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Housing is defined as any structure built for people to

live in.

Housing is designed to meet physical needs: protection from the weather such as

temperature, humidity, rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. It also provides a place for sleep, food preparation and eating, and a place of

safety for individuals and their possessions.

Housing is designed to meet psychological needs: providing a sense of love and

belonging when shared by roommates or family or in a community; gives a sense of identity when it reflects individual tastes,

values, attitudes, personalities, and lifestyles; allows for creativity

Housing needs are influenced by the life cycle stage of the individual, from

infancy to old age. Factors to consider when choosing your home

include: 1. Personal and family needs

handicap accessibility; location to schools and

shopping or transportation; number of bedrooms and space for family members

2. Personal and family preferences beauty, prestige, comfort, easy

maintenance, security, convenience, reflection of lifestyle

3. Financial resources affordability; employment or income stability

A single family dwelling sits on its own piece of land , which is sold with the home, and it is not attached to anyone else's

residence. Subject to neighborhood and subdivision regulations and ordinances, you can do with it as you wish.

Homeowner stands the cost of all insurance, and interior and exterior maintenance and improvements including lawn care

and snow removal. This is the most expensive type of housing, but it can be considered an investment and resale

value is usually good.

TRACT HOUSES are built by a developer who subdivides a large piece of land into lots. He adds the improvements (streets, street lights, water and

sewer lines), and then builds houses on the lots using just a few basic plans. Models of the basic plans are usually available for viewing, and the

limited number of designs keeps prices down. The developer may even help with financing. The price of the house is fixed, but they are criticized

as “cookie cutter houses” because of the monotony of designs.

CUSTOM BUILT HOUSES are the most expensive of homes, designed and built to

meet the needs and preferences of a specific household. Individuals may hire

architects to design the home, or purchase stock plans and modify them as needed. Usually, each custom house is unique in

it’s design, tailored for specific individuals and certain building sites.

It is difficult to lock in the price of a custom home. As construction

progresses, the homeowner often makes changes that raise the cost.

MANUFACTURED HOUSES are built in a factory and installed on the home site, but often on a temporary foundation such as a concrete pad. They must meet

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) construction requirements. If built before the 1976 HUD Code, they were commonly called

mobile or trailer homes.

MODULAR HOUSES are factory-built and installed on-site, like manufactured homes, but are often placed on a permanent foundation such as a basement. Modular homes meet local building codes while manufactured homes meet

HUD design and construction requirements. Manufactured and modular homes are less expensive than other single family dwellings, and require a short

construction time (about 3 months).

A townhouse is a home that is attached to one or more other houses, but which sits directly on a parcel of land that you also

own. Townhouses can range from duplexes and triplexes all the way through huge townhouse communities consisting

of hundreds of similar homes.A “townhome villa” may be included in

this category. They are actually individual houses, but operate through associations

like other townhouse communities.

Communities of townhomes usually have homeowners associations,

and require dues to do some exterior maintenance or provide and maintain joint amenities such as pools, gyms, etc. There may be better security than single family dwellings, but are usually less expensive. Some noise from neighbors.

A condominium is like an apartment that you own. Your ownership extends inward from your interior

walls, floors and ceilings. In addition, you are a partner, with all of the other owners in the complex, of

the exterior structure (the foundation, exterior walls and roof) and land as well as any common areas and

amenities (for example, swimming pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, play areas, etc.)

Cooperatives are similar to condominiums, but instead of buying an apartment, the owner buys stock

in a management corporation and receives an apartment in return.

You and your neighbors share

services, costs, noise, etc. Condos are

usually less expensive than single family

homes.

ApartmentThree or more units in a common building. Boarding HouseA facility that offers rooms for rent and provides meals.Efficiency / StudioTypically a one-room unit with an enclosed bathroom and limited kitchen facilities.Halfway houses:For someone who needs assistance while moving toward independent living, such as youth that are not ready to live on their own or paroled inmates or recovering addicts.Shelters: Temporary housing for people to stay who have no permanent housing.

No ownership; noise from neighbors; limited or no responsibility for interior or exterior maintenance; limited ability to

personalize interior; monthly rental costs usually lower than cost of ownership but

no investment or resale value

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES provide a special combination of residential housing,

personalized supportive services and care. It is appropriate for an individual who needs

assistance with one or more daily care activities, such as preparing meals, dressing,

bathing, or taking medications.

NURSING HOMES or Skilled Nursing Facilities, are designed for seniors who are in need of 24-

hour nursing care. They are expensive.