View the homes on the tour, download the map and watch the video.

Click here to view the spring tour information.

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!

Click the link below to watch:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/27398441#27398441

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.

View the Homes

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More Variety, More Locations
Visit Single-Family Homes, Brownstones, Villas, Townhomes and more.

Communities include:

• Venbury in Altoona
• Creekside in Ankeny
• Danamere Farms in Carlisle
• 4th Street Condos in Downtown Des Moines
• Brownstones on Grand in Downtown Des Moines
• Druid Hill in Des Moines
• Easter Bay in Des Moines
• Midtown Heights Townhomes in Des Moines
• Riverwoods in Des Moines
• Summersfield in Des Moines
• Meadowlark South in Grimes
• Johnston Commons in Johnston
• The Legacy in Norwalk
• Copper Creek in Pleasant Hill
• Bristol Cove in Urbandale
• Days Run West in Urbandale
• Glynn Village in Waukee
• Fox Prairie in West Des Moines
• GreenWay Crossing in West Des Moines

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.