Editor’s Note: March 2021

Dear Readers in print and online,

It’s hard to believe that nearly 12 months have passed since our world turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The past year has shaped the way we lived our lives, with some trends, such as working or learning remotely, here to stay. Despite closures and a halt to many business and sectors around the world, builders knew that the show had to go on. With the technological advancements society has made in recent years enabling us to somewhat keep operations afloat, the homebuying experience has gone completely virtual. By the utilization of video chat applications such as Zoom and FaceTime, the housing market has been able to lead the economy toward a recovery.

With that being said, we welcome you to the March 2021 issue, where we highlight customer service and also how technology has played a role. The buying experience is something that can stick with a customer forever. From the way a builder’s website is set up to the response times of customer inquiries, customer service is a topic that must be emphasized to help improve your company’s success. You’ll never hear stories about homebuyers who purchased a home from a builder they didn’t have a good experience with. Within these pages, you’ll find contributions from the original homebuyer survey company Eliant and top marketing executives from Tri Pointe Homes and Kerry and Co.

In regards to technology, I can say that I’m glad that we’re able to have these resources that helped alleviate our lives to some sense of normalcy. Just about everything in the homebuying experience can be done virtually: meeting with a realtor, touring a home, signing documents, you name it. If the buyer really wanted to, they could purchase a home without ever leaving the vicinity of their living room.

Being March, this issue is also green, and we touch on topics on sustainability, high-performing homes, health and wellness. I hate to sound like such a broken record, but it’s evident to see that health and wellness are major factors in today’s buying decisions. Whether it’s finding a home that’s third-party certified or built above local codes, possible customers want to feel a sense of comfort in the homes they’ll be living in.

As we charge into spring, it’s important for industry professionals to make sure they go above and beyond in the customer service aspect of their business models. Your success hinges on whether or not your products are purchased, and the buyer’s experience can make or break any deal.

As always, if you’ve got any news or projects you’d like us to hear about, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email or phone call. If you’d like to hear from our advertisers, be sure to visit https://bdmag.com/hear-from-our-advertisers-bd-march-21/ to safely request information.

Cheers,

Brian Alvarado
brian@builder.media