Blog

The Skogman Difference

Posted on: Jan 10, 2018

Categories: Blog

  • Experience. With seven decades of experience, Skogman Homes has served Iowa longer than any other homebuilding company. We know eastern Iowa well, having built over 12,000 homes here. Skogman Homes is dedicated to building neighborhoods in the Cedar Rapids and Marion area now and well into the future.
  • We are committed to making the design and construction process simple and rewarding! Our streamlined procedures make your home buying experience a breeze, thanks to our committed team members, selection centers and the HomeTracker® online system.
  • At Skogman Homes, your home buying journey begins with a New Homes Consultant who is dedicated to providing the best solutions for your budget and needs. Each of our New Homes Consultants has specialized construction training in addition to real estate licensing and credentials, which makes them a great resource for market trends, design features and ways to increase your home’s value.
  • Choices. Skogman Homes offers many different floorplans and price points. Plus, there are lots of move-in ready homes and models for you to tour. We also provide an abundance of included features, unique design elements and award-winning floorplans.
  • Guaranteed Trade Program. Worried about double house payments?Don’t be! Our Guaranteed Trade-In Program prevents them. All you have to do is tell your Skogman representative that you want to purchase a new Skogman home, contingent upon the guaranteed sale price of your existing home. We’ll take care of everything else!
  • Warranty Program. Skogman Homes offers an industry-leading 10-year warranty program! For one year, we warrant that your home will be free from defects. We also provide a 30-day and an 11-month walk-through with a Skogman rep to address any concerns you may have. For two years, Skogman Homes warrants the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilation systems of your home. We warrant any water intrusion for the first three years, including the roof and foundation. We also warrant that your home will be free of major structural defects for ten years

Come see us today to experience the Skogman Difference for yourself!

Buy Now And Enjoy Summer In Your New Skogman Home!

Posted on: Dec 04, 2017

Categories: Blog

  • 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!

Your Guide To A Stress-Free Thanksgiving!

Posted on: Nov 17, 2017

Categories: Blog

  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.

Why It’s A Good Time To Buy A New Skogman Home NOW

Posted on: Nov 10, 2017

Categories: Blog

  • 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:

6 Ways To Personalize Your New Skogman Home

Posted on: Nov 08, 2017

Categories: Blog

  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

Three Move-in Ready Homes Just Waiting For YOU at The Arbors!

Posted on: Oct 18, 2017

Categories: Blog, Available Homes, Skogman Homes CV

Three Move-in Ready Homes Just Waiting For YOU at The Arbors!

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.

Three Move-in Ready Homes Just Waiting For YOU at The Arbors!

How To Choose The Right Skogman Homes Community For Your Family

Posted on: Oct 10, 2017

Categories: Blog

  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!

Price increases in effect: Lock in lower prices today!

Posted on: Sep 11, 2017

Categories: Blog

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.