In the following Q & A, Dennis Walsh, CEO of Dennis Walsh & Associates, answers an important question about new-construction homes.
Q: When it comes to new-construction homes, what qualities are most important to today’s homebuyers?
A: Let me begin with a story I once heard from a real estate agent. This agent was working a builder’s model home one afternoon when a couple in their late 50s stopped by for a look.
As the couple finished up their tour, the sales agent asked, “So what do you think? Isn’t this a nice home?”
“We definitely think it’s a nice home, but we’ve already been living in it for 20 years,” the woman answered.
As the agent looked at her with surprise, she continued: “We bought this same home from this builder about 20 years ago. As much as we’ve enjoyed it, we’re ready for something completely different. Sure, there are a few changes here and there, but I can’t believe he’s still building the same old design.”
The reality is that this builder is definitely not alone in his love for old, time-proven plans, but there’s an important distinction between “time-proven” and “time-worn.” In my opinion, the best builders are dedicated to building homes that reflect the best of the past, but that also include the latest design features along with materials, systems and equipment that today’s homebuyers want.
