home builders are popping up new townhomes and single-family homes left and right, there has also been a booming desire for new multigenerational homes as well. You may be asking yourself; What is a multigenerational home? It is one that is designed to meet the needs of multigenerational families that allow them both public and private space within the home. This includes families that consist of more than two generations living under the same roof. The new multigenerational homes of today are not your average mother-in-law apartment and will not leave you feeling like you live in a can of sardines.

Distinguished homebuilders such as Lennar Homes and Pardee Homes have created some pretty remarkable multigenerational home layouts that allow for comfort and functionality. Lennar’s Next Gen- The Home Within a Home® design, which was the first of its kind, offers a NextGen suite that includes a kitchenette, private living room, single car garage, washer and dryer, and a full bathroom.  This is also similar for Pardee Homes’ GenSmart Suite. This feature is a great addition to your home for adult children who’ve come back home after college also known as “boomerang kids” or grandparents who may need a little bit of assistance. Whatever your needs are, you can easily accommodate your family without sacrificing your comfort or your finances.

As if the floor plan features were not enough, here are four of the many reasons why multigenerational living is right for you!  

Save money on gas

You’ll spend more of your time making memories and less of it stressing on the upward costs of gas prices. There would be no more long trips to grandma’s house for visits on the weekend. 

Carpooling and rideshares can also become an option with multigenerational living. Multiple trips to the grocery store, doctor appointments or dropping off the kids to school can all become a shared task to save money on transportation.

Increased Privacy

Unlike living in the guest bedroom, multigenerational homes come standard with a private entrance that gives everyone the privacy they so desire all while being within a step’s distance. No need to wait on someone else’s load of clothes in the dryer or not having enough room to spread out. Each family will have their own personal space to lead their own lives unaffected by the other. 

Shared homecare costs

Although there are essentially two homes, there will only be one set of utility bills, groceries and one mortgage to pay, which saves everyone time and money in the end. 

Save on childcare costs

The cost of childcare for a date night or mini-vacation can be cut down tremendously when sharing your new home with your in-laws, adult children, or the grandparents. You won’t have to worry about outsourcing a baby sitter for date night or a weekend getaway. You’ll be able to sneak away from the kids with the help of family right under your roof.

Flexibility to do what you want

The possibilities are endless when purchasing a multigenerational home. You are not limited to strictly using the extra space for the family. You can rent out the suite to gain extra income each month. You can use the space as a home office, studio, or even a workshop. Maybe even leave open to out of town guests. The options are endless!

Due to the growth of large tech companies over the years in Northern California such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, the prices of nearby real estate have increased rapidly.  The San Francisco Bay Area has the highest housing costs in the nation. Due to this, there has been a large shortage of affordable housing for the low to middle-income neighbors of Google, one of the Bay Area’s largest employers.  

Rather than continuing to be a part of the problem, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai recently announced that they will soon become a major part of the solution by investing $1 billion in land and money to construct new homes in the area. Besides, within the next 10 years, Google plans to allocate $750 million of their land currently zoned for commercial office space to be rezoned for residential housing. This will allow for the development of at least 15,000 new homes in the Bay Area. These homes will be available to families of all income levels, particularly those in the low to the middle-income bracket. 

This is just the beginning of Google’s plans to redeem themselves in the housing epidemic that they have seemingly been a large part of over the years. They have also committed to generating a $250 million investment fund that will offer incentives to allow home builders to develop a minimum of 5,000 affordable housing units in the market. Google also has plans of providing $50 million in grants through Google.org to assist in relieving the issues of homelessness and displacement in the neighboring areas.

Other large tech companies are following suit with nursing the plummeting real estate market back to health. The chief executive of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, announced he will raise $500 million to expand affordable housing in the Bay Area. 

Although it may seem that the real estate market will be on its way to a road of recovery with several plans in the works thanks to Google and its other tech counterparts, there may be a few discrepancies amidst this good news.

Google is not simply giving away $1 billion as many of the headlines make it appear. This is an investment. Google is leasing its land to developers who will in turn rent and sell the units that are to be built and will profit from this transaction in a major way. 

Google owns property in Mountain View, California and part of that $1 billion investment will also go toward building up to 9,850 units at this location as well. Only 20 percent of the housing to be built in Mountain View will be deemed affordable housing. 

Logistically, Google does not have enough land to develop 15,000 traditional single-family homes. This means that the construction of multiple housing units such as apartments and condos should be expected instead. 

However the tech giant’s plans of operation seem to unfold, Google will come into good graces with its neighboring communities over the next 10 years as the burden of the real estate market in the Bay Area ultimately lessons.

The master-planned community of Meridiana offers an extensive catalog of new homes from the most impressive builders serving the Pearland area. Meridiana is conveniently located just 10 miles south of Pearland off the 288. Downtown Houston, beautiful Galveston, the Texas Medical Center and the airport are all just a short drive away.

Meridiana homes are priced from the low $200,000’s and sit above the 500-year floodplain. Every builder has committed to affordable, contemporary living spaces with fine finishes and upscale appointments. New models have recently opened for touring; stop by the community welcome center and the staff will help you plan your visit and provide a map. Captivating exterior designs, open-concept interiors, and abundant options for customization make finding your new home stress free. You can choose from David Weekley Homes, Plantation Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Trendmaker Homes, Taylor Morrison Homes, Chesmar Homes, Drees Homes, Lennar Homes, and Shea Homes. 

Community amenities are exceptional boasting a fitness center, conservatory, yacht, café, gaming area, and an amphitheater, plus sparkling pools and water play. Meridiana offers unique learning experiences for resident children through the Learning Labs and an excellent onsite elementary school. A junior high and high school will be serving Meridiana families very soon. Meridiana was recently named “Houston’s Best Amenities.” 

Come visit Meridiana’s Oasis Village and find out why this special community has earned the distinction: “Community of the Year.”

Our June realtor of the month is Travis Pugh, real estate agent for Branding Iron Realty and our real estate market expert for Seagoville, TX.

Travis spent most of his younger years in Kaufman County, TX, and Crandall, Texas. During his over years in the real estate business, Travis has worked in several markets including San Antonio, Granbury, Houston, and the Dallas real estate market.

Travis Pugh's many years of experience and mentorship under several talented entrepreneurs have given him quite a few nuggets of wisdom that he has carried with him over time. “In order to achieve success, one must always remember, success is not a destination, but rather the journey.”

Are you in the market to purchase a new Dallas home for sale? If so, make sure to give Branding Iron Realty a ring and Travis will have you signing on the dotted line in no time!  

Deco at Cadence Park by K Hovnanian Homes is the perfect new home community to create your summer memories in! Located in Irvine, California, this single family community offers new luxury detached condominiums packed with amenities that will wow you. Choose from 6 three-story home designs that come standard with gourmet kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and an open living space that is perfect for entertaining.

Be sure to view the Bellerose home design at Deco at Cadence Park.  This floor plan comes with 1,916 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. It is filled with features that include a spacious owner’s suite with an oversized walk-in closet and luxury bath, a convenient second-floor laundry room, and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with an island and large pantry. There is also a versatile bonus room that can be used as a home office or even a playroom for your children. The owner’s bath is reminiscent of an ultimate spa with its beautiful ceramic tile flooring and a luxurious spacious shower detailed with subway tile around. You’ll fall in love with the designer dual sink vanities with quartz countertops, elegant chrome light fixtures, and the raised white thermofoil cabinetry with plenty of room for toiletries. 

The features of this community go well beyond the walls of its floor plans. Deco at Cadence Park offers an amazing 7.7-acre park fit for all ages that includes a tot-lot. There is also a junior Olympic pool and trails perfect for a morning walk or a bike ride. Get even more active by taking advantage of the basketball court, play a game of shuffleboard, or a little volleyball. 

Check out the local attractions within arm’s reach of your new home such as Newport Beach where you can enjoy a relaxing day of swimming, surfing, fishing, and even a sunset cruise. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop at the nearby Irvine Spectrum Center with its major department stores, dining and entertainment venues.

You’ll find these amazing features, luxury amenities and so much more when you choose the esteemed homebuilder builder K. Hovnanian. If you are in search of a new home in Orange County this summer, schedule a visit with the sales office of Deco at Cadence Park to begin your road to home ownership.