Viking Homes blog

Fantastic interest rates of 2011.

2011-12-30T07:12:00.001-08:00

As the year winds down to an end, we look back to what made 2011 a great year. 2011 was a year that brought one of the lowest interest rates in history. The interest rates of 2011 are a clear sign of how the affordability in the home buying marketplace is at fantastic position relative to many other times in the recent and distant past. When looking at the rates of today compared to approximately 8 years ago, it is amazing the difference in purchasing power on a new home. Now compound this with great values of new homes in today's market, buying looks to be a great decision. Read below from a blog that was posted by KCM to see more details about today's great rates.

From KCM Blog:

There is more and more research coming out showing that it makes great financial sense to purchase a home today . Whether it be rent vs. buy ratios, income-to-price ratios or income-to-mortgage payment ratios, purchasing a home right now is a bargain compared to historic norms. Now we want to look at the COST of a home today compared to pre-peak prices.

According to the most recent S&P Case Shiller price index, residential real estate values have returned to 2003 1Q PRICEs. That, in itself, says something. However, when you factor in mortgage rates, the case for buying a home today becomes even more compelling.

In 2003, 30 year mortgage rates stood at 5.88%. Today, they are 4%. How does that impact the actual COST of a home? On a home purchased for $250,000, here is the difference in monthly cost:

That means you save $285.30 a month, $3,423.60 a year and $102,708 over the life of a 30 year mortgage! You buy the home for the same PRICE but the COST is over $100,000 less.

Bottom Line

This is why so many financial advisors are saying that this may be one of the greatest times in history to purchase a home.

Reprinted from the KCM Blog - www.kcmblog.com

For more information on new homes in Pasco, Kennewick, Airway Heights and Spokane, Washington or Post Falls, Coeur d’ Alene, and Hayden, Idaho please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com.

2nd Generation

2011-05-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

A few years back Viking was looking to expand its operations. We looked at going to Boise, Moses Lake, or Montana to start building homes and expanding our market place. However, we turned all these down and chose to start up in the Tri-Cities area because of the strong employment, the lack of home inventory, and for a handful of other strategic reasons. Since we came down, we sold our first home in May of 2009 and have sold over 80 homes since.

We have transformed our company name into Viking Builders, LLC and are now based out of Kennewick, WA. Wendell’s son, Ryan Olson is now living in Kennewick heading up Viking Builders. Ryan has been working with his father his entire life through almost every job title in the construction industry.

“I have seen much, accomplished much, learned much and grown much through the teachings of my father and through the lessons of an up and down real estate cycle. I have now become a part owner of the new Viking Builders, LLC along with the backing of a valuable asset of Wendell Olson as the other partner. I have moved to Kennewick and we are now a local contractor looking for another 30 years of success. Together, Wendell and I are going to continue to strive forward and produce a valuable product with an outstanding service throughout a quality building and business practice.” – Ryan Olson

Through the hard work, dedication, and passion for building, Viking Builders will work in the same unique structure as Viking Construction and offer Semi-Custom homes.

For more information on new homes in Pasco, Kennewick, Airway Heights and Spokane, Washington or Post Falls, Coeur d’ Alene, and Hayden, Idaho please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com. Copyright 2010 by Viking Homes.

Over 30 Years Experience!

2011-03-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

The VIKING Difference

Viking Construction, Inc. is an Idaho Corporation that was started in 1980 by Wendell Olson. Wendell has succeeded in taking a very hands on approach with passion to ever home that he has built. He started this business with the mind set of customer satisfaction being the main goal. Over the years, Viking has created the reputation of being a loyal, up front, and a trustworthy company. Viking has built over 3000 homes in the Inland Empire which consists of the Spokane, WA and Coeur d’ Alene, ID areas. In 2005 we built close to 450 homes, but for the past few years we have remained the largest builder in this market place with building above and around 200 homes per year.

As the largest builder, we understand the importance of the satisfaction of our customers. Our biggest goal is to have our current customers either refer their friends and family or to move up and buy another Viking Home. Our niche market is catering to the first time buyers and/or the move up buyers. We do build on private land and have also built a 66 unit apartment complex that we own and operate ourselves.

Wendell and Viking have seen it through the bad times and the good times. We have stood strong through the high interest rates of the 80’s, the up and down swing in the early 90’s, and the boom and fall of the mid 2000’s. Through all of this we keep a very personal and hands on approach to our business. We have a passion for building great homes and meeting and/or exceeding the high expectations put forth by our customers.

Design Book

2011-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

There are an array of different ways to personalize a home. With the Viking design book, choosing and upgrading your home is a fun and creative process when designing a new home. We have an nice selection of standards and upgrades with many pictures and illustrations. Cabinets are one of the main focus of our selections as it sets the tone for one of the most important areas in the house – the Kitchen. With our cabinets, you can choose between different wood types, light or dark stains, and even the type of doors that you wish to have. Other accessories include crown moulding, glass doors, and pantry cabinets. Just know that there are numberous amounts of things you can add to a Viking home outside of our desing book. It all starts with you and your ideas! So come on in and see how we can spice up a home to meet your type of lifestyle!

Semi-Custom Experience

2011-02-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

Semi-Custom Experience

Variety of neighborhoods and plans

Viking Homes spans through out three states and operates under three different companies. These companies are all owned and operated through the Viking family.

Viking Construction, Inc - Owned and operated by Wendell Olson. Main focus is starter homes and move up buyer homes. Viking Construction also builds a few custom houses each year on land outside our masterplanned communites. For example, Viking built a home in Gozzer Ranch, a private golf course above Coeur d' Alene Lake. Viking alsobuilds a few commercial buildings including a 66 unit apartment complex in Greensferry Landing located in post Falls Idaho. Price range in master planned developments average from $115,000 to $350,000.

Viking Builders, LLC a washington limited liability company - Owned and operated by Wendell Olson and Ryan Olson. Main focus is the first time buyer and the buyer looking to move up from their first home. We have and will build on private property as well as our own. Featuring developments in Pasco and Kennewick, WA. Price range in master planed developments average from $180,000 to $350,000

Viking Builders, LLC an Arizona limited liability company - Owned and operated by Wendell Olson. Based out of Fountain Hills, AZ. Main focus is luxury style homes from $500,000 and up.

Semi-Custom Experience

2011-02-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Customizing your home

At Viking, we have two in-house drafters that are focused solely on drawing and designing homes for us. Our senior drafter has over 15 years experience with Viking alone and has created many award winning floor plans since he joined our team. We also have another highly skilled drafter at Viking that is dedicated to assisting you in the process of designing your new home.

With cutting edge technology and Computer aid drawing software, we and our drafting team are capable of producing a new home that can be drawn quickly and accurately so we can start the building process in a timely manner.

Model Home Makeover!

2011-01-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

We have just completed our new additions to our model home in Southridge and it is looking better than ever!! Now you will be able to walk through our model home and visually see all the fantastic features that Viking offers as standard that other builders charge an upgrade fee to add. These professional and attractive designs are provided by MM3 design whom is located in Kennewick, WA. These new posters, tags, and stick-ons will enhance your model home experience as you make your way through our 3132 square foot new model home in Kennewick. This is another way that we make building a home with us fun, easy and worry free! Also, our new magnetic and dry erase board in the office will help know which lots are sold, which are available and what homes are on each home site. Visit us today at our model or online at http://www.vikinghomes.com/!

A New Year in a New Viking Home!

2011-01-20T14:32:00.001-08:00

If moving into your brand new dream house tops your list of things to do in this New Year, now is precisely the time to act. The process of planning, drafting and constructing a new home involves getting all of your custom details just right, so contact Viking Homes today to begin looking at and modifying your floor plan. Early winter is the perfect time to start plans for new construction because it will allow for a summertime move in date. And if looking at floor plans doesn’t inspire you creatively, Viking offers daily open houses at all of their model homes, so you can see and feel the Viking difference before making it your own.

Semi-Custom Experience

2011-01-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

Personalizing Your Home

Semi-custom homes is defined by us as the ability to take an Existing Viking home and put on your own finishes and personalized touches. We understand that customizing your house is one of the most fun way in building a new place for you and your family to call home. We make this transformation an easy journey for you.

Our floor plans and home designs may not meet exactly what you may desire and it is our goal to provide you with the tools, knowledge and details to take one of our floor plans and modify the specification and features to fit with your families need. You can place your house where you want it, whether you want to make room to park the boat or the RV, it is your choice. At Viking you have the opportunity to sit with us and personalize your home to your families needs. We also like to call this “Building dreams for a lifetime of memories”

Winterizing your home

2010-11-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time again, time to rake the leaves, roll up the hoses and prep the yard for old man winter. This is also to time to winterize your biggest investment...your Viking home. Remember to check the furnace filter and replace if necessary. Check all windows for drafts and check the weatherstipping on all entry doors for wear. Just some easy quick things to help keep your Viking home warm and cozy and at the same time save some money. Feel free to call me (John Ristic) or any of us at Viking if you have any questions about your Viking home, it does'nt matter if you have been in your Viking home for 5 years, 10 years or if you have just moved into your brand new Vikinghome. Got a question...we can answer it. Now go winterize your Viking home and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Grand Opening of Syringa Gardens!

2010-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended the Grand Opening at Syringa Gardens located in Post Falls, Idaho. Syringa Gardens is a age restricted community and we had two models open up and the response was fantastic! Over 200 people came by to check on Syringa Gardens over the weekend. The gated community and low maintenance lifestyle were very well recieved by all the attendants. The two models show off some nice features and luxurious that you can find in Syringa Gardens at a great price. For more information and more pictures on Syringa Gardens visit www.vikinghomes.com/syringa/index.htm.

A fun go at record breaking emails at work....

2010-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just matched my record of 33 work related emails sent in the first hour of work. I know right!! It was such hard work and dedication. I could not get up from my chair, make any phone calls, or look at any paperwork in the time I was burning through the emails. I thought that I WAS going to break the record.

With two minutes and counting, I had just sent out what I know counted was the 33rd email. In the last two minutes, I was quickly scanning my inbox looking for something to reply to that would take some easy thinking and quick answers. As I spotted an email down from a day ago with the subject "sign C/O and send back" I realized that I had already printed this out last night and signed it. Now all I had to do was run back to the copier, scan the document, kick it in 5th gear and get back here to send it off. So off I was, racing down the hallway, one hand on the paper and one hand out the left blocking any "unfortunate" oncomers that may be just waking up and fumbling around the office. I got the scanner and nobody was in line. After a couple quick waves of the hand to the "water cooler" junkies, I threw the paper in and PUNCHED the button! This with, as I thought in my mind, approx 30 or less seconds to go. I did not even wait for the paper to go through and I was off down the hall, now with two hands free, there was nobody who could get in my way. I jarred Jerry in the gut and sidestepped Scott and was down the last hall. I wizzed around my desk with papers flying and through my exhausted yet exhilarated body back into my chair. I punched up the email and looked down to see that yes, it was still 7:59. All of this just happened in under 2 minutes. As I hit my email, I trembled with the quickness and careful care of hitting each key correctly. One wrong folder or one wrong double click and today just may be a normal day. I wanted this day to be a day to remember, a day where the record was broken. I was not in the mind of coming to work and talking about the "weekend" or "camping". Or was I in the mood to discuss the upset of American idol and that the one guy beat the other guy and how it was supposedly a great thing and all. No, I was focused, calm, courageous and ready to show my drive to record breaking supernova. Just as I found the key to hit, a thought of euphoria and joy came over as this road was almost over, I double clicked and attached the file and STILL it was only 7:59. As I grabbed the mouse to move it up to the send key, my hands where shaking all over the place, was I going to make it or not, record or not, just as I moved the mouse in came Wendell. "ANY SALES"

Needless to say my attention was taken away from this to give a quick eye glance to say "yes, let me grab the report and get back to you in a sec". As I turned my attention back to the mouse I raced it up the screen and Clicked SEND. I leaned back in my chair, and put my hands up in the air, I looked down to see that the time had struck 8:00 a.m. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, how could this be?? All the hard work, all the time, effort, and all of this with NO COFFEE!! NO COFFEE!! WHY! WHY!!

As I took a deep breath, and dried my tears, I realized that yes, you can work the first hour you get here in the morning. It is about good ol' fashion punchin of the digits against a hard cold keyboard. That is what really fancies me in the morning!!!!

COFFEE TIME!!

Customer Showcase of Your New Viking Home!

2010-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Viking takes a very personalized approach when building your home with our new Customer Showcase. We know that building your new home is a very special time not only for yourself, buy for your family as well. Our Customer Showcase is a progressive collection of photos that we put together of your new home while under construction that allows you to access photos of your home on our Facebook account. Take advantage of this extraordinary showcase and have your friends and family members join in on your adventure and view pictures of your new home every step of the way. At Viking, we take building your new home very personally!

Just visit www.vikinghomes.com/customer_showcase.htm and click on your home address. This will then lead you to our facebook page with pics of your new home updated every few weeks!

New homes at Syringa Gardens in Post Falls, ID!

2010-07-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

The first two homes are being constructed in Syringa Gardens. This Age-restricted gated community has already been getting a lot of attention. Sryinga Gardens is located in Post Falls, ID and right in the heart of Fieldstone. With its proximity next to walking trails and a golf course, Syringa is a fantastic new place to call home. Visit us online for more information at http://www.vikinghomes.com!

Fresh, friendly and fun...

2010-06-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of the flat screen TV's a few years back, fireplaces have become an easier amenity in the family room to work around. Before the flat screens, you would always have to wonder "where should I put my TV?" If the fireplace went in that corner, that means that the TV goes over there, then the couch there and so forth. It seemed that the two most commonly seen items in the family rooms where fighting over the lead role as the dominant feature of this area of the home.

That has all changed. Fireplaces are now synonymous with Plasmas, LCDS, LEDS and whichever type of flat screen TV you purchase. Corner fireplaces and TV's are now in the same corner or the same area of the family room with the TV mounted and the cozy fireplace nearby.

In our latest design by John Ristic at Viking, we have put together a stone Fireplace with an area off to the side for a TV mount and a flat screen all enclosed within a niche area of the Family room. This design promotes a custom feel with intricate stone work and also feeds the energy for the family room and the entire house. Below the TV, there is a shelf that can accommodate your accessories.

These new designs and the people that are here to work with you are what makes building a new home with Viking fresh, friendly and fun. We take ideas from our customers, trade shows, magazines, and from our own life and place them inside our homes to fit needs of today's home buyers. Come visit a Viking model today and see how we can incorporate your family's desires into a new Viking home!

New home sizes are on the way down.

2010-06-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

As per an article posted on Nahbenews.com, it states that the average size of new homes has been on the decline since topping out in 2005. This article states that the average size of homes last year was 2,438 compared with the peak of 2,521 square feet in 2007. The downward trend is likely to continue with the in flex of new home buyers entering into the market and the conscious effort by eco friendly customers that are trying to keep their carbon foot print a bit smaller. Read full story at http://nahbenews.com/nahbmmbl/issues/2010-06-21.html

At Viking, we have been designing a new line of homes that range between 2,106 square feet to 2,410 square feet. There are Five new plans that are hear or coming soon that fit in between this range.

The Manhattan - 2,106 rancher with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, great room, kitchen with double island, large nook, and flex area.

The Avalon - 2,360 sf two story with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, loft upstairs, office on main level, formal dining room, nook and large kitchen.

The Hillcrest - 2,287 sf two story with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, loft/4 bed upstairs, office on main level, kitchen, nook, family room and 3 car garage.

The Hansbury - 2,410 sf two story with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, flex area upstairs, office on main level and a very open kitchen, nook and family room plus 3 car.

These new plans have been very popular and they are following the trend down in the square footage range.

Spokane named in top 10 cities in the Nation for Families!

2010-06-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Spokane was ranked #7 in the top cities in the nation for familes to live by Parenting Magazine. Although, people already living in the area may know about the nice weather with 4 seasons, over 4,000 acres of parks, fantastic hospital, a revitalized downtown and many playgrounds that make Spokane so attractive. Now, more families will now see what a great area the Inland Northwest is to reside.

Also, in this article it mentions Spokane as being #1 city for Education and the #4 city for healthiest! Accompany this with the beautiful Spokane River, fantastic mountain landscape and easy access to a large airport and you can see why Spokane is growing as fast as it is.

Check out the article at http://www.parenting.com/article/Mom/Work--Family/Best-Cities-2010-Spokane-WA

What would you like to see in your new home?

2010-06-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Drop down counter at the Master Vanity...

For the past year or so, I have been adding a few different touches to the Viking home lineups. Each touch comes from a different backgrounds. Some ideas come from comments, suggestions, or individual change orders. Other ideas come from walking through homes or just simply trying something a little different. The idea of a drop down counter in the master bathroom was an idea that has really grabbed a lot of attention.

The goal for this drop down area is to add a new twist to a master bathroom. With the addition of a drop down, the two sinks truly become "each person's sink". In my household, I can get ready comfortably on my side of the bathroom without the lady items(which consist of a very large array of equipment) crossing over onto my portion of the bathroom. It is nice to feel the ownership of "your side" of the vanity.

The other idea would be to make the drop down portion into a makeup counter. Also, itcould be a place for different decorations like plants, towels and other items. With the amount of open space underneath the counter, you could slide a chair underneath or perhaps a hidden laundry basket and trashcan.

This new twist to the master bathroom is not only visually appealing, but very functional as well.

SO, what would you like to see in your new home?

Return to simplicity?

2010-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Our new model home in Strawberry homes is getting great reviews from our customers. The simplicity of the white subway tiles in the kitchen are gathering much of the attention. We went to the cooler grey wall color throughout this house to give a softer feel. The white tile backsplash pull out the beauty of the dark color cabinets and help accent the luxury cafe' stainless steel GE appliances. In the master, you will find more of the same subway tiles with a few grey tiles mixed in to give off a crisp and clean look. The white tub really glimmers when placed next to these two styles. Overall, this model has been a fantastic move to a new look to match some of today's most current trends. Visit us at our model home or check out more photos online at http://ww w.vikinghomes.com/strawberry_fields/index.htm

For more information on new homes in Pasco, Kennewick, Airway Heights and Spokane, Washington or Post Falls, Coeur d’ Alene, and Hayden, Idaho please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com. Copyright 2010 by Viking Homes.

New Home Sale!

2010-04-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Vicki and her team at Southridge for selling the Prasada on Lot 49. There was just enough time to select some choices in the home. The customer will be meeting with Great Floors to select all the flooring and they still had time to select cabinets and all the exterior colors! The Prasada is one of our best selling Floor plans. This home boasts 3132 square feet with all the right amenities. There are 4 bedrooms upstairs with a loft and a laundry room. The master bedroom has its own hallway with double doors that open to a large room with an extra sitting area off to the side with a window. The master bathroom includes a 5' shower with double seats and a glass shower door. Also, a garden tub, linen closet, enclosed toilet area, double sinks with additional make up counter and oversized closet can be found here! The entry is accompanied with tiled floors and a double glass door entry into the nearby office. Also, 9' ceilings are standard in the entire main level which include a formal dining room, powder bath and separate mud room! Visit a model today to see how Viking can help create your next dream home!

Visit http://www.vikinghomes.com/madison_park/model/index.html for more pics on the Prasada Model.

4 more days for $8,000 tax credit!

2010-04-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just 4 days now remain to take advantage of the Home buyers tax credit. A home must be signed under contract by April 30th, 2010 for a chance to receive this credit. Qualified home buyers will be able to receive $8000 if you are a first time buyer and $6500 if you are buying this home to replace the one you sold. The home you purchase must be completed by June 30th, 2010 to receive this tax credit. Go to www.vikinghomes.com/taxcredit/index.htm for more info on the government tax credit to see if you qualify. Viking still has homes available to meet the deadline of June 30th! Check us out at www.vikinghomes.com/available or come down to our model homes today!!

New trends in kitchen sinks??

2010-04-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

I am putting a new sink as an option for Viking Homes. This single bowl undermount stainless steel sink caught my attention the moment I saw it.

The undermount sink has been a great idea for a few years now. With the ease of wiping off counters directly into this sink, it makes cleaning up much easier. It is also a very polished look to have the sink underneath the counters. However, you will have to upgrade to granite, quartz, or other materials to gain this look.

The part that I really liked was the single bowl aspect over the double bowl traditional sink. It seems like whenever I cook at the house, I am always using the big pots and pans. These are very difficult to clean in a double bowl sink because you just don't have the room to maneuver in the tight compartments. You have to get half of the pot wet and then scrub the other half over a towel or on top of the sink. I always end up making a great mess with water everywhere! With the single bowl sink, you can just toss all your pots in the bottom of the sink and keep the mess contained.

Also, when I am scraping off food, I always get food on the "non" garbage disposal side. I end up having to pick out the food with my hands and throw it away because it gets clogged up. With this new sink, there is only one drain with disposal therefore eliminating this problem.

Overall, I like the trendy look of a single bowl sink and the efficiency of the space. So, any other comments, ideas, or suggestions out there on which sink you prefer?

New Phase in Madison Park NOW OPEN!

2010-03-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Madison Park has opened its second phase due to the great success of the first phase. Home sites in the second phase are right behind the model home and already there are 2 sold and 3 more pending. Madison Park is located in Pasco, Washington and is priced from the low $180's. Our model home is open daily 12 - 5 p.m. and is fully furnished. Come see us today!

New Home Sale!

2010-03-17T09:42:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Vicki Monteagudo and her team at Madison Park in Pasco for selling the Edinburgh home. The Edinburgh is a 2323 square foot two story home with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Downstairs you will find 9' ceilings, a coffered family room and a large kitchen with island and walk in pantry. Upstairs is the master bedroom which includes a shower with glass door, garden tub, linen closet, enclosed water closet and double sinks! Also, upstairs is a large loft great for a game room or a second family room. The laundry room is located upstairs as well to be closer to all the bedrooms.

New Home Sale!

2010-03-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Bob Sandeno and his team up at Sunridge for selling the Riverwood. Sunridge is located in North Spokane, Washington on the 5 mile prairie. This Riverwood was unique because it had a true walk out lower level. It is a split entry home with 2670 square feet and enough space for up to 6 bedrooms.

New Home Sale!

2010-03-01T07:21:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Vicki Monteagudo and her team at Southridge for selling a Hansbury in Southridge. The Hansbury is a 2410 sq ft two story home with many unique characteristics. The open kitchen, dining and family room are the center of all attention in this amazingly entertaining lower level. The peninsula is custom designed and with its 12" granite eating bar, many quests can pull of a stool and be part of the fun when cooking dinner or serving casual snacks. Included in all Southridge homes now are full yard sod and sprinkers, rear yard fencing, granite counters in kitchen and tile floors at entry, kitchen and nook. Come by today to see the quality of Viking homes at Southridge.

Click here for more pics of the Hansbury:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hayden-ID/Viking-Homes/191241482113?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=146533&id=191241482113

Model Home Sold!

2010-02-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

Prasada place will have a new model home starting the 1st part of April. We have just sold the previous model home "the Caserta". This home boasts 2810 square feet with some great features. A formal living room, formal dining room, family room and large kitchen with island are found on the main floor. Upstairs you will find an open loft with custom railing, 2 guest bedrooms, a laundry and a luxurious master suite. Inside the suite comes a corner tiled soaking tub, tiled shower, double sinks and a large walk in closet. Our new model home will be ready for viewing in April and it will be the Cimarron XL. Come on out and view the Caserta one last time before it is too late at Prasada Place!

New Home Sale!

2010-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Eric Tucker and his sales team at the Traditions. They just sold the Whistler by Viking that was just completed. The Whistler is a 1850 square foot 2 story home. It has a large family room, nook and kitchen on the main level. Also, you will find 3 bedrooms and a loft upstairs. This home was equipped with black appliances, full backsplash in kitchen, double sinks in master bedroom, covered front porch and more! Come see us at fully furnished model at the Traditions located in Airway Heights, Washington.

For more information on new homes by Viking Homes in Pasco, Kennewick, Spokane, and Idaho, please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com.

Are you a fan of the "Flex" area?

2010-02-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

We have designed a few of our homes with "flex" areas in them. These "flex" areas are attached to the family room and are supposed to be flexible to whatever a customer wants to do with them. They could be turned into a play room, a media niche, a work station, a wet bar, a pantry or just an open place for a piano. I have gotten some good feedback on these "flex" areas lately about how nice it is to have a computer area next to the family room and kitchen where everyone can interact together. Also, this has been popular to most because it does not take an entire room for just a desk and a computer. Do you believe that moving away from the traditional home office and creating a media hub of the house is a trend of the near future....or would you utilize this area differently?

The shoppers are out in February!

2010-02-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

The amount of customers shopping for new homes has picked up throughout all our neighborhoods. Everywhere from the Tri Cities to Spokane and Idaho have all seen a surge of interested customers out looking for new homes. It's not just the quantity of customers that is impressive, it is also the quality of customers. We are also seeing a wide range of buyers coming out. Any where from the low $100's to the mid $300's. We even got two offers on the same house at the same time!! All of our furnished models are open daily and each model has a unique character and feel. So join the fun and come out and see us today!

The pic shown is of the Greenbriar model in Strawberry Fields. View the video of the Greenbriar at www.vikinghomes.com/strawberry_fields/index.htm. For more info on new homes in Tri Cities, Spokane, and Idaho, please visit www.vikinghomes.com Copyright 2010 by Viking Homes.

New Hansbury in Madison Park

2010-02-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Starting a new Hansbury on Lot 6 in Madison Park tomorrow. The Hansbury is our newest 2410 square foot two story home with a 3 car garage. 3 bedrooms + loft are featured on the upper level, while an office, family room, informal dining, kitchen and laundry are located on the main floor. The large corner pantry in the kitchen is a great addition accompanied with an over sized peninsula with 12" eating bar. The kitchen is very unique and you will have to see it to appreciate the custom feel. The Hansbury is priced at $219, 782 with open railing, 8' garage doors, tile entry, stainless steel appliances and more.

Image shown is a sample picture from a Hansbury under construction in Southridge. For more information regarding new homes in Pasco and Kennewick, visit us at www.vikinghomes.com.

2 new homes start in Madison Park tomorrow!

2010-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

We are digging two new homes in Madison Park this Thursday. Lot 17 is set to start digging tomorrow and it is the Prasada floor plan similar to the model home and it is a presale. Lot 18 is set to start digging tomorrow as well and this is also a Prasada presale. The Prasada is 3132 square feet and offers 4 bedrooms with a loft and laundry room all upstairs. Downstairs you will find a grand entry with an office just off the entry. Also, a formal dining room kitchen with large island and open family room are standard in this plan. Accompanied with a fully sheet rocked and insulated 3 car garage, the Prasada is a very flexible design for any sized family.

For more information on new homes in Pasco and Kennewick, Washington, please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com

New Home Sale!

2010-02-09T13:50:00.001-08:00

New home sale in Southridge Estates over the weekend. Good work to Vicki and the Southridge team. The Prasada by Viking is a 3132 square foot 2 story with 4 bedrooms, loft, formal dining, office and 3 car garage. The new customer was able to select vinyl fencing around the rear yard, and a full yard landscaping package. Also, they made it just in time to select all the exterior colors of their new home!!

For more information on this community or any other Viking Home community, please visit us online at www.vikinghomes.com.

New Mesquite Model Home in Southridge Estates

2010-02-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

New model home now open in Southridge Estates. The Mesquite is Viking's newest addition to an incredible lineup homes in this upscale neighborhood located in Kennewick Washington. This house is fully furnished and open daily from 12-5 p.m. for viewings. Come down and see how Viking can create a home to fit your lifestyle!

For more information on Viking Homes, please visit www.vikinghomes.com