Housing Production Holds Steady in August

In this recent article from the National Association of Home Builders, housing production holds steady in August even though builder confidence dropped three points due to uncertainty from the recent hurricanes. Home builders are concerned about the availability of labor and the cost of materials in the area hit by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. However, builder confidence is expected to rise once the rebuilding process begins and stabilizes.

If you would like to help those who have been affected by the recent hurricane you can find reputable charities and organizations here.

Housing Production Holds Steady in August

(NAHB)

Nationwide housing starts fell 0.8 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.18 million units, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. Single-family production rose 1.6 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 851,000 after a downwardly revised July reading. Year-to-date, single-family starts are 8.9 percent above their level over the same period last year. Multifamily starts dropped 6.5 percent to 329,000 units after an upward July revision.

“This month’s report shows that single-family starts continue to move forward at a gradual, consistent pace,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The three-month average for single-family production has reached a post-recession high, but the months ahead may show volatility given that the building markets affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma represent about 14 percent of national production.”

“We are paying close attention to the communities affected by these hurricanes, and are helping them start on the rebuilding and restoration process,” said Granger MacDonald, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas.

Regionally in August, combined single- and multifamily housing production rose 22.0 percent in the Midwest and 4.0 percent in the West. Starts fell 7.9 percent in the South and 8.7 percent in the Northeast.

Overall permit issuance in August was up 5.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.30 million units. Single-family permits edged down 1.5 percent to 800,000 units while multifamily permits rose 19.6 percent to 500,000.

Regionally, overall permits rose 15.3 percent in the West, 8.8 percent in the Midwest and 3.7 percent in the South. Permits fell 13.0 percent in the Northeast.

 

Help for Hurricane Victims

As home builders in Omaha, we know how important it is to have a place you can call home. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Texas and Florida who have suffered damage due to the recent hurricanes. In Omaha, we don’t have to worry about hurricanes, but we are familiar with damage due to tornadoes. Any time a home is damaged or destroyed it is a tragedy.

Thankfully, there are many ways we can help those who have suffered due to the hurricanes.

If you would like to help the people in Houston or the many regions of Florida that have been damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Harvey or Irma, check out the links below. You can help someone find shelter, help someone rebuild and even help the many displaced pets in both regions.

Help for Hurricane Victims

American Red Cross – While blood is always in demand, now is a much better time to donate money. Click here to donate to the American Red Cross. If you would like to donate blood consider waiting a week or two.

A Place to Stay – If you have a home that you want to donate for those who have been displaced by the storm you can make your home available on HomeAway or Airbnb.

Monetary Donations – If you would like to donate to a charity but aren’t sure which one to donate to check out Charity Navigator to find a reputable charity.

Volunteer your Time – If you are in Florida and would like to donate your time, or you are planning on coming down here, check out the National Voluntary Organizations Active Disaster website.

Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) – USAID CIDI provides information and guidance on the best way to help support relief efforts following disasters around the world.  With more than 20 years of experience working in disaster areas and with relief organizations on the ground, USAID CIDI knows that monetary donations are the best way to help people affected by international disasters. Their goal is to ensure that America’s generosity results in the most effective relief, and we focus on helping donors make informed decisions about how to help.

GoFundMe – There are many GoFundMe pages established for those in need of support after Irma. Click here to donate funds or to help raise money.

Best Friend Animal Society – Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. A leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in collaboration with its nationwide network of members and partners working to Save Them All. All funds raised to support Hurricane Irma victims goes to the reuniting families with their pets.

South Florida Wildlife Center – SFWC depends on the generous support of the community to fund our lifesaving work of rescuing and rehabilitating imperiled wildlife. SFWC receives no government funding or public assistance. Please help us continue our work by donating today.

ASPCA – The ASPCA remains on the ground, assisting in recovery efforts for the animals impacted by Hurricane Irma. We’ve established an ASPCA mega emergency shelter in South Carolina where more than 600 shelter animals can be transported, so that animal shelters in hard hit areas have the capacity to accept the displaced pets coming in after the storms. We’re also working on distributing much needed supplies to emergency shelters and local animal shelters all across Florida.

Your support is needed now. 100% of your donation today will go to the ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response Fund.This fund is used to support all of the ASPCA’s life-saving efforts for animals in disaster and cruelty situations.

New Home for Sale in Remington Ridge of Gretna NE

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Remington Ridge of Gretna, NE then you’ll want to be sure to check out our newest model available now for sale.

This beautiful new home for sale in Remington Ridge is a perfect home for those who are just beginning a family or for those who want to downsize and are thinking about aging in place. The two story with walk-out basement is well designed with all the amenities you could want in an affordable design.

Priced in the $310’s this home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 1716 square feet and located in the Gretna Public School District.

Enter this home from the front entry where you’ll find the coat closet and entry into the great room. The great room is the center of the home as it is open to the kitchen and dining areas. The great room is spacious with a corner gas fireplace – perfect for those chilly nights that aren’t too far away.

The kitchen is spacious and includes a large island for food prep or eating meals. There’s plenty of storage in the pantry located beyond the kitchen and before the laundry room. Continue through the laundry to the mud room where you’ll find lockers for the kids and adults. A perfect place to hang backpacks and sports gear after you leave the garage.

The master bedroom of this home features a tiered ceiling and large master bath with walk-in shower and double vanity. The walk-in closet is spacious with plenty of room for all your clothes and shoes.

Continue down the hall to the second bathroom and two bedrooms. Both bedrooms are large with walk-in closets.

Head back into the great room and access the stairs down to the lower level family room and third bathroom.

To learn more about this new home for sale in Remington Ridge please contact Walter Fredrickson at 402-896-9200.

Events in Omaha this September

Summer is over, the kids are back in school and pretty soon Halloween decorations will be everywhere. There’s still plenty of family friendly events in Omaha this September so be sure to get out and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Events in Omaha this September

September Fest Omaha
When: September 4th, 2017
Where: Centurylink Center Omaha
455 N 10th Street
Omaha NE

Celebrate your long Labor Day weekend with carnival rides, live music, a parade, kids activities, a car show, food and more! Free parking and shuttle service from Gallup.

Vintage Market Days of Omaha
When: September 8th – 10th, 2017
Where: 508 Skyline Road
Elkhorn, NE

We are thrilled to bring the very first Vintage Market Days® event to the Omaha, Nebraska area this fall!  VMD® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. VMD® events are so much more than a flea market. Each VMD® event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues.

WO!W (World O! Water)
When: September 9th, 2017
Where: 8901 S 154th Street
Omaha, NE

World O! Water is a fun, annual event for people of all ages to learn about the important role that water plays in our lives and community. Join us this year on September 9th to experience live demonstrations, science experiments, games, and canoe rides while talking to local experts about water quality, conservation, and recreational activities. Your family, youth group, scout troop, school class, and even your dog, is welcome to attend this free event held at Wehrspann Lake inside the Chalco Hills Recreation Area.

All European Show and Shine
When: September 10th, 2017
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft Street
Omaha, NE

See fine European cars and motorcycles on display. Imagine models of Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ducati, BMW, Ferrari, Pantera, Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey and others surrounded by the beauty of the garden.

Guests may walk the 100 acres of gardens or they may take a narrated tram tour for $3 per person, which includes a stop at Kenefick Park. The café will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and snacks.

New Generation Music Festival
When: September 16th, 2017
Where: Aksarben Village
67th and Center Streets
Omaha, NE

Providing a world class music festival that promotes inclusion and provides economic opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and artists.

Cultivating local talent and artistry as a means to a more secure and sustainable economy in the urban core communities.

The NGMF is an inclusive music festival that promotes awareness of community issues,drives support for other local non profits, and provides a platform to retain local talent.

Octoberfest at Beer Corner USA
When: September 22nd – 23rd, 2017
Where: Crescent Moon
3578 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE

Join us for the 16th Annual Beer Corner USA Oktoberfest celebration! Soak up the festivities in a large outdoor space complete with live German music and food, and tons of German beer on tap in the beer garden. German “costumes” and traditional clothing are encouraged. Families are welcome as long as those under 21 are accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.

National Alpaca Farm Weekend
When: September 23rd and 24th, 2017
Where: 7016 Country Road 39
Fort Calhoun, NE

Come join us September 23rd and 24th for National Alpaca Farm Days!!!  Lots of fun for all ages.  Come feed the alpacas, see the baby crias, get your picture taken with an alpaca possible, feel the soft fleece, and shop for gorgeous and unique alpaca items.

26th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow
When: September 30th, 2017
Where: 5730 N 30th Street
Omaha, NE

Experience a traditional intertribal powwow featuring Native American music, dancing, crafts and foods at this outdoor event. Learn the culture and traditions of the Native Americans.

Model Locations

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