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New Construction....Sometimes We Need To Show Dirt To Sell A New Home!!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

New construction sets the pace in real estate.  No one is expected to pay more for something used when that product can be purchased "new" for less money.   Remember that important detail.  It reminds us of the importance of new construction in the process of this real estate market regaining stability.

I'm noticing a few new subdivisions in surrounding areas now being marketed.   These were, previously, approved tracts of land owned by developers who were waiting for the market to change.  This is a good sign of some confidence in our local real estate market.  It's a gentle use of the word "confidence!!"

The problem that I'm also noticing is that the builders are not building a spec home or model home for their agents to show and sell.  Now the fun begins!!!  My team and I have had plenty of experience with preselling homes, and it's a difficult task if one does not have a thorough knowledge of construction.  Those listing agents will be showing dirt to sell a colonial home!!  That's what we do best!!! 

The resale listing inventory is reducing in size and that makes the competition less for new homes.  Builders are feeling more confident but not enough to spec homes.  They see light at the end of the tunnel but they need assurance before they spend any money.  The climb will be a slow process, but we're  moving in the right direction.

 

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Barbara Todaro, Great Grandmother to Caleb, Santino, Aiden and Gianni       

Todaro Team - Retired

508-918-9148

               

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Comments(23)

Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Ginny....it's the enjoyable part of selling real estate.....everyone likes a new home....there are many ways to get that job done and one can use resale properties to  start the process....

May 14, 2011 11:46 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Barbara- gone are the days of 4 or 5 models homes in a community I guess.  My husband was a builder for many years and I remember walking through all of the models and seeing how they were decorated.  Selling the dirt is kind of like trying to sell a vacant home times 10!

May 14, 2011 11:53 PM
Susan Morrison
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Franklin, MA

It's a good sign of the market trying recoup when we see a new subdivision come on the market.

May 15, 2011 12:18 AM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

New construction builders dropped like flies in my market a few years ago but the handful who weathered the storm have continued to build despite an over-saturation of resales on the market.  Buyers in my area have a lot of choices to pick from.

May 15, 2011 12:19 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good morning, Barbara. You are right on that one. New construction and spec builders dropped drastically. It seems as if only the big National builders survived...

May 15, 2011 12:23 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Kathy....it's alot of work, for sure....but it's always fun to do....and the end product is something everyone is very proud of.....

Susan....as every new community hits the open market, we are gaining strength and confidence....

Anita....we all had our tough moments....prices dropped significantly, but they have since gained.....we've really rallied here....our condos continually have increase in prices as we sell a section of units....

May 15, 2011 12:25 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Michael....in our area, the banks are working with the local builders to help with extending credit and fronting money to finish projects.....they don't want to own these....

May 15, 2011 12:27 AM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Hi Barbara, i'd rather sell dirt then be old as dirt, lol. Sorry, had to slip that one in there.

As you know, we do not have new construction in this part of Suffolk County. No land to build on. There is one small development and the builder keeps reducing the price and so far it's adding up to $200K in price reductions. The prices had started at $600K He has 1 phase completed (4 condos) and will not build the other 2 phases (to make a total of 12 units) until he has sold the first 3. Bad location meaning the train tressel is pretty much in your backyard. And it's surrounded by very busy roads. So, around here, buyers do not want to see dirt. But, the builders out East, those agents can sell dirt because there are more new developments out there. Sorry for the long comment :)

May 15, 2011 12:53 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Jackie....I it out east on Long Island.....there's a sod farm we use to drive past to get to Patchogue from Orient Point.....I could picture mcmansions there....it might have been in Riverhead....I love Long Island....I almost moved there.

May 15, 2011 01:02 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Barbara,

Excellent post! We have builders still building and with model homes..hover not as elaborately decked out as before but I think they have figured out that many times "less is more"!

May 15, 2011 01:12 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Dorie.....they're just trying to make the numbers not hurt as badly....but sometimes they need to bite that bullet a bit harder and throw in a few more toys....

May 15, 2011 01:20 AM
Carol-Ann Palmieri
RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA
"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Good Morning Barbara.  You really have to know your stuff when a Buyer has nothing to "touch".    And, I know you do!

May 15, 2011 02:10 AM
Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group
Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH
Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

We are seeing the same, I am seeing some builder interest in building lots again, although not robust and they are being very careful about what they pay for land.  The early part of my career was all about selling "paper listings"...in a good market a lot easier ... Still, we like to have a spec to show buyers, if not available we can always bring them through another home built and sold by the builder!

Enjoy your weekend Barbara.

May 15, 2011 02:13 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Thanks, Carol Ann....hope all is well....

Rene....builders here are not touching lots unless they can steal it.....

May 15, 2011 02:17 AM
Michele Myers
Prudential Homesale Services Group - Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg/Hershey Realtor

I have always noticed an increase in traffic when a home is under construction.  Just moving the dirt around inspires curiosity and traffic.  Thanks for sharing.

May 15, 2011 11:51 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Michele....yes, new construction always creates alot of activity.....it's fascinating, first and foremost....but people also want to see the process happening....

May 15, 2011 11:54 AM
Tish Lloyd
BlueCoast Realty Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Broker - Wilmington NC and Surrounding Beaches

Being involved in the development process from the "dirt" on is my forte and absolutely my favorite facet of the business.  Not involved in any of that right now, and I miss it soooooooo . . .

May 15, 2011 12:07 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Tish....that's what Lorraine and I specialize in.....Robin and Nina are more focused on listing resale properties....

May 15, 2011 12:13 PM
Ken and Leslye Huebsch
3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction - Harrisburg, PA
Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793

One of our favorite pre-construction events is a muddy-shoe party. Hot dogs, and local radio staion, etc... In the good times, these were great for pre-selling. Now maybe we need a muddy spec party!

May 23, 2011 07:05 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Ken and Leslye....that's funny....I know exactly what you mean....(smiling as I'm reading your comment)

May 23, 2011 07:13 AM