Smaller, smarter-designed spaces, energy efficiency, natural elements, and outdoor living were all tops on the list of customer preferences at the International Builders’ Show this week.

Post-recession home buyers are looking for sensible, affordable designs that offer higher quality and less square footage.

A survey of 2,000 consumers conducted by Better Homes and Gardens found that buyers don’t want any “wasted space” in their next home. Affordability and energy efficiency ranked highest with 68 percent of the consumers polled. Other features consumers put high on the list were increased storage spaces featuring built-ins and walk-in closets, stand-alone bathtubs, flexible home work spaces, and outdoor living spaces.

Some more trends we can look forward to this year:

• More outdoor living areas featuring  grills, sinks, showers, and fireplaces.
• A separate dining room away from the kitchen.
• Earthy Color Palettes—blues,greens, chocolate browns.
• International design influence, especially Asian decor
• Ceiling details and crown molding accenting rooms within open floor plans
• Organizational features, built-ins, and smarter storage areas throughout the home
• Wall-mounted TV’s and spaces wired for technology
• Artistic, organic tile patterns in kitchens and baths
• Energy efficient appliances and products
• LED accent lighting

These trends will continue the rise in popularity of modular home building, as budget-conscious buyers are seeking more value for their money.  Modular construction allows for hundreds of choices and unlimited design potential, while offering precision-built quality at an affordable price. Custom floor plans and designs allow the buyer to create a home as unique as they are, and living space can be easily added at any time. Our modular homes come energy-star ready, and we offer state of the art green options, including solar.

• Brand NEW Modular home in  Asheville with city water and sewer only $139,950!

• Brand NEW Modular home in a great community in Hendersonville, with public water and sewer, only $129,900!

• Brand NEW Modular home in Saluda on 1 acre only $139,950!

This direct-factory-outlet pricing is pre-construction, and INCLUDES LAND & ALL IMPROVEMENTS.

Don’t miss out on these incredible offers—Call Now! 828-450-7407 or 828-674-7729.

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency is offering Down Payment Assistance for qualified first-time home buyers and former previous owners. You can receive up to $8,000 for down payment or closing costs. Mortgages are available through nearly 700 North Carolina lenders and their branches. To qualify, you have to be considered a low-to middle-income buyer who has either never owned a home, or hasn’t owned one in three years. Income restrictions vary by county, and purchase price is capped at $220,000.

Also, the USDA is now offering special lending programs that include 100% Financing, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and historically low interest rates.
Why wait? Now is the perfect time to buy your new home!

Need more proof?

They have a great tool on their website that allows you to comparing paying rent vs. buying a new home.  Check it out!

DRA Living  and Mod-U-Kraf are offering a limited-time only promotion of $10,000 off the cost of construction or options when you purchase a new modular home between February 1—March 31, 2011. You choose any model from Mod-U-Kraf’s Classic Collection, Smart Home Collection, Ameri-log collection, or the Solar Village collection and receive a reduction of $5,000 in construction from Mod-U-Kraf homes. Purchase your home with DRA Living, and we will  match that offer, resulting in a $10,000 saving for the customer!

Don’t miss out on this amazing promotion! Call DRA Living today, and enjoy the summer living in your new custom home.