David Ellis, Executive Officer with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association shares with us what Atlanta real estate buyers want and why they should consider buying a new Atlanta home. Here’s the list of what homebuyers said they want from a recent survey:

• Energy savings options are must haves for new home buyers (except solar panels)
• 80% of survey respondents rate energy-related options as “extremely” important
• Boomers favor low maintenance building materials and high maintenance windows
• Half of respondents would pay $5,000 to $10,000 more for the home to save money in the long run

Overall, consumers want a simpler plan, buying the biggest, flashiest house is no longer a priority for new home shoppers. Due to the recent economic woes, fewer buyers are willing to spend beyond their means. Consumers are often comparing new homes to foreclosures. Ellis outlined the benefits of buying new homes versus the downside to purchasing foreclosures.

Benefits of buying Atlanta new homes:

• Building a community together
• Start with a clean slate
• Outlets, outlets everywhere

What about purchasing a foreclosure:

• Purchasing property as is
• Disgruntled owners
• No warranty
• The selection is limited
• Need to be a savvy (lucky) buyer

Atlanta has been one of the fastest growing cities in America. We need to build confidence in housing and new housing inventory. We need to move forward and really sell what is great about Atlanta.