Nostalgia is a popular sell, said Smoak, who develops subdivisions for local builders. The small one-story houses usually have an open or enclosed front porch. A lot of those are called craftsman style. But the historic downtown neighborhood of Shandon is an eclectic mix, Mock said. Some find their choice of home styles limited by the community in which they wish to live, said residential designer Matt Grissom, who works with father Bill Grissom.
Many people have to submit their plans for approval before they can build.
Mock said his clients typically fall into one of three categories. Some want a traditional looking home with a large front porch. Others want a true Georgian or French Country or some other style that stood them on their ear. Tanya Fogg Young covers real estate.