By Bary Potoker
Are things looking rosy for this year? That’s
not just the name of my new and adorable,
three month old golden retriever pup, but
things appear to look brighter and rosier for
2013. I am encouraged to say the least.
The Saratoga Builders Association is coming
off another tremendous Showcase of Homes
event this past fall. We presented 19 properties
from 16 award-winning builders, all displayed
in Saratoga County. There were new single
family homes, new apartment homes and even
renovated homes on tour this year.
Corporate sponsorships were significantly up which is a healthy business signal. Consumer traffic and ticket sales were down slightly partly because of the sluggish but recovering economy. In the end, the event was a success as we were proud and fortunate to present a check for $66,000 back into our community to our designated charities – Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Southern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties. We are anxiously looking forward to presenting the 18th edition in 2013 of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes this fall.
On behalf of our organization, we are truly excited and optimistic about the future of the building industry. This is especially true in our local area where I expect the slow (yet faster than last year) but steady growth to keep moving forward.
Just look around our region at the many residential and commercial construction projects going on. In speaking with our builders, remodelers and suppliers, guess what, they are busier than they have been in the last three or so years.
Good news. As I indicated in last year’s column, the home renovations and remodeling projects sector showed modest to strong activity. That has been the case and is continuing. More good news. The real estate market came alive and improved across the nation, and especially in our local area, showing upbeat signs over the past year. Yes, more good news.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) just reported that sales of new single family homes were up 4.4 percent in November 2012. Overall, single-family home starts are projected to climb to 534,000 units this year, up a solid 23 percent from 2011.
The NAHB is forecasting that single-family new-home production will post a healthy 21 percent gain in 2013 to 647,000 units. Starts will continue their upward climb in 2014, posting a further 29 percent rise to 837,000 units.
“Consistent, positive reports on housing starts, permits, prices, new-home sales and builder confidence in recent months provide further confirmation that a gradual but steady housing recovery is underway across much of the nation,” said David Crowe, chief economist for the NAHB. Although just a forecast, that is great news.
The Saratoga Builders is a non-profit, specialized professional trade association representing the entire building industry. We are committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. Our membership scope runs deep, not just building or construction firms, but members throughout the process— Electricians, plumbing suppliers, architects, landscapers, attorneys, insurance agencies, banks, and more.
Our organization continues to grow and we now have more than 150 active memberships plus we have become much more involved in our local efforts. The SBA membership is truly a talented, creative and visionary group of individuals and businesses.
We live and work in a vibrant community that is passionate and determined to keep moving forward to make our special place called Saratoga County, that much better for all of us. All indications are that this positive momentum will continue and things appear to be coming up rosier for 2013.