Hi Jenny:
I agree with Marc that I am suprised a contractor would be building a brand new split level as recently as last year. It is either an existing split which has been really modified to be a larger, luxurious version of the first. Many builders can use exisiting foundations and walls and get just a "remodel" permit instead of a new construction permit with less expense and red tape from a town (depending on the town).
After the WWII and the sprouting of inexpensive, small capes all around New Jersey (not too many colonials after 1929!), the split level was the latest rage in the 1950's all over New Jersey and New York
(think of Levittown, New York). By the 1960's builders discovered they could save a ton of money in foundation costs by building a box called a "bilevel" what was once known as a raised ranch but you entered at the mid-level. By the late 1970's splits and bilevels were not so popular because the new "me"
generation wanted bigger and better colonials than ever before.
Whether you are looking at a contemporary split, side-to-side split (four way), front-to-back split, or dipsey-doodle split (what's that?--mostly to do with the living room overlooking the sunken dining room), be careful because they are dated in design. I always warn my customers that when they go to sell the home, they will only attract below 20% market share of customers wanting that style home. That means almost 80 percent of today's customers are looking for a center hall of some type whether a large 2-storey colonial or a smaller ranch (for the down-sizers).
Unless your split is totally redesigned to suit today's style of living, it won't hold its value compared to the much more popular colonial.
I am including a link to my market snapshot to get complete information on any of the towns you are interested in including the latest listings and market data:
http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?WK7JL36V3VLE
Contact me if you would like to receive any particular style home as soon as they arrive on the market.
Good luck with your search for the perfect home. Here's the perfect way to do it.
Regards,
Sandra Bolcar
Broker-Associate
RE/MAX VILLAGE SQUARE
973-744-7722
sandra@thecrosskeysteam.com

Thu Mar 27 2008, 21:27

Many people are still buying split level houses because they lend themselves very well to additions, and you then get more space than in a traditional colonial. Bergen County is filled with them and many additions have turned a cookie cutter split into some amazing houses filled with soaring ceilings and huge gourmet kitchens.
Bergen County is my specialty, if you would like to contact me, I can give you my opinion on the priceing for the specific house you are looking at.
Sharon Kozinn

sharon@sharonsellsnj.com

Thu Mar 27 2008, 17:32

Hi Jenny,

I definitely notice pretty much across the board that the Split Level is an outmoded design. Most buyers just do not care for the steps. The levels tend to become functionally isolated from each other. The flow for both entertaining and family life is awkward.

In your price range, the overwhelming preference is for the Colonial style with an open floor plan, especially between the kitchen, breakfast area, and family room. I would probably not advise investing in a $1.2 million dollar Split. I also find it hard to believe that it was built last year, unless it was rebuilt over an existing Split. Nobody is building this architectural style in this price range in northern NJ. The Split Level is pretty much a creature of the 1950's-1970's for the most part.

In my opinion the Split Level has become functionally obsolete and I think it has been relegated to third-tier housing for the most part.

-Marc

Thu Mar 27 2008, 11:15