Real Estate Information Archive

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.

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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. 

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If you are looking for events and activities to dive into this weekend around Omaha, NE then boy are you in the right place! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss adventures that are taking place over the next few days, including festive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. So, grab your family and friends and get ready for some serious weekend fun – Omaha style! 

What: Dad Jokes (Improv)
When: March 13th 
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: One Night of Queen 
When: March 13th
Where: 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Blackstone Walking Food Tour
When: March 13th
Where: 3804 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Before We’re Gone by Dori Settles
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Fact and Fiction in Contemporary Photography
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: Diggin’ Dinos
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Karaoke Friday Nights
When: March 13th
Where: 510 N. 33rd Street Omaha, NE

What: INFLUENCE at KANEKO
When: March 13th & 14th
Where: 1111 Jones Street Omaha, NE

What: Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Native Gardens
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Omaha, NE

What: Once
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Omaha, NE

What: Spontaneity: 10 Nebraska Abstract Painters
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Gallery 1516 | 1516 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: Picasso: Master in Clay
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Pulitzer Prize Photographs
When: March 13th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Sporty Women: The Desire to Compete
When: March 13th & 14th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Irish Fest
When: March 14th
Where: Westroads Mall | 1001 N 102nd Street Omaha, NE

What: Bockfest German Celebration
When: March 14th
Where: German American Society, Inc. | 3717 S 120th Street Omaha, NE

What: St. Patty’s at the Park
When: March 14th
Where: Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE

What: Shamrock Shuffle 5K
When: March 14th
Where: 103 W Broadway St. Council Bluffs, IA

What: Omaha St. Paddy’s 7K/Half Marathon
When: March 15th
Where: 345 Riverfront Dr. Events Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Game Night
When: March 14th
Where: 3624 Garnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Take a Selfie with The Cat in the Hat
When: March 14th
Where: Nebraska Furniture Mart | 700 S 72nd Street Omaha, NE

What: Stirnella Soul Brunch
When: March 15th
Where: Stirnella | 3814 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Bagels & Sometimes Bach
When: March 15th
Where: Gallery 1516 | 1516 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tour
When: March 15th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Yoga at the Forest
When: March 13th – 15th
Where: Fontenelle Forest

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

With the weekend upon us there is no better time to start filling up your calendar with fun events and adventures around our beautiful city of Omaha, NE! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss action including a Harry Potter experience, First Friday events, walking food tours, Dino exhibits, the Omaha Film Festival, yoga in the forest, music concerts and so much more! 

What: “Wanderlust” Opening Reception
When: March 6th
Where: Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery | 3201 Farnam Street #6109 Omaha, NE

What: Spire Chamber Ensemble: Bach Mass in B Minor Concert
When: March 6th
Where: St Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center & Gallery | 701 N 40th Street Omaha, NE

What: Benson First Friday
When: March 6th
Where: Military Avenue & 60th Street Omaha, NE

What: BLOOD AT THE ROOT
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: The Union for Contemporary Arts | 2423 N 24th Street Omaha, NE

What: Before We’re Gone by Dori Settles
When: March 6th – 8th 
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE 

What: Fact and Fiction in Contemporary Photography
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: Blackstone Walking Food Tour
When: March 6th
Where: 3804 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Diggin’ Dinos
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: First Friday Old Market
When: March 6th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets and 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Native Gardens
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Omaha, NE 

What: Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Film Festival
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Aksarben Cinema | 2110 S 67th Street Omaha, NE

What: Karaoke Friday Nights
When: March 6th
Where: 510 N. 33rd Street Omaha, NE

What: Interrogated (Improv)
When: March 6th
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: Once
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Omaha, NE

What: Pulitzer Prize Photographs
When: March 6th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Picasso: Master in Clay
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Sporty Women: The Desire to Compete
When: March 6th & 7th 
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Holistic Expo
When: March 7th & 8th
Where: 6450 Pine Street Omaha, NE

What: Behind the Scenes: Aquarium Backstage Pass
When: March 7th
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 3701 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Forever Young: Family & Children’s Series – Fantastic Mr. Fox
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Film Streams at the Dundee Theater | 4952 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 

What: Spontaneity: 10 Nebraska Abstract Painters 
When: March 6th – 8th
Where: Gallery 1516 | 1516 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: Sweet Treats Bus Tour
When: March 7th
Where: Omaha Culinary Tours | Various Locations

What: Sights on Sounds: Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same 
Where: March 8th
Where: Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater | 1340 Mike Fahey Street Omaha, NE

What: Bagels & Sometimes Bach
When: March 8th 
Where: Gallery 1516 | 1516 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: The Little Engine That Could 
When: March 7th & 8th
Where: The Rose Theater | 2001 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Yoga at the Forest
When: March 8th
Where: Fontenelle Forest 

What: First Friday: Maker Night
When: March 6th
Where: Union Pacific Railroad Museum | 200 Pearl Street Council Bluffs, IA

Be sure to check back every week for more real estate information and local events around Omaha, NE. Also, if you aren't following us on Facebook be sure to do so here! 

If you are in the process of listing your home to sell, then you understand just how important it is that your house appeals to a range of buyers. And while the thought of major home renovations seems very daunting and costly, you can rest assured that route is not always the way to go. 

Since you will have a variety of people touring your home, many with vastly different tastes and preferences, it may be best to keep things simple when it comes up fixing things up as to not deter potential buyers. There are many time-efficient and cost-effective ways to spruce up your home and bring a little life back into the living spaces. 

Below we have listed a few DIY home improvement projects that you can tackle over a few weekends to ensure your home shows well to potential buyers in the weeks to follow:

-The first weekend, before you do anything else, you will want to take time to declutter your home in a big way. Nothing screams chaos and closes off a space more than having too many unnecessary items around. Take a few days to donate or throw away items you no longer need (including clothing, toys, furniture, decor, etc.) and clear a clean space to conduct the rest of your DIY projects.

-There is no better or cost-effective way to liven up your home then a fresh layer of paint. We recommend coating your walls with neutral colors that complement each other. If you can’t do every room in the house, stick to the high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen and family room. 

-On that note, if your kitchen is looking a little outdated, a way to save money but also freshen up this space is to paint your kitchen cabinets. This option is much more inexpensive then replacing them altogether and you may be shocked at how it changes the whole aesthetic of the area. 

-Another inexpensive project is to replace and update the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms. Your goal should be to achieve a cohesive style throughout which will help make your home appear more up-to-date and move-in ready. 

-Consider adding a mosaic backsplash to your kitchen. This is something you can do on your own, is relatively inexpensive and can completely transform the look and feel of the space. 

-If you have carpets in any area of your home, be sure they are deep cleaned prior to the start of showings. Although vacuums help, your carpets are home to dirt, dust, allergens and odors that can only be removed through deep cleaning. It will be a major turn off to buyers to have unpleasant odors around while touring your home, so this is a must!

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