Real Estate Information

The right color for the interior of your home is whatever color you like; however, if you don't feel confident in your ability to develop a harmonious color scheme, here are some tips to awaken your inner home-interior muse.

There are literally thousands, or perhaps even millions, of shades, hues and other variations of color "spokes" on the color wheel. It can be overwhelming, even intimidating, especially of you are a first-time home interior painter.

One way to simplify the process of choosing a color scheme is via shrewd manipulation of color hues. You might already be aware of the inherent impact colors and their hues have on us humans. They can make us feel happy or sad; manic or docile; annoyed or soothed; excited or laid back, which is why it's crucial to select the proper shade within a color family in order to set whatever mood it is you're going for in each room.

Here are some simple tips to help you achieve your desired mood altering color scheme:

• The amount of intensity a color displays is directly related to the amount of pigment within it
• Bright colors tend to create an energetic, upbeat mood; whereas dim or dull colors have a relaxing, more toned down aura
• Adding white creates a pastel hue or tint, softening the color's intensity
• Adding black creates a deep, dark color hue, commonly referred to as a shade
• Adding grey creates a comforting, neutral tone of a color
• Earth tones (generally brown and green color variations) give off a warm, outdoor vibe
• Dim hues of blue emanate a cool-breeze aura
• Manipulate color intensity through hue, shade, tint or tone
• Visualize each room painted in different colors
• Dark-colored rooms feel cozy, but also small
• Change a color's tone with complimentary colors around it

Existing home sales, or home resales, showed a slight rise in December (2013), which followed a three-month downward spiral. High demand and record low interest rates for mortgage loans combined to breathe life into the tenuous recovery in the real estate market.

According to the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, total sales of previously owned homes last year reached a seven-year high. Sales climbed 1.0 in the aforementioned month, leading to a yearly rate of nearly 5 million units.

There's more good news. Household formation has begun to steadily dig itself out of a multi-decade-long low, brightening the mood and encouraging home builders to take on new projects.

Experts point to the head-to-head battle between escalating prices and relatively weak overall income growth as having the biggest impact on the market, making home buying an unreachable financial goal for a large number of Americans.

Buyers can't buy if sellers aren't selling. It is the lack of properties for sale on the market that's causing prices to rise.

Saving money on home maintenance is not always accomplished through the initial cost of these renovations; it is often realized over a number of years. It's one of the sacrifices or compromises home owners have had to make for decades, like having to decide between aesthetically pleasing items, such as stone or wood, and easily maintained, such as vinyl or other man-made imitation.

Today, however, manufacturers have developed truly amazing products that mimic the real thing to such a degree that one might even say they are better than those created by Mother Nature. Listed below are some of these incredible innovations in new home maintenance:

Fiber-Siding Cement

Shingles and clapboards cut from sheets of flexible cement and stirred together with fibers of wood that will not warp, cup or rot. Its up-front cost, including painting, averages between $13,000 and $18,000, which is approximately 10 percent less than real wood.

Cellular PVC Trim

Manufactured out of the same material typically used in plumbing fixtures, with air thrown into the mix during construction for a wood like density, cellular PVC trim displays the natural look of wood, and can also be formed, cut and installed like its natural cousin. It's designed to last forever, never requiring a coat of paint, and costing about 10 percent less than real wood alternatives like pine.

Quartz Countertops

Cutting-edge pigments and resins are blended with real quartz chips to produce countertops and other stone items that display the variety and veining that's far more realistic than even those considered innovative a couple of years ago. It costs about the same as natural stone, like limestone and marble, and also enjoys several advantages over them. It's resistant to dark liquid stains, etching from orange juice and other similar household acids, and chipping via impact from heavy kitchen items like jars and cookware.

Curb appeal incorporates everything your home displays to the world, including the exterior siding type and color scheme, as well as the driveway, sidewalks and entryways.

Make your home sparkle like dew in the early morning spring sunshine with these simple and affordable projects:

Fencing

A fence does more than just protect you and yours from intruders or your neighbor's dog. It has a tremendous impact on your home's curb appeal. Instead of the replacement or removal of your entire fence, you can add a fresh coat of paint or blast it clean with a pressure washer. These are two simple and quick things that can yield significant results.

Roofs and Gutters

Eye-catching curb appeal is attained through meticulous attention to often overlooked details, such as the state of your home's roof and gutters

Gravity compels water to exploit the path of least resistance. On your home, this is often the imperfections like gaps holes and ever-widening cracks, which can lead it to invade your living space.

Landscaping

Impressive landscaping can be as easy as mowing your lawn on a regular basis, watering it, and keeping it clear of sticks, twigs and other organic material. You can also put an attractive face on your home by pruning your shrubbery, planting flowers and keeping it as clutter-free as possible.

Touch-Ups

Siding and paint will chip, peel and warp via the ravages of time. These can; however, be taken care of affordably and, in most cases, easily, with just a small amount of sandpaper and elbow grease. Afterward, simply apply primer and paint for a brand spanking-new exterior.

The first and last steps in any curb appeal boosting project is to actually go out and examine your home as if you're a potential homebuyer. An honest assessment can not only show you how to get started or how it looks after it's finished, but also clue you into other projects in your future.

Buyers and sellers alike tend to have lots of questions when it comes to real estate market fluctuations. Any real estate market will always have times of high and low activity, and fluctuations are not usually a cause for concern. Here is what buyers and sellers should know about fluctuations in the real estate market so that they can plan their actions accordingly.

Information for Buyers

Buyers should know that a drop in home prices is often due to a healthy leveling of activity. As a result, connecting with a real estate agent is the best way to get an overall picture as to the health of the local market. An agent can compare recently-sold properties to those on the market to help buyers know whether they are getting a good deal.

Real estate agents can be an invaluable source of information when it comes to finding the best deals in a given area. Buyers should become pre-qualified in order to determine how much house they can reasonably afford. After that, speaking with a real estate agent will put them on the right path to finding their dream home.

Information for Sellers

Sellers are often tempted to drop their asking price whenever there are market fluctuations. They should consider a number of things before deciding to do so. One of the biggest things that will determine whether or not a home's price should be dropped is its condition. Home that are in top condition tend to fetch more money no matter what the market is like. Even so, an overpriced home is likely to stay on the market, as buyers these days are very savvy when it comes to knowing when a seller is asking too much.

Homeowners may have to compete with local builders when it comes to selling their home if there is a great deal of construction going on in a given area. This is another reason why it is important to consult with a Realtor® to determine if a home is appropriately priced.

Home prices tend to rise and fall based on the law of supply and demand, and market fluctuations are not cause for alarm. Working with a Realtor® is the best way for buyers and sellers to both come out on the winning end of a deal, regardless of the current market situation.

One thing that is extremely important when buying a home is an inspection. Home inspections help buyers uncover potential problems so they know up front what condition a home is in. Having a formal inspection helps with the negotiation process, as it identifies structural defects that need addressing.

Most buyers are only in a home for around 15 minutes while viewing it. That simply isn't enough time to fully assess the condition of it. In addition, many buyers do not know how to check certain components such as the electrical and HVAC systems. As a result, they are forced to rely on the seller for information that may or may not be accurate.

Housing inspectors typically work from a checklist in order to ensure they don't miss anything. Even so, buyers should know that there is no standard checklist within the industry. As such, they should ask what is included in home inspections to ensure their completeness. Some of the things a home inspection should include are

• Roofs
• Attics
• Heating and cooling systems
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Floors
• Windows

Buyers should know that nearly every home will have some sort of issue listed in an inspection report. This does not necessarily mean the house is not a good value; instead, they should consider the overall condition and asking price in order to make a determination.

Some people ask friends or relatives to perform a home inspection in an effort to save money; however, this type of inspection may prove unreliable. Instead, individuals should choose an inspector who is licensed by the National Association of Home Inspectors to ensure they are thorough and adhere to a code of ethics.

Sellers could benefit tremendously from having home inspections performed before showing their property. In doing so, they will already know whether there are problems present that need taken care of before listing. They will also appear transparent and trustworthy to potential buyers, which could just make them comfortable enough to make an offer regardless of any problems.

Kitchen remodeling is always high on the list of projects that provide an excellent return on investment. The top kitchen remodel projects will not only make this room look extraordinary, but will increase the functionality of it as well.

A professional-grade range is listed as one of the top features people desire in a kitchen, even among those that do not cook often. The type of range most people prefer is one that contains features such as a griddle or grill space along with double ovens. While people like the functionality of a chef's stove, they also prefer appliances that are eco-friendly. As such, one that contains special features and also uses less energy could score double points.

Certain other appliances also top the list of must-have features for a kitchen remodel. More people than ever are adding convention ovens and wine coolers than ever before. Stainless steel continues to be a popular choice for all appliances, regardless of their size or function.

Granite is still a popular choice for countertops; however, quartz and marble are also increasing in popularity. Regardless of the material used for a countertop, consumers cannot go wrong with a tile backsplash. The reason for its popularity is that it allows for a splash of color without detracting from the overall look of the kitchen.

The top kitchen remodel projects also involve new flooring. Recent surveys by Houzz show that most people prefer hardwood to other flooring options. Tile in its various forms is also an excellent option, being the second most popular choice behind hardwood. Linoleum and concrete are two of the least-favorite options, which means that homeowners who choose these materials could have difficulty selling their property as a result.

White and gray are two popular color choices when it comes to decorating kitchens. White cabinets have always been in style, and continue to attract people from all walks of life. For a somewhat different look, homeowners could add gray panels or accents to provide visual interest while still maintain a timeless and classic look.

The top kitchen remodel projects will increase a kitchen's appearance as well as its functionality. Even small changes can go a long way toward improving the look of what is a very vital room in any home.

Maintaining curb appeal is important all the time, but is especially challenging during the winter months. These tips for winter home selling provide good information on how to showcase a home when the outside weather is less than cooperative.

Clear away Snow and Ice

Sellers should make sure their driveways, sidewalks, and steps are clear of ice and snow before potential buyers visit. People might not want to view a home if they have to track through ice or snow to get inside, which could mean a missed sales opportunity.

Add Color Wherever Possible

One of the best tips for winter home selling involves adding color wherever possible. A bright mailbox or door wreath can go a long way toward brightening up a home and making it appear cheerful. Even simple touches such as a new welcome mat will help provide curb appeal, while also allowing a home to seem warm and inviting.

Light Things Up

The odds of someone visiting when it's dark increases during the winter months. As such, sidewalks, decks and porches should all be well illuminated during a showing. Likewise, the entrance should also contain adequate lighting so that people can see easily. Adding some large reflective house numbers will ensure potential buyers are able to identify the home they are looking for.

Add Greenery

Planting some evergreen shrubs near the foundation of a home will help add some visual contrast against the stark winter landscape. Greenery can also be added in the way of décor, as a few small Christmas trees located throughout the house will also add charm. These trees can stay up even after Christmas is over if the decorations on them are switched up to reflect other holidays such as President's Day or Valentine's Day.

Following these tips for winter home selling will require some additional effort; however, they are nonetheless important. Taking the time to provide winter curb appeal can help homeowners make a sale during what is an otherwise slow time for real estate purchases.

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.

New Year’s Eve is a special time for people to celebrate the old year while looking ahead to the new one. There are a number of New Year’s Eve events in Omaha, Nebraska, so make plans now to attend one or more of them.

The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular will be held at the Gene Leahy Mall beginning at 7 p.m. on December 31. This fireworks show is the closing event of the Omaha Holiday Light Festival, and is among the biggest fireworks shows in the area. This year, the event is expected to attract over 30, 000 people. The fireworks will be set to music, and you can tune into The Christmas Station, Star 104.5 to hear the synchronized tunes.

Double Tree by Hilton is hosting a New Year’s Eve event at their downtown location. The gala will include live music by two local bands, and a champagne toast at midnight. This hotel is also offering special overnight accommodation packages for those who would like to stay over. These packages include a prime rib dinner buffet, entertainment, and accommodations for two.

The Night of Stars 2014 bash will be held at Stir Live and Loud in nearby Council Bluffs. The event features a live DJ, dancing, drink specials and special prize giveaways. There will also be a film crew on hand to videotape the action live as it occurs. Tickets are required in advance, and can be obtained by calling the club.

Ring in Blue Year's Eve at the Omaha Hilton beginning at 6 p.m. Watch the Creighton vs. Marquette game on the big screen, while also enjoying some pre-game food beforehand and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are available for $30 per person in advance or $35 per person at the door.

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve events in Omaha for children to participate in, consider visiting the children's museum. Some of the activities that are planned include face painting, dancing and balloon artists along with a concert by the String Beans.

In addition to these New Year’s Eve events in Omaha, there is also the ice rink, Christmas at Union Station, and Christmas at Boy's Town that can all be enjoyed that evening as well. Make plans now to celebrate, and welcome 2014 in style.