Real Estate Information Archive

There are a number of factors to consider and questions to pose when figuring out if a home is right for you – is the neighborhood safe, what is the school district rated, how far of a commute will it be to work, is it central to local amenities, etc. One other important item to consider is whether or not you want your house to be located within a Homeowners Association (HOA). 

In today’s blog post we are going to discuss the pros and cons of living in a community with a Homeowners Association. But before we dive into the meat and potatoes, we want to make sure you first understand exactly what an HOA is:

An HOA is an organization that is created to help run, maintain and manage a community, subdivision or condominium. The residents residing within the community are responsible for monthly or annual dues which the HOA uses to maintain shared spaces, as well as carry out other duties such as meeting management, rule enforcement and financial planning.

What are the pros of an HOA?

-A pro of living in a community with an HOA is that the organization typically is in charge of handling community maintenance. This could include things such as snow removal, landscaping and the upkeep of roads within the planned community. 

-Neighborhoods with an HOA typically offer (and will therefore manage/maintain) community amenities. These can include areas such as pools, parks, tennis courts, community centers, etc. and are all assessable to community members. 

-The organization will ensure that all members are abiding by the rules and set standards of the HOA, including the appearance of the exterior of properties. These standards can help protect the value of your home. 

-The HOA will make sure that the neighborhood and/or building is kept clean and neat.

-Lastly, you can lean on the HOA to step in on your behalf if you were to have an issue arise with a neighbor. 

What are the cons of an HOA?

-The main issue many people have with an HOA is the cost to be part of the community. It is important to note that the cost can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and is based on things such as property and access to amenities. 

-Another downside is the unexpected fines and fees that can potentially arise if you were to do something that goes against the rules and regulations that have been set by the HOA. You, the homeowner, are expected to know, understand and abide by the standards of the community. 

-Lastly, there is a potential for things to become political within an HOA which turns some people off. 

From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers - whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!

With many local events and activities on pause for the next few weeks, we wanted to bring you a few virtual events that you and your family can enjoy from the comfort of your own home this weekend. You will find events for the craft lovers, animal enthusiasts, sustainability aficionados and more. Enjoy!  

What: Art Adventures: 3D Drawing
When: April 17th | 10:30am – 11:00am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

*Spend the morning at home creating your own masterpieces while learning all about the art from Joslyn’s collection. The Museum will go live on Facebook for an art-making lesson – all you need to bring are a few simple materials. Visit the website for a list of what you will need, with free kits are available each Thursday (beginning at 9am, while supplies last) for pick-up outside the museum. 

What: Virtual Earth Day Omaha
When: April 18th | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Website: http://earthdayomaha.org/

*This is a free community-wide virtual event and the largest gathering of Omaha’s sustainability community. Spend the afternoon learning about eco-adventures that you can participate in while you are quarantined at home while also experiencing interactive activities ranging from yoga to a family dance party. 

What: Virtual Creative Mornings/Omaha: Purpose featuring Candias Jones and Naomi Hattaway
When: April 17th | 8:00am – 9:30am
Website:https://creativemornings.com/talks/virtual-audience-takes-the-stage?fbclid=IwAR03oL3608gxn8b09t1qinedaZkIf4INkYuW0BclNCo9RmF-Yy7ia_YJQDw

*Join Candias Jones and Naomi Hattaway as they lead a discussion on understanding your purpose on the other side of a pandemic. The event will be hosted via Zoom.  

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 17th | 2:00pm-2:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaZoo/

*Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is home to over 36,000 animals. Get ready for an exclusive interactive video that highlights animal enrichment, behind-the-scenes experiences and other educational activities.

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment
When: April 17th & 18th | 3:00pm-3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/

*Don’t miss this short segment that features exclusive moments with raptors and critters from Fontenelle Forest. This is a must-attend for all animal lovers! 

What: Handmade Omaha Cyber Show
When: April 18th – 26th
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/161296698264954/

*Shop from a coveted collection of local talented artists who handmake art, crafts and artisan goods at this multi-day craft event. There will be photos, videos and more for you to enjoy. 

Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here for more useful tips and tricks!

If you are a first-time home buyer you may come across words or phrases during the buying process that you are unfamiliar with, thus causing a level of confusion and unnecessary stress. Two of those terms may be pre-qualified and pre-approved – and while they sound similar, it is crucial that you understand the differences.

And as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be covering in today’s blog post. We want to ensure you are equipped with all the knowledge possible to make the home buying process as enjoyable as possible. Because after all, it’s an exciting and wonderful time! Let’s jump in: 

For home buyers, one of the first steps in the mortgage process is to get pre-qualified for a home loan. Essentially this step allows you to provide the lender with an overview of your financial picture and can typically be done online or over the phone. You can expect to provide things such as debts, assets, income, etc. The lender will then evaluate your information and provide you an estimate of the mortgage that you may qualify for. 
*It is important to note that this is not a complete assessment of your ability to purchase a home, but simply will provide you an idea of what you can potentially be approved for. This also does not take into account your credit report. 

The pre-approval process, on the other hand, is more in depth and a much more involved process. This process requires the home buyer to complete an official mortgage application, in addition to providing items such as credit reports and bank statements. The lender will then do a very thorough assessment of your provided information and can submit an exact mortgage amount that you are approved for. Being armed with this information is crucial when starting your home search as you will understand exactly how much home you can afford and not waste time on properties out of your price range.  

Be sure to check back each week for more real estate and Omaha, NE community information! Also, are you following us on Facebook? If not, be sure to check us out here!

It is no secret that Easter may look a little different this weekend than years past. Many events are cancelled and the call for social distancing has caused a lot of families to opt for staying home instead of celebrating with loved ones.

However, thanks to technology, we want to keep the fun rolling and allow the spirit of the season to shine through. Which is why we have listed how to have a virtual Easter egg hunt below along with other fun virtual events that local Omaha, NE businesses are offering. We hope you enjoy, are staying safe, and have a wonderful Easter weekend! 

How to hold a virtual Easter egg hunt:

-Invite family, friends and loved ones to your event! Send out a text or email outlining the date, time, supplies they will need, hiding spots (more on this below) and a link to the videoconferencing app you wish to use. (*It may be a good idea to hold a quick call on the app of your choosing a day or two before the big hunt to ensure everyone is set up and knows how to use the technology. This will allow for fewer headaches and confusion the day of!) 

-All hosts must hide the eggs in the same places in each home. An example of potential spots could be on the TV stand, underneath the couch cushion, behind the bed frame, under the kitchen sink, in the bathtub, etc. You want to be sure to outline each spot in the invitation to ensure everything flows and all hosts are on the same page. 

-Create markers and clues that will help each egg hunter find the hidden eggs. 

-The big day: Once everyone is logged in and the scavenger hunt begins, each host will read the clues to the hunters. Everyone will then work together to find the hidden Easter eggs in their respective hiding spots.  (*Make it fun by doing a close-up of each discovery, make everyone do a ‘victory dance’ when an egg is found, give pep talks, etc. The point is to smile throughout and have fun!) 

-Count up the eggs at the end to ensure each one was found! 

Virtual Omaha, NE events from local businesses: 

What: The Durham Museum Field Trip: Featuring Early Transportation 
When: April 10th | 10am – 10:30am
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/event/digital-learning-18/?instance_id=17378
*Free event

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 10th | 2:00pm – 2:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaZoo/
*Free event

What: Art Adventures: Pop-Up Critters
When: April 10th | 10:30am – 11am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/
*Free event

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment 
When: April 10th & 11th | 3:00pm – 3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/
*Free event

What: Interrogated: Improv
When: April 10th | 10:00pm – 11:00pm
Website: https://www-backlinecomedy-com.seatengine.com/shows/124933
*Cost: $7.00

What: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Conversation
When: April 10th | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Website: https://www.trifaith.org/events/

What: Stories Coffee Co. Date Night with Chris Saub
When: April 11th | 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/storiescoffeecompany/posts/2812951985448860:0
*Cost: $30-$35, delivery not included

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!

If you are looking to purchase your first home in Omaha, NE then you won’t want to miss today’s blog post! 

The home buying process for first time buyers is very exciting, yet also can seem daunting and overwhelming at times. That is why we have outlined the process in a few simple steps below in hopes that you can familiarize yourself with what to expect. Ready to find your first home? Let’s dive in! 

-The first thing you want to do is get an idea of the type of property you are looking for. This will help you effectively communicate your wants and needs to your realtor and keep you from wasting your time at showings that ultimately will not interest you.

-Next, find a great real estate agent. This step is crucial because not only will you be spending a lot of time with your realtor, but you want to find someone that has extensive knowledge of the area, is hard working and will work in your best interest. Your relationship with your real estate agent will be the foundation of your home buying process, so make sure you find someone you can trust. 

-Find a lender and work with your loan agent to figure out which mortgage is right for you. You will then follow the application process and submit all required material.

-This is where the fun starts – find your dream home! Your agent will begin setting up showings with potential properties that fit your criteria and budget. 

-Once you find a property that you love you will work with your real estate agent to craft an offer on the home. The offer will have specifics such as price, proposed settlement date and contingencies. 

From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers - whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!

As we are getting used to the new normal with social distancing, local Omaha, NE businesses are getting creative with different ways to keep their patrons involved and entertained. Below we have listed a few virtual events that are taking place this weekend for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their own home. So, grab your computer and a snack and get ready for some serious virtual fun! 

What: April (e-pril) First Friday!
When: April 3rd
Website: http://www.bffomaha.org/

This event will highlight and feature local artists through virtual gallery tours, digital interactions and after-dark projections.

What: The Durham Museum Field Trip: Photo Archive
When: April 3rd | 10:00-10:30am
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/event/digital-learning-18/?instance_id=17378
*Free event

This interactive and engaging event is taught by educators and can be accessed through Zoom (on laptop or mobile). Attendees will enjoy this unique and historic experience through images, artifacts and videos with a behind-the-scenes look of the Museum.

What: Virtual Music Bingo
When: April 3rd – 5th | 6:30pm
Website: https://www.innerrailfoodhall.com/deliverypickup

With the purchase of food and drinks from Inner Rail Food Hall, patrons will be eligible to play via Zoom and receive bingo cards with instructions with their order. And no bingo game is complete without some good tunes, so DJ Animale will keep the music going!

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 3rd | 2:00-2:15pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/zoo-from-home

Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 36,000 animals - tune in for a behind-the-scenes experience unlike any other! Attendees will enjoy exclusive interactive videos that highlight educational activities and animal enrichment. 

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment
When: April 3rd & 4th | 3:00-3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/
*Free event

Calling all animal enthusiasts! This short segment showcases exclusive up-close and personal moments with Fontenelle Forest's raptors and critters – you won’t want to miss this! 

Be sure to check back each week for more real estate and Omaha, NE community information! Also, are you following us on Facebook? If not, be sure to check us out here!

Today concludes our three-part deep cleaning series and we believed we saved the best for last. We will be giving you all the tips and tricks for common areas and the laundry room – let’s dive right in!

Common areas:

-Couches and chairs: Arguably some of the most used furniture in your home, especially in your common areas, are couches and chairs which is why you want to ensure these areas stay clean and clear. Start by removing cushions and vacuum the base, paying special attention to corners and nooks where crumbs are sure to be hiding. Depending on your couch, you can also rotate your cushions to make sure they stay firm and hold shape. Tip: Use a lint roller to remove pesky pet hair from cushions. 

-Wooden furniture: Start by removing any and all items from the wood furniture and eliminate any surface dust with a dust rag. Next, take polish or wood cleaner and go over the entire wooden surface. Tip: If your furniture has water stains, try blowing a hair dryer at a close range and using mineral oil or furniture polish to treat the wood after. 

-Dust (Everything): One of the most time-consuming activities, depending on how many decorative items you have around the house, is dusting. We recommend removing all items and dusting them individually, versus just dusting around the items, but that is totally up to you and how much patience you have. 

-Clean the electronics: How many times do you touch your TV remote? And times that by how many people in your household use that remote – yikes! What we are getting at is your TV remote is another breeding ground for germs so be sure to disinfect it regularly. Make sure all the electronics around your home get a good wipe down and use a microfiber cloth for the front of the screens. 

-Wipe down ceiling fans, baseboards, light fixtures: You can utilize vacuum extensions for those hard to reach places such as high ceiling fans and corners. Use streak-free glass cleaner for windows and gently wipe down light fixtures. When it comes to baseboards, you should use a damp cloth to gather and catch the dust that has accumulated. And another reminder to disinfect those doorknobs! 

Laundry room

-Wipe down countertops and laundry machines: As lint tends to settle on pretty much every surface in the laundry room, take a damp cloth to remove any buildup. Additionally, take a moment to throw away any empty detergent bottles and misplaced, used dryer sheets. 
-Sanitize the washing machine: After time your washing machine can start to develop mold buildup, which is why it’s a good idea to sanitize it at least once a year. You can do this by running the self-cleaning cycle using hot water with a little bleach – be sure there are no clothing items in the machine when sanitizing. Tip: To clean the rubber seal around the door use a vinegar solution or multi-purpose cleaner. 

-Clean dryer vent: You should be removing lint from the lint trap after each load of laundry to prevent buildup and a potential fire hazard.

-Vacuum and/or mop the floor: Remove all items from the floor prior to vacuuming and moping and be sure to pay close attention to corners of the room where dust and lint are sure to accumulate.

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!

Welcome to part two of our deep cleaning series! Today we are going to be covering three new areas of your home - bathrooms, bedrooms and closets. Let’s jump right in:

Bathrooms: the place where all dirty hands are washed, business is handled, and germs like to gather. Be sure to pay extra attention and disinfect just a little more here!

-Door knobs and handles: Using disinfectant wipes or multi-purpose cleaner, take some time to thoroughly wipe down these areas as they are some of the germiest in your home. Handles are used multiple times a day and many people don’t think do disinfect them often – so here is your chance! 

-Sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers: The first thing you should do is spray all areas with disinfectant cleaner and let it soak for a while to break up any build up that has accumulated. After a few minutes, scrub all areas including the base of the toilet. 

-Bath mats, hand towels, cloth shower curtains: Before doing anything, be sure to check the care tags to ensure they are machine washable. If they are, throw those puppies in! To keep them from wrinkling in the dryer, you want to set your heat to low, take them out while they are still slightly damp and hang them up to finish drying. 

-Drawers and under sinks: No matter how hard you may try to keep these areas clean they always seem to get cluttered and messy overtime. The first thing you should do is take all the items out and put them on the floor. Next, sort through and throw out any products/items that you no longer use or need to clear the clutter. You then want to wipe the bottoms of the drawers and cabinets. Lastly put back all your items, making sure to put the most used items near the front so you can easily access them.

-Mirrors and light fixtures: Taking a small amount of vinegar on a damp rag, thoroughly wipe down all mirrors and light fixtures in your bathroom. Pay special attention for any buildup that has settled into corners and edges of the areas. 

-Glass shower doors: Fewer things are more frustrating than water spots and/or soap scum build up on your glass shower doors. To remedy this, try spraying warm distilled white vinegar and let it sit for about thirty minutes before sprinkling baking soda on top. Lastly, scrub everything away to reveal your sparkling glass doors! If you don’t have white vinegar and baking soda, you can also try using a damp dryer sheet to remove the buildup. 

Bedrooms:

-Bedding: First, remove all the bedding and throw it in the wash. If for whatever reason you are unable to wash certain items, such as pillows or down comforters, you can look into taking them to a dry cleaner for a freshen up. 

-Dust/clean surfaces: Clean any mirrors and/or windows in the room with appropriate cleaner and rag, and dust surfaces such as nightstands and dressers. Additionally, don’t forget those often-neglected surfaces such as ceiling fans (use damp paper towels to collect dust), window treatments and headboards.

-Vacuum and/or mop floors: Don’t forget to pay extra attention to baseboards and corners of the rooms where dust and allergens are most likely to accumulate.

-Flip and freshen your mattress: To freshen your mattress, try sprinkling baking soda on top and letting it sit for just under an hour before vacuuming it up. Additionally, if you have a pillowtop mattress you should consider rotating it to help keep its shape. 

Closets: 

-Wipe down shelves and drawers: When deep cleaning, it is best to remove all the items so you can do a thorough clean of the surface. Take a damp rag to remove any buildup.

-Vacuum carpet: Again, remove all items from the floor and do a onceover with your vacuum paying attention to the corners of the closet. Also be sure to check the corners of the ceiling for any cobwebs or dust bunnies that have accumulated. 

Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here for more useful tips and tricks!

Due to the world’s current events, cleanliness is on everyone’s mind now more than ever. And while washing your hands is a great way to stay healthy you also want to make sure to keep your household surfaces clean and disinfected.

In a three-part series, we are going to be covering the best and most effective ways to deep clean the rooms of your Omaha, NE home. Let’s dive in!

*Before you actually get your hands dirty there are a few things you want to do to prepare. First, take a few minutes to clear away clutter on your floors, tabletops, countertops, etc. to ensure you are able to reach all the places you need to. Next, make a game plan. Take a few minutes and do a walk-through of your home to map out what rooms you will tackle when and which areas will need a little extra attention (i.e. bathrooms and kitchen). Lastly, take note of what products you will need and make sure you have everything prior to starting your cleaning journey. Trust us, you will thank us later when you don’t have to make a last-minute run to the store! 

Kitchen: 
-Wipe down and disinfect countertops: Countertops are one of the most commonly used surfaces in your home and therefore can harbor endless amounts of germs. Before starting, remove ALL items off the surfaces and use disinfectant sprays and/or cleaning wipes to clean every part of your countertops – do not forget the corners and backsplashes. Don’t forget to wipe down appliances and other items as you place them back on the countertops. 

-Disinfect the sink: Using bleach or a disinfectant, give your sink basin a good scrub. Especially if you cook raw meats in your home, your sink can be home to many germs and bacteria. You will also want to throw away old sponges as they are germ magnets!

-Cabinets: Use a damp rag to clean off dirt or dust that has accumulated on both the outside and inside of the doors, as well as inside the cabinets themselves – being sure not to forget the top of the cabinets! *Tip: Be sure to really ring out your rag and dry surfaces down immediately as to avoid the cabinets from swelling

-Refrigerator: Many people will want to clean around the food that is already in their fridge, but this is not the way to go when deep cleaning. Remove ALL the food from your refrigerator, throw out any food that is expired, and thoroughly disinfect the entire area. You may also want to remove the shelfing to ensure you can reach all the surfaces.

-Pantry: This is a great excuse to clean out and organize your pantry – we are sure it’s been on your to-do list for a while! First, start by taking everything out of your pantry. We mean everything! Wipe down every inch of the shelving, paying close attention to the crumbs that have accumulated in the back. Next, go through your food and throw away anything that is expired to ensure you are not keeping old food you won’t be able to use. Then start to put things back by category so they are easy to find. For example, put all the baking goods together, canned vegetables together, etc. 

-Microwave: The microwave just may be the easiest task in the entire kitchen – don’t let the splattered spaghetti sauce fool you! By simply mixing a cup of water with a tablespoon of vinegar and microwaving it for five minutes you will make the surface easier to wipe down. 

Be sure to check back each week for more real estate and Omaha, NE community information! Also, are you following us on Facebook? If not, be sure to check us out here!