I think they were also called that because it was intended that the owner could add extra rooms and there would be examples of the sorts of additions you could do that would be shown along side the house to prospective buyers.
Refinancing to make an addition is one option. But the assumption is generally that middle class families "grow out of" starter homes like hermit crabs, usually when a couple has kids or their kids starting needing their own bedrooms. This also drives them to seek advancement at work so that they can afford the move.
I think they were also called that because it was intended that the owner could add extra rooms and there would be examples of the sorts of additions you could do that would be shown along side the house to prospective buyers.
Refinancing to make an addition is one option. But the assumption is generally that middle class families "grow out of" starter homes like hermit crabs, usually when a couple has kids or their kids starting needing their own bedrooms. This also drives them to seek advancement at work so that they can afford the move.