1. Plan your menu sooner rather than later. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and you need a plan of attack. Figure out what’s on the menu, and decide if you’d like your guests to bring something. Accept any and all offers of assistance. If people offer, just tell them what you need.
2. Be organized. Plan and organize to make sure you don't find yourself with missing ingredients, a house that’s a mess, and three hours of cooking still to be done when your guests arrive. Make lists of everything you need to do, prepare a schedule for everything from cleaning to shopping to cooking, and write shopping lists before you head to the store. 
3. Clean & de-clutter. Make sure the kitchen is clean, the counters are clear, and all necessary equipment is ready. Check that all table linens are cleaned & pressed. Give the house a good going over. 
4. Cook in advance. Don’t try to cook everything on Thanksgiving Day. Create a timeline, and figure out what can be made ahead of time. Casseroles and gravy can be premade. Vegetables can be chopped and ready to cook. Almost everything – except the turkey – can be made ahead so you just pop it on the stovetop or into the oven.
5. Set the table(s) in advance. As long as you don't have to worry about pets or small children destroying your dining room table, set it up to several days ahead. That way you won't be scrambling to find the best china that's somewhere in the basement; cleaning the dust off the wine glasses that are on that high shelf in the kitchen; and counting the flatware only to discover you don't have enough forks right before the first guest rings the bell. 
6. Offer drinks and snacks before dinner. Set up a bar or drink station in a room other than the kitchen. Make sure it’s stocked with everything so people won’t be traipsing into the kitchen. Tasty appetizers benefit the cook as much as the guests. They stay busy munching while you finish up in the kitchen! Try nuts, crackers and cheese, and crudité.
7. Give people something to do. For children – and some adults - it seems like Thanksgiving dinner takes foreveeer to land on the table. Keep them occupied. Crafty projects or favorite movies. Taking the dog for a walk or a touch football game. Anything that will keep them out of your hair.
8. Savor the moment. Before your guests arrive, take a deep breath and have a glass of wine. Enjoy the quiet before your house is invaded. Once your guests arrive, discard any worries about perfection. Remember that people who are always late will be late. People who are always picky will be picky. Enjoy yourself – and remember that everything goes back to normal tomorrow.

• Interest rates are going up! And over time, as the Fed continues to raise interest rates, mortgage rates are expected to move up too. That will influence both how much home you can afford, as well as how much you’ll pay over the span of the loan. Think a one or two percent increase won’t affect your bottom line too much? Think again!

If you buy a $250,000 home with a 30-year mortgage:

1. Exterior finishes. We offer a wide variety of exterior options including Hardi-Plank siding in different colors, and brick, stone or cedar shake accents.
2. Interior finishes. From the kitchen cabinets and counters, to the paint on the walls and the trim around the doorways, you have plenty of finishes and options to choose from.
3. Flooring. Hardwood, laminate, tile or carpeting? You choose what fits your family and your style
4. Fireplaces. Think there’s not much going on with fireplaces? Think again! We have so many options – stone or tile surrounds, traditional or modern designs, a selection of mantels… the list goes on and on.
5. Technology. We can outfit your home with the latest in hi-tech security, sound systems, and smart home features. Just let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll configure a plan.
6. Custom features and finishes. Always wanted a screened porch? Or maybe a finished basement? How about built-in bookshelves or a window seat? Ask us. From unique windows to custom kitchen islands to patio walls and fire pits, we can handle special requests of all kinds.

Whether it’s structural requests or non-structural options, Skogman Homes wants you to have the home you want. Go ahead and ask us! 319-240-2777

Located at 2728 Arbor Way Boulevard, the Maple is a classic home with plenty of style! This gorgeous two-story home includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 3-car garage, and 1,737 square feet of living space. The main floor features a spacious family room with 9-foot ceilings, an open kitchen with lots of space and a breakfast bar. There is a dining nook, as well. Just off the kitchen is a half bath and laundry. Upstairs, the master suite includes a walk-in closet and private bath. There are also two additional bedrooms, and another full bath. And there is a finished lower level, too. This charming home has a front porch, with a touch of stone on the piers. It is priced at $273,109.

1. LOCATION. Is it close to your job? Is the commute going to be horrible? Can the kids walk to school? How close are the shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, parks, etc? The Cedar Valley is a thriving region located in Northeast Iowa centered on the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, and conveniently located schools. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the quality of life is outstanding.
2. PRODUCT & PRICE. Are you looking for a single-family home on a spacious lot or a low-maintenance townhome with an HOA? Do you need flexible space? An in-law suite? A home office? How much home can you afford? What kind of mortgage are you qualified for? The Cedar Valley has a variety of homes available, in a wide range of prices. No matter what kind of home you want or can afford, you’ll be able to find something here.
3. SCHOOLS. Is it in a good school district? Are there private schools nearby? How far away are the schools? Does the school district have honors/gifted/special needs programs? Are there other resources like counseling services? Special assistance programs? The Cedar Valley schools are offer comprehensive educational opportunities, as well as special services for students who need them.
4. NEIGHBORS. Do you want a close-knit group or do you want your privacy? Are there other kids for your kids to play with? Is there someone to take after-dinner walks with and share car-pooling? The Cedar Valley has neighborhoods for everyone – singles, growing families, 55-plus. No matter what stage of life you’re in, this vibrant community has a place for you.
5. GO WITH YOUR GUT. Is your little voice telling you “YES!”, but your logical brain is only saying “Maybe”? Hard decision time. You can make a list of pros & cons, or you can listen to your gut. Chances are, if your instincts are saying this is the place, then it’s probably just what you’re looking for!

At The Arbors in Cedar Falls, we have 2 gorgeous move-in ready homes available!

Ultimately, the cost of our homes is the result of a combination of external forces, including materials and labor, and our prices reflect the status of the market. Skogman Homes will be instituting price increases in the coming weeks, and we’d like you to understand why.

MYTH #1: A 30-year fixed mortgage is always the best deal.

Knollwood offers private home sites set amid winding roads, mature trees, and a peaceful venue. Located just minutes from Kennedy School District schools, this lovely community is also near parks, shopping, entertainment and the highway.

1. Local builder with 70 years of experience. Skogman Homes is a family-owned builder with decades of experience. Over the years, we have designed and built literally thousands of new homes in Iowa. And we plan to keep doing that for years to come.