Homebuilders across the country are finally getting it. They are now paring down the McMansions of the past, several years and concentrating on smaller, more modest homes that are more attainable for most buyers.

Buyers of today are simply not willing - or not able - to plunk down the cash necessary for a sprawling home. And besides that, many buyers are now looking more at the economics and environmental factors associated with purchasing large homes with more square footage than they know what to do with, and deciding against it.

Paring Things Down

Homebuilders have also quickly realized that, in order to compete in today's real estate market that they must remain competitive and they must provide homes that will appeal to today's homebuyers.

First-time home buyers, in particular, will find that many homebuilders are now offering smaller Jacksonville homes with basic features and interiors. Consider this: homes built in 1970 were about 1,500 square feet. Jump ahead to 2007 and new homes were being built with 2,302 square feet of living space. Since the downturn of the economy, the National Association of Home Builders has reported that home sizes have now dropped to 2,239 square feet.

A New Way of Thinking

In addition to smaller interiors, many new Jacksonville homes are now being built with more modest features. In other words, granite countertops and high-end flooring are now giving way to more cost-friendly materials.

If you are a new home buyer, it may certainly pay off to look at new construction. Unlike a few years ago when new construction consisted of only over-the-top homes with interior features worthy of a four-star hotel, homes of today are reflecting the more simplistic lifestyles of today.

Perhaps we've all learned a few things from the recession and sour housing market of the last couple of years. Homeowners of today are recognizing that overindulgence may not be the key - and homebuilders are listening to their buyers and following suit.