We’re teaming up with some of our favorite local builders to get a snapshot of the current real estate market from their perspective. We’ve asked them to share their unique viewpoint on trends, products, and buyer interest. Join us as we we chat with a different builder each week.
This week our “State of the Union” snapshot comes from Bramante Homes. We sat down with Greg Slater, the builder representative for Nest Realty.
Nest Realty: Can you begin by telling us what three words would you use to describe 2015? And why?
Greg Slater: Confidence. Progress. Solar. Market conditions in our area are stable and improving. This leads to a more confident home buyer, who is willing to have the conversation about investing in the right home for the long term and getting there via custom building. Many have stayed in place in the wake of the recession waiting for the right conditions and opportunities to arrive. The developers have made much progress in the past year getting new communities to the market. We also felt the strong interest in solar as we embraced this and displayed on two model homes last year.
NR: What local design trends stood out in 2015?
GS: Locally we live in a very diverse market. While first floor master home designs are in demand, homes with first floor bedrooms suites, that are not the master, are in demand as well. We have noticed an increase in desirability of larger showers vs soaking tubs, walk in closets are not just for the master bedroom anymore, and many buyers like the ability to make their home more functional, unique, and stylish through adding custom built additions in the mudroom, laundry, and in closet space. We enjoy helping our clients achieve the features important to them through our hands-on custom process.
NR: What were buyers demanding in 2015?
GS: Quality built homes that cause lasting value and a communicative, trustworthy relationship with their builder.
NR: What national building trends are you following?
GS: We are building energy efficient homes for our clients and in some cases taking it as far as adding solar to really lower the cost of operation of the home.
NR: What are you excited about for 2016?
GS: All market indicators point towards a strong real estate market this year. We enjoy helping those that are ready for a lifestyle move and in a position to custom build the home of their dreams.
NR: Any product, neighborhood, development, or other offering that our clients may find of interest?
GS: We just introduced our new model home in Westlake at Foothill Crossing to the market. Located in Crozet, this home will give us the opportunity to display our product and have good conversations about the building process.
NR: Thank you so much Greg for speaking with us on behalf of Bramante Homes. The new Westlake home is gorgeous! We look forward to seeing what 2016 brings for Bramante Homes.
To learn more about Bramante Homes, contact Greg Slater. Greg is an Associate Broker with Nest Realty, and has extensive experience in most segments of the residential market and is known as one of the area’s foremost new construction experts.