To say there have been some ups and downs in the housing marketing over the past decade would certainly be an understatement at best. Constant economic changes have led to an often unpredictable real estate market over the past several years, leaving everyone from home buyers to new home builders wondering what to expect.

2015 was a strong year for most housing markets across the U.S. and there has been no real sign of any market slowdown in 2016. With the tumultuous cycle we’ve seen over the past several years though, there are a lot of people still wondering if this momentum will continue through 2016. If you’re curious about what to expect in the 2016 housing market, take a peek at our top real estate predictions for 2016.

1. Housing Market Returning to Normal

The housing market crash has had a far-reaching effect on the real estate industry. Many homeowners defaulted on their mortgages and lost their homes, banks changed their lending criteria to make it harder to secure financing, and there was a huge decrease in new home construction as buyer demand came to a halt. The combination of these factors along with the economic recession brought about abnormal trends to the real estate market and unpredictable times.

The clouds began to part a few years ago, and we have since seen some real positive signs in the housing market. Many markets could even have been classified as abnormally hot sellers’ markets in 2015 with home values soaring and homes selling as soon as they hit the market. In 2016, experts predict we will see a more normal real estate industry that includes reasonable increases in home values and sales.

2. Higher Interest Rates

With all signs pointing to a stronger, more stable real estate market, the federal government finally decided to raise interest rates at the end of 2015. The first rate hike of 0.25 percent occurred in December, and experts say that if the economy continues to improve, we can expect to see more hikes in 2016 – totaling as much as a full percentage point bump.

Higher interest rates of course mean buyers will be faced with higher mortgage rates and monthly payments, but there are actually some important benefits to higher interest rates.

• A stronger U.S. dollar in the worldwide economy.
• Higher returns for people saving money.
• More interest income for retired individuals.
• An increase in banks willingness to lend out money.

The combination of these effects should have a positive impact on the 2016 housing market. With banks loaning more money, we’ll see an increase in existing home sales as well as new construction. And although increased interest rates will mean higher mortgage rates as well, the threat of increases will likely nudge buyers and sellers who are on the fence to make their move now while rates are still relatively low.

3. Generational Trends

The 2016 real estate market is predicted to include some important generational trends as well. In particular, industry experts expect to see more millennials and baby boomers in the housing market.

Millennials have developed a reputation for not subscribing to traditional beliefs about homeownership which are tied to the American Dream. In the years after the housing market crash, we saw many college students “boomerang” back home to live with their parents after graduation, and the majority of those who actually ventured out on their own decided to rent instead of buy.

However, new evidence shows that homeownership is just as important to millennials, and the reason many have held back has more to do with their financial situation than their desire to own a home. This has many experts predicting 2016 will be the year that many millennials decide to enter the housing market. This is good news for new home builders as many millennials who have been saving up over the past several years will be looking to purchase brand new homes.

The other generational group to watch in 2016 will be baby boomers. As a large number of baby boomers hit retirement age, experts predict they will look to sell their large homes and downsize to smaller ones in order to lock in a lower expense for the retirement years. New construction homes will also be popular among baby boomers who want to downsize but still customize their home to their changing lifestyle.

4. An Increase in New Construction Homes

2016 real estate trends point to a strong growing housing market. More millennials and baby boomers will enter the market and the increasing willingness of banks to lend will facilitate home buying. This will likely mean new home builders will be busy trying to keep up with demand.

In particular, experts predict the increase in millennial home buyers will lead to an increase in affordable new home construction being built this year. With more savings in their pockets, millennials will explore the option of building a new home where they can add their own customizations.

5. Home Prices & Sales to Increase

Another result of the growing housing market in 2016 will be an increase in home prices. Demand for homes will drive prices up, and financial data analysts at CoreLogic are even predicting home prices will increase faster than the rate of inflation.

Experts estimate home prices could increase by 4 to 5 percent in 2016, and this will likely tempt many homeowners to cash out of their equity and move up to a larger home. Many homeowners have been sitting back waiting out the unpredictable real estate market, but the improved economy and increase in home values will signal to many that this is the right year to sell.

6. Rents to Increase

A final prediction for the 2016 housing market is that rental rates will increase. This isn’t exactly new news as rents have been increasing at a faster pace than home prices for some time now. However, steady demand in the rental market and low vacancy rates mean rents could skyrocket in 2016.

For those interested in investing in the rental market, 2016 should be a great year to jump in. Banks will be more willing to lend and increased rent mean a higher return on investment. Although some renters are stuck in situations that make it hard to buy a home (not enough savings, lower credit scores, etc.) this prediction means 2016 is a great year for those who can quality for a home loan to finally make a purchase.

Overall, 2016 real estate trends offer a positive outlook for new home builders, real estate agents, homebuyers, and home sellers alike. These favorable conditions will likely lead to a lot of moving and shaking in the 2016 housing market, so get ready for an exciting year!

According to a new housing affordability report, Houstonians are better off buying a home than renting. Now is the time, not just to buy a home, but to build your home. Princeton Classic Homes is a premier luxury home builder in Houston.

On average, Houstonians spend 12.3% of their monthly income on a mortgage payment in comparison to the 30.6% Houstonians spend on their rent payments. The Bayou City is one of the best cities in the country for people thinking of taking the leap from renting to buying.

Princeton Classic Homes is here to help you make the leap. We build your home in any of our master-planned communities or we build on your own lot. We give you the opportunity to build a luxury home within your means.

Houston ranks as No. 2 among 34 cities offering the biggest savings between renting and buying a home. This is the place to build your lifetime home.

Nationally, the average American spends 15% of their monthly income on a mortgage payment. The average American spends 30.2% of their monthly income on rent payments. Houston is doing better in the housing market than a majority of the nation.

Houston homes are relatively more affordable than homes in other major cities across the nation. We’re here to help you get into the home you’ve always wanted and can afford. You could not find a better time to build your lifetime home. Not only are mortgage payments cheaper than rent payments, but we can build you luxury within your means.

Find your Houston home with us. We have ready-to-build and move-in-ready inventory available. You can chat with us – no matter what your financing needs are. Princeton Classic Homes is ready, willing, and able to make your move up as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Building your dream home is exciting. Nothing beats walking into a brand new home built just for you and your needs. Does your furniture fit your new home? Even if you’ve never built your own home, finding furniture or art that matches your personality is important. Decorate your rooms to match your design.

The Design Antique Show Houston is a new home decor market. This unique shopping experience brings together the charm of antique markets to Houston’s urban setting. An array of home furnishings including: industrial, antiques, mid-century modern and contemporary furniture, art, textiles, architectural elements, garden design, and more are featured there. This is the perfect place to find home furnishings that fit your personality and style.

These are pieces you won’t find in a furniture or home decor store. You build a home designed to reflect you and your style. Why should your furniture and decor be anything less?

This weekend is a great opportunity to find home furnishings that fit your style and home. November 6th, 7th, and 8th you can shop DASH. You not only get the day to explore unique pieces from Round Top and Warrenton, but this show has food trucks, free parking, and music. Children and pets are more than welcome.

November 6th from 10-8pm, the 7th from 10-6pm, and the 8th from 10-4pm explore what DASH has to offer. Admission is only $10 for an entire day of discovering treasures that express your personality and style.

Take a look at the list of dealers to see who best represents your style. You might find a dining set your house wouldn't be complete without. Or you might find a couch you need to build your dream house around.

If you do find that couch you can’t live without, but don’t have the house to go with it; we can help. Princeton can help you through the process of building your own home and give you a home that truly reflects you. Talk with us today and we can get you started on the journey to your dream home.

Image - Design Antique Show Houston

The Housing Market Index sees continued growth in the housing market. The index number has jumped three points this month from 61 to 64. This continues a five-month trend of strong numbers.

This number is based off a National Association of Home Builders survey where home builder’s gauged the perception of current sales, expectation of sales and the traffic of prospective buyers. The NAHB says the industry is strengthening at a gradual, but consistent pace.

Home builder’s confidence in the housing market has reached a level not seen in 10 years. Builders in the West were the most confident about the housing market with the South following at a close second. This is a perfect time for you to look towards building your dream home. Princeton Classic Homes doesn’t just build homes, we build luxury homes on your lot in Houston and San Antonio.

Chief Economist for NAHB, David Crowe, stated, “with firm job creation, economic growth and the release of pent-up demand, we expect housing to keep moving forward as we start to close out 2015.” The single-family housing market is showing lasting gains as more serious buyers come forward.

With confidence in the market so high, schedule an appointment with us so we can get you on the way to your dream home. Your don’t have to put off the home you’ve always wanted. We can build your luxury home on your land or ours.

We offer communities in both Houston and San Antonio if you choose not to build on your own land. We have 4 communities in San Antonio and 15 in Houston. You have the choice to build the home of your dreams in one of our great communities or on your own land.

Princeton Classic Homes is a phone call away. Contact us so we can get you into the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Texas is a great state to live in. Out-of-staters agree. Chances are, if you don’t already live in Texas, you probably will someday.

Last year, Texas was the second-most popular out-of-state migration destination. 538, 572 people from out-of-state moved to Texas, coming in second only to Florida. The biggest number, 63,591, came from California. Florida, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Illinois were the next biggest donators.

Texas had a net gain of 103,465 out-of-state residents. Harris County in Houston, Dallas County and Tarrant County in DFW, and Travis County in Austin saw the highest gains in out-of-state residents.

Texans from Houston to DFW, or Austin to San Antonio, know they made the awesome choice to live in the great state of Texas. If you find yourself moving to our wonderful state consider yourself lucky because Princeton Classic Homes has communities in both Houston and San Antonio.

There’s a reason so many people are choosing to move here and each city brings it own spark of life to Texas. Houston is America’s Favorite Food City. San Antonio has the NBA 2014 Champions, the Spurs.

Our communities in San Antonio and Houston are perfect for your first step into the great state of Texas. We’re happy to get you started on the best decision of your life.

The 8th annual AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run is this weekend. This is a great opportunity to participate in an event that benefits melanoma research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Robin Roberts, cancer survivor and anchor at Good Morning America, will emcee the event. Come out this Saturday and show support for the great research MD Anderson is doing.

This event is free to anyone wishing to show their support. Participants are encouraged to raise $50. AIM for the CURE will take place at 1220 Holcombe Blvd. with registration beginning at 6pm.

AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run will include sunscreen application demonstrations and education and awareness information. There will be massages available, a UV camera, food vendors, and children’s activities.

The events location in Houston’s Medical District makes this a great day activity for you and the family. The AIM at Melanoma Foundation represents the voice of those affected by melanoma in the US and foster the growth of new advocacy efforts throughout other countries.

Come out to benefit melanoma cancer research and support cancer survivors the world over. You not only enjoy a free event with a great message, but you are helping find a CURE.

Image - MD Anderson Cancer Center and The AIM at Melanoma Foundation

Princeton Classic Homes are in convenient proximity to shops and amenities. One such amenity is the free concert series at the Tower of the Americas in the heart of San Antonio. Residents at Park of Cimarron and Tivoli are close enough for a Friday night out to the concert.

The Party on the Tower Plaza free concert series offers three opportunities in the month of September to experience free music, food, and fun. This Friday, Party on the Tower Plaza will have live music by Crossfire. There will be food and fun from 7pm until 11pm.

On September 18th you can experience live music by Lick, and enjoy food and fun. September 25th you can enjoy live music from Chill Factor, and of course, great food, drinks, and fun. All free concert series are from 7pm until 11pm. The Tower Cafe, located on the Observation Deck, offers great food, Starbucks coffee, and more.

These free concert series are a great event for the whole family. The Party on the Tower Plaza offers fun in the form of bounce houses and rock walls. Kids can enjoy the bounce house while you enjoy music and drinks. Everyone can enjoy the food and the local sounds of San Antonio.

The free concert series can be enjoyed every Friday up until October 30th. Each Friday night is a new chance to experience local sounds of San Antonio and to have fun with the whole family.

Communities of Raleigh Creek and Laurel Glen 70’s prepare yourself for country music and great food. The Tomball Music Festival is this Saturday in the historic downtown Depot Plaza.

The festival begins at 11am and lasts until 6pm. You can enjoy music from Texas country rockers Two Tons of Steel, honky tonker Jesse Raub Jr. and some local favorites Silverado and Darbi Shaun.

The schedule is as follows:

Darbi Shaun: 11 - 11:45am

Silverado: 12:30 - 2pm

Jesse Raub, Jr.: 2:30 - 4pm

Two Tons of Steel: 4:30 - 6pm

The Tomball Music Festival isn’t all about music. You can expect some fantastic food. There will be barbeque, burgers, and delicious festival foods. Nonnie’s Cafe and Creamery and Brautigam’s Grill are right across the street for a great selection of sit-down dining.

A dozen vendors will be present with homemade, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more. Be sure to bring the kids! There will be a kids zone for them to play and have fun in. Don’t fret the cost either, admission and parking are free

This is the second annual Tomball Texas Music Festival, and your Princeton community puts you close to all the fun, so come out and help make this great event a tradition.

Spring, TX will be getting its first Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt shop. The location, which is expected to open by the end of the month, is at the corner of Louetta and Cutten. In the next five years, more locations are set to open in The Woodlands, Katy, and other suburbs; close to a number of Princeton communities.

The concept of Sub Zero is unique from other ice cream shops. Sub Zero makes each order immediately following the customer's choice of ice cream, custard, soy, rice milk, or yogurt base. Next you mix in your choice of flavors, which can include marshmallow, blackberry, and cinnamon, among others. Top it off with nuts, sprinkles, or a cherry and you’re all set!

Their products are frozen using -321 degrees of liquid nitrogen. According to Sub Zero, this makes each individual serving creamy and smooth in about 15 seconds.

Not in the mood for ice cream? Sub Zero also offers smoothies, shakes, and pies.

Sub Zero is not the only sweet treat shop coming to the Spring area. Check out this articleto see other shops that can satisfy your sweet tooth.

San Antonio’s housing market has been very hot this year - it broke records in June when 2,925 homes were sold. Median home price also increased, from $189,200 to $200,900.

The city’s strong housing market is attracting more and more attention, and some of the best neighborhood areas to move to may soon have no more vacancy. Here is a list of the top neighborhoods that have the fastest growing local real estate, in no particular order, curated from a great photo slideshow from my San Antonio.

• Kinder Ranch
• Talise de Culebra
• Stonehaven
• Amber Creek
• Whisperwind
• The Summit at Alamo Ranch
• River Chase - See our available luxury homes
• Avery Park
• Estonia Estates
• Wildhorse at Tausch Farms
• Silver Oaks
• Bulverde Village
• Northeast Crossing
• Redbird Ranch
• Alamo Ranch - Hill Country Retreat
• Alamo Ranch - Riverstone
• Indian Springs
• Remuda Ranch
• Turning Stone
• Laurel Mountain Ranch
• Foster Meadows
• Luckey Ranch
• Champions Park
• Wortham Oaks
• Stillwater Ranch

Seize the opportunity today to find your dream home in this fast-paced market.