In Iowa, certain low-maintenance plants thrive incredibly well and make for a colorful garden that’ll add pops of life to your home! Here are a few ideas for your brand new garden:

Perfect Plants to Make a Statement

1. Let’s go fly a kite.

Forget smartphones and iPads, the childhood activities of years past still provide as much fun today. Why not teach your children how to fly?! You can find a kite at most discount or variety stores, and you’re on your way to new heights. Take your kids to a nearby open field on a sunny day, show them how to make their kite soar, and watch them marvel at the magic in their hands!

It’s almost hard to think past the cold winter months and fast forward to the warmer days to come, but it’s exactly what so many new homeowners have done in Cedar Rapids. Those days will be here before you know it, and the first couple of months in 2018 have already seen so much activity as eager families have taken advantage of our move-in ready homes. They’re planning ahead to live out all their summer fun in the perfect neighborhood for them.

OUTSIDE

What does that mean to prospective homebuyers? When interest rates go up, it influences both how much home you can afford, as well as how much you’ll pay over the span of the loan. 

Choosing a homebuilder is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The right questions will tell you everything you need to know. Here is how Skogman Homes answers each one, backed by over 70 years and five generations of experience.

• Your home, your way. You get to design the home you’ve been dreaming of… and we’re here to help you along the way.
• Value. Our homes are built to be more energy-efficient, which means lower utility bills for you. Plus, your home is brand new, which means no maintenance costs.    
• Peace of mind. Skogman offers an unmatched 10-year limited warranty plan. Along with our in-house warranty department, you can rest assured you’re covered.  
• Locations. We build conveniently located communities that make you feel at home as soon as you arrive.
• Personal connection. We know that home buying is one of the largest and most important purchases you’ll ever make, so we have processes in place to ensure that there will always be someone there to help you.

Now that you know why buying a new Skogman Home is the best choice, don’t wait another day! Call or stop by today and see how we can make your dream home your real home!

1. Do your homework. Learn what you can about any builders you are considering. Then, meet with at least three of them in person. Pay attention to how their office operates. Are things organized and professional? When you discuss what you are looking for, take note of whether they are listening to you. At Skogman Homes, we appreciate that building a home is likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make, so we try to provide you with as much information as possible. Whether you choose us or not, we want you to be an educated consumer.
    
2. Reputation matters. No matter how beautiful or trendy a builder’s homes / offices / marketing materials are, what really matters is their reputation. Ask around. Are they trustworthy? Are they reliable? Do they stand by their homes? As an example, Skogman Homes has five generations of experience in homebuilding. We are a local company with roots in the community. And we have good relationships with dozens of local suppliers and contractors, most over 15 years.
    
3. Location is key. Before you fall in love with a home or neighborhood, make sure it’s in a location that works for your lifestyle. How much driving do you want to do? How far do you want to live from your job or your kid’s school? Skogman communities are built near good schools, major roads, shopping complexes and job centers.
    
4. Seeing is believing. Tour each builder’s model homes. Look closely at the quality of construction and craftsmanship. Find out if they employ local contractors and suppliers. At Skogman Homes, we are committed to building the best homes possible, using the most-skilled craftsmen and the best quality products available. We stand by the integrity of our homes and team members.
    
5. Price doesn’t equal value. For some builders, the price tag on a home doesn’t reflect the value of what’s in the home. Know what you’re really paying for in the end. Is your price guaranteed? We work hard at Skogman Homes to give you precise pricing throughout the process so you know exactly what you’re getting before committing to the features.
    
6. Reality check. Building a new home can be stressful. A good builder will try to alleviate your stress as much as possible. Skogman Homes understands what’s important, and our trained and knowledgeable team is available to help with everything from choosing a homesite to selling your current home. Our proven process includes an on-site selection center with a design expert, scheduled walk-throughs at the home during and after construction, a Guaranteed Trade-in program to help sell your home, or even a place to live free while you wait for your home to be finished if you sell your home early.

No homebuilder knows eastern Iowa like Skogman Homes. We have been building communities in the Cedar Rapids and Marion area for over seven decades, and we have no plans to stop. Here is what that experience means for you.

• Availability. Was your home a little tight at the Thanksgiving holiday? Check out our move-in ready homes that have drop zones, pantries and large great rooms for plenty of entertaining space in 2018! Also, ask about our trade-in-program…if your home isn’t sold after 120 days Skogman Homes will buy it!

• Spec Foundations. Looking to customize your next home?  With the cold approaching quickly, Skogman Homes put in 13 winter foundations throughout the area that are ready for you to customize and allows you to move in late spring!  So, come visit our models to choose yours!

• Timeline. Looking to fully design your dream home and pick the home site? If you buy now, lock in December prices for your 2018 new Skogman home! Your new home will be ready for move-in by July or August. Check out our “Construction Process” page on our website for all of the steps and a general timeline.

For more information about our home or our building processes, contact your Skogman sales representative. We look forward to helping your choose the Skogman home of your dreams!