Hey Reader,

This morning, I found myself reflecting on the incredible growth of the tiny house movement since my journey began in 2011. Back then, tiny houses were an obscure concept that required a full explanation. Now, hardly anyone is unaware of what a tiny house is.

The definition has evolved as well. While "tiny house" may still bring to mind Jay Shafer's original gabled roof house on wheels, they've grown in size and variety. RVs and mobile homes, once shunned by the tiny house movement, now help spread legal tiny homes nationwide. Many builders offer RV certification for their tiny homes, providing financing, insurance, and parking options for owners.

Park model RVs used to be excluded from the tiny house definition, but now some people live in them and call them tiny houses – and I'm okay with that. If you want to live in a community with other small house dwellers without developing your own land or moving often and need financing access, a park model RV may be perfect for you.

​So, listen to this week's episode and let me know your thoughts. Should park model homes fall under the tiny house definition? Would you consider living in one?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Talk soon,

Ethan

This Week on THLP

Introduction to the Park Model Tiny House Lifestyle

Interview with Cindy Ballaro

Today we're exploring the cozy nooks of park model tiny homes with Cindy Ballaro. Cindy is not only a resident of a charming tiny home, but also a multipreneur who wears many hats including that of a publisher and marketer. Living in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Cindy has turned her sunflower-themed tiny house into a haven for both living and Airbnb guests. She's going to share with us the unique benefits and challenges of choosing a park model over a traditional towable tiny house, and how this lifestyle complements her entrepreneurial endeavors. So if you're intrigued by the community living aspect of tiny houses or are considering a park model for your own downsized life, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• 🏡 Park Model Tiny Homes: The differentiation between park models and towable tiny homes, including key factors that were important to Cindy when selecting her park model home.
• 🌐 Tiny House Communities: Cindy shares what it’s like to live in her tiny home community
• 🛠 Customization and Choice: Insight into the process of customization when purchasing a new build.
• 💲 Financial Aspects: Conversation on costs, value appreciation, and the advantage of selling property to finance the tiny house without needing a loan.
• 🌦️ Climate Management: The unexpected challenge of moisture control in a tiny house.
• 🛏️ Airbnb Hosting: Benefits of renting out the tiny home, managing personal space, and creating an additional income stream.
• 💵 Cost of Living: Sharing the expense of renting a lot in the tiny house community and how it supports her entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Don't forget to Follow the Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Wherever you listen!​

Transforming a Semi-Trailer into a Stylish Tiny Home with Mike Crowhurst

I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Mike Crowhurst, a seasoned tiny house dweller and the creative mind behind one of the most unique tiny homes I’ve seen in a while! Mike and his wife Heidi spent three years crafting a 45-foot ex-refrigerated semi-trailer into a gorgeous tiny home. Throughout this episode, we'll dive into Mike's journey of tiny house living, exploring not just the practical aspects like custom cabinetry and space-saving features like an innovative elevator bed, but also the sustainable lifestyle that drives him. We'll also get into the nitty-gritty of converting a semi-trailer into a comfortable and functional living space, addressing the challenges and rewards such a project brings. So buckle up as we get a tour of Mike’s impressive tiny house and learn how he has optimized every inch of his home for maximum living.

Listen At: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/mike-crowhurst​

Tiny House Decisions is my best selling guide to Plan, Build, and Live tiny. If you're concerned about the systems that need to go in your home, this guide will pay for itself very quickly becuase I lay everything out for you and make the decision making process easy!

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Learn More and Download Tiny House Decisions

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Talk soon,

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