Real Estate Information

There is so much to look forward to now that fall has arrived– cooler weather, the holidays right around the corner and lots of free family events around town! We know it's difficult at times to find activities the whole family will enjoy that won’t break the bank. Below is a list of events around Omaha that will get the whole family out of the house and are sure put a smile on everyone’s face! So grab your family (and leave your wallet behind) to enjoy the cooler weather and some free fall family fun in Omaha! 

First Responders Action Day is put on by the Omaha Police Department and the First Responders Foundation, and is an entire day packed with learning and action for the kids. There are exciting demos held throughout the day such as rescuing submerged vehicles, robots in action, blowing up pumpkins and much more!
When: September 30th | Location: Omaha Public Safety Training Center

At the Fly into Fall Kite Festival families can enjoy giant kite flying demonstrations, food trucks, a rock wall, bounce houses, music and much more. It is sure to be great fun for all ages! 
When: September 30th | Location: Youngman Lake

Harvest Fest will be offering pumpkin painting, live music, bounce houses and free hayrack rides. Show off your eating skills at the pumpkin pie eating content, or enjoy craft vendors and specialty products from local farmers. 
When: October 7th| Location: Village Pointe Farmers Market

Harvest Fun Days is the perfect place for kids to enjoy creating fall crafts, take a ride to the colorful pumpkin patch, explore the surrounding trails and much more!
When: October 14th, 21st and 28th | Location: Hummel Nature Center

It’s that time of year! The leaves are changing color, there is a slight chill in the air and pumpkin spice lattes are back. Saturday is the official start of Fall and it may be time to spruce up your home to celebrate everyone’s favorite season. We have a few suggestions below on ways to bring the fall sprit to your home. Happy decorating!

-Freshen up the front door with festive wreaths, piles of pumpkins and bunches of potted mums and croton to give the porch a bright, fresh feel.  You can even save a bit of money by learning how to make your own ribbon rose wreath by clicking here, or a mini pumpkin wreath here.

-Add real firewood to your fireplace to give it a woodsy, cozy charm. Firewood doesn’t have to just be functional, it can also give the room a decorative fall flair. Be sure to clean off the firewood before bringing it indoors and cut any leaves or twigs that might be still attached.

-Fill gardens and window boxes with seasonal colored flowers such as pansies, ornamental cabbages and English Ivy to boost curb appeal. These blossoms are great because they can withstand the chilly winter temperatures, but also bring beauty to your front area well into the beginning of Spring.

-Bring a little coziness to the outdoors by creating a warm, welcoming space around a fire pit. Be sure to include lots of throws and pillows to really make the area inviting, and keep a large basket nearby to bring the linens inside when bad weather hits.

-A great way to bring an extra dose of coziness to your home is by incorporating candles within lanterns or using pillar candles. You can surround the pillars with festive fall décor such as candy corn, acorns or coffee beans. Just be sure to keep an eye on any burning flame to make sure it doesn’t burn too far down and become a hazard.

-Incorporate autumn hues throughout your home with layered tablecloths, gourds, fresh herbs, woodsy centerpieces, festive throws and pillows. 

Are you a lover of all things food? Have you been itching to try new restaurants around Omaha? Well now you have an excuse to put the pots and pans away for a few days and step out on the town for Omaha Restaurant Week! From September 15^th through the 24^th, take a delicious adventure and celebrate the exciting and unique culinary scene around the Omaha metro area. Dishes range from legendary beef burgers and steaks, to the classic Reuben sandwich, and cuisines include farm-to-fork fresh, comfort food, and everything in between! The city has become a top destination for culinary adventurers, and Omaha Restaurant Week is a great time for diners to explore all that the area has to offer at a reduced price.

Restaurants participating in Omaha Restaurant Week will be offering an exclusive special menu featuring multi-course prix fixe meals ranging from $20, $30, $40 and/or $50 per person, with patrons choosing from their choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts. There are no passes our coupons required, and there is no limit to how many restaurants you may dine at during the week. So take the opportunity to branch out and explore new dining options, or enjoy old, local favorites at a discounted price. A few participating restaurants include Sullivan's Steakhouse, Liberty Tavern, Dolce, Wave Bistro, and 1912. Click here for a complete list of restaurants participating in the 2017 Omaha Restaurant Week.  Also, a portion of the proceeds from Omaha Restaurant Week will be donated to Food Bank for the Heartland.

 Bon Appétit!

For years the trendy area around downtown Omaha has been driving redevelopment efforts, drawing new businesses and residents to the area. Recently, the residential side of that development has been gaining momentum and helping to rebuild the aging neighborhoods extending past the downtown area with a younger and diverse population. For example, the 10^th and 13^th Streets corridors, neighborhoods known to be rooted in ethnic identity, are being transformed and developed to attract a newer population. One developer in Omaha is working towards building a batch of row houses in the area that are set to be priced around $300,000, and BlueStone Development is planning a housing community with over 200 new rental units slightly further south on the corridor. Also, just north of William Street, is the recently built Clarity’s South Hill Rowhouses of which go for between $245,000 and $405,000. The development company is so confident in the continued revival of the area that they are making plans to keep building with a similar batch of residences that will be three-stories with garages, complete with a rooftop deck. There was also a $10,000 public art grant allotted to help perk up the alleyways in hopes of reducing crime in the area. There are numerous restaurants, office buildings, banks and retail shops popping up, bringing new life and incredible commerce to the redevelopment efforts. So be sure to keep an eye on the areas surrounding downtown Omaha as it may be the next best place you call home! 

Believe it or not, Labor Day is right around the corner and with it marks the last weekend for many people to enjoy the final days of summer. It also means family BBQ’s, fireworks and a much anticipated three-day weekend. But not to worry, the Omaha area will not let summer go without one final hurrah -  And let’s face it, they sure know how to through a good party! Below is a round up of a few family-fun Labor Day weekend festivities happening in the area. So grab your friends and family (and white pants) and get ready to hit the town to celebrate!

First Friday at the Old Market

When: September 1st

This free event is held on the first Friday of each month from 6-9pm, and features Omaha’s art galleries and local artists. Celebrating local creativity in an historic neighborhood, locals and visitors alike can wander through the Old Market on foot or catch a free ride on Ollie the Trolley.

La Festa Italiana

When: September 1-3^rd

Celebrate one of the Omaha area’s most beloved festivals where guests can enjoy authentic Italian food, beer, wine fireworks and dancing under the stars. La Festa Italiana has graced residents of Omaha for 33 years, and its no wonder why the event has grown so popular over the years.

The Nebraska State Fair

When: August 25^th-September 4^th

The Nebraska State Fair is always an event to remember with live music, booths, delicious food and incredible events for the whole family to enjoy. Take in the Nebraska culture over Labor Day weekend with performances by Joan Jett & the Heartbreakers, Lynard Skynrd and Cole Swindell.

September Fest

When: September 1^st-4^th

September Fest returns for its 40^th year and is four days of nonstop entertainment! Enjoy live music, a carnival, beer garden, local food vendors, arts and craft stations and a Kiddie Kingdom for the little ones. The event draws in people from all over the five-state area and wraps up with a Labor Day parade at 10am on Monday.

Husker Football Season Kickoff

When: September 2^nd at 7pm

Kick off Husker Football Season on Saturday with a game against Arkansas State at Memorial Stadium! Enjoy tailgating before the game and be sure to wear your red and white to support your home team.

Labor Day Weekend at the Zoo

When: September 2^nd-4^th

Say goodbye to summer alongside flamingos, zebras and giraffes, and enjoy wildlife entertainment that is perfect for the whole family. There will be bounce houses, presentations with the animals and airbrush tattoos!

Do you love to sing? Have you ever watched American Idol on television and thought “That should be me!” Well take your talents out of the shower and car and bring them to the American Idol auditions in Omaha next week! After running for 15 years on Fox, the adored televised singing competition will return to air on ABC in 2018, and the show is searching the country to find its next singing star.

This is the third time Omaha has hosted auditions, and the winner of season seven, David Cook, auditioned here in 2007. Audition videos can also be submitted online at americanidol.com or through social media accounts including Instagram, Twitter and Musical.ly with the tag #TheNextIdol. This new season is sure to be one of the best yet and will also feature pop star Katy Perry as a judge.

American Idol launched the careers of some of the biggest musical stars such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson – will you be next?!

Audition Information:

August 29: Omaha, NE
Lewis and Clark Landing
345 Riverfront Drive
Omaha, NE 68102

*You must be 15 or older to audition

Calling all runners! With summer quickly coming to an end you may think so does the opportunity to participate in many of the marathons and charity runs around the metro area. But fear not, if you missed the chance to participate in the runs so far this year there are still many opportunities to grab your friends and running shoes and cross that finish line!  Listed below are a few of the many runs that are being put on in Omaha through the remainder of the year. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and break a little sweat in 2017!

Hershey Fall Festival Adventure 5K

Length: 5K

Date: August 26, 2017

Location: 510 East 3^rd Street Hershey, NE

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Zoo Run

Length: 2 Mile / 5 Mile

Date: September 3, 2017

Location: Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

Omaha Marathon

Length: 1 Mile / 5K / 10K / Half Marathon / Marathon

Date: September 17, 2017

Location: TD Ameritrade Park

Hot Cider Hustle

Length: Half Marathon / 5K

Date: October 28, 2017

Location: Skutt Catholic High School

Omaha Turkey Trot

Length: Half Marathon / 5K

Date: November 23, 2017

Location: Lewis & Clark Landing

Joslyn Castle Turkey Trot

Length: 5K

Date: November 23, 2017

Location: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing

Holiday Hustle

Length: 5K

Date: December 17, 2017

Location: Prairie Queen Lake 

Moving day is an exciting time for the entire family....but it is also stressful.  The same stress felt by the 'humans' in the house, are also felt by your pets.  In fact, pets can sense that something big is up, weeks prior to your move!  They pick up on your anxiety and the chaos of their living space.  

In order to make your move a smooth one for your furry friends, follow these terrific tips:

Before Moving Day

1. Visit your Vet for one last checkup, any vaccinations due and to gather all your pets health records.

2. If possible, visit your new home so your pets can get acclimated to their new environment.

3. Create new Name Tags that show your brand new address.

Moving Day

1. Pack an overnight bag specifically for your pet.  Include food, water, favorite toy, and medications, treats, doggie bags for clean-up and sleeping bed.

2. Pack a current photo of your pet in the bag in case they were to get loose of you during the move.

3. Pack your vet records in the bag as well.

4. Keep your pet in your vehicle when making the move.  This helps ease their already high anxiety.

5. Once you arrive at your new home, allow your pet some time to 'sniff' around before bringing in furniture and belongings.

For more Home Selling and Buying Tips, visit our website.  Need recommendations on Pet Services in your new area?  Give the Heim-Berg Team a call!

With the carefree days of summer quickly coming to an end and the start of school right around the corner, it can be difficult for kids and adults alike to get back into a regular schedule. The mornings of sleeping in, playful activities and leisurely eating lunches are replaced with 6AM wake up times, lots of homework assignments and prepacking lunches. But going back to school doesn’t have to be a daunting or exhausting time for you or your kids if you plan ahead and identify some strategies to help keep your family organized during this time. Listed below are some tips and tricks on how parents can get a jump start on the school year and help with the transition in hopes to make it a good experience for everyone.

1.)  Start a “School Time” bedtime and wake-up sleep schedule for your kids a week or two before their first day back.

2.)  Create a family calendar to track commitments and activities, and set up weekly meetings to review the kids’ schedules.

3.)  Sit down with your kids and have them set goals for the new year.

4.)  Reestablish the rules for the school year with what’s allowed and when, i.e. screen time, chores, etc.

5.)  Plan out healthy, protein-rich snacks and lunches that are balanced with vegetables, fruits and other wholesome items.  

6.)  Organize clothing for the year to see what you may need to shop for before school begins.

7.)  Visit the school with your kids to get acclimated with their new setting and meet the teachers.

8.)  Review the list of books, school supplies and technology that your kids will need. Go through last years’ school supplies and buy all items that you don’t have as early as possible.

9.)  Lastly, discuss with your kids what they can expect on their first day in hopes to alleviate any anxiety about the new year. Ask them questions about what may be worrying them and talk through these issues to ensure a smooth start to the school year. 

Since air quality directly impacts your health and well-being it's important to do what you can to improve the air quality in your home.  Did you know that opening windows and allowing the fresh air in is the #1 way to improve air quality?  Here are 5 more ways to improve your home's air quality:

1. Clean your home often with as many chemical-free products as possible.  Use Hepa filters on your vacuum cleaner and mop.

2. Keep your home at 50% or less humidity; this helps reduce mold.  Also be sure to utilize your exhaust fan when baking, bathing, cooking and using your dishwasher.

3. Always dispose of paint, gasoline or other hazardous chemicals.  Do not leave them around your home or garage.

4. Furnace filters should be replaced every 3 months with a completed furnace check-up before the winter months.

5. Opt for hardwood floors, ceramic tile or laminate and remove old carpeting.  Carpets tend to trap more dust particles. If you have carpet in your home look to include house plants that filter toxins.

For more Homeowner Tips, visit our website.