September's BUILDER Magazine Helps Builders Find Home Buyers Despite The Bleak Housing Market

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) October 8, 2008 -- A little creativity may be what builders need to entice home buyers, says BUILDER's September issue (http://www.builderonline.com/table-of-contents/BUILDER/2008/September.aspx?avid=BOL100808PR). BUILDER's cover story, "Off the Fence (http://www.builderonline.com/design/off-the-fence.aspx?avid=BOL100808PR)," explores 10 creative projects that captured home buyers' attention despite the housing market decline.

Today's new home buyers have different interests than they did during the housing market boom, the article reveals. They have become more frugal and more energy-aware. Builders who capitalize on these preferences creatively could boost sales. Builders from The Hastings Co. in Massachusetts, for example, captured home buyers' attention with townhomes disguised as coastal estates. Builders from Neal Communities in Florida seized market share with energy-efficient cottages.

"Few home buyers still believe that 'bigger is better,'" says BUILDER's Editor in Chief Denise Dersin. "The housing market has changed people's priorities. Now, many families are looking for intimate living spaces with low upkeep and lots of personality. Builders who meet those needs are rewarded with more sales."

In a building industry where every sale counts, that advice could keep some builders afloat. Another BUILDER feature, "Fast Track 2008: Still on Their Rails (http://www.builderonline.com/business/still-on-their-rails.aspx?avid=BOL100808PR)," examines how still-growing builders have managed to stay successful during the housing market downturn. The answers include adaptability, long-range vision and luck.

BUILDER's September issue also features "Viewpoint," an annual window and door supplement. This year's supplement includes product reviews, trend analyses and an illustrated guide to help builders optimize efficiency.

By visiting the BUILDER Web site (http://www.builderonline.com/default.aspx?avid=BOL100808PR), builders can view archives of past "Fast Track" reports and PDF charts. Exclusive online floor plans and project photos complement this month's cover story, "Off the Fence." Users can also view all-new episodes of Builder TV (http://www.builderonline.com/multimedia/buildertv.aspx?avid=BOL100808PR) and get information about the business conditions of the building industry at www.builderonline.com/business.

For breaking news, past issues of BUILDER magazine and other builder features, visit BuilderOnline.com.

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Business Media (Washington, D.C.), publishes 36 award-winning residential and commercial construction titles, including BUILDER, REMODELING, CUSTOM HOME, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION and residential architect. Hanley Wood Business Media also offers the construction industry's foremost collection of Web sites, including BUILDER ONLINE, REMODELING ONLINE, and ebuild, the comprehensive online guide to building products, as well as the largest collection of house plans online through eplans.com and Dream Home Source.

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