With the difficulty that many buyers are running into these days finding suitable housing before it sells to someone else, here is an alternative: New Construction! 

The pace of building new homes is about half of what they were in our 2005 heyday, but steadily climbing. Many builders either went out of business or switched to home improvements and renovations to stay afloat during the 2008-11 period. Today, there are good, quality companies ready to build the right home for you. I have represented 32 buyers of new homes over the years, and am very familiar with the process and how to protect you and your interests such as who holds your deposit and how much; what builder to choose and where to build; how much to put into the home without going overboard. Many choices of builders, styles, prices and locations are available. You can start from scratch and choose everything, purchase a "market-ready" home and move right in, or somewhere in between where you choose the final finishes. 

I believe one of the main reasons home building has not yet come back to previous levels, is that more often, people wish to stay closer in to the city hub, their workspace, or good schools.. For every one that prefers open spaces and is able to move further out, there are two that are staying near or moving closer in. And closer in there is limited ability to build new. Thus the "tear-down" phenomenon, even reaching West County now, where folks purchase a less desirable home, have it torn down, then contract with a builder for the new one. This can be an exciting process, and you end up with brand new in a mature, close-in location. This has been common for years inside 270, but even parts of West County are considered close-in now! Be aware that some subdivisions and municipalities are more stringent on how the size and architecture fit in with the existing homes, and it can be more expensive. 

Secondly, the price. New homes tend to cost more than existing homes. You should, however, save money in repair, improvement and utility bills the first 5 to 10 years that can offset that difference, if not come out ahead, even after the finishing details. And there is nothing quite like the feel and smell of a new home. 

Contact me to explore this avenue if it sparks an interest. It can take some time to find you the right home and lot, plus the building process, especially the tear down scenario, so plan ahead and get me involved early. I can represent you in all aspects of new home construction.