Craig Nails It Down

Winter Home Building Discounts Up to $8,000.00

2012-01-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

Great Neighborhood Finest Homes

With the time of year we are in, we are looking for two (2) qualified customers for new custom homes. We need to keep our crews and suppliers stay busy this winter. Even though it feels like April (50 degrees) its just normal that winter is a slower time with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays taking yours and my focus.

If you purchase a home building lot in the Heritage Hills Estates neighborhood in Cedar Falls we will give you a $3,000 discount with the purchase of new custom home package with Craig Fairbanks Homes. With the purchase of a new home package we will also provide for you $5,000 in upgrades of your choosing for free central Vac. whole house audio, theater room and many other options.

No strings attached with this offer and includes our usual high quality custom designs with top of the line building products, such as Pella/ Anderson Windows, GE appliances including Stainless Steel , hardwood/ tile flooring , solid surface counter tops including Granite and Quarts products, spa style master suites and as always top of the line Luxurious Crestwood custom cabinetry.

Call us today for a one hour no obligation consultation on your new home.

Craig Fairbanks
Owner Broker
319-553-1457
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com

www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

* Offer Limit first 2 customers

Hospital Visit Enlightenment "Again"

2011-12-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

this morning again I am reminded that our needs in life can change in an instant. As I write I am sitting in a surgical area of the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, watching as my brother begin the rehab and recovery of a life changing severe car accident. In an instant with his shattered ankle and broken hip, in his 50's not old, he will probably not recover fully enough to be comfortable to climb stairs all the time or move as well as before. When we think about physical limitations unusually our thoughts envision maybe our parents or grand parents in their 80's or 90's. You know, walkers wheel chairs, but really look around, limitations are not always that obvious. It usually is more a pain issue that is aggravated by frequent use. Not bad enough to need the assistance of a walker or similar devise but severe enough to be painful and limiting.

My brother will go home, eventually, to my parents current home to recover but will have 3 steps to enter the home which will be painful and without assistance will not be able to enter. If he came to our home to recover, there are no steps or tight doorways or kitchen appliances that he could not use, a walk-in knockout stylish ceramic shower spa that make it easy to stay clean and fresh without a great ordeal. Universal Design or a better word that we can all relate to is Visit-ability. Anyone who needs to comes to your home regardless of physical limitations can feel at comfortable and not put anyone out to accommodate their needs.

Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are trained to make assessments of your current home or plan a new home to best anticipate your needs. A professional assessment can be as low as $100.00 to get a handle on what your needs might be. They will recommend the changes and be able to estimate what the costs might be to achieve the best living arrangements for you. They can recommend contractors who are familiar with this process and can best handle any changes you decide are necessary.

This is life it happens. My wife recently had breast cancer surgery and although that will not limit her in a standard home her range of motion in one arm is limited and due to the Chemo therapy she is doing too tiring for her to go up and down the stairs. Thankfully in our home she does not need to. In spite of difficulties she is much more comfortable with her situation and can focus on getting healthy.

Again these decisions need to be made when we are healthy and not at the spur of the moment when staying at home is not a possibility without a major remodel. Bad enough to have issues but they are best managed both mentally and physically at home in comfortable and stylish all at the same time.

Call us now for an evaluation of your current home situation and see if you can be covered with your home needs in the future what ever life brings, and it nothing else a home that you are proud to call your own, new or remodeled.

Craig Fairbanks
CAPS
Certified Green Builder

319-553-1457
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Who will decide where you live in your golden years?

2011-11-16T11:22:00.001-08:00

Watching parents and many of our elderly family, I think I maybe close to being considered one soon, have not prepared for being comfortable in their home no matter what comes. I don't know about you but I would much rather stay in my home until there is not another way to live, than to burden family with my physical limitations. Being in a home that allows family to come and be comfortable too for those great holiday visits.

Now living in one of our Universal Designed Homes there are no barriers that would prevent me from staying there even alone if need be. Even if I would come to the point where I would need some outside care that can be hired to come and deal with those needs, visiting nurses, a a far cheaper cost than being in assisted living full time..

Studies have shown that a full 75% of us, boomers and seniors, would prefer to stay in our homes and lead an active lifestyle. Studies have also shown that those who can do so are both physically and mentally better off than their counter parts who look to assisted living faculties for care and living arrangements.

Whats most important is in the past we did not have a choice, homes were not built to accommodate a lifetime of more limited physical limitations. Now you have a choice, most homes can be modified to accommodate many of those requirements to live at your current home. Not all can be retrofitted but most can and in a stylish fashion that is attractive as any new home built today. We build custom new homes with Universal Design in every home unless a customer chooses not to incorporate those features.

Sometime the cost of a retrofit makes choosing the new home option the best route and cost effective way to go. If you have been thinking about those needs it is an indication that now would be the time to investigate and make decisions before there are limited options.

Call us for a free no obligation consultation to determine if such a move or renovation may be the right decision for you.

Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com
319-553-1457
www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Grab Bars ech!!!

2011-10-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

When the term grab bars comes up it creates an image of sterile hospitals, senior centers and an array of super senior images that someone much older than ourselves needs. Imagine that sterile chrome grab bar that lines the bath room showers, hall ways and various other locations that you would not want your guest to see.

Yes aren't they real attractive? Don't they make the statement? No? why not? think of the great uses they have for everyone, something to grab onto in the shower while you are washing your feet. How about a steady hand while slipping on your shoes. How about an aid while you are climbing stairs or steps. No not sexy but sure are a handy way to make our lives a little easier with tasks that used to be simple. Nothing more embarasing that falling down when we least expect it and nothing there to help prevent that fall.

Now this is anyone's style!!

The simple fact is that grab bars of todays serve a duel function, safety and they are now making a fashion and design statement at the same time. Take a look at the shower shown in the picture here on the right. This is the new age of safety hardware. Not only is it functional but what a statement this make!!!. We have access to all sorts of safety features that will make a statement in your bathroom remodel or perhaps a new home construction project that meets all of the access needs that you may need down the road.

This is only one small feature that makes a Universal Designed Home more livable, more functional and more unique. Form does follow function but not by much anymore.

Think about it now before you absolutely need these features that we are designing and building for our customers today and using in all the homes we are building.

The time is now while we all have choices and not a need situation. If we have got you thinking about some of these needs don't delay call us now for a consultation appointment to access your individual needs.

Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-553-1457

Future Home needs.

2011-10-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

What will your senior life be like? Will you be able to stay in your home in its current design and style? Will physical conditions in the future dictate a move to another home, facility or hamper your quality of life?

Tough questions, but most of us will stay in their current home for their retirement years. Maybe its now the time to access your current and potential future needs. How did your parents manage in their senior years, did they struggle to just live in their current home? The experience they had is probably a good indication of what issues you may have to address in terms of physical limitations, we all will.

Most homes that have been built or are being built today do not have any consideration for accessibility built into the design for you ease of living. That trend is starting to change but considering our area here in the Cedar Valley where 60% of head of households are over the age of 50 not even close to the needs that most of us have.
Do you have relatives who visit that its a struggle just to get into the home? There is an abundance of answers available today that did not even exist as little as 5 years ago. Modifications can be made to make your home more accessible throughout with new product to remodel a bathroom or kitchen to maximize the ease of use and not look like a hospital environment.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a shower that you can get into and out with a hassle and has accessories to help prevent a fall. A kitchen where you did not have to bend over to the floor to load your dishes in the dishwasher. Microwave drawers that allow you to set food in like a drawer instead of reaching above the range. These are just a few remodeling modifications that can be made with in a reasonable budget, providing you do them out side of an emergency project when health issues dictate instead of yourself.

A consultation from a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) can help you find out what can be done to make your home more user friendly. They have the resources and access to the best products to serve you well and enhance the looks of your home.

Should you have a need for remodeling your home or building in accessibility, call us for that consultation and lets design a plan for modifying your home to assist you to the lifestyle you choose.

Craig Fairbanks

www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)

In home health care less expensive

2011-09-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

This link will get you thinking about your planning for the future years of retirement. You will be surprised at how much more cost effective it is to receive care in home of your choice. Click below on the link and see how to save as much as 75% in living expenses for seniors.

http://seniorhousingnews.com/2011/08/21/home-health-care-75-cheaper-than-nursing-home-care/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SeniorHousingDaily+%28Senior+Housing+News%29

Spacious Twin home Condos from 160's

Whether you decide to build a new home to suit the exact way you want to enjoy the future or modifiy your current home to meet the requirements you may have, it will certainly be more cost effective and enjoyable than other options available. You can stay in your home or go to the home, seems like a clear choice.

Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com
www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

2011 Parade of Homes

2011-09-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Be sure and attend the Parade of Homes this year. Our model home at 523 Spruce Hills is the best version yet of the Westchester single condo home. More spacious, new design features and lots more storage and larger garage. We are introducing a new set of built in's that all homes should have to serve the home owner better. We are consistently making our homes more accessible, (user friendly) thru Universal Design Best Practices, its not just 0 entry homes its more, way more.

Come out and take a look and make sure to ask about our $3,000. $5,000 $15,000 discount programs.

Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-404-0412

Waterloo Excitement Propety taxes ABATED!!!!

2011-07-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

YAHOO!!! Last evening, a process that has taken 23 years to happen, a full property tax abatemnet in was passed by the City Council of Waterloo. The city of Waterloo, Mayor and city council members are to be commended for looking at the big picture of what our city will be facing in a few years if tax base is not built.

If you build a new home in Waterloo any time over the next 3 years you can live PROPERTY TAX FREE for the next 3 years and only pay the lot portion of the tax bill. That is in addition to the 1-1/2 year tax brake that you get normally for building a new home due the normal tax structure in the state of Iowa. You could end up with a full 5 years without the full property tax bill.

There are locations in Waterloo that already had the ability to abate taxes for up to 10 years in an enterprise zone. Many of those locations are now perfect for less expensive housing or condo home ownership. Quick walk to shopping, drug stores, grocery stores, clinics and hospital locations. We have 15 lots in one location ready for you to start today.

Today, being the 1st day, we have already heard of movement of many people that planto start building in the Waterloo area. Most had not planned on building a new home but were ready to jump when this benifit came to fruition.

There are many other great things happening in large because or in conjunction with this tax break. A new school in to be built to replace the existing Orange school is now in motion and a neighborhood will be developed around that location.

There are so many good reasons to build right now that will not be there probably in a few years from now. The tax break is for 3 years only, interest rates in the 4% range, building materials at 15 year lows, sub contractors have been able to reduce costs and suppliers have gotten leaner.

If you are thinking of making a change to a new location you should act now. These benifits are only for a limited time and historically those who have made a move during slower times are the ones who build the most equity when sales time comes.

Plan for the future and call for a free consult on the advantages that can be yours today. WE WILL BE OFFERING SOME OTHER SPECIAL DEALS TO KICK OFF THIS NEW OPPORTUNITY.

Craig the Builder

Craig@CraigFairbankshomes.com

319-404-0412

a better building process

2011-06-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

Managed Construction Services is our way for many customers to be very much involved with all the pricing, product selections, an open book relationship. We become your advocate and constant professional advisers helping you with straighten our all the twist and turns and that come with custom home building. In two generations of home building we have seen about all there is to see in building homes.

The process starts by establishing a design and proposed budget and work line item by line item to establish all the goals that you desired. Our fee is listed on a line item just like everything other cost that it takes to build a quality well designed home.

It is actually a great way to work together as a team to achieve the exact result that you had in mind at a price of your choosing. Our role is to provide a service that is massaged to fit your needs and provide you with awesome design, value and quality.

If you would like to learn more please call us (319-553-1457) and set up a time to visit about any of the services that we offer in new home construction and kitchen and bath remodeling. We practice universal design and high green building standards and are up to date on all the latest building methods and process'. 45 minutes of discussion could help you decide what your next step should be and save months of trying to learn to know what you don't know.

Next blog will be ontime and online customer service, job scheduling and selections. This is the best communication tool I have ever seen.

Craig Fairbanks

Custom Builder

a better building process

2011-02-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our systematic approach to the Home Building Process includes cutting edge technology and tools to facilitate communication and limit confusion. You start by choosing the home building process that fits YOU best not what works for your builder, we feature 3.

We use the standard fixed priced contact, just as it sounds firm pricing, menu priced homes starts with a predetermined ba

se home price and add your options from our predetermined list, our newest format is our Managed Contract Services (MCS) .

This last one is for those who have a desire and need to be more involved in the process. Our role is to help you manage all the moving parts and secure the best quality, craftsmanship, pricing, and subcontractors. We will be working as a team allowing us to get started sooner. With open book pricing we do not need to have all the exact pricing in place. We build a budget for you and work toward those goals based on past projects and your detailed selected products.

No matter which path you choose the goals remain the same, producing the exact product requested and with the quality that our customers have come to expect.

We offer online document and project tracking online for you to always be in the loop and totatlly informed. Any time day or night 24/7. You can view the project schedule, current pricing, selections & opt

ions, approve your change orders and leave notes of concern and questions for our people to address first thing everyday.

There are a lot of moving parts in a home and to do our job right, we’ll be paying attention to every detail, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Our check list process makes sure we are the piece of the complex puzzle are all where they belong.

As you research your new home and interview potential Builders, you will probably encounter a similar sales presentations time and again. If everyone is saying the same thing, how do you differentiate and make the best decision for you and your family?

Do you solicit three bids and pick the lowest one? The middle one? What is the most important factor in choosing a Builder?

Meet with Craig Fairbanks Homes to experience something different. Let us demonstrate our PROCESS and show you the tools we use to define, manage, and deliver not only a great Home but an Outstanding Experience.

We look forward to meeting with you soon. Call us now to lock in your building project and pricing early this year as commitments are filling up. This could be your year to get that new home started that you have been thinking about for many years.

Call us now and get started this spring.

Craig's Cell 404-0412

Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Rising mortgage rates!!! Causes buying surge from first-time Home buyers

2010-12-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

Here is another predictor that the housing bottom is occurring or has already happened. Rates are quickly pushing up to the 5% level and just a month ago they were at 3.75 for 30 year home loans. There is always a slight surge in buying and building new homes before the market turns for the better and prices begin to actually rise.

Just like waiting to buy a stock at the absolute bottom most of the time the investor waits until it too late and the profit upside has passed them by. We all tend to be a little greedy sometimes for our own good. The same thing will happen in the home market. Many of us will be back buying when we have to and not at the best time for a fair return on equity.

Warren Buffet is quoted as saying about his investment theory, "I buy when others are fearful and sell when others are too comfortable about the pricing." Its more than a theory, I think his investment strategy has proven itself to say the least.

This week the large national homebuilders stock price rose by 18-20%. This is no accident, some body knows something with that kind of move. As homes are not built the demand is still there just delayed and existing home prices will or have begun to raise. I have been around long enough to see 35 years of history you know the signs.

Have you thought about what you home plans and dreams are? Have you looked for the best time to buy? If so call us to set up your private no obligation consultation on how you might get started in building the home of your dreams at this very opportune time.

Merry Christmas

Craig
319-404-0412
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Building Boom !!!! ?

2010-05-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

One only needs to cruise the new neighborhoods and see all of the basements being started or homes under construction. Most are custom homes pre-sold to families that have decided now is the time to build, and how!!!

With banks pulled back and virtually not lending for speculative home construction it is hard for that new family coming into the area to find a new home to move into right away. After almost two years of these tight lending policies there seems to be no break or loosening of those policies.

We have begun the process of expanding our new single condo homes to a twin home style as well for a lower price point that we have not offered before. The starting price is at $189,000 for a large slab on grade home to the $230's for a fully featured home with a full basement. These homes are exactly like the singles we have been building except joined in a twin home style to economize the land costs of building.

We continue to expand on the Universal Design styling and include even more standard elements, not just in our custom condo's but in all of our building. These homes just live better for all families and age groups.

We are able to locate your home in almost any neighborhood in the Cedar Valley area as location remains one of the top elements in the success and financial future of a new home.

Call today and lets start planning while prices are stable and choice lots are available.

Call Craig

www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

www.CraigtheBuilder.com

Cell: 319-404-0412

Off: 319-553-1457

Procrastination and the additional Costs

2010-03-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Rising long-term care costs fuel demand for aging-in-place mods

By Tom Kelly, Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Inman News

Builders are doing an admirable job of incorporating universal design features in new homes, but baby boomers continue to be slow in accepting the need for them.

Perhaps you know the type ... people who do not want to accept the fact that they will eventually get old.

"I think universal design features can be likened to the first cell phones," said John Migliaccio, director of research at MetLife's Mature Market Institute. "At first, very few people used them. Now, they are ubiquitous. In fact, every kid has one. Consumers haven't really gotten the message on universal design, but we feel they will."

The slow acceptance is not unlike the responses to environmentally friendly homes. For example, only 12 percent of respondents to a Metlife survey said they would pay more for a "green" home.

The same folks are willing to pay an average one-time amount of $6,732 if it would save $1,000 annually in utility costs. While another 23 percent of respondents said they are concerned about the environment, it does not drive their decision to purchase.

The educational push by builders, architects and designers is to remove the "old" association from universal design, also known as UD. Universal design advocates that all built environments not only be accessible to people regardless of age, size or physical ability, but also that the features of these environments be compelling and appear seamless to the design of the home. These amenities and alternations can serve all ages, hence its name.

Builders are striving to create universal design applications that make it easier for someone to carry out daily activities such as preparing meals, climbing stairs and bathing, as well as changing the physical structure of a home to improve its overall safety and condition. These attractive amenities no longer sing out "An old person lives here!" -- and they can also enhance the resale value of the home.

The tools needed for homeowners to stay in their homes longer -- or "age in place" -- were brought to the forefront of the building community as a result of a cost survey of nursing homes, assisted-living communities, home care agencies, and adult day services in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., that included national figures and data from 87 individual markets across the country.

For nursing homes, private-pay rates for long-term (custodial) nursing care were obtained for both private and semi-private rooms throughout the U.S.

The Met Life study, produced by LifePlans Inc., was conducted by telephone between July and October 2009. Here are the key elements of the survey: .News

National average rates for a private room in a nursing home increased by 3.3 percent from $212 daily (or $77,380 annually) in 2008 to $219 daily (or $79,935 annually) in 2009. National average rates for a semi-private room in a nursing home increased by 3.7 percent from $191 daily (or $69,715 annually) in 2008 to $198 daily (or $72,270 annually) in 2009.

National average assisted-living base rates increased by 3.3 percent, from $3,031 monthly (or $36,372 annually) in 2008 to $3,131 monthly (or $37,572 annually) in 2009.

The 2009 national average hourly rate for home health aides increased by 5 percent, from $20 in 2008 to $21 in 2009. The national average hourly rate for homemaker/companions increased by 5.6 percent from $18 in 2008 to $19 in 2009.

Adult day services national average daily rates increased by 4.7 percent from $64 in 2008 to $67 in 2009.

At assisted-living communities, costs were obtained for room and board (at least two meals per day, housekeeping and personal care) in one-bedroom apartments or private rooms with private baths.

Home care rates were based on hourly rates for home health aides at licensed agencies and agency-provided homemaker/companion services. Adult day-service costs reflect daily rates at licensed facilities for the majority, though licensing requirements vary by state.

The bottom line is that there are not enough nursing homes to accommodate baby boomers' future needs ... even if they could afford the care. It's about cost and space. So, a good look at incorporating universal design applications may be just what the doctor ordered.

Helping at Home: Basic Home Modifications

Basic need	Common modification
Bathroom	* Install grab bars, shower seats or transfer benches * Place non-skid strips or decals in the tub or shower
Turning faucets or doorknobs	* Install faucet or doorknob adapters
Doors and hallways	* Install permanent or portable ramps * Widen doorways or install swing-clear hinges
Climbing stairs	* Install handrails on both sides for support * Install a stair glide * Increase lighting at the top and bottom of stairway

Source: National Resource Center for Supportive Housing and Home Modification

Topyright 2010 Tom Kelly

All rights reserved. This article may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News. Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright law.

AS you can see the costs of not being able to stay in your home for the long terms could eat you out of house and home. Call us to help make the move to one of our "FOREVER HOMES" today, we have your solutions at your budget.

Craig Fairbanks

319-404-0412

email: Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com

Families Merging living space

2010-03-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

As Predicted, Multiple Generations Sharing Homes on the Rise

By Lani Rosales on February 22, 2010 | 5 Responses

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Multi-generational housing

Over the last 12 months, 37% of Coldwell Banker Real Estate real estate sales professionals noted an increase in buyers looking to purchase homes to suite more than one generation of their family, according to a recent Coldwell Banker survey of its network of professionals.

Southern New Hampshire Realtor, Monika McGillicuddy said, “I am seeing the same thing. My adult son lives in an in law apartment attached to my house and my brother in law lives with my mom in law. I think it’s a sign of the times and brings back stories I was told by my parents when they were young and the family all lived together. My grandfather, Uncle & family and Aunt & her family all shared a three family home. Combining resources, helping to baby sit and sharing in the day to day activates. My sister built her home with an in-law in mind.”

The report shows taht 70% of the surveyed agents believe that this trend will continue this year as demand for multi-generational homes rise with financial drivers as the primary reason for families sharing a home. Interestingly, only 29% of agents surveyed said they believe the driving factor to be health care issues.

McGillicuddy also noted, “I’m not sure it will impact vacancy rates here [locally,] as I work in a country setting where apartments are not easy to find. I do think it is getting back to when life was simpler and about saving money more than anything else.”

“While saving money is certainly an incentive for buying a home that accommodates multiple generations, the benefits go beyond just financial reasons,” said Diann Patton, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Consumer Specialist. “With two or three generations living under one roof, families often experience more flexible schedules, quality time with one another and can better juggle childcare and eldercare.”

Do you have a need for multi- generational housing? We have answers and solution!!

We have many twin or custom multi living opportunities for families who would rather care for family at their home.

Call Craig 319-404-0412

Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com

50% Less Energy with Geo + a big Check

2010-01-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

Energy Saving Upgrades
Almost Free!!

When talking about how energy efficient homes are today my thoughts often have me asking the question, “How can we get new homes any tighter and more efficient than they are today?” The answer is we can, but at what cost and how long is the payback which every new home buyer wants to know. For the huge increase in equipment costs and doubling the cost of superior proven insulation methods, is it just a diminishing return?

Surprisingly the answer is yes. The additional cost over time, and energy prices not going down any time soon, you will easily recover those costs. Ten years in the life of a home is a relatively short time to recover those initial costs when you think of a homes useful life or over 100 years. Even if you don’t get to take full advantage in the short term, buyers will gladly pay a higher price for a superior efficient home.

Now for some really great news for those who choose to go this route when building a new home. You can get a tax credit, not a deduction, of 30% the initial cost of those improvements for a new Geothermal System. With those incentives you can get a home with a geothermal heating system unit for as little as $3,000 in additional cost, making the payback well under 5 years!

Whether or not you like the government incentive programs, someone is going to take those funds and improve their home. Let’s take an example of a home built in Cedar Falls: Total cost of the geothermal system, $30,000 for a home of around 2000 square feet). Now lets deduct the dollar for dollar tax credit of 30% ($10,000 in this case) now the geo heating and cooling system is costing you about $5,000 above a standard super high energy efficient heating system which is approximately $15,000. You must comply also with the Energy Star Program however the good news is most builders in our area comply with this regulation anyway.

“This credit for geothermal, heat pumps, and other innovative energy savings system products does not have to be for your principal residence like the other energy credits ; so, rental units, second homes, etc... are all eligible. Go to www.EnergyStar.Gov to find all about what credits and energy efficiency products are available for you. These credits for geo systems expire on 12.31.2016. You do have some time to plan but like all tax credits, subject to change, like cash for clunkers when the allocated funds run out. So I would act now. There are also many tax credits for existing homes and most of those expire at the end of 2010.

Sounds really good so far right? Well it gets better, Cedar Falls Utilities will rebate you another $600 dollars for each ton of a system required for heating and cooling a home, in this case the home would take about 5 Tons of unit size. $600.00 X 5 is a rebate of $3000.00. Your net cost is $2,000.00 and a heating and cooling system that is 50% more efficient to run than a traditional forced air heated and cooled home. The payback now is almost immediate. In Waterloo, and other areas of the Cedar Valley that Mid American Energy is serving, they give a flat rebate of $2,000.00 per installed unit.

At Fairbanks Builders we have made a commitment to geothermal by offering the system, in all of our Villa Condo Single Family Homes in Cedar Falls. We will pick up the balance of the cost between the adjusted tax cost of the geo system and the cost of a traditional high energy efficient system up to $3,000.

Stable building costs, some severely reduced costs, available local home Builders that need to fill a schedule, interest rates at 4.5% for a fixed 30 year loan most days, low home inventory if you need to get your current home sold (Market time of 97 Days according to the WCF Board of Realtors) First time homebuyer credit of $8,000 and a $6,500 tax credit for anyone buying a home.

I have never seen a better time to invest in building or improving a home in 35 years of building. When the housing market improves the credits will disappear.

“Invest when others are fearful and sell when others are confident. Warren Buffet 2009.

If you have questions about any of these programs feel free to contact Craig

Craig Fairbanks
Owner
Fairbanks Builders / Realtors
www.FairbanksBuilders.com
319-404-0412

Craig is immediate past president of the Northeast Iowa Association of Home Builders
Also a Certified aging in place specialist. (CAPS) NAHB

Good New for House Tax Credits

2009-10-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

The following article was written in todays New York Times and indicates that likley the $8,000 tax credit to purchase a home will continue and not only for first time home buyers.

Democrats May Extend Tax Credit for Homes

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By JACKIE CALMES
New York Times
Published: October 7, 2009

WASHINGTON — Democratic Congressional leaders are working with the White House to extend an expiring $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, and aides said Wednesday that they were considering making it available to current homeowners who purchase a new residence.

Extending and possibly expanding the popular home-buyers credit, which is due to expire after November, is high among options for further stimulating the economy and creating jobs, Congressional aides said, though a White House official said it was only briefly mentioned on Wednesday in an Oval Office meeting between President Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Senate majority leader.

The Democratic leaders met with the president to discuss a broad range of options to combat persistent high unemployment, officials say. The existing credit for first-time home buyers will expire at the end of next month if not extended, and two other components of the economic safety net — unemployment compensation and health care benefits for those who have been out of work for long periods — will expire at the end of the year.

Keeping the home-buyers credit and broadening it has been a priority for real estate agents and the home builders lobbies, and for Mr. Reid, who faces a tough re-election race next year in a state that has been among the hardest hit by the housing crisis since mid-2007. In a statement after the White House meeting, Mr. Reid said the government should “continue efforts to strengthen the housing market by extending the home-buyer tax credit.”

By the time it is scheduled to expire, for home purchases that close before Dec. 1, the home-buyers credit will be responsible for nearly 400,000 sales of new and existing homes, out of total sales of 1.4 million, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com. That is roughly in line with estimates from the National Association of Realtors.

Mr. Zandi, who formerly advised Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, and is now consulted by Democrats in the administration and in Congress, has advocated extending the credit through next August and making it available to all home buyers.

Allowing the credit to expire this year would result in a decline in sales of homes that are not facing foreclosure just as sales of foreclosed homes are expected to pick up, Mr. Zandi said in an interview, “putting further downward pressure on house prices.”

“The economic recovery will not evolve into a self-sustaining economic expansion and risks unraveling back into recession until house prices stop falling,” he added.

But the tax break is not cheap. Congressional analysts put the cost in lost tax revenues at about $1 billion a month. Mr. Zandi said that expanding the availability of the credit to more home buyers through August would cost perhaps $30 billion. While some in the housing industry have proposed nearly doubling the credit to $15,000, Mr. Zandi said $8,000 “seems to have been a sufficiently powerful incentive.”

While Democrats in Congress and the White House emphasize that no decisions have been made about the home buyers credit or any other measures, two officials said that the cost of extending the credit could be covered by redirecting money in the two-year $787 billion stimulus package that was scheduled to be spent after this year.

The current credit is limited to buyers who earn up to $75,000 a year, or couples who make $150,000; in gradually smaller amounts the credit is available to individuals with income from $75,000 to $95,000 and to couples making from $150,000 to $170,000. While the housing industry supports lifting the income caps so that even wealthy home buyers are eligible, White House and Congressional aides say that is not under discussion.

Industry officials counter that expediting home sales helps to stabilize home values now, which is essential for sustaining economic growth. And unlike car sales, home sales have a multiplier effect that spurs job-creating growth throughout the economy. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, said each house sale on average yielded $63,000 spent on goods and services, like moving vans and furniture.

Craig's Observations
All of this signals continued solid environment coupled with the lowest interest rates for mortgages that has not been seen in our lifetime. Building materials and products for new home construction have plummeted in price over the last 18 months.

Keep posted for additional credits allowed for building and improving your new home, like a 30% tax credit of the total cost of geo thermal heating for your home.

This is the time don't miss out!! You know it won't last for long as the government will need to pull back to pay off the deficit.

Craig Fairbanks
Owner
Build Buy or Sell Homes

REALTOR® Magazine-Condo Buyers Beware

2009-09-12T05:07:00.001-07:00

Buyers, Builders and Realtors Beware!!! There are a few extra steps that need to be taken when considering a purchase of a residence or condo with an association. You need to make sure these associations are using good practices before purchase or face being denied financing at approval time. Click the following link and make sure your agent or builder is checking these things out as well.
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Condo Purchases Require Extra Steps

Shared via AddThis

Craig Fairbanks
Owner/Broker/Builder
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com

Parade of Homes 2009/ Condo Explosion

2009-09-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

One of the events that people in the area look forward to is the Home Builders Cedar Valley Parade of Homes. Again this year there are an abundance of homes to view (17) and this year we have included remodeling that showcases what our remodeling contractors can do with your existing home. Lots of home owners are choosing to update and make significant changes and add additions rather than embarking on the new location required in the building of a new home.

We appreciate the public participation in the CV Parade of Homes as it funds scholarships for students seeking a career in the building trades. We need those new people to be retained and trained for our future needs in the housing industry. These will be the new innovators in our business and the builder of our future homes.

Also this year we have some condo units on display as that housing option is becoming more and more sought after. I personally have seen a huge shift in what buyers are looking for. Condo inquiries or stand alone condo units come in at more than 2 to 1 vs custom home building. Its our aging population and more so in the Cedar Valley. Did you know that the age of our head of household in the 45+ age range is 60%, not surprising that condos are becoming more popular.

That is why we have been building the stand alone Villa Condo homes where you have an an association to just get the lawn work done and snow removal. By working with more home owners the cost for this service per home is less. We will be coming our with some new twin homes or zero lot line units to further improve on a new price range that buyers are seeking. These units will start at $199,000 for an over 1600 square foot home that is univerally designed with a large double garage lots of storage and a screened in porch. 3 and 4 season rooms will be available as options as well.

Look forward for the details as they come available. Check out our Villa Home Page.

Stop back and check out our blog or website for more details. Also great discounts as much as 50% on Geothermal heating systems in new homes.

Craig Fairbanks
Owner

Geothemal HVAC System for Free!!!

2009-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

I believe that the single best thing that has come to the forefront in all the talk about sustainable homes and reducing energy usage, is the whole concept of Geothermal heating and cooling of our homes. Just doing this one thing in every home where possible would take us along way toward energy independence.

If I could offer one option that will no doubt pay for it self Geo would be it. So we have embarked on a promotion to make it possible for every home we build to have this high quality system. The article published is how satisfied one of our customers is with the system that we installed for them. The Flory's recognized early on that they wanted the most energy efficient home possible.

You can see the offer we have currently on a new custom Villa home with a Geo system installed. We can include a Geo system in your new home starting at the reasonable price of FREE!!

The following article is used with permission from the Waterloo Courier Home and Garden section.

Geothermal systems may be worth front-end investment for new homes

By Amie Steffen | Images by Rick Chase

Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, says in-floor geothermal is ‘the most comfortable heat’ because there is no air movement.
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When Denise and Ronald Flory of Cedar Falls were building their new home, energy savings and limiting their impact on the environment were big factors.

Others they knew had raved about geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the Flory's were persuaded.

It’s more expensive to install than a traditional furnace and air conditioning system, noted Denise Flory, but she’s undaunted.

“In the long run, it’s going to be well worth the added investment,” she said. “Our home is very comfortable.”

The Flory's join an ever-growing population around the Cedar Valley choosing to install geothermal, or ground-source systems, into their new or renovated homes.

Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Cedar Falls, said that’s been fueled lately by both increases in traditional utility costs as well as substantial incentives to go greener. Homeowners get a 30-percent tax credit on installation of a geothermal system as well as rebates from utility companies.

“When energy gets high, that’s when we sell them,” Krejchi said.

A geothermal system uses the earth’s constant temperature — which varies between 52 and 55 degrees — to draw out heat in the summer and pump heat in during winter months. The Environmental Protection Agency has said it is “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems.”

The system still runs off electricity, but a smaller amount.

“You’re going to ... see energy bills cut 70-plus percent,” Krejchi said. “It can be substantial.”

Flory agreed, noting her 1,800-square foot home’s highest heating bill last winter was around $90.

“Energy costs are going to continue to increase, especially when we’re looking at natural gas or anything generated by coal,” she said.

Tim Hanson, a salesman at Young Plumbing and Heating in Waterloo, said geothermal is becoming popular in schools as well. He noted efficiency with the systems can run at 300 to 400 percent.

“For the most part, (the reasons people buy geothermal are) saving money, they know it’s very efficient and a lot of them know it’s environmentally safe,” Hanson said.

Most geothermal systems involve burying loop fields underground, which capture the heat and are buried either vertically or horizontally — so a good-sized yard is key to installation. Also, older homes aren’t always equipped to handle the system.

They work much like a traditional furnace/air conditioning system does: with a heat pump. Loops of refrigerant are pumped through a refrigeration cycle that moves heat. Instead of taking the heat from the air, however, geothermal systems take it from or give it back to the ground.

The system is run with a typical thermostat, and loops buried outside are not visible.

“The unit is a little larger than a regular furnace, but very quiet, and our energy bills have been reasonable,” Denise Flory said.

Homeowners can choose between a duct system or in-floor heating. Flory has a duct system, while Krejchi said he’s installed in-floor geothermal in his own home.

“It’s the most comfortable heat you’ll ever have ‘cause there’s no air movement,” he said. “Instead of moving air, you’re heating objects and it radiates.”

With more people asking about geothermal systems for their homes and more companies offering it, Hanson said it’s important to go with an installation company you trust.

“Most of them like it. We have had very few complaints,” he said.

Contact the writer at (319) 291-1464 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.

It seems we have entered a different mind thought about housing and families are thinking farther down the road in what they actually would like in their home then. People are not thinking bigger but shooting for a higher quality home with more higher end features. The paybacks and incentives on high energy items like Geo and efficiency items is now, it won't last for ever. If you would like to come in for a no obligation consultation on this topic or any building topic do not hesitate to contact me personally.

Craig the Builder

Craig Fairbanks

319-404-0412
Craig@BuildBuyorSellHomes.com
www.BuildBuyorSellHomes.com

Summer may have arrived

2009-06-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a cold wet spring and people have really been upset and cranky with the weather. Well this week it changed, at least we have summer temperatures but also lots of rain. At the rate it is coming down you might think we are experiencing a monsoon as humid as it is. Hopefully we won't have the flooding we experienced from last year.

Any way it does really slow the building process, and delays occur but that is part of the normal process early in the year. From my perspective it would be nice to build everything in last September or early October the best weather of the year.

Speaking of the best time to build a new home, it may be now!!! Lowest interest rates ever, lumber prices not seen in this decade and subcontractors offering better pricing to keep crews and business moving forward. It won't last for ever and when the national economy recovers, perception will change and it will you will see pricing go back to previous levels. However, in our area it has been real busy for many of the custom builders in the area yet price adjustments have occurred. Are building permits down from the highs? Yes but we are just back to a good normal and the huge amount of homes built yearly we saw in 2006 and 2007was unsustainable.

Most of the customers we are working with are budget conscience and builders like ourselves are working to fit that home in their price concerns. Its really fun again to be able to make those price adjustment for our customers so that they get the best deal that can be had and we can make a little profit to keep building which is our passion.

If you have been thinking that you would like to make a move, the real estate market here is short of homes. Maybe its time to check out your current home value as they have been moving up. I know my personal goal this year is to sell my current home a get a new one built in a great building climate.

How is the real estate market? Really? Hot Hot Hot

2009-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Many people are asking these days "How is the housing market doing, I hear its really bad out there right now!" My answer been the same for sometime, "If it gets any worse I'll have to hire more help to keep up."

This data below I received from the Board of Realtor's this morning:

Iowa/Black Hawk County Foreclosure Data Bob Reisinger - 4/3/2009 7:58:19 AM

While preparing for a talk next week, I came across some statistics on foreclosure rates and numbers in Iowa. This might be of interest to your buyers and seller in our market:

Background: In 2008 IOWA had 5400 foreclosure filings. It was a 31% increase over 2007 and 136% increase from 2006.

Nationally IOWA ranked 37th in TOTAL Foreclosures and IOWA's foreclosure RATE was ranked 40th nationally. National RATE was 1.84% of Housing units filed. In IOWA, 0.41% of the housing units filed. Overall IOWA accounted for less than 1% of the 2,330,483 filings nationally.
Five (5) Iowa counties accounted for 67% of the 5400 filings.
Polk County (Des Moines) - 1735 filings - .96% rate
Linn (Cedar Rapids) - 627 filings - .69% rate
Scott (Davenport) - 519 filings - .74% rate
Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs) - 425 filings - 1.09% rate
Woodbury (Sioux City) - 297 filings - .71% rate

BLACKHAWK County had a rate of .07% and ranked 71st of the 99 counties in the state.
The above information is from the IOWA Independent - A center for Independent Media

I realize that with all the news we see everyday about how bad it is in our home building industry out there that I am thankful that our market has held up this well. We may not be getting all that we would like to see for our homes and products but we are a far cry from the financial detestation seen in other parts of the country. As long as you are staying in the area the spread to move up or down is about the same spread as it was in the good times.

Just today heard there were 10 lot sales this week in one subdivision and many more people starting to search. Our website activity is at all time highs. Low interest rates, 4-3/8 % for 30 years!!! WOW its the lowest that it has been in my 35 years in the building business and real estate business.

Prices for materials are really low, less than 1/2 of the highest price and many sub prices are steady and some are dropping. It's a fantastic time to build or buy, a once in a life time opportunity.

Judging by the huge up swing in the stock market and the rise in the homebuilders stocks the low prices will not last for long. You snooze you lose!!!

Craig the Builder

Spring is here, let the building begin!!

2009-03-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yep its spring! Not everything says it is except we have had a 70 degree day, its muddy on top of the ground and frozen 12" below grade. Were digging holes,pouring foundations and the framers are working in full force. Maybe this is the year that those active adults decide to right size into a new home.

You say,"What is an active adult and what is right sizing? For some right sizing is downsizing but for most its making a home the right size for the many needs that many always wished they had or needs that may arise in the future. Active adults are those who want to continue an active lifestyle as long as possible without wanting to relocate in the future to a retirement center or a assisted care facility. It's about purchasing the last home you may ever need to buy, custom built to your plans and ideas yet taking into consideration mobility and future heath needs as they arise.

Think about your heredity and what your elders, siblings and other relatives have had come into their lives, that may give you a sneak preview of what your needs might be. Did they experience eyesight problems,arthritis, allergies, heart conditions and mobility problems that required assistance. Maybe they needed a wheel chair, walker, railings, grab bars. Maybe their lives could have been enhanced if every area of the home was easily accessible, like no step entries to the home, wider halls and doorways. Maybe if everything was easier to reach, like fewer tall wall cabinets and appliances at a more convenient heights. Roll in showers and vanities at different heights for every occupant need. Better lighting both fixtures and natural lighting from properly placed windows.

But the real key to it all is to do all of these things through a design style called Universal Housing. Homes made to accommodate almost any person who uses the home, yet in a style that most would never know that these accommodating features are even there.

These are a few considerations when thinking about building your home. The newest trend I have seen lately is dishwasher drawers just under the counter top and another dishwasher drawer beneath that. Serves two purposes, one is accessibility and using less water and energy for small loads.

We will explore some of these new features in future blogs.

Craig Fairbanks

Homebuilders Association, what do we do?

2009-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Northeast Iowa Association of Homebuilders.. The Parade of Homes and much more.

By: Craig Fairbanks

For the past decade the homebuilders parade of homes event has been the most visible image for homebuilders, however we are much more than that.

National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) is an organization of builders, subcontractors, suppliers and associates whose goal is to provide a professional cohesive group with one thing in mind, providing the best possible product for the customer. We provide scholarships for deserving student to advance in the profession of homebuilding. We have done may community related projects like shelters for the city, ramps for the handicapped, and help with building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

When a builder joins the National Association of Home Builders they are making a serious decision to become the tops in their field of expertise. When you look at our national website WWW.NAHB.org as a member or consumer you quickly realize that there is about any information you would like to know about housing. You will find that homebuilder members are the leaders and innovators of Green Building initiatives’ that have been really popular today. www.nahbgreen.org/

Homebuilders are also given access to superior home building standards that are far above the minimum code. Our members are not just looking to build to minimums but to constantly get better and to be innovative. Homebuilders do a great job of educating our buyers so the process of custom building is not a complicated or scary process. We have access to the latest energy savings programs that help our members build very energy efficient homes. NAHB is a leader in many other research initiatives as well.

Education for homebuilders is some of the most comprehensive training that you can get. When pursuing a designation for specific field of work, such as Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), many classroom hours are required to achieve this designation, along with tough testing to make sure you are qualified to be a leader in that type of work. Other designations include Certified Graduate Builder, Graduate Master Builders, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Green Builder and Certified New Home Marketing Specialist. Most of these take years to obtain not days or months.

Other benefits are just being around those who have been fine tuning and building a better business over a lifetime, its rubs off on our fellow members. When you talk with those who are member homebuilders and with builders who are not, it doesn’t take very long to realize there is a difference in the level of professionalism and competence. Most home builders members use advanced building methods and tech savvy ideas to make home building enjoyable for home buyers.

Legislation is a very key area that homebuilders work on. The Stimulus package that is probably passed by now in congress was very much a National home building issue that backed a plan called “Fix Housing First.” www.fixhousingfirst.com/ Part of the original package that was passed by the Senate was a $15,000 tax credit to buy a home. The basic premise is to shore up home values that were the start of a declining economy nationally. Here is the Cedar Valley our inventory of new homes is almost non existent and interest in building a new home is really high. This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a new home at a very good price with the lowest interest rates ever. It won’t last forever!!

Locally we are constantly defending private property rights and work for good legislation that keeps housing reasonable. This is a constant effort that we have to undertake almost daily through our codes and legislative committee. Impact fees, code changes, subdivision and city ordinances are constantly pushing housing costs up. Over the past 2 years we have worked with the cities on Storm Water erosion control, subdivision ordinances, mechanical code changes and many unfunded mandates from the Federal Government.

The next issue is fire sprinkles in the 2009 residential housing code and that will not be a cheap add on. Sounds like a good idea but most fires are in older homes that include old wiring, mechanicals or through carelessness with candles or cigarettes. In just the last 3 years the added cost to a home from code changes, city legislation and ordinances have pushed the price of a home up $32,000 before you even start the project. Thank goodness prices for materials have plummeted and other components are stable for maybe the first time in a decade. We realize that when these costs are raised the homeowner really the one that pays those costs and takes more people out of the buying equation due to affordability.

This is just a small part of what the Northeast Iowa Association of Homebuilders. For further information on our organization on the web at: WWW.CedarValleyHomebuilders.com

Craig Fairbanks is the Current President of Northeast Iowa Association of Homebuilders Contact Craig at 319-553-1457 or www.Craig@BuildBuyorSellHomes.com

The Stimulus bill, " Magic Bullet?"

2009-02-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Well we continue to hear the debate in the US Senate about what will work the best for the stimulus plan and what is pork and will not create jobs. There are good things and some pretty silly ideas, but I personally see that progress is being made on a plan is making more sense on both sides of the political issues.

One amendment that the National Association of Homebuilders has been working on getting past is the Fix Housing 1st plan that will help stabilize the one thing at the bottom of all of the economic troubles, the demise of a strong housing market. Locally we have been blessed but then we have had a great deal of homes to fix up as well. This fix housing first plan included a $15,000 non refundable tax credit for buying a home. It has been accepted in the senate as an amendment on Wednesday and will stimulate both housing sales and job creation. As it was written I think it includes those who bought in 2008 as well.

This may be the best opportunity to buy a new home with the prices down a little, interest rates way down and now a tax credit to put in your pocket to boot. Like most things let your representatives know that you support these issues. Watch and see what happens to the legislation, if it passes there has been lots of people asking about building this year and if it does pass, builders will be filling up orders for the year very quickly.

Craig Fairbanks
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com

Building codes and ordinances

2009-02-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

It will never end!!

Once the economy slows down people who regulate seem to have free time to advance new rules and regulations. Its a given that when we are all busy with our current work load we don't have time to complain and look for problems, but let the work slow at any government level and all of a sudden we need to correct the systems that are now failing. More regulations, more codes and more costs that are of little benefit to the citizens.

Somehow if someone else is paying that its no big deal to me. Don't we ask ourselves when it will be our turn to suffer the loss of funds due to mandates? Ultimately it is a loss of freedom to somone. Its easy to get jaded about government and regulation when we are shell shocked by just the shear mass of legislation that can be churned out faster than any of us can even comprehend what it means to us.

Yesterday I spent time in Des Moines with some legislators from our area at the State Homebuilders Association legislative reception. I was told by one of our representative that 64 pieces of new legislation had already been intoduced in this early state legislative session. You would think that without funds to spend this year that it might curtail some of the bills, but no the focus is on items that cost the state nothing and onto bills that cost us money for compliance.

I learned that there were many items that even the legislators do not get to debate. Appointed officials can almost single handely make a call on a new code just by their endorcement. Basicly its taxation with out representation. Most of it sounds like good ideas until you dig a little deeper and find that what is shown is only the tip of the ice burg.

Locally we are working hard to get adjustment to the subdiviion ordinance in Cedar Falls. Developers are being told that ground will be taken from them to provide public trails through these private neighborhoods. Worse yet being asked to build the trail and maintain it forever. Homebuilders are for trails and have no objection to that but to ask them to absorb it is not going to happen, all costs are passed onto the homeowner. Trails are good right? ,until they decide that land you have been using needs to be taken for a public purpose and diguese with a terms called easement. Just one of the many expensive and objectionable conditions contained in this ordinance that will reduce to a stand still development in Cedar Falls. Well if this passes don't look for price increase on home building lots.

Oh by the way we haven't even gotten through this issue with the city and a new one has been sent our way called post construction ordiance that we add even more costs. The goal of this one it to eventually make all homeowners maintain the water on their own property up to a rain fall event of 1-1/4" of rain on the site. You will be responsible to change you landscaping is such as way to comply. I have no problem with this either except to say that if its a good thing that it can be maketed so that people desire to do this no forced to make the change. If Cedar Falls is trying to slow or stop development this will get the job done.

More soon watch the local news for additional developments.

'

Its here!!! 2009 Yipee

2009-01-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well you would think that the new year would bring a new and brighter future but the news is still the same on the economy, sometimes they say its getting worse, then its better no its worse. By the talk you would think we should all be running down to the soup kitchens like in the 1930's so we can at least eat. The news is like the weather forecast, its just better to look out the window and see what really is going on, what ever it is now it soon will change. So what is happening in our hometown.

Well, in the Cedar Valley, we are bucking the collape trend in housing . Home starts have come down from the rocket records of 2005 yet we are just at a normal solid level that we have seen over the last 15 years or so. Our area home builders and remodelers are busy with projects or planning new ones for the coming year. Just turn off the news and we will all be just fine, the media always has to create a crisis so we will be drawn to the news and they can sell their advertizing at a premium. Its always about the money, or follow the money to find what the true motives are.

We have been kept busy with rebuilding a tornado ravaged town to the tune of 250 + homes. It is quite a seen over in Parkersburg now with all the homes going up, but remember these pictures of distruction. Also the floods in June in Cedar Falls and other metro areas also have contributed to our crews remaining busy. Many homes will be torn down and many will need to be rebuilt.

Somethings have changed this year, I was elected to President of the Homebuilders of Northeast Iowa. I really am looking forward to what we can do in the Cedar Valley for our customers and the public in general. Right now we are working hard to control the costs of home building and doing a good job of that at the moment but we are continually challanged by codes changes and city and state regulations. The increases are staggering and who pays in the end, the customer buying that new home.The laws that are passed sometimes are more of a solution looking for a problem.

Just a few that have raised our costs are:
Air to air exchangers 2006 $1,800.00
Site erosion control from the city 2007 $3,500.00
Raising the standard for good cents program CFU 2009 $4,000.00
Electrical changes required by new state code 2009 $3,000.00
Lot cost increases due to new CF Subdivision being now being considered is a toxic ordinance that will have little value except to slow development and building $10,000.00 +++
International Residential Coded adopted 2008 Version
Sprinkles required by new code: $10,000.00 +

Total increase due to regulation last 3 years: $32,300.00

Affordable Housing in Cedar Falls, "Priceless and soon to be Non-existent" and at this pace of unsustainable increases, no develpment and no building.

More on this next post SOON!!

2008 an interesting year

2008-12-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

No one will soon forget 2008. It will be remembered for a vast amount of interesting news and events. Tornado's, record flooding and a nationwide failure of many of the financial institutions that we have all taken for granted would always be there.

In spite of all that our area has remained resilient. Being a second generation builder I have seen the housing market come and go in the housing industry but it has always recovered to become even better than before, this time will be no different.

I am very surprised how many people are thinking of buying or building new home, and with the smaller inventory of available homes out there, homes are being snatched up at a record pace. We are so blessed to be in this area where we have not seen a huge price run up and the home values have been steady. Now with interest rates at an all time low and the government pushing money into the system I look for a huge new building market in 2009.

I would suspect that there will be more stimulus put into the economy early next year that housing will benefit in a big way. The government is going to need to fix housing first if banks are to get healthy and foreclosures stop taking down home values in other parts of the country. http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=8328

In any case we probably are all glad to see 2008 go away and be a memory instead of a reoccurring nightmare. Oh by the way for a positive outlook, "Turn off the news!!!!"

Craig

Pushing for the finish

2008-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Its becoming late fall again. Weather will soon be a factor in every day for the next 6 months, so the big push is on the wrap up while the weather is fantastic. Nothing better I know than October in Iowa. Crisper air, calm days, the best looking grass of the year, by product the best shape the golf courses are in all year.

Sometimes it hard to focus on work except there is so much. For the next 30 days could be filled with long walks, bike riding, golf or visiting your favorite fall tourist area. But for others its time to think about a new home next year. Starting in bad weather times and enjoying it in the spring. October is one of the two best months of the year for home building starts, and in case you haven't been in the neighborhoods for awhile its as busy as it has been all year.

Here in the Cedar Valley we have been blessed not to have seen the worst of the real estate market that most other areas have been through. I was at a home builders conference a week ago and got to learn first hand how bad it is in some regions. Other areas have seen 1/2 of all home builders gone and out of business. Some members from California LA area have seen membership cut in half in less than a year.

Cedar Falls has probably one of the lowest inventories of housing I have ever seen, in all price ranges and all areas. The housing market is rock solid and fair values are being achieved daily. I would imagine that when the year is done valuations in the Cedar Valley will be up for the year, easily. While many building costs have dropped. Lumber is at a 10 year low!!!! Build now as when the market really turns around nationally prices will again surge ahead.

Have a great fall, enjoy life

Post Parade reaction

2008-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

The parade of homes was a great success and we continue to see the positive results and interest to both the Craftsman Villa homes and lot sales in Heritage Hills Estates. We had over 725 very interested people, about the same as last year, that showed great interest in the "Aging in Place" life style custom desigened for Active Adults. Within one week of the close of the parade only 3 lots are available to individuals in our 2nd Phaseand the rest have been sold to builders for their customers on a custom or build to suit basis.

New customers are showing up every day to look at the newest downsizing home option in the Cedar Vally area. Many of the comments that caught most peoples attention were the beautiful landscaping, 4 season room, screened in porch and wrap around deck. In particular people seemed very interested in the Built in Rain Garden in the rear yard to control rain water run off on site. They are really functional and can be exceptionally beautiful with native and wild flowers and grasses that you can plant in each one.

If the past two years are any indication this is the future of most of the building in the Cedar Valley area. Close to bike trails, close to shopping , medical clinics and a great central location. I think what make these special is that you can design your home anyway you want and still maintian the intgrety of the exterior in harmony with other home owners.

We are very excited about being able to offer this type of housing to the public in a unique yet affordable package.

My wife says its time to start planning for next year so we aren't working 20 minutes after the parade starts. Me Too

Craig the Builder

Parade of Homes Finished

2008-08-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sweeping up the garage or power washing the driveway as the parade viewers march up the drive, it really is seamless. It hard to call a finish point as the viewing and hosting begins really before you are ready. I really get charged up to meet new people and relax and see what they tell us we have done rights and yes what they would do different.

I am always amazed that the news and people say that housing is having a bad time and economy, not here. There is so much pent up demand to build that new home and yet always a hesitation due to the negative talk on TV. Well being the political season you find one thing in common with housing and politics, its all Local! and so the saying in Real Estate really is true its, " Location, Location, Location. Even down to one neighborhood vs another only a block away!!!
Some people are thinking that since gasoline is so high I'll just entertain at Home and might just as well have a nice new home. In any case we have a very robust market that is only showing signs of getting stronger. To have 160 viewer on a Friday night is just unheard of and many more on the weekend. All of them seem to be looking for something a kitchen remodel a new counter top landscaping or that special custom home.
One comment i have heard from experts is doing the upgrades that you house needs and enjoying it now until a higher selling price can be obtained.
Of course kitchens are one of the highest paybacks but you may not believe it but quality landscaping is almost double the average investment. We like that idea since we handle Crestwood Cabinets and do a great deal of landscaping,

Rain Gardens
Retaining walls
Berms and rock garden type
High quality kitchen renovations

Maybe you are considering such a project and would like to see if it will enhance your selling price in the future or even today, thru our real estate marketing we can tell you what your home should sell for with the improvement vs its current value.

Pick two or more services and you may qualify for a significant discount.
Well one last day of the Parade and i know it is already a great success and we hope you had a chance to view the homes made available thru the Northeast Iowa Association of Homebuilders.

Their web site is www.CedarValleyHomebuilders.com

Thanks

Craig Fairbanks
404-0412

Heading down the stretch

2008-08-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

As we push hard to get our parade home done for the 20th its always a stressful time. But there is always a point when you can see the end and know it is all going to work. No one else sees it only the contractor, I've been here many times and can see that everyone is doing there job to the best ability possible. Frustrating yes satisfying much more. It takes many pieces of a puzzle to make it all work, hours have been spent just designing making selections and

then like magic the landscaping gets completed and the carpet and floor coverings go in and then you know, ya thats what I was looking for. Those landscapers and carpet layers get all the credit, and yet as a customer you know that it was by your direction that it happened. Your dream caused everyone to meet step up and make your dream happen.
Then when a customer allows you to show off their home in the parade of homes, now that is special. Many people think that it is the builder who gets to show off and yet without that quality customer your effort and work would never have a chance to get noticed.

Our parade of homes model opens at 301 Spruce Hills in Cedar Falls

next Wednesday the 20th of August. We will look forward to seeing you there. With that I would like to express my appreciation to all of the customers who for the last 12 years have made a parade home possible to exhibit what is possible in custom home building thru a common effort. It is hard yet satisfying at the same time for all builders who participate.

It seems like such a short time ago that the parade started and building in the Cedar Valley was very slow. The Parade of Homes seemed to propel the housing boom some 12 years ago that we saw here until last year. Now we are seeing the interest picking up tremendously as the predicted total collapse of the home market never materialize here in the Valley.

Many of the new building has been for the Boomer generation looking to build that final home. When almost 60% of head of households in the area are over 45 it just makes sense why that is happening. Maybe this type of home is just what you have been looking for.

Hope to see you there this next week thru the 24th.

Craig the Builder
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com

Got Energy!!????

2008-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Previous Post July 2008

My daughter Laura and husband Peter just had their 2nd child in the Netherlands. Baby is healthy and all are doing well. Every time I think of my daughter living there it brings to mind how great it is to live in the good old USA. They have to constantly be aware of even the most insignificant use of energy. What is costs them to drive anywhere, heat and cool their home and would have most of us on our back begging for the good old days of the energy costs we are dealing with today.

This is a great lesson on how not to deal with energy other than conservation. Most of their energy in controlled by Russia for their natural gas heating. They are powerless to make any change at all unless it is to accept what prices are dictated to them. They had no energy plan until it was already to late and it became a finite source. Are we here in the US headed to that sub standard of living or will we finally stop playing political games and do what needs to be done to make us self sufficient.

There are many debates out there and none of them are totally right or totally wrong about energy solutions. All of the ideas that are being kicked around should be considered and used to get us out of the mess that we have created for ourselves. The only debate worth having is how to take the politics out of the equation. All I see so far are silly statements on both sides that if you asked them to prove what they are saying, none could do it. You seem to be able to say anything you want with no science data to back it up.

Most of our home building customers are educated enough to realize this is a fact and that they are going to start today to incorporate as many energy saving systems, methods and better construction principals into their homes to reduce their consumption. They have all realized that the payback for better insulation products, geothermal and ICF( Insulated Concrete Forms) is going to continue to shorten the payback period for the extra costs that are incurred.
Last year we completed a ICF home that was built as a duplex and uses geothermal heating and cooling and am told that their heating and cooling bills average $40.00 per month.
This year our parade home is geothermal with a closed cell foam used in the exterior walls and a soft foam used in the attic. You can already tell in the humid summer that it is cooler inside with out even have the systems up yet. I am anxious to see the energy bills on this one. It incorporates other methods that are less expensive than the ICF homes.

The location of this home is in Cedar Falls at 301 Spruce Hills Dr. It is one of our Craftsman Bungalow style Villa Homes. The parade states August 20th and continues thru the weekend. We hope to see you there to appreciate the amenities these homes have to offer.

Craig Fairbanks
Owner
Build Buy or Sell Homes

Parade of Homes push ( Final Green Touches)

2008-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

This time of year is just a blur with the Homebuilders parade of homes coming starting next Wednesday the 20th. Our biggest push right now is installing 3 rain gardens and the burms required to make them work properly.

For the last 2 days we have been stripping out the clay and installing new top soil and compost to make the yard absorb the rain water that comes off the home roof and from slope run off. The object is to get the water back into the ground water and filter it as quickly as possible to keep it form being contaminated. Our last step is to install the materials into the rain garden that will facilitate this process when the big rains come. Its sort of a holding area when bigger rains come. Its a lot of work but virtually eliminates standing water problems or running water on your neighbor that is always an argument point between neighbors.

The cost to install them is not terribly expensive but is labor intensive. You are able to control the rain run off from the roof right away and get it directed to the best location to avoid things like having it sit close to the foundation where it has a chance to seep into the basement at unprotected waterproofed areas.

One thought that I had was:

"why are these not being installed in existing homes where water is a problem!!!"

its a much easier fix this way than trying to regrade the yard every year to solve a water problem that may not go away.
Sometimes the best solution is not fight the problem but accept it and use the issue to make something that looks great and good landscaping will add instant value to your home. Most landscaping projects will add double the value of cost to the value of your home. Most interior home improvement efforts may make your home sell faster but are at best a break even.

Think about green first when investing in your home!!! GREEN SELLS EVERY TIME!!!!

Craig Fairbanks
Owner

Build Buy or Sell Homes

New Green Tech learning curve

2008-07-31T04:12:00.000-07:00

Green building has some great concepts but there is a huge learning curve for some of those applications. For instance there at least a 5 step process for getting the wells installed on your property. All of these are coordinated as individual crews. The end result in savings is huge once the payback on the system is achieved, but expect delays in getting through the process of the install. The crews who do this work are few and extremely busy. The ones who installed our latest Geo thermal home has to crisscross the entire state and the delay can be months even to get on the list. Right now there are only 2 installers who service our state for the well install with the vertical closed system which is the more desireable than the pump and dump system. I can imagine someday that all homes may be required to install such a system.

Other green items are much easier to achieve like building rain gardens or insulating your home with closed cell foam products which have now been on the market for sometime. Those benefits can be seen immediately.

Our parade of homes is fast approaching and we have much to do in advance of theat August 20th start date. The home I was talking about will be the featured home for this year. It is designed for us boomers and beyond with ADA accessability features that allow us to live longer in our home rather than going to "The Home".

The demand for this new construction and housing is huge. Did you know that in our head of house hold population over 45 accounts for more that 60% of all households in our area of Black Hawk County. That is just a staggering number that will desire what is now called "Active Adult Housing" or "Aging in Place".

The neat thing about this housing is that it works for other demographics as well. With our family sizes smaller these homes work for almost anyone and the resale for these home is huge.

We started building these units in the Heritage Hills Estates subdivision off GreenHill road area just east of Main St in Cedar Falls as single family residences with an association to cover the lawn care and snow removal. Last year at our Parade of Homes we had our best Parade ever with basicly 4 home commitments on day one. Stop out and see us at the parade or just drop in and take a look if anyone is at the site. However do not go in unassited to any of these homes for liabilty reasons.

Off to work for today

"Craig the Builder"

Building Green, New Concept ???

2008-07-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

I had brief conversation with a field worker today from our excellent utility company, Cedar Falls Utilities. He had questions about green building, sustainable materials and energy efficiency that is now being incorporated into new homes.
After some thought several past images came to mind that I thought were good examples of what was done in the past and how its done today. Everyone always thinks that building green is a really hip new concept. Sorry for the 70's talk. Well for many customers and some new builders it is a new concept, but I was thinking back to when I was a young guy working with my dad. When we got done with a framing a new home if we hauled a full pickup truck load of wood and scrapes to the landfill that was it. Today we all have or are required to have huge dumpsters, 30 Cubic yards!!!, on site to contain debris and many times they are filled 3 times before a home is done. I am sure we were greener only 25 years ago.
When we ran out of nails we didn't run down to the hardware store and buy more until we had collected bent and lost nails on the site and sat down on the floor and bent all the nails straight and used all those up. When I explained that to this service worker he had to laugh and wonder are we really greener now then we were years ago. Unless as a builder you are taking the time to recycle all of the packaging that shows up on the site, cardboard, pallets, paper, plastic, wrappers and more.
We can go back to those days if we choose to make an effort to look at products in a different way, lumber need not be looked as a disposable product. 30 years ago a builder from Omaha called all the short 2x4 left around the site beer stud. He said for everyone he used he could have a beer. If we looked at those scrapes as $$$ to be saved or recycled for areas of a home where only a short piece is needed imagine the savings in job and home costs that can be passed onto the home owner. Maybe the home owner would like to help in the process to save money or just help do more with less. Imagine the impact!!!! I can build the same house 10 times and will get 10 different uses of quantities on materials if I use 10 different framers. The expense or savings has been as much as $3,000 to $5,000 difference on just an average 1500 square foot home.
Most of the time it is just a matter of saving time or so many think, we never notice that it takes any longer to use material wisely rather than handling the scrap 4 or 5 times and then it still ends up in the landfill. Only recently have some builders in the country considered recycling the used lumber that ends up on site to turn into other uses, like grinding up pallets and other wood products to use as mulch to incorporate into the yard so it needs less water to keep in in good health.
Just a thought!!???

Like our energy prices today we will only consider how we use commodities when the cost is exorbitant!!!!! And as for the picture, thats me at age 3, the only energy used there is ONE BOY POWER, hows that for conservation!!!!!!

Oh by the way my daughter just gave birth to a baby girl Zoe' today, she lives in the Netherlands, more about that later.

Craig the Builder