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Christmas has a way of slowing everything down — and that's something we truly appreciate.
In a world that moves fast, this season reminds us to pause and reflect on what really matters: family, home, and the people we share life with. At The Scenic Group, real estate has always been more than buying and selling houses. It's about helping people plant roots, start fresh, and create spaces where life happens.
This year, we've had the privilege of working with so many incredible families across the Omaha metro. Some were stepping into their very first home. Others were upsizing, downsizing, or starting a brand-new chapter. Every story was different, but they all shared one thing — trust. And that's something we never take lightly.
We're especially grateful for our clients, friends, family, builders, and fellow agents who continue to support and believe in what we do. Your referrals, kind words,...
Resale inventory is tight across the Omaha metro, pushing more buyers toward new builds in Elkhorn and Gretna. Builders are responding with 2-1 rate buydowns, appliance packages, and lot credits. Here's how to separate real value from clever marketing — and negotiate the best deal.
With fewer turnkey resale options and steady in-migration to quality school districts, Elkhorn and Gretna continue to add subdivisions. At recent Parade of Homes events coordinated with Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA), traffic was strongest around west Elkhorn and southeast Gretna — areas offering quick highway access, desirable schools, and fresh amenities.
A lender- or builder-funded concession that drops your rate by 2% in year one and 1% in year two. Payment relief now, standard rate later.
"Move-in ready" bundles: refrigerator, washer/dryer, lighting, tile, LVP, etc.
Concessions applied to premium lots, closing fees, or design center allowances.
| Claim | What to Ask | Buyer-Friendly Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| "Huge 2-1 buydown!" | What's the exact concession dollar vs. offering a permanent buydown? | Pick the path with the lower 3-year total cost of ownership. |
| "Free upgrades!" | Show me the standard features and SKUs for the "free" items. | Keep genuine add-ons; negotiate a credit for anything already standard. |
| "$15k lot credit!" | Is the base price inflated? Can I apply to closing costs instead? | Ensure net price ↓ or net cash-to-close ↓ without hidden offsets. |
| "Extended rate lock" | What are lock fees, extensions, and lender-choice restrictions? | Lock only if timeline risk > fees; keep refinance flexibility. |
Tip: Parade of Homes traffic data and MOBA builder lists are a great way to spot which subs are offering the strongest incentive stacks this season.
We tour communities weekly and track current incentives from local builders and preferred lenders. If you want the latest — not sales copy — we'll discuss real numbers with you and help you choose the structure that fits your timeline and budget.
The Scenic Group — NP Dodge Real Estate
Serving Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, and surrounding communities.
Questions? thescenicgroup@npdodge.com • 402-659-4432 • Instagram
In the world of real estate, timing is everything. With fluctuating interest rates and ever-evolving market conditions, it can be challenging to determine when is the right time to buy or build your dream home. In today's market, however, we are presented with a unique opportunity that makes it a great time to build your custom home. With custom homes typically taking around 12 months to complete, this timeframe perfectly aligns with the forecasts by Fannie Mae and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which predict a drop in mortgage rates to a rate between 6.0% to 6.7% by the end of 2024. By starting the building process now, you not only secure today's market price on your new build but also position yourself to sell your current home at a higher price in the coming months.
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