5 Reasons You Should Learn to Love the Split Foyer

A recent article on RealEstateJournal.com stated that only 9% of Americans prefer split-level, or as they're called around these parts, split foyer, style homes to other home styles.

Maybe it's just that I'm a child of the 70s, raised in those split-foyer basements, but I don't get what's not to love. Here's 5 reasons I think they're worth reconsidering.

1. There are a lot of them.

According to that Realestatejournal.com article, back in 1980, 20% of us thought split-foyers were pretty groovy. And in 1979 11% of all new homes built were split foyers. That means there's still a lot of them around. 107 on the market in Knox county as of today, to be exact (by the way, this number does not include the tri-levels, which are a similar animal, but with their own redeeming qualites. More on those later).

2. A split foyer doesn't always come with green shag carpet and wagon wheel light fixures.

True, walk into some split foyer homes and you'll be instantly transported back to 1973. But others have been updated and have no trace of the 70s or 80s at all. For example, those current split foyer listings include a stately Holston Hills home (list price $349,900) with almost 4,000 sq ft located within walking distance of Holston Hills Country Club and a cute as button renovation (list price $187,500) in Kingsgate in Farragut with all new kitchen and bathrooms. No shag carpet in sight.

3. Because they're not as popular, you'll be in a better negotiating position when buying them.

It's simple supply and demand. Let other buyers fight over those little ranchers. Learn to love the split foyer and you might just get more bang for your buck.

4. They have tons of liveable space.

One level living is great, but high ceilings and open floor plans don't always equal easy livability. There's a reason split foyers used to be so popluar - the floor plans are kind of ingenious. There's very little wasted space and that lower level is a teenager's/crafter's/tinkering husband's delight. That is definitely where my husband and his X-Box would be spending their quality time together.

5. You'll have buns of steel in no time.

And save loads of money on gym memberships to boot. One reason split foyers have gone out of style is the stairs. No one wants to climb them. But why are stairs a bad thing? All we hear every day is how we need to exercise more. Why not get your exercise by walking from your garage to your living room every day? Or by carrying the laundry up and downstairs?

So go ahead, give the split foyer a chance. You might just find out you really like it.