During the same period of time, the number of homes sold went up 34.1 percent. This is another situation that makes Stillwater unique, Mason said. In talking to other economic developers around the state, lack of affordable housing has become a problem statewide, but in most cases they have a lack of homes being built, Mason said. Townsend said the problem community development leaders face is convincing construction companies to build homes that are affordable when the numbers of more expensive homes being sold continues to rise. The city can t go in and build homes, she said.
Builders have to buy the land, the materials and pay the labor.
The city can t help there, and that makes it hard to make an impact. It is our job to encourage builders by offering incentives and waiving fees to make building homes in this price range more economically feasible. Builders are not only seeking incentives but also want to know what potential buyers want in new homes and a guarantee that homes will be bought, said Roger Gose, president of the Stillwater Homebuilders Association. Builders start with specifics such as three bedroom and two baths, Gose said. Then they have to know other things like siding types and garage types.