As industry experts begin to anticipate the impending recovery of real estate markets nationwide, they point toward mid-2009 as the time when we could start seeing things turnaround based on historic data.
According to housing industry experts who study housing cycles and the relationship of employment to housing demand, now is the time to get ready for reviving markets. With new home inventories starting to shrink and prices beginning to stabilize in many markets, the best phase of the housing cycle is just around the corner and could take many by surprise.
In fact, Scott Stroud, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the business of marketing, designing, selling and building homes to J. Rouleau & Associates and the BuilderRadio.com team, recently cited some provocative reasons why now might be the best time ever to build the new home of your dreams.
These include the inevitable reality that housing is cyclical, interest rates continue to remain at historic lows, material costs are beginning to climb and rising demand is predicted to outpace the combination of existing inventory and new starts.
Carmen Ware, sales manager of Olthof Homes, couldn't agree more.
"Right now you are seeing something priced at $150,000 that would have been $200,000 a year ago," she said. "When the market starts to heat up again, you can bet that rising costs will go right along with it. I've heard some people say they just want to wait and see what the market is going to do next, but my experience tells me that they really aren't doing themselves any favors by waiting - the only thing that waiting guarantees is an erosion of your buying power."
Well-known for their demonstrated durability and value, Olthof-built homes are located in some of the most sought-after locations throughout northwest Indiana and available in a variety of styles and floor plans to make your dreams come true. Family-owned and operated since 1961, Olthof Homes strategically plans and designs each of their individual communities with a desirable selection of amenities in order to create a unique, resort-like setting where you can enjoy life in your new home.
"We've had the good fortune of being able to capture what people are looking for in a new community, along with what they need in a new home," Ware said. "We've already closed on 191 brand new homes this year and are on track to hit 210+ with the closings scheduled for the remainder of December Those are incredible numbers and they are absolute confirmation that we were prepared for the changing market. Now, we are looking forward to the New Year with quite a few maintenance-free homes ready for people who are looking forward to beating the July 1st deadline for the $7,500 Federal Income Tax Credit."
With Olthof's signature open-design concept dominating the company's floor plan options across the board, for a limited time, you can choose from Single Family Homes starting at $159,900 and Easy Living maintenance-free Single Family Villas starting at $180,400, Paired Cottages starting at $137,100, Town Homes starting at $109,400 and Terrace Homes starting at $124,900.
The Single Family Collection includes two ranch and four 2-story options that feature plenty of sought-after flex space that can be used for home offices or children's game rooms. The exteriors have been updated with the latest design elements in combinations that range from simple and understated to grand and elaborate offering fresh new looks for every preference.
Offering first-time homebuyers, empty nesters and others all the conveniences of a maintenance-free lifestyle, the Easy Living Collection comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your unique needs.
To help you get started finding the new Olthof home of your dreams, take a look at their current locations and each community's key amenities:
Cedar Lake - Centennial is located on Parrish Ave. just east of Route 41 with walking trails, generous park space, colorful playground, several beautiful ponds accented and 35 acres of open space.
Crown Point - Covington is located west of 1-65 and south of 231 on Delaware with a heavily-wooded park, winding walking trails and serene ponds. Hamilton Square is located on 113th St. just east of Delaware St. with plans for a luxury clubhouse equipped with community swimming pool, scenic ponds, beautiful fountains and large village green park areas. Pentwater is located on Delaware St. just east of Broadway with an historic restored barn, full clubhouse with fitness center plus social rooms and kitchen, outdoor pool with sundeck, natural community park with gazebo, well-equipped playground, winding walking trails and dramatic ponds. Wyndham Woods is located on Marshall St. just south of St. Anthony Hospital with an amazingly private naturally-wooded setting and winding walking trail.
Dyer - Hearthstone is located on Deer Creek Dr. west of Route 41, nestled alongside an incredible 40-acre nature preserve with movie theaters, restaurants and Dyer's developing Calumet Avenue corridor within walking distance. Rockwell is located on Great Lakes Dr. just east of Calumet Ave. is in the Grand Closeout Stage and features a full clubhouse. Village Circle is located on Route 30 east of Calumet Avenue making commuting a breeze with lovely landscaping, picturesque pond and a 9-acre community park.
St. John - Grouse Point is located on Blaine St. just east of Cline Ave. with a 15-acre nature preserve, well-equipped park and playground area plus a calming pond. Lake Hills is located on W. 85th St. just east of US 41 where you'll find rolling hills, calming lakes, scenic open areas, dense forests, fishing lake and community park areas complete with an amphitheatre. Saddle Creek is located on 101st St. just east of Calumet Ave. with a central family playground, scenic trails, picturesque ponds and an open green space with gazebo and picnic tables. Silverleaf is located on 109th St. just west of White Oak Ave. with a central community park, playground, nature preserve and pond.
"Our passion is for you to enjoy life at your new community and in your new home," Ware said. "Many of our customers have been looking at existing homes and have found that they really need to leave their comfort zone, financially speaking, in order to find an existing home that is acceptable. They're thrilled when they learn they can get the brand new Olthof home of their choice, have it built with their personal selections, and enjoy the benefits of a limited 10 year warranty backed by our staffed Customer Care department, all for a very competitive price."
FOR MORE INFO
For complete details, visit the Olthof Homes Information Center of your choice today from 10am-5pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 11am-6pm and Friday from 11am-5pm. You'll find more details at www.olthofhomes.com or by visiting the corporate office, which is located at 8051 Wicker Ave. in St. John (across from Lake Central High School), or calling (219) 558-8080.
