Those Micro-Houses on SE Division

So I stopped in those micro houses at Southeast 43rd and Division the other day,  as I've been curious.  In general, I have thought the development a good thing, and quite an improvement on the run down houses and such that occupied that space before.  And it is quite interesting that DR Horton, who usually builds larger suburban projects like Sandy Bluff or Windswept Waters, would take on such a different product in a close-in neighborhood.  This is not DR Horton's first close-in project.  They also built the Trolley Barn Condominiums in Sellwood eight or so years ago.

Anyway, back to the Micro-Housing project, and a bit on its marketing.  Division 43, as the project is officially called, consists of 29 units varying in size from 364 sq ft to 687 sq ft, as taken from the DR Horton project website.  Though the same website does not cite prices, a flyer I picked up from the model,  quotes prices from $129,000 for the studios to $179,000 for the two bedroom, two bath units.  The project has appealing community space with locking bike storage and comfortable grounds.  It IS Southeast Portland afterall, and the project is intended for those with a bike/public transportation lifestyle, so there is no on site parking.

Here is the area map from the DR Horton website:

The units are quite aesthetic, with interesting and durable finishes and nice use of light and windows.  There is little, if any space, wasted on entry ways and halls, though some units do have stairs, which eat up a bit of floor space.  The units are certainly energy efficient and I thought I remembered hearing they were seeking a LEED certification, but see nothing of that on the DR Horton website.  Storage, as you might imagine, is at a minimum, or below.  Yes, this is micro-housing, but I think the folks that live here might have a tennis racket or skis, camping equipment, winter clothes and the like.  I get building small, but would at least be marketing these with a small storage unit nearby, prepaid for the first year. 

And a bit more on marketing.  The folks who showed me around were knowledgeable about their product, but came off like they were selling McMansions in a suburb.  Having salespeople a bit more in tune with the neighborhood might be beneficial.

These units do represent some great values (that means I think the prices are good), in a great location with good access to public transportation. In general, I counsel my buyer clients to buy space that allows for a life change; you lose your job and take in a roommate, you meet the person of your dreams and shack up, your out of work sister comes to live with you etc.  I think it risky to buy place, that if your life changes, won't work for you.  If you can fit what you need; both stuff and lifestyle, in one of these units, go for it.