Debra Callahan

New Construction Trends

Debra Callahan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:07:00 GMT

I attended three seminars today at the national association of home builders trade show. The first one was all about trends that people are wanting in their new homes. Not to toot my own horn but if you work with me to help you design and build your own home you are going to be ahead of the curve. Everything they shared as trends, I have been helping clients put in their new homes for the past three years. You won't be surprised to find out people are downsizing and becoming more functional with all spaces. Larger kitchens and open floorplans still top the charts for most. The demand for three car garages increased by over 30%. Don't build a house without a minimum of a three car garage!!!

Another shocking statistic is that 60% of all remodeling projects done last year were "aging in place" related. When building your next home be sure to put in a few features that can extend the time you get to stay your home due to changing health conditions, you might not need them today but will thank me when you do down the road. Wider doorways, no steps to enter your home and backing in your walls to add grab bars down the road can save you thousands in the future and don't cost much to add during initial construction.

Stay tuned more to come tomorrow.

Love to travel

Debra Callahan — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:31:00 GMT

This weekend I went to visit family in St. Louis. Somehow I always wind up walking around neighborhoods or being sucked into them as I drive past. I just love houses! I found this one neighborhood with beautiful new construction homes being built with the most amazing iron trimmed front doors. Now I must find out where I can get one for my next house.

I am super excited because this week I get to join friends in Texas to help them make selections for their new home that is being constructed. It will be very interesting to see how a national builder handles this process compared to Skogman Homes and other area builders that I have worked with. Stay tuned...

Great NE Side Rental Available

Debra Callahan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:18:00 GMT

$1900 a month for 919 Rolling Creek Drive NE, Cedar Rapids

4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 3 car garage, great room with fireplace and built-ins

Master suite has whirlpool tub, separate shower, dual sinks, walk in closet and tray ceiling

Formal dining room that could be used for a den or music room too

Finished lower level, fenced in yard, irrigation system, deck and patio, and no one behind you!

Westfield, Oak Ridge, Linn Mar schools

Pets considered with additional deposit

One year lease preferred -- if interested email me!

dcallahan@skogman.com

New Home Specialist designation

Debra Callahan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:36:00 GMT

Today, tomorrow and Thursday I will be taking the course to obtain my new home specialist designation. After having specialized in New Homes for the past 6 years you would think I would already have this, but you have to take the course and pass the test. I am constantly trying to improve myself to better serve my clients.

We learned all about 'Green Building' today. My class is full of people from all different facets of building and real estate. Back tomorrow to learn some more!!!