Quality is Your Best Value
May 4, 2009

In my last posting we spoke about the opportunities available to you as a custom home buyer in this current market. But how do you determine which home or custom home builder will be your best choice? I have a few thoughts on the subject that I would like to share with you.

History tells us that during rough economic times people change their buying habits. Often the first things to go are the frivolous items.. those things that do not add much value to one’s life but that drain the pocketbook. Next to go are the hobbies and pastimes that while enjoyable, just do not fit into a tightened budget. The list of cuts and adjustments continues down to the bare necessities. Through it all, one factor separates the wise from the foolish: the foolish buy on price alone thinking they are getting a good deal, while the wise buy on quality knowing they getting the best value.

This trend continues in our current recession. Take a look at the sales of BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes compared to those of lesser brands.. the quality of the product has kept BWM, Lexus, and Mercedes sales strong. Buyers of these vehicles still pay more than they would for basic transportation, but they know that long-term the quality and engineering makes these vehicles a far better value even in the face of bargain deals on basic cars. The issues in the economy may have changed the pricing of the alternatives, but they did not change the value proposition.

I believe that as you look at your choices in the home building market you will see a similar set of circumstances and opportunities. Due to the slowdown in new home construction some builders have slashed prices and moved down-market to keep business flowing. The resulting homes have less features, smaller lot sizes, and a lower price. Yet do they represent a good value? Did the builder also use lower quality materials or perhaps cut corners on workmanship? If you are looking for a standard home, perhaps they will fit your needs for the short-term. However, my belief and our approach here at B. L. Rieke Custom Home Builders is that long-term a quality home with intelligent design, precise construction, and tasteful furnishings will be a better value. As in my example above with vehicles, the issues in the housing market may have changed what others offer, but they have not changed the value proposition offered by a B. L. Rieke home.