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.

Visit Copper Creek Golf Club

“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

www.midtownheightsdm.com

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!