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. 

1. How many years have you been in business? Skogman Homes has been in business for 70 years. That’s FIVE generations of experience!
    
2. Is your building process customer-friendly? Can you give me a timeline for when my home will be completed? We try to be forthcoming as far as our process and timeline are concerned. Our Building Process is clearly posted, so you know what’s happening when.  
    
3. What type of warranties do you offer? Skogman Homes offers an industry-leading 10-year warranty program. From the foundation to the roof, we have you covered. Skogman Homes also provides a 30-day and an 11-month walk-through with a Skogman representative to address any questions or concerns you may have.
    
4. Can I talk to some of your home buyers? Do you have model homes I can tour? At Skogman Homes, we always encourage prospective buyers to visit our models and talk to our existing homeowners. 
    
5. What’s your team like? Are they experienced? Are they knowledgeable? Courteous? Our team here at Skogman is a well-trained group of professionals who are committed to making your home building experience enjoyable & stress-free.
    
6. Are you a good communicator? Will I be able to reach you with questions? How often will you contact me with progress reports? At Skogman Homes, your construction manager will be in regular contact with you regarding updates.
    
7. How current are your floor plans? Do the homes reflect today’s lifestyles? Skogman floor plans have many of the features that today’s families want - open living spaces, lots of windows, porches, plentiful storage, energy-efficiency, etc.
    
8. Are you a good business owner? Talk to local lenders, real estate agents, and suppliers to see how a builder is thought of within the community. Do they work well with others? Pay their bills on time? Skogman Homes prides itself on being a good neighbor. And we’ve been in business for a long time, so we must be doing something right!  

Building a new home should be a positive experience. If you have any doubts, trust your gut. Having answers to these – and any other questions you may have – will help ensure that you and your builder are on the same page!

• 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.

• 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!

• 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!

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.