She also said that some existing subdivisions have been sold to national builders, which has increased the competition for developed lots – making the Southwest Washington market more competitive and driving other builders and consumers in.
Helmes said that New Tradition is up about 20 percent, in terms of number of homes under construction, while Bomar reported that the SWCA has acquired several new members in recent months. But the benefit of this resurgence in construction ripples far beyond the builders themselves. According to Helmes, about 50 percent of the home price goes to local trade partners.
For example, Legg reported that her store is up 35 percent over last year, in terms of volume of material sold. Russell Brent, owner of Mill Creek Pub in Battle Ground, said his business was up 40 percent in July compared to last year, partly due to construction companies hiring the pub to cater “stud parties.”
Bomar said he sees “a lot of younger folks out there working – these jobs weren’t there a couple years ago.” He said that these jobs are fueling growth for other business owners, such as increased sales of pickup trucks at Vancouver Ford. Legg said that during the downturn, it was common to see the builders themselves in the store and running their own jobs. Now, she said, project managers and job superintendents are being brought back on board, allowing the builders to focus on future growth.
Legg characterized the recent growth as “healthy and at a pace that is realistic.”
“Overall,” she said, “interest rates are still low and home builders’ confidence is still thriving, creating a market and momentum to keep building.”
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