Building a new home is exciting for so many reasons, especially because you get the opportunity to include features that reflect your style and taste.

But wait a minute! Don’t go choosing purple countertops and cabinets just yet! Whether you plan to stay in your home until the day you die, or your home is just a temporary stop on a journey to elsewhere, you should always consider building a new home with features that will help with resale because you never know how your future plans will change.

With all the options for customizing your home, how do you choose the features you know you’ll love and that will also help with future resale value? With so many decisions to make, be sure to keep these features in mind.

Structure

You can always change the decorations in your home, but you can’t easily add a bathroom on the main level or expand the kitchen once it’s built. The bones of the home are the most important feature.

Light fixtures and appliances can be changed at any time, but the floorplan is set for the most part. If the budget allows, add square footage in the form of a bonus room, a larger kitchen, or an extra bedroom. Add structural features like a fireplace or bay windows.

The trend of open layouts is a lasting one, so make sure you choose a floorplan that flows between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most critical spaces in a home when it comes to resale value. Big, open kitchens are the most desired features of new home buyers.

Add desirability and function to a kitchen by building one that opens up into the dining area, living room, or family room. A large center island will also help with resale. You can add even more value to your kitchen by upgrading the cabinetry and drawer systems, and choosing granite countertops. Energy Star appliances are also a winning feature in a kitchen as they not only help the environment, but save the homeowner on utility bills.

If you’ve been in your home for several years, put in the work to renovate the kitchen. “People know that renovating can be a nightmare, and potential buyers will appreciate that you did the dirty work for them,” says Vern Yip, a designer and the host of HGTV’s Deserving Design

Master Bathrooms

Homeowners want luxury at home, and the master bathroom is one of the best places to include that sought-after luxury. Build a big bathroom with a separate shower and tub. Include double vanities and extra features like granite countertops are also helpful in resale.

Windows

Invest in quality, energy-efficient windows from the start. High quality windows that are effective at regulating the temperature of the home will not only save you money on utilities while you’re living in the home, but they’ll increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

Quality of Materials

Whenever you can choose a better-quality material, do it. Hardwood floors are better than linoleum. Granite or quartz countertops are better than laminate. Choose the best quality, stain-resistant carpet you can afford.

Neutrality

Don’t limit your buying pool by using highly stylized features in the design of your home. If you over-customize, it will be harder to sell your home down the road. Keep a simple, classic palette in your countertops, cabinets, and floors. You can change your paint colors to match your preferences, and you can add multiple decorating touches throughout your home, but the palette of the features in your home is hard to change.

Choose Wisely

Your new home is everything. It’s where you’ll live, where you’ll create memories, and where you’ll retreat to after a tiring day of work. And when it comes time to move, the sale of your home is the ticket to your next destination.

Choose a new home builder that builds quality homes, and who is committed to creating a beautiful new home that will offer the best potential resale value when it comes time to sell someday. That builder in the Houston, TX area is Princeton Classic Homes. Contact Princeton today to discuss the beautiful new home we can build for you!

Millennials are the largest generational group of home buyers today, making up 35% of all potential home buyers. This generation, defined as buyers and sellers age 35 and younger, is starting to move out of the city and into single family homes in the suburbs at a rapid pace. This may seem surprising to many as this group was actually flocking to the hustle and glamor of city centers in recent years. What's behind the reason for more millennials buying new homes in the suburbs?

Price

Living in the city is expensive. For some millennials, renting in the city was a good option in their 20's. However, with rising rents making city life even more expensive, millennials are feeling pushed to look into home ownership. By the time they begin to seriously look into purchasing an affordable new home (typically around 30 years old as reported by the National Association of Realtors), buying a home in the city just is not a viable option. Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist said, "The median age of a millennial home buyer is 30 years old, which typically is the time in life where one settles down to marry and raise a family. Even if an urban setting is where they would like to buy their first home, the need for more space at an affordable price is for the most part pushing their search further out."

Value of the Neighborhood

As millennials begin raising their families, they are more concerned with things like safer neighborhoods and good schools. Typically, the suburbs provide a cleaner, safer neighborhood with better schools than what can be found in the city.

More Space

A single family home in the suburbs is typically larger than a loft in the city. By the time millennials reach their 30's, they are wanting extra bedrooms for their families. They want bigger kitchens and multiple bathrooms. This simply is not affordable in the city.

Yards

It is difficult to play a game of catch in a city street. Millennials want a place to throw a ball around with their kids or dogs. They want gardens and outside space where they can enjoy their families.

Telecommuting

It isn't as crucial to live close to the city anymore as working from home is a very real option for many people, including millennials. This gives them the option of spreading out from city centers without taking lower paying jobs.

Amenities

Millennials certainly don’t want to leave behind all the perks of city life, however. They are looking for neighborhoods with green spaces, walkable commercial areas, yoga classes, and health food stores. They still want to feel a part of a walkable community, but just for a better value.

New Home Resale Value

Millennials are not as rooted to one place as their parents’ generation. They are cutting their career teeth in an environment that encourages and expects several job changes. Just as millennials change jobs several times throughout their career, they expect to move homes more than once as well.Purchasing a nice new home in the suburbs at an affordable price has great potential for a move later on, as well as for the space and value so desired by millennials right now.

Explore the great new home options offered by Princeton Classic Homes in beautiful suburban neighborhoods throughout the Houston area. Be sure to check out affordable new homes from Legend Homes as well!

A home is more than four walls and a roof. It's a place we long to be when we're away; a place that makes us feel relaxed and at ease. A home is full of memories and happiness, and the right amenities can make us feel rich and pampered. The best amenities give us an emotional connection to our home while also providing an easier way to live.

What are the hottest new home amenities residential home builders are including to attract potential buyers today?

Big Closets

Huge closets, specifically walk-in closets in the master bedroom, are the single most requested amenity for homebuyers. In fact, buyers are even willing to sacrifice other amenities in the home if they can have separate his and hers walk-in closets. The bigger, the better. Add in seating and mirrors, and you have a beautiful dressing room fit for royalty.

An Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans make the home feel bigger while providing convenient mobility throughout the house. Homebuyers like the luxurious feel of open space and are increasingly looking for homes with open floor plans or homes that can be easily remodeled into open floor plans.

Laundry Rooms that Function Well

Homebuyers want convenience. They want amenities that make their lives easier. Laundry rooms that include things like built-in ironing boards, plenty of cabinet space, folding stations, and upgraded appliances are a huge draw. Throw in a cheery skylight to make the room a pleasant place to be, and homebuyers will swoon.

Energy Efficiency

Many home buyers these days want to save money on utilities while also helping the environment. Energy efficient homes help us meet both of those goals, while making homes a lot more comfortable as well. Programmable thermostats, Energy Star appliances, and energy efficient windows are all huge draws.

Wireless Technology

Locking your front doors (from the couch!) with the touch of a button. Adjusting your home's temperature from your phone. Setting your alarm system while you're on vacation. These technological conveniences are desired by many home buyers, and new home builders are increasingly including installation of wireless home automation devices.

Great Rooms

Homebuyers, especially those with families, are gravitating towards homes with big open great rooms where family and guests can gather together comfortably.

Taller Ceilings

Homebuyers prefer 10 foot ceilings on the main level, as opposed to standard 8 foot ceilings. The taller ceilings open up the space, which is desirable in the great room, dining room, kitchen, and other shared spaces.

A Spa-Like Master Bathroom

Pampered at home? Sounds lovely. Many homebuyers are drawn to homes with large master bathrooms that provide space and luxury for pampering. Walk-in showers with benches, soaker tubs, and luxurious stone materials make you feel like you're staying at the world's best spa and resort even when you're in the comfort of your own home.

Kitchen Space and Storage

Open kitchens with islands are great gathering places. Walk-in pantries and plenty of storage are desirable to homebuyers. Adding touches like warming drawers and wine fridges is the icing on the cake.

Theater Rooms

Watching a movie on the big screen, reclining in a comfy leather chair, and sipping from a soda that rests in your cup holder? You don't have to go to the movies to get this experience. Theater rooms with cushy, comfortable seating are a desirable amenity for people who like to entertain or just lounge around.

New Home Builders Meeting Demand

More and more people want to be spoiled at home. The right amenities make that possible and new home builders are taking note and meeting the demand.

If you're dreaming of a new home with all your favorite amenities, let Princeton Classic Homes help make your dreams a reality with a beautiful new home in the Houston area. Contact Princeton today to find out more!

The National Association of Realtors reports that pending home sales have reached their highest levels in nearly a year, up 1.4 percent in March 2016 over March 2015. Low interest rates and a healthy labor market are contributing to this gain. However, there are significant differences in real estate markets throughout the country.

Low Interest Rates

Mortgage rates during the spring have remained low which has prompted many people to purchase homes, despite higher sale prices.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, "This spring's surprisingly low mortgage rates are easing some of the affordability pressures potential buyers are experiencing and are taking away some of the sting from home prices that are still rising too fast and above wage growth."

Healthy Labor Market

With relatively low unemployment rates (at 5 percent for the nation), more people are in a position to actually buy homes.

Western States

Recent years have not seen a proportion of single family new home construction to meet the demand in all regions. As a result, the western states are actually seeing supply shortages that are causing homes to rise in price until they are no longer affordable for the general population. Buyers in these areas are no longer purchasing homes at an increased rate.

While all other regions saw an increase, or at least stable, home sales rate, the West actually was the only region that saw a decline over the last 12 months.

"Demand is starting to weaken in some areas, particularly in the West, where the median home price has risen an astonishing 38 percent in the past three years," Yun said. "As a result, pending sales in the region have now declined in four of the last five months and are lower than one year ago for the third month in a row. Closed sales in the region in March were also below last year's pace."

The Western states, however, are seeing solid increases in job gains, which leaves economists hopeful that increases in income will help the region's home sales.

Northeast, South, and Midwest Regions

Around the rest of the country, however, demand is being met, with the PHSI in the Northeast increasing 3.2 percent in March. This is likely because the region has seen the slowest price movement over the last three years with only a 10 percent price gain.

The South and Midwest both experienced a 20 percent price gain which led the index to rise 0.2 percent in the Midwest, with no change in the South.

Building a new home is ideal for many people because it gives you the opportunity to make your own choices and plan for the way you want to live. It can be exciting to dream, and then watch those dreams be built from the ground up on the lot of your choice. Just be sure not to get so swept up in the excitement that you forget these crucial items when building a new home.

Determine Your Budget

Run the numbers and speak to a mortgage consultant to determine what you can afford. And then run the numbers again. Think about what goes into your current lifestyle and make sure you can maintain it with a new mortgage. Keep in mind you may encounter unplanned items along the way, so allow for a little cushion room to ensure you can proceed when something unexpected comes up.

Think About Your Future in the Home

Maybe you don’t have kids now, but you’ll want them in a few years. Think about the amount of bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need for a future family. Consider the right size for a backyard, as well as space for playing indoors. Or maybe your parents are getting older, and you want to eventually offer them a space to live with you. Consider things like accessibility and personal space in the design of your house.

Perhaps you only plan to live in the home for a short time, and then move on. In this case, make choices that would appeal to a wide variety of potential future buyers.

This brings us to our next point...

Keep Resale in Mind

Nobody can predict the future. Even if you plan to live in your new home until your dying days, something in your life could change that would necessitate a move. Make sure you build your home with a resale in mind. This will help you make upgrade and style choices that won’t be too extreme.

Make choices you really like, but also ask yourself along the way if your choices will appeal to others as well.

Keep Green in Mind

Not only will green building choices help in a resale, they’ll also help you to reduce your utility expenses while you live in your home. Choose energy efficient appliances and eco-friendly building materials as much as possible.

Placement, Placement, Placement

Sometimes you have a lot of say in the placement of rooms in your house. Sometimes you’re choosing from a select few floorplans. Take a good look, and consider how the room placement will work with your life.

Is the laundry room close to bedrooms, making it easy to transport clothing? Is the kitchen far from bedrooms so people won’t be woken up by appliances? Is there a bathroom guests can easily get to?

Make a list of your ideal requirements and work to find a floorplan that best fits those needs while recognizing that comprises will sometimes need to be made.

Think About the Nooks and Crannies

It’s so easy to forget about closet space and other storage areas when you’re building a new home. Without actually living in and using the space, it can be hard to predict how much room you’ll need in your storage spaces. Keep these in mind:

• Choose a pantry that is capable of holding all the groceries you keep on hand at any given time
• Think about where you’ll store your holiday and seasonal decorations
• Keep enough space in your bedroom closets for both double-hung rods and singles for your long clothing
• Make sure you have a linen closet
• Add cupboards and shelves in your laundry room

Be Prepared to Forget Something

There’s simply no way to cross every t and dot every i when it comes to building a new home. Without living in the home, you can’t possibly think of every single thing you’ll want in the future. When you work with a new home builder other people are happy with, you can feel reassured that the majority of items that are important to you are already taken care of.

The best thing to do is to make a list of your absolute necessaries, and work to get those first. And then shift your focus on the nice to have items and features. Be sure to think through things and work with a good local home builder such as Princeton Classic Homes to help you build your perfect home!

Many predicted the Houston housing market would not be able to maintain its momentum with plunging oil prices and many layoffs in the energy sector. Fortunately, those predictions have turned out to be wrong, and Houston's housing market is continuing strong in 2016.

This is drastically different from the major oil crisis in the 1980's, when the tanking economy caused foreclosures to shoot up. This time around, Houston’s housing market is much more resilient with the total number of single-family home sales reaching the second-highest level of all time in 2015. Why are things different this time around?

The likely reason is Houston’s economy is far more diverse now than it was in the 1980's. During the 1980's crisis, 87% of Houston’s workforce was employed in the oil industry. Now, with a much more diversified economy, fewer than half of the jobs in Houston are tied to the oil industry. So, when the oil industry is in a slump, the impact is found mostly within the industry -- not in the economy as a whole.

A Slight Slump

The oil slump in 2015 did slow things down in Houston’s housing market a little, but only enough to stabilize it, which is actually a good thing. Before the slump, demand had been going at a pace that new home builders just couldn’t keep up with. Now the market is better for both homebuyers and new home builders with a much healthier balance of supply and demand.

Houston Job Growth

The good news for Houston is that job growth is still going strong, which means more people can afford to buy. With current employment at 2.78 million, the highest in Houston’s history, the housing market will only continue to expand.

Pent-Up Housing Demand

With nearly half a million new jobs coming to the area over the past five years, Houston experienced a big population growth. Having fully settled in the area, many of these people are now getting ready to buy new homes, which is increasing the demand on new home builders.

To meet the demand of this type of growth, the area should have been building about 33,000 new homes per year, but was actually building about 26,000. So, demand is naturally still very high.

Home Builders Responding

New home builders are meeting the demand by building homes priced in the lower end of the market. While affordable new homes in the $150,000 - $250,000 price range are going fast, there are still a lot of options to choose from in this price range in new home communities throughout the Houston area. Homes priced at $250,000 or more are selling at a more reasonable rate in the Houston and surrounding area.

Like always, get your ducks in a row before you purchase a new home. Make a list of what you want, get your finances in order, and research local new home builders until you find the one that works best with your needs and wants.

Over the past few years, we have seen some interesting trends in the real estate market. Millennials have finally entered the market full force, baby boomers have begun to settle in their retirement homes, and multi-generational housing has become even more popular. Another real estate trend over the past couple of years is the decision of many home buyers to turn to new home builders, choosing to purchase new homes instead of buying resale homes on the market. What is driving this trend? In this article, we will answer this question by exploring the top seven things home buyers look forward to most when buying a new home.

1. Home Customization

The first thing every new home buyer looks forward to is being able to customize a home exactly the way they want. New home builders can build the perfect home that is customized to match individual styles and preferences. The ability to choose the exact design, floor plan, as well as the materials and finishes of cabinets, flooring, and countertops means home buyers can get exactly what they want. Home buyers can search and search the resale home market, but chances are they’ll never get the perfect fit that can be found in a new home.

2. Focusing on the ‘Want to Do’ List

Buying a used home can often lead to unexpected home projects that are expensive and frustrating to deal with. Resale home buyers may end up needing to soon replace the AC or update the windows. On the other hand, new home buyers can channel their money into things they really want to do with their home. While a new home builder can take care of all the initials wants, new home buyers can continue customizing as they go. And if a ‘have to do’ item does happen to pop up, there is a good chance it will still be covered under warranty.

3. Energy Efficiency

Technology is improving energy efficiency at a rapid pace. The new homes built today are even more energy efficient than those built even five years ago. New home builders can incorporate energy efficient options into just about every area of a house, including windows, insulation, and appliances. New home buyers not only look forward to lowering their environmental footprint, but also enjoy seeing a significant cost savings compared to what they would spend in an older home.

4. Home Safety

Home buyers want to feel safe in their own homes, especially when young children are living in the home. New homes provide a safer home than older homes by taking advantage of the latest technology and building standards. The circuit breakers are state-of-the-art, the HVAC system is up to date, and the paint contains fewer volatile organic compounds. These things and many more offer a home that new home buyers will feel safe in for years to come.

5. New Home Neighborhood

Good new home builders are very careful when selecting the locations they build in. New home communities are often built in the best up-and-coming areas. They are close to work and recreation and are located in good areas for schools. New home buyers not only look forward to living in a great area of town, but also developing close bonds with new neighbors who have also just moved in and are looking to form new friendships in the neighborhood as well.

6. Equity

Another thing new home buyers look forward to in their new homes is building equity, and buying a new home can quickly build equity. Instead of paying rent to a landlord and having nothing to show for it, each payment made is an investment in the future. New homes are equipped with the latest improvements, so they are often valued higher and raise equity faster than older homes.

7. Pride of Home Ownership

A final reason thing home buyers look forward to in their new homes is the sense of pride that the home was built especially for them. No one has lived in the home before, and it is like a blank canvas to create memories that will last a lifetime.

New homes have always been popular for some, but what is interesting about the current new home trend is that it is opening up to the masses. New homes are no longer just for the wealthy. In fact, new home builders report increasing interest in new home construction from everyone from millennials to retiring baby boomers. Affordable options plus benefits like customization, equity, and energy efficiency all make new homes an attractive and exciting choice for buyers in today’s market.

New construction homes are the hottest trend in the housing market right now with everyone from retiring baby boomers to millennials realizing they too can purchase a home that was designed and built especially for them. The thrill of new houses is the chance to customize the home to your lifestyle and preferences, which is why home design trends are a popular topic among designers and homebuyers alike. So what are the top home design trends for 2016? Read on to find out.

Home Layout

The open concept layout is the top choice for new homes in 2016. This trend has been fashionable for several years now, but it is still the most popular choice in new construction homes. With the open concept layout, the main level rooms are open. Without walls, this allows the kitchen, dining and living areas to all flow together. Home buyers prefer this style because it is perfect for entertaining and family togetherness. It allows everyone to easily see and communicate with one another even though they are technically in different rooms of the house.

Home Materials

We are also seeing several trends in the materials chosen for key areas of the house. Some material trends include:

• Countertops – Granite is still the most popular countertop material in new construction homes. However, some home buyers are moving away from this trend and opting for something more unique. Those who don’t choose granite are increasingly choosing engineered stones, especially quartz.
• Tiling – Tile is a commonly used material in new houses today. Many new construction homes have a tiled backsplash in the kitchen, and tile is also used in the increasingly popular stand-alone shower where tile may run from the floor to the ceiling. In both cases, homeowners are often opting for glass mosaic tiles, both in solids and patterns.
• Flooring – Hardwood flooring is still popular among today’s home buyers, but one trend among eco-friendly buyers is to use reclaimed lumber. As an alternative to hardwood, homebuyers are also turning to laminate (which has come a long way in terms of quality and style to truly mimic hardwood), or porcelain tile that can also be made to look like hardwood.

Home Colors

Many 2016 home buyers are looking for a contemporary style – crisp, clean, and reliant on modern color schemes. Therefore, neutrals are popular in new home construction, where the basic features of the home are done in classic colors, and the homeowner can add their personal touch by using more vibrant colors for the furniture and décor.

For kitchens, the white on white kitchen is still a popular trend for new houses. This includes white for all the important features such as white walls, white backsplash, and white cabinets. Those who don’t like the look (or the maintenance requirements) of white are choosing gray, particularly for cabinets.

Room Trends

Finally, to cover some trends related to specific rooms of the home, builders are noticing the following requests for new construction homes.

• Spa-Like Bathrooms – Homeowners are putting an emphasis on bathrooms in new houses of 2016, particularly the master suite. They want to create a spa-like retreat where they can get away from the hectic world outside. People are moving away from the combined shower-tub unit and requesting stand-alone showers and tubs that become beautiful focal points in the room.
• Bonus Rooms – Although new homebuyers enjoy the open concept living space on the main level, they also want to have a bonus room where they can get away and relax. The bonus room is customized to the lifestyle and desires of the homeowner, so it can be whatever you choose. Popular bonus room choices are media rooms, libraries, and wine rooms.
• Indoor-Outdoor Living – Although technically not a room, today’s homebuyers also want to maximize the function of their outdoor living spaces. Many new construction homes are being built with large sliding glass doors that help connect the inside with the outside. When opened, the homeowner can walk out to their own patio which has amenities such as fireplaces, grills, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, and more.

With the amazing trends we are seeing in new construction homes, it is no wonder why so many homebuyers are choosing new houses over used homes on the market. The ability to customize according to trends, preferences and lifestyle means those who chose to build can construct the home of their dreams.

The real estate market is picking up, making 2016 the perfect year to purchase a new home. Trends for this year include more people selling their homes because home values are increasing, millennials and others becoming first-time home buyers after years of saving up, and baby boomers downsizing into new homes that will lower their cost of living during their retirement years.

As all of these groups enter the housing market, one question everyone is asking is whether they should purchase a pre-existing home or build a brand new home. To help in the decision, we’ve created this list of the top 10 reasons people choose to buy new homes over used homes.

1. The Ability to Customize

The number one reason people give for building their own home is that it gives them the ability to customize. Buying a home is a huge purchase and something you will have to live with for years to come. Today’s new home builders can help build the exact home you’ve been dreaming of. Imagine having the perfect design and layout, decked out with your favorite flooring, cabinets, countertops and more. A home that was created just for you and your lifestyle. The possibilities are endless, and they are yours when you choose to build a new home.

2. The Ability to Choose Your Home Builder

Not only can you have a completely customizable home, but you also have the ability to choose who builds it. Let’s face it – all home builders are not the same. When you buy a used home, you always have to wonder who built it and what mistakes or flaws were made. When you choose to build from scratch, you can review new home builders in your area and choose the one that you are completely confident in.

3. Financial Advantages

Sure, it sounds nice to customize your own home and choose who builds it, but perhaps you are worried about the cost. If so, you will be happy to learn there are many financial advantages to deciding to build a new home versus just purchasing a used one. Some advantages include:

• A new home will include features that will save on energy costs.
• A new home will likely command a higher value if you decide to resell.
• A new home gives you the ability to roll the costs of upgrades into the mortgage, allowing you to enjoy upgrades right away and pay for them over time.

In addition, there are many avenues you can take when choosing to build a new home. You can go big and get complete customization, or you can choose a production home builder which limits some of your customization options but helps to keep the costs down. All in all, there are many financial advantages of new homes.

4. Contemporary Floor Plan

Getting back to the home itself, a new home will allow you to get a contemporary floor plan and layout. Floor plans change over time, but what many home buyers are looking for today is the open concept floor plan which is something that can be hard to find in used homes because this type of floor plan wasn’t always popular. With the ability to customize, new home builders can give you the floor plan and layout you want, which will make your new home a better fit for your family.

5. Improved Comfort and Air Quality

The stereotypical old home is dusty and drafty. While these conditions may not be glaringly obvious when you tour used homes, the fact is that there have been huge changes over the year in the standards and codes that new home builders must meet. With improvements in HVAC systems and better ways to seal the home so heated or cooled air does not escape, you will experience improved comfort and air quality in your new home.

6. Energy & Cost Savings

New homes also offer significant energy savings compared to used homes, and this translates into lower energy costs. As mentioned above, today’s new home builders apply the best techniques to seal up the home including using high-quality insulation and double- or triple-pane windows. Your energy usage is also lowered by installing energy efficient appliances and water-efficient features. These features will help you save money and the environment at the same time.

7. Safety

New homes are also safer than many used homes on the market. Safety is improved because your new home builders will be using the latest and safest building codes, as well as incorporating multiple safety measures including using fire retardant insulation and carpets, hard-wired smoke detectors, low VOC paints, and up-to-date circuit breakers.

8. Less Maintenance and Fewer Repairs

When you buy a used home, you are setting yourself up for a line of repairs and maintenance. Over time, things will start to show wear and to break down, which means stress and costly fixes. Repairs and maintenance aren’t really a concern for new homes because everything inside is new and many things are still under warranty for years to come. You won’t have to worry about if the furnace is going to break or when the walls will need painting. This is a savings for your wallet and your sanity.

9. New Home Communities

The benefits of new homes don’t just lie in their construction. In fact, we can look outside to find benefits too. Today’s new homes are often built in nice communities that have been created for new homes just like yours. Before construction, new home builders select the best locations for the communities so residents will be near good schools and close to work and recreational areas. Not only will you enjoy a prime location, you’ll also love the comradery you can build with your neighbors who have just moved in as well. Many new home communities also offer great neighborhood amenities such as parks and pools for local residents to enjoy and mingle with neighbors.

10. That New Home Feel

A final benefit of new homes over older homes is a little more intangible in nature – that new home feel. When you choose to build your own home, you’ll have the joy of knowing that it was built just for you and your family. It’s perfect in every way and is a home you can truly take pride in.

As homebuyers enter the real estate market in 2016, they will be contemplating whether to build their own home or buy a used home already on the market. The decision should be easy for most people, and these ten reasons hopefully help explain why more and more people are turning to new home builders to build the ideal home for them.

Multi-generational living – a living arrangement where at least two adult generations reside in the same home – is certainly not a new thing. Before World War II, it was a popular option for American families, and in some countries around the world, it is still the norm. It certainly has not been the norm in the United States until recently as multi-generational living is making its comeback. Today we’ll look at this trend as well as customized solutions from new home construction that help ease the transition.

A Look at Multi-Generational Living Over Time

In 1940, almost 25 percent of the population was living in a multi-generational household. When World War II ended, this living arrangement fell out of favor. In 1960, only 15 percent of the population had multi-generational living arrangements, and by 1980, it fell to an all-time low of 12.1 percent.

Since that time, we have experienced a reversal. In fact, the Pew Research Center has found that between 1980 and 2012, the number of multi-generational households has doubled. In 2012, there were 57 million Americans – almost one in five U.S. residents – living in multi-generational homes.

Factors Impacting the Growth of Multi-Generational Households

There are a number of factors that are influencing this trend in multi-generational living as well as many ways this trend could potentially play out.

Aging Populations

The aging population in the United States has given rise to two different multi-generational living arrangements, each revolving around the baby boomer generation.

People in the baby boomer generation are currently in a unique situation that has led them to sometimes be referred to as the “Sandwich Generation.” What this means is that many baby boomers still have living parents (from the Silent Generation) and children (from Generation X). Both of these factors make them more likely to be a part of a multi-generational housing arrangement. Some are living with elderly parents and taking care of them in one house while others are moving in with their kids so their children can take care of them.

Boomerang Kids

Another factor influencing the multi-generational living trend is young adults and college-aged students moving back in with their parents. These millennials came of age right as the recession struck. With large student loan debts, they were unable to support themselves financially so many chose to move back in with parents until they can get on their feet. While many are now venturing out and purchasing homes of their own, there are still a large number of boomerang kids living with their parents.

A variety of factors are pulling all of the generations back together again and making multi-generational living arrangements look like the best all-around option. Although it sounds like a tricky situation (and it can be) home builders are constructing new homes that make the living arrangements work out just fine.

New Home Builders Are Accommodating Multi-Generational Households

The main concern for a multi-generational living situation is its impact on privacy and independence. While there may be a desire to care for elderly grandparents or to help an adult child save up money while living at home for a while, everyone involved still wants to hold on to their own sense of privacy.

Luckily, new homes are being constructed to deal with the multi-generational living situation in a way that gives everyone both privacy and peace of mind. This is an area where new home construction is on the cutting edge of design. These new homes allow each generation to have access to amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living areas, thus combining privacy and closeness.

New home construction can allow you to create a ‘home within a home’ which uses a lock-off suite to divide the home into two fully functioning homes. Each has its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, living area, and a separate entrance. Some are even designed with laundry rooms and separate private garages.

These new homes can be designed side by side, in a row, on multiple levels, or by using a design that includes multiple wings. They all demonstrate how custom new homes can be designed to function perfectly for a multi-generational living situation.

New homes like these help solve the ‘problem’ that brought the generations together in the first place such as wanting to help an elderly grandparent or offering financial support to an adult child. However, they also help everyone involved retain their privacy and have a positive experience living together.

The changing demographics of the United States suggest that multi-generational living will continue to grow in popularity for years to come. New home construction offers customized solutions to facilitate this living arrangement and helps all parties enjoy the right balance of privacy and togetherness.