If you are shopping for houses in Portland OR have you considered getting a tiny house? While these are not for everyone, they are a hot commodity right now and that doesn’t seem to be a trend that is on it’s way out.
You have seen these tiny homes featured on blogs, in documentaries and of course popping up in certain neighborhoods. They are great because they allow people of all budget ranges the ability to own their own home, even if it is small.
There is a strong movement of these small homes in Portland but building one from scratch can be confusing since Portland has many unclear zoning laws to contend with.
We sat down with Bill Radner, who is looking for one of these houses in Portland OR:
What made you choose these types of houses in Portland OR?
It was a few years ago that I first heard about the tiny house movement. I was instantly fascinated with the whole concept. I have spent years watching the television shows and reading all the blogs. Now I have saved the money I need to get my own tiny house.
What appeals to you most about tiny homes?
I am a big fan of the lifestyle that comes with these house in Portland OR. My cost of living will be much lower than it is now. I could work part time and still afford my new home, which is fantastic.
I also like the simplicity of living like that. I won’t have the space for a bunch of material things so I will have to keep it to essentials. That really appeals to me. I am much more interested in spending time and money on people rather than a fancy new gadget that I don’t need.
What do you think the difference is between this and say, an RV?
With an RV or even a double wide trailer I don’t get the sense that it is built for long-term living. They definitely feel more like a temporary living situation. I want my house to feel like my permanent home and I know that is how I will feel about my cozy, little house when I get it. The space is small, but you can pack a lot of living into it.
Have you faced any challenges in finding a location?
I have only just started my search for houses in Portland OR but I am concerned about the zoning laws. They are not the most favorable laws for these small houses.
Finding the perfect spot isn’t easy either. So far, I have put an ad up on Facebook and some other places. I have not gotten too many leads. My next step is to get a real estate agent to help me out.
It seems to me that lots of people who want to build or own tiny homes just want to put them in their backyards rather than on their own piece of property. I have a lot to learn still but I have started the process and plan to proceed quite quickly.
What stands out to you the most about the tiny house movement?
It can be hard to afford your own home these days. I like how the tiny house movement is making it possible for people of all income ranges to own or at least live in their own home. These houses in Portland OR are easy to manage and they promote a healthy minimalism that appeals to me.