(Parker, CO)---As the real estate market continues to flounder, homeowners – both existing and potential – are reevaluating their options. While many may think that the recent downturn only affects those looking to buy and sell, this sector is only part of the equation: according to a recent article in Time magazine, about 25,000 people will receive a first notice of foreclosure this year in the Denver metro area, with similar trends popping up across the country.
For those hesitant to jump into the increasingly choppy housing waters, there is another option. Mike New, president of DirectBuild, suggests foregoing the cookie-cutter subdivisions for an abode with a more personal touch. Through the DirectBuild system, the homeowner acts as their own general contractor to customize their home to their exact specifications. For those who may not have considered this hands-on route before, New feels the market's tumultuous state gives a much-needed nudge in the right direction.
"In a down market such as this, there are many more talented subcontractors and consultants available than there were in the saturated market of three years ago. You're not going to have someone cutting corners because they are overloaded with work; you're going to get one-on-one attention seldom found in this industry or any other," said New. "This is a perfect time to forge quality relationships with these professionals in order to build a home that you not only love but that you helped to create as well."
With DirectBuild's comprehensive, step-by-step building plan, consultants assist clients through every phase of the home-building process, from budgeting and hiring subcontractors to selecting materials at discounted rates. DirectBuild consultants can also assist clients in early-stage activities such as finding the right piece of property, drawing house plans or securing home-building loans. This constant guidance allows the owner-builder to efficiently manage their own construction project and achieve the best quality for their money.
"Every penny matters, especially in a downturn market, and clients are looking for ways to be secure in their homebuilding and remodeling projects as to not overbuild in their market and make future resale difficult," said New. "With larger builders, costs for seemingly small changes – for example, moving an electrical outlet or a doorframe – are outrageous because they would rather stick to their own plans. DirectBuild clients, however, get what they want how they want it without getting destroyed on the price."
Despite the obvious benefits, DirectBuild clients aren't the only parties benefiting from the market slowdown. Entrepreneurial types looking to open their own business will find becoming a DirectBuild franchisee is a very lucrative decision: DirectBuild is looking to grant about 10 franchises this year and expand to 50 locations across the country over three years, focusing on its home state of Colorado as well as population- and housing potential-rich markets like California, Florida and Virginia.
"The beauty of DirectBuild is that there are just a few companies out there doing what we do. It's found a great niche in an industry with very low competition but limitless growth potential," said New. "Since the big boys of the industry aren't in the picture as much as they were three years ago, DirectBuild's buying power, relationships and standards far surpass the mom-and-pop operations out there. Our clients are looking for the best possible value to complete their projects and they are positioned to make this soft market work to their advantage. People want to live in a home that is truly theirs and that's why the DirectBuild concept just clicks."
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