Released on: January 30, 2008, 10:45 am

Press Release Author: Carol Felzien

Industry: Construction

Press Release Summary: Residential construction advisor says local area will reap
benefits of new development 'oasis' focusing on three, emerging life stage markets.


Press Release Body: When you think of an oasis you see in your mind's eye a fertile,
lush green tract in the middle of a desert. From a home-building perspective, one
local residential construction analyst takes this vision a step further by
intimating that an oasis community is a sanctuary where people can envision their
lives, a place to call home.

According to Zanola Company President Joe Zanola, the oasis community is built on a
foundation of allure, the way in which it is presented. "First impressions are
important," said Zanola. "Like an actual oasis, the development itself has to draw
people in first and foremost. Once these potential home buyers are drawn to an
oasis community and can envision their future there, then they decide to look at the
various housing products a particular builder has to offer."

Zanola also indicated there are some great opportunities in the St. Louis area for
builders to serve more specialized markets, rather than the single-family market
that has dominated for so many years. "Opportunities exist for homebuilders right
now in niche markets that are currently being underserved," Zanola said. "We have
become so entrenched in providing for the single family or growing family market,
we've potentially overlooked the fact that it's not the only one that exists."

Young first-time buyers and baby boomers are the two largest emerging markets now
being underserved in new home construction. These segments have a very different
set of demands than traditional single family home buyers. Homes with two master
bedrooms and smaller low maintenance homes are two of the products that fit these
two growing demographics of home buyers.

"In addition," said Zanola, "we're finding this concept of the 'oasis' community
represents a desire for people in all three segments - first-time buyers, growing
families and baby boomers - to live together in multi-generational, diverse
communities. In fact, we're already seeing trends whereby people are looking for
opportunities to live in close proximity with immediate and extended family
members."

Zanola indicated this unique approach to community planning and home building in the
St. Louis metro area also takes into account the fact that the first-time buyer and
baby boomer markets represent the age targets projected to increase over the course
of the next five years.

Overall, Zanola said buyers now like to envision their future in a home. They're
more analytical and they pay more attention to the home's surroundings. For this
reason, he perceives discounts as a fading trend as customers demand community
amenities and incentives from builders. It's important that developers consider this
and create environments that buyers in these growing segments will want to call home
five, ten and 15 years from now.

Zanola Company specializes in conducting and analyzing research to advise the home
builders of greater St. Louis wit trends based on real world data. President and
founder Joe Zanola has more than 30 years of experience in the St. Louis building
industry. For more information, the company can be reached at (314) 918-7200.

Web Site: http://www.kolbeco.net

Contact Details: KolbeCo Marketing Resources
1676 Bryan Road, Suite 113
Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368
636-379-3895