Real Estate Information Archive

After a red-hot real estate market during the pandemic & subsequent months, rising interest rates have cooled the chaos. But does that necessarily mean bad news for buyers? Maybe not, here’s why.

When the housing market skyrocketed, many would-be homeowners found themselves in a position of being unable to buy due to tons of cash offers and bidding wars that went sky-high, most-often thousands of dollars above asking price and almost always all contingencies waived. With interest rates rising, home prices are now edging down. 

In a recent Bloomberg article (October 2022) by Teresa Ghilarducci titled “Looking to Buy a House? It’s Not the Worst Time to Buy” she states “Buying an asset when the price is falling is generally a good thing. Buying a home now when mortgage rates are high and housing prices are falling means as mortgage rates stabilize or even drop, your house value will more likely inflate than if prices were rapidly increasing and mortgage rates were increasing. Rising mortgage interest rates and a potential recession may seem like bad news, but these trends could benefit would-be home buyers by cooling demand and dropping prices further, especially if the buyers are confident, they won’t lose their jobs and income.”  She further explained “Of course, a would-be home buyer must consider other important criteria besides housing prices before buying a house. Other important decision factors include having at least 20% for a down payment; whether you will live in the property for more than five years; and whether your monthly payment will be lower than 30% of your gross income.”

Although some may feel that buying a home while inflation & interest rates are higher is less than ideal, it may be a perfect time if you can afford it. You will avoid the bidding wars that kept so many buyers out of the market previously and you can refinance when the FED lowers interest rates, which some experts predict will start happening in 2023. 

If you’re considering a home purchase, or have questions about buying in this new market, please reach out and schedule a time with us to discuss your needs, options, and homes available to you.

Nancy Heim-Berg and The Heim-Berg Team
402-677-9024

Today more than ever we are all looking for ways to save money and one of our largest expenditures is our mortgage. While monthly budgets can get tight, utilizing a little extra money to pay down our largest expenditures can pay off BIG in the end. Here we’re going to look at ‘principal only’ mortgage payments and the effect they can have on your finances.

When you purchase a home and secure a mortgage through a lender, you are paying several components of that mortgage.

1. The principal- the amount of the loan needed to purchase the home.
2. Interest on that loan- a monthly interest payment calculated on the interest rate accessed to the loan.
3. If you put down less than 20% you are also paying PMI (private mortgage insurance)
4. Property taxes
5. You may also have your Homeowners Insurance tied into the loan as well and pay a monthly premium for that.

These 5 components make up your monthly mortgage payment. However, the principal component of the mortgage represents the amount of equity you accrue each month and essentially ‘buy-back’ from your mortgage lender.

If you currently have a 30-year mortgage, and never make any additional payments, it will take you 30 years to pay off the mortgage in full and pay the full amount of interest associated with the mortgage. For example, a $350,000 loan with a 5% interest rate would be $17,500 a year paid in interest alone!!!

By making a principal-only payment, in addition to your monthly mortgage payment, you are paying down the principal amount of your mortgage faster. If you were to pay a $100 principal-only payment today at the 5% interest rate, you’ll save $332 over 30 years. Now imagine doing that every month, or more if you can. It will put equity in your pocket much quicker, pay off the principal and loan faster and save you thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan.

Please don’t confuse making additional mortgage payments with a principal-only payment, as they are very different. If you choose to start making principal-only payments- in addition to your regular monthly mortgage loan payment, we suggest you call your lender and have them walk you through the process, so it is done correctly, and the monies are applied appropriately. Remember, a principal-only payment NEVER takes the place of your regular monthly loan payment. That must always be made monthly and on time. This would be an additional payment to help pay down the principal amount of your loan. Any questions regarding your loan should ALWAYS be directed to your lender.

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Are you looking for a home in the Omaha area right now? Our team is ready to be our local experience knowledge and expertise to work for you!  If you’re ready to begin the exciting home-buying journey, reach out!  The Heim-Berg Team- 402-677-9024

Halloween is fast approaching, and the kids are ready to have some fun! To have a safe and exciting Halloween for all, we’ve put together a list of some fantastic Trick or Treating activities around Omaha the whole family will enjoy.

Spooktacular Storytime

Saddlebrook Branch Library & Community Center have joined together to bring you a spooktacular event! October 25^th, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. they will host a trick or treat followed by a story walk, crafts, and more. Come in your costumed best!

The Durham Museum presents…The Great HALL-oween Haunt!

October 25^th, from 5:00- 8:00 p.m, walk through spooky displays throughout the museum and trick or treat with historical characters! Play some ghostly games, ride a spooky train and make some creepy crafts! You’ll have a ghoulishly good time…just not scary. Learn more and get pricing at the link above.

Trunk or Treat in Farnam Hill

Trick or Treat with area non-profits! There will be games, face painting, bounce houses, great local food, shopping, and more. October 29^th, from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat at Rockbrook Village

Are you ready to meet Chase from Paw Patrol & Woody from Toy Story?? Then you’ll want to check out Trick or Treating at Rockbrook Village participating stores on October 29^th, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Junk in the Trunk- Family Fun Day

The Schenzel Community Center is hosting Junk in the Trunk. Go out for a day of fun family activities, games, candy, and prizes. The event is scheduled to be inside and out, in case of colder weather. October 30^th, 10:00 to Noon.

Halloween Safe Night

Put on your costumes and get ready to trick or treat! You’ll get a free hot dog inside the community center and can even hop on a hayrack ride outside! Head over to the La Vista Community Center, on October 31^st from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

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Safety reminders:

1. Costumes should be flame-retardant & reflective.
2. Opt for hats and makeup vs face masks
3. Always wear comfortable shoes in the appropriate size.
4. Parents should inspect ALL candy before children eat any of it.
5. All children should be always accompanied by an adult when trick or treating or at an event.
6. If older children attend an event, ensure you have the address and names of parents and hosts in advance.

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Did you know that Fall is a great time to de-clutter your home? As we begin to approach the holidays and the extra guests they bring, it is the best time to rid your home of all those unused, unwanted, and extra items. However, too often many of us fall prey to these mistakes before we even begin the task! Let’s check them out to ensure we maximize our efforts and really make the de-cluttering task worthwhile.

1. Work at your own pace. Stop looking at the clock. This cannot be stressed enough. Too many times we put unreasonable expectations on ourselves when we set out to de-clutter our homes. If we really want to get rid of unnecessary or unused items, we must take our time to do it right. That means taking off the watch and pacing ourselves.
2. Make a plan. What are you trying to achieve? If you don’t know, it's going to be hard to stay motivated to keep going! Are you striving for a more orderly home? Easier ways to keep your home clean and organized? Or really want to get rid of the unused and unneeded items in your home…maybe to downsize? Whatever your reason is, define it first.
3. Storing de-cluttered items. This is a biggie! How often have you “de-cluttered” a room, only to move those items to another room, closet, or storage box? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. If you think about it, this really defeats the whole idea of de-cluttering because you’re just moving the objects from one location to another.  Instead, what you need to do is divide these items into 3 different categories: selling, donating, or going into the trash. Once you’ve done this, the task becomes much simpler. Go room by room and divide into one of each category, then get those items out of your home as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you’ll start going through them again and want to put them into storage boxes or closets and start the whole cluttering process again.
4. Engaging others in the process. While family members are obviously part of the process in a home, don’t go outside that circle in soliciting advice on what to keep and not. Everyone will have differing opinions and it's only your opinion that counts. You will end up keeping many more unwanted, needed, or unused items when soliciting outside advice.
5. Lastly, stop buying things you really don’t need! That may sound obvious, but how many times do we shop and impulse buy? That tends to give us many items we may use a few times and then find ourselves looking for places to store them. Also, try tracking spending and see where your dollars are going and what you really need.  It’s also a dynamite way to save money!

The holidays are just around the corner, so getting our homes deep cleaned and super organized now will be a game changer as the days arrive. Not to mention to peace and calm it brings into our homes. Happy de-cluttering!!

For more homeowner tips, real estate updates, and more, be sure to follow us on Facebook. 

It’s a great weekend to have some family-friendly fun in Omaha with some ‘not-so-scary’ Halloween events that the entire family can enjoy. While we all enjoy the scarier aspects of Halloween, it’s always nice to be able to take the whole family for some adventures to enjoy the season, and these events are perfect for those occasions.

Cobweb Castle at the Omaha Children’s Museum

A wonderful hands-on event where the kids can scale the castle walls, meander their way through the spooky maze and dress up as a sorcerer with makeup and hats. A great afternoon of fun for sure. For ticket information and dates, click here.

Ghouls & Glow at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

This illuminated and delightful spectacle is great for all ages! With many great family-friendly activities around the zoo, including trick or treating, magic shows and 400 larger-than-life lanterns. You can also purchase s’mores kits and mini pumpkins to decorate & take home.  Parents are treated to two bars on Friday & Saturday nights with seasonal alcoholic drinks as well. Get more information & ticket prices for non-members here.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at BLUEBARN Theater

Watch Washington Irving’s masterpiece come to life! Omaha’s own Ben Beck & Jill Anderson incorporate dance, music, and even puppetry in this incredible theatrical invention. The headless horseman does ride again! Get more details and ticket information here.

Jack-O-Lantern World

Take a whimsical ¾-mile walk through 17 immersive worlds of thousands of amazing jack-o-lanterns hand-carved & designed by 50 artisans! Local food trucks will provide food and beverages along the way. Great for an evening stroll to enjoy the season! More information is found here.

Happy October and the start of the spooky month of Halloween.

Follow our Facebook page for more exciting Halloween and Fall events.

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Fall is a great time to sell your Omaha home. The supply of homes for sale is still far below what the demand is seeking. While interest rates have definitely gone higher, serious buyers are still looking for their perfect home and with the supply level home, many are not finding what they want.

If you're still thinking of selling, please reach out. Let's discuss a personalized SOLD plan for your home. 402-677-9024. 

What is the best way to welcome the beauty and change of the new season you ask? By updating your home interior of course! While many of us love the gorgeous bold hues of gold, red, and orange, this year the designers have chosen more natural tones and textures to take center stage! These subdued hues still add coziness with their organic feel, luxurious textures and by incorporating many interesting shapes and sizes. Here’s what the designers are looking at for the season:

Warm neutral colors in earthy tones are where it's at! Think cinnamon, terra cotta, copper, oatmeal, sand, and muted greens. These muted tones work well in any room and are making a splash throughout the home.

Textured fabrics and textiles, from nubby fabrics to linen, and velvet, add dimension and character to a room. Use the fabulous, muted Fall color schemes in your throws and pillows, bedding, and rugs to create a dynamic grouping or showstopping centerpiece in any room. Great for a wall-hanging as well.

Natural woods, which never go out of style, are back in the focal point. Choose to incorporate a new furnishing for Fall or strategically place natural wood elements throughout a room with items such as trays, picture frames, statues, cutting boards, and more. Wood elements give a calming and grounding effect to a room.

Natural fibers and woven elements, like rattan or wicker, lend their own brand of softness and hominess to a room and are super easy to add. Whether it’s a basket to hold warm blankets or treasured items, or swapping out a lamp shade for Fall, it’s a quick and easy way to give your room a Fall boost.

Lastly, mix it up a bit! Add some vintage picks mixed with modern options and have some fun. Let your personality show and make it your own. Your décor style is always a reflection of your own personality, despite what any designer has put forward.

For more home decorating tips, make sure to follow our Facebook page. 

Reference: Jane at Home Blog

Cool crisp breeze and the beautiful sunshine sky are calling us to visit the wonderful local apple orchards around Council Bluffs and Omaha. Can’t you just smell that fresh apple pie baking in the oven? Or making homemade applesauce and apple bread?! Our stomachs are growling just thinking of it! If you’re looking for a great afternoon or weekend escape, check out one of these local orchards for some awesome apples and fantastic family fun.

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard- 19475 225^th St, Council Bluffs, IA

This family-owned and operated orchard and vineyard is your ‘go-to’ place for family fun! And in the Fall it is second to none. Their apple orchard is impeccably maintained and has over 30 varieties to choose from! Whatever your apple passion is, you’re sure to find the perfect one here. Pick your own, or buy by the pound or bushel. But let’s face it, picking your own is a lot more fun! While you’re here, enjoy a glass of wine from their vineyard and let the kiddos play in the playground. Come back for all kinds of Fall fun activities.

Pioneer Trail Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard- 21534 Chestnut Road, Council Bluffs, IA

Welcome to a host of adventures for Fall at Pioneer Trail. First and foremost, their apples and fresh apple juice, and cider are ready and waiting for you! C’mon in and choose your favorites. Whether you’re buying them for snacks or baking fun, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. When you’ve had your apple fill, check out the pumpkins and gourds, dip your own candle, or check out the crafts. Then you may want to have a bite to eat at Apple Jacks Winery Bar and Grill. This is the perfect daytime adventure for a little family fun.

Vala’s Apple Orchard- 12102 S 180^th St, Gretna, NE

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is a special place, especially right now during their Fall Festival, which spans 400 acres: 55 acres of pumpkins, 30 acres of apples, 25 food locations, 4 live shows, and 50 attractions…all in one place!!!  Absolutely incredible. You almost need a full weekend here to explore everything that Vala’s has to offer.  There are 45 different varieties of apples being offered, plus they press their own cider! YUM! There is a corn maze, tons of stuff for the kids, pumpkins galore and so much more. Check this out for Fall fun on overload.

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!

Stay tuned for more great Fall Fun in upcoming blogs and on our Facebook page.

Do you find yourself craving that smoky goodness that only great BBQ can satisfy? We’ve been there too. Well, you’re in luck because Omaha has some of the best BBQ restaurants that serve up incredible meats and tasty sides and you won’t leave hungry. Check out some of the best below:

Smokin Barrel BBQ- 13508 Discovery Dr, Omaha

This veteran-owned and operated venue serves up smoked meats by the ½ pound. You can dine in or carry out. Choices include pulled pork, brisket, sausage links, turkey, and spare ribs. Sandwiches- all the above plus their specialties of The Texan (brisket & sausage), The Dirty Pig (pulled pork, sausage & slaw), and The Farm (Brisket, pulled pork & sausage). Plus don’t forget the sides! Great reviews for seasoning, juicy, and texture. Excellent portion sizes and service. A great place for BBQ.

Smoking Jay’s- 2524 S 13^th St, Omaha

Locally family owned & operated with a passion for smoking meats! Their secret is quality ingredients from start to finish. You’ll find beef brisket and ribs, pulled pork and chicken, sausages, burgers, and sandwiches- including smoked Reuben’s, kids' meals, and even family meals. And their list of sides is enormous and delicious. Plus, don’t forget the desserts. There are a bunch of southern favorites here. The Peach cobbler is divine.

Hartland Bar-B-Que- 5402 NW Radial HWY, Omaha

Best known for their baby back ribs & smoked Angus brisket, this locally owned BBQ restaurant is in the heart of Benson. Although baby back ribs & smoked Angus brisket are at the top of the list, they also serve tantalizing smoked pork, chicken, and sausage with a variety of yummy sides. And did we mention the cornbread?!  Amazing!! Family bundles and catering are also available. Definitely, a place you want to check out.

Porky Butts BBQ- 15475 Ruggles St., Omaha

From Pitmaster extraordinaire Blane Hunter (AKA- Mr. Porky Butts), comes exceptional BBQ from a Grand Champion. Expect exciting menu options with flavorful infusions alongside amazing smoked meats of chicken, pulled pork, turkey, smoked sausage, pit ham, brisket, burnt ends, and catfish. And yes, the sides are equally delish! You can’t go wrong with your order at Porky Butts, just go on in and get that belly satisfied.

Do you have a favorite BBQ place you’d like to share? Please add your comments to our Facebook post!

Continue to follow our blog and Facebook page for more community tips, company highlights, and more.

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.