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With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, there is no better time to start planning your fun and festive red, white and blue weekend!

Below we have listed a few events happening in and around our beautiful city of Omaha this weekend to celebrate Independence Day, as well as other local events to keep you and your family busy and the excitement rolling. You will find everything from firework displays and farmers markets, to First Friday events, yoga at Lauritzen Gardens, virtual summer camps and more! 

What: Independence Day Nighttime Light Show
When: July 3rd – 5th
Where: 668 S 41st Street Omaha, NE

What: Independence Fireworks Spectacular
When: July 3rd
Where: 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE

What: Field Club Reverse Parade
When: July 4th | 10:30am – noon
Where: 36th and Woolworth Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Champions Run Celebration & Fireworks
When: July 4th 
Where: 13800 Eagle Run Dr. Omaha, NE 

What: First Friday Old Market
When: July 3rd
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets and 10th to 13th Streets

What: Benson First Friday
When: July 3rd
Where: Military Ave. & 60th Street Omaha, NE

What: Village Pointe Farmers Market
When: July 4th
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center | 17101 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: July 4th
Where: 1011 Jackson Street Omaha, NE

What: The Durham Museum Virtual Summer Camp
When: July 3rd
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/summer-camp/

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Baxter Arena
When: July 5th
Where: Baxter Arena | 2425 S 67th Street Lot 26 Omaha, NE

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: July 5th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Hector Anchondo July Residency at The Jewell 
When: July 5th
Where: The Jewell | 1030 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Essential Fest
When: July 2nd
Where: The Slowdown | 729 N 14th Street Omaha, NE 

What: Yoga in the Garden
When: July 1st
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

We wish everyone a safe and wonderful Fourth of July holiday! 

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There is no better feeling than signing the final paperwork on your first home! And while the difficult hunt of finding your perfect property is over, there are still many items to check off your ‘to-do’ list before you can kick your feet up. 

We have dedicated today’s blog post to a list of items for you to consider after you purchase your first Omaha, NE home. Let’s dive in! 

-One of the first things you want to do after purchasing your Omaha, NE home is to change the locks and garage codes. This will ensure no one with previous access to the home is able to enter moving forward. You may also consider updating the home technology such as the security system for an added layer of protection. 

-You will want to use your home inspection report as a guide to address any issues that were flagged, and the seller did not fix. You don’t have to tackle these all at once – you can prioritize what needs to be completed on what timeline and gradually check items off. 

-Be sure to connect the utilities, such as electricity and gas, prior to your move in date. This will make for a smooth transition as you settle into your new abode. 

-Don’t forget to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they are in good working condition. You may need to change out the batteries or consider replacing the entire units if you feel they need to be updated. 

-Prior to your move in date you may consider hiring a professional team to deep clean the space before your belongings are hauled in. You can’t be sure what dust and/or allergens have accumulated and it’s always good to start with a clean, clear space. 

-In case of emergencies, be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency shut-offs, appliance manuals and the circuit box right when you move in. The least ideal time to search for these is in moments when you need them! 

-Lastly, don’t forget to update places such as your employer, insurance companies and banking institutions with your new address. Additionally, if you are moving from out of state be sure to set a date to visit the local DMV to update your license. 

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!

If you are searching for a new home, chances are you’ve come across some properties that need some serious love, attention and renovations. And if you initially turned an eye to those homes you may be missing out on an opportunity to turn that eye sore into your dream abode. 

In today’s blog post we are going to be covering the pros and cons of purchasing a fixer upper. This information will give you an overall picture of what you are getting with an older property and allow you to examine if that route is one you want to take. Let’s dive right in!  

Pros of buying a fixer-upper:
-Customize the home to your liking. Purchasing a fixer-upper allows you the opportunity to personalize and customize the home to your specific taste and wants when doing the repairs/upgrades. 

-Your dream neighborhood. Do you have a part of town you love but the price tags don’t fit your budget? A fixer-upper may allow you to buy a home in your price range in a part of town that otherwise may have been too expensive. 

-Potentially save money on your home purchase. In some cases, what it would cost you to purchase and fix up and older home can end up being less than what it would have cost you to purchase a new house. 

-Adding value to your home. Certain home renovations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can add value to your house. This is especially true if you purchased the property below its market value.

Cons of buying a fixer-upper:
-Time and budget. As renovations go, it is not uncommon for the project timeline to take longer than initially expected and cost more than was originally quoted. Things happen – expect the unexpected.

-Invisible repairs. While many repairs are obvious and can be seen with the naked eye, there is potential for some real work to be hiding behind the walls. Rewiring the house to accommodate modern appliance standards, for example, can leave you with a large, unexpected bill.

-Living in and financing the renovations. You will be living in a construction zone until the project is completed if you are not able to find alternative living arrangements. Additionally, you will either need to secure a home renovation loan or have cash in-hand to finance the renovations. 

-Time-consuming. Be prepared to spend time on the home renovation project, whether it’s picking out finishing’s, redesigning layouts, settling on paint colors, etc. you will be busy and consumed until things are wrapped up. 

From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers - whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!

If you are looking for fun activities to fill your summer calendars, then look no further! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss virtual and in-person events for the Omaha, NE area over the next two weeks. You will find everything from farmer’s markets and virtual summers camps, to zoo experiences, spring lectures, online forums, music events and much more! Enjoy! 
*Please remember to observe social distancing guidelines for all in-person gatherings

What: The Durham Museum Virtual Summer Camp
When: June 15th – 19th 
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/summer-camp/

What: Virtual Art Camp: Mixed Media – Layers of Meaning 
When: June 15th – 19th
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-camps/

What: Virtual Fontenelle Nature Camp: Week 3
When: June 15th – 19th | 10am & 2pm
Website: https://fontenelleforest.org/camps/

What: Drive-In Rave On! The Music of Buddy Holly
When: June 17th – June 28th | Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm/Sunday 6:30pm
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Omaha, NE

What: Virtual Desert Dome Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 17th – 24th | Wednesdays @ 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

What: Spring Lecture Series Virtual Event
When: June 18th – 25th 
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Virtual Asian Highlands Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 18th – 25th | 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/asian-highlands

What: Art Adventures: Parts of Art
When: June 19th | 10:30am – 11:15am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

What: Junkstock: Underneath the Stars
When: June 19th – 21st | Friday 4-11pm/Saturday 2-11pm/Sunday 10am-4pm
Where: 1150 River Road Drive Waterloo, NE

What: Virtual Madagascar Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 19th – June 22nd | Starting at 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: June 20th & 27th | 8:00am – 12:30pm
Where: 1011 Jackson Street Omaha, NE

What: Village Pointe Farmers Market
When: June 20th & 27th | 8:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center | 17101 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Baxter Arena 
When: June 21st & 28th | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Baxter Arena | 2425 S 67th Street Lot 26 Omaha, NE

What: Virtual Gorilla Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 21st & 28th | Starting at 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

What: Virtual Art Camp: Creative Reclaim
When: June 22nd – 26th 
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-camps/

What: Art Adventures: What a Relief!
When: June 26th
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

What: Law and Order on the Railroad: Virtual Presentation 
When: June 16th
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/599348524008554/

What: Lunch + Learn: Collaging New Worlds
When: June 16th
Where: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts | 724 S 12th Street Omaha, NE

What: Shakespeare Nebraska’s Scholars’ Forum (Online)
When: June 16th
Website: https://www.nebraskashakespeare.com/events

What: Virtual Aquarium Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 16th & 23rd
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/visitorexperiences

What: Live on the Stream: Andrea Von Kampen
When: June 17th | Starting at 12:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1333758113681354/

What: Live on the Stream: Mario Powell
When: June 24th | Starting at 12:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/556823181697178/

Selling your Omaha, NE home? Allow our team of professional, knowledgable and trustworthy real estate agents to go to work for you! Additionally, don't miss our "Seller Tips" page here ! 

Happy first day of June! A new month brings endless adventures, roaring events and new things to learn. That is why we have listed a lineup of incredible events below that are being held by local Omaha, NE businesses both virtually and in person (with social distancing measures in place). Enjoy! 

What: Virtual Art Camp: Drawing Together 
When: June 1st – 5th
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-camps/

*This daily Zoom camp will teach participants new art skills that are inspired by the shapes, values and lines that are found all throughout the galleries in the Joslyn Museum. 

What: Virtual Fontenelle Nature Camp: Week 1
When: June 1st – 5th 
Website: https://fontenelleforest.org/camps/

*Join the week-long Fontenelle Nature Camp that will feature two daily Zoom meetings, ideas for spending time outdoors, green space exploration and much more! The camp will provide engaging and fun nature-themed adventures geared towards fostering and developing life skills and a love for the natural world. 

What: Virtual Desert Dome Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo 
When: June 3rd – 24th
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*Take a look through the world’s largest indoor geodesic dome and desert while meeting animal inhabitants of the Red Center Desert of Australia, Namib Desert of Southern Africa and the Sonoran Desert of the Southwest United States. Take a peek at how the Desert Dome staff care for the animals that call this special place home. 

What: Virtual Asian Highlands Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 4th & 11th
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*This virtual journey explores the grasslands of Northern India and the mountains of the Himalayas. Guests will see animals like snow leopards, sloth bears, red pandas, Indian rhinos and more.

What: First Friday Old Market
When: June 5th | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets And 10th to 13th Streets

*Enjoy an evening strolling the beautiful brick streets of the Old Market where you will find incredible art, live music, a free Trolley and much more! 

What: Spring Lecture Series
When: June 4th & 11th | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

*This lecture will feature a discussion about your gardens and help you cultivate a beautiful green space in your backyard, porch, deck and/or balcony. 

What: Virtual Madagascar Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 5th – 22nd
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*Join the Zoo staff as they present and up-close look at some of the planet’s rarest endemic species. This expedition to the island of Madagascar will also feature a lesson on why lemurs play such an important role in their ecosystem. 

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: June 6th & 13th | 8:00am – 12:30pm
Where: 1011 Jackson Street Omaha, NE

*Enjoy a morning strolling the market for fresh produce, meats, unique specialty items and more! 

What: Village Pointe Farmers Market
When: June 6th & 13th | 8:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center | 17101 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

*Located in the southeast parking, this farmers market is one you won’t want to miss! You can look forward to organic vegetables, farm fresh eggs, cheeses and more! 

What: Virtual Gorilla Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: June 7th & 14th | 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*This virtual behind the scenes tour features the gorillas that call the three-acre Hubbard Gorilla Valley home. Participants will hear from the staff that train and care for these incredible gorillas. 

Virtual Fontenelle Nature Camp: Week 2
When: June 8th – 12th
Website: https://fontenelleforest.org/camps/

*Join the week-long Fontenelle Nature Camp that will feature two daily Zoom meetings, ideas for spending time outdoors, green space exploration and much more! The camp will provide engaging and fun nature-themed adventures geared towards fostering and developing life skills and a love for the natural world. 

What: Virtual Elephant Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
When: June 6th & 13th | 1:30pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-classes
 
*Get an exclusive behind the scenes look of the Zoo’s herd of African elephants and the exhibit they call home. Participants of this incredible virtual event will not only tour the barn but also hear from the staff that care for these marvelous animals. 

What: 46th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival – Gone Viral 
When: June 6th | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Website: https://www.summerarts.org/

*The Omaha Summer Arts Festival has gone viral! This 46th annual event is a celebration you won’t want to miss! Check the website above for more details to come. 

From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers - whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!

If you are looking for different activities to fill your days indoors (thanks, social distancing), you are in the right place! Many local businesses throughout the Omaha, NE area are featuring online activities for individuals and families to participate in from the comfort of their own home. 

We have a list of all the virtual fun happening over the next week below for you to check out! 

What: Virtual Asian Highlands Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: May 28th | 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*This virtual journey explores the grasslands of Northern India and the mountains of the Himalayas. Guests will see animals like snow leopards, sloth bears, red pandas, Indian rhinos and more!

What: Liv Schulman: The Goberment
When: May 28th
Website: http://bemiscenter.org/gobernment

*This virtual chat features Liv Schulman (artist) and Sylvie Fortin (exhibition curator). You can download the Gallery Guide for the event in the link above. 

What: Sara Evans Live
When: May 29th | 7:00pm
Website: https://ticketomaha.com/Productions/sara-evans

*Omaha Performing Arts presents country star Sara Evans straight to your screen! Sara will perform a mix of new music and old favorites and even answer questions live.

What: Art Adventures: Animal Mix-Up
When: May 29th | 10:30am-11:00am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

*Join this virtual class where you will learn to draw and paint animals that can be found in artwork located throughout the Joslyn Museum. The website above has a list of materials you will need, and free kits are available for pick-up each Thursday at 9am (while supplies last). 

What: Virtual Elephant Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
When: May 30th | 1:30pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*This event features an exclusive look and behind the scenes footage of the charming herd of African elephants at the Zoo. Participants will hear from the staff that cares for the animals and will be given a tour the barn. 

What: Live on the Stream: Matthew Whitaker
When: May 30th | 6:00 – 7:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1916106062021213/

*Omaha Performing Arts presents the super-talented pianist Matthew Whitaker! Known for mixing old-school jazz with new school sounds, you won’t want to miss this 18-year-old musical prodigy.

What: Virtual Gorilla Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: May 31st | 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-clases

*This virtual behind the scenes tour features the gorillas that call the three-acre Hubbard Gorilla Valley home. Participants will hear from the staff that train and care for these incredible gorillas. 

What: Virtual Fontenelle Nature Camp: Week 1
When: June 1st – June 5th | 10:00am & 2:00pm
Website: https://fontenelleforest.org/camps/

*Join the week-long Fontenelle Nature Camp that will feature two daily Zoom meetings, ideas for spending time outdoors, green space exploration and much more! The camp will provide engaging and fun nature-themed adventures geared towards fostering and developing life skills and a love for the natural world. 

What: Virtual Art Camp: Drawing Together
When: June 1st – June 5th 
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-camps/

*This daily Zoom camp will teach participants new art skills that are inspired by the shapes, values and lines that are found all throughout the galleries in the Joslyn Museum. 

Be sure to check back each week for more real estate and Omaha, NE community information! Also, are you following us on Facebook? If not, be sure to check us out here! 

Grab your red, white and blue and get ready to celebrate Memorial Day 2020! While we understand this year may not be spent BBQing at a large backyard party (thanks, Covid), that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday with your family safely at home.

Below we have listed a few ways to celebrate Memorial Day from the comfort of your own home, along with other virtual events held by local Omaha, NE businesses this weekend. We hope you enjoy today’s blog and have a wonderful holiday weekend! 

How to celebrate Memorial Day at Home: 

-Wearing red, white and blue clothing and filling your home with festive decorations are wonderful ways to bring the spirit of the holiday to life! Seeing the patriotic colors and décor also serve as a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate Memorial Day in the first place. 

-On that same note, you can also bring the festive decorations outside your home by flying an American Flag and using chalk art on your sidewalks. Not only is chalk art a fun way to spend an afternoon, but it is also a sweet and artistic way to honor those who have served. Let your inner artist go wild! 

-Another way to celebrate the holiday is by tuning in to PBS for the “National Memorial Day concert.” This celebration features documentary footage, celebrity performances and warm readings to honor and celebrate military personnel and their families. The event will be held Sunday, May 24th at 8:00pm EST. 

-Take the time to acknowledge a solider in your life (if you know one) with a quick call, text or FaceTime. You can also donate or drop off flowers to fallen heroes at your local cemetery to honor their life and sacrifice.  

-Lastly, for the music lovers out there, have a patriotic concert right in the comfort of your living room! Find a list of the nation’s most national songs and sing like there is no tomorrow. It is a great family bonding activity and is a sure way to bring some light to everyone’s day.

Virtual Omaha, NE events: 

What: Memorial Day Virtual Run OMAHA
When: May 25th
Website: https://www.active.com/omaha-ne/running/distance-running-virtual-events/memorial-day-virtual-run-omaha-2020?int=72-3-A3

What: Dinner and a Play (at Home): One way to Mars
When: May 22nd | 7:30pm
Website: https://www.omahaplayhouse.com/education-and-programming/view/athome/

What: Virtual Adventure Trails Backstage Experience at Omaha’s Zoo
When: May 22nd | 12:00pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/virtual-classes

What: Art Adventures: Refrigerator Still Life
When: May 22ned | 10:30am – 11:00am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

What: Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour 
When: May 23rd | 5:30 – 6:30pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2952782078101968/

What: Remembering Our Fallen Exhibition
When: May 22nd to May 25th
Where: Prospect Hill Cemetery | 21901 West Maple Road Elkhorn, NE 
*In person event, please adhere to social distancing recommendations

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!