NBC TODAY’s show Meredith Vieira talks to real estate agent Barbara Corcoran about the five hot real estate markets where you can actually make money. Des Moines Iowa makes the top 5! Watch the video for yourself below!
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18 Builders,
19 Communities
60 Gorgeous New Homes to Tour
Throughout the Des Moines Metro Hubbell Living will hold the 2008 Fall Tour of Homes.
Dates:
Saturday & Sunday
Oct. 4th & 5th & Oct. 11th & 12th
Noon to 5:00 PM
Download the Tour of Homes Map here.
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More Variety, More Locations
Visit Single-Family Homes, Brownstones, Villas, Townhomes and more.
Communities include:
Conservation Communities - A New Approach for Cities
Lush, green, open space filled with prairie grasses, beautiful wildflowers, songbirds, wildlife habitat, meandering walking trails. Close-knit neighbors in tune with the nature that surrounds their homes and yards. These are the inherent components of Hubbell’s new conservation communities—a concept that may foretell the future for suburban developments.
“A conservation community creates a special place,” says Tina Hadden, whose firm, Mowry Strategies, specializes in environmental issues management and strategic planning. “Unlike a traditional subdivision with rows and rows of houses, you’re working with the lay of the land. You not only have a good view, you have a more natural state—not perfectly manicured lawns, but a more natural look with tallgrasses, native flowers, birds, and butterflies.”
The low-maintenance concept appeals to a wide range of people, Tina says, from young families to empty nesters. “We have nature deficit disorder today” she says. “We’ve become so far removed from nature that we’ve forgotten how to appreciate it. These communities bring nature and its beauty right up to your
back door.”
Although each personal yard is smaller—with houses closer together and nearer the street—among the houses “are larger, beautiful prairie areas, bike paths, and nature trails,” she says. “Common spaces are usually managed by the homeowners’ association but enjoyed by everyone. Children can have a relationship with nature instead of just playing in the backyard.”
To Jennifer Welch, urban conservationist with the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District, Hubbell’s conservation communities fit perfectly into a statewide effort to embrace low-impact development practices for storm-water management.
“We talk a lot about having our landscapes work for us,” she says. “These open spaces are linkages that provide us with clean water or recreational opportunities. Conservation developments make the water work harder to get off the property. It’s exciting—protecting our water for the future.
“What we’re really talking about is managing storm water differently,” Jennifer adds. “We keep it on site to soak into the ground and seep slowly into the streams. The natural features are worked around and saved, or put back in with tree plantings and native grasses.”
CHANGING THE RULES
Picture of a Conservation Community with open green space.
Our suburbs in past decades have featured “gray infrastructure,” she says, with streets, sewers, lots of concrete. “Here, we’re talking about ‘green infrastructure,’ with open spaces to manage water flow, places for wildlife, and people movement within the landscape. I see regulations becoming more stringent in the future as we begin to understand the impact our practices have on the environment.”
Today youmay not have anywhere to go besides a sidewalk, Jennifer says. “But we’re beginning to change the rules. It brings back some of our heritage, giving people unstructured space to play on the rocks in the stream channel. It’s a livable, walkable community where we can get out and enjoy our neighbors in a way we haven’t been able to before.”
Gary and Carol Schug find life in a conservation community enjoyable as well as beautiful since moving into Glynn Village in Waukee a few months ago. “We love it,” says Gary. “We’re extended middle age, and we don’t have to maintain the backyard. But still, there is so much space. In May the wildflowers were so pretty.We’d sit out on the deck on Saturday morning, have coffee, and enjoy the wildlife and flowers. You feel like you live in the country.”
A NEW APPROACH FOR CITIES
Ruth Randleman, mayor of the city of Carlisle, where Hubbell’s Danamere Farms conservation community is located, says this new approach to beautifying the landscape and protecting water quality will be good for area cities. “You have to complement a traditional mind-set,” she says. “It’s a departure. We have some ordinances in place that don’t fit with this new kind of thinking. But we were interested in a ‘green’ approach, and it was a good match with Hubbell. I found it fun to work with something that I knew was going to be good for the community. It’s not a fad. If you don’t become sustainable, you may compromise your future.”
David Wilwerding, community development director for the city of Johnston, agrees. Although it’s still in the planning stages, he believes a conservation community will meet some of the city’s future needs. “EPA and DNR standards are tightening in regard to storm water,” he says, “so, going forward, the conservation theme
will need to take hold to meet the standards.”
“Cities are used to conventional subdivisions where they put everything in a pipe and move it into rivers and streams,” says Joe Pietruszynski, development manager for Hubbell Realty. “We’re doing the exact opposite. We’re trying to slow it down, open up more space. It’s a very environmentally sound way to develop land
while improving it.”
First and foremost, Joe says, “a conservation community minimizes the impact of storm water on the environment, retaining the water and cleaning it before it moves off site. When rain moves across the landscape and brings up particulate matter and pollutants from the road, as well as fertilizer, it moves them downstream. We’re creating native wetlands and native prairies and using them as a massive filter for the water.
“Our development mitigates the impact from pollutants and the velocity in which it leaves the site,” he says. “If we don’t do something about it, there will be increased pollutants, particulate matters, and erosion in our rivers and streams.”
WHY HUBBELL?
For Hubbell to become a leader in this effort is a natural, Joe says. “We have always been a market leader in new ideas and concepts. We have many years of construction experience in our company, and we realized this was the way of the future and the right thing to do.”
Many experts are brought in to help develop the communities, Joe says, including technical engineers to analyze the soil, civil engineers, landscape architects, botanists, experts in wetland mitigation, erosion control inspectors, and seed installers. Overall maintenance is uncomplicated, Joe says. “The prairie
regenerates itself. Occasionally we’ll need to do controlled burns and low mowing.
“Residents moving into a conservation community are aware the environment is special,” he says. “It has seven times the public open space that’s found in a typical development, and it’s a landscape that’s going to take on many different forms over time. It opens up space where the kids can play. It’s a completely different environment than in a conventional subdivision. I think ten years from now it will be the standard
approach to suburban development.”
Glynn Village in Waukee is Hubbell Realty Company’s largest conservation community. It features open public parklands, walking/biking trails, play areas, a community clubhouse with pool, and a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Take Hickman Road west of I80/35 approximately 5 miles to Warrior Lane and turn left. Continue south into Glynn Village.
Find homes and information for Glynn Village here.
Danamere Farms in Carlisle features biking/walking trails and spectacular views of rolling countryside in a natural setting. Take the Hwy 65/5 Bypass to Hwy 5 toward Carlisle. Turn south on Scotch Ridge Road. Danamere Farms is on your left.
Find homes and information for Danamere Farms
Meadowlark South in Grimes has something for everyone. It offers single-family homes nestled among native prairies, trails, and large public spaces just minutes from I80/35. Take Highway 141 to South 11th Street and turn west. The community is on the south (left-hand) side. Crosshaven in Johnston is situated on 277 acres and will offer easy access to linked trails and native prairie open space. Take Highway 141 to
Grimes/Saylorville Lake. Turn east on NW 70th Ave/Highway 44. Turn north on NW 100th Street
and continue approximately 3/4 mile. The community will be on your right.
Find homes and information for Meadowlark South
The Greens at Woodland Hills in Polk County sits on 207 acres of lush greenery and mature oak trees just north of Des Moines. It features approximately 100 acres of open space that will give homeowners access to beautful walking and biking trails, play areas and contiguous habitat for birds, butterflies and other
wildlife. Take 35 North to the Corporate Woods exit. Turn West on NE 66th Avenue and travel 1 ¾ miles into the community.
Tuscany in Altoona gives homeowners easy access to all of the amenities the city has to offer in an environmentally-sound neighborhood. The community is located close to Altoona’s extensive park and trails system, the aquatic center, the library, and a new Hy-Vee. Take 80 East to the Bondurant/Altoona exit and turn south on to 1st Avenue North. Turn east on NE 54th Avenue, and then south on to NE 80th Street, which will turn into 14th Avenue SE. The entrance to the community will be on your left.
Your Questions Answered
Mike Capobianco of Iowa Realty
QUESTION:
I’m a first-time homebuyer. Should I buy an existing house, or is it possible that I could consider building a new home?
ANSWER:
From Mike Capobianco of Iowa Realty:
It is definitely possible for you to get into new construction. There is a wide range of choices, from condominiums to brownstones to single-family homes. Plus, there are some very attractive financing offers right now, and we will help you explore those opportunities. I have been in this business for 32 years, so I have seen a wide range of interest rates from the high of 18 to 20 percent. So right now, when rates are at 6½ percent, it is a good time to explore the possibilities.
Customers have so many options of locations for new construction in numerous developments around the metro area. There are so many great opportunities for first-time homebuyers.
Mike Kraemer of Hubbell Realty
QUESTION:
We have some great ideas for building our dream home. But where do we begin? Can we count on help through the process?
ANSWER:
From Mike Kraemer, sales manager for Hubbell Realty:
Yes, of course, we’ll be there every step of the way as you go through the homebuilding
process. Our sales representatives are so knowledgeable about the value, quality, and best pricing options in our market. They have the best experience in this area, and we’re going to find you the best home for your situation, whether it’s an existing home or new construction.
In addition, you will be able to work with a professional designer. If you are tentative on some areas, we will hold your hand to explore some ideas to help you create the kind of home you dream about. You come with a vision, and we’ll help you make it come true.
You can bring in ideas, plans, and photos of looks you like in books and magazines, and we’ll go from there. We have numerous stock home plans, or we can tweak themfor the custom look you want.
Erin Wiggins of Cenergy
QUESTION:
What should I know about home insulation in terms of my square footage and the type of climate I live in? How big a difference can insulation make in energy consumption? Are there any new advances in insulation?
ANSWER:
From Erin Wiggins, general manager of Cenergy:
The biggest factor to know about insulation is that there are so many different types. Nearly any kind is OK to use as long as it is installed properly. Each one has its distinctive properties.
Also, R-value requirements vary, depending on the type of insulation you choose. Do your homework whether you are building or remodeling. We at Cenergy can help advise homeowners. For example, you would want a different type of insulation if you are installing geothermal heating and cooling as opposed to a regular heating system.
In Iowa’s climate, with hard winters, we have the situation with below-grade walls. That’s not common in the South or in spots such as California. It takes 8 years for concrete to cure, so putting lots of insulation in the basement only traps moisture, which is not good and causes mold growth. That’s an important consideration.
As for energy savings, it can be huge. There is no need to pay to heat the outdoors. Remember, too, that insulation is not an air barrier per se, but it greatly slows down the loss of air. In an attic, you would want a minimum of R-38.
New types of insulation, including soy-based foams and higher-density products, are being introduced constantly. (Cenergy is an independent environmental inspection company.)
Michelle York of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Tabitha Davis of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
QUESTION:
What are the financing benefits of buying a new home today?
ANSWER:
From Michelle York and Tabitha Davis, home mortgage consultants at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Clive:
For many people, homeownership is a financially sound option, compared to renting. Unlike rent, the interest paid each year on a home is potentially tax deductible, as are most property taxes. Potential home buyers are better off locking in a rate they can afford rather than playing the rate game. Keep in mind that rates are only part of getting a mortgage. You need to make sure you work with a lender who will take the time to help you find the mortgage that meets your personal needs.
Mortgage rates are still relatively low from a historical perspective. Many home buyers understand that mortgage interest rates are low when compared to eight years ago, when rates went above 8 percent. In the early 1990s, interest rates were higher than 10 percent. We encourage home buyers to make their financial decisions based on where things are today, including their budget, needs, and future plans. While we can’t accurately predict when interest rates will rise or fall, we recommend that if rates are at levels you can accommodate, take advantage of that opportunity. Wells Fargo is experiencing a significant increase in contact from customers who want a responsible lender to help them with a refinance or home purchase.
Druid Hill Townhomes just South of Downtown Des Moines
When Ellen and Jim Hubbell purchased a Druid Hill condo at the end of 2007, little did they realize how much they would enjoy living in the south-side development. Of course, they were attracted by its convenient location on Fleur Drive—minutes from downtown, Gray’s Lake, outdoor trails, the East Village, and freeway on-ramps. Another draw was the spacious square footage, with enough room for the avid art collectors to add to and display their collection. But what the Hubbells didn’t know was how much of a plus their neighbors and Druid Hill’s amenities would be. “It’s been a nice surprise living here,” Ellen says.
Those little surprises include a friendly community of all ages, from young professionals to retirees, to impeccably maintained grounds. “We’ve both had big houses, gardens, and children, and we really enjoy our ‘lock and go’ situation,” Ellen says. “It’s very uncomplicated to live here.”
A HIDDEN GEM
Interior Photo of Druid Hill Townhome
Des Moines has numerous plusses—its livability, easy traffic, big yards, trail network—but Druid Hill may be one of the best of them all. The development on the former grounds of the Rollins Mansion began 10 years ago and includes two sections. The older section has 16 townhomes of which only 3 are currently available;
the second, newer portion is made up of eight ranch townhomes but has a different setup than the original. “Those eight units feel cozier—they still have upscale features but ‘live’ differently,” says Barb Logan, a real estate agent with Iowa Realty.
The two phases, created by Bloodgood Designs in fourtownhome-per-building configurations, share some common features: They all have uniform exteriors, walk-outs on the lower levels, two fireplaces (one on the main, one on the lower), a four-season sunroom, an upper deck, and main-floor master bedroom suite. But unlike those in many townhome developments, the rest of the floor plan can be customized. “It’s really nice that owners don’t have to be just like their neighbors,” says Barb.
And few townhome developments can claim to be located on the grounds of a mansion, as Druid Hill is. “The townhomes abut to Rollins Mansion, with terraced gardens and a dramatic view of downtown,” says Sue Hickman, a real estate agent with Iowa Realty. “It’s almost like an English countryside home in the heart of Des Moines.”
THE CENTER OF IT ALL
As the Hubbells have discovered, being in the center of Des Moines may be one of the best benefits of living in Druid Hill. The south side is close to almost everything—the airport, downtown, and eastern and western portions of Des Moines. That means residents are minutes away from the Science Center of Iowa, the Civic Center, and the downtown network of trails. “It’s close to everything, but because it’s tucked away in the rolling hillside and has its own gate, there is a sense of true privacy and security,” says Barb.
In addition, Druid Hill offers some perks that loft dwellers may end up missing. “Some downtown setups don’t have the singlefamily amenities such as garages,” says Sue. “And some suburbanites might not like things like using an elevator to access everything. Druid Hill is halfway between living in a loft and having a separate, single-family home.”
Therein lies its appeal to a range of age groups, from downsizing empty nesters to downtown workers. With large floor plans—3,000 for the second units, 4,000 for the first—the homes also feature the spaciousness that lofts may not include, and several still offer a few years of tax abatement. And, as part of the association membership, Hubbell Management maintains the grounds. “The landscaping is something you won’t find anywhere else in the whole metro area, and residents don’t have to lift a thumb for anything. It’s really a top-notch property management team,” says Barb Logan.
Jim and Ellen Hubbell couldn’t agree more. “They’re very responsive to what’s going on here,” says Ellen. “It’s a comfort knowing all those things are taken care of.”
And the community has welcomed the couple in unexpected ways—a block party, an email connection to ask questions. “Everyone has been very neighborly in a wonderful, friendly way,” says Ellen.
Visit Hubbell Homes to find Homes at Druid Hill
Geothermal System Installation
From celebrities on magazine covers to new products on store shelves, it seems everyone’s going green. But one Des Moines-area home builder—Hubbell Homes—is light years ahead of the curve, with communities and building initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to the health and well-being of the metro area.
THE CONSERVATION THREES
Any sustainable or green building begins with the three tenets of conservation: energy efficiency (of the building envelope as well as products and materials), resource conservation (minimizing construction waste and consideration of the source of materials and products), and indoor air quality (whether the products and
materials used in the building or maintaining of a home are benign or harmful). Hubbell is unique in that the company has decided to address all of them. “If there’s one phrase that encapsulates green building, it’s that you want to build a better home—one that lasts, is more durable,” says Lynnae Hentzen, executive director and cofounder of the Iowa Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC). “Hubbell has recognized that you need to be conscientious in steps you take in your building strategy.”
Take, for example, Hubbell’s three conservation communities in Grimes, Waukee, and Carlisle. Each has at least one-third of the land dedicated to open space, which is typically seeded in prairie plantings, says Greg Moeller, Construction Superintendent for Hubbell Homes. Energy Star is standard on all new Hubbell construction, and geothermal heating and cooling are just one of a number of options homeowners can choose in building packages. “People talk a lot about green construction,” says Rick Tollakson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hubbell Realty Company. “We’re trying to come up with packages of green products and methods that people want and will pay for.”
While most consumers recognize the Energy Star logo and understand that bamboo flooring is an environmentally friendly choice, Hubbell has gone beyond selecting environmentally friendly products by analyzing how the homes are actually built. “There are lots of things done that go beyond what is seen, that are hidden behind the walls in the structure of how a home is built or the core of the home,” Lynnae says. “It’s easy to do business as usual but hard to make even small changes. Hubbell has been willing and able at the corporate level to take on some of these environmental shifts. They believe in it from the top down.”
Visit EnergyStar.gov for more information.
KEEPING SCORE
Greg Moeller likens the options for green homes to buying a car. Any new car will get you from point A to point B, but start throwing some upgrades in there and the value starts to go up. Some of these upgrades, as it turns out, are good for the environment and the pocketbook. “Appraisers are starting to look at the impact of green options when determining a home’s value. The difference can be significant,” he says.
To enable homeowners to make the same sort of value judgment, Hubbell has three different green living packages; each offers different levels of add-ons. The basic package includes things such as TimberStrand® framing, oriented strand board, and job-site waste recycling. Upgrades include water-based floor finishes and latex paint to improve indoor air quality, HardiePlank™ siding that lasts 50 years, and ultrafit insulation with a higher R-value. Hubbell has also asked its suppliers to analyze the sustainability of materials—where they come from and how they were produced. “We’re constantly adding to those packages as improvements are made in the industry,” Greg says. “We’re excited about it and we want to make sure our customers can join in.”
Hubbell has also worked with COSC to produce a green building checklist, and the company hires an outside party to rate the “green-ness” of its homes using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS).The baseline home rates a 100, while Energy Star homes need a score of 85 or lower. Hubbell Homes average a score of 75. The
score incorporates factors such as solar gain, site orientation, amount of foundation above ground, insulation, ductwork efficiency, and furnace and air-conditioner size. “There’s a learning curve when going green, and it might be overwhelming to a person just starting out,” Greg says. “That’s why we’re trying to figure out for the consumer how green something is and whether it has good value.”
That education and those packages enable consumers to choose what’s important to them based on their own priorities. “It’s great to have a leader like Hubbell working and driving the supply side,” Lynnae says. “Now that consumer awareness is rising, people will start to ask for things, and that will continue to push the market.”
FOR THE FUTURE
To most in the homebuilding industry, green represents a shift toward the way building will be. “If you combine green living in concert with conservation living, you are making a statement to your family about how you feel about the environment,” Rick says.
That means the company will continue to explore new ways of building homes that are responsible and sensible. “There are so many things coming up—automation, for example,” Greg says. “Technology for the home is really going to help people with energy conservation. We want to be able to present people with the best options so they understand what value they have.”
And that is value for the community as well. “Green boosts economic development; it’s a win-win for everyone,” Lynnae says. “The bottom line of green is black.”
Unlike other home builders, what Hubbell has realized, after over 150 years as part of the metro-area community, is that the company is in it for the long haul—which makes sustainability even more important. “We want Iowa to grow and prosper,” Rick says. “We are community- and neighborhood-driven in our organization. That’s the ethic that F.M. Hubbell started, and it continues today.”
Trails at Copper Creek in Pleasent Hill
Hubbell Communities offers multiple choices and multiple locations for homeowners and for builders, according to lot sales managers April Tufano and Bryan Schwartz. With more than 18 residential communities, Hubbell communities create a sense of uniqueness. They are close to schools, good arterial streets and roads, and trails and sidewalks for strolling.
There’s an instant sense of the good life and community spirit, with clubhouses and parks for family activities. Plus there’s a choice for your style. Do you want a traditional neighborhood, golf course living, or a conservation community with green space and a natural environment? The communities are handy to major arterial roads for easy commutes to work, shopping, restaurants, and schools.
Hubbell Realty CEO Rick Tollakson sees the company’s development properties as patchwork quilts. “When we plan a neighborhood, we see it and want it to be full of character and variety. We don’t want every home to look the same, so we love the individuality that many builders bring to the projects.”
Area builders appreciate that aspect of Hubbell communities as well. “When I take prospective clients to Hubbell properties to look at lots, I point out the great aspects of the conservation communities,” says Nate Miller of Marquis Builders. “The wide open spaces, the wildflowers, and the good schools are important to many families that are looking to build.”
He points out that his clients really appreciate that Hubbell communities feature a mix of styles. “People don’t want to live in cookie-cutter areas. They like the mix of housing styles.” Nate is building this year in the Hubbell communities of Meadowlark South in Grimes, Summersfield in Des Moines, and Danamere Farms in Carlisle. He has been in business for eight years and builds 25 to 50 custom and spec homes each year.
Hubbell works closely with builders adding to the interesting mix of the development properties. While there are certain covenants in Hubbell communities, such as being a certain size or having a neutral color palette, builders have latitude on showcasing their work. The goal is to create communities that have a mix of housing styles, not a series of same-style homes.
Bryan feels the same way. “We offer high-touch, personal service in order to make our communities successful.We work with a number of builders throughout the area who provide a variety of home styles. It’s very easy for someone who wants to build in our neighborhoods find the right builder for their personal style.”
On the flip side of the coin, builders enjoy the service they receive from Hubbell. “It’s easy to work with Hubbell,” says Chip Classon of Jordan Homes. “They take care of the details, which makes my job easier. They go the extra mile in getting lots we builders want for our customers.” He builds 10 to 20 homes per year and works with Hubbell in developing lots all over the metro area. Matt Peterson of Vintage Custom Homes says, “I like that Hubbell is willing and wanting to have a mix of housing styles in its various communities. I have purchased all my lots through Hubbell in my two years of independent building. Their lots are in desirable areas around the metro.”
“The company is so good about creating a sense of community,” according to Chris Dawson of Platinum Development. “There are covenants, sure, but they don’t want homes in their communities to all look alike. The community benefits, and so do the homebuyers, who get to show their individual styles.” Dawson has been in business on his own for four years and builds about 25 homes each year.
QUESTION:
What factors should I consider when selecting a builder?
ANSWER:
From Carolyn Helmlinger, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group, named DesMoines Area Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year in 2007:
Buying a home is such a “high” that you need to do your research carefully. Ask around when you do your home work. Is this home by this builder a good value for my investment? Will this builder be there next year to handle the warranty? Does this builder have a good reputation and financial stability? Ask all those questions before making a decision.
If you’re still paying rent, can you jump in and start the cycle of ownership? Yes, you might hear about the downturn in the housing market right now, but I would hate to find myself in 2009 wishing that I had bought a home in 2008. There are fantastic interest rates, a wonderful base of home selections, and many incentives right now to help out.
When change comes, there will be BIG changes in the market, and I promise you, all of this will balance out. I’ve been in the business for 28 years, and I know that it will. Spring always, always brings good momentum.
QUESTION:
What factors should I consider when picking a neighborhood?
ANSWER:
From Doug Burnett, owner/broker of Burnett Realty:
What is the general location of the neighborhood? What is the makeup of the neighborhood culture? What is the makeup and age of the neighborhood residents? Ask questions and check out the territory.
People change over their lifetimes, and economics change. My wife, Rochelle, and I have lived in about every suburb of DesMoines. Each one was right for our family at the time. When we moved from Urbandale five years ago, Sherman Hill “called” to us. We wanted to live in a real neighborhood, and we have found it. It would not have been right for us earlier in our lives.
QUESTION:
How do I figure out what the schools are really like in the area?
ANSWER:
From Jo Judkins of Iowa Realty:
In Iowa, we are so lucky. We are blessed with good schools everywhere! I find that if I have out-of-town clients looking to purchase a home in this market, they have done their homework in most cases. If someone wants an area of older homes, then they accept the schools that are established there. If someone chooses the school in an area first, then we work with selecting a home around that decision.
First off, I tell clients to check out Iowa Realty.com and click on the school district link. I can fax or email them a list of schools. We may setup a visit to a school, or we may even go with them on such a visit and encourage them to check out the overall feel of the school.
In so many other parts of the country, schools are such an issue. Here we have such great public schools across the board. Some home owners, of course, are seeking parochial or private schools, so it’s important that we know where those are located, too, from elementary to high schools and work with potential homeowners accordingly to find homes.
QUESTION:
What is the ENERGY STAR designation on Hubbell-built homes?
ANSWER:
From Bob Brice, president of Cenergy:
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. The EPA introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program to identify and promote energy-efficient products, office equipment, and residential heating and cooling equipment in order to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The program has delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving businesses and consumers about $14 billion in 2006 alone.
Cenergy is an independent environmental inspection company, and the key word is independent. We truly are an independent third party, and we inspect every home that Hubbell Homes builds. Homes are built to a standard performance test and rated
on the HERS, or Home Energy Rating System. The goal is to have a ranking of 85 or less, making it 15 percent better than code requirements.
The most important factor in making a new home energy efficient and receiving the ENERGY STAR certification involves insulation, specifically the type and the quantity and how well it is installed. We do a pre-drywall inspection, and then at the end we come back to do an airtight test and also a duct leakage test.
I can safely say that Hubbell goes above and beyond when it comes to mechanical ventilation, and that’s extremely important.
Cenergy, as building and energy experts, provides a range of cost-effective, energy-related design and consulting services to builders, architects, and mortgage industry professionals.
Villa Living - More Time for Things You Love
Jim and Sydney Blanchard bought a villa at Copper Creek at nearly the same time they purchased a motor coach. Longtime eastside residents, they now have a beautiful new home base in Pleasant Hill and the freedom to travel without yard work or snow removal concerns.
The couple looked around for quite some time before deciding on the detached villa’s single-family atmosphere, golf course view, and homey surroundings. “It’s a nice setting and a nice neighborhood,” Jim says. “We looked at a lot of other builders’ homes, but Hubbell seemed to be the best one for us. I was able to customize the way I wanted to, and when we did run into something we didn’t agree on, they were willing to make adjustments.”
Like the Blanchards, many other empty nesters, professional men and women, and even folks with young children are successfully settling into new homes in the four Hubbell Homes villa communities. In addition to the Copper Creek community, they can choose from villas in Norwalk, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.
Search Villas throughout Des Moines Metro Here
Although some are bi-attached, most of the villas are set alone as single-family dwellings with no shared walls. An association takes care of snow removal and mowing.
“They have a nice cottage look,” says Matt Hackett, Hubbell Homes residential design manager and villas project manager. “The spacious floor plan, with the kitchen open to the living room, and the large master bedroom suites make the villas seem much larger than their square footage indicates. Each home also has a basement, which you can finish any way you like,” he says.
Matt says home buyers see some innovative designs coming into the villa projects. “We have Craftsman, Prairie, and Colonial plans, featuring the new/old styles that are so popular.”
All of the villas are built by Hubbell Homes and that means every home is ENERGY STAR rated with attractive price points, up-front covenants, and great communication. “We’ve always been a proactive green builder,” Matt says. “We try to buy locally, recycle materials, and offer green energy options like geothermal heat and spray-foam insulation.”
He believes the available sites for Hubbell villas are exceptional as well. “We have great entry features and beautiful streetscapes and facades. We want to frame the street and make it look good,” Matt says. “We’re always improving, taking in constant feedback, and making changes for the customer.”
Many of the villa sites back up to ponds, overlook golf courses, or are not far from an association clubhouse. All are excellent locations near city conveniences and shopping. They are designed with two or three bedrooms and two or three-car garages, and most have a deck and/or a front porch.
The Villas at Greenway Crossing is located on University Avenue just west of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. This 50-acre neighborhood consists of villas and brownstones and is centrally located between Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley West Mall. There are also a number of restaurants and entertainment venues nearby.
The Villas at Days Run West is just north of the single-family homes at 128th Street and Meredith Drive. Days Run West is unquestionably an outstanding value; the neighborhood is beautifully landscaped with bike trails, park areas, and plenty of shopping nearby.
Residents of The Legacy Villas in Norwalk make use of a new community clubhouse and pool. The Legacy is a golf course community just off Highway 28, where you can choose from either a stand-alone or bi-attached villa situated within a marvelously landscaped, outdoor-oriented neighborhood.
A public golf course winds its way through the Copper Creek development, and many of the villas and available lots have a golf course view. “We find that many of our residents come here for either the single-family atmosphere or for the benefits of the association,” say Lowell Bauer and Pennie Carroll of Prudential First Realty in Pleasant Hill.
“For some, retirement may be in the near future,” says Lowell, “and they may want to begin to focus on other interests. We have fishing and bike trails, with convenient access to downtown or to the Des Moines airport via the Highway 5 bypass.”
“Buyers like choice,” says Pennie, “and that’s what Hubbell is able to do. There are two design centers to help with customizing each unit, and you’re only limited by your imagination and what your budget allows.”
She emphasizes the villas are grandchildren-friendly, with large backyards and open spaces; all are located on a cul-de-sac. “It’s a very nice step to take after owning and caring for your own home.”
4th Street Condos in Downtown Des Moines
“Hubbell has always had such a vibrant history as being an integral part of what takes place in downtown Des Moines,” says Rick Tollakson, president and CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. “That mission continues today as we take pride in our ongoing efforts to make downtown Des Moines an exciting place to live, work, and play.”
Just look around downtown. In all directions, Hubbell is offering dynamic choices for urban dwellers in every phase of life. There are young professionals just out of college and on their first real job. There
are singles out on their own, pondering what direction to take.There are young married couples working together to establish a foundation, with or without kids. And there’s an ever-growing population of empty nesters trying a new adventure on for size now that their families have embarked on their own career and family paths.
There are about 75,000 Iowans working downtown, and several thousand of them have chosen to live there, too.What Hubbell provides are various lifestyle choices in housing at various price points.
WHY LIVE DOWNTOWN?
For Ben Washburn and his wife, Alicia, it’s right where they want to be. “We are 15 minutes from everything we do,” he says, “whether it’s work, the farmers’ market, or our favorite restaurants. My commute to work is three to five minutes on foot. It just doesn’t get better than that.”
It is, of course, a lifestyle choice, Ben explains. “People either think they would love it or hate it to make a move owntown.There’s only one way to know—just dive in and do it. If you’re nervous about it, rent for
six months or a year and see how you feel after that. And, if you have kids, know that the Downtown School is one of the best in the whole country, and it’s in our neighborhood.”
Ben is president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, which formed about five years ago. “Granted, we have some situations that other associations don’t have to deal with, such as noise ordinance
issues. With seven spots having patio bars in a two-block stretch on Court Avenue, some residents get concerned.”
But, he points out, when residents can walk to all their main entertainment venues and they save on gas, wear and tear, and other car expenses, there’s a meaningful balance.
“It’s a lifestyle choice that is wonderful,” he says.
Doug Burnett of Burnett Realty couldn’t agree more. “There are two factors fueling the growth of living downtown. There’s a renaissance of creativity downtown, from new buildings, renovated older buildings, bike trails, and public art. There’s also the 10-year tax abatement. On a $325,000 brownstone, for example, you can save $51,000. Buyers would get so much less of a home without that factor. Really, what’s not to love about living downtown?”
MORE NEW OPTIONS
This spring Hubbell is swinging open the doors to two new downtown condo projects.
4th Street Condos
www.desmoinesdowntownliving.com/4thstreetcondos
Located on Fourth Street just south of Court Avenue, these one- and two-bedroom condominiums offer a range of 996 to 1,606 square feet. The 46 homes range from $196,900 to $329,900.
“There’s lots of interest in this project,” says Jill Creveling of Iowa Realty. “The location is terrific for experiencing all that downtown Des Moines has to offer, from Court Avenue entertainment and restaurants to the Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena to the ballpark.”
With its solid urban feel, high ceilings, and oversize windows, the project has lots of appeal, she says. Underground parking helps cinch the deal, along with 10-year tax abatement. “Hubbell has upgraded
where it counts, from granite countertops, hardwood floors, and tile. It’s really an upscale property at an affordable price.”
Anne Timmins, also with Iowa Realty, has loved meeting the people looking to move downtown. “They range from young professionals to empty nesters wanting a change from being tied to a house. Downtown sells itself, which makes our jobs easier.”
She cites couples able to sell a second car because they don’t need two vehicles when living downtown. Anne also tells of a couple who came back from the East Coast for the husband’s 60th class reunion at Roosevelt High School. His first wife had died, and his second wife had a job involving travel.
“The guy just loved the transformation of downtown,” Anne says. “His wife said she spent an hour and 45 minutes each Monday morning getting to the airport. How long would it take in Des Moines? When I told her that from downtown she could be to the airport in 15 minutes, they went back East, sold their waterfront property to a developer, and moved to downtown Des Moines. They love it here.”
Midtown Heights
Located at MLK Jr. Parkway and High Street, this brownstone community with 17 units has a perk worth savoring, says Jennifer Clark of Burnett Realty. “There’s a two-car attached garage with each unit, which is fantastic.”
Midtown Heights - Downtown Des Moines
There’s a real community feel to this project, she points out, because of its location, within walking distance of two distinct areas, the western edge of downtown and the eastern edge of the Ingersoll Avenue area. Each home features two bedrooms and two and a half baths. They range from 1,135 to 1,203 square feet and from $177,900 to $189,900. Granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances are included.
“A real selling feature of this project is its location across the street from the Gateway Market,” says Rob Langloss, also of Burnett Realty. “Plus it’s just a short distance to Water Works Park, Gray’s Lake, and the airport. Every time you drive through the Ingersoll or Sherman Hill areas, there’s something new happening, which makes this a really key location.”
“Over the past few years, we have developed a number of options for downtown’s ever-growing population,” Rick says. “This year is no different as we open these new communities. It’s exciting to be part of the changing skyline.”
Hubbell has positioned a number of housing anchors—east, west, and in the middle—to give options for achieving the adventure that is downtown Des Moines. Hop on board: The momentum is taking off!