With inventory low in every Treasure Valley housing market, homebuyers are considering new builds more than ever before. But are they right for you?

If you love to watch HGTV, most of the houses you see people hunting are resales--homes that have been built by and owned by other families. Much of the drama in these shows (think House Hunters) derives from the terrible taste in home decor of the previous occupants and whether the new couple can overcome the "hardship" of an ugly paint color or unattractive carpet.

But with many markets across Idaho, and the country, experiencing inventory shortages, it’s becoming harder for buyers to find a home they love in many neighborhoods. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to new construction.

Every major housing market in the Boise metropolitan area set a new median sales price record in June, thanks to a decades-in-the-making housing shortage and voracious buyer demand.

Ada County hit its 12th consecutive month of record-setting prices in June with a median sales price of $524,950, a 40% increase over the previous year. Canyon County also set a new sales price record of $424,000, which marks a 49% annual increase. It’s also the 11th price record the county has set in the past year.

All of the Treasure Valley’s largest housing markets also set new records:

• In Eagle, the median sales price hit an eye-watering $849,000, a 56% annual increase.
• Boise’s median sales price hit $500,000 for the first time, a 39% jump.
• Meridian’s