Sure, the U.S. banking system has been at the center of this housing storm, but rightfully so as the lending purses are only as good as the criteria of FICO scores (Fair Isaac) that often times appears to be chasing the market as opposed to leading it.  If asset valuations are established based on “comparative housing” prices that are set by realtors in a multiple listing report, then what concrete evidence is there to really quantify such numbers?  As this translates into affordability then becomes another matter.  This is probably more of an issue of balance sheet versus income statement centering on cash flow and debt service.

The custom home builders that have maintained their custom clientele by working steadily with a special location, plot of attractive land, and passion for the dream house that some wait a lifetime to construct.  Following the clients that want a special home versus funneling a boilerplate constructed home that becomes an appendage of a development, is a decision that a developer must make that is fundamental to their existence.  But what is it that dictates and drives this decision?  Clearly, this is not a whimsical decision that is made based on a flip of the coin.  It is more a function of that which drives the reason a builder or developer entered this business in the first place.  The desire to build aesthetically appealing and attractive homes that one must construct and be proud of.  The trade off is that home that just becomes a commodity that only represents a revenue source that lines the wallet of the developer. 

Custom home designer/ builders embody the artistic quality that most only wish that they could challenge their spirit with and the desire to pursue such a  dream.  The caveat is that it takes patience and time to work with the thought process of the customer and their sometimes whimsical nature.  A remodeling or home contractor that understands this, truly is a craftsman, not just a builder.  These inherent skills are more intuitive than they are learned, more art than science.  With this diverse skill set, it sets this industry apart where craftsmanship counts for a lot and pays dividends through tougher and financially constrained times. 

Source: EmailWire.com