Featured Floor Plan: Sandlewood 1754

This month the featured floor plan is the Sandlewood 1754, it comes from our Trilogy collection which features affordable and smart homes from the $250s to the $300s. The Sandlewood is a single level home with basement. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage. This is a great home if you are looking to age in place, downsize or just starting a family.

The Main Level

The main level of the Sandlwood floor plan is well designed living for the way families really live today. The front entry flows into the great room which opens into the kitchen and dinette. The great room is a spacious 19 X 19 making it perfect for entertaining both large and small gatherings. The wall of windows will provide a lovely view and the corner fireplace makes the larger room feel cozy on those cold winter nights.

The kitchen is also well designed with a large eat-in area, island for food prep and plenty of counter and cabinet space for storage. For even more storage there is a generous pantry for organization and storage. The laundry is also located off the kitchen making housework a breeze.

The front bedrooms have plenty of closet space and easy access to the main bathroom located in the hallway. The master bedroom suite is located down the hall from the two front bedrooms providing privacy but still within easy reach for younger children. The master bath includes a soaking tub, separate shower, private commode and a large walk-in closet.

The Lower Level

The lower level of this lovely home can be used for an additional bedroom and bath which could be utilized for guests, in-laws or an older child. The rec room can be used as a family room, fitness room or even craft room. Whatever you use the room for there’s plenty of space to do it in. There is also additional unfinished storage that could be used for many different ways.

If you would like to learn more about the Sandlwood or any of our other floor plans give us a call or check out our entire library of floor plans.

Single-Family Housing Starts Reach Highest Level since Nov 2007

According to the National Association of Home Builders, single family home starts reach highest level since Nov. 2007. The housing market has been on a gradual recovery for years and it’s a great sign that its recovered from the collapse.

Single-Family Housing Starts Reach Highest Level since Nov 2007

Nationwide housing starts rose 5.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.178 million units in February, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. Single-family production increased 7.2 percent to 822,000 units—its highest level since November 2007—while multifamily starts remained virtually unchanged, inching up 0.8 percent to 356,000 units.

“This month’s report is consistent with positive builder sentiment and other economic indicators showing that the housing market continues to recover at a gradual pace,” said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a home builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill.

“February’s single-family gains indicate that this sector is strengthening in line with our forecast,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “As the U.S. economy firms, job creation continues and mortgage interest rates remain low, we should see further growth in housing production moving forward.”

Combined single- and multifamily starts rose in three of the four regions in February, with the West, Midwest and South posting respective gains of 26.1 percent, 19.9 percent and 7.1 percent. The Northeast registered a 51.3 percent loss.

A decline in the volatile multifamily sector pushed overall permit issuance down 3.1 percent in February. Multifamily permits fell 8.4 percent to a rate of 436,000 while single-family permits ticked up 0.4 percent to 731,000.

Regionally, permits increased in the Northeast by 40.4 percent. The Midwest, West and South registered respective permit losses of 11.4 percent, 7.2 percent and 4.4 percent.

If you’re considering building a single family home in the Omaha area then be sure to check out our free home building resources. Click on the links on the right to download our free Home Building Resource Guide, schedule a call with a builder, or to see our floor plan library.

Benefits of Building A New Home

If you’ve been thinking about moving you know that the inventory of homes is at an all time low. One of the benefits of building a new home is that you don’t need to worry about someone snatching up your new home. It’s already yours. Now that spring is here, many people are thinking about moving. Many families are looking for homes that have more space while some families are more interested in downsizing.  Now is the time of year when people think about building their own home, especially with inventories so depleted.

Of course it’s no surprise to learn that more people would prefer a new home over an existing home. Availability is just one of the many benefits of building your own new home in Omaha.

Benefits of Building A New Home

Location – By choosing to build your own home you aren’t limited to locations of already built homes. You can purchase a lot and build on it or find a development you like and contract with the builder to build a home there.

Customization – No matter what your budget, you will have some influence over the home that you’re building. From something as simple as choosing the paint color to all out designing a custom home, your home will be just that – yours. It will be designed with the way you live in mind. You don’t fit your life around your home, the home is designed based on your needs.

Modernization – If you’ve lived in an older home you know what a challenge it can be to operate today’s technology. In an older home you’re going to have cables and wires running outside the walls just to use computers, printers, cell phones. Today’s new homes are built with today’s technology in mind so outlets are often equipped with USB ports for charging all kinds of devices. Charging stations are common and homes are set up with WiFi in mind. In a new home, extension cords are virtually unnecessary.

Energy Efficiency – Newly built homes are built with the newest construction materials which tend to be more energy efficient. Additionally, new homes can be constructed with solar panels, in floor heating and even geothermal systems if within your budget. A new home is more energy efficient and that saves you money.

Design Elements – Today’s new homes feature design elements that families and individuals are looking for – open floor plans, eat in kitchens, sport courts and media rooms are just some of the design elements you won’t find in a 20 year or 100 year old home.

These are just some of the benefits of building your own home. The satisfaction of knowing the home you live in has been built specifically for you is also an added bonus. If you’ve been thinking of building a new home but don’t know where to start, give us a call, we’ll walk you through the process.

Regency Homes has many new homes in prime locations available for sale, check out our inventory of new homes here.

Events in Omaha this May

Spring is finally here so get out and enjoy all of these fun, family friendly events in Omaha this May. From the Renaissance Festival to the Cinco de Mayo celebration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this May. Don’t forget Mom, it’s Mother’s Day this weekend and what could be more fun then a Mother’s Day brunch? For more great events in Omaha this May check out the links below.

Events in Omaha this May

Public Sightseeing Cruise
When: Weekends now through Sept. 4th |12pm-2pm
Where: River City Star Riverboat
151 Freedom Park Rd, Omaha, NE

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Missouri River, the Omaha Riverfront, Freedom Park Naval Yard and cruise under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge! The lower deck of the Star is fully enclosed, temperature controlled and has a fully stocked bar, comfortable seating and 2 restrooms. The upper deck is open air with a canopy. The lower level is handicapped accessible.

Cinco De Mayo Omaha
When: May 6th and 7th, 2016 | 12:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: South 24th Street Murals

In honor of its rich Mexican heritage, Nebraska’s South Omaha Latino community has been hosting Cinco de Mayo events in Omaha for decades, dating back to the early 1930s. Annual festivities include a grand parade, delicious food and lively music—it’s a tradition that gleams of prideful community spirit.

Spring into Summer
When: May 6th |5pm – 8pm
Where: 8305 Rainwood Rd, Omaha, NE

The City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department invite you to this year’s Spring into Summer event. Enjoy live music, paddle boarding, kayaking, golf and more!

Omaha Farmers Market
When: Saturdays now through October 15th, 2016 | 8am – 12:30pm
Where: Old Market
11th and Jackson Streets, Omaha, NE

The Farmers Market is open every Saturday beginning May 7th through October 15th in the Old Market on 11th & Jackson. Shop for produce, herbs, meat, plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, cheeses, crafts and much more!

Mothers, Macaws, and Mimosas: A Mother’s Day Brunch
When: Sunday May 8th, 2016 | 10am – 11:30am
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 S. 10th St, Omaha, NE

Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  Meet our resident Macaws while feasting on a brunch the whole family can enjoy.  Enjoy a scrumptious spread of delights that will make your Mother’s Day a memorable one!  After brunch, stay and explore the Zoo to see which of our residents are mothers, too.

Renaissance Festival of Nebraska
When: May 7th – May 15th (Saturdays and Sundays) | 11am – 6pm
Where: 11001 S. 48th Street. Papillion, NE

Travel back in time to the golden age of Queen Elizabeth I. All the world’s a stage, so take a part in the past and play with us. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Elizabethan age. Grab a turkey leg while watching full contact equestrian jousting. Stroll the streets and interact with over a hundred Elizabethan characters. Shop the many one-of-a-kind artisans and merchants in the medieval village. Visit the ship-wrecked pirate ship or spend some time in the Enchanted Forest. Live entertainment scheduled in 5 different staged locations. All in a day at the Renaissance Festival of Nebraska!

Junktoberfest Spring Edition
When: May 21st and 22nd | 9am – 5pm
Where: 1001 S. Fort Crook Road, Bellevue, NE

Junktoberfest is a traveling Vintage and Artisan Market that provides shoppers with a fun inviting environment to shop approximately 70 vendors per show! Includes Food Truck Food Court and live entertainment. Great fun for the whole family!

Pirates and Mermaids: Voyage to Creature Cove
Omaha Children’s Museum
500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE

Get swept away this summer inside the adventurous world of Pirates & Mermiads: Voyage to Creature Cove. Climb aboard a giant pirate ship and navigate the high seas as you encounter giant marine animals. Special programs will be held all summer long, including Mermaid Tales and craft activities at the Shell Shack.

Model Locations

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