Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Build in West Michigan

Have you been dreaming of finally stepping foot in the home of your dreams, but hesitating to commit because of market uncertainty? Rising material costs and shifting mortgage rates have many homebuyers wondering, “Is now really the right time to buy or build?” At Eastbrook Homes, we understand wanting to make the right financial decision for your future. That’s why we don’t just build homes; we create pathways that enable homebuyers to buy with confidence.

More good news? Despite national headlines about tariffs and construction costs, local experts say the region’s housing market remains strong, steady, and full of opportunity for smart buyers. Right now is a great time to buy or build your new home in West Michigan – especially with Eastbrook.

1. Beyond Lumber Costs 

When it comes to fluctuations in the market, it’s important to take a step back and consider the big picture. Let’s take a look at what we’re actually seeing in Michigan, and what that means for our home buyers. 

• Stable Lumber Costs: We’re not seeing a material lumber-driven impact on our buyers today. Based on current purchasing and contracts, lumber costs have been stable for us recently. Lumber industry indexes have trended down, and our multi-month supplier agreements help smooth short-term swings. As of today, we’re not attributing any price change to lumber tariffs alone.
• Labor Costs as Price Driver: We continue to feel labor-tightness and wage pressure, which remain a more persistent driver than lumber day-to-day.
• Big picture: A home’s cost is a basket (labor, land, materials, financing, and more). We manage the total basket, not any single line item.

Remember, national modeling is helpful directionally, but impacts will always vary by market. In West Michigan, our purchasing and recent lumber trends have offset much of what’s been discussed nationally. In our current budgets, we haven’t seen a double-digit swing from lumber alone. Labor and other inputs have been the steadier pressure points. 

As part of our commitment to our home buyers, we’re watching the market closely. If conditions change, we’ll communicate and adjust responsibly – always with our buyer protections in place.

2. The Eastbrook Guarantee

At Eastbrook Homes, we’ve developed numerous buyer safeguards to protect our customers from market uncertainty. Customers who purchase now are protected by the Eastbrook Guarantee, which helps deliver more home for the money – even if market conditions change later.

With the Eastbrook Guarantee, you benefit from:

• Locked-In Price: Once you sign your contract, your home’s base price is guaranteed, protecting you from market fluctuations.

• Realistic Timeline: You’ll receive a clear construction timeline and weekly updates. 

• Unique Partnerships: Eastbrook carries the cost of construction, eliminating the need for you to secure a construction loan. This means you avoid extra fees, unpredictable interest payments, and the stress of managing financing during your build. Instead, Eastbrook manages the upfront construction costs on your behalf, allowing you to focus on designing your dream home. 

• Exclusive Financing Programs: Our preferred lenders offer stability, integrity, and understanding of Eastbrook’s process. They also provide our customers with exclusive financing programs. 

When it comes to our customers, we put integrity first. We continuously manage costs and adjust responsibly to ensure your comfortability in the building process. 

3. Tariffs Aren’t Slowing West Michigan Down

Recent tariffs on softwood lumber, steel, and aluminum have caused concern among builders nationwide. According to FOX 17, these increases could raise the cost of a typical new home, leaving Michigan home buyers wondering if they should wait to buy. But what are we really seeing? 

Eastbrook Homes President Michael McGraw says the West Michigan market is uniquely resilient.

“We look at markets all over the country, where there is a lot more volatility. We haven’t seen that in West Michigan,” McGraw explained.

Strong local schools, a stable job market, and consistent demand for quality new homes have helped keep prices balanced, even amid national cost pressures. Eastbrook is on track to develop plenty of new home sites in 2026, the most in McGraw’s 20 years with the company.

4. Mortgage Rates Are Easing – And Opportunity Is Growing

According to Becky Sims with Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), buyers have more good news on the financial side:

“Mortgage rates have started to ease, now hovering just above 6%, giving homebuyers a bit more purchasing power,” Sims shared.

According to Sims, experts predict rates will continue to trend lower through 2026, which could open the door for even more buyers. This drop can make a big difference in monthly payments and overall affordability. With Eastbrook Homes carrying the cost of construction, homeowners can take advantage of this potential rate decline—locking in financing only after the home is complete, when rates may be more favorable.

In West Michigan, the housing market remains fiercely competitive: Grand Rapids homes often attract multiple offers and sell quickly, showing just how strong demand continues to be. For those seeking more control and less competition, new construction offers an appealing alternative, making it an exciting time to make the move into new construction.

5. Building Smart in a Competitive Market

Demand remains strong across West Michigan, with today’s buyers seeking homes that balance comfort, flexibility, and long-term value. 

Here’s what we’re seeing: 

• Hot Corridors: Demand is especially strong in established suburbs with top-rated school districts and in fast-growing commuter communities around Grand Rapids.
• Home Types: Buyers are gravitating toward efficient single-family plans with flexible spaces for a home office or guest room, ranch-style layouts for right-sizers, and conveniently located townhomes near jobs and amenities.
• Family Priorities: Energy efficiency, smart storage, and curated finish packages that help keep monthly payments predictable remain top priorities.

Eastbrook has always worked to build thoughtfully planned communities that feel established even from day one. Our diverse home plans, energy-efficient features, and team of design experts help our customers understand and easily anticipate their payments. Building your dream home has never been easier, with options that fit any budget or stage of life. 

As McGraw explains, “For many buyers, that first home might not be a large single-family lot – it might be a townhome they own.” More and more West Michigan homeowners are embracing these modern, adaptable options that fit their lifestyles today and grow with them tomorrow.

6. Timing the Market vs. Creating Your Moment

While experts agree conditions are improving, waiting too long can mean missing out on the best opportunities.

“With competition in the West Michigan market staying hot, acting sooner rather than later could give buyers the edge they need,” Sims added.

By partnering with experienced local teams like Eastbrook Homes and LMCU, buyers can take advantage of today’s market momentum – locking in value before rates or prices shift again.

Ready to Build Your Future?

From competitive financing options to stable local growth, there’s never been a better time to explore your new home possibilities in West Michigan. Eastbrook Homes can help you design a home that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Don’t just take it from us, read the many stories of happy Eastbrook homeowners in our Homeowner Highlight series or Video Testimonials. Get a feel for the easy building process by exploring our “Building New” Journeys stories. Check out what others have designed, and get inspiration for your own home by scrolling through our Feature Gallery. Connect with us at any time for more information or to start breaking ground on your dreams.