North Columbus News

The recent "Design & Construction Week" event in Las Vegas highlighted several emerging trends that could impact the real estate business this spring. The event, one of the largest annual gatherings for construction and design professionals, showcased the latest building innovations and home design trends through education sessions and 1.2 million square feet of exhibits.

In a combined presentation of the 2025 International Builders’ Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, several themes emerged. One significant trend is that it remains an opportune time to buy new homes or focus on new-home niches in real estate. New-home sales reached their highest market share in 20 years during 2024 as buyers increasingly turn to newly built homes. Builders are responding to housing affordability concerns by offering incentives such as contributions toward closing costs, design credits, and mortgage rate buy-downs. Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders, noted that existing home sales might need more price discovery and discounting similar to homebuilding over the past two years.

Another trend is increased choices for buyers due to a rise in listings within the existing home market despite ongoing shortages. Builders are emphasizing options like move-in-ready spec homes—properties built before securing a buyer—and increasing townhome construction nationwide due to its cost-effectiveness compared to single-family detached homes.

Homebuilders also expressed concerns about potential challenges facing market momentum in 2025. Regulatory costs contribute significantly to new home prices, while tariffs could raise costs for appliances and softwood lumber sourced from international trade.

The remodeling sector continues thriving with rising home prices over recent years encouraging homeowners to reinvest in their properties. Remodeling contractors report high demand focusing primarily on kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces along with regular maintenance projects identified by Angi’s State of Home Spending report.

A growing mantra within residential construction is wellness-focused designs aimed at creating restful retreats blending indoor-outdoor elements using organic materials/textiles along with earth-tone color schemes incorporating circadian rhythm lighting systems designed around enhancing mood/sleep quality alongside other product innovations promoting health benefits like ice plunge baths gaining popularity indoors/outdoors alike.

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