Real Estate Information

On Friday, Nov. 15, the sparkling new Nebraska Crossing Outlets in Gretna will open its doors to the public, just in time for all of the holiday shopping madness.

Ever since construction on the 350,000-square-foot open-air shopping mall got underway in March, Nebraskans yearning for something fresh, new and exciting to enter their shopping and dining lives have followed the project's progress with the intensity of a young child watching Christmastime toy commercials on TV.

The $112 million mall, located approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Omaha at the confluence of U.S. Highways 31 and 6 and Interstate 80, is, to say the least, an upgrade from the 20-year-old outlet mall it is replacing, which was demolished this past spring.

Nebraska Crossing Outlets will offer 65 outlet or factory stores and retailers. Some of the most popular name brands include the following:

• Columbia
• Old Navy
• Tommy Bahama
• Forever 21
• Bose

And to ensure you don't go hungry or thirsty during your visit, Nebraska Crossing serves up a cornucopia of fine eateries, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Big Cheese
• Burger Star
• Pieocracy
• Bakery Express
• Scooter's
• Voodoo Taco

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!

A strong agricultural economy, healthcare sector, and a government jobs expansion are to thank for the Nebraska employment rate recovery. While employment had slumped to a loss of 33,000 jobs in a two year period from 2008-2009, those jobs and more have now been recovered thanks to a growth in metropolitan areas.

The financial services and retail sectors have experienced tremendous recovery fueled in part by the agricultural sector. While the size of farms increasing might not add directly to the Nebraska employment rate recovery, the money that is made from these large agricultural areas helps to bring jobs in other areas. With money to spend, farmers have helped to increase employment in areas such as leisure and hospitality, healthcare, vehicle sales, and food service.

Gaining an average of 750 jobs per month since January 2010, Nebraska set a preliminary employment record in May and then surpassed that in July. New records show that over 970,000 people in Nebraska are now employed.

With neighboring states like Colorado and Missouri coming in with 7.1% unemployment and Illinois and Nevada coming in with over 9% unemployment, the 4.2% rate that Nebraska has risen to is truly something to celebrate. While Nebraska is now rated number three in a CNN lowest unemployment poll, there are still a few sectors that have not met their pre-recession employment numbers.

• While manufacturing and construction have regained some momentum, employment levels are not yet what they were before the recession. As buyer confidence grows, these jobs will experience an increase in employment.
• Airline travel has declined almost 12%, reaching a level that hasn't been seen since 2004. While personal travel is one item that is often cut when the budget is tight, businesses are also not sending employees on discretionary trips during a time when money is an issue. This area is also expected to rebound quickly.
• While the economy isn't the only factor in the decision to have a baby, Nebraska's birth rate, and all sectors related to it, continue to come in with numbers below the pre-recession total.

Nebraska continues to use its strong sectors to bring jobs into the other areas, so they are slowly rebounding as well. Economists are confident that the Nebraska employment rate will continue to recover and that the recovery will move further out into rural areas and sectors that have yet to fully feel the effects of the rebound.

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.

Nebraska football began this past weekened when the Cornhuskers played their first game against the University of Wyoming. Looking ahead, the final game is scheduled for Friday, November 29th against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The Cornhuskers are coming off of a strong 2012-2013 season, in which they were 10-4 overall. This team won all of their home games with the exception of one game that was played against the University of Wisconsin Badgers. They also made an appearance in the Capitol One Bowl on New Year’s Day, where they lost to the University of Georgia Bulldogs by a score of 45-31.

Coach Bo Pelini will head the Cornhuskers for the fifth straight year this season. In each of the past four seasons, the Cornhuskers have lost exactly four games. They’re hoping to change that record this year, and they have several key players returning to help them meet their goals.

Among those coming back are running back Ameer Abdullah, offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles and defensive end Jason Ankrah. The Cornhuskers also welcome defensive end Randy Gregory to their ball club this year. Gregory was rated the top junior college defensive lineman for the 2012-2013 season.

According to several sports analysts, defense will play a major role in how well the Cornhuskers do this season. The fact that most of the team’s defensive players are new could effectively work against them. Even so, they are expected to be one of the top contenders in this year’s Legends Division, mostly because the team’s offense is one of the best in the entire Big Ten conference.

Many are waiting to see how well the Cornhuskers fare against the UCLA Bruins later in September. If they hold their own against this team, they have a good shot at being undefeated as they head into November, where they’ll face tough teams such as Northwestern, Michigan and Michigan State. Their performance against these teams will largely determine whether or not the Cornhuskers are selected to advance to post-season conference play.

Nebraska Football - 2013 Schedule

• Aug. 31st vs. Wyoming
• Sep. 7th vs. Southern Miss
• Sep. 14th vs. UCLA
• Sep. 21st vs. South Dakota State
• Oct. 5th vs. Illinois
• Oct. 12th @ Purdue
• Oct. 26th @ Minnesota
• Nov. 2nd vs. Northwestern
• Nov. 16th vs. Michigan State
• Nov. 23rd @ Penn State
• Nov. 29th vs. Iowa

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.

With the barrage of information coming at first time home buyers from all directions, it's no wonder they often feel frustrated and confused when it comes to types of home mortgages and loans. Fortunately, many of the exotic loan types that surfaced before the housing market tumbled have been eliminated, and the buyer is left with fewer difficult or confusing choices. The remaining loan possibilities will be based upon the buyers need, credit history and resources. The first choice the buyer will face is whether to go with a fixed or variable interest rate. The second choice involves whether the loan will be conventional or government-backed. Here are some of the contributing details:

Fixed Rate

With this option the payment will be the same for the life of the loan. Although prime rates rise and fall, the mortgage payments and consumer rates will always remain the same. This certainly makes it easier to budget, and if the prime rate falls dramatically, it is possible to re-finance, although that means a new loan with new closing costs and possibly appraisal costs. Fixed rate loans are available for various time frames, but the most common are 15 and 30 year periods. This may be the best choice if the buyer intends to stay in the home for several years.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages, or ARMs

These begin at a set rate and then adjust periodically at pre-determined intervals. They are generally easier to obtain than fixed rates, and often offer lower interest rates than fixed rates in order to attract buyers. These factors make this loan type popular with buyers that intend to sell in a few years. The downside is that the rate will most often increase, possibly by as much as six percent. ARMs come in several packages.

Conventional Mortgages

These types of Home Mortgages and Loans are created in the private sector, usually from a bank, with no government backing and are known as conventional loans.

Government-backed Loans

This loan will be created in the private sector, but insured by a government agency such as the Veterans Administration or the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These loans include Veterans Administration loans, Federal Housing Administration loans, and USDA loans.

The most important thing to remember is - ask questions, and make sure they are all answered fully. A reputable real estate agent is happy to review any concerns the buyer has, and can always recommend a local, reliable lender or broker. Communities across the country are sponsoring first-time home buyer classes to help buyers understand the process.

Baseball lovers unite, as America's favorite pastime brings the action and excitement to Omaha. The College World Series in mid-June is an annual tournament which showcases eight teams, all competing to be called the NCAA Division I baseball champions. This series features two double-elimination brackets with the bracket winners facing off in a best-of-three competition.

The College World Series began in 1947 and was first played in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since 1950, Omaha, Nebraska has been home to the series. In 2009, a contract extension was agreed upon which keeps the series in Omaha through 2035. Texas has appeared in the College World Series in mid-June 34 times (the most of any team), while Southern California has taken home the most titles, with 12 in all.

This year's College World Series runs from June 14th through June 26th. Opening day packs in plenty of exciting events including the Road to Omaha Jam. This free concert features O.A.R and takes place from 8-9:30 pm. The first game of the series takes place on June 15th, and tickets are currently on-sale. There is ample parking available with easy access to the stadium. More frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the College World Series webpage.

There are numerous fan events that bring food, music, and fun into the area. Everything from opening day ceremonies and celebrations, to open practices and autograph sessions, allows fans to experience every second of the excitement. This year's Fan Fest is presented by Capital One. Located just outside the ballpark, this interactive area provides free fun for the whole family. Whether testing their skill, cheering on their team, or taking a photograph, fans get to experience the thrills and excitement associated with the College World Series.

Once played in Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, the series is now held in the TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. This new park features many amenities and conveniences popular with today's spectator. This year other changes have been made to the game start times, including enhanced instant replay, expanded food and beverage selections, and much more. These changes, along with the popularity of the game, promise to provide the best there is in college baseball.