Robbinsville, NJ – October 11, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — While the housing industry is experiencing a slump nation-wide, new home buyer satisfaction spiked in 2008. According to the 2008 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction StudySM by J.D. Power and Associates, “Many home builders are succeeding in significantly improving overall customer satisfaction in 2008, compared with 2007.”
Customers cited knowledgeable sales staffs and strong customer service as top reasons for their satisfaction with their home builder. Home buyers were also pleased with the quality of workmanship and materials, great values and on-time delivery dates.
“Home buyers today are able to take advantage of opportunities they might not see in an otherwise competitive market, such as free upgrades, and more flexibility and choices in floor plans and design,” said Stephen A. Patron, President of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA). “Combining these incentives with unparalleled service and a quality product, the customer feels that they received the best home for their money. This study is more evidence that New Jersey’s builders are part of the solution in meeting the demands of residents who want great quality and a more affordable place to call home.”
Builders are also addressing the rising interest in green building by incorporating features that buyers want to see in a new house, such as energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning units; energy-saving appliances and lighting; water-conserving fixtures and temperature-controlling windows, to name a few.
“Green building is among the fastest-growing segments of the home building industry and New Jersey is on the leading edge. We find that home buyers are willing to pay more to get a home that is not only built to be environmentally friendly, but can also save them money on energy costs down the road,” suggested Tim Touhey, Executive Vice President of the NJBA. “When builders are able to meet these needs, their customers feel confident that they are working with a professional who is knowledgeable about the latest trends and will continue to deliver a quality product.”
Another J.D. Power study on home design also shows that customer satisfaction has increased in the design and aesthetic aspects of new home construction. The design and layout features that customers place the most significance on in terms of builder performance include (in order of importance):
- Floor plan
- Master/primary bathroom
- Kitchen
- Ability to customize
- Interior comfort/environment
- Flooring
- Exterior architectural design
- Windows and exterior door
Patron continued, “Customers are pleased to find that builders are more flexible and able to accommodate designs and floor plans that are non-traditional, which creates a positive home-buying experience. When home buyers are satisfied, it continues to strengthen the home building industry and further-encourages builders to improve not only the finished product, but also the overall experience for the customer.”
To see how specific builders ranked by metropolitan area, visit www.jdpower.com and click on the “Homes” tab.
To find a home builder near you, visit the New Jersey Builders Association website at http://www.njba.org/njbaInfo/affiliates.asp to connect with your local affiliate, or visit the National Association of Home Builders online at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.
FOR ANY PUBLIC RELATIONS INFORMATION Contact:
Amy Whilldin
Director of Public Information
500 Horizon Center Drive, Suite 530 Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Phone: (609) 587-5577 ext.204
Fax: (609) 587-0044
