Top 5 Reasons to Buy a New Home

We love lists, and this list – top 5 reasons to buy a new home – is a great one. If you’ve been in the market to buy a house you’ve probably been frustrated lately because there is such a low inventory of quality homes in good locations these days. If you’re lucky enough to find one that meets your criteria it probably sells before you can make an offer. If you’ve experienced this in your house search it might be time to consider building your own new home. While newly constructed homes generally sell for more than used homes, the benefits of buying a new home or model home outweigh the negatives.

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a New Home

  1. Energy efficient – New homes are designed and constructed to use energy more efficiently now more than ever before. Codes have changed which means builders have had to discover ways to use the best materials that will give you the best results for fewer dollars. Homes are built tighter. With better building materials the conditioned air – hot or cold- stays inside while the elements stay outside. In other words, homes are less drafty than even 10 years ago. Energy efficient appliances help to lower the cost of operating the home comfortably and yet still provide time saving functions like dishwashing, clothes washing, and keeping food frozen or chilled. Additionally, many of these green appliances can be managed using a smart phone making your home easy to maintain and monitor.
  2. Customization – Depending on when you decide to purchase a new home, you’ll have the option to customize it. If you’re buying a completed model home you won’t be able to do much customization. Of course, most models come with all the bells and whistles so it probably isn’t necessary. If you’re buying an inventory home from the builder, one that has just begun construction, you’ll have the opportunity to customize it to fit your needs. Of course, you can choose to work with the designer from the beginning, too.
  3. Maintenance – Used homes are notorious for needing repair after repair. A newly constructed home, on the other hand, is built with all new materials specifically designed to do their job well. Gone are the days of putting on and taking off storm windows twice a year because new homes are built using triple paned or more windows.
  4. Warranty – New homes come with warranties. When you buy a new home you’re usually going to get a warranty from your builder. If anything goes wrong in the first few years (depending on the warranty) your builder will fix it – free of charge. When you buy a used home you’re buying it as is. Hundred year old wiring might work just fine when you sign the contract, it might not 6 months later.
  5. Safety First – Today’s new homes come with all kinds of safety features not even imagined in older homes. From sprinkler systems to co2 monitoring and security cameras, today’s new construction homes are much safer compared to older homes. Safety = peace of mind.

These are just some of the reasons to buy a new home, others include location and community. If you’re ready to build your dream home, give us a call at 402-895-1100.

New 4 Bedroom Home for Sale in Gretna Community

Looking for a new 4 bedroom home for sale in the Gretna Community of Omaha? Then look no further than this spectacular home for sale! This stunning home has amenities and features for a great price. The home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car garage and 2388 square feet!

New 4 Bedroom Home for Sale in Gretna Community

The main level of this home 4 bedroom home for sale in Gretna is well designed with an open floor plan. Upon entry you’ll notice the stairway on the left and access to the great room straight ahead. If you turn your gaze just a bit you’ll notice a flex room that can be used as a formal dining room or as a study. Continuing through to the great room you’ll notice a lovely fireplace and plenty of windows for a great view. Beyond the stairway is the powder room and coat closet.

The kitchen in this fine home in Gretna has been designed for those who like to entertain and keep things organized. There’s plenty of space in this kitchen to prepare a quick breakfast or a complete Thanksgiving meal. The island is perfect for food prep, dining and even homework. Ample cabinetry provides plenty of storage and organization and the butler’s pantry keeps it tidy and uncluttered. The eat in dinette area is perfect for any meal. Finally, access to the garage is through the mudroom with optional lockers for additional organization.

The second level of this beautiful home features the master bedroom suite and three additional bedrooms. The master bedroom is spacious with vaulted ceiling. The master bath is full of luxury options including a private toilet area, dual sink/vanity, soaking tub and separate shower. The master closet is massive with an option for even more space.

The three bedrooms have plenty of closet space and have access to the second bathroom and laundry room.

To learn more about this beautiful new home in the Gretna community, please contact Diane Davis at 402-895-1100.

Home Building Regrets and How to Avoid them

Building homes in Omaha has provided us with insight into what makes a great home. With over 5o years of building experience we know about home building regrets and how to avoid them. We’ve had many homeowners come to us because they were less than happy with results from another builder because they weren’t proactive when it came to designing a home for now and for years from now. If you’re considering building a new home, you’ll want to be sure to think forward when you design your home. Lack of imagination, more than anything, can be the cause of disappointment years from now. Here are the most common home building regrets.

Home Building Regrets and How to Avoid them

Aging in Place – Now more than ever, when we design a home we want to make sure the homeowner imagines what living in this home will be like in 10, 20 even 30 years from now. If you plan on staying in your home into your senior years you’ll want to design a home today that can accommodate those needs years from now. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, making sure the doors are wide enough for a wheelchair or walker, and installing security cameras and smart home features will ensure your home is built for your lifestyle now and in years to come.

Bonus Rooms – These are rooms that can be used for anything and that serve many purposes. Right now you might use a bonus room as a bedroom for one of the kids. After they leave for college you can turn that room into a craft room, study, fitness area or as a guest room.

Storage – We’ve yet to meet a homeowner who complained that they had too much storage. When designing your new home be sure to include added storage, and then add a little more.

Carpet – Putting carpet in the kids room seems like a great idea until you realize how quickly it gets dirty and worn. Opt for hardwood flooring and use an inexpensive area rug that can be swapped out as the kids get older.

The Little Things – You may not think about it now, but handy features like a gas line for the outside grill and in-ground sprinklers are a great convenience. If you can splurge for some of the little things you’ll be happier with your home. Extra outlets will always be appreciated.

Smart Features – Homes are just getting smarter and smarter. Build with the infrastructure in place, even if you don’t utilize it now. More and more products are being developed to use over wifi and with a smartphone or tablet. You can lock your doors from the office or peek at the baby while on a business trip. Smart features can save time and money, don’t opt out of them if you can help it.

Events in Omaha this August

It won’t be long before summer comes to an end. Now is the time to get out and enjoy what’s left of this season. There are so many great events in Omaha this August, it can be difficult to choose. Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the Sweet Corn Festival to the Maha Music Festival, there’s an event in Omaha this August that everyone can enjoy. Don’t let summer without having a little more family fun before school starts and winter approaches. There’s still time to make the best of these warm nights!

Event in Omaha this August

10th Annual Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival
When: August 12th & 13th, 2016
Where: Coventry Campus – South of 204th & Q Streets
Omaha, NE

Enjoy Nebraska wines, Midwest food & barbecue, area bands and musicians, entertainment, shopping, crafts, pony rides and more.

Sweet Corn Festival
When: August 13th and 14th, 2016
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft Street
Omaha, NE

Nothing says summer like fresh-picked sweet corn! Lauritzen Gardens celebrates this backyard favorite and Nebraska’s agricultural jewel during the annual Sweet Corn Festival. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and plenty of delicious, locally grown sweet corn. They can hop on the hayrack ride, cool off with free samples of “Nebraska Sweet Corn” ice cream from Ted & Wally’s Premium Homemade Ice Cream, purchase freshly popped kettle corn and learn about corn (and other New World foods) through fun, educational activities.

hutchFEST
When: August 13th, 2016
Where: Midtown Crossing
31st – 33rd and Farnam – Dodge Streets
Omaha, NE

hutchFEST emerges as a one-day community and artisan celebration in Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, with 100+ highly curated vendors from across the Midwest. This vibrant gathering cultivates and showcases the freshest talent from the very best in modern maker design, quality handmade goods and relevant found objects.

Get inspired, harness your creativity and experience this lively marketplace surrounded by local bites, local brews and live music.

2016 Greek Festival
When: August 19th – 21st, 2016
Where: 602 Park Avenue
Omaha, NE

A Greek festival is a tradition of culture and entertainment where you will taste Greek Food, experience Greek music and culture with Greek Dancing and great family fun. Come out to Omaha’s Original GREEK FESTIVAL put on by Omaha’s very own, St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Festivities Include: Authentic Greek Music; Greek Folk Dancing in full Greek dress; delicious, homemade Greek cuisine; Agora (a Greek Marketplace); tantalizing pastries, and much, much more! Children’s Activities: There will be plenty of activities for children such as face painting, balloons, and children’s games in the Outdoor Plaza.

Omaha’s Original GREEK FESTIVAL is an event that you should not miss! — Remember To Say, “OPA!”

Maha Music Festival
When: August 20th, 2016
Where: Aksarben Village
67th and Center Streets
Omaha, NE

Maha is a day-long, nonprofit music festival. Our eighth annual event takes place Saturday, August 20, 2016, bringing together national, regional and local indie artists for a day of food, community and, of course, music. Lineup includes: Passion Pit, Grimes, Vince Staples, The Joy Formidable, Matthew Sweet, Jay Farrar Trio, Diarrhea Planet, Car Seat Headrest, Diet Cig, See Through Dresses, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, and CJ Mills.

NORTHfest
When: August 20th, 2016
Where: Levi Carter Park Pavilion
809 Carter Lake Shore Drive
Omaha, NE

Get ready for NORTHfest – an inaugural all day celebration of the North Omaha community. Located at the Levi Carter Park Pavilion, NORTHfest is a family friendly event full of activities designed to enhance connections and entertain the masses.

Activities include a 5k run/walk, Kids Zone, local food vendors, Drill Team competition, beer garden, live entertainment and so much more!

Playing with Fire Festival
When: August 27th, 2016
Where: Midtown Crossing
31st – 33rd and Farnam – Dodge Streets
Omaha, NE

Playing with Fire, an annual summer music festival, sizzles along the edges of incendiary blues, rock, funk, R&B, and soul. Line-up: headliner Walter Trout Band and Steve Hill, Levi William, and The Redwoods.

2016 Great Nebraska Beer Fest
When: August 27th, 2016
Where: 12356 Ballpark Way
Papillion, NE

The Great Nebraska Beer Fest is a true regional beer fest in that we’re drawing in never-before-seen brewers and their beers to join us.  A celebration of American Craft Beer with a spotlight on Nebraska and regional breweries.

Join us for Craft Beer, & the Brewers who make them.

Model Locations

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