Learning to Love (OK, Like) Split-Level'sWhat's so great about opening the front door of a home and finding yourself standing in the middle of the Living Room?
Or maybe Kitchen?
Or maybe Kitchen?
That's been my experience in any number of newer, upper bracket homes -- homes that supposedly boast the latest and greatest of everything, and reflect the latest trends.
By contrast, no one seems to want a Split-Level.
The floor plan strikes some as awkward.
The curb appeal can be underwhelming.
Plus, there's no grand entry.
On the contrary, if the Split-Level is also a Split-Entry . . . . you have to decide whether to go up . . . or down!
Advice to Home Buyers
So what?
What Split-Level's lack in sex appeal, they often make up in functionality.
And price (as in value).
And construction quality.
The majority of the Split-Levels in the Twin Cities -- at least closer in -- were built in the 5o's and '60's: a golden era for home construction quality if there ever was one.
Which is another reason to love (OK, like) them: great location.
Finally, that floor plan many turn their noses up at has some redeeming virtues.
Like, the lower level in many split-levels is a walkout, or at least has lookout windows.
Which means no dark, basement-y feel.
So, here's my advice to prospective Home Buyers:
Get over yourselves.
Curb appeal, which is over-rated anyways, is for the neighbors.
And if you want a grand entrance, with a two-story foyer . . . you can have your pick of dozens of McMansion's in the 'burbs -- about as trendy as Hum-Vee's right now.
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