Builder Confidence Stays at Healthy Level in July

Builder Confidence Stays at Healthy Level in July

According to this article from the National Association of Home Builders, Builder Confidence remains high for the month of July. As home builders in Omaha, we’ve seen first hand the growth in the demand for new homes. Due in part to a strong economy and continued low inventories of available homes, builders all over Omaha are busy. You can read the full article below.

Builder Confidence Stays at Healthy Level in July

(NAHB), Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes remained unchanged at a solid 68 reading in July on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

“Consumer demand for single-family homes is holding strong this summer, buoyed by steady job growth, income gains and low unemployment in many parts of the country,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, La.

“Builders are encouraged by growing housing demand, but they continue to be burdened by rising construction material costs,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Builders need to manage these cost increases as they strive to provide competitively priced homes, especially as more first-time home buyers enter the housing market.”

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.

The HMI index measuring current sales conditions remained unchanged at 74. Meanwhile, the component gauging expectations in the next six months dropped two points to 73 and the metric charting buyer traffic rose two points to 52.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast rose one point to 57 while the Midwest remained unchanged at 65. The West and South each fell one point to 75 and 70, respectively.

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.

National Night Out

National Night Out

As home builders in Omaha, we know how important community is. We see first hand how important it is to get to know your neighbors and build a strong community. In this digital age, where we spend more time indoor online than we do outside, it’s crucial that we make the time to get out and meet our neighbors. National Night Out is the perfect way to just that.

National Night Out

National Night Out (NNO), is held annually on the first Tuesday in August. This year that is August 7th. The event is a national community-building campaign to encourage police-community partnerships. The goal is to promote neighborhood camaraderie which in turn will make neighborhoods more safe. Most neighborhoods host block parties where neighbors gather in the street (that has been blocked off) to grill, play games and get to know one another. Often emergency personnel will stop by with their fire truck or ambulance for residents to tour.

Hosting a Block Party

It’s not too late to host a block party! You can download this free block party flyer template and edit it to reflect your party’s information and then print it out. If holding a party in the middle of the week doesn’t work it’s perfectly okay to host the block party on the weekend.

Delegate

Congratulations if you’ve decided to take on the task of planning your block party for National Night Out, now gather some close neighbors and start delegating the work. Put someone in charge of food, beverages and entertainment.

Choose a Date

National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August, but that doesn’t mean you have to have it that night. If a weekend works better for your neighbors, by all means have it on the weekend. Have a backup date in case of bad weather.

Promotional Considerations

Across the nation, many businesses will provide meat for grilling, entertainment and other items to the neighborhood event. For instance a local real estate company is providing meat to any block parties that sign up. The ask that their business name be included on any flyers and that they can swing by the event and introduce themselves. Check your neighborhood Facebook page or NextDoor page to see if any businesses in your area are offering anything.

Sign Up Sheet

Be sure to have a signup sheet at the event. This is a great way to capture everyone’s email address and/or phone numbers.

Neighborhood Page

Another great way to keep in touch before the event and after is to create a Facebook page for your block or neighborhood, or a NextDoor page. You can put the web address on the flyer and have people sign up for the page and RSVP if needed. It’s also a great way to communicate who is bringing what for the potluck.

Encourage Networking

You may have a neighbor who provides the exact service you’ve been looking for. Find out what people do and let them promote their businesses.

A Few Things to Consider

You may want to have a bathroom policy of “everyone uses their own bathroom” to maintain home security. Encourage children to help clean up by providing a prize for those who help. Provide name tags.

Having a block party is a great way to meet new neighbors and keep in touch with old friends. As home builders in Omaha, we see each day how strong communities are formed by the simple act of getting to know one another.

 

New 4 Bedroom Home for Sale in Southbrook of Papillion, NE Available Now!

New 4 Bedroom Home for Sale in Southbrook of Papillion, NE Available Now!

If you’ve wanted to own a home in the Southbrook community in Papillion, NE now is your chance. Regency Homes, homebuilders serving the Papillion and Elkhorn areas in Nebraska, has a lovely new 4 bedroom home for sale in Southbrook.

Located at 11611 South 109th Street in Papillion, NE, this home has all you could want and then some. It features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a spacious 3 car garage and is available in the $380,000s. It is available now, so if you’d like to move before football season starts you can!

The main level of this ranch style home features an open floor plan with lots of room to spread out and entertain. If you’re considering aging in place, this is the perfect home for consideration with bedrooms and living space on one level.

The kitchen is well-designed with large eat-in island – perfect for preparing a feast for family and friends or grabbing a quick breakfast on the run. The dinette area is where the family can gather for a more formal meal like Sunday night dinner or breakfast each morning. The kitchen has plenty of counter space and offers optimum storage and organization features with the walk-in pantry. Laundry room is conveniently located between the kitchen and garage entrance. Lockers are optional, and make for and even more organized home.

The bedrooms are located on the other side of the great room. The master bedroom is spacious and airy with a lovely tiered ceiling. The master bath includes a walk-in shower (another great feature for those aging in place) and double sink vanity. The large walk-in closet has plenty of space to hold all your clothing, footwear and other personal items. Down the hall you’ll make your way to the two additional bedrooms and shared bathroom. Both bedrooms are spacious at 11’X11′ and both include walk-in closets. There’s plenty of storage in this beautiful new home for sale in Papillion, NE.

Downstairs to the basement you’ll find the 4th bedroom and rec room. This is a perfect space for older kids, live-in help or mother-in-law quarters. The mechanical room is also located down in the basement and there’s additional unfinished storage. The rec room can be updated to include a full wet bar making this home the place in the neighborhood where everyone watches the game or it can be turned into a lovely craft room for those who enjoy tinkering.

This home is 2,453 sq feet and is located in the desirable Papillion – LaVista public school district. If you’d like to learn more about this 4 bedroom home for sale in the Southbrook community of Papillion, NE please contact Colleen LeVier at 402-614-6088. Be sure to check out our other available homes for sale!

Events in Omaha this July

Events in Omaha this July

We hope you have a safe and Happy 4thof July! If you’re looking for fun events in Omaha this July, be sure to check out all of the offerings listed below. From fireworks to parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in Omaha.

Happy 4thof July!

Events in Omaha this July

Ralston’s 58th Annual Independence Day Celebration
When: July 4th, 2018
Where: 80thand Highland
Omaha, NE

The Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to our 58th Annual Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 1pm.  The parade draws an estimated 42,000 people, more than eight times the population of Ralston.

Omaha Beer Fest
When: July 6th and 7th, 2018
Where: Horsemen’s Park
6306 Q Street
Omaha, NE

It’s the 8th Annual OMAHA BEER FEST which will be held on the Infield Turf at Horsemen’s Park! Hundreds of American Craft Beers, 60+ breweries and cider makers,  Beer Academy, VIP Lounge and more! All General Admission tickets are good for one day of sampling to include a tasting glass and unlimited 2 ounce samples of craft beer.

VIP ticket holders get to enter the festival one hour early on either Friday or Saturday, receive close VIP parking, and have access to the VIP Lounge featuring delicious food and specialty beers not available in the brewery tents.

Attendees can dance and enjoy beer fest fun each night with fan favorite sounds of regionally known artist, DJ JAB.

Riverfest Celebration with Fireworks
When: July 6thand 7th, 2018
Where: Haworth Park
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue’s regional RiverFest 2018 annual festival draws more than 30,000 people to Bellevue.  If you love good food, good times, great music, Nebraska BBQ State Championship and a great setting then RiverFest is the place for you to promote your business and support Bellevue’s largest community festival.

Railroad Days
When: July 14thand 15th, 2018
Where: Various locations in Omaha

Celebrate our region’s rich railroad heritage and all things train and track at Railroad Days 2018, July 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fun-filled weekend gives families the opportunity to explore the exhibits and collections at five of the area’s railroad-themed attractions, all at one low price. Available for purchase at any participating venue during the event, a $15 family pass (good for 2 adults and their dependent children), includes admission to and  bus/trolley transportation between all 5 locations. A $5 pass is also available for one adult with the purchase of a family pass (limit one). A great experience for all ages!

African Culture Festival in Omaha
When: July 15th, 2018
Where: 2285 S 67thStreet
Omaha, NE

Come out for the inaugural African Cultural Festival and experience Africa in the heart of Omaha. This family-friendly event incorporates authentic African music, art, dance, fashion, and cuisine in celebration of the diversity of the African diaspora. Enjoy performances by such notable acts as Edem, African Culture Connection, and Umoja Choir while they shop from an array of vendors, including food, crafts, jewelry, and clothing.

Omaha LGBTQ Wedding Expo
When: July 15th, 2018
Where: 655 N 108thAvenue
Omaha, NE

Join us as we celebrate our first event in Omaha!   You & your fiancee (or fiancee-to-be!) are cordially invited to join the fun – you’ll have the chance to meet and chat with a diversity of LGBTQ-friendly wedding, home & travel related vendors.  Plan your Dream Ceremony, Reception, Honeymoon and committed lives together among friends, and be sure to join us at 2:15 when we announce our Raffle Winners! We look forward to seeing you & your partner at – The Sheraton Omaha Hotel!

Benson Days
When: July 28th, 2018
Where: Maple Street between 58thand 63rdStreets
Omaha, NE

Benson Days, held each July, is a one-day, family friendly summer festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative culture. Activities include a pancake breakfast, parade, street festival featuring dozens of vendors, art, live music, children’s activities and more.

Proceeds from Benson Days support neighborhood projects.

Nebraska Asian Festival
When: July 28th, 2018
Where: Lewis and Clark Landing
515 N Riverfront Drive
Omaha, NE

The festival is featuring food vendors, cultural performances and retail booths. Fun activities will be throughout the day featuring lion dances, egg roll eating contest, martial arts, yoga, tai chi, origami and so much more.  It is a family-oriented event to educate, celebrate and promote Asian heritage. The goal is to promote diversity and intercultural awareness while bringing the community together.

Chalk Art Festival
When: July 28thand 29th, 2018
Where: Midtown Crossing’s Farnam Street
Omaha, NE

An eye-popping addition to the city’s arts and culture landscape, the Chalk Art Festival is a weekend-long live art celebration. Local/regional artists and professional madonnaris will transform patches of Midtown Crossing pavement into pastel chalk masterpieces.

Enjoy live music, food, drinks and shopping. New to Omaha and Midtown Crossing, the Chalk Art Festival concept is tremendously popular around the world – from Curtatone, Italy, to Denver, Colorado.

Free & open to the public.

Model Locations

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