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Biggest source of concern for area home builders:
We have two major concerns. There is a lack of new jobs in the Columbia economy. Also, there are increased government regulation and fees as a result of growth management plans.
Market trends:
A big push to build active-adult communities in the last year now seems to be winding down. The starter homes market is very strong — first-time buyers make up about 60%-65% of the marketplace. Meanwhile, homes in the upper price ranges are moving slower. Traditional homes are very popular here, with lots of brick exteriors — which makes sense because we have two brick manufacturers in the area. We’re seeing more vinyl siding on homes in the lower price ranges.”
Infill development (making use of unused or underused properties in close-in neighborhoods and other already-developed areas) is very limited. But where builders have managed to make it happen, it has been quite successful. However, neighborhood resistance is high, especially resistence to higher density building such as attached homes and apartments.
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