Real Estate Information

"I love removing old wallpaper!" said no-one ever. When it comes to removing old wallpaper, most people would put it up there on the "not fun" list with getting teeth pulled.

But alas, removing old wallpaper is a task that must be done sometimes, especially if you buy an older home in Omaha. So how can you remove it an keep your sanity as well?

Check to See If Your Walls Were Primed

If your wallpaper is primed, that's a "prime" situation, as it will definitely speed up the removal job. Priming paper became a common practice in the 1990's, as it kept the glue from forming too strong of a bond with the plaster.

It's easy enough to check if your walls are primed. Just loosen a corner or seam with a putty knife and pull. If it comes off in one sheet, success!

With well-primed walls, dry stripping should work for the entire job and you could finish a room in a couple of hours at most.

Water Works Miracles

If your wallpaper is not primed, all is not lost. Wallpaper glue is water-based, so you can still remove it if your walls are not primed.

Here's a technique the pros use:

• Score or perforate the paper and its backing in sections so water can soak through and loosen the glue. The pros recommend a scoring tool called the PaperTiger (under $20) because it doesn’t harm the wall.
• Douse the perforated paper with hot water using a pump or compression sprayer. The big mistake most people make is using a regular old spray bottle or damp rag to wet the paper. This leads to hours of fruitless scraping because the paper and its backing don’t get sufficiently saturated. The sprayer, on the other hand, gives you the firepower to really soak the glue.
• Let the paper soak for about 15 minutes and scrape it off with a putty knife.

This process will take about 6 hours for an average room, but it's better than how long it would take if you didn't know how to do this.

Avoid Chemical Strippers Because of the Fumes

You can go with chemical wallpaper strippers, which is what the pros use. But the downside is the fumes, and it costs more than using water (of course).

Don't Try the Fabric Softener Trick

You may have heard that using fabric softeners with diluted water will remove wallpaper. Yet, no expert agrees with that method.

In fact, fabric softener makes removing wallpaper even more complicated and messier than just using water, as it ends up mixing the glue with the fabric softener. The fabric softener can also harm drywall.

So when it comes to removing wallpaper, the happiest journey (assuming your walls aren’t primed) involves water — and patience.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

It's common to hear the term "all-cash buyer" during real estate shows. It's often used as a way to sweeten a deal, but what's the reality? You can buy a house in Omaha with cash or with a mortgage, and each has its own pros and cons.

Buying a House with Cash Is Increasingly Uncommon

You're in the minority if you're able to buy a house with cash. Considering the median home sale price is in the mid-300,000s, most people cannot afford it. In 2020, the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers estimates that around 87% of home buyers finance their purchase.

There is no requirement that you show up with a suitcase full of cash if you have enough savings to buy a home outright.

What it means is that you're not getting a loan. The money may come from savings, the sale of another property, or the use of investments.

The Upsides of Paying Cash

If you can pay cash for a home, there are undoubtedly some benefits, including:

• Sellers find you more attractive as a buyer. Right now, this is a big deal. Omaha has a limited inventory of homes and a high demand for them. Bidding wars are inevitable. When making an offer, paying cash can help you be more competitive. That’s preferable to sellers because then they don’t have to worry about what happens if your mortgage financing falls through. A cash-only transaction is also usually faster, so you can get to the closing quicker, which sellers tend to like.
• You don't have to worry about mortgage payments when you buy a house in cash, but you also won't be paying the interest and fees associated with a home loan.
• Omaha home buyers who pay cash have lower closing costs because they aren't paying fees associated with mortgages like lender fees.
• It's not just the seller who benefits from a faster closing. It’s advantageous for the buyer as well. You might be able to close on a home within a week of your offer being accepted. If you buy with a mortgage, it can take a month or more.
• Once you close, the home really is yours. You don’t have the fear of not being able to make the payments and subsequently losing your home.

The Downsides of Paying Cash

There are a few cons of paying cash for a home that you do have to think about as well.

• There is no liquid money in your account. Your cash won't be easy to access if you use it all to buy a house.
• If you invest your money in something other than a house, you could make better returns.
• The mortgage tax deduction will not be available to you. Your taxable income goes down when you itemize deductions for the first $750,000 of mortgage interest.

Talk to a financial professional before buying a house in cash if you're weighing the option. You can discuss all the different scenarios and how that choice could affect you.

Of course, if you’d still have money in savings or investments after buying a house with cash, then it might make the decision easier.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Mother's Day may be 2 weeks away, but why wait? If you live in or near Omaha, there are a number of events starting this week that will help you show your appreciation for mom. Here are a few events that will help this be the best Mother's Day ever.

Mother’s Day Market Pop Up Shop
May 6 (1:00 – 5:00 pm) Free

No matter if you are shopping for yourself or someone special, you will be sure to find something unique at The Mother’s Day Market! Come shop for one of a kind gifts while supporting local small businesses! There will be a variety of items including beauty, candles, jewelry, clothing, treats, handmade items, and more! Mingle while shopping from our 40+ local small businesses, enjoy live music, food, raffle prizes, fun activities and more! You won’t want to miss this FREE event so mark your calendars and bring your friends!

Mother’s Day Tea & Cupcake Tasting
May 7 (12:00 – 2:00 pm) $30

Join SmallCakes at Diana’s Tea Shop in Papillion for a tasting like no other! We are excited to pair cupcakes and tea that will dazzle your taste buds. Bring Mom or another loving person in your life and introduce them to the world of flavor.

Each ticket includes:

4 cupcakes,*4 teas, History of teas by tea shop owners Tim & Angie, Cupcake presentation by Amanda from SmallCakes, 1 Entry into drawing for a giveaway of a Mother’s Day giftbox ($25 value!)

Mother’s Day at TCBY
May 8 (all day),  TBA 2023

TCBY is celebrating moms with the first 6 oz. free!

*Participating locations only. Offer valid Sunday, May 8th. Call or see store for details.

A Mother’s Love Inc Presents a Sip & Paint for New/Expecting Mothers 
May 12 (6:00 – 8:30 pm) $25

Spring Tea 2023  
May 13, 2023, (12:00 pm & 2:00 pm)  
Adults: $32 Youth under 12: $10

Are you buying a home in Omaha or plan to sell your Omaha home? If so, you may be dreading the moving process. To be honest, it's never easy. But there are ways to make the process go more smoothly and with less stress. Here are some tips to help your nest move a successful one.

Plan as Far Ahead as Possible

When planning a move into a new home, it is important to start several months in advance of the actual move-in date. For long distance moves of several hundred miles or more, planning should begin at least twelve weeks in advance. This involves creating a moving timeline, hiring necessary movers or professionals, and notifying the post office and utility companies of the final move-out date. Proper planning ensures a smooth and stress-free move.

Don’t Do Everything on Your Own

Hiring professional movers is a wise decision as it saves you from doing the bulk of the moving work yourself. In addition, it guarantees the utmost safety for your belongings during the move. Professional movers are highly experienced and know the exact ways to transport your belongings from your old home to your new home with the highest level of care while working as quickly as possible. This ensures that none of your possessions get damaged during the move. Moreover, having professionals handle the move makes it faster and smoother overall compared to doing everything with just your friends.

Hiring additional movers can simplify your move. A reliable vehicle shipping company can transport multiple cars safely and efficiently. This enables you to keep your family together in one car during the move, or you can opt for a comfortable plane or train ride.

When planning a move, it's important to be cautious about who you hire to assist you. Before making any decisions, take the time to research moving companies online. Look for positive reviews on sites like Google and Better Business Bureau. Once you've identified potential Omaha companies, request quotes from each of them to compare prices. Don't hesitate to call and ask any questions you may have. If the company is friendly and able to answer your questions truthfully, they may be a good fit for your move.

Unclutter

Before your move, it's important to downsize your belongings. Take the time to go through everything you plan to bring with you and get rid of anything that you no longer use or need. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you get everything in order before moving day.

Uncluttering before moving can greatly speed up the process. By reducing the number of items to be packed, transported, and unpacked, the entire process becomes more efficient. Packing fewer items takes less time and can be done more quickly, ultimately making the move faster.

Pack Methodically

It is important to prepare for a move in advance by gradually packing and labeling boxes by room. Rushing to pack everything in a short amount of time is not recommended. Prior to packing, it is helpful to declutter. Labeling boxes with their contents and designated room will simplify the unpacking process and ensure that items end up in their proper place.

To simplify packing during a move, it's worth considering using different types of boxes for different items. For instance, old beer boxes with handles can be useful for packing books. Additionally, packing smaller yet heavier items in rolling backpacks can make transportation easier. Rolling these items instead of carrying them can save time and energy.

When moving, the bottom line is the be as organized and prepared in advance as possible. Get professional help as much as you can afford to. Doing so will ensure your next move will go as smoothly as possible.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Whether you're just buying a home in Omaha and looking for the best place to find a hot (or cold) refreshing way to start your day, or maybe you've lived here for a while and want to change things up, there are plenty of great coffee houses in Omaha to choose from. No matter your taste in coffee or environment, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the most delicious places in Omaha to start your day.

13th Street Coffee and Tea

519 S 13th St, Omaha, NE 68102

Espresso beverages, baked goods & gelato in an airy cafe setup featuring rotating art on the walls.

Archetype Coffee

3926 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

Bare- & brick-walled hangout with outdoor tables preparing coffee, cold brew & espresso drinks. If you want fantastic nitro brew, lattes, or home brewed chai, Archetype is the place to go in Omaha. 

Sozo Coffeehouse

1314 Jones St, Omaha, NE 68102

Spacious, relaxed coffeehouse with pool tables & sofas offering caffeinated drinks & baked goods. Whether you like art, coffee, pool, live music, giant couches, great coffee, and/or cool people, this place is for you!

Hardy Coffee Co.

1031 Jones St, Omaha, NE 68102

Cozy nook with exposed brick & a covered patio featuring espresso drinks & live entertainment. Hardy Coffee Co. has four brick and mortar locations in Omaha.

The Table Coffee Co.

1118 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102

The Table is a locally owned coffee cafe, with specialty drinks, Heavenly Waffles and more during the day. At night its a place of worship and prayer in the historic downtown Old Market District of Omaha.

Myrtle&Cypress Coffeehouse

517 N 33rd St, Omaha, NE 68131

Their menu includes house roasted specialty coffee & espresso drinks, teas, ice-cream, and exclusively gluten free small bites to serve the many reasons people have to visit a coffee shop. The menu also features homemade and health conscious food and drinks. There's also a playroom for the kids!

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Important Factors to Consider in a Construction Company

• Commitment to safety. When undertaking new construction projects it is imperative that safety be the paramount priority of any organization. Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, having comprehensive insurance and taking every feasible measure to ensure the safety of all workers greatly avoids potential issues on multiple levels. Firstly, there is a moral responsibility to prioritize safety over other aspects of a project. Additionally, there is an economic logic; by prioritizing safety companies drastically reduce their chances of experiencing delays due to accidents. Furthermore, employee morale and thus productivity often increases when employees feel secure in their work environment.
   
• Areas of specialty. What are the areas of expertise and specialty held by this construction company? Are they competent at building the type of house you want?
   
• Options and customization potential. How many options do you have when building a house with this company? Increasingly, construction companies are trying to streamline the design and preparation phase, relying on templates and simple modules for customization. If you're looking for something more unique, you'll need to find a construction company that can accommodate you.
   
• Past work/portfolios. How many houses has this company built? Can you tour some of them? What are the strengths and weaknesses of these houses, as you see them?
   
• Ratings and reviews. It's important to weigh in the opinion of past customers when considering a construction company. Be sure to read all customer ratings and reviews, as they can provide valuable insight into their experiences with the firm. Are there mostly positive or negative critiques? What are some of the most consistent compliments and complaints? Careful analysis of client ratings and reviews will help you get an informed sense of the quality of work this company does.
   
• Pricing and payment schedules. Cost is an important factor when choosing a construction team—some may be pricier than others, for a number of reasons. Make sure to take payment schedules into consideration, too: What are the respective amounts and due dates?
   
• Timelines. When building a new house, the typical timeline is 7-8 months from the point of obtaining permits to completion. However, it is important to note that this duration may extend or shorten depending on a range of factors. Be sure to clearly establish an understanding of the timeline and associated variables before starting the construction process.
   
• Contractors and subcontractors. When it comes to a construction project, it’s important to understand who is handling the work. The construction company no doubt relies on both its employees and contracted subcontractors as needed for each job. It's critical that the work meets quality standards, so make sure you know more about any contractors or subcontractors before committing; be sure to ask for references and reviews from previous customers. Additionally, ensure that all parties are properly insured and licensed so you can have confidence throughout the building process.
   
• Customer service. Client satisfaction is vital to ensure successful communication, organized progress, and an overall positive experience. Are you assigned a project manager for this process? If so, does this individual make themselves available as needed and respond to your queries objectively and truthfully?
   
• Terms and conditions. What other terms and conditions apply to this contract with this construction company? Do they make any assurances or guarantees? What happens if they can’t meet the original timeline? Will the price increase if the cost of materials increase?

Other Important Tips

• Set your priorities in advance. What are your biggest priorities when buying a house? You should know what these are long before you start looking for a construction company. For example, do you have a strict budget that's going to limit your options? Or are you willing to extend your budget if it means completing the house by a certain date?
   
• Shop around. Don't go with the first construction company you encounter. It's important to shop around and review many different options so you can properly evaluate each.
   
• Take your time. This is a huge decision, and not one you can afford to rush. If a construction company representative tries to pressure you into finalizing a deal before you're ready, push back.

Here comes the Easter Bunny! And he's stopping off in Omaha for all sorts of Easter fun. Here are just some of the memorable Easter events coming up this week in Omaha.

St. Luke Kids Easter Egg Hunt

Sat, Apr 8, 10 AM
St. Luke United Methodist Church
11810 Burke St, Omaha, NE

Join us on the St. Luke United Methodist Church Front Lawn. Lots of eggs, snacks, photos, crafts & a visit from the Easter Bunny! Bring your basket, and join the fun!

Easter Extravaganza

Tue, Apr 4, 9 AM – 5 PM CDT
Lauritzen Gardens/Kenefick Park
100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE

This isn't your garden variety Easter egg hunt...

Oh no! The Easter bunny has an empty basket. See if you can spot all 14 of his missing eggs, by matching colors and patterns, as you explore the garden with your family. Also be on the lookout for golden eggs in the garden, which can be collected and returned to the visitor and education center for special prizes!

Pictures with The Bunny

Mar 24 – Apr 8
Westroads Mall
10000 California St Suite 1221, Omaha, NE

Hop on over to take egg-stra special pictures with The Bunny! Plus, bring your fur fam to our pet photo nights for even more paw-fect moments!

Easter Egg Hunt & Food Drive

Sat, Apr 8, 9:45 AM
La Vista Sports Complex Soccer Fields
Omaha, NE

More than 16,000 eggs will be spread out between three soccer fields! This event draws a large amount of people, so plan to come early to allow time to park and walk to the fields. We will also be collecting food and cash donations for the NeighborGood Community Pantry.

EGG-Stravagant Family Fun Weekend - Photos With the Easter bunny

Fri, Apr 7, 9 AM – 4 PM
Omaha Children's Museum
500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE

Join us for photos with the Easter bunny and more themed activities.

Have a Happy Easter!

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

As a first-time homebuyer in Omaha, you've likely been eagerly anticipating this milestone for some time. With pre-approval and a real estate agent secured, it's time to consider what you want in a house. One common question is whether to choose a starter home or a forever home. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

When deciding between a starter home and a forever home, there are several factors to consider. 

What is a Starter Home?

Beginner homes are homes you know won't suit you forever, but are within your budget at an early stage of your life. There may be fewer bedrooms and bathrooms, a townhome or condo instead of a single-family home, or an older home that needs some TLC. You may also be forced to move to a less desirable neighborhood.

Generally, starter homes meet the needs of the buyer, but they won't last forever. There's a good chance that you'll outgrow this home as your family grows, or that you have other plans for the future that will make it impossible for you to reside here for the rest of your life.

What is a Forever Home?

Living in a forever home is something you can imagine yourself doing for the rest of your life. It may not be a property you live in for the rest of your life, but it's one you can grow into, one that has everything you need for decades to come. Almost always, this means a much higher price, and some of the features you've always wanted in a dream home.

Let Your Home Do the Work

Although most people would love to buy the home they can live in for decades, this is often the path that will require you to work harder than you need to. Saving for a down payment and closing costs on a much larger and more costly home is a massive undertaking while getting into a more affordable home now can open up opportunities to work toward your dream home goals with the passive building of equity rather than actively saving your pennies.

If you are ready to buy a home in Omaha now but are not quite ready to buy that dream home, it often makes more financial sense to begin building equity with that starter home to more efficiently work toward the goal of owning a forever home.

Homeownership of any property will maximize your savings toward a larger property, allowing your home to passively increase in value even when you are not aggressively saving for a bigger house. In many cases, just a few years in that starter home can lead you to be financially ready to upgrade to the dream house.

In nearly every case, becoming a homeowner in Omaha earlier is the best course of action, even if it means compromising on the first home you purchase.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Do you have a small bedroom in your Omaha home that you can't seem to fit into? Or maybe you're living in a tiny home in Omaha? The key to making the most out of a small bedroom is to know how to decorate it. There are many tips and tricks that can be used to decorate a small bedroom and make it look great. With a little creativity and ingenuity, a small bedroom (or home) can be transformed into a cozy and inviting space. 

Storage Beds

Space is a major problem in small bedrooms. An effective way to tackle this is to get multi-purpose furniture or beds. This way, you can make the most of the limited space you have.

Additionally, sofa-cum-beds are a great option for those who want to save even more space. They can significantly free up a lot of space, allowing you to make the most of the space you have.

Raise Your Storage

An effective way to create storage and leave space on your bedroom floor is to build shelves on the walls. This can be done by utilizing the vertical space in your room and installing shelves from the floor to the ceiling. This will allow you to store items such as books, clothes, and other belongings up off the ground, creating more floor space.

Additionally, you can also use this space to hang lamps or other decorations, further freeing up the floor area. With this measure, you can significantly reduce the clutter in your bedroom and create a more organized and spacious environment.

Awkward Corners

If your bedroom has weird angles, you can find creative ways to turn them into shelves or cupboards for storage. Look online for inspiration and ideas that will help you make the most of the space.

Lighten Up

When decorating a room, make sure to not cover up windows and allow plenty of light to come in. This will create an illusion of airiness and make the room feel more open. To further this effect, use lighter color curtains to make the space seem more minimalistic and less cluttered. Doing so will give the room a look of freshness and take away the compact, closed feeling.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors can be a great way to add dimension and make a room look larger. When placed in front of a window or light source, the reflection creates an optical illusion of more space. This can give a room a chic and spacious look at the same time.

Visual Trickery 

One of the major drawbacks of small rooms is the height of the ceiling. However, you can use visual tricks to give the illusion of more height and room. For instance, you can hang curtains from the ceiling to the floor to make the walls look longer.

Alternatively, you can choose a longer headboard for your bed or a poster bed to complement the size of your room. Moreover, you can try painting the ceiling and the walls to give the illusion of a larger un-ending room.

Add Dimension

When choosing a statement wallpaper or paint color for the wall behind your bed you have a few options. Lighter colors will create an airy atmosphere, while darker colors will make the room feel cozier.

Alternatively, you could opt for alcove walls to give the illusion of more space. Horizontal wall paneling is also a popular choice as it adds width to the room. Ultimately, the decision is yours and should be based on the vibe you want to create.

Multi-purpose Furniture 

Instead of trying to fit every piece of furniture into a small room, look for multi-purpose furniture. This is one of the most cost-effective decorating ideas for a small room. For example, you can get a workspace that doubles as a vanity. This will save you both space and money.

Additionally, you can get a dresser that doubles as a nightstand. This will provide you with a convenient place to store important accessories.

The purpose of decorating any space is to make it your own. Creating a space that is uniquely yours should be a fun and individualistic process. When decorating a bedroom, it is important to make sure it is comfortable and relaxing. These tips can help make the process easier and can be applied to any small space.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!