Sep 28, 2016
According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence surges in September.
(NAHB) Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes in September jumped six points to 65 from a downwardly revised August reading of 59 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This marks the highest HMI level since October 2015.
“As household incomes rise, builders in many markets across the nation are reporting they are seeing more serious buyers, a positive sign that the housing market continues to move forward,” said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a home builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill. “The single-family market continues to make gradual gains and we expect this upward momentum will build throughout the remainder of the year and into 2017.”
“With the inventory of new and existing homes remaining tight, builders are confident that if they can build more homes they can sell them,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Though solid job creation and low interest rates are also fueling demand, builders continue to be hampered by supply-side constraints that include shortages of labor and lots.”
Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.
All three HMI components moved higher in September. The component measuring current sales expectations rose six points to 71 and the gauge charting sales expectations in the next six months increased five points to also stand at 71. The index measuring traffic of prospective buyers posted a four-point gain to 48.
The three-month moving averages for HMI scores posted gains in three out of the four regions. The Northeast and South each registered a one-point gain to 42 and 64, respectively, while the West rose four points to 73. The Midwest was unchanged at 55.
Editor’s Note: The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is strictly the product of NAHB Economics, and is not seen or influenced by any outside party prior to being released to the public. HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics is also available at housingeconomics.com.
Sep 21, 2016
If you’ve dreamed of building a new home, but fear it’s just not in your budget, think again. The hidden costs of buying a used home can actually make a new home more cost efficient in the long run. There are three main areas for hidden costs – design, maintenance and energy efficiency. When building a new custom built home you can avoid or lessen the costs on all three of these areas because technology has improved so much. Even homes that were built just ten years ago aren’t as cost efficient as homes built today.
Hidden Costs of Buying a Used Home
Design – Older homes have dated floor plans. In a nutshell the home is compartmentalized. Rooms are closed off to one another which makes heating and cooling more expensive. Eventually you’re going to want to remodel some of those rooms and open them up. There’s a reason an open floor plan is the top wished for element when purchasing a home. An open floor plan is easy to clean, easy to maintain, great for entertaining, and is conducive to bringing a busy family together. Other trends that won’t be leaving anytime soon include Jack-and-Jill bathrooms for the kids, laundry room located on the second floor, rear foyers and attention to organization and storage. Purchasing a home with an outdated floor plan can cost thousands in remodeling costs down the line.
Maintenance – Buying a used home means buying a used roof, used water heater, used furnace, used dishwasher, used air conditioning and well, you get the idea. An older home demands an average of 2-3% of its purchase price for annual upkeep — and that list can be never-ending. Every component in a house has a usable life. When you buy a used house you’re buying the pro-rated life of each component (e.g. a furnace with a 10 year life expectancy). Sooner than you think, and usually when it is least convenient, you’ll have to start replacing the roof, the electrical, the appliances, the furnace, the garage doors, and even things like light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. When you build new you now only get brand new everything, but they also come with a warranty. So if something does break down, you’re covered.
Energy Efficiency – Today’s light fixtures are designed for CFL bulbs and you’ll have the ability to completely outfit your home with CFL, LED or Halogen bulbs. Any of these options will save you dollars on your electric bill. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems all use fans to circulate air in your home. Today’s systems use dramatically less energy to turn all these fans saving you more dollars. All of today’s plumbing fixtures including shower, sink and toilets are designed to use less water and save you money. Landscape irrigation systems are designed with sensors to shut off watering times if the soil around your home has just been watered by Mother Nature. Forced air furnaces and boilers are required to be 90%+ efficiency. These appliances not only keep more of your money in your pocket, they also provide better heating when combined with the correct ducting ventilation.
As you can see, building a new home can actually save you quite a bit down the line. Add to that the fact that you get to build a home for the way you live, in the location that you want and with all the amenities you desire, and there really is no case to be made for buying a used home, especially with so few homes on the market these days.
If you’re thinking about building a custom home in Omaha, give us a call at 402-896-9200, we’ll answer any questions you might have.
Sep 14, 2016
This month’s featured floor plan is the Santa Fe from our New Traditions Collection. This is a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a 2 car garage. Total square ft is 1800, big enough to move around comfortably in and yet still easy to clean and maintain without extra help.
Featured Floor Plan: Santa Fe
This ranch style floor plan is well designed for today’s homeowner. The main entrance is through a lovely courtyard. Upon entering the home you’ll notice there plenty of thought has gone into functionality. Storage and organization are an important feature of this home. You’ll also notice a keen eye for detail in the little things like trim and other finishing touches.
The main living area is located in the rear of the home. The great room is open to the kitchen making this a lovely home for informal gatherings or more traditional family holiday celebrations. The great room and dining room are just off the kitchen complete with a breakfast nook. The kitchen has plenty of work space and storage space and having the laundry room just beyond the kitchen is handy too!
Through the laundry and into the master bedroom’s spacious walk-in closet, how handy is that? No longer having to trudge through the whole house to get to the laundry for that special shirt, just cut through the closet. It’s a brilliant idea and yet you rarely see it in modern homes. On through the closet and into the well appointed master bath. There is both a soaking tub and separate shower as well as a private toilet. Dual vanities provide plenty of counter and storage space. Into the master bedroom you’ll notice the beautiful ceiling design. The room is away from the main living area of the home for both privacy and peace and quiet.
On the other side of the house is the second bedroom with easy access to the the second bathroom and its own walk-in closet.
Venture downstairs to the lower level of this ranch home and you’ll notice there is a large rec room, big enough for a pool table or ping pong table. A pocket office is located in the rear corner of the home allowing for privacy and quiet while on conference calls. There is room for a guest suite complete with private bath. Additionally there is plenty of storage available.
If you’d like to learn more about the Santa Fe floor plan please contact Walter at 402-896-9200.
Sep 7, 2016
Autumn is in the air but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find some great events in Omaha this September. Be sure to get out and enjoy all that Omaha has to offer before the days are dark and cold. This month you can check out a car show, an antique festival and even an Irish festival! There’s something for everyone this September in Omaha!
Events in Omaha this September
Centennial Car Show at Homestead National Monument
When: September 4th, 2016
Where: Homestead National Monument Heritage Center
8523 West State Hwy 4
Beatrice, NE
Celebrate the National Park Services Centennial car show at the Homestead Heritage Center.
The Second Annual Skate Art Music Festival
When: September 4th, 2016
Where: The Railyard
350 Canopy Street
Lincoln, NE
On Sunday, September 4th, The BAY will be taking over the Railyard from 4pm-11pm for a full afternoon of the ultimate skate art music experience!
Job Fair
When: September 7th, 2016
Where: Comfort Inn & Suites
7007 Grover Street
Omaha, NE
Employers will be present and interviewing. Go to http://www.jobfairsnebraska.com/ for complete details. Click on the button “Tips For Attending A Job Fair” for some great suggestions. There are many, many great paying jobs in the Omaha Metro – stable, strong companies that are looking to hire. Bring plenty of resumes, confidence and dress appropriately! These are face-to-face interviews.
River City Antique Festival
When: September 9th, 2016
Where: Mid America Center
One Arena Way
Council Bluffs, IA
Quality antiques brought by fine dealers from across the Midwest!
Omaha Together
When: September 11th, 2016
Where: Stinson Park
2285 S 67th St
Omaha, NE
On Sunday, September 11, 2016, honor the lives lost in 9/11 by joining city leaders and fellow members of the community at Stinson Park for a Minute of Silence followed by a day spent reuniting as a community.
The Minute of Silence ceremony is free and open to the public. Starting at noon, entry to the park is just $10, however entry is free to those who attend the Minute of Silence Ceremony; first responders and their immediate families; and children 12 and under.
Taste of Florence
When: September 11th, 2016
Where: Florence Home Healthcare
7915 North 30th Street
Omaha, NE
Taste of Florence is an event for the whole family. In addition to the fine food you will have an opportunity to sample, there will be activities all afternoon for all ages. Kid’s games, jazz music, entertaining stage events, and live artists are here to entertain every member of your family.
Greeley Irish Festival
When: September 17th, 2016
Where: Greeley Nebraska City Park
Come join us at the Greeley Irish Festival for fun, food, and Irish music and culture. On September 17, enjoy live music by The Elders, Barleyjuice, Dublin City Ramblers, all while spending time with family and friends. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and camera for a time you will remember!
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