Buying new construction amid scarce inventories
Significant numbers of buyers suddenly want a new home. Pending sales contracts on new construction swelled to record numbers in late 2020.
A perfect storm of low interest rates, favorable buyer demographicsand an increased desire for suburban developments is fueling demand, notes Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders. But shallow inventories are making it challenging for purchasers who define the perfect home as pristine.
And while everyone knows how to scout for existing homes, finding a yet-unbuilt house or knowing just where reliable builders have good offerings is more mysterious.
Enlist an agent
Some real estate agents specialize in working with builders.
“Most don’t have this experience,” says John Myers of Myers & Myers Real Estate in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Carla Gorman of Baird & Warner in Chicago tracks construction permits to uncover development early and says clients often find her from her Zillow profile.
Jeff Benach of builder Lexington Homes also suggests researching newhomesource.com.
Prices rise, discounts fade
Incentives, like discounts on extras, are largely unavailable in thismarket,anddemand is pushing up prices, Dietz notes.
Unless homes aren’t selling, builders don’t negotiate price, Benach points out.
But agents can assist buyers in other aspects, such as site location and floor plan, says Jeff Strickler of Walla Walla Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington state.
Research the builders
With new construction demand comes competition between builders for qualified labor, notes author and attorney Ilona Bray.
Talk to homeowners in existing developments, seeking opinions on that builder’s reliability, she advises. You can also check with the nonprofit HomeOwners for Better Building.
If the homeowners association is already in the hands of existing owners (the developer creates the association initially), talk to owners there, she adds.
In purchasing, “asking for specifics about the building date is important, as is putting consequences into the contract for failure to meet that date. Don’t make the final payment until the place is finished.”
These last few weeks have left me feeling a bit blah. The gray skies and single-digit temperatures have me feeling sluggish and drained, and I’m in need of a change. What better way to add some pep to my step and some energy to my day than with a shot of color?
As painter David Hockney once said, I prefer living in color. To turn my frown upside down, I’ve been immersing myself in bright and cheery displays and soaking in every funfilled hue. Although the days may be dreary and cold, that is no reason you or your home should be.
It’s OK to start small
Bringing color into your spaces can be intimidating and overwhelming. Keep the sweaty palms and heart palpitations at bay by adding one or two easily movable accessories to start. A lovely lamp, colorful cachepot or gorgeous ginger jar could be the key to opening the door to colorful decor. Adding a splash of vibrance to your space can make a big impact and give you an idea of where you want to bring even more hues into the mix. Another easy addition to begin with: accent pillows. With no shortage of textiles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect shade and pattern to enhance your room.
Have an anchor for your colors
When our designers set about curating a new look for a space, they like to start with one focal point that sets them in a direction for making color and texture choices. Sometimes this is a large print pattern meant for window treatments; sometimes it is a dynamic rug; sometimes it is a bold piece of artwork. This becomes the anchor for the colors they introduce. Pulling complementing colors from this anchor creates a harmonious palette and complete look for a space and allows the eye to move freely throughout a room.
Let’s say you find a show-stopping floral print that takes your breath away, full of deep navy, fresh spring greens and popping electric pinks. In a bedroom, you can use that textile as the lead decorative pillow and pull inspiration for other elements in that space. Perhaps a hot pink lacquered side table to add some spice balanced with a dark and moody duvet the color of a midnight sky to ground it? Add in a delicate floral bedside chair to soften the look and you will be dreaming in full color.
Balance your space with neutrals
In decor, as with most things in life, balance and harmony are important. That’s why it is important to pair colors with neutrals to achieve a feeling that looks intentional and even-keeled. I love using natural elements and textures such as wicker, rattan and wood furniture sprinkled throughout a space to achieve this. White and neutral sofas are another way to break up color and let your chosen hues truly shine (and as an added bonus, provide you with flexibility when you’re exploring your next color story). Do not be afraid of white and light-colored upholstery. With performance fabrics readily available, you won’t have too much additional stress about spills and stains. Having these neutral components adds muchneeded calm areas to a space full of life and gives your eye a place to rest.
Add a pop of paint (or a fun wallpaper)
Once you are feeling confident in your direction, you might be ready for a bigger step. We love to use vibrant paint colors to bring life and energy into our rooms. From hedge apple green to the deep and fiery red, a pop of paint can be a great finishing touch. We have used these colors for whole rooms, transitional spaces like hallways and even ceilings. If you are looking to take it even further, wallpaper is a fantastic way to add dimension and color to your walls. This is not your grandmother’s wallpaper. Thibaut and Schumacher have so many stunning patterns to choose from that color and pattern mixing with your fabrics and accessories is a dream.