Salata draws his market insight from his involvement in virtually every aspect of the industry. Most of the houses, Salata says, were built on contract. Typical Colonial touches include frieze board trim, shutters, crown molded head pieces on windows and doors. The great room or family room may be two stories high with a balcony overlooking it. There's lots of glass, windows, light.
Hard surfaces are often ceramic tile, hardwood or marble.
In terms of both new construction and sales of existing homes, transferred executives and professionals are a big factor. Joe Koch, president of Joe Koch Construction Co., Austintown, Ohio, says that General Motors is an important factor in the housing market. Right now, he states, the market is strong in Austintown. Buyers have gone through the process that all areas eventually go through when more affluent and successful people want to stay in the area. These people want to upgrade their standard of living.