Dec 27, 2017
In this article from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), there’s encouraging news about the housing market. Housing starts continue to rise with a 13.7% increase in October. Due in part to increased builder confidence and a strong economy, production looks to continue strengthening. You can read the complete article below.
Housing Starts Near Post-Recession High
(NAHB) – Nationwide housing starts rose 13.7 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.29 million units after a slight upward revision to the September reading, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. This is the highest housing production reading since October 2016, when total starts hit a post-recession high of 1.33 million.
Single-family production rose 5.3 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 877,000. Year-to-date, single-family starts are 8.4 percent above their level over the same period last year. Multifamily starts jumped 36.8 percent to 413,000 units after a weak September report.
“This uptick in housing production is aligned with our reports of strong builder confidence,” said Granger MacDonald, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas. “Our members are optimistic about the future of the housing market, even as uncertainties remain and they continue to face supply-side issues.”
“We are seeing solid, steady production growth that is consistent with NAHB’s forecast for continued strengthening of the single-family sector,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “As the job market and overall economy continue to firm, we should see demand for housing increase as we head into 2018.”
Regionally in October, combined single- and multifamily housing production rose 42.2 percent in the Northeast, 18.4 percent in the Midwest and 17.2 percent in the South. Starts fell 3.7 percent in the West.
Overall permit issuance in October was up 5.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.297 million units. Single-family permits rose 1.9 percent to 839,000 units while multifamily permits fell 9.5 percent to 458,000.
Permits rose in all four regions. They increased 13.0 percent in the West, 4.1 percent in the Northeast, 3.8 percent in the Midwest and 3.0 percent in the South.
Dec 13, 2017
If you’re thinking about building a new home in Omaha and are looking at floor plans, you’ll want to be sure to look at our featured floor plan – Tempe. This floor plan is part of our New Traditions collection of floor plans – floor plans for that luxury lifestyle that range from the $300s to $700s.
Featured Floor Plan – Tempe
This floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a spacious 3 car garage. The home has 1770 square feet of space. The main level of this floor plan is well designed with an open floor plan for the great room, kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen includes a walk in pantry for storage and convenience. Ample work space including large island and abundant countertops. Eat in the dinette for informal meals and in the dining room for formal gatherings. The great room features a lovely fireplace – perfect for these chilly winter nights, and abundant natural light.
The master bedroom of this home is spacious and tucked away from the rest of the activity. The master bath is an oasis of luxury. Walk-in shower, private toilet and large walk-in closet make this the retreat you’ve been dreaming of.
On the other side of the great room you’ll find two additional bedrooms with shared bathroom. Laundry is located on the main level.
If you choose the finished basement option you can head down to the basement of this home for two more bedrooms, large recreation room with web bar – perfect for Sunday afternoon football and additional bath.
This is a lovely design for those who are starting their family or who are downsizing. With main level master bedroom this home is a great option for those who are considering aging in place. The optional finished basement provides live in quarters for live-in help or a mother-in-law apartment. With this design you have many options to choose to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
To learn more about the Tempe floor plan and building your dream home, give us a call at 402-614-6088. To see more of our floor plans please click here.
Dec 6, 2017
Hard to believe it’s the last month of the year already! Hopefully you’ll have some time this month to enjoy all the wonderful events in Omaha this December. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this magical season – from the Holiday Lights Festival to Christmas at Union Station. Get out and have a wonderful holiday season!
Events in Omaha this December
32nd Annual Gingerbread Festival
When: Now through December 31st, 2017
Where: Mormon Trail Center
3215 State Street
Omaha, NE
Gingerbread houses fill the Mormon Trail Center. View 150+ gingerbread and candy displays along with beautifully decorated trees. A roster of live music appearances accompanies the festive atmosphere, and children may enjoy scavenger hunts and Christmas movies.
Holiday Lights Festival
When: Now through January 1st, 2018
Where: 14th and Farnam Streets
Omaha, NE
The Holiday Lights Festival is produced by Mayor Jean Stothert and the Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation and presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, KMTV 3 News Now and STAR 104.5, The Christmas Station.
The Festival showcases Downtown Omaha and celebrates the spirit of the holidays by providing a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. More than 40 blocks of dazzling lights will illuminate Downtown Omaha and add that extra shine to each Festival event.
Holiday Poinsettia Show
When: Now through January 4th, 2018
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft Street
Omaha, NE
Thousands of poinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color fill the floral display hall in a glowing tribute to the holidays during the spectacular holiday poinsettia show. In the center of it all, a magnificent and majestic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree stands tall. Surrounded by a cascade of twinkling white lights, glittering ornaments and the whir and whistle of model garden trains, this show evokes the warmest greetings of goodwill and cheer.
More than 5000 poinsettias in 25 different varieties were grown for the 2017 display. See varieties of multi-hued, deep red, sparkling white and speckled poinsettias that vary in hue, texture, height and bloom time. Varieties will be replaced as needed to provide an ever-changing display.
Christmas at Union Station
When: Now through January 7th, 2018
Where: Durham Museum
801 S 10th Street
Omaha, NE
The best way to spread Christmas cheer…is to visit to The Durham Museum, of course! Christmas at Union Station is back for another year of festive fun. This long standing tradition has become one of the top holiday destinations in the region and this year, is an official event of the Nebraska 150 Celebration. From the forty-foot-tall twinkling tree to holidays around the globe to Santa himself, you won’t want to miss it!
Rooftop Rink and Midtown Crossing
When: Now through February 25th, 2017
Where: Midtown Crossing
147 S 33rd Street
Omaha, NE
Midtown Crossing and The Salvation Army are elevating family fun and philanthropy this winter with an exhilarating new attraction – The Rooftop Rink at Midtown Crossing, presented by The Salvation Army.
The 60’ x 80’ rink, seating, fire features and food vendors will transform a rooftop near Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli into an avenue for activity, togetherness and outreach, December through February. Admission (including skate rental) is just $5. All proceeds benefit the important work of presenting sponsor The Salvation Army.
A Christmas Carol
When: Now through December 23rd, 2017
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse
6915 Cass Street
Omaha, NE
It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with lovely costumes, exquisite music, beautifully crafted sets and special effects second to none. Perfect for the whole family!
Santa’s Reindeer on the Plaza
December 16th, 2017
Where: Bel Air Plaza
West Center Road and South 120th Street
Omaha, NE
Two of Santa’s reindeer will be at Bel Air Plaza on the two Saturdays before Christmas for our annual Santa’s Reindeer at the Plaza holiday event! The reindeer will be in the parking lot of Bel Air Plza 12100 W. Center Road on December 9 and December 16 from 10am to 2pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Children will be able to see the reindeer up close in their pen. Santa’s reindeer don’t travel alone, of course, so his elves dressed in holiday garb will be there too! Parents are welcome to bring a camera and take pictures of their children petting the reindeer through the pen.
Boys Town Christmas Family Festival
When: December 9th, 2017
Where: Boys town
14100 Crawford Street
Boys Town, NE
You’re invited to Boys Town’s Christmas Family Festival, an afternoon filled with the magic and wonder of Christmas! There are many wonderful FREE activities for you and your family to enjoy on our campus. Pick and choose what works best for your family’s schedule.
Las Posadas Celebration
When: December 13th, 2017
Where: El Museo Latino
4701 S. 25th Street
Omaha, NE
Bring your family for an evening of fun, including activities for children and traditional refreshments. Las Posadas is a holiday tradition celebrated in December with traditional caroling for “asking for Posada, ” which makes reference to the journey of Mary and Joseph asking for lodging.
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