Real Estate Information Archive

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!

Listing your home to sell is an exciting time as you prepare to say goodbye to one chapter and welcome the next with open arms. But before you put your home on the market there are a few steps you should take to increase your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar. 

The home staging process is crucial to ensure your property shows well and potential buyers can see themselves living in the space. Below we have listed a few tips and tricks to help you stage your Omaha, NE home – let’s dive in! 

-The first step in staging your home is to de-clutter the space. Too much furniture can make your home appear small and closed off and too many items around can distract potential buyers. This will also allow for a clean canvas for you to stage.

-You will also want to depersonalize your home. We understand this may sound strange but having family photos everywhere and kids’ artwork hanging on the fridge can make buyers feel like they are visiting your home, instead of envisioning themselves settling in and making a home for themselves there.

-Steam clean the carpets (you can do this yourself or hire a company) to make sure there are no stains or odors. 

-Paint rooms that are looking dull. It is a good idea to stick to white or neutral colors as to not throw off potential buyers with colors that don’t match their taste and preference. It will also make rooms appear larger. 

-Natural light is a huge selling point for potential buyers, so make sure windows are clean to allow the sunlight to shine through. You may also opt to replace dark window treatments with lighter ones.

-Style your dining room table to make the space welcoming and fun. This is an area that is largely forgotten about when it comes to staging and can really make a big difference.

-Rooms should not be left unfurnished but instead staged by how the spaces can be best utilized. This will help potential buyers easily see how each room can be used and designed. 

-Crank up the curb appeal with a freshly painted front door, add a welcoming wreath, trim the grass and plant colorful flowers all around. A first impression is crucial – especially when it comes to buying a home! 

Be sure to check out our "Seller Tips" page here for more information on selling your Omaha, NE home!

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!

If you have or are currently in the process of selling your Omaha, NE home then you understand just what goes into the process and the importance of your home showing well to potential buyers. And with the prime selling season just around the corner, now is a great time to get your home in tip top shape to get top dollar for your property.

With that said, we have dedicated today’s blog post to a few home improvement projects that are sure to increase your home appeal and aesthetic without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!

-Our first tip is paint, as it is one of the most cost effective and transformative home improvement items on the market. Many people will be shocked at how a new coat of paint can bring a room back to life and/or completely alter the look of your home. Your local hardware or paint store can usually give you a few samples of colors you are interested in so you can patch-test at home and find one that brings your vison to life.

-Have you ever wanted to renovate your kitchen but cringe at the thought of the bill staring back at you? We get it! And while kitchens can be one of the most expensive reno areas in your home, simply upgrading your countertops can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the space. There are quite a few affordable, environmentally friendly materials on the market to choose from including stone, laminate, ceramic tile, terrazzo composites and concrete. Kitchens are usually the heart of the home so making this upgrade can go a long way.  

-If we have said it once, we have said it a thousand times on this blog – upping your curb appeal can make all the difference in the overall aesthetic of your home! Especially when it comes to ‘wowing’ potential buyers. When a buyer pulls up and has a positive first impression of your home, they then enter the home with a good feeling, which has the potential to really work in your favor. Simple things such as adding a wreath to your front door, planting flowers, trimming the shrubs, redoing your walkway and upgrading your front porch light are inexpensive ways to increase the curb appeal of your home.

If you are looking for more information on selling your home in Omaha, NE check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here!

If you are in the market to sell your Omaha, NE home, chances are you will have to go through the appraisal process *cue groans*. And while there are certain factors that are out of your control, such as square footage, layout and location, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that your home appraisal comes back at maximum value. 

Before we jump into all the tips and tricks, we first wanted to make sure that our readers understand exactly what a home appraisal is. So, let’s begin at step one: a home appraisal is the process in which a certified appraiser comes to your home to perform an in-depth inspection in order to determine how much your property is really worth. Now please keep in mind the appraisal amount is not always equal to what the listing price will be set at, but it should provide an accurate understanding of the appraised value of the property. 

Now for the fun part – ways to help increase your home appraisal: 

-Our first tip for you is to fix - everything! You know those seemingly small home repairs that have been on your “to-do” list for ages, but you just haven’t gotten around to yet? The running toilet, the squeaky patio door, the dent on the wall from your kid’s skateboard accident – sound familiar? While these things may not seem like a big deal to you, they can be a red flag to the appraiser and potentially reduce the perceived overall condition of your abode. 

-Cosmetic upgrades can go a long way in helping your home look fresher and newer. We aren’t saying splurge on a full-on remodel (because really, who wants to take on that job?!), but investing in areas such as new carpets, a new coat of paint, an updated bathroom vanity, etc. can actually go a long way!

-Staying on the last point, it doesn’t hurt to keep track of all the improvements/upgrades you did in a list to show the appraiser as they may not be familiar with homes in your area. This is a great opportunity to stand out and display any added value that your home provides. Additionally, if you can include any paperwork, like contractor invoices, that will help your case tremendously and provide weight to the claims you make.

-Arguably one of the most important areas of your property to keep in mind is the front of your home. Curb appeal is everything and as they say, you don’t have a second chance at a first impression. The appraiser’s initial judgement and assessment of your home will be as they walk up and it is a great opportunity to impress. Paint the front door, trim the weeds, plant colorful flowers, add a wreath and doormat – anything that you think will add some spice to the front of your home. 

-Lastly, be sure to clean! We understand this may seem obvious, but a spotless house will most likely increase the chances of the appraiser viewing your home in good condition. So, whether you take a weekend to hit every nook and cranny or hire an in-home service, just make sure that things are squeaky clean for appraisal day! 

Have you been wondering what your Omaha, NE home is worth? If so, be sure to check out our instant market valuation page here!

So, you’re selling your home in Omaha, NE and want all the tips and tricks on how to make your property sell quickly. While we can’t give away all our secrets in one post, we do have one tip that is sure to make the front of your home inviting and appeal to potential buyers. Interested? Keep reading below!

Your front porch is one of the first things buyers see and, as they say, you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. This area of your home is a great opportunity to welcome visitors, and we have listed a few tricks below that, when implemented, are sure to ‘wow’ potential buyers as they pull up to your home:

-Your front door is the focal point of your whole porch and should not be forgotten! Try adding a fresh coat of paint, hanging a decorative wreath on the door and/or adding a doormat to spruce up the entrance. 

-If you have the room, adding a pair of chairs to your front porch is such an easy way to make a big statement. When most people see chairs on a porch, they envision spending quality time with family and friends while the kids play in the front yard. It’s quaint, welcoming and will pull at the heart strings of your potential buyers.

-Incorporating plants/flowers in the foreground is a great way to not only add greenery and a splash of color, but also can be a fun way to guide guests to the entrance of your home. This adds to the curb appeal of your home and can also be a fun project for you and your family to do together!

-To keep your front porch area cool during the warmer Omaha, NE months you can install a ceiling fan, which also doubles as a great way to keep the pesky bugs away. Depending on the layout of your porch, outdoor curtains may also be a great option to keep the sun out while also adding a pop of fun décor. 

Looking for more tips and tricks on selling your Omaha, NE home? Check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here!

As we discussed in a previous blog post, your listing photos are a crucial part of the home selling process and can be a huge factor in the amount of initial interest your listing receives. And while you may not be the one who is actually snapping the images, it is always good to understand the process so you can set up your home to photograph its best. In today’s blog post, we will be discussing a few tips and tricks to help ensure your images not only turn out well but stand out from the rest. Let’s jump in: 

-While it is important that buyers can get a good sense of a house, you want to be sure that it doesn’t appear too “lived in.” Buyers understand that a busy family lives in the house, but your images don’t have to appear that way. Spend some time decluttering the space so that the images appear clear and families can focus on the structure and layout.  

-On that same note, you may want to consider renting a storage unit for items in your home that make the rooms closed off/small and/or cluttered. If you are not sure if a piece of furniture is too big for a space, it may be better to just remove the item and keep it in a storage unit for a little while until the home sells. 

-While decluttering is important, you also want to depersonalize the home. Take the family pictures off the dining room table, remove the kid’s birthday party invitations from the refrigerator doors and take away the piles of magazines from the end tables. You want the images to showcase the home itself and not have potential buyers be distracted by the other items. 

-If your home offers a lot of natural light or breathtaking views, you want to make sure that is highlighted in your images as that can be a huge selling point. Make sure all your curtains are open and windows are cleaned. For a better photograph, you want to make sure all lights and lamps are turned on, inside and out, but to make sure that all ceiling fans are turned off.

-Staging a home is known to increase not only the amount of offers that come in, but also the price of those offers. You can either stage the home yourself or bring in a professional staging company to help ensure the home looks its best and is staged to sell. 

Be sure to check back every week for more real estate information and events happening around Omaha, NE. Also, be sure to check our “About” page to learn more about our talented team! 

If you are in the market to sell your home, you may have a long checklist of items to do before your listing goes live. As we will discuss in today’s blog, one of those items should be to have professional images taken of your home. Curious why this is such an important step for you? You are in the right place, keep reading along! 

It is no surprise that the internet is one of the first places people go to search available inventory in their desired neighborhood, school district, etc. – it is 2019 after all! And if the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” is true, then you want to make sure your visuals are on point! 

While you may have spent countless hours stringing the perfect sentences together telling buyers why your home is the best on the block, the truth is many people gravitate towards the images first and thus create an opinion before they read the first word of the listing. Professional images of your home will help to boost visibility and give potential buyers a real look inside your abode, and ultimately pushing them to call their agent to schedule a showing if they like what they see. 

You also want to be sure to have a variety of images that showcase all the areas/rooms of the home so buyers can get a true feel if the layout will work for their needs. In essence, your images should tell a story and give buyers a virtual ‘walk through.’ And the best part? Buyers can experience an intimate and thorough look into your home through these professional images without having to leave the comfort of their couch, giving you a leg up on the competition and helping to sell your home sell in less time. 

Looking for other ways to help sell your Omaha, NE home? Check out our Home Selling Tips page here!