Interest Rates are at Historic Lows.  Although construction loans vary based on a number of factors, they begin with the prime rate.  With a historically low prime rate of 3.25% these rates have no where to go but up.

Commodity Prices Low. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, many of the materials associated with home building, such as steel, concrete, glass and aluminum increased production to keep up with world demand.  However, demand has slowed, bringing down prices.  These prices will not stay low and will rise as supply and demand adjusts.

Vendors have never been more negotiable.  During the boom consumers were at the mercy of subcontractors and suppliers who had plenty of work and little time to negotiate.  Now that climate has changed, vendors understand they need to be flexible to stay competitive and keep home builders happy.

Labor is cheap.  With unemployment still high, skilled and unskilled laborers alike have adjusted their fees in order to survive.   A necessary move they will be quick to correct as conditions improve.

Building Codes are Getting Tougher.  Each year through 2019 building code requirements will get more stringent as part of Florida's Energy Efficient Code which passed the Florida House in 2008.  Be sure to work with a home builder that understands the implications of these codes and has solutions in place.