Real Estate Information Archive

We love the Omaha area for so many reasons. With its gorgeous location along the Mississippi River, and home to many fortune 500 companies, four bustling entertainment districts, over 200 parks, and world-class shopping and dining. But it’s the people and the neighborhoods that make the Omaha area a fantastic place to call home. With that said, we have the latest update to the Top Omaha Neighborhoods and Suburbs to call home for 2022…drum roll, please!

Top Omaha Neighborhoods:

Benson- Do you have an artsy, creative flair? Then you’ll fit right in with the Benson neighborhood. Affordable homes with lots to do in the area. Great local coffee shops, a foodie haven, and wonderful shops and schools. Search all Homes for Sale in Benson.

Old Market- Omaha’s most historic neighborhood, with beautiful cobblestone streets & entertaining nightlife. A relatively small neighborhood hosting Omaha’s famous Farmer’s Market, great shops and dining, art galleries, bars, and lots of socializing. A more expensive area, but home values are on the rise and this neighborhood has an 87% walkability rating! Search all Homes for Sale in Old Market.

Dundee- This charming neighborhood knows what community means and keeps up with its homes and neighbors. Often referred to as the golden child of the city, it is the safest neighborhood and the very home of Warren Buffet for over 60 years.  Great affordability for homes and walkable to most of your favorite places. Ahh, yes, please. Search all Homes for Sale in Dundee.

Leavenworth- A neighborhood full of lovely parks, moderately priced homes, great schools, and nightlife too!  Add to that the shops at Midland Crossing and you have the perfect neighborhood for any family. Again, if you’re looking for a great neighborhood with walkability to your favorite places, Leavenworth may be the place for you.  Search all Homes for Sale in Leavenworth.

Aksarben/Elmwood Park- Just south of Dundee, Aksarben Village is the hub of community activity and home to many upscale apartments and condos with lots of retail space, parks, and offices nearby. It is also nearby Baxter Arena, home to the many University of Nebraska at Omaha Sports Teams. Home prices here are in the $200,000.  Search all Homes for Sale in Aksarben/Elmwood Park.

Top Suburbs of Omaha to Live:

Papillion- Just south of Omaha is this tight-knit, charming community of Papillion. Boasting incredible shopping, namesake brewing, 650 acres of park space & bike trails, golf courses, recreation areas and excellent schools. This is a top-notch suburb for you and your family to call home. Search all Homes for Sale in Papillion.

Gretna- A small, beautiful community known for its parks and attractions, Gretna is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. You’ll also love the great dining and shopping options and wonderful schools for your family to enjoy. Search all Homes for Sale in Gretna.

Chalco- This mid-sized city, along the Missouri River, is new to the list but offers a suburban charm with lots of outdoor amenities. Fishing, boating, nature trails, and home to the Chalco Hill Recreation Area. Highly rated schools that are fantastic for families and have very affordable housing options. Search all Homes for Sale in Chalco.

La Vista- Officially the youngest town in Nebraska, La Vista offers the advantages of a small town, with all the opportunities of a large city. Featuring well-kept homes on beautiful tree-lined streets, and home to many corporations boasts a wide range of home options. Amenities include 17 parks, a sports complex, swimming pool, community center, senior rec center, library, and excellent schools. Search all Homes for Sale in La Vista.

Bennington- The town of Bennington may be small, but once you’ve visited here beneath the miles of blue skies and shade of heritage trees among the quiet and beautiful surroundings, you’ll know why it’s one of our best-kept secrets! Today Bennington combines the serenity of a farming community with the culture of a more metropolitan area. You’ll enjoy great schools, access to everyday necessities, and a short drive to anything that Omaha has to offer. Search all Homes for Sale in Bennington.

What type of community and home are you searching for? Put our years of local experience and real estate knowledge to work for you. Give us a call or start your customized home search today right here.

It's going to be an exciting spring/summer in Omaha with our fantastic line-up of events!  

One of the most anticipated is right around the corner and it celebrates our gorgeous upcoming summer months!  The 'Salute to Summer Festival' is ready to entertain from May 25-28.

This wonderful festival features something for every age!  From carnival rides and games to car shows and community cook-off.  Get all your details below:

Parade Information-Map and Registration Information

Hometown Heroes- An event honoring all our Veterans & Active Duty Service Personnel

Car Show & Shine- Cruise of LaVista, Fireworks and more.

Hot Wheel Races- Bring your own Hot Wheels or use one provided while competing in multiple races!

Fireworks Display- Best viewing locations pinpointed here!

Family Pool Party- Swimming & Music....and it's all FREE!

Beer Garden- Live Music and Beverages to kick-off summer!

Community Cook-Off

Home prices are still rising, but inventory shortages are hampering the Omaha market.  Omaha area homes are selling within 30 days!  Putting your home on the market now gives you the added benefit of the increased home prices and a quick sale. It's been over a decade since Omaha Real Estate has experienced this type of housing market.  Don't get left behind!

If you've been considering a home sale, give the Heim-Berg Team a call for a personal consultation of your home.

You can also learn the Value of your Home in this market with a Free, No Obligation Home Analysis. Click here to learn more!

Homebuyers in 2014 will face sweeping new changes when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. The National Association of Mortgage Professionals has listed some of the top changes for buyers.

Lenders will now be scrutinizing buyers more carefully in order to ensure they are qualified to take out a loan. Buyers will now be required to undergo an Ability to Repay Mandate, which amounts to a new set of guidelines concerning assets, income and other financial obligations in order to obtain what is known as a qualified mortgage.

Those who were previously concerned about origination fees could possibly breathe a little easier in 2014. New laws dictate that mortgage origination fees may not exceed 3% of the loan’s value. This rule only applies to those who are taking out a “qualified mortgage,” so those who apply for other types of loans could nonetheless pay higher origination fees.

One of the biggest mortgage changes to know in 2014 involves FHA loans. Previously, borrowers could apply for FHA loans of up to $729,750, but the cap in 2014 will be limited to $625,000. This change is unlikely to affect people in most parts of the country, as the average home price is already much lower than that figure. Even so, homebuyers in areas that have a high cost of living could find themselves having difficulty obtaining FHA loans as a result.

Self-employed individuals will also have a harder time obtaining a mortgage loan in 2014. That’s because the new rules will make it more difficult for those without a W-2 form to prove their income and asset-to-debt ratio. As a result, a number of self-employed individuals might find they are unqualified for a mortgage, even if their credit score is well above average.

The goal of these new changes is to ensure that faulty lending practices do not result in another housing market crash, as the economy is still recovering from the bubble that burst a few years ago. Only time will tell whether the laws will be effective at doing so, or whether they will only make it more difficult for the average person to become a homeowner.

If you're house hunting, whether it's for your first home or your fifth, you will eventually need to obtain a detailed copy of your credit report. And thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), initially passed in 1970, you are allowed to request a free copy of it once every 12 months.

The three companies responsible for distributing the vast majority of credit reports are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. These reports are what lenders use to underwrite mortgage loans.

It does not diminish your credit rating to use this program; rather, it allows you and your financial backer the opportunity to ensure the information listed therein is accurate, complete and up to date. Armed with this knowledge, among many other mitigating factors, you will be able to ascertain how easy or troublesome it will likely be to garner a home loan.

Credit Rating

The aforementioned credit reporting companies utilize a formula to calculate your credit rating. The results of this calculation are often referred to as your FICO score. Here is a simplified look at the primary factors that go into determining your FICO score, along with the percentage with which each is weighted:

• Payment history (35 percent)
• Amounts owed (30 percent)
• Length of credit history (15 percent)
• Types of credit used (10 percent)
• New credit (10 percent)

Credit scores generally fall into the 300 to 850 range, with 850 being at the top. Most people tend to score in the 600s to 700. So it stands to reason that people with better scores get better interest rates and more options when applying for mortgage loans.

There are a number of things you, as a prospective homebuyer, can do to raise your credit score.  Such tactics include making sure you're current on payments, keep your balances low on revolving credit card accounts (higher balances will lower your score), avoid making major purchases while applying for a mortgage, connect with your agent's preferred mortgage lender to find the best package for your financial circumstances and, finally, watch out for imposter sites. Be sure to check with your real estate agent for certified credit report companies during this process.

Buying a home is a time filled with many emotions, questions, a little stress, and plenty of excitement. To make your house hunt go smoothly follow these tips on home buying:

• Buy a home that you can afford. The best way to determine what price range you should shop in is to get pre-approved. A pre-approval means that a financial institution has looked at your employment, income, credit history and debt to determine your credit worthiness. While a pre-approval is not the final word in the financial aspects of your home ownership, you can feel confident shopping within the range that your financial institution provides. With that said, it is also wise to look slightly above your range. This sometimes means that you can get a better house with more amenities for a decent price. Even if your real estate agent isn't able to negotiate a lower price, every $1,000 only adds $6 - $7 to your monthly mortgage payment.
• Do your homework before putting in an offer. Knowing a little bit about the market, the neighborhood and the surrounding homes can help you make a better decision. For example, you may want to buy a home in a great school district. Since this is an important factor to many people, homes in an area with a strong school district have a better resale value.
• Insist on a home inspection. Most homebuyers are in the home on one to three occasions for approximately 30 minutes each time prior to putting in an offer. Not only is that not enough time to completely assess the home, most people are unaware of what items are crucial to look at. Hiring a licensed inspector helps to ease the fears of hidden concerns by performing a thorough examination. The inspector will look at all of the mechanical systems and structural components in the home.

While purchasing a home can be filled with anxious moments, having a real estate professional and using the tips on home buying can save you the stress of going in uninformed and under-represented. The joys of home ownership are definitely worth taking the time to study and select the right people to help you through every step of the process. Welcome home will soon become your favorite phrase!

In the past, buyers who were interested in finding just the right home had to look through hundreds of listings in order to narrow down their search. That’s no longer the case, as automated email home searches can show people homes that have all the right features at a price that is within their budget.

By entering some basic information in an online form, one can easily activate automated email home searches. Users can then select from a number of different home features including location, property type, price range, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms. The system will then look through all the available listings in order to find ones that meet these criteria. Information about these listings is then sent to that person’s email address so that he or she can immediately see data concerning suitable properties.

After the initial email, follow-up emails are sent every morning. These emails provide information about any newly listed property, as well as any existing ones that have had price reductions. Potential buyers can always stay up-to-date with the latest offerings without having to constantly perform new data searches in order to obtain it.

Data can be modified at any time in order to change search results. Each time information is changed, new listings are sent reflecting these changes.

Automated email home searches are free and do not obligate consumers in any way. Many people find this service helps them streamline the home-buying process by allowing them to obtain information about new listings sooner than they would have otherwise. Those in the Omaha, Nebraska area are encouraged to take advantage of automated email home searches by signing up today.

Selling a house is one of the biggest decisions that homeowners will ever make. Numerous factors are involved in the successful sale of a home. Choices such as selecting an agent, preparing the home, timing, and price all play a major role in a positive experience for homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals.

The one decision most homeowners wrestle with is deciding on a sales price. Pricing your home to sell involves careful planning, looking at the market, and accessing the condition of your home. Many things are taken into consideration before deciding on a price.

Location

Being aware of your home’s location will provide additional insight into the pricing of your property. Things like power plants, busy roads, and a less than desirable view may all make your sale price lower, while benefits such as neighborhood parks, easy access to shopping, and beautiful views drive prices up.

Staging

Planting flowers, painting, and purchasing new throw pillows may seem insignificant, but these small changes can actually add up to thousands of extra dollars in a home's sale. Presenting a house in the best possible light is important. Creating an environment that is warm and inviting, and that prospective buyers can see themselves in, is the key to selling a house.

Comparative Market Analysis

Given all of these factors, one of the tools that a real estate agent will use to help determine a home's value is a comparative market analysis. This CMA can vary from a short document to one laden with details, but they all have basic things in common. All of them will look at the active listings, pending listings, and sold listings. Additionally, they may look at items such as properties withdrawn from the market and expired listings. A CMA is going to compare your home to other homes with the same square footage and amenities. This information will assist your real estate agent in pricing your home to sell.

When it comes time to sell your home, allow the real estate professionals at Prudential Ambassador Real Estate assist you through every step of the process. With years of superior service and satisfied customers, we are prepared to find the right buyers for your house and to help you find the home of your dreams.

Mortgage rates are on the rise according to some news sources. Reports are that the average rates on a 15-year fixed mortgage escalated above the three percent mark in late May. This was the first occurrence in more than a year, but many feel this rise in interest rates is only the beginning.

Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 15-year mortgage was 3.03% at the end of May. This was an increase from an all-time low rate of 2.56%. 30-year mortgages saw rates rise from 3.3% in early May to 3.91% at the end of that month. According to Doug Duncan, a chief economist with Fannie Mae, mortgage rates are unlikely to ever be that low again.

One of the reasons for record low rates was that the Federal Reserve had been purchasing around $85 billion a month in mortgage-backed securities and treasury bonds. This resulted in mortgage lenders being able to offer their loans at record low interest rates while still making a hefty profit. The Federal Reserve never intended these rates to carry on indefinitely, but rather were to taper off later this year. That timeframe has since been moved up to late summer or early fall.

Although mortgage rates have risen somewhat, they have nonetheless stayed low enough to help stimulate an increase in home purchases during 2012. In addition, home sales and market values have both increased across the country during the past two months.

Since mortgage rates are on the rise, potential buyers should strongly consider whether or not to take advantage of these lower rates. There are numerous advantages to purchasing now, and many people could find it in their best interest to go ahead and invest in the American dream of home ownership.

In any kind of market, whether slow or hopping, it is vitally important to show your house at its best. Home staging won't necessarily get a seller a better price, but it just might generate a faster sale. Staging the property means creating a great first impression and helping the buyer to envision it as "home". Here is how you can make some big changes, with little or no investment, in order to make your house stand out from the rest:

Curb appeal is important!

1. Take a look at the outside of the house from a distance. Look carefully for unsightly issues - from weeds to spider webs. Make sure all dirt and debris are swept or washed away. Put bicycles, tools and toys in the garage and out of sight.
2. Manicure the lawn. Make sure all the edges are clipped cleanly. Trim all hedges.
3. Use plants to brighten the environment. Flats of bedding flowers are an inexpensive way to add color to a garden. Even in winter, evergreens in urns can create a welcoming appeal at the front door.
4. If painting the exterior is out of the question, a good power wash will make a dramatic change to the outside walls. Don't neglect doors and windows.
5. Buy a new welcome mat, and polish doorknobs and hardware.

Move to the inside

1. Eliminate personal items. Looking at someone else's family photos on the wall won’t help make the buyer feel welcome. Get a jump on packing by putting all your personal effects away.
2. Clear the kitchen. Getting rid of all the clutter will make the kitchen appear larger and brighter. Countertops should be clear and sparkling.
3. Clear the bathroom. Use a basket, and place all necessary personal items that normally reside in the open, under the sink. Make sure towels are clean and fresh.
4. Minimize furniture to make rooms feel less crowded. Move unnecessary items to storage to create an airy feeling in each room.
5. Patch and paint the walls. Nail holes from all the photos that used to reside there are not attractive, and a fresh coat of neutral paint will make the entire house look newer.
6. Clean everything until the house sparkles. Make sure there are no unpleasant odors. Air fresheners for air filters will waft pleasant smells throughout the house with no visible source.

Home staging is very much like dressing well for a job interview. Dressing well won't guarantee you land the job, but dressing poorly will definitely dampen your chances.