Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-4 of 4

Fun For the Whole Family This Week in Omaha!

by Nancy Heim-berg

Omaha Oktoberfest 2023

Sat, Sep 30, 5 – 11 PM CDT

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Oktoberfest festivities in Omaha's top venues. Dress in your finest Oktoberfest attire and get ready to celebrate and create lasting memories with friends. Raise your stein, clink glasses, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this extraordinary festival.

Porchfest OMA

Sun, Oct 1, 12 – 6 PM
Gifford Pk Neighborhood Mkt
520 N 33rd St, Omaha, NE

Porchfest OMA is a vibrant community music festival that takes place every year in the Gifford Park neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska. Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual event on October 1, 2023. This free festival offers a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy live music and create lasting memories, all while exploring the charm of our community porches. Check their Facebook page for a full lineup of performers.

Omaha Gem & Mineral Show

Sat, Sep 30, 9 AM – Sun, Oct 1, 4 PM
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine St, Omaha, NE

Two days of Rocks, Gems, Minerals and fun. There are 15 dealers with anything rock and gem related, demonstrators and displays, kids activities and a silent auction and rock pile.

Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for 12-18, seniors and UNO faculty and students. Proceeds go to rock related causes especially field camp scholarships for UNO geology students.

Quad Con Comic and Toy Show

Sat, Sep 30, 10 AM – Sun, Oct 1, 5 PM
Oak View Mall
3001 S 144th St, Omaha, NE

Attention all nerds! Mark your calendars for September 30th and October 1st because we have an exciting FREE EVENT happening at Oak View Mall. This time, we have expanded to occupy BOTH levels of the mall, so be prepared to explore. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes because we are taking over! Stay tuned for the week of the event when we will release the details of our epic cosplay showcase. See you there!

Arlington Fall Festival

Sun, Oct 1, 9 AM – 3 PM
Arlington City Auditorium
410 W Elm St, Arlington, NE

Come join in Food, Fun and Fellowship at the Annual ACC Fall Festival! Car Show, Craft Fair, Kids Games and Concessions. Something for everyone!

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!

7 Ways to Avoid Real Estate Scams

by Nancy Heim-berg

Whether you're a first-time Omaha home buyer or an experienced investor, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly incredible deals. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard yourself from common real estate scams.

Utilize the following resources to educate yourself and make informed decisions throughout your property buying journey.

1. Research, Research, Research!

Before you even begin to consider a real estate transaction, arm yourself with knowledge by:

• Researching the market trends.
• Comparing property values.
• Verifying legal requirements specific to your location.

By educating yourself about the property market in Omaha and staying updated on current housing trends, you will not only gain a better understanding of what to expect, but also reduce your vulnerability to scam artists who target the uninformed. One way to do this is through our website and regular blog articles, so make sure you check back every week for more informative articles.

2. Be Wary of Unrealistic Deals

We've all heard the saying, “too good to be true,” and it applies even more so in the real estate world.

Scammers use incredibly low prices and promises of high investment returns to deceive victims. They are even attempting to sell other people's land without their knowledge. To protect yourself, trust your instincts, consult real estate professionals, and seek multiple opinions to avoid being scammed.

3. Work with Reputable Professionals

When it comes to real estate transactions, having the right professionals by your side can make all the difference.

Seek out licensed real estate agents, attorneys, and inspectors with solid reputations.

Scammers often pose as professionals, so verify their credentials and seek referrals from trusted sources before proceeding.

4. Always Inspect the Property

Buying a property sight unseen is strongly discouraged. If a seller refuses an in-person inspection, it is likely a red flag. Real estate fraud is on the rise in 2023, making it even more important to verify the property's authenticity. Insisting on a visit with a certified inspector is recommended to uncover any potential problems and ensure the property is legitimate.

5. Secure, Don't Wire

Be extremely cautious when it comes to wiring funds for a real estate transaction.

Scammers will often push for wire transfers and create urgent scenarios to pressure you into needing to make quick decisions.

Always verify the recipient's information directly and consider using more secure payment methods, especially for large sums of money.

6. Consider Using a VPN

In this day in the digital age, protecting your online interactions is critical. Scammers can exploit insecure connections to access sensitive information and wreak havoc on your property search.

If you’re wondering, “Do I need a VPN?” the answer is yes. A VPN will make it harder for hackers to intercept your data, especially when dealing with financial matters online.

7. Research the Seller

If you're dealing directly with a seller, do your homework on them. Cybercriminals pretend to be distressed homeowners or overseas sellers who need urgent transactions.

The best way to get a better seller identity is by:

  • Looking up property ownership records.
  • Confirming identities.
  • Being wary of sellers who avoid personal interactions or try to rush the process. Don’t let their pushy attitude make your stress levels increase. There’s a reason they’re trying to get you to act fast.

In today's world, there are numerous real estate opportunities available, but it is crucial to be aware of the risks involved. Stay vigilant, gain knowledge, and follow the tips mentioned above, which include prioritizing cybersecurity and using a VPN. By doing so, you can protect your investments and dreams from falling victim to common real estate scams. Remember, being well-informed and making informed decisions is your best defense against these unethical practices.

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!

Furnish Your New Omaha Home With These Local Stores

by Nancy Heim-berg

If you plan to buy a home in Omaha soon, or maybe you just want to give your current home a new look, you're going to need at least some new furniture and other decor. Buying furniture online may seem to be the cost-effective option. But let's admit it, it's hard to make sure you found the perfect piece until you've seen it in person. That's where Omaha's furniture stores come in. Omaha features some of the best furniture stores in the state. You're sure to find everything you need to furnish your new home. Here are some of the best rated stores for your review.

Nebraska Furniture Mart

700 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68114

NFM is a large home furnishings retailer that operates several locations in the United States. Founded in 1937, the company offers wide selection furniture and electronics at competitive prices. NFM has gained a reputation as one of the best places to shop for furniture in Omaha. The company offers a wide variety of furniture and appliances in its showrooms or online.

In addition, the store offers financing options and delivery services to make shopping as convenient and hassle-free as possible.

7 Day Furniture and Mattress Store

4911 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68127

7 Day Furniture is a family-owned Omaha business with over 65 employees. They carry Living Room, Bedroom, Dining and Entertainment furniture as well as Rugs and Lamps. They have been a part of the greater Omaha and Lincoln communities for over 30 years, offering customers the best service at affordable prices.

Mrs B's Clearance & Factory Outlet Center

7312 Jones St, Omaha, NE 68114

As a vital part of Nebraska Furniture Mart's sprawling 80-acre campus, Mrs. B’s Clearance Center and Factory Outlet is a great place to find amazing deals on home furnishings, including do-it-yourself flooring, carpeting, special purchases and sales. Over 100,000 square feet of retail space is filled with thousands of Furniture and accessory items.

The neighborhood flooring center offers more than 300 carpet rolls in stock and sells mattresses from over 100 popular brands. Experienced sales professionals are on hand to help you find the perfect piece for your home or office.

Allens Home

13336 Industrial Rd #105, Omaha, NE 68137

At Allens Home, you'll find a one-of-a kind selection of furnishings that will help decorate your home. The store’s floor is always stocked with new pieces from around the world, so there are always new things to discover.

Lovesac

120 Regency Pkwy Ste 141, Omaha, NE 68114

Lovesac's versatile pieces are designed to be easy-to-clean and long lasting, allowing you the comfort of a beautiful home.

They believe in owning furniture that lasts a lifetime and is expandable, rather than having to constantly buy new pieces.

This allows you to relax and live the life you want. Learn more about The World’s Most Adaptable Couch™, The World's Most Comfortable Seat™, Total Comfort! StealthTech Sound + Charge combines innovation with total comfort in a way that is unlike anything else available on the market today.

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!

Enhance Your Omaha Home's Value with These Pro Painting Tips

by Nancy Heim-berg

When selling your home in Omaha, it's important to consider making minor improvements to increase its appeal and market value. One highly effective and budget-friendly improvement is applying a fresh coat of paint. This goes beyond simply hiding old colors or stains. It involves carefully selecting the right shades, techniques, and finishes to bring each room to life.

Before searching for local painters, consider these expert painting tips to make sure your property leaves a lasting impression:

1. The Power Of Neutral Tones

Neutral colors such as beige, gray, and soft pastels have the ability to create a calming and versatile backdrop. When used in interior design, these colors can transform spaces into airy sanctuaries that exude both life and elegance. The versatility of these hues allows for an inviting ambiance, making it easy for future buyers to envision their cherished furniture and decorations seamlessly fitting into the space.

While neutral colors are a safe choice, does it mean bold colors are a no-go? Not necessarily. 

2. Bold Doesn't Mean Bad

Neutral colors are versatile and appeal to a larger group of people. However, incorporating bold colors strategically can highlight important aspects of a house. Consider painting an accent wall or using vibrant colors in smaller areas such as bathrooms. This will bring character to the space without overpowering potential buyers.

Once you've settled on colors, the next vital aspect is the quality of the paint you select.

3. Invest In Premium Paint

Choosing less expensive paint may seem like a good idea, but it could lead to regrets. Premium paints are more durable, go on smoothly, and often require fewer coats. By investing in quality paint, you'll save time and achieve a professional finish, enhancing the overall appearance of your home.

If you're uncertain about the ideal color palette for your home, consider consulting professionals.

4. Preparation Is Key

To achieve a high-quality paint job, proper surface preparation is crucial. The condition of the surface directly impacts the final result.

Start by inspecting the wall for any nails, screws, or other protrusions. Remove them and fill in the gaps with spackle. For areas with old paint chipping or peeling, a thorough scraping will create a more even surface.

Before painting a wall, it is essential to ensure that it is clean and free of dust, cobwebs, and stains. Cleaning the walls with a mild cleaner will create a spotless surface, guaranteeing a smooth painting process and a flawless finish.

With a clean, even canvas in place, it's now crucial to set the stage for your paint.

5. Prime Before Painting

Priming is an essential step in any paint job. It serves as the foundation for the paint, ensuring better adhesion and longevity. While it may be tempting to skip this step, doing so can compromise the overall quality and durability of the paint job. By taking the time to properly prime, you are setting yourself up for a more successful and long-lasting result.

Primers serve a dual purpose by blocking previous wall color or stains and creating a consistent base for paint. This allows the paint to showcase its true color. Additionally, primers prevent older stains and dark shades from bleeding through, resulting in a uniform and vibrant finish.

6. Use The Right Tools

When it comes to painting, it's important to understand that not all tools are the same. The quality of your tools can greatly impact the outcome of your project. Here are some common painting tools that you may need:

Brushes: When selecting brushes for painting, it is important to choose ones with tapered bristles. These brushes offer precision, especially when working on corners and edges. Additionally, using a top-grade brush will result in a smoother paint application, reducing the appearance of brush marks.

Rollers: When selecting a roller nap thickness, consider the texture of your wall. Smooth walls call for thinner naps, while textured walls require thicker ones. A good roller can effortlessly cover large areas.

Painter's Tape: When it comes to painting, it's important not to cut corners. By using superior tape, you can achieve sharp lines and ensure easy removal, preserving the integrity of your fresh walls.

Investing in high-quality equipment is essential for achieving professional results and making the job easier. However, it is equally important to master the proper application technique.

7. Master The Technique

When painting, it is important to use proper technique. Use long, even strokes and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Start at the ceiling and work your way down, addressing any drips as you go.

To achieve a flawless finish, it is important to remember to overlap your strokes slightly. This will minimize streaks and ensure uniform coverage. It is recommended to practice this technique on a smaller area first, allowing you to get the hang of it before moving on to larger spaces. Patience and precision are key in achieving the desired result.

While the technique is basic, the conditions under which you paint can also influence the final result.

Boost your home's resale value with a professional paint job. Use quality products, prepare surfaces thoroughly, and follow expert techniques. Buyers will be attracted to the fresh appeal. Start painting now for a lucrative sale.

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!

Displaying blog entries 1-4 of 4

Syndication

Categories

Archives

Share This Page

Contact Information

Photo of Heim-Berg Team Real Estate
Heim-Berg Team
Berkshire Hathaway
331 Village Pointe Plaza
Omaha NE 68118
(402) 677-9024
(402) 679-7108 | (402) 830-6123
Fax: 402-493-4805

Stacey OHara CMG financial 515-306-2360

 

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc®. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Opportunity Realtor License