A spacious two-story house with beige siding and stone accents, featuring a large driveway and manicured lawn. A welcoming, suburban atmosphere.

The housing market is always changing—and so are the types of homes local buyers are looking for. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern home in Elkhorn or a charming traditional-style house in Lincoln, staying on top of current trends can help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

Classic Colonial & Traditional American Styles Still Reign

In the Omaha area, Colonial and traditional American-style homes continue to be a favorite. These timeless designs—with their symmetrical exteriors, functional floor plans, and family-friendly appeal—are especially common in neighborhoods like PapillionBennington, and parts of Lincoln.

If you’re searching for a home that’s both comfortable and familiar, these classic styles might be a perfect match.

Mediterranean Homes? Not So Common Here

Mediterranean-style homes—with their stucco finishes, terracotta roofs, and sprawling layouts—tend to be found in warmer, coastal markets like California and Florida. While they offer high-end curb appeal and luxury features, they’re less common in Nebraska and western Iowa.

That said, a few custom builds in upscale neighborhoods around West Omaha or Gretna might incorporate Mediterranean-inspired design, but they typically come with a higher price tag.

Smaller Homes Are In Demand

Here in the Omaha metro, bigger isn’t always better. Over the past few years, more buyers are showing interest in smaller, more efficient homes, especially in walkable communities and established neighborhoods like Dundee, Midtown Omaha, or the Haymarket District in Lincoln.

Whether it’s first-time buyers looking for value or downsizers wanting less maintenance, compact homes in desirable areas are seeing strong demand—and often competitive offers.

Why It Matters for Local Buyers

You don’t need to be a real estate expert to benefit from understanding what’s trending in the market. Whether you’re just starting your home search in Council Bluffs or you’re ready to make an offer in Elkhorn, having the right insight can help you feel more prepared and in control.

At Flat Branch Home Loans, we stay in tune with market trends across Nebraska and western Iowa so we can better guide you through the homebuying process—wherever you’re looking to plant roots.