Many millennials delayed their entrance into the real estate market due to the economy. Now young people in their 20s and 30s can’t easily find the starter homes they want in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area as investors buy up smaller homes to turn into rentals. One option that is becoming increasingly more attractive to young buyers is working with a custom home builder to create a dream home. If you have heard horror stories from friends or family who have bought foreclosures in disrepair, you may welcome the idea of skipping the fixer upper and going straight for the step-up type home. Buying a new construction home can save you money and headaches in the long run. According to an article by bankrate.com, first-time home buyers compete with investors flipping homes for a profit as well as sellers who still don’t have enough equity in their homes to sell.

• Save money compared to rent

A recent real estate article by Business News Network points out that millennials in the U.S. are now shifting to home ownership as rent costs soar. In 2014, millennials made up 32 percent of the housing sales in the U.S. If you are a renter, talk to your landlord about the timeline for when your new construction home will be ready and you’ll be moving out. Many landlords offer shorter leases such as 6 months.

• Make more choices

While it’s not good to feel overwhelmed by too many choices, it’s also disappointing when you don’t get to choose what you want in a new home. By working with a reputable Cincinnati custom home builder, you can choose your flooring, cabinetry, counter tops, layout and other details. Because more millennials waited to purchase a home, they have had time to tour model homes, watch real estate television programs and visit design centers. Most young buyers have definite preferences when it comes to the layout and style of a home.

• Choose your location

When you work with a custom builder who partners with Realtors licensed and certified in Ohio, you can get the help you need picking a great location. Location is still the No. 1 selling point for a home whether it’s an older or a new construction build. Experienced Realtors will help you find a neighborhood where homes appreciate in value and families feel safe. In addition, you can choose a site that has the view you want as well as the land for outdoor living.

If you are making your first real estate purchase, you could be eligible for special first-time home buyers programs. Talk to a lender about the possibilities. At J. Schmidt Homes, we dedicate ourselves to clients in the Greater Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky. Today’s “starter home” is as large and luxurious as you want. Just consider it the start to a great life.