Affordability and Housing Shortages: The Role of Modular Homes in Solving the Crisis

Housing affordability has become a pressing issue in many parts of the world, and Iowa is no exception. Skyrocketing home prices, rising construction costs, and a shortage of available housing have left many people struggling to find affordable options. In this context, modular homes are gaining attention as a potential solution to these challenges. Known for their cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and flexibility, modular homes are poised to play a significant role in addressing the housing shortages that plague many regions.  First let us explore how modular homes offer an affordable alternative to traditional housing, the role they can play in solving the housing crisis, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Affordability Crisis: A Snapshot

Before delving into the specifics of modular homes, it’s essential to understand the current state of the housing market. According to data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average price of a new home in the United States has surged dramatically over the past few years, driven by a combination of factors:

  1. Labor Shortages: The construction industry has been grappling with a significant labor shortage, leading to higher wages and longer construction times.

  2. Material Costs: The costs of essential building materials such as lumber, steel, and concrete have risen sharply, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and tariffs.

  3. Land Availability: In many metropolitan areas, the scarcity of affordable land is pushing home prices to unaffordable levels, making it difficult for developers to build affordable housing.

  4. Regulatory Barriers: Zoning regulations and building codes can add significant time and cost to construction projects, further driving up the price of homes.

These factors have contributed to a situation where many people—particularly first-time homebuyers, low- to middle-income families, and those in urban areas—are priced out of the housing market. With rents also on the rise, the need for affordable housing solutions has never been more urgent.

What Are Modular Homes?

Modular homes are a type of prefabricated housing that is built in sections, or modules, in a factory setting. These modules are then transported to the home site and assembled on a permanent foundation, much like traditional homes. Despite common misconceptions, modular homes are not the same as mobile homes or manufactured homes. While both are built off-site, modular homes are constructed to meet the same building codes and standards as site-built homes, making them indistinguishable from traditional homes once assembled.

Modular homes offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive solution to the affordability crisis, including:

  1. Cost Savings: Because modular homes are built in a controlled factory environment, they are often less expensive to produce than site-built homes. This results in significant cost savings for homebuyers.

  2. Faster Construction: The factory construction process is highly efficient, reducing construction time by up to 50%. This allows builders to bring homes to market faster, helping to alleviate housing shortages more quickly.

  3. Energy Efficiency: Many modular homes are built with energy-efficient materials and technologies, reducing long-term utility costs for homeowners.

  4. Customization Options: Contrary to the perception that modular homes are cookie-cutter designs, many manufacturers offer a wide range of floor plans and customization options, allowing buyers to create a home that meets their unique needs and preferences.

Modular Homes: A Cost-Effective Solution

One of the most significant advantages of modular homes is their affordability. The cost of building a modular home is typically at least 10-20% lower than that of a traditional site-built home. These savings come from several key areas:

  1. Controlled Environment: In a factory setting, weather delays and other unpredictable factors that can slow down traditional construction are eliminated. This allows modular home manufacturers to operate more efficiently and reduce labor costs.

  2. Bulk Material Purchasing: Since modular home manufacturers buy materials in bulk, they can take advantage of lower prices than individual homebuilders. These savings are passed on to the homebuyer.

  3. Reduced Waste: Modular construction is inherently more efficient, with less material waste. Building in a factory allows for better inventory management and recycling of leftover materials, further driving down costs.

  4. Less On-Site Labor: With most of the construction happening in a factory, fewer laborers are needed on-site, which reduces costs associated with transportation, temporary housing for workers, and other logistical expenses.

Additionally, the faster construction timeline associated with modular homes leads to lower interest payments on construction loans, contributing to overall savings for homebuyers.

Addressing Housing Shortages with Modular Homes

The affordability benefits of modular homes make them a natural fit for addressing housing shortages, particularly in areas with high demand for affordable housing. Here are several ways in which modular homes can help mitigate the housing crisis:

  1. Rapid Deployment: One of the most pressing challenges in the housing market is the time it takes to bring new homes to market. Traditional construction methods can often take a year or more to complete, especially in areas with labor shortages or inclement weather. Modular homes, on the other hand, can be built and assembled in a fraction of the time.

  2. Urban Infill and Density: In many urban areas, land is scarce, and developers are looking for ways to maximize the use of available space. Modular homes can be an excellent solution for urban infill projects, where vacant lots or underutilized land can be developed into affordable housing.

  3. Rural and Remote Areas: In rural or remote areas, traditional construction can be challenging due to a lack of available labor and materials. Modular homes offer a practical solution in these regions, as the bulk of the construction is completed off-site and then transported to the home location. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to build homes in areas where traditional construction may be prohibitively expensive or logistically difficult.

Challenges Facing Modular Homes in the Affordability Debate

Despite the clear advantages of modular homes, there are challenges that must be addressed to fully realize their potential as a solution to the housing crisis.  One of the biggest hurdles facing modular homes is the lingering perception that they are inferior to site-built homes. Many people still associate modular homes with low-quality, mass-produced housing, despite the fact that modern modular homes are built to the same standards as traditional homes.

Conclusion

Modular homes offer a promising solution to the affordability and housing shortages facing many Iowans and the surrounding states. With their lower costs, faster construction times, and ability to be built in a wide range of styles and sizes, modular homes are well-suited to meet the diverse needs of today’s homebuyers. While challenges remain, including overcoming perception barriers, the potential for modular homes to alleviate the housing crisis is significant. As more people recognize the benefits of modular construction, we can expect to see continued growth and innovation, helping to make homeownership more accessible to everyone.

Contact us if you’d like to learn more about modular homes or would like to design a home specifically for you. 

Trends in New Home Design: What's Shaping Modern Living Spaces?

The world of home design is evolving rapidly, reflecting both changing lifestyles and new technologies. In 2024, new home design trends are driven by a desire for sustainability, flexibility, and comfort. Whether you’re building a custom home or updating your current living space, understanding these trends can inspire your design choices and ensure your home remains functional and stylish for years to come. Let’s explore the key trends shaping new home design today.

1. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern home design. Homeowners are increasingly opting for eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. Solar panels, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient windows are becoming standard features in new homes. Additionally, builders are focusing on sustainable construction methods, using recycled materials and low-carbon-emission practices.

Green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and improved insulation are also gaining popularity. The shift towards eco-conscious living is driven by both environmental concerns and the long-term savings that energy-efficient homes provide.

2. Open-Concept Living Spaces

Open floor plans have been a hallmark of modern home design for years, but they continue to evolve. Today’s designs prioritize flexible, multi-functional spaces that allow for seamless transitions between living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design fosters social interaction and makes homes feel more spacious, even if the square footage is modest.

With more people working from home, there’s also a greater emphasis on creating designated spaces within open-concept designs. For example, adding built-in desks or quiet nooks for remote work and study allows for functionality without compromising openness.

3. Smart Home Integration

Smart home technology is no longer a luxury but a standard feature in many new homes. From lighting and security systems to thermostats and kitchen appliances, the integration of smart technology is reshaping how we interact with our living spaces. Voice-activated assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and smartphone-controlled systems are making it easier to manage everything from the temperature of your home to grocery shopping.

Incorporating smart home devices can improve energy efficiency, provide enhanced security, and increase convenience, making it an attractive feature for tech-savvy homeowners.

4. Indoor-Outdoor Living

Connecting the indoors with the outdoors is a major trend in new home design. Sliding glass doors, large windows, and outdoor patios create a seamless flow between the home’s interior and exterior. Homes are being designed to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging homeowners to enjoy nature without leaving the comfort of their home.

This trend is especially prevalent in warmer climates, where outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and entertainment areas are becoming popular. Even in cooler areas, well-designed outdoor spaces with heating elements and weather-resistant furniture are making outdoor living a year-round option.

5. Wellness-Oriented Design

As homeowners become more conscious of health and well-being, wellness-focused design elements are gaining traction. Homes are being built with natural light in mind, maximizing sunlight exposure for better mental and physical health. Builders are also emphasizing the importance of good air quality, with better ventilation systems and non-toxic materials becoming priorities.

Other wellness features include spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs, home gyms, and spaces for meditation or yoga. This trend reflects a growing desire for homes to serve as sanctuaries of relaxation and health.

6. Minimalism and Clutter-Free Living

Minimalist design continues to be a strong influence, with a focus on clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a "less is more" approach. Homes are designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with built-in storage solutions that help keep clutter at bay. The popularity of Marie Kondo's tidying philosophy has also encouraged homeowners to adopt a more streamlined approach to their interiors.

This trend extends to the choice of materials and color palettes as well. Natural, neutral tones like beige, soft greys, and earthy colors dominate, creating a calming, serene atmosphere.

7. Customization and Personalization

While there are overarching trends in home design, homeowners today want their spaces to feel unique and personalized. Builders are increasingly offering customization options that allow buyers to tailor their homes to fit their needs, lifestyles, and tastes. Whether it’s choosing specific finishes, cabinetry, or creating bespoke rooms like a home theater or a craft room, personalization is key.

This extends to architectural details as well, with more homes incorporating custom features like exposed beams, statement staircases, and tailored lighting fixtures.

8. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design, which emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, is another growing trend in new home construction. This design philosophy encourages the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and plants, as well as maximizing natural light and ventilation.

Indoor gardens, living walls, and large windows with views of nature are popular elements. These designs aim to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve overall well-being by integrating nature into the home.

Conclusion

The trends shaping new home design in 2024 are focused on sustainability, wellness, technology, and personalization. Whether you’re planning to build a new home or renovate an existing space, these trends offer plenty of inspiration for creating a functional, beautiful, and forward-thinking living environment. By incorporating energy-efficient systems, open spaces, smart technologies, and wellness features, your home can be a reflection of modern living and a sanctuary for the future.

Top 5 Reasons Modular Homes are Better Than Site-Built Homes

In the ever-evolving landscape of home construction, modular homes have emerged as a superior alternative to traditional site-built homes. Combining efficiency, quality, and innovation, modular homes offer distinct advantages that make them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Here are the top five reasons why modular homes outshine their site-built counterparts.

1. Speed of Construction

One of the most compelling advantages of modular homes is the speed at which they can be built. While site-built homes can take many months or even years to complete, modular homes are constructed in a fraction of the time. This is because the building process takes place in a controlled factory setting, allowing for continuous work without weather-related delays. Once the modules are built, they are transported to the site and assembled, often within a matter of days. This accelerated timeline means homeowners can move into their new home much sooner, saving time and reducing stress.

2. Superior Quality Control

The factory setting of modular home construction ensures a higher level of quality control compared to site-built homes. Each module is built to exact specifications with precision machinery, and every stage of construction is closely monitored. This results in a consistently higher standard of craftsmanship. Additionally, materials are stored in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of damage from weather or pests. The outcome is a home that meets, and often exceeds, building codes and standards, providing greater peace of mind for homeowners.

3. Cost Efficiency

Modular homes are typically more cost-effective than site-built homes. The streamlined construction process reduces labor costs, and bulk purchasing of materials lowers expenses. Moreover, the shorter construction timeline means less money spent on interim financing and reduced labor costs. Modular homes also tend to have fewer unforeseen expenses, as the controlled environment minimizes the risk of costly mistakes. These savings can be significant, making modular homes an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Modular homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind. The precision construction methods and high-quality materials used in modular homes often result in better insulation and tighter building envelopes, which lead to reduced energy consumption. Many modular home manufacturers also incorporate sustainable building practices and eco-friendly materials, further enhancing the home's environmental performance. Homeowners can enjoy lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint, making modular homes a smart choice for those looking to live more sustainably.

5. Design Flexibility and Customization

Contrary to the misconception that modular homes are limited in design options, they actually offer a high degree of flexibility and customization. Modern modular homes can be tailored to meet individual preferences and lifestyle needs, with a wide range of floor plans, finishes, and features available. This flexibility extends to future modifications and expansions, as modular homes can be easily adapted to accommodate changing needs over time.

 

Modular homes represent the future of home construction, offering a blend of speed, quality, cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and design flexibility that site-built homes struggle to match. As more homeowners discover these advantages, the popularity of modular homes continues to grow. If you're considering building a new home, exploring the modular option could lead to a smarter, more satisfying homeownership experience.

Discover the advantages of modular homes today and step into a future of innovative, efficient, and stylish living. https://www.sunrisehousing.com/contact-us

Buying a Modular or Manufactured Home in 2024: There's Still Time!

If you've been dreaming of owning a new modular or manufactured home, 2024 is still your year! With the flexibility, affordability, and modern amenities these homes offer, there's never been a better time to make your dream a reality. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to downsize, here's everything you need to know about purchasing a modular or manufactured home this year.

Why Choose a Modular or Manufactured Home?

1. Affordability: Modular and manufactured homes are typically more affordable than traditional stick-built homes. They offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality or style.

2. Speed of Construction: One of the standout benefits is the speed at which these homes can be built. Since they're constructed in a factory setting, weather delays are minimized, allowing for quicker completion times.

3. Customization Options: Today's modular and manufactured homes come with a variety of customizable features. From floor plans to finishes, you can tailor your home to meet your specific needs and tastes.

4. Energy Efficiency: Modern modular and manufactured homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. They often include high-performance windows, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances, helping you save on utility bills.

5. Quality Control: Factory-built homes are subject to stringent quality control processes. This ensures that your home is constructed to meet high standards and building codes.

Steps to Buying Your Home in 2024

1. Determine Your Budget: The first step is to determine how much you can afford to spend. Consider not only the cost of the home itself but also additional expenses such as land, site preparation, and utilities.

2. Choose Your Home Type: Decide whether you want a modular or manufactured home. Modular homes are built to the same local, state, or regional building codes as site-built homes. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are built to the HUD Code.

3. Select a Floor Plan: Work with Sunrise Housing to select or design a floor plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any special features you want.

4. Secure Financing: Once you have a budget and a floor plan, it's time to secure financing. Many lenders specialize in modular and manufactured home loans. Compare rates and terms to find the best option for you.

5. Purchase Land: If you don't already have land, you'll need to purchase a suitable lot. Ensure that the land is zoned for your type of home and that it has access to necessary utilities.

6. Site Preparation: Prepare your site by clearing the land, laying the foundation, and setting up utilities.

7. Order Your Home: Once everything is in place, you can order your home. The construction process in the factory is currently about 3 months.

8. Delivery and Installation: When your home is ready, it will be transported to your site and installed. Installation on the foundation only takes a few hours and the remaining work that Sunrise Housing competes normally takes another 4 to 6 weeks.

9. Finish Your Homes: This includes connecting electricity and plumbing as well and furnace, air conditioning, duct work, water heater, painting and all other work required to finish the home. 

Don't Wait—Start Today!

While the process of buying a modular or manufactured home involves several steps, there's still plenty of time to complete your purchase in 2024. With careful planning and the right team by your side, you can enjoy the benefits of your new modular or manufactured home by the end of the year.

So, why wait? Begin your journey today and make 2024 the year you move into the home of your dreams.  Contact Sunrise Housing to start building your dreams today.

New for 2024

A month into the new year and the outlook for homes is looking good. We continue to see interest in our homes and our factories are ready to build. The factories have also released all of the changes in options and pricing for the year. Most recently, our Adventure Homes factory exhibited five homes at the 2024 Louisville Manufactured Housing show in January.

Along with showing some new offerings for options and upgrades, they also showed 5 plans based on popular homes their dealers have offered.

You can experience walking through these homes virtually through the links below.

Kalahari Series 6763M-KH (SN#18160) - 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath 16 x 76 single wide manufactured home.

Kalahari Series 4764H-KH (SN#18161) - 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath 27 x 76 sectional manufactured home.

The Reynolds - Mojave Series 6763L (SN#18162) - 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath 16 x 76 single wide manufactured home.

The Carlton - Mojave Series 0763D (SN#18163) Big Kitchen - 3 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bathroom, with a Den, Family and Living rooms. 30 x 76 sectional manufactured home.

Sahara Modular Series MOD4683Z (SN#18164) - 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath with an office , 30 x 76 Modular home

A few highlights of the new offerings for 2024 include:

  • Waterfall Workstation Kitchen Sink

  • Arched room divider with fluted columns

  • Wood Panel Range Hood

  • 4 Bulb Caged light fixture

  • LED Black Framed Bath Mirror

  • Black Hardwood Cabinets

  • New Tiled Shower Color

  • Solid Core Interior Doors

  • Mortised Hinges

If you’d like to learn more about our homes or design your own, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Looking Forward to the New Year

The finishing touches are being put on the year 2023 and the last days of the year tick by. We are only days away from the New Year. Like every new year, there is uncertainty on what it will bring.

If you look over just the past 3 years we have seen the world go through a pandemic, an economic crisis, Interest rates went from historic lows to level not seen in decades, etc. But one thing that has stayed mostly steady has been the demand for housing.

Even when mortgage rates were near 8%, there was still a demand for homes, and we anticipate that to continue for quite some time.

Luckily, we have seen the stress on supply chain slowly get back to levels that are more normal. While we still have some home components that have lead times that are longer than pre-pandemic, they are at least reasonable. The down side to this is the cost for these materials are much higher than their pre-pandemic numbers.

Overall the cost to build a home has increased significantly over the past 3 years and buyers are looking for ways to help save money. In an article on the website CNBC late this year highlighted Modular home building as one way.

If you are in the market for a new home, we would love the opportunity to discuss the possibility of building a modular home.

From Sunrise Housing, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Take Advantage of Discounts on Display Homes

Sunrise Housing has homes at both the Iowa Falls and Des Monies locations that have been displays and are available to purchase at a discount. These homes would be available as soon as you could have a foundation to place them on.

IF Display 3

ritz-craft - modular - 1800 sq ft

More information

if display 9

Rochester - modular - 1600 sq ft

more information

IF display 12

ritz-craft - modular - 1560 sq ft

more information

Take advantage of these discounts and get a home quickly and at a price. If you want something different, stop in and talk with us about customizing a home specifically for you.

Discounted Models

Trying to get a house fast? Buying a display model is a great way to do so. Our Des Moines sales lot has three display models for sale. All 3 of which are being sold at a discount. Take a look below for more info:

dm display 1

Rochester Homes / Modular / 1,520 ft²

click here for more info

dm display 2 -
for sale at discount

wisconsin homes / modular / 1,680 sq ft

click for more info

dm display 5 -
for sale at discount

wisconsin homes / modular / 1,568 sq ft

Click here for more info


Timelines are back to Pre-COVID levels

The modular home industry has always been known for being a faster and less expensive alternative for building a home compare to building a home on-site.  It was common place to design, order a home and be able to move into it in about 6 months. 

Over the past couple of years, we have had to get used to ordering homes nearly a year before the home would be delivered.  The impact on the material supply chain pushed many component lead times to three months or more.  That coupled with extremely high demand for homes that caused a backlog of home orders, it was not uncommon for estimated deliveries for new order to be more than 10 months out. 

Today, we are seeing those lead times back where they have traditionally been.  Higher interest rates have slowed the intake of orders at the factories.  Suppliers of the components used in building home have been able to return their production to pre-pandemic levels, reducing the lead times.  The result is homes that are ordered now can still be delivered and set before the end of the year, as long as you can get your foundation built in that time. 

If you would like to be in a new home before the start of the new year, you still have a chance in making that happen.  If you aren’t worried about getting a quick turnaround and are considering building in the spring next year, it’s never too early to start planning and the early spring spots tend to sell quickly.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment to see what Sunrise Housing can do for you, contact us by phone or through our website. 

Modular Homes - Constantly Improving

Many people hear the term ‘Modular home’ and they think back to the homes built in the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Homes built with thin cardboard for walls and plastic cabinets.  Those times are far in the past and today’s modular homes can be compared to them in name only.

Throughout the years the material and construction methods used to build modular homes improved and the options available also increased.  Today’s homes have to be built to state, county and city building codes at a minimum and are often even better.  Building with the cheapest cost materials is a thing of the past and even now factories are making improvements.

Recently our Adventure Homes factory changed their cabinet drawer design.  The boxes for the drawers are now made with real wood (not partial board) with dovetail joints.  They also changed their supplier for their drawer guides making them heavier and the action smoother.

Our Rochester Homes factory is no different.  Their rafters saw an update in 2023 and they are constantly offering new and improved options like LVP flooring and quartz countertops. 

Where do these improvements come from?  They often come from customers requests.  We talk to our factories daily and discuss current and past home designs.  We also talk about any concerns we have and improvements that could be made.  We share the same goal with the factory.  Supply a home that is as good or better than a site-built home with little to no issues before, during or after the home is set. 

If you want to learn more about modular homes, how they are built, and if one may be a fit for you let us know.  We would be happy to answer any questions and help you design a home to meet your needs.

Modular is more than you might think

Say ‘modular home’ to many people and they instantly think of a boring ranch home with no curb appeal. While that may be the case, the factories we work with can add features to enhance the exterior of your home to make them anything but boring.

When it comes to modular homes, there is also more than just a simple two box ranch home option from some. Three and four box ranch homes are available as well as Cape Cod and 2 story homes. This home is an example of a multi-box ranch home.

Or take this home for instance. This two story home from Rochester Homes is usually not something people think of as a modular home, but it is more than possible to do.

While not everything is possible with modular homes, we can do a lot more than you may think. If you have a design you have found or something you’ve come up with yourself, let us take a look and see what we can do for you.

Home Buying Tips

Buying a new home can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to make the process go more smoothly:

1 Determine your budget: Before you start looking at homes, it's important to know how much you can afford. Look at your finances and figure out how much you can comfortably spend on a new home. Don't forget to factor in closing costs, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance expenses.

2 Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Knowing how much you can afford will make your home search more focused. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a clear idea of your budget and show sellers that you're a serious buyer.

3 Don’t forget the construction loan too. The process for construction loan approval is longer and more in-depth. If you can find a lending institution that deals with both construction and mortgages internally, you can sometimes save thousands of dollars in closing costs.

4 Make a list of must-haves: Knowing what you're looking for in a home can help you narrow down your options. Make a list of must-haves (like the number of bedrooms, kitchen upgrades, room sizes, bathroom sizes and features) and prioritize them.

5 Don't rush the process: Buying a home is a big decision, so don't rush into it. Take your time to design the right home that meets your needs and fits your budget. Remember, you're not just buying a house, you're investing in your future.

Third Video from the Louisville Home Show

Chance’s home world has released his third video from the Louisville Home Show that features a home from Adventure Homes. This time it is a 30 x 76 modular home.   This one has lots of new features they are offering for 2023 like the waterfall butcher block island, mini picture window in the kitchen, new style vent hood, pot filler over stove.  Here is a link to a virtual walk-thru of the home also. 

If you’d like more information about the homes that were on display at the show or would like more information about the homes we offer, please contact us through our website .

Adventure Homes at Louisville

The Louisville Manufactured Home Show was held the 18th to the 20th of January, 2023. Sunrise Housing went down to see what kinds of new trends and options that are available. A couple of our factories were there displaying homes and one (Adventure Homes) was featured on YouTube by Chance's Home World.

Adventure Homes had four homes on display at the show. Even for someone who sees and sells their homes on a daily basis, they were very impressive.

Ritz-Craft was also there displaying one of their Master-Craft Manufactured homes.

If you’d like more information about the homes that were on display at the show or would like more information about the homes we offer, please contact us through our website .

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  Everyone at Sunrise Housing is wishing you all the best for the new year.  If that includes purchasing a new home, we are ready and eager to help you.  While the demand for homes isn’t as high as a year ago, we have several homes sold for 2023 deliveries and are already into the summer for estimated set dates. 

We’ve also been restocking our locations with new display homes and more are on the way.  If you haven’t visited our locations in a while, we’ve probably got a home or two you haven’t seen. 

Our factories are seeing the material availability improve and have even begun to make changes to some of their options again.  If you started working on a home in the past, some options may have changed.

If you aren’t looking at buying this year, but might be interested in 2024, it is never too early to start to process.  We many not be able to give you an exact price or know what options and upgrades may be available for a home that far out, but we can give you a basic idea of the cost and we can start working on the floor plan for your perfect home.

Have a Merry and Safe Holiday

Everyone at Sunrise housing wants to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Because of the Winter Storm and Blizzard our offices will be closing to let our employees to stay safe with their families. We will reopen after Christmas and when the weather allows for safe travel.

If at all possible, do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you are required to travel, please make sure you go prepared for the worst.

The Basics

Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, in 2020, there were an estimated 119,000 police- reported crashes that occurred in wintry conditions. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.

Stock Your Vehicle

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:

  • a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper; 

  • abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow; 

  • jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers); 

  • blankets for protection from the cold; and 

  • a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.

  • Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself. 

  • Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on. 

  • Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

COVID-19 October 2021 Update

Our Des Moines location is now open again to walk-in traffic, as we monitor the virus situation. If you come to visit, please be mindful of other customers, and maintain social distancing.

The city of Des Moines is under a mask mandate, so please wear your mask so we can keep each other safe.

If you see there are other customers in the lobby, please allow them time to move into one of the offices in the building or wait until they have had the time they need for discussion & browsing.

Our display models remain open for walk-in viewing. High-touch surfaces are continuing to be sanitized daily.

Our Iowa Falls location continues to operate normally.

Thanks for your patience and understanding through these unusual times.

Be safe!