Post-Sandy supply price bump could boost local home prices - KOTA Territory News

Post-Sandy supply price bump could boost local home prices

Major storms and other disasters can result in tens of billions of dollars in damage.

And in the wake of rebuilding, the cost of some construction supplies goes up all across the country.

Contractors aren't feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy just yet, but some think it's just a matter of time.
 
"Sheetrock and OSB both only come from certain mills, so they're harder to get a hold of than, say, studs or shingles," said Darin Howie, foreman for Howie Construction in Rapid City.
 
Howie said that's where most of the price increase comes from after big storms.
 
"In the past we've seen it as much as quadruple," like after Hurricane Katrina, he said. "As far as Hurricane Sandy, we haven't seen any increase out of that yet."
 
Howie expects to see a bump at some point, but nothing compared to the massive post-Katrina increase.

Katrina caused about $60 billion in damage, according to insurance claims; the highest figures for Sandy put the damage at about a third of that.
 
"Most of the builders try to absorb that in their profit margin," said Real Estate Group realtor Linda Rausch.

Rausch said even with that, she can see the price of new homes in the area ticking up.
 
"New construction is at a premium compared to resale homes," she said. "And the consumer is willing to pay that to a point."
 
Rausch also pointed to other factors that could have home buyers paying more.
 
"Our inventory of new homes and resale homes is down, so that will drive price up," she said.
 
Rausch and home builder Ryan Kelly believe that, plus a strengthening economy, is driving prices up, but not a whole lot.
 
"I would guess somewhere 5 percent plus or minus 2 [percent]," said Rausch.
 
"It's strictly supply and demand," Howie said.

The Rapid City housing market has been gaining strength this year. Rausch said sales are up about 14 percent in the area.