1. What trends are you seeing right now in home design and buyer preferences?
“In the Montgomery market, buyers are leaning toward practical, flexible layouts over oversized homes. Open-concept living is still popular, but people want spaces that can multitask — a flex room, pocket office, bonus room or guest suite that can evolve with their lifestyle. Outdoor living is also a bigger priority, especially covered patios and usable backyards. Affordability is pushing demand toward slightly smaller, more efficient homes, while buyers still want thoughtful features that improve day-to-day living. Locally, as inventory has improved, buyers have more room to prioritize layout and livability instead of just availability.” – Josie Young, President of Russell Construction of Alabama and the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association
“Buyers are gravitating toward homes that feel open, functional and thoughtfully designed for everyday living. We’re seeing a strong preference for flexible spaces, natural light and seamless flow between kitchen, dining and living areas. There’s also a growing emphasis on lifestyle, homes that support entertaining, comfort and connection both indoors and out.” – Suzanne Mathison Smith, Vice President of Sales for Lowder New Homes
2. How have buyer needs changed in the past year?
“The biggest shift is that buyers are asking tougher questions about monthly cost and long-term efficiency. A year ago, many buyers were focused mainly on simply getting into a home; now they are weighing power bills, maintenance, insurance and financing incentives much more carefully. Work-from-home space still matters, but it has evolved into flexible rooms that can serve multiple purposes. There is also more interest in multigenerational-friendly layouts, better storage and outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of the home.” – Josie Young, President of Russell Construction of Alabama and the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association
“Buyers are placing more value on how a home lives day to day. Dedicated spaces for working from home, expanded outdoor living and flexible layouts for evolving needs are all top priorities. We’re also seeing increased interest in multigenerational living and homes that can adapt over time without sacrificing design.” – Suzanne Mathison Smith, Vice President of Sales for Lowder New Homes
3. Are there new communities or areas under development you’re especially excited about?
“The areas that stand out most are Pike Road, east Montgomery, Prattville and Wetumpka. Pike Road is especially compelling because it combines strong new-home activity with long-term planning and a clear sense of community. Prattville and Wetumpka are also attractive because they offer new homes at more approachable price points while still providing access to the broader River Region’s jobs and amenities.” – Josie Young, President of Russell Construction of Alabama and the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association
“We’re especially excited about our continued growth across Montgomery, Auburn and Lake Martin. In Montgomery, communities like Kinsley and our newest development, Hawthorne, reflect thoughtful planning and strong lifestyle amenities. In Auburn and Opelika, areas like Summerlin and Oakmont at Auburn University Club continue to grow with demand, while White Oak Landing at Lake Martin offers a unique opportunity to combine quality homebuilding with a truly scenic setting.” – Suzanne Mathison Smith, Vice President of Sales for Lowder New Homes
4. What should buyers know before choosing new construction over an existing home?
“New construction offers the opportunity to choose a home that fits your lifestyle from the start. From floor plan selection to design finishes, buyers have more control over how their home looks and functions. Additionally, new homes typically offer improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance and the peace of mind that comes with modern construction, supported by our incredible warranty team dedicated to caring for homeowners well beyond closing.” – Suzanne Mathison Smith, Vice President of Sales for Lowder New Homes
“Buyers should understand that new construction often offers better energy efficiency, lower near-term maintenance and more personalization, but it also requires more patience and more decision-making. It is important to know what is included in the base price versus upgrades, how lot premiums work and whether incentives are tied to specific lenders. Comparing the full package—price, interest rate, timeline, finishes and closing costs — is key to making a smart decision.” – Josie Young, President of Russell Construction of Alabama and the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association
5. What excites you most about the future of homebuilding in the River Region?
“We’re excited about the continued growth and momentum in the River Region. There is a strong demand for well-designed communities, and we see an opportunity to continue building places that bring people together while maintaining the character and quality that define this area. Being part of that growth and continuing to invest in Montgomery and the surrounding markets is something we’re incredibly proud of.” – Suzanne Mathison Smith, Vice President of Sales for Lowder New Homes
“What’s exciting is that the River Region is moving toward offering more choice. With improving inventory and continued growth in surrounding communities, builders have more opportunities to respond to what buyers actually want—efficient homes, better community design and stronger value. The future looks less focused on size and more focused on quality, functionality and lifestyle.” – Josie Young, President of Russell Construction of Alabama and the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association
Builder Insights: What Today’s Buyers Really Want
Design Must-Haves
- Hard-surface flooring in main living areas
- Kitchen islands
- Good pantry storage
- Functional primary suites
- Covered outdoor space
- Open kitchens with large islands and morning kitchens
- Flexible rooms
- Built-in drop zones
- Dedicated pet spaces
- Intentional lighting
Energy Efficiency and Smart Homes
- Energy-efficient windows, insulation and HVAC systems
- Smart home features for lighting, security and climate control
- Focus on long-term performance, comfort and sustainability
Customization and Budget
- Building from scratch doesn’t mean complete control
- Work within builder systems, timelines and budgets
- Upgrades can add up quickly; early decisions matter
- In-house design teams guide buyers to prioritize selections aligned with their vision and budget
Pricing, Timeline and Value Factors
- Lot cost, interest rates, labor availability, materials, permitting and upgrade choices affect pricing and timelines
- Overall value comes from location, layout, efficiency and long-term cost of ownership
- Clear communication, realistic timelines and quality prioritization ensure homes perform well after closing
