Spring energy returns to real estate market

Area builders have geared up for the 2016 spring housing market.

They're creating innovative home designs, building new home communities and moving into the next phase of current developments.

"We're excited to see energy in the marketplace with homebuyers beginning their new home searches earlier than typical," said Cheryl Bonk, director of sales and marketing for M/I Homes.

Christy Whelan echoes Bonk. "Usually after the Super Bowl people start looking at new homes, but with the nice weather, they're already out going through models," said Whelan, director of sales for Airhart Construction.

Most new-home buyers are sellers of existing homes, and many have regained enough equity in their homes to sell and move up. The more equity they have, the more confident they feel about purchasing a new home.

With expectations for an uptick in new home construction, here's a look at what builders have in the pipeline.

M/I Homes

It's a green light for M/I Homes. The builder opened 10 new home communities and 19 new models in 2015. M/I Homes steps into this year with more new multifamily and single-family communities.

"We expect to continue strengthening our market position in 2016 with some well-located properties," Bonk said.

The Sagebrook community in Lockport offers both townhouses and single-family homes. Three new single-family plans that work for today's lifestyles - the Chase, the Eastman and the Langley - offer the design, size and price range that is fresh and new to the Lockport marketplace. Prices begin at $299,990.

On March 3, the builder will host a grand opening at The Townes at Sagebrook, featuring two new townhouse models, the Braeden and Campbell, with prices beginning at $184,990.

The Bergman Pointe community in Hoffman Estates, located within the Fremd High School boundaries, introduces two new models. Foot traffic and sales have exceeded expectations, Bonk said. The two new models, the Everette and the Hudson, showcase the design flexibility in an M/I Homes residence, she said. Pricing begins at $584,990.

"Homebuyers tell us flexible living spaces are more popular than ever, serving as second-floor bonus rooms, morning rooms, family command centers and dens that can be converted to in-law suites," Bonk said. "Also, the trend for a luxurious master bedroom and bath, which includes an expansive walk-in shower and plenty of closet space, remains popular."

Rock Creek Homes

At Henning Estates in Huntley, it's all about personalizing a new home to suit the buyer's lifestyle. The builder wants buyers to know it thrives on moving walls, finishing basements and relocating rooms, said Jennifer Arndt, marketing director for Rock Creek Homes.

"So many people are drawn to us because we'll reconfigure interior spaces, add semi-custom features and finish basements," Arndt said.

"Buyers often want to push out walls to the back or side to increase the square footage in their homes. Also, many buyers want to include a screened-in porch or four-season room."

In one Rock Creek floor plan with the formal dining room in the front of the home, the customer didn't want a dining room, so the builder moved the kitchen to the front of the house where there was more natural light, and the rear of the home was devoted to open living space.

"We've done all kinds of things - built a staircase from the garage to the basement, relocated the master closet and added a third garage for a special workout space," Arndt said.

The builder also offers a masonry, floor-to-ceiling corner fireplace with wood mantel and a double-sided stone fireplace between the kitchen and great room.

One-acre or more estate lots are now available at the community, where Rock Creek Homes will build a custom home or buyers can build their own home.

Airhart Construction

After a good 2015, things are hopping at Airhart Construction, which has plans underway for an even better year, Whelan said.

"People are still excited about buying a new home."

Airhart, known for building contemporary, modern houses, has designed a new series of midcentury modern homes that are for sale in Geneva. These very untraditional homes are in a walk-to-town location and face the Fox River.

In one two-story design, the main level is all open with no walls and views of the river. It's almost like loft living. You can walk out to the deck or look onto the front balcony that overlooks the river. The lower level features a large entertainment room with access to the patio underneath the balcony.

In April, the builder will break ground on Park Place rowhouses in the heart of downtown Lombard, an up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot of new shops and restaurants and a popular new wine bar. These are very urban homes with no maintenance, no yards and a walk-to-everything location, Whelan said.

The homes are ideal for downsizers and young couples with no children whose priority is to be able to walk to town and walk to the train. It's a lovely little location. Prices start in the mid-$400,000s. The first-floor master plan features a big loft upstairs with access to a private roof terrace.

Airhart has several active communities including Fisher Farm, a single-family home neighborhood in Winfield with grass cutting and snow removal provided, and Courthouse Square, a Wheaton condo community set around a center courtyard. The builder is always looking for scattered homesites in established areas.

West Point Builders

West Point Builders is moving ahead at West Point Gardens.

"We're expecting a good year finishing up phase one at West Point Gardens, which is 80 percent done, and will be moving on to the next phase in 2017," said Pat Curran, president of West Point Builders. "I think we'll be up a little bit from our sales last year, and that's a good thing.

"The market has just started in the last two weeks, and we're excited because we have 15 lots that overlook a pond and we expect them to go quickly."

The community was designed to bring people together and is built around the 12-acre Meier Park, which creates a family-friendly environment. Four different product lines include the Park Series of single-family, maintenance-free homes; the Classic Series of traditional single-family homes with spacious yards; the Heritage Series featuring smaller, easy-maintenance homesites with private outdoor living space; and the Kingston Series with spacious floor plans, covered front porches and fenced, private yards.

The private gardens, large front porches and unique architectural designs present an authentic, old-fashioned look that is very appealing to buyers, Curran said. Residents love sitting on their front porches and watching the kids in the front. he said some homeowners have sunset parties where they gather on someone's porch, visit with each other and watch the sunset.