I have to tell you that I love this new book, House Lust: America’s Obsession with Our Homes, by Daniel McGinn ($24.95, hardcover). And if you’re hooked on houses like I am, then I think you’ll love it, too.
Want a free copy?
I’ve decided to send a copy of the book to one lucky winner as a way of saying thanks to all of you who have been visiting my blog and helping it get off to such a great start. Anyone who posts a comment will be automatically entered to win (must have a US mailing address). My daughter Lily will choose the winner at random when the blog gets its 2,000th visitor. The more you visit “Hooked on Houses,” the faster the numbers will climb, and the sooner we’ll declare a winner!
NOTE: WE BYPASSED 2,000 ALREADY! But since we’ve still got so many visitors stopping by to register for the giveaway, I’ll leave it open for more entries until Sunday, Feb. 3, at midnight, and draw a winner on Monday.
Bonus Points: If your comment includes either 1) a reason why you’d like to have this book or 2) a reason why you like this blog, your name will be entered twice.
Welcome to everyone who is stopping by as part of the “Bloggy Giveaway Carnival” this week. Click on the HOME button (top of this page) to see the main Hooked on Houses page. Click on ABOUT to read about the purpose of this blog and the writer behind it. If you love houses, then I hope you’ll Bookmark this site and come back soon! Thanks! -Julia
UPDATE!!
I was just contacted by Daniel McGinn, the author of House Lust, who read all of your enthusiastic comments about it on this blog and wants to donate an autographed copy to the giveaway. He has also agreed to let me interview him as soon as he has a chance to answer some of my questions. He is traveling and doing publicity for the book now, but check back for our Q&A. He has a lot of interesting things to say, so you won’t want to miss it.
What is house lust? According to McGinn it is, among other things, “an irrational desire for cathedral ceilings, mud rooms, and natural stone countertops.” (Sounds perfectly rational to me.) To better understand the obsession with real estate, the author traveled the country in search of answers.
First stop: a D.C. suburb known for having some of the largest homes on the East Coast, where he asks, “Why does anyone need a house with 9,000 square feet?”
Next he visits Las Vegas, Nevada, where “Homes have been going up so quickly . . . that the landscape seems to change each month.” He visits model homes and talks to people who insist that “only new will do.” One salesperson tells him that many Americans “are absolutely horrified at the idea of bathing in a bathtub a stranger has used. No matter how well we scrub a preowned house, we know somebody else’s invisible grime still surrounds us. The only way to truly eliminate it is to build from scratch.” They want, as he puts it, “a virgin home.”
In Newton, Massachusetts, McGinn explores “Fix-Up Fever,” where the housing prices are so high and land so scarce that most people have no choice but to buy a smaller, older home and renovate it. Remodeling projects are stressing so many people out and so many couples are actually divorcing as a result that a new field has sprung up called “Renovation Psychology.”
At the National Association of Realtors convention in New Orleans, he investigates why so many people have turned to real estate as a career–and what will happen to that record number of agents now that the housing boom has turned to bust.
Finally, McGinn goes to Naples, Florida, where he discovers that more middle-class families are purchasing vacation homes than ever before (did you know that the average person who owns a vacation home earns $100,000?).
At the end of his travels, the author concludes that even though our homes are longer be making us as rich as they were when real estate was booming, ”living through an era when we thought they might has resulted in a permanent shift in thinking–one that will leave many of us happily obsessed with houses for years to come.”
Take the test on author Daniel McGinn’s website to see if you have house lust (not surprisingly, my score was a bit high–let me know how you do). Has anyone else read this book yet? What did you think?
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I want that book! 1. It could be useful to get a diagnosis on some of my friends and family. 2. I’m always interested to see what you have added and it’s always fresh with new ideas. Keep it up!
Wow! Way to butter me up! Maybe I should add your name THREE times since you came up with reasons for both why you want the book and why you like the blog. I’m not sure anyone can top that.
I need that book like I need air….This is the first time visiting this blog but now that I’ve found it, I will definitely be back. I have already bookmarked it. Thanks for helping me get my house “fix”
I want this book because I don’t even HAVE a house and the lust is of a calibre that may require exorcism. Perhaps the book would help.
And the blog, well, it’s well written, it’s informative, and it’s darn pretty. There just aren’t enough pretty blogs out there if you ask me.
Welcome, B. Martin! I can tell you’ll fit right in here. Your name has been entered!
Thanks for the kind words, Liz. You’re making me blush!
I too have a lust for a mudroom…or maybe it’s a whole new kitchen with a mudroom attached !
I have old house lust, I like the history and the feeling of being connected.
How odd…I have a “Lily” too !
Melinda–my Lily is 5. How old is yours? Seems like the name is gaining in popularity every year.
I love mudrooms. Our builder designed our house without one–just a laundry room behind the kitchen (why do all builders seem to think we want to lug our baskets of clothes downstairs and through the kitchen??)–so we moved the washer/dryer upstairs and instead use the room behind the kitchen to store all the backpacks and shoes and coats. It’s never big enough for everything, though!
She’ll be 5 in April…
Is yours named for a relative? We used Lillian on his side and Lillie on mine. Turns out we aren’t as unique as we thought. Lillian was in the top 10 names 100 years ago…so now there’s a resurgence.
We lucked out with a redone laundry on the second floor. Tiny , but it saves a trip to the basement.
We just bought a house and are hunting for up to date changes we can make!!
Melinda–
No, we didn’t have any relatives with “Lily” in the name (unfortunately–because that would make a better story to tell people!). It just happened to be the only name my husband and I could agree on.
I do love my second-floor laundry room, I have to say, having had to trudge to the basement to do it in oru last house. Whenever we talk about moving, I say, “We’d have to find another house with two things: an upstairs laundry and a BIG mudroom!” I couldn’t live without either of them again.
How old is your house, Sandra? Is it living in another era altogether or do you have minor changes to make? You might want to check out that article I linked to in the “Real Estate News & Views” post about planning home improvements based on your home’s age.
Thanks for stopping by!
we’d love this looking to buy our 1st house this spring!
I’d love this book. i’ve been posting lately on how I hate our house becasue it’s too small. I’m trying to sell and get a bigger an dbtter house. Seems perfect for me
sounds really insteresting.
I’d like this book because we’re thinking of buying our first house and I am developing a serious case of house lust!
Hey, I live in Newton MA and you’re not kidding about the housing prices. It’s insane.
I’d love to read this book.
Margalit–
There’s an entire chapter in the book devoted to your town. I bet you’d find it really interesting! I couldn’t believe the prices he said people were paying for “fixer-uppers.” We’re really spoiled here in Ohio where land is readily available–and fairly cheap! -Julia
I’d like to read it because I love learning about social trends like that!
Thanks!
Margaret
(wingfield.m@gmail.com)
I just found your site. Way cool!!! I love going back and reading all of your archives. I would love to read this book. Next year I will get to purchase my first house so I’ve bookmarked your site. I am sure I can turn to your blog for ideas on what I want and what to look for. Thanks.
Thanks, hotomom! I’m glad you enjoyed the articles. Makes me feel like all the time I spend on this instead of my paying gigs is worthwhile.
Hope to see you again soon!
We’re house hunting right now. That book would be perfect read, since the only thing we talk lately is houses.
SOunds like a very cool book..I am sure I would love it!! Even know I won’t be buying a house for a few years I always check all the houses that our for sale in our area. This book would hold meover till I actually get a home of my home!!!
I’d love this book because I am the epitome of house lust.
I’d love to win. I like the book because my husband and I have had house lust lately even though we are perfectly content in our small cohousing home. I’d be interested to read some of the reasons why I’m so drawn to large mudrooms!
I am doing cheetah flips I’m SOOOOOO exicted about this giveaway!
1. I would LOOOOOOOOOVE to win because we’re building a new house!!! I am obsessed with other homes…trying to get ideas for ways to decorate, ways to build things, etc. I need all the inspiration I can get!
2. I am beyond thrilled to have found your blog because it’s like it was made for me!!! I love your links…I’m off to click on your posts to read more!!
Yaaay! CAn you tell I’m excited? LOL
~melody~
oh i have never heard of this book – but i can sure tell you the title alone intrigued me!! if i don’t win, i am totally checking to see if my library has it.
i live in a BOOOORING 70s split level just like every other one in our neighborhood. yet i drool and dream over having a pantry, or a fireplace, or even – gasp – a laundry room on the main level! or even just a main level!!
I’ve been wanting this book since I saw it in Barns and Nobel, because there are so many HUGE houses in my area and I just really can’t figure out how that much space is necessary.
I’d love the book because I think that we have gotten a bit obsessed with our homes… although I think I like it a bit like a game.
I like that you are fresh and fun in your approach on the blog!
I want to read this book so I know I am not alone! I have house lust. I used to go to open houses just to see other houses and dream. I am the one who goes trick or treating with my kids instead of giving out candy, because I like to see how the neighbors decorate. sigh…
Shama-Lama Mama, I thought I was the only one who looked forward to Halloween for that reason! Too funny. It’s like “True Confessions” on this blog! -Julia
That book has got to be mine because I know my grand daughter Lily will randomly chooose me.
I think I would have enjoyed this book even at a very young age. I remember imagining my dream house as early as 10 years old. I used to look at my mom’s JcPenny and Sears catalogs and actually decorate my dream home with my imigination. To this day, I still have the same vision of that home. I married a real estate broker and I am thinking about going back to Real Esate school for myself or Interior Design school. It is my passion!
I love the real estate market, and really have no clue why. My husband is currently applying to grad schools and my job is to check out real estate and housing markets in the area if/when he’s accepted so we have an idea of where we can live.
Count me in please.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Stop by my place to win a bath set & candles or one of two copies of a book I’m giving away. Don’t miss the daily edition of contests galore that I post on my blog.
Laura @ Laura Williams’ Musings
You know I love your blog! You better walk that baby over to me!
please enter me for your giveaway
Jen
Fabulous book …great giveaway, thanks.
I have never heard of this book, but it looks interesting. Thanks!
GREAT contest! I hope I win. I like the layout of your blog,its great
count me in to win.
looks like a great book!
very nice giveaway! please throw my name into the hat too……good luck everyone!
thanks
Thanks for the giveaway
thanks
I definitely have house lust – for other people’s homes…and I am obsessed with people who are good interior decorators because I am not and I wish that i was
LOVE it! I want a copy!
Great giveaway! Count me in.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ok I am back, I so want that book, I am happy where I currently live, but I am constantly looking at other houses online, I have an addiction and I think this book would be my saving grace, I am truly enjoying your lovely website, thanks so much. Now can I have my book…
I would love to win this! I read through the info your provided, and the book sounds interesting for it’s own sake. But even more than than, I have house lust in the worst way. I’m renting, and I don’t know when that will end, and every month I flip through magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and year for the day when I have a mud room, or can paint my walls, or renovate something.
Oh, we’ve lived in it all – from our early days in the old church converted into a 5-plex, (over the first 8 years we lived in 3 of those units!!) to a bavarian village apartment (in germany, yes!) to a vacation style chalet (a year round retreat for 2.25 years) to a mid century modern uber cool house (that we made a pretty penny off of!) to our rather dull, but suits us in this stage rambler, that we enjoy for various *practical* reasons but do have our typical bouts of house lust, though we’ve sworn we’re going to break the cycle with our move every 2-3 years track record and stay put in this family-friendly home/neighborhood/school district for a respectable stretch of time. thank you for a cool giveaway, and for the opportunity to hear more from the author!
camillle
http://www.snaphappymama.com
Laura is giving away some great stuff on her blog, too. Check it out (link is on comment #34).
Camille–loved reading about all the interesting places you’ve lived. Your website is beautiful, as is your photography. I’m embarrassed for you to see the photos I took that I’m using here on mine!
Thanks for coming by!
Shannon–I well remember the feeling of having house lust as an apartment dweller, so I can relate. I would go to house shows and on home tours and want to just cry when I had to go back home to our newlywed apartment with the hand-me-down furniture and the white walls that we weren’t allowed to paint. Hang in there! -Julia
Wow! Your site is so “insightful!” I love all your posts and this book looks really fun. I am always thinking about design and houses and how to improve them. What a great giveaway! Thank you for you having such a generous giveaway! I would LOVE to win!
Thanks again!
Please enter me! ernestsgirl82@aol.com
I want the book because I love dreaming of my dream home. I like to plan out the details. I love looking at people’s homes as we drive by.
I like your blog, especially the post about Frank Lloyd Wright. I have always liked his houses. There is one in my city. I just haven’t located it yet.
Linda–
If you like Frank Lloyd Wright, you might enjoy the novel LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan, which is told from the point of view of his famous mistress, Mamah Cheney. It’s a fictionalized account of her life with Wright. I had heard about her in Ken Burns’s documentary on Wright’s life and how she met a grisly end, along with her children John and Martha, when a household servant went crazy and burned Taliesen down with them in it. This book fleshes out the rest of her life. I’ll try to do a book review on it soon. Thanks for stopping by! -Julia
I’d like to win this book because I am lusting for a house. Living in an apartment only is acceptable for so long…However, I am not lusting after anything too grandiose…2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in a safe neighborhood is all I want.
Great idea for a giveaway, thanks for entering my name!
I’d love this one! I spend so much time fretting about our too-small house and looking at other houses… why so much lust?
Thanks for the contest!
I am definitely obsessed with houses. We’ve built 3 in the last 6 years. I’d love to read about other peoples obsession.
I definitely have house lust! We bought our first home three years ago and have been fixing it up ever since…
I would love to have this book, because I really do enjoy looking at all types of homes and tweaking them in my mind. Maybe I should have majored in architecture in college!
I would like this book because my husband and I love houses very much and we absolutely have house lust. I’ll have to see just what our diagnosis is when we read the book. I’m new to your blog, but I like that you have a historic neighborhoods category because I just LOVE old houses (they are so mysterious) and a real estate news category because my husband was about to switch careers to become a Realtor, but oops, that’s the wrong timing isn’t it? Even our top-selling Realtor who has been in the business for more than 25 years has not sold a house in months. Things are slowly picking up though now that interest rates have been lowered twice. Best of luck in reaching your 2,000 readers and keep up the good work on the blog!
Please enter me. It sounds fascinating.
I would love to win this for my best friend. She fits the definition of a “house lust-er” to a “T”! This would be a perfect gift for her. I do love your blog, it’s funny. I have to send her the link.
This looks interesting.
badsheep13 (at) gmail (dot) com
The book sounds amazing & fascinating. Especially about the Virgin Homes and why people could possibly need that much square footage. I’d love to read this. I’d love to be entered.
BTW I’m giving away two prizes at my blog
http://unmainstreammom.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Please count me in = we are remodeling a 1920’s craftsman, but I can’t help but dream about the built in features a new house already comes with! Thanks!
Sounds like a great book! I lust after bungalows!
I really would like to win this book!!! I hope Lilly selects my name! I have had a chance to read some of the excerpts and this guy, Dan McGinn is a fantasic writer. This new book, House Lust: America’s Obsession with Our Homes, by Daniel McGinn and your website have opened my eyes to many new projects and ideas that I cannot wait to try on our “money-pits”…We own three homes and are always looking for a new project. Thanks for creating such an informative website and I will keep my eyes open for your interview with Mr. McGinn!!! I promise that if I win the book, I will read it from front to back unlike some of the other books I have picked up.
What an interesting book! We definately have the house obsession especially when we were remodeling our first home to sell!
I would like this book because we just bought our first house, and it needs decorating. I adore looking at other houses and designs to get ideas for what I could do with this space. I often find that I have ideas, but I am REALLY not good at explaining them. I need photos or something written to show my husband what I mean:-) For some reason, he does not want to go to every open house in our area to get decorating ideas. He seems to think that is only for when you are looking to move, LOL. Thanks!
kpuleski at gmail dot com
You had me at the words “mud room”. I want a mud room. Why I cannot tell you. I mean of course I can come up with a million reasons why a mud room is AWESOME, but want and need and my way to rationalize my wants into needs are three completely different issues. I would really love to read this book, because it sounds not only fascinating, but funny — seriously, who does need 9000 sq ft? Please count me in and best of luck to you on getting 2000 hits!
I’m enjoying all of your creative comments so much that it’s making it hard for me to get any “real” (read: paying) work done today. I can’t believe how quickly we’re zooming toward the 2,000th visitor here! I thought it would take a couple of weeks–not a few days! Frankly, I thought my mom might be the only one reading this site for a while (even my husband said, “You know, I don’t really like reading blogs…”)
Meleah–I’m with you on the mud room. I need to do a post about them. Mine is never big enough, but even so, it’s one of my favorite parts of the house. Everyone should check out your blog to see your twins (http://hobtwins.blogspot.com/2008/01/as-always-whymommy-at-toddler-planet.html). They’re adorable!
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and keeping me thoroughly entertained with your stories!
I want to read about the fix-up lust, since I definitely have that. My dream is to buy an OLD house and fix it up right!
Great giveaway! Would love to win!
I want to try to win this book for DH, who is a mortgage specialist. He, of course, works with realtors daily, and gets a first-hand look at what buyers say and do. This would be a great ancillary book, considering his field. Plus, we hope to move to our stay-there-20-years house in the next few years, so this could probably provide some insight. Thanks for the chance to win!
Count me in!
This looks to be an interesting read.
I’d love to read this book, I have fix it up fever, I live it.
We’re in the process of buying a house, so this is all fascinating to me.
sounds like such a good book! I’d like it because, honestly, anything…ANYTHING…having to do with houses interests me!
I would love to have this book because it sounds really interesting. My finace and I drive around other neighborhoods on date night to look at other homes. We love houses too! Thanks for the giveaway. Glad I wasn’t too late!
SpreadPeace08 (at)gmail(dot)com
We’re discussing putting our house on the market.
I would love to have this book, because I love all things houses! and I just checked out your blog, very cool. I will have to come more often. I am always looking for new things.