Building Trends

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As many builders focus on reducing new home inventory from the recent housing boom, others are planning and coming to market with new products reflecting the latest trends in residential design and construction. As you work with builders who are looking ahead, it's helpful to consider these trends and how they might contribute to your new home sales success.  Just a few of these current trends include:
 
Think Green
The focus on all things "green" has reached a level never experienced before. Driven by more concern for the environment, global warming, and energy costs, more and more consumers are interested in protecting our natural resources. We find major organizations, celebrities, political leaders, as well as businesses large and small promoting everything as green from computers to cosmetics, cars to homes and more. We even have the Planet Green Network bringing all aspects of sustainable living right into our living rooms.
 
There's never been a better time for builders and designers to create homes that soften their impact on our world. And, there's never been a better time to incorporate the details of this green building into our marketing and sales efforts. However, as more products are promoted as green, we also find these claims exaggerated – described as "green washing". As a result, it's important to deliver a truly green product and substantiate that through your sales process with facts and third-party certification when possible.
 
For more information on green building and certification, visit www.nahbgreen.org and www.usgbc.org.
 
Generation Tech
I often joke that if anyone has difficulty getting our CNHS or RCC designation training programs started on the computer, just find the nearest 5 year old and they'll get things up and running! While many adults find the computer daunting, younger people of all ages have grown up with their hands on a keyboard and mouse. The reality is that many of our prospective buyers, in almost all age groups, have come to enjoy the benefits of technology in many areas of their lives.
 
As a real estate professional, are you truly incorporating technology effectively to allow you to deliver the communication, information and service your customers deserve? The day has come that many potential customers will simply not take us seriously if we aren't tech-savvy and using it their benefit.
 
I've seen builders and their sales teams gain a tremendous competitive edge incorporating virtual reality sales tools both online and at point of sale. Well conceived email drip campaigns, personalized responses and prompt-response communication systems drive greater customer satisfaction, leading to greater levels of repeat business and referrals. Websites today offer excellent content designed to connect with prospects and form the foundation for a solid customer relationship.
 
To see first hand how this is being done today, I encourage you to begin by visiting the websites of the industry's top builders. Many of these companies have invested tremendous resources and ongoing research to learn what really works. As you explore these sites, I encourage you sign-up for information so you can also learn the ways these builders communicate with prospects and customers, and apply these techniques in your own business.
 
The children raised in a world of technology are our buyers and sellers both today and tomorrow. When it comes to your business and customer interaction, are you on the same page?
 
Land Opportunities
As real estate values and affordability have eroded, so to have the costs of raw land, and in many areas, developed lots. Builders and developers have been selling lots and land at fire sale prices in an attempt to simply turn some cash and positions themselves to move forward. This creates opportunities for other builders and developers to begin new development and building with land costs much lower than in boom times. The net result is an ability to offer new homes at much more affordable prices to meet the needs of today's serious buyers.
 
To take advantage of these opportunities, it's important that you position yourself as a source of knowledge on land availability. Many builders are happy to talk to someone who can help them identify well-priced lots and land, as well as the right products, design, and pricing strategies to enjoy success in today's market.
 
Standing Up to Mother Nature
With the tragic impact of Wilma several years ago, and more recently the damage that Hurricane Ike leveled on the Gulf Region of Texas, more homebuyers today are concerned about the structural integrity of their homes. More than ever, these buyers want to know the specifics and details of construction that assure their investment will resist the ravages of Mother Nature. Whether it be earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, snow and ice, fire or other challenging conditions, buyers today are looking for homes build to stand the test of time.
 The good news is that new products, practices and quality design can bring substantially increased quality and strength to homes today. Smart builders are making sure their new homes deliver these features. Smart marketers are making sure they clearly demonstrate these features and their benefits to prospective buyers, helping to establish greater perceived value and driving more sales.