Profile of a "TYPICAL NEW HOME" in 2012

Looking to the future, it's difficult to predict exactly what new homes will be like a decade or more from now. However, based on current preferences and emerging trends, it is likely that home buyers in the second decade of the 21st Century will find that the typical new home fits within the following profile.

- 2,200 or more square feet.
- Three or more bedrooms.
- Garage for 2 or more cars.
- Average lot about 1,000 square feet smaller than today.
- Universal design to allow aging in place.
- Master bedroom and laundry on main floor.
- Modular wiring systems.
- High-speed data access.
- Increased use of steel and concrete.
- Increased use of recycled products.
- More homes will have security systems, multiple telephone lines, energy management and lighting control systems.
- Average sales price in $277,000-$305,000 range by 2010.

Although in the future, new homes will increasingly have amenities and features making them safer, more comfortable and more energy and resource efficient, experts believe they will look very much like today's new homes.




The Alabama Housing Finance Authority offers savings with 6.33% mortgages. The 30 year fixed rate can save buyers nearly $10,000
over the life of the loan on an average home.


Open Burning Temporarily Banned in Seven Counties

Open burning has been temporarily banned in seven counties between the months of May through September by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
Baldwin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery and Shelby Counties have all been deemed as being in non-attainment of ozone standards and, as a result, residents are restricted from open burning durning summer and early fall. For more information, contact Jason Reid, HBAA staff, at 1-800-745-4222.



Licensure Board Establishes Policy on Synthetic Stucco

Prior to 1997, there were no rules within the SBCCI (Southern Building Code Congress International) on how synthetic stucco was to be installed. After 1997, the SBCCI published rules which stated synthetic stucco was not to be installed 6 inches below grade.
If a consumer levels a complaint against a builder and the home was built after 1997, the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (AHBLB) would look at it and decide whether possible disciplinary action should be taken. For more information, contact Chip Carden at 334-263-0364.