The homebuilding industry has been around for quite some time and has gone through its fair share of ups and downs. And it has survived – despite its resistance to change.

Think Ahead. Change IS inevitable.

The notion that “we’ve always done it this way,” is what prevents the industry from being a process innovator and systems thought leader. Harsh? Sure. But having worked in homebuilding for more than 30 years, it’s also true.

Overall, the industry is not good at thinking ahead and preparing for change. For instance, the CALIFORNIA ENERGY EFFICIENCY LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN (CAEESP). This plan is California’s roadmap to achieving maximum energy savings in the state between 2009 and 2020. It was adopted in 2008 – more than 10 years ago. The Plan was known as were the dates for various code changes. What did a majority of California homebuilders do at the end of 2019, before the latest code changes went in to effect? They pulled as many building permits as possible under the “old” code. The absence of thinking ahead, 10 years is plenty of time, there will be a slew of newly constructed homes which will be outdated, even obsolete, by the time they are completed and ready for a family to move-in.

 Be Prepared. Change IS unexpected.

Social Distancing ala COVID-19, need I say more? We’ve had to put in place and adopt ways of doing business, building and selling homes. Embracing technology that has been in use by other industries, has been homebuilding’s saving grace. However, implement technological tools that are readily available into industry processes that have been resistant to change, has fallen short at the implementation stage. Virtual tours are great but lack personal connection. Skype and FaceTime can work in a one-on-one situation, but sales teams have not been trained on how to adjust their in-person sales approach to one that remains professional and on-brand in an online format. Learning from other industries that have been selling and teaching by using live-digital platforms will help bridge our connection with our home buyers. And moving forward, you will have a new mechanism for your Sales & Marketing toolbox, unexpected challenge or not. 

Get Off Your Arse. Change IS leaving you behind.

We will survive this challenge, but let’s learn from it and make strategic changes with the intention and incorporate tools that will advance our industry. Think Ahead. Be Prepared. And take the necessary steps, now. (aka Get Off Your Arse!)