Over the past year, SW Florida has seen a massive real estate boom. People from all over the country have decided to move to our region.
It’s no question the pandemic initially fueled this mass exodus to our area.
In fact, the pandemic caused a rapid shift in consumer preferences which, consequently, just happened to slam head on into record low mortgage rates, a national permission to work remotely, and millions of new Millennials and Baby Boomers looking to buy and escape the cold weather.
Factors Driving People To SWFL
To sum up, factors driving people and new businesses to our piece of paradise in SW Florida, include many benefits that have all culminated to this recent influx of northerners:
- Low-interest rates
- Zero state income tax
- The ability to work – and vacation – from home
- Business-friendly climate
- The weather!
- Outdoor living year-round
Keep in mind our statewide COVID-19-related restrictions on businesses were lifted before other states, and our Governor kept the economy open (for the most part) during the pandemic.
In addition, the state’s public schools have been open since October 2020. Therefore, Florida has also attracted more families with school-age children.
According to Naples Daily News and data from the 2020 US Census, Southwest Florida led the state with this recent influx. Lee County is the fifth fastest growing metro in the country and is responsible for about 21% of Florida’s overall jump in population.
High Demand Low Inventory
As a result, Realtors and home builders can barely keep up with the demand. Properties are selling fast as more and more people choose the Sunshine State – specifically SW Florida – as their new residence.
The inventory is low with buyers paying way more than the asking price just to snag their piece of paradise. Some are even buying properties sight-unseen. And there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight.
This has many “would be” homeowners turning to new home construction or even remodeling. The reality is building a home is taking longer, and currently more costly with the uptick in lumber costs and shortage of supplies, but the pros can far out-weigh the cons.
The biggest benefit when you build your own home or remodel, is you get to make all the decisions. As a result, you get exactly what you want. You’re not buying a home only to have to replace the paint, fixtures, lighting, and flooring.
From the beginning, you plan your space, choose the colors, wall and floor coverings, fixtures, where the outlets will be placed, and more. Plus, you get to be a part of the process, watching your dream home unfold exactly as you envision.
Choosing A Home Builder
When looking for a home builder, it is important to choose a dependable, efficient, sustainable, and secure company that provides you with above and beyond service.
Questions To Ask Your Builder (and a few tips)
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have a Contractor’s License?
- How many projects do you have going on now?
- Are there any parameters when building a custom home or renovating?
- What is your current building/renovation timeframe? How does my home fit in to your schedule?
- How do you communicate throughout the process?
- What happens after the build or renovation?
- Is there a designer I can work with in-house?
- Get everything in writing.
- Ask for customer references and follow up.
- Investigate their financial stability.
- Read the paperwork carefully.
Richardson Homes has been serving the Southwest Florida community for nearly 40 years, renovating and building custom homes of all sizes.
We’ve survived volatile markets, recessions, industry obstacles, the recent pandemic, and numerous uncertain times, always with a focus on our client.
Why Choose Richardson Homes
Ron Richardson was the 1st generation to start this company. From day one his goal was and continues to be: “Build your home on a strong foundation.” Today, 2nd and 3rd generations, son Jason and grandson Carson, continue this legacy.
We pride ourselves in only working with quality contractors and businesses that consistently deliver excellence and are aligned with our core philosophy. We’ve been working with some of our contractors for more than 20 years. They are considered our partners.
Our Design Specialist, Vikki Richardson, will guide you through the entire selections process, coordinating color, flooring, lighting, fixtures, and appliances.
As a custom home builder, we take care of you even after your home is built. We want you to be absolutely thrilled with your new home even 10 years later.
Living, working, and playing in this market for nearly 40 years gives us an edge when building your custom home. We’ve seen it all.
Therefore, we know what works and what doesn’t. We will guide you throughout the entire build, ensuring your best interests are always kept in mind.
If you’re considering building or remodeling, feel free to contact us to get you started on the right path, (239) 694-8889.
