Despite a slight slowdown in the number of new housing permits issued in October, the Johnston County Association of Realtors (JCAR) is expected a strong Fall.
A total of 976 new construction permits for single family homes have been issued from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, up from 804 during the first 10 months of 2014. However, the increase was less dramatic in October. Only 78 permits for new homes were issued to builders, up from 70 in October 2014.
April Stephens, President of the JCAR, said Octobers numbers were not alarming. “Builders typically ramp up at the beginning of the year anticipating the strong Spring-Summer market.”
Stephens said sales typically slow down in the fall but the markets in Johnston County have remained strong for the past few years. “We are anticipating another strong Fall.”
She said new home buyers are still preferring a reduction in yard size and looking for more open floor plans. And buyers are not having a lot of issues obtaining finances. “The biggest attributing factors are having steady income and consistent work history,” Stephens said. “Also, Johnston County currently has two 100 percent financing options being offered.”
Stephens said the hottest market for new housing continues to be in Flowers Plantation and the McGee’s Crossroads area.
