There seems to be some misinformation here in the Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville area of Onslow County, 
North Carolina concerning building costs.
It appears consumers assume that the cost of building a new home has fallen and that they can have a new home built as cheaply as an existing home. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!
I have spent some time talking with local builders about this and contrary to what would seem logical-- the cost of building has increased quite dramatically.
Why, with home sales down nationwide? The answer is not simple and it is multi-faceted.
Building supply prices have risen sharply. So many products used in home construction are petroleum based (shingles, vinyl siding, windows, carpet are examples) and when the price of gas went up the prices of these products skyrocketed--sometimes doubling and tripling in costs. Well you say the price of gas has dropped so the price of these products has dropped. No, that's not the case. The manufacturers have not lowered the prices of these products. Once a higher price is set, very seldom does it go back down.
Another side to the increase in building cost is transportation, again traced back to gas prices. Deliveries to job sites became more and more expensive for suppliers and subcontractors so what did they do? They added a delivery (fuel charge) to deliveries. Have they repealed this since fuel prices have dropped? No, I repeat--once a charge is established it's pretty much there to stay.
This is a crisis for the home builder--prices for homes have FALLEN and the price to build them has RISEN.
What does this mean for the home buyer? I can tell you what builders in my area tell me it means.
"THE BEST BUYS AVAILABLE ARE EXISTING NEW HOMES". But and I must add a but. Builders are willing to reduce prices on these homes but do not expect unrealistic reductions. After all, they must come away with enough money to pay off the bank.
If you relocating to Camp LeJeune, New River Air Station or the Naval Hospital at Camp LeJeune or are looking to buy real estate in Onslow County, I would love to assist you.
There are some beautiful homes available in Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville and other areas of Onslow County, N C.
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me
Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes
We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina
Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina
;)
;)
Cynthia, This is an excellent and well thought out post! "THE BEST BUYS AVAILABLE ARE EXISTING NEW HOMES". But and I must add a but. Builders are willing to reduce prices on these homes but do not expect unrealistic reductions. After all, they must come away with enough money to pay off the bank." Well said and I hope that your clients realize how fortunate they are to have some one like you to help them.