OutThink - The Outhouse Blog

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Tabitha Warren

From Clicks to Community: Mastering Visitor Engagement Using Your Home Site Blog


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Classic Home Builder Website, theoretical banner for dream homes

Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into the wild world of website success! Hey, you’ve decked out your website with new site maps and floor plans. That’s step one. You’re off to a great start!

You’re imagining the floodgates of customers, right? Well, hold on to your blueprint! It’s a bit more intricate than that.

First off, these shiny interactive floor plans (IFPs) and interactive site maps (ISPs) are stellar, no doubt. They’re like the red-carpet welcoming buyers, but they won’t drive the traffic there.

Enter SEO, the wizardry behind getting eyeballs on your site. Sure, it’s a complex dance with algorithms, but here’s a nifty trick—blogging. Yes, yes, you might be rolling your eyes at the thought of writing, but bear with us!

Think about it. You’ve got these incredible interactive tools showcasing house layouts, upgrades, and the whole spiel. But why stop there? Your site maps aren’t just about the house, they’re your gateway to the neighborhood. Nearby eateries, local schools, hangouts—all the soul of community life.

That’s where blogs become your ace in the sleeve! Write about the hidden gems around your communities. Neighborhood secrets, the best tacos in town, or where to grab the perfect latte on a Sunday morning. Take screen shots of your ISPs to show homebuyers what is in the area, helping them feel like they are already living there and how to plan a perfect day out. It’s not just about homes; it’s about crafting a lifestyle!1

So, next time you grumble about blogging, remember you’re not just selling houses; you’re curating experiences. Give it a whirl. Who knows, your blog might just be the key to unlocking a new world of buyers!2

Now, about the magic of blogs—they aren’t just there for show. Businesses that blog rake in more traffic. It’s a magnet for potential buyers scouring the web for their dream home. Plus, it gives your website some serious SEO brownie points.2

The thing is your website isn’t merely a digital property catalogue. It’s an immersive experience—a sneak peek into a potential life. Every blog post isn’t just a blurb; it’s an invitation, a snippet of the world they could be stepping into.3

See, the key isn’t just in flashing your interactive tools; it’s in telling a compelling story. So, the next time you sigh about blogging, think about the universe you’re creating for your buyers—one engaging post at a time.4

Get tapping those keys; your buyers might just be scrolling, waiting to discover their new home sweet home!

Remember, it’s not just about selling houses; it’s about selling a lifestyle. Cheers to blogging beyond the blueprints!

Tabitha Warren was an Income Tax Accountant for 15+ years.  In the first months of the pandemic, she took a chance and re-careered to freelance in Marketing.  She currently, and very happily, works with video and photo editing, social media marketing, and now blog writing.

  1. (Source: Moz – SEO Basics)
  2. (Source: HubSpot – The Benefits of Business Blogging)
  3. (Source: Forbes – Blogging for Business)
  4. (Source: WordStream – 55 Blogging Statistics and Facts)

Year-End Takeaways for the Home Building Industry


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As we approach the end of another eventful year in the home building industry, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the key lessons and takeaways that can guide us into a promising future. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there’s much to learn from the experiences of the past 12 months. Here are some crucial year-end takeaways for the home building industry:

  1. Adaptability Is Key: The year 2023 highlighted the importance of adaptability. Home builders who quickly adjusted their strategies in response to changing market conditions were better positioned for success. Flexibility and the ability to pivot in the face of challenges have become valuable assets.
  2. Digital Dominance Continues: The digital transformation in the home building industry is no longer a trend; it’s a necessity. With homebuyers relying on online research and interactive tools like never before, having a robust online presence, including virtual tours and interactive floor plans, is essential. There is some good news here: the costs of these digital technologies are dropping. This is an excellent opportunity for smaller homebuilders seeking a competitive advantage. Builders who want to stay ahead of the curve in 2024 should consider implementing digital assets they may have believed to be out of reach. Pricing has become much more competitive in recent years. Putting some digital tools in place could mean the difference between staying in the game and being unable to remain competitive.
  3. Supply Chain Management: The global supply chain disruptions served as a reminder of the significance of efficient supply chain management. Home builders should build resilient supply chains to prevent delays and maintain construction timelines. Resilience is essential in every part of the supply chain, from labor to subcontractors to materials and technology. 1
  4. Sustainability Matters: The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient homes is rising. Incorporating green building practices appeals to eco-conscious buyers and helps reduce long-term operating costs. The home building industry is waking up to the importance of green building. Even NAHB and IBS are getting involved by funding a Green Building Scholarship. Please find out more by visiting their website: https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-issues/sustainability-and-green-building/sgb-scholarship-for-ibs
  5. Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing quality over quantity is becoming the mantra of successful homebuilders. Delivering superior craftsmanship and focusing on customer satisfaction can lead to lasting success in the industry. For an interesting read about improving housing in America, check out what the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University found about the impact of COVID-19 on our current market. They have some interesting statistics on home repair ($420 billion spent in 2020), DIY vs professional, and the demand for quality housing. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/improving-americas-housing-2021
  6. Teamwork and Talent: The importance of a skilled and motivated workforce cannot be overstated. Investing in employee training and well-being can improve productivity, retention, and overall company success. Continuing education for your Online Sales Counselors and Marketing team is imperative. The digital landscape is ever changing. Marketers need help to stay current. Summits and conferences can pay 100-fold. Online Sales Counselors are only as good as their sales experience and education. Help them by ensuring they have all the tools in their toolbox.
  7. Customer-Centric Approach: Home builders who put the customer at the center of their operations tend to thrive. Excellent customer service and transparent communication go a long way in building trust and loyalty. More and more builders are discussing that a customer-centric approach might involve having transparent online pricing. Just listen to what Reilly LePage of Logel Homes had to say on The Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast: https://www.buildermarketingpodcast.com/episodes/190-elevating-the-online-home-buying-process-reilly-lepage Builder Online thought this was such an important topic that they featured the podcast this month on their Builder 100.
  8. Risk Management: With uncertainties in the market, effective risk management strategies are crucial. Planning for potential disruptions and having backup plans can mitigate unexpected challenges. Conducting market analysis before starting a project, having a robust financial reserve, and securing contracts with backup suppliers are just a few ways to mitigate risk.
  9. Local Market Insight: Understanding the unique dynamics of local markets is essential. Tailoring strategies to meet each community’s specific needs and preferences can make a significant difference. Home builders can always hire an independent market research team. If that is outside the budget, local home builders associations, real estate associations, and chambers of commerce often publish market reports, housing data, and economic indicators for specific regions. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau, local planning departments, and housing authorities publish data providing demographic information, building permits, and economic data. If all else fails, there are the good old real estate platforms Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin to peruse for statistics, pricing trends, and property listings.
  10. Continual Learning: The home building industry is constantly evolving. Those who commit to ongoing learning and staying updated on industry trends and regulations will remain ahead of the competition. Educational events like the National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show (IBS) and The Home Builder Digital Marketing Summit are key. Summits and Conferences help builders keep up with the ever-evolving industry. Monthly learning like that provided in Builder Town Hall by Meredith Communications is also a great way to keep your ear out.

As we bid farewell to this year, let’s carry these valuable takeaways into the future. The home building industry’s resilience and adaptability have been on full display. With the right strategies in place, the opportunities for growth and success in the coming year are boundless. Cheers to a promising and prosperous future in the world of home building!

Tabitha Warren was an Income Tax Accountant for 15+ years.  In the first months of the pandemic, she took a chance and re-careered to freelance in Marketing.  She currently, and very happily, works with video and photo editing, social media marketing, and now blog writing.

  1. https://buildertrend.com/blog/construction-supply-chain/

Building a House in Arizona: Expert Guidance From Local Builders | Redfin


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Redfin is featuring Outhouse in an article, and we encourage you to check it out. Although we provide computer-aided design (CAD) and interactive marketing tools to builders nationwide, we are pleased to be included in an article about home building in our home state of Arizona.

Embarking on the journey of building your dream home in the Grand Canyon State of Arizona is an exciting adventure filled with unique considerations. From the vibrant energy of Phoenix’s city life to the tranquility of Flagstaff’s pine-scented forests, constructing a home here requires careful planning and consideration.

In this article, Redfin has gathered insights from seasoned Arizona builders to walk you through the essential steps, from understanding zoning laws to choosing the right materials for the Arizona climate. With practical advice and tips from start to finish, you’ll gain the confidence to manage your building project effectively and make informed decisions that bring your vision of an Arizona home to life.

Read the full article here: Building a House in Arizona: Expert Guidance From Local Builders | Redfin

Consider an Integrated Build/Market/Sell Process for Speed

Whether you live in Arizona or one of the other 49 states, when you are ready to design, build, and sell some new homes, it pays to consider a digital marketing provider like Outhouse, which offers in-house drafting services. Outhouse’s experienced CAD team works with some of the most successful production home builders across the nation on everything from master sets to redline revisions to plot plans. And, while your homes are being drawn, our production teams are simultaneously creating interactive floor plans, renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, print collateral, and more, helping you bring homes to market faster than the competition. Starting with Outhouse CAD as the foundation, integration is the key to streamlining the build/market/sell process.

As we head into the holiday season, Outhouse would like to thank all our clients and friends. We appreciate you and are grateful for the business you bring us throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Unlocking Success in the Competitive Home Sales Market: How Interactive Tools and Incentives Make New Builds a Smart Choice


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Architect checking house floor plan for new build on tablet device
Architect checking new build floor plan on tablet courtesy of Envato Elements

For the past few years, potential homeowners have been facing a challenging scenario – soaring mortgage rates that threaten to make their dream of owning a home harder and harder to reach. The low supply of existing inventory due to families not moving from their low-interest-rate homes is making the situation even worse. The financial waves of the housing market have left many potential buyers contemplating their options.  Is it still feasible to dive into the deep waters of mortgage loans when the rates are riding too high? Or should they seek the calmer shores and consider a different route altogether?

In this blog, we’ll explore why the alternative path that more and more prospective homeowners are setting their sights on, purchasing a new build home, might be a better option. We’ll also talk about some of the most alluring incentives that home builders can leverage to take advantage of this market. Finally, we’ll talk about the need for home builders to have an effective website with engaging digital tools to set themselves apart from their competitors.

New builds come with some advantages to existing properties. Among these advantages might be the ability to customize the home, energy efficiency, warranty coverage for the initial year of ownership, and lower immediate maintenance costs. Builders that can market these advantages as cost saving advantages might just win prospective buyers from the resale market.  What home buyer doesn’t want to save on every aspect possible of homeownership?

So, what home builder incentives are the most attractive to new home buyers? As mortgage loan interest rates soar, there are two stand out incentives.  First, closing cost assistance can reduce the financial burden of a new home buyer at the time of closing.  This makes homeownership much more attainable to buyers at these heightened rates. The second is interest rate buydowns! Some builders are offering to buy down the buyers’ mortgage rate to get the prospective buyer to a more manageable monthly mortgage payment. From this writer’s logic, this frees the buyer to only need finances for one of the two things themselves. They either need enough money for a down payment or an interest rate buy down if they want a nice low payment for the term of their dream home.

Housing market affordability is so strained that this Fortune 500 homebuilder is offering a fixed 4.25% mortgage rate in some communities

Check out this article from Forbes!

Builders have a myriad of other incentives aside from these two.  They can offer base price discounts on specific homes. This usually happens with the first few homes in a new development.  They can offer free or discounted upgrades, customizations, or appliance packages.  They can also offer to pay HOA fees for the first year. These are just a few of the incentives available that can make new construction more financially attractive than purchasing an existing home.

Never Underestimate the Value of a Good First Impression.”

You’re with me this far. You’re a builder. You offer some of these incentives, but you want to know how to set yourself apart from other builders when marketing to potential homebuyers. Interactive tools may be key in the real estate market.  These tools offer a more engaging and informative experience to potential buyers, making it easier for them to visualize themselves in a potential new home. It can also make sure they clearly understand what the properties have to offer. 

Don’t believe us?  Here’s some statistical proof provided by the Content Marketing Institute:

  • 88% of marketers say interactive content differentiates them from competitors giving them a significant advantage in a crowded market.
  • 93% of marketers agree that interactive content is effective in educating buyers as compared to 70% for static content.
  • Interactive content attracts 2x the engagement of similar static content.

Those numbers are hard to refute, and they are just some highlights. If you want more information, head over to the Content Marketing Institute’s website to read more of their studies.

Some of the best interactive tools come in a few different categories: visualization, personalization, and lead generation, to name a few. When it comes to visualization, the most useful tools for new home buyers tend to be interactive floor plans, virtual tours, and real-time online booking and scheduling. Interactive floor plans (IFPS) allow buyers to customize layouts and explore different design options. Buyers can visualize a space and personalize it to their needs.  This can be a powerful selling point for new construction homes where there are often many customization options.

Interactive Floor Plans Top New Buyers’ Useful Tools Lists

Virtual tours or 3D tours allow a homeowner to experience a home, whether it is real or 3D rendered, from the comfort of their own home.  Builders can showcase the home in detail. This is incredibly important in times when physical access may be limited or just plain inconvenient.

Further, websites can integrate features that allow buyers to schedule appointments, book showings, or attend virtual open houses. This is a convenience for both the buyer and the home builder!

Once the potential buyer is interested in a builder, the best interactive tools need to be personalized; this can be achieved with real-time updates on available homes, pricing, and promotions. After all, everything else on the builder’s site hooked this potential home buyer; the builder will want to keep them interested! A great addition after purchase might be online sales tools. Many websites allow buyers to complete the purchase process online, including signing contracts and making payments.

Finally, lead generation might be the final piece of the interactive tool puzzle. Home builders can use website analytics to gain insights into user behavior. A data-driven approach can help them refine their marketing strategies and help them understand what features are most appealing to buyers. They might use this information to improve their sales tactics. Moreover, valuable data about user engagement and preferences can be provided to builders from their interactive tools. When potential buyers engage with these tools, builders can collect information and follow up with targeted marketing and sales efforts specific to individual buyers.  

Modern websites can capture leads and integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Sales teams can use this information to effectively nurture leads and follow-up. The best way to turn a potential buyer into a homeowner is with timely and personalized information. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social media integration might be the bow on the package. A well-optimized website can rank higher in search and make it easier for potential buyers to find and explore a builder’s properties.  SEO strategies can drive organic traffic to the builder’s site.  With the addition of well-thought-out social media integrations, builders can leverage social networks for marketing and referrals.

To sum it up, modern website assets empower homebuilders to provide a superior online experience, engage potential buyers effectively, and leverage data to optimize their sales strategies.  By staying up-to-date with the latest web technologies and user experience trends, homebuilders can gain a competitive edge in this competitive home sales market. There is definitely room for new home sales to outpace resale with the proper online strategies!

If all of this sounds a little mind blowing to you, a great place to learn about all of these digital tools, and the corresponding analytics would be from the experts at The Home Builders Digital Marketing Summit, and some of the amazing companies sponsoring and hosting the event.

http://buildermarketingsummit.com

Tabitha Warren was an Income Tax Accountant for 15+ years.  In the first months of the pandemic, she took a chance and re-careered to freelance in Marketing.  She currently, and very happily, works with video and photo editing, social media marketing, and now blog writing.

10 Lessons Ted Lasso Would Have for the Home Building Industry in 2023


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This image was taken from the official press kit for “Ted Lasso,” distributed by AppleTV+ 

The final season of Ted Lasso was loved by some and flopped for many. I was one of the people who was a tried-and-true fan in the same manner that I’m a fan of the home building industry.  Ted wants us to be better, happier, more hopeful people. The home building industry wants people to find a home for their family and build happy, hopeful lives there. They want us to continue to “believe” in the American dream and a place to call our own. On that note, I believe that Ted Lasso has a few more lessons for home builders. But this time around we’ll take a few quotes from the entire cast. 

The series finale of Ted Lasso shows the team comes together; each has a piece of the iconic “BELIEVE” sign.  They put it together. It’s ripped, it’s tattered, but it’s all there. It’s beautiful. It stands for something.   

When I saw it, I saw the home building industry. It has had a several-year struggle from materials shortages to housing shortages and long waits to labor shortages to skyrocketing interest rates. Like A.F.C. Richmond, it often feels like the housing industry can’t get a win.  

Many of us in the housing industry just need to take some of the Lasso lessons and above all remember to “Believe in Believe.” 

You guys are more distracted than a bunch of cats playing laser tag.”

Ted Lasso
  1. Focus on Relationships: The key point here is focus. One of the lessons from Ted Lasso is the importance of building strong relationships with clients, customers, and colleagues. In season 3, we see Ted continue to prioritize his connections with the team and work to build trust with new players like Dani Rojas. With these fictional characters as well as in home building, focus on relationships creates trust and confidence among all parties. New homes are significant investments, so home buyers need to believe builders and contractors will deliver quality work within agreed-upon terms.

Well, I don’t want comfort.”

Roy Kent
  1. Embrace Change: The willingness of homebuilders to adapt and embrace new technologies and building practices is critical to staying ahead of the curve. By adopting new technologies, trends, and practices, home builders can offer better homes, enhance customer satisfaction, and position themselves for success in an ever-evolving market. Ted Lasso is all about embracing change and adapting to new situations. In the final season, A.F.C. Richmond undergo some significant changes as they adjust to new coaching and playing styles. This inevitably leads them to advance to the Champions League. Embracing change can make many of us champions in our own rights.

Unless it’s Animal Crossing. That sh! t’s ‘clucking’ soothing.”

Isaac Macadoo
  1. Communication is Key: Effective communication is essential in any industry. Home builders should prioritize clear and open communication with clients and trade partners to ensure everyone is on the same page. Ted Lasso is a shining example of effective communication. Ted and the team continuously work to improve their communication on and off the field. Communication takes many different forms, and sometimes we all need to calm down and make sure we are playing from the same rule book.

Right now, y’all brains are basically in London in 1857. They’re blocked up by other people’s dookie.”

Ted Lasso
  1. Prioritize Customer Experience: Ted Lasso understands the importance of providing a great customer experience, and builders should too. Ted works to create a positive and supportive environment for the team. He often takes them on strange and winding journeys if it will result in them understanding the process better. Ultimately, this helps them perform better on the field. Similarly, home builders should prioritize their clients’ experience, from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough. That’s the idea of the home buyer journey.

I’m a work in prog-mess.”

Ted Lasso
  1. Emphasize Quality: In season 3, we see the team working to improve their skills and techniques to produce better results on the field. Ted Lasso is known for his attention to detail and emphasis on quality, which should also be a priority for home builders. Prioritizing quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure projects stand the test of time is a good business practice. Things don’t always have to be perfect, but we in the homebuilding industry should strive to improve every day.

Can I say a bad word? I think you’re being stupid.”

Phoebe (Kent)
  1. Be Authentic: Authenticity is a fundamental aspect of successful homebuilding. It establishes trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters customer and trade loyalty, all of which are vital for sustained success in our competitive market. Authenticity benefits the homebuilding business and ensures a positive and fulfilling experience for the buyer who entrusts home builders with their dreams of a new home. Ted Lasso is all about being true to yourself and your values, which often involves a lot of honesty.

“Time is a construct, like gender and many of the alphabets.”

Zava
  1. Embrace Diversity: Diversity and inclusion are essential themes in Ted Lasso, and these values also play an important role in new home construction and sales. This season, we see the team welcome new players from different backgrounds and work to create a more inclusive environment. Home builders also benefit by striving to gather diverse and inclusive teams to foster innovation and creativity. Like Ted Lasso, homebuilders will find that different viewpoints and experiences enable them to innovate, problem-solve, and attract a broader group of homebuyers.

We are now one. There is no we; there is no you; there is only we and us and the ‘wenus.'”

Zava
  1. Collaborate: Collaboration is vital in any industry, including home building. Prioritizing collaboration with contractors, designers, and other stakeholders helps builders ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Partnerships also enable builders to manage complex projects, maintain quality control, creatively innovate, and manage costs. I think Zava said it all.

I’ve had more psychotic episodes than Twin Peaks.”

Ted Lasso
  1. Be Resilient: Ted Lasso is all about resilience and overcoming adversity. In the final season, the team faces some tough challenges, but they bounce back and come out stronger in the end. Home builders should also be resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges and work to solve problems as they arise. In the past year, we have faced economic uncertainties such as rising interest rates, inflation, and fluctuating housing demand. Being resilient allows home builders to adapt to these changing economic conditions.

I look like Ned Flanders is doing cosplay with Ned Flanders.”

Ted Lasso
  1. Have Fun: Last but not least, Ted Lasso reminds us to have fun and enjoy the journey. The boys at A.F.C Richmond work hard but also take time to enjoy each other’s company and have fun on and off the field. Home builders should also remember to enjoy the process and take pride in their work while finding ways to have fun along the way.
The Mayfair – by Hampstead Living with Believe sign added

The wonder of Ted Lasso comes from within the process of growth and connection. It doesn’t have anything to do with wins and losses. Just like the continued beauty of home building should be connections and community. Connections to quality business partners and connections to the families we come together to help. We are building a community on so many levels. Community of like-minded builders and vendors. But most of all, communities of new homeowners will be proud to have bought a home from us and will want to come back the next time they purchase. I think we all need to take notes from Ted Lasso and Believe in Believe.