Fast forward to 2010 and less those numbers had plummeted to just 900 permits were pulled in Polk and a mere 2,000 in Orange. In 2013, the last year for which numbers are available, Polk County builders rebounded by pulling 1,200 with Orange County builders pulling 4,300 permits._x000D_
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Specifically which areas are rebounding or growing is a matter of contention. Kim Foy, President of Southern Home Traditions, a builder based in Orlando, says that urban infill is a serious growth area. “People are wanting to live closer to downtown areas, and there is not much empty land. [They’re] tearing down old homes that are less efficient and replacing them with better structures, that conserve energy and have more desirable floor plans for today’s lifestyles.”_x000D_
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But Mike Hickman, President of Hickman Homes, based in Polk and Hillsborough Counties sees a different growth market he calls “The Move-Up Market.”Hickman has clients who are ready to move into his business’s price range – mid and high end homes. Both builders see the 2,500 – 3,500 square foot home as the sweet spot for current customers._x000D_
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Historically low interest rates, surprisingly, are not affecting customers in search of new construction. Hickman explains that banks are just beginning to loosen their requirement that mortgage borrowers provide a 20 percent down payment and are beginning to lend up to 90 percent of a loan amount. Foye has noticed customers forgoing the banks altogether and paying cash despite the low interest rates._x000D_
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The primary concerns of builders depend on the location they build in. Foye, who builds primarily in Orlando is dealing with so-called “smart growth”issues, while Hickman, who builds primarily in the more rural Polk County, is dealing with impact fees. “Smart growth is a topic of concern, especially in downtown Orlando communities,” says Foye. “It is difficult for a thriving city such as Orlando to become a technological hub and experience high growth without expanding housing options in urban areas close to downtown.”_x000D_
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For his part, Hickman said Polk County had placed a moratorium on impact fees for the last several years to help builders and developers. “There is talk of the county reinstituting the fees this year. I’m hoping they keep the moratorium in place one more year.”Hickman also said that there are code changes due to take effect this June that will add several thousand dollars to the cost of a home._x000D_
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Permitting has continued to go up since bottoming out in 2010. Hickman clearly did not enjoy doing business through the recession but feels that those that survived are better for it. “We were forced to diversify our business,” says Hickman. \\\We got into some commercial work and remodeling.”Foye’s company
