Living in tiny homes and other alternative properties has become a normal way of life for a growing number of Americans. Some choose alternative forms of housing to simplify their lives or reduce their carbon footprints while others opt for smaller houses out of financial necessity. Understanding why people choose these homes and the lifestyle that their occupants embrace is important because it will help real estate professionals accommodate consumers interested in the ideals and advantages of living in nontraditional housing.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• describe the "tiny house movement" and the factors that attract some to tiny house living
• list the advantages and disadvantages of tiny house living
• explain the characteristics of, and differences between, tiny house villages, and micro-villages
• describe the characteristics of other types of small alternative houses including manufactured, modular, panel, log, and jewel box homes as well as converted school buses, RVs, and cob houses
• explain how real estate professionals can target niche markets such as tiny home purchasers and sellers