It’s that time of year again! Well, not exactly “now” but it’s only a month away. Homearama 2012 will be held July 14th-29th in two Louisville neighborhoods: Shakes Run and Rock Springs.
One of the sites for Homearama 2012 will be Shakes Run, off Eastwood Fisherville Road. The other is Rock Springs off Highway 22 in Northeast Jefferson County.
After last year’s Homearama in Norton Commons, we return to the site of the 2010 Homearama, Shakes Run, with a second site added to the Northeast of Louisville in a neighborhood called Rock Springs.
Looks at the amazing trey ceilings in this yet-to-be-finished Homearama home.
I caught up to Jeremy McGraw, of Provident Homes, builder of Homearama 2009′s Favorite Home, to learn about current trends in Louisville new construction.
First, given the increase in Louisville home sales to start the year, I asked if the same was true for his new construction business.
“Definitely” said McGraw, “this is the most active the market has been in the last four to five years.”
When asked about what he saw as current trends, he cited several that match up rather well with national practices highlighted in major trade magazines; the first being a push for smaller homes.
“There’s a tendency to go to a smaller, more efficient space,” said McGraw.
Does that mean no bells and whistles? Nope.
“In the past, only larger homes had a high level of finish but today clients want those high-end finishes in a smaller home.”
There’s also move away from formal dining rooms altogether. “More than half of all my homes don’t have them,” said McGraw.
This is one of two Provident Homes in the 2012 Homearama. Almost entirely complete on the exterior, there are still some items to complete inside to be ready for July 14th.
Simply because something is green, doesn’t mean consumers are buying. Energy-saving green products that reduce costs are in demand here in Louisville, but buying renewable green products because it helps the environment isn’t a priority with today’s home buyers.
I learned an insider tip that may surprise you.
Perception is Homearama homes, with all their high-end features, come at a cost premium. But I learned that’s not true, they’re actually incredible buys.
Painters are finishing some exterior work on this stylish home built by Barry Buttorff.
“[Buying a Homearama home is] a great way to walk into some equity,” says McGraw, “because of discounts that many suppliers provide to get their products more exposure.”
In addition to great floor plans, builders work with leading Louisville interior designers to make a splash with the insides of their homes.
The event primarily is a marketing medium for these Louisville home builders, with the hope that the additional exposure will bring new clients.
So there you go! We have a month until the event arrives to give the builders and their crews time to finish these amazing homes. And it gives us more time to check with loan specialists to see if buying a Homearama home is financially feasible.
For ticket information and more, go to the Home Builders Association website for Homearama 2012.
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