new construction Archives - Rector Hayden REALTORS®

There’s always a rhyme and a reason for what we do in the world of Real Estate. Your agent is a big player in making sure you get the right home – but behind the scenes, your agent is researching and learning all the time about new trends – new technology – and new opportunities.

Yearly, there is a survey ( Annual Builder Practices Survey ) that documents the ups and downs ( popularity ) of certain products and materials used in new home construction or home remodeling. This is the best way to see and follow trends in our market on what consumers feel are worthwhile parts to their home.

As a soon to be new home owner, you may find these top trends as a way to support your decision making process on you “wants list” when searching for a home.

As an agent, this is a great yearly guide to help you market new construction as trendy and contemporary to investors or potential buyers!

Here at Rector Hayden, we grabbed some of the most interesting innovation statistics from the report, but you’re welcome to explore the entire report at HomeInnovation.com or the synopsis at Realtor.org

1. THE COMEBACK: The Single Basin Kitchen Sink

In single-family homes the single basin kitchen sink made a growing comeback from 5% to 20%! Granite/Stone sinks are rapidly increasing in popularity as well as enameled cast iron while one-piece marble is rapidly declining.

2. AND BEHIND DOOR NUMBER THREE: Three-Car Garages

In 2014, almost one third of all new single family homes had bays for 3 or more vehicles! HomeInnovation & BuilderOnline say that’s the highest percentage ever recorded in their study!

3. TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Whole-Home Ventilation

A spike in new construction including whole-house ventilation charactizes trends from 2014. 27% of new SFD (single family dwellings) had whole-house ventilation – that’s up from just 9% the previous year.

4. HOLDING STRONG: The Side-by-Side Refrigerator

The side-by-side refrigerator is still the most common appliance choice in new homes nation wide. However, Freezer-on-bottom are growing which could indicate that style as cutting-edge and trendy!

Thank you to BuilderOnline.com for their synopsis and findings as well as www.HomeInnovation.com for statistical analysis and reporting, and realtor.org for dissemination.

3 Reasons to Work with a REALTOR^® when purchasing New Construction

Current trends are off to a great start for 2015. We had an amazing February – probably one of our best in quite a while! Both exisiting homes and new construction are taking off, nation-wide, and Lexington and Central KY are no exception. Consumers may feel that they do not need an agent when building a home – but we beg to differ!

Reason #1: A Professional Looking out for Your Best Interests.

A builder’s sales agent represents the builder and works on their behalf, so you also need a strong advocate in your corner, as well. The contract is written by the builder, for the builder and is different than a standard real estate purchase agreement. Your REALTOR^® will ensure you understand the contract and can advise you on how specific clauses and options affect your purchase, before you sign on the dotted line.

Reason #2: A Guide through all the Steps

As an industry professional, a REALTOR® has knowledge and expertise to guide you through the entire new construction process. From selecting a builder or a design to the mortgage application process, building process and at the closing table, an agent is your advocate. In the event an issue arises during the construction process – or even after you close – your agent is your go-to resource, who can help get things resolved.

Reason #3: Having an agent doesn’t always cost more!

A common misconception is that if a new construction buyer does not have an agent, they will pay less, which is not always true. In most cases, the buyer will pay the same price whether they are represented by an agent or not, so why wouldn’t you want to have a professional working for you? If you’re considering a new construction purchase, please reach out to get in contact with one of our new homes experts!

Thanks again Edina Realty for the awesome information! Read the full blog post on their site: Edina Realty Blog