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Livabl

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Five tips for improving energy efficiency

Livabl April 16, 2024

Energy efficient features—and the cost-saving benefits—are expected by today’s new-home buyers. From Energy Star certified appliances to low-E windows, new construction homes are equipped with products and materials that ensure home buyers do not have worry about wasted energy or high utility bills.
“Ensuring housing for more of our neighbors”: Indigo in Texas focuses on diverse demographics and community

Livabl April 11, 2024

Homebuyers seeking to put down roots in Texas are discovering a new masterplanned community with a strong focus on people, community, and building neighborly connections.

Indigo is based in Fort Bend County and broke ground on its first phase in early 2023. The neighborhood will be 235 acres and is surrounded by cities such as Richmond and Sugar Land. The centerpiece of the community is a working farm (42 acres of the development are devoted to agricultural needs). There’s also a 25-acre lake and a 12-acre mixed use town center.
Redfin: 28 percent of new-home buyers don’t know how much their agent was paid

Livabl April 11, 2024

According to a report commissioned by Redfin last month, over one-quarter of respondents (28 percent) were unsure of the amount their agent was paid. Seventeen percent didn’t know how the amount was calculated, and 19 percent had no idea who paid the agent. The survey went out to almost 3,000 renters and owners, and the results zeroed in on those who had bought a home in the last year and used an agent (approximately 120).
Market snapshot: Washington, D.C., adjusts to rates with steady new-home sales

Livabl April 8, 2024

The recent spike in mortgage rates has had a more muted effect on Washington D.C.’s new-home sales than when they started their climb from record lows in 2022.

Despite rates shooting past 7%, the average new-home sales rate has been higher than a year ago, suggesting home buyers have adjusted to the new normal and are budgeting a larger portion of their income to housing.
Trex uses plastic waste to create unique campground experience

Livabl April 3, 2024

For the last four years, Trex and REI Co-op have worked together to repurpose plastic film waste gathered from the specialized outdoor retailer’s shops and fulfillment centers. The material is then used to make Trex’s composite decking, a long-lasting and environmentally responsible option for homeowners.
NAR: Millennials lead the home buying market

Livabl April 3, 2024

According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), millennials have snatched the largest share of the housing market.
Market snapshot: How Las Vegas is defying the odds

Livabl March 27, 2024

In the January Zonda Market Ranking, the metro area was significantly overperforming compared with its long-term historical average. Home builders are ramping up new construction, and starts activity has improved over the past six months.
Housing starts bounce back to double-digit growth in in February

Livabl March 20, 2024

Single‐family housing starts rose 11.6% in February to a rate of 1,129,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban…
Housing market update: Relative affordability, lot supply remain concerns

Livabl March 14, 2024

Builders are reporting offering smaller homes, buying land farther from urban centers, and paring back features to help lower costs and sales prices.
Gen Z and millennials are OK with higher interest rates

Livabl March 12, 2024

Younger generations are ready to make a move in their home buying journey this year, according to the latest ServiceLink State of Homebuying Report.
Revolutionize home efficiency with these eight new system products

Livabl February 28, 2024

Check out the latest electrical, plumbing, and energy-saving systems from Leviton, Rinnai, Legrand, and more.
She Built Foundation announces official launch

Livabl February 21, 2024

She Built, the newly established nonprofit encourages and inspires girls to take up building and construction careers.
Tri Pointe Homes targets expansion in 2024 with focus on central and southeast markets

Livabl February 20, 2024

Tri Pointe Homes is aiming for 17% year-over-year growth in home deliveries
Homeowners are staying put twice as long as they did in 2005

Livabl February 16, 2024

Homeowners are not moving any time soon. In 2005, homeowners spent 6.5 years in the same residence. That number has jumped to 11.9 years.
Rising housing costs continuing to drive inflation

Livabl February 13, 2024

The cost of shelter is continuing to drive consumer inflation. The shelter index accounted for over two-thirds of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Realtor.com: Lower mortgage rates translating to improved affordability

Livabl February 12, 2024

The drop of mortgage rates by more than 100 basis points since their peak at 7.8% has translated into savings of approximately $366 every month, according to analysis by Realtor.com. The calculation assumes a median price of $414,000 and a 10% down payment, which results in an average monthly payment of approximately $2,385.