The Last Months of 2021 Saw Single-Family Permit Gains

 

The last months of 2021 saw a great gain in single-family permits in the housing industry. In the first ten months of the year, nationwide single-family permits totaled 948,321. Year-to-date (YTD) this shows a 17.3% increase from October 2020.

Each region had increases in single-family permits issued. The South reported the highest increase of 19.1%, next was the Northeast at 18.5%, the West at 15.6% and the Midwest came in with the smallest increase at 12.4%. Multifamily also saw an increase across all four regions. The West the most at 38.6%, Midwest 30.3%, the South at 23.8% and the Northeast at 15.5%.

At the local level, below are the top 10 metro areas that issued the highest number of single-family permits:

Metropolitan Statistical Area	Single-family Permits: (Units #YTD, NSA)
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX	44,342
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	43,012
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ	30,013
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	27,283
Austin-Round Rock, TX	20,895
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL	16,613
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	16,310
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL	15,006
Jacksonville, FL	13,809
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN	13,766

 

For multifamily permits, below are the top 10 local areas that issued the highest number of permits:

Metropolitan Statistical Area	Single-family Permits: (Units #YTD, NSA)
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA	34,380
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	22,782
Austin-Round Rock, TX	21,925
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellvue, WA	17,305
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anheim, CA	16,880
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO	13,345
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX	12,959
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	12,771
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ	12,671
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	12,499

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Single-Family Homes Are Increasing in Size

Recent housing data shows that single-family new construction homes are increasing in size. COVID-19 has changed the way homeowners view their home and its square footage. Stay at home orders made homeowners live, work, school and play in their homes 24/7 during the height of the pandemic.

The Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis revealed in the third quarter 2021 report that the square footage went from 2,337 square feet to 2,541 square feet for a median single-family home.

The NAHB Eye on Housing reveals that median home size has is 9.3% higher since the Great Recession lows. The average size for a single-family home is now 6.2% higher on a one-year moving average basis since the recession.

If you are in the market for a new home contact your local Realtor. A local sales professional can help you with your new home.

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Six Trends To Follow in 2022 When It Comes to Bathroom Designs

 

A bathroom especially the primary bathroom is a homeowner's relaxing space. In fact, the key phrase for bathrooms for 2022 is "calming retreat." Homeowners are looking for a space with mood-setting lights and unclutter spaces and simple tilework to set a tranquil mood. Professionals say there are six trends to follow in 2022 when it comes to designing your tranquil space.

1. Return of the Bath

Many people prefer showers and some prefer baths. Even if you are a shower person, 2022 is looking to bathtubs being the focal point of the primary bathroom. Especially in today's uncertain times, homeowners are looking for ways to decompress and relieve the stress of the day. Bathtubs are a great way to take some time to yourself and relax.

“In past years, deck tubs were taken out to allow for larger showers, but I think adding a tub back into the bathroom will be on the rise in 2022,” says Susan Froehlich, co-owner and design and selections coordinator at Corinthian Fine Homes in Indianapolis. “While shower design was the ‘wow’ of the room in the past, tubs will take a bigger focus, with floor-mounted plumbing and two-toned tubs.”

2. Attention to Light

No one wants fluorescent lighting in the place they get ready in the morning for the day nor in the space, they relax in. Lighting needs to be right and is a priority when it comes to the 2022 bathroom.

“Lighting for bathrooms has definitely evolved beyond your basic overhead light,” says Sara English, lead designer at AMEK Design + Build in Bloomington, Minnesota. “Our designers are appreciating the range of lighting and finishes available to show clients for mirrors, sconces, chandeliers and beyond. It’s fun to remodel bathrooms and use lighting to change the whole feeling of the room.”

“While wall sconces continue to be the most popular lighting choice in 2021, we believe more thought will be given to additional ceiling lighting in 2022. Dependent on the height of the room, we are seeing more great choices for flush-mount or semi-flush lighting options. Various metal finishes will always be here to stay, but an increase in sparkle and glitz is on the rise next year,” Froehlich says.

3. Double Vanities

Today's busy homeowners look to the bathroom as their own space. Having double vanities is a plus but having vanity storage space has become a priority of 2022.

”We believe these ‘his and hers’ vanities will differ in size and function in 2022,” Froehlich says. “More ladies are wanting a makeup vanity and drawers that fit all of their hair appliances, while the men want electric shaving and toothbrush charging built in.”

We are getting into more precise and thoughtful storage for items such as hair dryers, grooming devices, makeup and towels, etc.,” English says. “U-shaped drawers at the top of vanities take advantage of the often unused space around sink plumbing, and in addition, we are adding outlets to closets and drawers for recharging needs.”

4. Calming Retreat

Today everyone is busier than ever coping with everyday life on top of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a space to escape to and decompress is very important.

“Bathrooms are definitely becoming spa-like retreats,” says Tess Ceron, designer and principal at Belle Decor & Design in Orlando, Florida. “For 2022, designs will be simplified, with muted color palettes and lots of texture and natural elements to instill a sense of tranquillity.”

“With the stresses of everyday life, homeowners are wanting their bathrooms to be their sanctuary,” Froehlich says. “We think it will be a place of calm and relaxation in 2022, with more soaking tubs and calming colors, such as blues and soft greens.”

5. Clean Lines

Professionals are saying that 2022 is all about streamlined fixtures and beautifully clean lines, with larger tiles, fewer grout lines and linear infinity drains.  Designers are seeing more wall-mounted faucets and seamless quartz countertops and backsplashes.

“The simple, clean lines that result give a heightened sense of sophistication without the stuffiness," says Sara English, lead designer at AMEK Design + Build in Bloomington.

6. Luxury Showers

For the homeowners that like a shower over a bath, showers are still a key component in the 2022 bathroom designs. Features that we will now see will be twin shower heads, black instead of chrome hardware, built-in bench seats and larger door openings.

“Roll-in showers and grab bars will be considered the norm,” Froehlich says. “Most of our homeowners ask for a ‘spa-like’ bathroom to relax in and escape the busyness of life. It’s no longer just a space to get ready in the morning or brush your teeth at the end of the day. It’s a place to be enjoyed.”

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Mandeville Development May Soon Be Used for New Homes

 

The housing market is booming and inventory is still low. Developers want to take advantage of this on some wetlands just west of Lewisburg Estates close to Mandeville. The wetlands are located at the mouth of the Chinchuba Bayou flood plan that is made up of marsh grasses and cypress trees.

The current landowners have applied for a coastal use permit through St. Tammany parish. This coast permit would allow them to fill in the wetland site and lake bottom. Their plan is to add a bulkhead and a private road. This would be the first step in developing the land for future homesites.

Many in the community are distraught about the thought of future development on the wetlands. Filling the lake in would lead to flooding and change the ecological landscape that could hurt the community.

According to John Lopez, a coastal scientist who reviewed the permit for the development for the Lewisburg Civic Association, says that it could cause flooding in the Mandeville area. He confirmed that the wetlands are healthy enough to allow cypress trees to grow but should not be developed.

He reported that if the wetland is developed, the filled land would slow down the water’s exit from the Bayou Chinchuba watershed into Lake Pontchartrain. A bulkhead could also exacerbate erosion in adjacent areas.

State environmental agencies also report a negative impact. The filled land would replace 2.5 acres of shallow intertidal habitat that is home to submerged aquatic vegetation and where Indian manatees also call home. The Indian manatee is a threatened species already.

The state Department of Natural Resources did a biological investigation report for the project. Their findings indicated that there are plenty of other lakefront properties that are available to develop in the same area.

“Each little slice of shoreline, marsh and productive waters taken away hurts the lake, the aquatic culture, and the birds and animals whose lives depend on this type of habitat," David Lawton, a Lewisburg resident communicated.

This piece of wetland has been in discussion for decades. Many developers have wanted to develop the property but have not gone through the plans due to opposition from residents, environmental groups and local and state officials.

“Everybody wants a piece of paradise. There ain’t enough paradise to go around anymore so you got to create paradise out of the wetlands and the marsh,” Ted Ralph, a nearby resident and retired federal engineer, said as he pointed out the site of the proposed development from his fishing boat.

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This Fall Saw a Gain in Single-Family Permits

 This September has seen a gain in single-family permits. The first nine months of 2021 reported year-to-date (YTD) got up to 864,184. This is a 21.2% increase from the 713,286 reported in September 2020.

All four regions had a very strong increase year-to-date ending in September 2021. The South saw the largest increase of 22.8% while the Midwest reported the lowest at 16.1%. The Northeast reported 20.4% and the West 20.3%. For multifamily permits, the West reported 35.3, Midwest 26.7%, the South 24.5% and the Northeast 17.7%.

Of the four regions, 49 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase of single-family permits issued. The highest growth was in the District of Columbia with a 234.7% increase! Mississippi was the only state that saw a decline of 0.5% during September 2021.

At the local level, below are the top 10 metro areas that issued the highest number of single-family permits.

Metropolitan Statistical Area	Single-family Permits: (Units #YTD, NSA)
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX	40,255
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	39,161
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ	27,534
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	24,928
Austin-Round Rock, TX	19,250
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL	15,444
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	14,767
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL	12,725
Jacksonville, FL	12,725
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN	12,625

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St. Tammany Parish School District Approved Tax Renewals

 Last month St. Tammany Parish voters voted on four property tax renewals for their school district. The voters approved the tax renewals which total 42.72 mills. The St. Tammany Parish School District will gain around $102 million dollars annually.

This sounds like a huge chunk of change, and it is, however it is just part of the school district's approximately $453 million budget. The money pulled from the four taxes will go to things such as general school operations, employee salaries and student educational programs.

St. Tammany schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia is thankful that the four taxes generating the $102 million won by the voters. He said it would have been "catastrophic" if the four taxes were not supported by the community. The four taxes will not go into effect until 2023 and will stay in effect for 10 years. Nineteen percent of the 186,000 St. Tammany Parish voters voted on the four taxes.

The first proposition at 4.42 mills (bringing in around $10.52 million annually won by 54%. The second proposition at 32.41 mills (bringing in around $77.1 million annually) won by 55% of the vote, proposition three at 3.14 mills (bringing in around $7.4 million annually) received 54% of the votes and the fourth proposition at 2.75 mills (bringing in around 6.5 million annually won by 53%.

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Tips On Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

 When it comes to the air in your home, it has become more important now than ever in this day in age. The COVID-19 pandemic kept the country indoors and in their homes a lot within the past couple of years. In the past, air pollution has been focused on the outdoor air quality but with the past stay-in-door orders, this has also brought our home's air quality into the equation.

Our indoor air quality can affect our health and our well-being. Bad indoor air quality leads to colds, the flu, asthma allergies, impaired sleep and concentration, sluggish productivity, mood disorders and health problems.

Professionals in the industry report that more than half of the homes in the country do not have correct ventilation which leads to poor indoor quality. Surprisingly, indoor air pollutants can be found in your home's paint, furniture, carpets and cleaning products.

“Understanding the sources and, more importantly, controlling the causes behind common indoor pollutants can help to protect the health of your family, and one of your most important investments — your home,” says Scott Rasmussen, president of Quality Edge.

Below are some tips on how you can improve your indoor environment at home to help with indoor air quality.

Proper Ventilation Is Crucial for Clean Air

While your home does need to be weatherproofed, it still needs to be able to breathe. Proper ventilation is imperative for this and helps alleviate those indoor pollutants.

“Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources, and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out,” Rasmussen says. He adds that proper ventilation is crucial for clean air.

Your attic is one of the first places you should start. A home's attic needs continuous ventilation. An attic with no airflow causes mold, growth, mildew and rot. Make sure the ventilation at the eave edge can bring fresh air in through the roof exhaust vents.

If this is a concern for you and your home, you might want to consider investing in a high-performance roof ventilation system. This kind of system will do its job well but is architectural pleasing to the eye and will not stand out and ruin your home's curb appeal.

Extend the Life of Your Home

A new roof with an adequate roof ventilation system will help do this. As a homeowner, you will be able to avoid costly repairs due to mold, rotten wood or odor buildup with this system.

Another way to extend the life of your home is to add vented soffit products that will not only help with the health of your home but will add to your home's curb appeal. These products do this by elevating the look of your house's exterior.

“Replacing your soffit also presents a great opportunity to update your home’s trim colors,” Rasmussen says.

Prevent Leaks

A home's exterior siding can prevent water leaks. These leaks will seep into your home's interior causing moisture damage and mold. Professionals suggest a moisture-wicking siding should be used on a new home or added to a remodel.

If you cannot afford to replace your current siding, then a regular maintenance check-up is suggested. Look for cracks that can be scaled up to help prevent any water leaks.

Other Steps to Take

There are many simple things you can do to your existing home that will help with air quality. Make sure to clean and dust regularly which will minimize indoor air pollutants. Also regularly check your HVAC system and replace their filters several times a year.

Remember the quality of the air in your home does not only affect those that live in the house but extends the health and life of the home itself. “High temperature and humidity levels in your attic spaces due to inadequate ventilation can increase your energy costs, reduce the effectiveness of your home’s insulation, cause premature aging of your home’s building materials and void your home’s roof warranty,” Rasmussen says.

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