Real Estate Information Archive

With freezing temperatures sweeping the country, it is important to know how to protect your home against the elements and cold weather. Below we have listed five things you can do to ensure your home is safe during these chilly times. Let’s dive in: 

-Guard your water pipes by disconnecting garden hoses, shutting off the water to the outdoor faucets and draining the lines. Also, ensure your indoor plumbing pipes are safe by making sure the wall insulation is in good repair and up to the recommended standards.

-Make sure your gutters are clean to avoid ice from forming on the roof of your home. Especially if you know temperatures are going to drop significantly, take some time to clean them out. Also, you may want to look into gutter screens which can help to prevent leaves from clogging the gutters. 

-Take inventory of the holes and cracks in your home and spend time sealing them up. Even the smallest holes can let the freezing air in or let the warm indoor air out. Consider making this a part of your annual home maintenance routine. 

-Ensure your home is properly insulated to increase indoor comfort, enjoy evenly distributed warmth and energy savings. Do this by making sure places such as attics, unheated garages and exterior walls are properly protected and insulated. 

-Wrapping exposed pipes is a great way to help ensure that pipes don’t freeze and burst! You can look into using insulation sleeves on pipes that go through unheated areas such as crawl spaces and attics.

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Whether you are the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction, the home inspection is a very important part of the process. While the inspection is designed to protect the buyer of the sale and alert them of damage to the home, a poor result from the inspection can open the door to renegotiation. In today’s blog post we are going to be discussing what a home inspection is and all the ins and outs of the process. Let’s dive in:

A home inspection is a ‘non-invasive’ examination of the property and a crucial part of the home buying process. A licensed home inspector will come to the property and review the home for structural, mechanical and/or electrical defects. The process is designed to give the buyer a more comprehensive overview of the house they are purchasing and ensure there are minimal surprises when they move in. 

The home inspection process is not required by law, but it is definitely worth the money. It acts as a protection of the investment the buyer is making, while also giving them peace of mind that the integrity and condition of the home is in good repair. The inspection will typically take place a short time after the offer is accepted by the seller.

During the process, the inspector of the home will look for any issues having to do with the home’s electrical system, heating/cooling system, plumbing, windows, doors, foundation, roof and more. If you are the seller and are looking to prepare for a home inspection, there are a few things you can do. First, you need to ensure that all your paperwork is in order and begin addressing repairs that you know will be red flags to the inspector and need attention right away. Second, about a week before the inspection is scheduled, begin removing any clutter or items that could interfere with the inspection. Lastly, ensure your home is clean and everyone is out of your home on the day of the inspection.

Selling your Omaha, NE home? Allow our team of professional, knowledgable and trustworthy real estate agents to go to work for you! Additionally, don't miss our "Seller Tips" page here! 

If you have ever thought about taking the steps to make your home more energy efficient, now is the perfect time! There are many reasons to make the switch including saving money, potentially raising your home’s resale value and helping the environment. Below we have listed a few easy things you can do to begin the journey to making your home more energy efficient. Let’s dive in: 

-The first item to tackle is sealing all the windows throughout your house to ensure there are no air leaks. You can add weatherstripping around the frames if they are drafty and use silicone caulking for any cracks you find in drywall. This is a simple and inexpensive way for you to lower your energy costs on a monthly basis. 

-Getting in the habit of lowering your thermostat while you are out of your home is another great trick. Adjusting the temperature by just three to five degrees will allow you to not only use less energy throughout the day, but also lower your monthly utility bill. 

-Look to replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, Halogen bulbs or CFLs as they are more energy efficient and offer longer lasting light. And with the average home using around forty bulbs, making this switch is a sure way to save some money on your electrical bill. 

-When it comes to water efficiency, installing low-flow shower heads is a great place to start. Traditional shower heads use roughly five gallons per minute, while low-flow heads use less than 2.5 gallons. 

-Expanding on water efficiency, turning off unnecessary water is another wonderful way to conserve water and money. Being conscious of small things such as turning off the water when brushing your teeth/shaving, showering instead of bathing and avoiding running half -loads of laundry can make a big difference. 

-Lastly, going through your home and unplugging chargers when they are not in use is a great way to conserve energy. These “energy vampires” are consuming energy - get this - even when your phone is not connected!

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! 

When selling your home, there are many factors that determine whether your property will sell quickly or sit on the market for a while. If you are in the process of selling your Omaha, NE home and are wondering why it hasn’t sold yet, we encourage you to keep reading as we have outlined a few reasons why the “For Sale” sign may still be up. Let’s dive in:

-The price is too high.
We understand the attachment people have with their homes, however you have to make sure the emotion doesn’t push you to overprice the property and expect people to pay more than it's actually worth.

-The home needs renovations.
Is your home needing those repairs that you have been putting off for years? Are your appliances and fixtures outdated? While some buyers enjoy the challenge and freedom that comes with home renovations, many buyers are looking for a house that is move-in ready. You are better off taking the time and money to do at least some light renovations and updating before your home hits the market. 

-The home is not staged well. 
When potential buyers view your home either online or in person you want them to feel as if the space is livable and functional for them and their family. One way to achieve this is by staging your home and giving buyers an idea of how certain spaces can be used and rooms can be laid out. 

-The listing photos don’t show the house well.
Buyers will typically begin their home search online by scrolling through listings and zooming in/out of images of properties (this is especially true given the current climate). That is why it is so important to have a professional snap the images of your home. Ideally you would use a photographer who is familiar with real estate photography as they will know all the right angles and shots to capture. You want to put your best foot forward and showcase all the wonderful features of your property. 

-The time of year.
Your home not selling could come down to something as simple as timing. Especially when it comes to time of year, as spring and summer months tend to be a better time to sell a home than winter and fall. 

-Your home appeals to a specific buyer.
If your home is unique and unlike others in the area, it can definitely prove to be an advantage in many ways. On the flip side, it  may also mean that you have to wait a bit longer for the right buyer to come along and fall in love with the property. 

Selling your Omaha, NE home? Allow our team of professional, knowledgable and trustworthy real estate agents to go to work for you! Additionally, don't miss our "Seller Tips" page here! 

With Christmas festivities in full swing, it is important to remember some simple tips to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season. Whether you are the baker, adventurer or candle lover of your family, we have you covered below. Let’s dive in: 

Tips for the cooks & bakers:
-Be sure to never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or fryer as this is the most common way cooking fires begin.
-Don’t forget to double check all labels and make yourself aware of any food sensitivities or allergies of your loved ones to prevent allergic reactions. 
-Take some time to quickly check your smoke detectors and switch out old batteries if necessary. 
-If you are using a deep fryer, make sure it is away from flammable materials and used only on a level surface.

Tips for the adventurer: 
-Invest in a security system to make sure your home is protected while you are away. This also helps to deter potential thieves.
-Don’t forget to hire a shoveling service if you won’t be home and snow is in the forecast.
-If you will be away for quite some time, it may be a good idea to pause your mail or ask a neighbor to come by and collect it for you every few days.

Tips for the candle lovers: 
-Make sure to only use sturdy, weighted candle holders to lessen the chances of them toppling and causing a fire.
-Only place lit candles on level, sturdy surfaces. 
-Take inventory of all your lit candles before the end of the night and be sure to blow each one out. You also want to blow out candles before they have a chance to burn all the way down. 
-It is recommended to keep about twelve inches on each side of a lit flame clear to make sure nothing catches fire. 
-It may not be a bad idea to switch out real candles with fake ones where you can to lessen the hazard in your home. 

Tips for the home: 
-If your home has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. 
-Keep your Christmas tree hydrated and watered at all times. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire.
-Make sure to keep your trees away from heat sources. 
-It’s never a bad idea to install smart sensors on your water pipes to prevent potential water damage from a frozen or burst pipe.
-Look into flame-resistant decorations. 

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! 

A few weeks ago we talked about ways to transition your home from summer to fall when it comes to decor (see post here), but today we are going to be discussing the maintenance side of things. Not quite sure where to start? We have you covered with a few items below to check in on around your home. Let’s dive right in!

-Keep an eye on your irrigation system and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction to protect the integrity and functionality of the sprinkler system. *Also, keep in mind that seasonal rainfall will hydrate your foliage so you may want to set (or reset) the system accordingly. 

-To prevent little critters coming inside to escape the cold, make sure to cover large holes in walls and, if you have an attic, check the insulation for damage from the pesky critters. 

-Fix any cracks in your driveway. Many people don’t realize that when water gets into the cracks it freezes, expands and can eventually end up making the crack bigger which leads to larger problems down the road. 

-Check around the exterior of your home for inexpensive maintenance projects that you will be able to tackle quickly such as cleaning the gutters/downspouts, trimming greenery to prevent damage, check the roof for missing/loose shingles, caulking, etc. 

-Consider adding whetherstripping around the frames of doors and windows in your home to help keep the warmth in and energy costs down. If you have drafty doors, you can also add door sweeps to the base to help keep cold air out.

-In order to prevent water freezing, drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots. 

-Lastly, remember to change your filters and schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance. 

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!

Preparing your home to list and sell can be a stressful process as you want it to show well and appeal to potential buyers. And while there is no love like a pet's love, your furry family members can definitely wreak havoc on your property and create more work to get your home show-ready. 

Below we have outlined a few things to look for and pet damage to repair prior to buyers entering your home for showings. Let’s dive in: 

-The first and most pressing pet issue to address is odor. Not only can pet odor be quite difficult to get rid of, it is also very obvious to potential home buyers and can be one of the first things they notice upon entering your home. And although getting rid of odors the right way can be expensive (i.e replacing flooring, new paint, etc), it is well worth the investment and can greatly benefit your resale value. You also want to be sure to vacuum everyday while your home is on the market and being shown to keep odors away during the selling process. 

-Scratches - they are common in most homes, but are likely to be more prominent in ones with pets. There is a good chance if you have been living in your home for a while that you have grown accustomed to seeing them on walls and floors, but when selling your home you want to take inventory of what needs to be fixed up. You can look into having your scratched hardwood floors professionally refinished, and having scratches on trims, walls, doors and cabinets lightly sanded, speckled and painted. 

-The outside of your house will be potential buyers first impression of your property, so you want to ensure to take extra care of any pet damage that may be in the front of your home. This can include anything from filling in holes your pets have dug up, replacing plants they have chewed and fixing damage to fencing, porches and home exterior.

-Lastly, even though your furniture will be going with you in the move, having chewed surfaces in your home can make the space appear sloppy during showings and broadcast that pets live there. You can either repair the damaged pieces, replace the furniture altogether or maneuver the furniture in a way that the damage doesn't show to guests. 

Selling your Omaha, NE home? Allow our team of professional, knowledgable and trustworthy real estate agents to go to work for you! Additionally, don't miss our "Seller Tips" page here! 

Home DIY projects have been all the rage for quite a while. We get it - there is something to be said about carrying out your vision for your home yourself and making sure every detail is completed to your liking. 

With families spending more time at home these days, there doesn’t seem to be a better time to begin the updates you have been putting off for months. However, there are some projects that you want to put the hammer down for in order to avoid costly and risky mistakes and just simply call in the pros for. We have outlined them below, let’s dive in! 

-Arguably the most important DIY projects to avoid are any that involve structural changes. For many reasons, but the main one being that a lot of people have a difficult time deciphering which walls are load-bearing. There can be catastrophic consequences if you were to do the project incorrectly and compromise the structural integrity of your home. 

-Another dangerous DIY project to avoid is electrical work. If there is improper wiring in your home it could lead to damage to your electronics and could even potentially cause a fire. 

-While plumbing mistakes aren't necessarily as life threatening as the previous two bullet points, they can be quite costly and timely repairs. Additionally, if the mistakes are severe enough they can leave your house unlivable until you are able to bring a professional in to correct the repairs. 

-Fixing roof shingles is another project that is better left to the pros. Why, you ask? Well if done incorrectly, you can have major interior damage to your home such as leaks in the attic and water draining behind the siding (instead of in gutter) and can potentially void warranty from the manufacturer. 

-Lastly, if you are thinking of replacing windows in your home - think again. We get that it seems like a pretty straightforward job, but there can be major expenses down the road if there are any errors in the process. Not only could you increase your energy bill by the windows not being installed correctly, but even the smallest gap between the walls, framing and window can be a concern for mold damage and water leaks.

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!

There is no denying that preparing to sell your home can be a very stressful time for you and your family - now tack on a global pandemic and the process can seem downright overwhelming. The little items on your to-do list seem never-ending as you do your best to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. 

In an effort to ease some of the stress, we have broken down a few items below for you to review and start checking off your list. One step (and check mark) at a time, you got this!  

Bedrooms:
-Make all beds each day (invest in new linens if any are looking worn)
-Clear off surfaces of furniture items such as bedside tables and dressers
-Keep floors clear and mop/vacuum frequently so no dust builds up
-Organize closets and be sure to keep doors closed for showings 

Bathrooms: 
-Make sure all surfaces are clean and clear of clutter
-Replace old hand towels with new decorative ones 
-Run your shower curtain through the washer (or purchase a new one if yours looks worn)
-Sanitize countertops and any moldy areas within the bathroom (corners of sinks and bathtubs, etc.)
-Clean toilet bowl and always be sure to keep toilet lids closed during showings 
-Make sure garbage cans are completely empty and clean
-Replace caulking if necessary 

Living and Family Rooms:
-Remove any furniture that makes the area feel small and closed off
-Make sure tables are clear of clutter
-Put away any toys from children/dogs
-Incorporate decorative throws and pillows to make the space soft and inviting 

Kitchen:
-Clear off all unnecessary items from countertops 
-Organize the pantry so it looks neat and tidy 
-Deep clean the microwave, stove and oven
-Remove any magnets and/or pictures from the refrigerator doors 
-Clean tile grout (bleach it if necessary)
-For showings, put away pet food and water dishes
-Make sure the garbage is empty prior to each showing

Laundry:
-Remove all clothing from the room (dirty or clean)
-Put away (or organize) any laundry soap and supplies
-Make sure floors are clear and clean – vacuum and mop frequently
-Keep all surfaces clear and clean 

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!

If you are searching for a new home, chances are you’ve come across some properties that need some serious love, attention and renovations. And if you initially turned an eye to those homes you may be missing out on an opportunity to turn that eye sore into your dream abode. 

In today’s blog post we are going to be covering the pros and cons of purchasing a fixer upper. This information will give you an overall picture of what you are getting with an older property and allow you to examine if that route is one you want to take. Let’s dive right in!  

Pros of buying a fixer-upper:
-Customize the home to your liking. Purchasing a fixer-upper allows you the opportunity to personalize and customize the home to your specific taste and wants when doing the repairs/upgrades. 

-Your dream neighborhood. Do you have a part of town you love but the price tags don’t fit your budget? A fixer-upper may allow you to buy a home in your price range in a part of town that otherwise may have been too expensive. 

-Potentially save money on your home purchase. In some cases, what it would cost you to purchase and fix up and older home can end up being less than what it would have cost you to purchase a new house. 

-Adding value to your home. Certain home renovations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can add value to your house. This is especially true if you purchased the property below its market value.

Cons of buying a fixer-upper:
-Time and budget. As renovations go, it is not uncommon for the project timeline to take longer than initially expected and cost more than was originally quoted. Things happen – expect the unexpected.

-Invisible repairs. While many repairs are obvious and can be seen with the naked eye, there is potential for some real work to be hiding behind the walls. Rewiring the house to accommodate modern appliance standards, for example, can leave you with a large, unexpected bill.

-Living in and financing the renovations. You will be living in a construction zone until the project is completed if you are not able to find alternative living arrangements. Additionally, you will either need to secure a home renovation loan or have cash in-hand to finance the renovations. 

-Time-consuming. Be prepared to spend time on the home renovation project, whether it’s picking out finishing’s, redesigning layouts, settling on paint colors, etc. you will be busy and consumed until things are wrapped up. 

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!