This post sponsored by Windsong Properties

From the flurry of activity and sales at our three communities over the last 3 months, we can tell that something has changed in the mind of the mature buyer. Have they adjusted to the new economy? Are they tired of waiting? Have they succumbed to accepting a depressed price for their current home? We don’ t know for sure, but what we do know is that the market is ripe for those who can pick buy right now.

Through experience, the mature buyer knows the economic environment will be changing soon, and not for the better. Interest rates will rise, material and labor costs are already increasing. Accordingly, the cost of building a low-maintenance, easy-living ranch home is going to rise as
well.

Interest rates have been held to unnaturally low levels for an extended period of time. Not only will a rise in interest rates affect the affordability of a home with a mortgage, it will increase the cost of building that home. Builders often finance the construction of a home, and will thus be required to borrow at a higher rate, passing that cost along to the buyer. Mature buyers who need to sell their home before moving into a more suited ranch will once again struggle to find buyers who can afford the payments with a higher interest rate.

The first half of 2011 saw much of the United States blanked with damage from tornados, floods, and fire. The demand for building materials is growing as communities start to rebuild. The 2011 hurricane season is predicted to bring additional damage as well. Japan is also beginning major reconstruction programs that will create an international market for even the basic building supplies like framing material and plywood. While storm damage keeps economies going, it will put pressure on the supply of building materials. The old “ supply and demand’ rule will come into play, rising prices.

The juncture of price and interest rates is optimal right now. Many mature buyers recognize this and are taking action. Just how long until this precarious balance will be tilted? No one really knows for sure. Those able to take advantage of the situation are doing just that, and enjoying a new lifestyle home and community.

This post sponsored by Boral Bricks.

On June 21 the summer solstice occurred, marking the beginning of summer for the Northern Hemisphere. In the Atlanta area, the beginning of summer not only means longer days, festivals and time at the pool, but also humidity interchanged with dryness. These climate changes can cause an increase in wall moisture, which takes a toll on your home.

To better understand which wall assemblies perform best, and remain dry, in mixed-humid climates, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory and the Brick Industry Association to conduct a year-long field moisture study. The study examined eight popular and commonly used sidings, which include: Vinyl Sided Wall, Stucco Clad Wall with One Layer of Felt, Stucco Clad Wall with Two Layers of Felt, Stucco Clad Wall with Vented Cladding, Stucco Wall with Plywood Sheathing, Wall Clad with Manufactured Stone, Fiber Cement Siding Wall, and finally Brick Veneer.

Throughout the 12-month testing period, 44 sensors designed to detect and analyze moisture content, temperature, and relative humidity were attached to the wood framing or sheathing in various locations on each sample. The moisture that was recorded included natural elements like precipitation and wind driven rain, as well outdoor and indoor temperatures and humidity. The 44 sensors were dispersed on the sampled walls to take into account varied temperatures –– increased coolness closer to the ground or excess warmth near the roof. To ensure accuracy, each sensor on each wall transmitted its readings every 30 minutes during the testing period.

At the end of the testing period it was clear that of all the assemblies tested the brick veneer wall assemblies were the most consistently dry. This is because typical brick veneer construction contains a nominal one-inch air space behind the brick. The results of the study proved that such construction consistently produced a wood stud wall cavity with lower humidity. The one-inch air space can allow for rapid drying, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that damp wood can promote. Additionally darker claddings, like brick, maintained the highest wood stud wall cavity temperature. Because lower humidity can inhibit mold development, brick veneer wall assemblies meet the “Conditions Necessary to Minimize Mold Growth” of ASHRAE Standard 160.

No matter where homeowners live, brick wall assemblies, like those offered by Boral Building Products, can promote dryness that helps maintain the structural integrity of a beautiful home. Boral has five locations across Metro Atlanta. Visit www.boralbricks.com and look for the “Boral Building Products” navigation button or call 678-625-4051 for more information.