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At the NAHB International Builder Show, color, technology and outdoor living took center stage

Interest and demand for new build homes has continued to climb as buyers look for new ways to achieve the American Dream despite limited existing home inventory and a challenging interest rate environment. In fact, just last month, construction began on more than 1 million single-family homes across the country, according to the Commerce Department's Census Bureau.

“About 80% of homebuyers in the U.S. have an interest rate below 3.5%, which means they aren’t likely to move with rates where they are today,” said Tony Cardoza, national Builder Program manager at U.S. Bank. “But there is a whole segment of aspiring homebuyers who want and need to buy a home, so many of those buyers will be looking at new build homes.”

As a top 10 mortgage loan originator, U.S. Bank has helped thousands of clients purchase a new build home and is working with over 1,000 new build communities nationwide serving as the preferred mortgage partner. When the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builder Show was held in Las Vegas in February, U.S. Bank was there to check out the latest trends in new home construction and continue to build relationships in the homebuilder space.

“This year was all about color. Pops of colors in places you’d never expect them, like high-end appliances in really bold and beautiful colors. Monotone spaces are out and dramatic spaces are in,” said Cardoza, who’s role entails overseeing all U.S. Bank Retail Mortgage builder efforts from attracting new builders to maintaining relationships with existing relationships.

Other trends coming out of the show focused on modernized kitchens with built-in appliances that create a cleaner, less cluttered aesthetic, he said. Also, brass finishes continue to be popular in all spaces of the home from the kitchen to bathrooms.

Technology was a major focus as well, Cardoza said, with new smart home features and built-in capabilities for everyday tech needs like device charging stations.

“If you are in the market for a new construction home, it’s a really exciting time,” Cardoza said. “So many of the amazing features on display are available today in new build communities.”

To learn more about starting your journey to homeownership, visit usbank.com/homeloans. To learn more about the U.S. Bank Builder Program, visit the U.S. Bank Builder Resource Center.