Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand Posted on July 6, 2021July 6, 2021 by Tammy Heckart If you’re thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like the present. With today’s low mortgage rates, you have a great opportunity to get more home for your money. The challenge is inventory. Like you, many buyers want to capitalize on these market conditions, and it’s leading to more buyer competition and bidding wars. If you’re having a hard time finding a home to buy, it may be time to talk to your trusted real estate advisor about a newly built home. Early indicators show new-home construction is beginning to ramp up. While new homes alone won’t be able to fix all of the inventory challenges, this does mean you’ll soon have more options as you search for a home. As a buyer, a newly built home may be exactly what you’re looking for – it’s brand new, and with builder customization options, it’s uniquely yours from the ground up. Here’s what industry experts are saying about new homes coming to market: Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says recent research could indicate upward momentum when it comes to new home construction. Evangelou refers to the volume of new homes where construction began during a set period, known in the industry as housing starts. According to that research, housing starts reached their highest level since 2006 in March of this year – an encouraging sign for the industry. While they dipped slightly in April, Evangelou reiterates that the level of housing construction is heading in a positive direction compared to recent years: “…we are currently building 24% more homes than we typically have built in April in the last couple of decades. Thus, housing construction is trending upward with housing starts likely to reach 1.6 million for all of 2021 and rise further to 1.7 million in 2022.” As new data pours in, it further confirms this trend. According to the latest Monthly New Residential Construction report from the U.S. Census Bureau, housing starts increased even more in May, which continues the ongoing upward trend (see graph below) and indicates that ground is being broken on even more new homes.Robert Dietz, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Economics and Housing Policy for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), singles out another encouraging sign: “It is also worth noting that the number of single-family homes permitted but not started construction continued to increase in May, rising to 142,000 units.” This insight that there’s also an uptick in single-family homes permitted serves as an additional sign that more new homes lie ahead. It’s important to realize that the construction doesn’t have to start on these homes before you may be able to purchase one. According to the Monthly New Residential Sales report from the U.S. Census Bureau, many new homes are selling before construction even begins (see graph below):These signs are all good news for housing inventory. And as the recent challenges of rising lumber prices and dwindling lumber supply begin to improve, builders will be able to increase their production even more in the months ahead. Bottom Line While the inventory challenges we’re facing today won’t be solved overnight, the increase in new-home construction means your house may have more competition in the market. Let’s connect to talk about finding your dream home and our newly built homes available in your area. *Source: Keeping Current Matters, Inc.
Do It Together: 5 Home Projects for You and Your Household Helpers Posted on June 2, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Spruce up your space & keep your kids from climbing the walls – double win! Here are five DIY projects to improve your home and give your kids a productive outlet for their energy. Build raised garden beds A garden not only gives you the benefit of fresh herbs, vegetables or flowers, it’s also a natural outdoor classroom for your kids — helping them learn measurements, basic botany facts and giving them a boost to their mental and physical well-being. Give your mailbox a makeover Brighten up your humdrum mailbox and give your heroic postal worker something to smile about when they deliver your mail. Construct a birdhouse Though birds aren’t required to shelter in place, it’s nice for them to have a safe spot to land in your backyard — and exciting for the whole family to watch as they come and go. Stencil paint your tile floor Want to give your tile floor a new look but don’t want to invest the money, time or intensive labor it takes to rip up and lay down a new one? While this project requires patience and attention to detail, your children can pitch in and help out to make it go a little faster. Restyle your bathroom drawer pulls You’d be surprised at how much of a design impact changing the drawer pulls on a bathroom vanity can have. This inexpensive DIY project is quick to complete and perfect for little hands who can help you hold the hardware while you handle the screwdriver. *Source: https://www.zillow.com/resources/stay-informed/2020/05/29/5-diy-projects-with-kids/
Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical. Posted on May 21, 2021May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Some Highlights A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home. Agents help you understand key steps, like choosing upgrades and managing negotiations, while staying within your budget from start to finish. Don’t forget we offer a TWO-YEAR builder warranty on all of our homes! If building is the right option for you, contact one of our agents at Home Team Iowa TODAY!
Coming Soon…Oxley Creek West in Granger Posted on May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Oxley Creek West | Granger Greenland Homes has a brand new plat in Oxley Creek West. This development includes a pond. Homes starting in the mid $200’s! Contact us TODAY to start reserving your lot now!
Newest development in Madrid! Posted on May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Tiger Run, Madrid Greenland Homes is building in Madrid! You will be able to choose one- and two-story homes in Tiger Run. With record low interest rates and Madrid’s tax abatement, this offers you affordable options! Tiger Run will feature our popular Hoover, Grant, Filmore plans and along with many more! American Dream Series and Advantage Series Homes Homes starting in the mid $200’s Tax Abatement USDA Financing for those who qualify Call Blake Shaffer to schedule a tour! 515-298-9287
Waukee Sales Office is a Toys for Tots Donation Location Posted on November 20, 2020May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart “2020 has been a tough year for everyone. It is important to give back to people that are less fortunate than we might be. Also being a Dad of 2 now, I can’t imagine not being able to give my kids presents to open on Christmas Day.” – Cody Bilyeu, Re/Max Concepts and Greenland Homes Representative Stop by our sales office in Waukee to drop off toys! Spring Crest is an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots and we’re so excited to get started. When you stop by to donate toys, don’t forget to enter your name in for a drawing! We will be drawing a name right before Christmas! It could be you! Stop by during our open house times on the weekend. Help Bring the Joy of Christmas to Less-Fortunate Children Wondering what to get? Check out the Top Toy list Target.com put together for Toys for Tots. Last year, Des Moines donated toys to over 20,000 kids! Let’s work together to bring a smile to even more children in our area!
Featured Floor Plan: Arlington II Posted on November 19, 2020May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Open & Spacious You get only the best with Greenland Homes! The 2-story Arlington II floor plan is part of our Advantage Series. It has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Plus, you can rest easy with the peace of mind knowing that you have a 2 Year Builder Warranty on your beautiful new home. Mood-Boosting Natural Light You and your family can relax and enjoy day and night in this open, beautiful space. We think you’re going to love the large windows which allow plenty of natural light and the clean, electric fireplace that will make the evenings so cozy. This spacious, light kitchen will be a favorite gathering place for the entire family. The design plan features a beautiful island which opens to the great room. Plus, you’ll have access to an extra large pantry providing maximum storage and organization for all your food and small appliances. Spacious Bedrooms The large master bedroom is a show stopper. Enjoy your own private bath and walk-in closet. It’s all about your comfort! Ceiling Fans add comfort and energy efficiency and are included in all bedrooms. Plenty of Storage This layout is perfect. With laundry upstairs, a large pantry in the kitchen, and a convenient drop zone from the garage, you’ll have plenty of room to keep the mess out of view. Ready for a Tour? We’re currently building this floor plan in communities near you. Let us know if you’d like to tour the Arlington II floor plan in person! Call or text Tammy Heckart from Re/Max Concepts at 515-778-8807.
Tour New Homes in Huxley Posted on November 10, 2020May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Beautiful, Open Sight Lines This Filmore Raised Ranch showcases gorgeous Quartz counter tops in the kitchen with open sight lines to the dinning area and the great room which features a cozy electric fire place. This large open floor plan is perfect for a growing family who wants to reconnect after a busy day! This home (408 Centennial Drive, Huxley) is open for tours, plus we have many more that will be ready soon! You can choose between one- and two-story home designs and we encouraged all homebuyers to be involved in the building process as soon as possible so you can choose finishes and upgrades when the time comes. Westview Heights also features the following floor plans from our Advantage Series: Birmingham ranch plan Melrose two-story plan Dawson ranch plan Lawton ranch plan About this Location To find Westview Heights, you will need to take Hwy 69 into Huxley then turn West onto W. Centennial Dr. Westview Heights residents will enjoy commuter-friendly access to I-35 taking them to Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames. Plus, they will have plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors! The Heart of Iowa bike trail runs through the southern part of Huxley. Big Creek is only 15 minutes away! Home Tours To tour homes at Westview Heights please contact Tammy Heckart, RE/MAX Concepts at (515) 778-8807 or tammy@tammyheckart.com.
Children’s Cancer Connection Check Presentation Posted on November 7, 2020May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart Greenland Homes & Tammy Heckart Raises Over $500,000 in Total Donations With their 6th Charity Home. We did it! Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to our Charity Home this year and in the past! With this year’s donation, we reached our goal which was to raise over $500,000 total! Thank you to the Following Contractors and Contributors! As you can see by this list, there’s a lot of businesses involved when building a house. This list right here is why we support and use local businesses at Greenland Homes. Our cause spoke to their hearts and they wanted to help contribute to the Children’s Cancer Connection, a local charity in Des Moines. You don’t get this from national businesses! We’re so grateful for the chance to work with these companies and to call them friends. “Thank you so much for all you do!” – Corey Kautz, Greenland Homes Kness Signs Kovacevich Carpentry Midwest Curb Grinding Beisser Lumber Company Prairie Pella, Inc. HomeServices Lending Northland Foundations Baileys Excavating Alan’s Seamless Gutters Rich Jones Construction Wayne Dalton Garage Doors EW Lighting Tom Onnen Construction Services Waller Construction LLC Aspen Aire JMT Trucking Stensland Sod Inc Made in the Shade Blinds & More Des Moines Tops Plus MacArthur Centurion Stone Midwest Curb Grinding Snyder and Associates Matt Allen Construction Stone Age Granite Sherwin Williams Factory Direct Appliance Redfox Inspections Royal Flooring The Flooring Guys Tesdell Electric Elite Irrigation Community State Bank Unique Drywall CSI Concrete Supply Kohles and Bach Nehring Construction Tru Team Contractor Services of Iowa Timberline Builders Royal Plumbing Thank You to Nora and Her Family! Nora is smart, funny, clever, and was a productive member of the team – keeping us on track and reviewing our work. We want to thank Nora and her family for being involved with our 6th Charity Home build. We loved Nora’s enthusiasm and energy! Check out our final walk-through with Nora – you’ll quickly see why the Greenland Homes’ crew fell in love with her! Thank You to Our Staff and Agent Team Of course, our amazing staff and wonderful agent team was a huge help as well! Keeping the day to day tasks running, showing the home to potential buyers, and more. We appreciate all of you and we see how hard you work! We’re proud of our team!
More Options at Meadow Vista in Altoona Posted on October 28, 2020May 18, 2021 by Tammy Heckart 5-Year Tax Abatement in Altoona Altoona’s Urban Revitalization Plan offers a 5-Year, 100% tax abatement on the first $75,000 of actual value. View details here. Great Location! Meadow Vista is near parks, playgrounds, and a dog park. Plus, it’s close to restaurants, retail, Altoona’s Outlet Mall, Adventureland, and there are trails coming in the future! You’ll love the community feel of Altoona that comes with a quick commute to downtown Des Moines. Pick Your Lot & Floor Plan Floor plans from the American Dream Series and the Advantage Series allow you to choose between 3- or 4-bedroom homes and 2- or 3- car garages. Plus, we even have a few daylight lots, adding more natural light to each level of your home! We encourage all homebuyers to be involved in the building process. Start the process early so you can pick out finishes and upgrades in flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and fireplaces. You have many options, let’s start looking at them today! View lots and floor plans today.