Are you tired of "cookie-cutter" houses? If you’ve been searching for a home in the Omaha area but find that volume builders aren't meeting your specific needs, it might be time to consider the custom route.

In a recent livestream, David Matney of Nebraska Realty sat down with Haley Fleer to discuss the unique approach of Buckland Homes, a premier custom builder making waves in Omaha, Gretna, and Bennington.

Meet the Builder: The Buckland Difference

What sets Buckland Homes apart from high-volume production builders? It starts with the man behind the name, Mark. With over 30 years of experience, starting as a framer, Mark is a "hands-on" builder who still wears his tool belt.

Unlike builders who churn out 50+ homes a year, Buckland focuses on 10 to 20 high-quality builds. This allows for:

• Direct Supervision: The builder is on-site, ensuring every detail meets his standards.

• True Customization: Whether you want to tweak an existing plan or bring your own, the process is collaborative.

• Superior Standards: Features that are often "upgrades" elsewhere—like LED ceiling details, custom wood shelving, and insulated/painted garages—come standard with Buckland.

Top Locations for New Construction

Buckland Homes is currently building in some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Omaha metro, with a heavy focus on the booming Gretna area. Key neighborhoods include:

• Highland Trails (Gretna)

• South Streams

• Magnolia

• Grunther Ridge

Whether you already own a lot or need help "horse trading" to secure the perfect piece of land, the team can assist in finding the right spot in Gretna East, Elkhorn, or Bennington.

What to Expect: The Timeline and Budget

One of the most surprising takeaways from Haley’s interview was the efficiency of the build. While many custom builds take 10–12 months, Buckland Homes can often complete a project in 6 to 7 months once permits are pulled.

Price Points:

• Custom builds typically range from the mid-$500s to over $1 million.

• Featured spec homes, like those in Highland Trails, offer 5-bedroom layouts and finished basements for approximately $625,000 - $640,000.

Pro-Tips for Future Homeowners

If you are considering building custom, Haley and David shared several essential tips:

1. Get Pre-Approved Early: Before falling in love with a floor plan, ensure your budget aligns with your loan.

2. The "North Side" Advantage: Choosing a lot on the north side of the street lets the sun help shovel your driveway in the winter.

3. Plan Your Appliances: For custom cabinetry to fit perfectly (especially for extra-wide fridges), have your appliance selections picked out early.

4. Don't Forget the "Flex Space": Many Buckland plans include a versatile room in the basement perfect for a home gym, theater, or playroom.

Final Thoughts

Building a custom home doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a builder who prioritizes quality over quantity and a dedicated real estate team to guide you through the selections, you can create a space that is uniquely yours.

Planning a relocation? David Matney offers virtual Zoom showings and recordings for out-of-state clients to help them learn the market before they arrive. Reach out via the contact info in the video description to get started.

⭐ David Matney | Nebraska Realty

⭐ calendly.com/livinginomaha/chat 

☎️ Call or Text: 402-490-6771

📨 Email: davidmatney@nebraskarealty.com

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