New year, new you…new home! Yes, the beginning of the year is an excellent time to consider your residential options. And in metro Atlanta, new home communities have become some of the most sought-after locales in the local real estate market. Homebuilders across the area are working diligently to give home buyers a wide array of choices, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you and your family. Here, we ask Lori Lane, Senior Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division, to share her insights on what to expect as you navigate your way through the local new home market in 2022.

What should people expect from Atlanta’s new home market in the coming year?

2022 is shaping up to be a stellar year in the new home real estate industry. Real estate sales increased over 14 percent last year, and new home construction was a large part of that. The good news is that interest rates are predicted to remain at all-time lows, and the cost of materials is beginning to level off. The supply chain delays are leading to longer lead times in obtaining construction materials, which is resulting in more demand than supply of new homes in metro Atlanta. Obviously, we are all hoping that once the supply chain is back up to speed that construction delays will lessen and 2022 will not experience the construction slowdown that was prevalent in 2021.

What are some of the hottest market segments in metro Atlanta for new homes?

Right now we are seeing a large surge in the 55+ new home market. Whether the new home communities are age-restricted or age-targeted, these buyers are looking for low-maintenance homes, a sense of community and a social lifestyle where they can meet new friends. Staying healthy is a quest for many, and resort-style amenities with social sports like tennis and pickleball are extremely popular. 2022 will be a great year for active adults looking to downsize, as well-maintained homes in the right area will continue to sell for top dollar in a short period of time.

What can homebuyers expect in terms of pricing within the new home market for 2022?

I think that the prices will remain strong but will begin to level off a bit. Demand is expected to continue in sought-after locations and price points. The current pricing will most likely go up, which is normal when there is more demand than supply.

What are your top tips for home buyers who want to purchase a brand new home in 2022?

I think it is extremely important to be sure of the location and type of home that best suits your needs. Inventory will remain low for the unforeseen future, and homes are not staying on the market for very long, so make sure to get prequalified to establish how much you can afford. Many buyers opt to purchase a new construction presale where they can take their time, customize their home and avoid the resale bidding war environment. Wherever you decide to purchase, it is important to have an experienced agent who can help you navigate the buying process and help find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

How can Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices make buying a new home as easy as possible?

Our New Homes Division represents the most respected builders and developers in the metro Atlanta area. Our sales associates are some of the top new home specialists in the Atlanta market and are specifically trained in new construction. With 26 offices, over 1,400 agents and the top relocation department, we have experts all over Atlanta working with buyers and sellers that help support our new homes team. This past October, our new homes team and builder/developer clients won an astounding 37 gold and 25 silver awards at the 41st Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Professionalism Awards. Working with awarding-winning builders, along with the support of alliance partners like Weismann Law, Prosperity Home Mortgage and HSA Home Warranty, ensures we provide a seamless new home buying process.

For more information, visit Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division at BHHSgaNewHomes.com.

New Home 55+ Communities Abound in Metro Atlanta

Are you ready to find your dream home in metro Atlanta? Check out these fantastic new home 55+ communities around metro Atlanta as you begin your search:

The Gardens at Arbor Springs: Recently honored by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association as the 2021 55+ Community of the Year, The Gardens at Arbor Springs features European courtyard homes built by award-winning McKinney Builders. Located in Newnan and priced from the $600s, buyers can downsize without downgrading in homes that include high-end features such as Geo-thermal heating and cooling, Pella windows and Bosch appliances. TheGardensatArborSprings.com

Soleil Belmont Park: A 55+ community built by Patrick Malloy Communities and located between Milton and Canton, Soleil Belmont Park will feature 471 low-maintenance homes situated on 1/3-acre+ home sites. Priced from the $400’s, Soleil offers an array of resort-style amenities, including a 9,800-square-foot clubhouse with a coffee and cocktail bar, a health and fitness center, a catering kitchen, an arts and crafts studio, a club/card room and a post office. Homeowners also will enjoy a resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball, a community garden and walking trails. In addition, Soleil Belmont Park will have its own lifestyle and travel director. SoleilBelmontPark.com

Lakeside at River Green: This is the newest development from John Wieland and his experienced team at the JW Collection. Located in Canton’s best master-planned community of River Green, Lakeside at River Green is a gated active adult community featuring luxury single-family homes from the $400s to the $700s. Homeowners will enjoy River Green’s wide array of resort-style amenities and exclusive access to Evermore, a new members-only, age-qualified clubhouse. JWCollectionHomes.com