After three decades of expansion, the size of the average U.S. home appears to be moderating.

Home size grew to more than 2,300 square feet in 2001 from approximately 1,500 sq. ft. in 1970, but growth has slowed significantly since then. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that American homes averaged 2,400 sq. ft. as of June 2005. “That suggests the size of the average house is stabilizing,” says Gopal Ahluwalia of the National Association of Home Builders.

He and other observers cite a number of reasons for the shift, including the steep cost of furnishing and maintaining large residences, high fuel prices that send the cost of heating and cooling such homes into the stratosphere, and rising interest rates and land costs that make it more difficult to afford bigger dwellings.

There also is a perception in some areas that owners of McMansions are spoiling the views of the neighboring homes that they often overshadow or that they have a negative impact on the environment.

Additionally, corporate wrongdoing in recent years has made monster homes a symbol of greed to many Americans.

A 2004 NAHB survey indicated that more U.S. homeowners prefer more amenities to more space.
Source: New York Times

A seller’s market is defined as less than a six month inventory of active listings. As of October 4, 2005, The Woodlands has 3.84 months of inventory.

The link below provides provide activity details.

Real Estate Market Report

Is Feng Shui a buzz-word? Or, does this ancient knowledge contain something that can illuminate and improve modern life? To answer the question, let’s start with a definition of the term feng shui.

Essentially, feng shui is an environmental science used to creating a proper and balanced flow of energy through the art of placement. Feng shui is a philosophy as well as a practice. Although it originated in China, all societies have the knowledge contained in feng shui. Its use contributes to individual well-being and ultimately to that of entire communities.

As practiced today in the West, feng shui can guide us in creating environments in which we feel comfortable and supported - at home, at work, and in our communities. Some of the practices of feng shui are common sense.
For example, fresh air, natural light, and a clean environment contribute to the well being of our minds and bodies.

There are other environmental considerations that don’t usually occur to us as being so obviously beneficial. And, there are yet others that are harmful, but go unnoticed until we recognize problem areas in our lives and take steps to make improvements. When our surroundings are properly re-arranged, we can connect to the energy in the spaces around us, allowing changes for the better to occur.

Have you ever noticed that some spaces instinctively feel right? Whether they were created by intentional design or by someone with a subconscious gift for placement and flow, there are feng shui principles at work bringing the place into harmony.

According to feng shui, two opposite forces - yin and yang - always act together to create energy. When these positive and negative forces are balanced, we experience well-being.

When one dominates, the imbalance can be harmful to well- being. While yin and yang are opposites, they are nevertheless inter-connected. Without the concept of ’soft,’ we wouldn’t be able to truly understand ‘hard.’
More examples of yin-yang forces include still-moving, high- low, hot-cold.
At extremes, the opposites change into each other: ice can cause burning, and sunstroke can cause shivering. The object in feng shui is to bring these opposites into balance.

A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea of Chi. Chi doesn’t have a western equivalent, but loosely can be translated as the life force of animate things, the power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate or of the environment. In short, the energy. When Chi is blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to help it flow and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in our homes or other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will get it flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring peace and harmony for the occupants.

At the library or online sources, you can find very specific instructions and suggestions for improving the balance of yin and yang in your environment as well as enhancing the flow of Chi. These two principles are a good place to begin applying feng shui. But without referring to another source at all, the single most powerful thing you can do to improve your surroundings and thereby your quality of life is to clear clutter. It will be immediately beneficial to you.

Start by clearing the clutter - in your closets, from table-tops, out of drawers, throughout rooms, the car, yard and garden, the garage, everywhere.
When you’re done, you will feel renewed, and if you like the feeling, then get the books and resources, delving further into the philosophy and practice of feng shui, the art of placement for well-being.
Author: Karen Havenor