From Idea to Iconic: My Honda Acty Tiny House Adventure
My journey into creating the “tiny house” isn’t about compact living in itself; rather, it’s a direct reflection of my lifelong passions for both real estate and vehicles. What started as a simple concept of practicality and being eye-catching for advertising my business has evolved into a unique and attention-grabbing mobile setup, perfectly marrying my love for craftsmanship and automotive ingenuity.
The seed for this project was planted years ago, fueled by my work in real estate, which constantly involves innovative housing solutions and market trends, and my deep-seated love for cars. When I became a Realtor, I quickly understood the need to stand out from the crowd. My catchy nickname, “Agent Joey G,” and my slogan, “Your down to earth Realtor,” became the foundation of my brand, and I wanted a unique way to showcase that. Instead of traditional advertising, I envisioned something truly unforgettable – a mobile statement that no one else had. There are countless events in the area that generate significant foot traffic, offering the perfect opportunity to drive around and promote my brand in a way that sparks joy. I absolutely love seeing people’s reactions when they encounter it; it consistently brings smiles to faces, whether it’s kids, adults, or even other agents. While I may not sell everyone a home, I genuinely enjoy making people smile. For me, it’s all about brand recognition and truly standing out.
Initially, the “tiny house” was a modest structure mounted on a trailer, pulled faithfully by my Chevy truck. It served its purpose well, serving as an eye-catching advertisement for my business. Over time, that original tiny house underwent a series of transformations. It started with a classic raw cedar exterior complemented by crisp white accents on the flower pots and windows. We then added numerous charming details to make it truly resemble a miniature traditional home: gutters, exterior lights, artificial grass for a tiny lawn, a white picket fence around the yard, adorable dog figures holding a welcome sign, an American flag proudly displayed, a miniature “For Sale” sign, and other small touches. After two years of being exposed to the elements, the wood began to show signs of weathering, prompting the next big step. I took it to the next level by giving it a complete paint job to break up the bare wood look. I meticulously painted the shingles gray, and for the main body, I used the exact red, white, and blue color codes from the American flag. I even added some glitter to the kitchen counter to cleverly mimic the sparkle of granite countertops, truly bringing the “real estate” feel to life in miniature.
However, the ultimate vision for this mobile dwelling truly came to life when it found its unlikely, yet perfect, home on the back of my 1996 Honda Acty. This isn’t just any mini truck; it’s a testament to my dedication to unique vehicles. Originally designed for tight Japanese streets, this right-hand drive, 5-speed manual (shifted with your left hand!) 3-cylinder kei truck now boasts a personality all its own. I custom-built a stainless steel stack exhaust that gives it a distinctive growl, and to accommodate more substantial footwear, I installed a 2-inch lift, allowing it to clear larger 195/45r15 wheels and tires, a significant upgrade from its original 145/80r12 setup.
Maintaining and improving my vehicles is a hands-on passion. The Acty’s front suspension has been completely rebuilt, I’ve replaced the CV axle boots, and upgraded both the shocks and springs, alongside various other maintenance items, ensuring it’s road-ready for any adventure.
What makes this setup truly ingenious is how the tiny house interacts with the Acty. It’s cleverly mounted to a bed slide, allowing the entire tiny house to be pulled out. This provides easy access to the engine bay beneath the truck bed, a crucial feature for anyone who, like me, enjoys working on their own vehicles. This combination allows me to seamlessly blend my life, whether I’m scouting properties, attending car shows, or simply enjoying the open road. At car shows, this little truck and house consistently steal the spotlight, often garnering more attention than even my Corvette! While I don’t realistically expect to sell a home directly from these events, the Acty offers a refreshing variety from the traditional vehicles, making it an incredible conversation piece. When I pull out the bed slide, I can easily set up a couple of chairs and even put a canopy over for shade, creating the perfect little lounge. It’s the ideal setup for hanging out at car shows, cruising the beach, or just enjoying a drive around town. It’s more than just a tiny house; it’s a mobile expression of a unique lifestyle, driven by passion, design, and a love for the open road.
The Agent Joey G Performance Calculator
As you delve into my passion for unique vehicles, you’ll find that my dedication extends beyond the wrench and into the realm of data. I designed the calculator you see below, working hand-in-hand with advanced AI, to help fellow enthusiasts get a better understanding of their vehicle’s performance.
Drag strips provide crucial metrics, but often leave out one of the most talked-about numbers: the 0-60 MPH time. This tool aims to bridge that gap. By simply inputting key data from your time slip – your 60-foot, 330-foot, and 1/8-mile times and speed – this calculator will estimate your 0-60 MPH performance. It’s built on a robust mathematical model, refined through countless hours of collaboration with AI, reflecting my commitment to precision in everything I do, whether it’s real estate or automotive passion projects. While no digital tool can replicate the exact conditions of a real run, this calculator is designed to give you a reliable ballpark figure for that highly sought-after metric, allowing you to track progress and compare notes with confidence. It’s another example of how my passion for cars drives me to deliver value, even in unexpected places.