BUILDER’S CORNER: “State of the Union” by Craig Builders

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 Craig Builders. We sat down with T.J. Southmayd, 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?

T.J. Southmayd: Thoughtful. Quality. Custom. In 2015, perhaps more than ever, our customers were seeking a new home that delivered on this trifecta. The real estate market in Charlottesville, especially the new home market, offered more options to buyers than in the previous five years. With more options for where and with whom to build, our buyers were looking for thoughtfully designed, quality built homes, that they could customize based on the way they live their lives.

Master Suite - Out of Bounds

NR: What local design trends stood out in 2015?

T.J.: Interestingly, we felt like the local design trend that stood out in 2015 was a diversity of design. Across many neighborhoods we heard our customers asking for all variations of exterior design. This included traditional brick exteriors, contemporary townhomes, and our trademark heritage styles. We’re excited to be completing our painted brick elevator townhomes in Out of Bounds, which will provide our customers with yet another option for the exterior of their home.

NR: What were buyers demanding in 2015?

T.J.: It will likely come as no surprise that our customers are continuing to focus on the kitchen. With our open concept floorplans, the kitchen continues to be the heart of the home. It’s where families and couples spend their time. Custom cabinet layouts, beautiful appliances, and spacious breakfast nooks are just some of the ways homeowners are making the kitchens their own. With the introduction of our new design studio later this month, we’re looking to make the process of customizing even easier for our customers.

Kitchen

NR: What national building trends are you following?

T.J.: We’re always hesitant to jump on trends, however, we’ve been thrilled to embrace the trend of buyers looking to customize the outside of the home as much as they want to customize the inside. This has manifested itself in many ways including our introduction of rooftop verandas in Lochlyn Hill, and we’ll soon be incorporating an outstanding outdoor entertaining space in our next model home in Old Trail. Another trend we’ve been following is the constant evolution we’re seeing in systems and technologies for the home. As an example, we’ve begun to implement more energy efficient tankless water heaters in all of our homes, including recirculating lines that allow all of our customers to enjoy on-demand hot water.

NR: What are you excited about for 2016?

T.J.: What excites us about 2016 is what excites us every year—the opportunity to help our customers build a house that they’ll come to call home. Every home we build is different and is built to suit each unique homeowner. The process of collaboration and customization continues to challenge us as a builder, but makes the final walk thru even more rewarding when we reveal a brand new home that’s been designed with all of our customers needs in mind.

Exterior-2 copy

NR: Any product, neighborhood, development, or other offering that our clients may find of interest?

T.J.: We strive to build in the most desirable areas around Charlottesville as well as offer custom opportunities with our “build on your own lot” program. We’re excited to open a brand new model in Out of Bounds off Barracks Road later this month. We also will be a part of two brand new communities this year, Cascadia and Hillbrook, and have brand new phases opening up in existing communities, Foothill Crossing, Old Trail and Avinity. 2016 is sure to be an exciting year for new homes in Charlottesville!

NR: Thank you so much T.J. for speaking with us on behalf of Craig Builders. Sounds like we have a lot to look forward to!

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To find out more about Craig Builders, contact T.J. Southmayd. T.J. is a builder representative with local builder, Craig Builders. Shortly after graduating from UVa, T.J. decided to call Charlottesville home and began his career in real estate. As a representative for Craig Builders, he assists clients in all aspects of new construction from site selection to closing.

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