Home builders nationwide are struggling in every market segment and are doing everything possible to ensure their survival. But there are some bright spots—places where the situation isn’t so dire or where savvy builders are innovating despite the economic downturn. Here are some of the latest stories:
Custom home building has slackened around Bay City, Mich., but the remodeling segment is going strong, according to the local home builders association. Home builders in the Lake Huron area have developed several strategies for coping with the slower pace of business, The Bay City Times reports.
An ultra-high-end condo building in Philadelphia so far appears to be unaffected by the national housing downturn, having just sold a unit for a record-high price and expecting similarly high-dollar closings on several remaining units. But other high-rise, luxury condos in the city are bringing in the big bucks as well, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Builders, landscapers, and other home-improvement professionals are gearing up for a busy spring work season in Abilene, Texas, expecting demand for their services to be as strong as in previous years. Given that custom home building has held relatively steady locally, the local home builders association has a positive outlook for the spring building season. Abiliene Biz e-magazine reports.
Remodeling is stronger than home building in Steamboat Springs, Colo., as homeowners take advantage of contractors’ downtime to maintain or upgrade their current homes. Some home builders there—as in many other regions—are shifting their focus to additions, renovations, and smaller remodels. Steamboat Pilot & Today reports.
