How to Find a Builder

How to Find a Builder

I hear so many buyers who want to build a new home come in to my models and say, “I’m looking for a Builder”. The unsettled look in their eyes normally means they are overwhelmed, or simply do not know how or where to start. I get the feeling from so many confused new home buyers that they feel it is their job to wander around town, aimlessly parking in front of model homes, and touring as many homes as possible, only to return home even more overwhelmed. The purpose of this blog is to help you, the new home buyer, find your home builder easily and with confidence your search is over.
Remember, building a new home is suppose to be exciting and fun. Below steps will help, and sometimes not necessarily in this order.

Firstly, it is imperative that you understand what purchase price or payment will work for you based on information you get from a trusted lender. Many buyers feel they know what that number is, and are quickly frustrated with the pricing in the home they want is much higher than expected. At this point, please do not give up on your dream home. Instead, talk with a lender you feel comfortable with, or call me for a few lenders I trust to give you the best options that work for you. Won’t it feel better when meeting with a builder already knowing your purchase price goals based on facts from a trusted lender?

Secondly, now that you know price goals, narrow your search accordingly. So, for example, I now know I am going to find a builder who can meet my price goals of $450 to $475. Where do I start? There are so many. Ok, now let’s narrow it a bit further. Would you like to be able to make a few structural changes to your favorite plan layout, or go with a cookie cutter builder allowing no changes? I find most new home buyers in this price point want to make a few changes to the floorplan in order to make it work best for their families. So find a SEMI-CUSTOM builder like Regency Homes who is known for allowing you to make simple structural design changes, and still meet your price goals.

Thirdly, let’s find you the perfect custom location and homesite in which to build your dream home. This step may be done before you find your favorite home plan layout, whichever comes first for you. Either way, I strongly urge you to allow direction from your Sales Counselor, like myself, rather than wandering about not knowing which lots are available and best to keep you moving toward your price goals.

Lastly, if you have not already done so, meet with your new home Sales Counselor, like myself, to discuss features important to you, and spend some time together building your new home on paper with all the options you want. Keep in mind, pricing does not need to be exact to move forward to contract, but we want you to feel comfortable that your price goals are being met. Sign your contract, and you are on your way to a great building experience. You can make any changes you want for a period of time after contract. I’m hoping you find the best value and fantastic service with Regency Homes!

Diane Davis
Regency Homes
Sales Counselor
402-670-0859

How You Can Buy a New Regency Home at Old Prices

How You Can Buy a New Regency Home at Old Prices

Wondering if now is the right time to buy a new home? While interest rates are some of the lowest they’ve ever been, it’s not the only reason to purchase a new home in 2020. The housing industry has seen significant spikes in lumber and material costs this year.

Rising lumber and material costs are the blame for an increase in the cost of upcoming new construction homes. New and never occupied homes are no different, and supply chain shortages have also contributed to higher pricing for them.

It takes months to design and build a new home. Regency Homes purchases all of our materials before we start construction. When prices go up, we raise the reproduction price of our homes in order to build that home again.

But, there’s still a chance to purchase a brand-new home at the old price. Best of all, you can earn up to $20,000 in instant equity!

So, how does it work?

Regency Homes has five homes available for sale, all of which are listed at the old prices. We purchased materials for these homes before the prices went up, which allows us to offer an affordable option for homebuyers.

We only have 5 homes available for this instant equity deal, so you better act fast!

To learn more about these homes, get in touch with our team. Call or text Alison at (402) 256-5727. You can also see all of our available homes here. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

How Lumber Prices Are Impacting New Home Buyers

How Lumber Prices Are Impacting New Home Buyers

It’s safe to say the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact across the board. While the demand for new home construction and remodeling has increased since March, it does pose some challenges. Many industries, including the construction industry, have faced labor shortages and disruptions in the supply chain. In addition, lumber prices have increased drastically. Since mid-April, the cost of lumber increased by 120%.

What’s Causing Lumber Prices to Spike?

Simply put, the demand for construction has caused a lumber shortage. Because the demand is high and supplies are low, prices have increased drastically.

In mid-September, framing lumber prices hit an all-time high at above $950 per thousand board feet. Since then, prices have begun to decline — but at a very slow pace. On October 16th, lumber prices still stood above $750 per thousand board feet.

According to NAHB Now, this decline coincides with actions recently taken by the National Associaton of Home Builders (NAHB). The organization has taken steps to call attention to “the impact that soaring lumber prices are having on the housing industry and to press for immediate action.”

What Should New Home Buyers Expect?

While NAHB is advocating for solutions that adequately address the high cost of lumber and supply shortages, it may take some time for things to get back to where they were pre-pandemic. So, it’s important to plan and prepare for its impact. For example, new builds may experience completion delays due to supply chain issues. When it comes to making selections, try to be flexible and choose materials that are readily available.

Despite the challenges presented, it’s not all bad news. As noted above, lumber prices have begun trending downward. What’s more, historically low interest rates have helped to offset increase lumber costs and many lenders are offering to lock in rates for up to a year.

When you’re ready to get started planning and building your own custom home, get in touch with Regency Homes. Our team of knowledgeable experts will be happy to tell you about our floor plans and the communities we build in, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Meet Our Trusted Trade Partners: Builder Supply & Fox Custom Cabinets

Meet Our Trusted Trade Partners: Builder Supply & Fox Custom Cabinets

At Regency Homes, we pride ourselves on working with the best of the best when it comes to trade partners. Over the years, we’ve built partnerships with trusted subcontractors and material men, and we thought it was time to highlight them. Scroll below to learn more about two of our long time partners, Builder Supply and Fox Custom Cabinets.

Builder Supply

Builder Supply is the Midwest’s largest independent lumber yard, and the Regency Homes team relies on the company for lumber, windows, roof trusses, and framing wall panels for our homes. We’ve worked Builders Supply for 26 years and with Neil G. for 24 of those years. Neil is responsible for making sure our material orders are accurate and our framing partners have what they need when they need it. We know we can count out Builder Supply to provide outstanding service and appreciate the high-quality materials that help set Regency Homes apart from the rest.

Neil G Builders Supply

Learn more about Builder Supply here.

Fox Custom Cabinets

Regency Homes has worked with Fox Custom Cabinets for over 25 years! As a premium hand-crafted cabinet supplier in the Omaha area since 1973, this trade partner supplies all the kitchen, bathroom, and built-in cabinetry for our homes. Their website reads “Quality describes our product. Service sets us apart.” Our team couldn’t agree more! Not only do their cabinets feature exceptional craftsmanship, but their customer service is top-notch. Gary D. from Fox Custom Cabinets is great to work with, and the company does all the measuring, cabinet building, and installation for every new Regency home.

Gary Fox Custom Cabinets

Learn more about Fox Custom Cabinets here.

We truly love working with such excellent trade partners and we appreciate the work they do and the dedication they have for their craft. If you’d like to get a first-hand look at their incredible work, get in touch with our team to schedule a tour of any of our homes.

Regency Homes Revealing New Encore Collection Plans on September 26th-27th

Regency Homes Revealing New Encore Collection Plans on September 26th-27th

What: Regency Homes Reveal of our New Encore Collection
When: September 26th and 27th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Regency Homes Model Campuses (listed below)

Click here to RSVP for this event.

The Regency Homes team has some exciting news: we’ll be revealing all-new plans in our exclusive Encore Collection this weekend! Mark your calendars, because this two-day event is one you won’t want to miss!

Designed to make buying and owning a home simple and easy, the Encore Collection features value-priced homes so you can get more bang for your buck. The collection has a wide range of homes to choose from, and the six new plans include two ranch-style and four two-story homes. Here’s what you can expect when you choose a floor plan from this fantastic collection of homes:

  • Home packages starting in ranging from the low $300,000 to the mid $400,000 range
  • Spacious designs from 1,640-2,800 square feet in size
  • $30,000+ in savings over comparable homes
  • Expedited build times

To see these stunning new plans in person, visit our model home campuses listed below.

  • Indian Pointe model campus located at 4004 N 189th Street Elkhorn, NE 68022
  • Falling Waters model campus located at 6726 S 198th Street Omaha, NE 68135
  • Liberty model campus located at 12551 Quail Drive Bellevue, NE 68123
  • Sumtur Crossing model campus located at 11818 S 110th Ave Papillion, NE 68046

Want to be the first to see these amazing new Encore Collection plans? Simply fill out this form to RSVP. Once you’ve confirmed your registration, you’ll receive an email with more information and directions. As an added bonus, anyone that RSVPs and attends the event will receive a certificate for a free electric fireplace worth $1,900 when they build with Regency Homes.

Have questions about this event? Get in touch with our team. Denny Van Moorleghem can be reached by phone at (402) 740-8585 or by email at denny@regencyhomesomaha.com. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

3 New Spec Homes Nearing Completion in September

3 New Spec Homes Nearing Completion in September

The Regency Homes team has been busy! In the last few months, we’ve announced a brand-new floor plan with innovative design features, unveiled new homesites in Bellevue and Papillion, and announced two spec homes coming soon. Now, we’re excited to share that we have three additional new spec homes nearing completion in September. Scroll below to get the scoop about these exceptional new homes!

930 Elm Circle, Springfield, NE

With four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a large upper-level loft, this 2,279 square foot home was designed with flexibility in mind. The two-story design features our Davinci floor plan and includes many luxury features. The main level features an open concept for a seamless transition from room to room, ideal for hosting family and friends. Anchored by a large center island, the kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, quartz countertops, and a cozy dinette area. Across the way is the great room with an eye-catching electronic fireplace on the far wall. Upstairs, an open loft area provides flex space for anything from a home office to a designated play area. The master bedroom and ensuite are located on one side of the upper level for added privacy and the three other bedrooms share a bathroom.

Have questions? Click here for more information or contact Diane Davis at (402) 670-0859.

11622 S 111th St., Papillion, NE

Spanning just under 2,300 square feet, this Southbrook home was also designed using our Davinci floor plan. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a three-stall garage, this home is perfect for families of all sizes. It includes many great features such as gorgeous laminate vinyl flooring, mudroom, and a spa-like master bath. The deluxe kitchen has a walk-in pantry, ample prep space with quartz countertops, and a vast center island.  An open loft area on the second floor is located at the top of the stairs, providing flex space to accommodate a variety of uses. Rounding out the upper level is a private master suite, laundry room, and three bedrooms with a shared bathroom.

Have questions? Click here for more information or get in touch with Kristi Jeffrey at (402) 594-3452.

11517 S 110th St., Papillion, NE

Located in the Southbrook community in Papillion, Nebraska, this two-story home features our popular Sentry floor plan from our Encore Collection. With an open concept design on the main level, the Sentry spans approximately 2,000 square feet. It includes four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a generous three-car garage. A spacious great room featuring a wide-design fireplace flows seamlessly into the deluxe kitchen. There you’ll find quartz counters and dark stained cabinets highlighted by natural light from the expansive window above the sink. Completing the kitchen and the adjacent dinette area is an oversized walk-in pantry, double oven, and island. Off the garage entry is a mudroom with a built-in bench, operating as the perfect catch-all while preventing tracking mud and debris throughout the home. Upstairs, you’ll find a luxurious master suite with double sinks and a walk-in shower, as well as a conveniently located laundry room.

Have questions? Click here for more information or get in touch with Kristi Jeffrey at (402) 594-3452.

Model Locations

Models Open Sat-Sun 12-5 or see below for additional hours