Real Estate Information

Today more than ever we are all looking for ways to save money and one of our largest expenditures is our mortgage. While monthly budgets can get tight, utilizing a little extra money to pay down our largest expenditures can pay off BIG in the end. Here we’re going to look at ‘principal only’ mortgage payments and the effect they can have on your finances.

When you purchase a home and secure a mortgage through a lender, you are paying several components of that mortgage.

1. The principal- the amount of the loan needed to purchase the home.
2. Interest on that loan- a monthly interest payment calculated on the interest rate accessed to the loan.
3. If you put down less than 20% you are also paying PMI (private mortgage insurance)
4. Property taxes
5. You may also have your Homeowners Insurance tied into the loan as well and pay a monthly premium for that.

These 5 components make up your monthly mortgage payment. However, the principal component of the mortgage represents the amount of equity you accrue each month and essentially ‘buy-back’ from your mortgage lender.

If you currently have a 30-year mortgage, and never make any additional payments, it will take you 30 years to pay off the mortgage in full and pay the full amount of interest associated with the mortgage. For example, a $350,000 loan with a 5% interest rate would be $17,500 a year paid in interest alone!!!

By making a principal-only payment, in addition to your monthly mortgage payment, you are paying down the principal amount of your mortgage faster. If you were to pay a $100 principal-only payment today at the 5% interest rate, you’ll save $332 over 30 years. Now imagine doing that every month, or more if you can. It will put equity in your pocket much quicker, pay off the principal and loan faster and save you thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan.

Please don’t confuse making additional mortgage payments with a principal-only payment, as they are very different. If you choose to start making principal-only payments- in addition to your regular monthly mortgage loan payment, we suggest you call your lender and have them walk you through the process, so it is done correctly, and the monies are applied appropriately. Remember, a principal-only payment NEVER takes the place of your regular monthly loan payment. That must always be made monthly and on time. This would be an additional payment to help pay down the principal amount of your loan. Any questions regarding your loan should ALWAYS be directed to your lender.

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Are you looking for a home in the Omaha area right now? Our team is ready to be our local experience knowledge and expertise to work for you!  If you’re ready to begin the exciting home-buying journey, reach out!  The Heim-Berg Team- 402-677-9024

Halloween is fast approaching, and the kids are ready to have some fun! To have a safe and exciting Halloween for all, we’ve put together a list of some fantastic Trick or Treating activities around Omaha the whole family will enjoy.

Spooktacular Storytime

Saddlebrook Branch Library & Community Center have joined together to bring you a spooktacular event! October 25^th, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. they will host a trick or treat followed by a story walk, crafts, and more. Come in your costumed best!

The Durham Museum presents…The Great HALL-oween Haunt!

October 25^th, from 5:00- 8:00 p.m, walk through spooky displays throughout the museum and trick or treat with historical characters! Play some ghostly games, ride a spooky train and make some creepy crafts! You’ll have a ghoulishly good time…just not scary. Learn more and get pricing at the link above.

Trunk or Treat in Farnam Hill

Trick or Treat with area non-profits! There will be games, face painting, bounce houses, great local food, shopping, and more. October 29^th, from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat at Rockbrook Village

Are you ready to meet Chase from Paw Patrol & Woody from Toy Story?? Then you’ll want to check out Trick or Treating at Rockbrook Village participating stores on October 29^th, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Junk in the Trunk- Family Fun Day

The Schenzel Community Center is hosting Junk in the Trunk. Go out for a day of fun family activities, games, candy, and prizes. The event is scheduled to be inside and out, in case of colder weather. October 30^th, 10:00 to Noon.

Halloween Safe Night

Put on your costumes and get ready to trick or treat! You’ll get a free hot dog inside the community center and can even hop on a hayrack ride outside! Head over to the La Vista Community Center, on October 31^st from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

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Safety reminders:

1. Costumes should be flame-retardant & reflective.
2. Opt for hats and makeup vs face masks
3. Always wear comfortable shoes in the appropriate size.
4. Parents should inspect ALL candy before children eat any of it.
5. All children should be always accompanied by an adult when trick or treating or at an event.
6. If older children attend an event, ensure you have the address and names of parents and hosts in advance.

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Did you know that Fall is a great time to de-clutter your home? As we begin to approach the holidays and the extra guests they bring, it is the best time to rid your home of all those unused, unwanted, and extra items. However, too often many of us fall prey to these mistakes before we even begin the task! Let’s check them out to ensure we maximize our efforts and really make the de-cluttering task worthwhile.

1. Work at your own pace. Stop looking at the clock. This cannot be stressed enough. Too many times we put unreasonable expectations on ourselves when we set out to de-clutter our homes. If we really want to get rid of unnecessary or unused items, we must take our time to do it right. That means taking off the watch and pacing ourselves.
2. Make a plan. What are you trying to achieve? If you don’t know, it's going to be hard to stay motivated to keep going! Are you striving for a more orderly home? Easier ways to keep your home clean and organized? Or really want to get rid of the unused and unneeded items in your home…maybe to downsize? Whatever your reason is, define it first.
3. Storing de-cluttered items. This is a biggie! How often have you “de-cluttered” a room, only to move those items to another room, closet, or storage box? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. If you think about it, this really defeats the whole idea of de-cluttering because you’re just moving the objects from one location to another.  Instead, what you need to do is divide these items into 3 different categories: selling, donating, or going into the trash. Once you’ve done this, the task becomes much simpler. Go room by room and divide into one of each category, then get those items out of your home as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you’ll start going through them again and want to put them into storage boxes or closets and start the whole cluttering process again.
4. Engaging others in the process. While family members are obviously part of the process in a home, don’t go outside that circle in soliciting advice on what to keep and not. Everyone will have differing opinions and it's only your opinion that counts. You will end up keeping many more unwanted, needed, or unused items when soliciting outside advice.
5. Lastly, stop buying things you really don’t need! That may sound obvious, but how many times do we shop and impulse buy? That tends to give us many items we may use a few times and then find ourselves looking for places to store them. Also, try tracking spending and see where your dollars are going and what you really need.  It’s also a dynamite way to save money!

The holidays are just around the corner, so getting our homes deep cleaned and super organized now will be a game changer as the days arrive. Not to mention to peace and calm it brings into our homes. Happy de-cluttering!!

For more homeowner tips, real estate updates, and more, be sure to follow us on Facebook. 

It’s a great weekend to have some family-friendly fun in Omaha with some ‘not-so-scary’ Halloween events that the entire family can enjoy. While we all enjoy the scarier aspects of Halloween, it’s always nice to be able to take the whole family for some adventures to enjoy the season, and these events are perfect for those occasions.

Cobweb Castle at the Omaha Children’s Museum

A wonderful hands-on event where the kids can scale the castle walls, meander their way through the spooky maze and dress up as a sorcerer with makeup and hats. A great afternoon of fun for sure. For ticket information and dates, click here.

Ghouls & Glow at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

This illuminated and delightful spectacle is great for all ages! With many great family-friendly activities around the zoo, including trick or treating, magic shows and 400 larger-than-life lanterns. You can also purchase s’mores kits and mini pumpkins to decorate & take home.  Parents are treated to two bars on Friday & Saturday nights with seasonal alcoholic drinks as well. Get more information & ticket prices for non-members here.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at BLUEBARN Theater

Watch Washington Irving’s masterpiece come to life! Omaha’s own Ben Beck & Jill Anderson incorporate dance, music, and even puppetry in this incredible theatrical invention. The headless horseman does ride again! Get more details and ticket information here.

Jack-O-Lantern World

Take a whimsical ¾-mile walk through 17 immersive worlds of thousands of amazing jack-o-lanterns hand-carved & designed by 50 artisans! Local food trucks will provide food and beverages along the way. Great for an evening stroll to enjoy the season! More information is found here.

Happy October and the start of the spooky month of Halloween.

Follow our Facebook page for more exciting Halloween and Fall events.

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Fall is a great time to sell your Omaha home. The supply of homes for sale is still far below what the demand is seeking. While interest rates have definitely gone higher, serious buyers are still looking for their perfect home and with the supply level home, many are not finding what they want.

If you're still thinking of selling, please reach out. Let's discuss a personalized SOLD plan for your home. 402-677-9024. 

What is the best way to welcome the beauty and change of the new season you ask? By updating your home interior of course! While many of us love the gorgeous bold hues of gold, red, and orange, this year the designers have chosen more natural tones and textures to take center stage! These subdued hues still add coziness with their organic feel, luxurious textures and by incorporating many interesting shapes and sizes. Here’s what the designers are looking at for the season:

Warm neutral colors in earthy tones are where it's at! Think cinnamon, terra cotta, copper, oatmeal, sand, and muted greens. These muted tones work well in any room and are making a splash throughout the home.

Textured fabrics and textiles, from nubby fabrics to linen, and velvet, add dimension and character to a room. Use the fabulous, muted Fall color schemes in your throws and pillows, bedding, and rugs to create a dynamic grouping or showstopping centerpiece in any room. Great for a wall-hanging as well.

Natural woods, which never go out of style, are back in the focal point. Choose to incorporate a new furnishing for Fall or strategically place natural wood elements throughout a room with items such as trays, picture frames, statues, cutting boards, and more. Wood elements give a calming and grounding effect to a room.

Natural fibers and woven elements, like rattan or wicker, lend their own brand of softness and hominess to a room and are super easy to add. Whether it’s a basket to hold warm blankets or treasured items, or swapping out a lamp shade for Fall, it’s a quick and easy way to give your room a Fall boost.

Lastly, mix it up a bit! Add some vintage picks mixed with modern options and have some fun. Let your personality show and make it your own. Your décor style is always a reflection of your own personality, despite what any designer has put forward.

For more home decorating tips, make sure to follow our Facebook page. 

Reference: Jane at Home Blog

Cool crisp breeze and the beautiful sunshine sky are calling us to visit the wonderful local apple orchards around Council Bluffs and Omaha. Can’t you just smell that fresh apple pie baking in the oven? Or making homemade applesauce and apple bread?! Our stomachs are growling just thinking of it! If you’re looking for a great afternoon or weekend escape, check out one of these local orchards for some awesome apples and fantastic family fun.

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard- 19475 225^th St, Council Bluffs, IA

This family-owned and operated orchard and vineyard is your ‘go-to’ place for family fun! And in the Fall it is second to none. Their apple orchard is impeccably maintained and has over 30 varieties to choose from! Whatever your apple passion is, you’re sure to find the perfect one here. Pick your own, or buy by the pound or bushel. But let’s face it, picking your own is a lot more fun! While you’re here, enjoy a glass of wine from their vineyard and let the kiddos play in the playground. Come back for all kinds of Fall fun activities.

Pioneer Trail Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard- 21534 Chestnut Road, Council Bluffs, IA

Welcome to a host of adventures for Fall at Pioneer Trail. First and foremost, their apples and fresh apple juice, and cider are ready and waiting for you! C’mon in and choose your favorites. Whether you’re buying them for snacks or baking fun, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. When you’ve had your apple fill, check out the pumpkins and gourds, dip your own candle, or check out the crafts. Then you may want to have a bite to eat at Apple Jacks Winery Bar and Grill. This is the perfect daytime adventure for a little family fun.

Vala’s Apple Orchard- 12102 S 180^th St, Gretna, NE

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is a special place, especially right now during their Fall Festival, which spans 400 acres: 55 acres of pumpkins, 30 acres of apples, 25 food locations, 4 live shows, and 50 attractions…all in one place!!!  Absolutely incredible. You almost need a full weekend here to explore everything that Vala’s has to offer.  There are 45 different varieties of apples being offered, plus they press their own cider! YUM! There is a corn maze, tons of stuff for the kids, pumpkins galore and so much more. Check this out for Fall fun on overload.

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!

Stay tuned for more great Fall Fun in upcoming blogs and on our Facebook page.

Do you find yourself craving that smoky goodness that only great BBQ can satisfy? We’ve been there too. Well, you’re in luck because Omaha has some of the best BBQ restaurants that serve up incredible meats and tasty sides and you won’t leave hungry. Check out some of the best below:

Smokin Barrel BBQ- 13508 Discovery Dr, Omaha

This veteran-owned and operated venue serves up smoked meats by the ½ pound. You can dine in or carry out. Choices include pulled pork, brisket, sausage links, turkey, and spare ribs. Sandwiches- all the above plus their specialties of The Texan (brisket & sausage), The Dirty Pig (pulled pork, sausage & slaw), and The Farm (Brisket, pulled pork & sausage). Plus don’t forget the sides! Great reviews for seasoning, juicy, and texture. Excellent portion sizes and service. A great place for BBQ.

Smoking Jay’s- 2524 S 13^th St, Omaha

Locally family owned & operated with a passion for smoking meats! Their secret is quality ingredients from start to finish. You’ll find beef brisket and ribs, pulled pork and chicken, sausages, burgers, and sandwiches- including smoked Reuben’s, kids' meals, and even family meals. And their list of sides is enormous and delicious. Plus, don’t forget the desserts. There are a bunch of southern favorites here. The Peach cobbler is divine.

Hartland Bar-B-Que- 5402 NW Radial HWY, Omaha

Best known for their baby back ribs & smoked Angus brisket, this locally owned BBQ restaurant is in the heart of Benson. Although baby back ribs & smoked Angus brisket are at the top of the list, they also serve tantalizing smoked pork, chicken, and sausage with a variety of yummy sides. And did we mention the cornbread?!  Amazing!! Family bundles and catering are also available. Definitely, a place you want to check out.

Porky Butts BBQ- 15475 Ruggles St., Omaha

From Pitmaster extraordinaire Blane Hunter (AKA- Mr. Porky Butts), comes exceptional BBQ from a Grand Champion. Expect exciting menu options with flavorful infusions alongside amazing smoked meats of chicken, pulled pork, turkey, smoked sausage, pit ham, brisket, burnt ends, and catfish. And yes, the sides are equally delish! You can’t go wrong with your order at Porky Butts, just go on in and get that belly satisfied.

Do you have a favorite BBQ place you’d like to share? Please add your comments to our Facebook post!

Continue to follow our blog and Facebook page for more community tips, company highlights, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a charming historic neighborhood or a chic urban oasis, Omaha has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites and ones you may want to explore this Fall!

Aksarben Village- Actually, it’s Nebraska spelled backwards! Clever, right? This is a premier entertainment and shopping neighborhood in the heart of Omaha. Offering family-friendly venues like Stinson Park for live music, open air market and just good ole’ play time, to the Aksarben Cinema. Adults will love the many great restaurants, bars and shopping options. Stop at Spirit World to sip a glass of wine, or Ponzu for Sushi, and made from scratch entrées from Jimi D’s.

The Blackstone District- As they say…Classic meets Contemporary. The Blackstone District is a cool neighborhood in Omaha and one of the oldest in the city. Did you know it’s the home of the Reuben Sandwich??! Visit the Crescent Moon for a taste of the original recipe. Authentic German fare can be found here as the Crescent Moon is located just above the Huber Haus. Looking for a great craft brewing experience, you’ll want to check out Sciptown and Farnam House Brewing.  How about some delectable Italian desserts? Try Noli’s Pizzeria! You’ll find so many unique restaurants and bars, along with amazing services in the Blackstone District.

Little Bohemia- Known as Omaha’s melting pot neighborhood, it has a rich history that is favored by locals and visitors alike. Located in South Omaha, this lovely neighborhood is a fusion of many cultures resulting in an amazing array of restaurants, shops, and bars. They have an adult soda fountain called Fizzy’s (you don’t want to miss), craft brews that are amazing at Infusion, and cozy boutiques and game halls reminiscent of the past. Make sure to visit Little Bohemia Café for a true Czeck experience!

We’ll continue all through the months of September and October in discovering the hidden gems of the Greater Omaha area. Make sure to follow us on our Facebook page and check our blog frequently.

Whether you have been in your house for two years or two decades, there comes a point where things start to feel stale and you may even catch yourself daydreaming about a different, newer home. Unless you have the budget (and patience) for a home renovation, you may be wondering how you can breathe new life into your current home. 

In today’s blog we are going to be covering five ways for you to fall back in love with your home all over again through a couple of simple changes. Let’s dive in:

-Getting organized is a great way to revitalize your space and make your home feel larger and more alive. Spend some time getting rid of junk, clutter and items that you don’t need/use in areas such as drawers, shelves, closets, countertops, etc. With the items that are remaining utilize organizers such as boxes, bins and holders to make your rooms feel new and manageable. 

-A fresh coat of paint is a great and cost effective way to completely transform the look and feel of your home. You can express your style and personality with a fun accent wall color or go crazy with funky color in the spare bedroom. You will be amazed how much paint can transform your space and make your home feel fresher, newer and brighter.

-Lighting is another feature of a home that can drastically impact the feel of any room.  Updating light fixtures, incorporating lamps and even cleaning windows can bring more light in and brighten up your entire space. 

-Adding an area rug is a relatively small change that can make a big impact on a room. Utilizing a larger rug can make a room can appear larger and add warmth, color and texture to any space. 

-Lastly, rearranging furniture has transformative powers to when it comes to changing the way you feel about your home. You can make a space feel brand new by moving existing furnishings around and even adding in new pieces here and there. You will feel like you are vacationing in your own home!

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! 

If you are looking for events to fill your calendar over the next few weeks, you are in the right place! Below we have listed all the can't-miss events and adventures happening in and around our beautiful city of Omaha! You will find everything from farmers markets and children's events, to comedy shows, a pirate festival, group fitness classes, First Friday celebrations and more! 

What: Moon to Mars at Omaha Children’s Museum 
When: August 24th - December 4th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Dinosaur Revolution
When: August 24th - September 2nd
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Fashion Week
When: August 24th - 28th
Where: Omaha Design Center | 1502 Cuming Street Omaha, NE

What: Namaste India at Omaha Children’s Museum
When: August 24th - September 4th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Orchid at Millwork Commons
When: August 24th - 31st
Where: 1111 North 13th Street Omaha, NE

What: Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
When: August 24th - September 9th
Where: One Arena Way Council Bluffs, IA

What: Backline Open Mic
When: August 24th - December 2nd
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: The Great Gnome Escape
When: August 24th - September 5th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Kids FunFare at Regency
When: August 25th
Where: Regency | 120 Regency Pkwy Omaha, NE

What: Sunny & Chair Art Exhibit at Turner Park
When: August 24th - 31st
Where: Turner Park | 3110 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Friday Night Concert Series
When: August 26th
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S 110th Ct Omaha, NE

What: Biscuits Improv Comedy
When: August 26th - November 25th
Where: 902 N 95th Plz 4 Omaha, NE

What: Aquarium Backstage Experience
When: August 27th
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 3701 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: River City Star Happy Hour Cruise
When: August 26th - September 9th
Where: River City Star Riverboat | 151 Freedom Park Road Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: August 27th - October 15th
Where: Old Market | 511 S 11th Street Omaha, NE

What: Millwork Moves: Yoga with Anne
When: August 27th - September 24th
Where: 1229 Millwork Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Saturdays at Stinson Park
When: August 27th
Where: Stinson Park | 2285 S 67th Street Omaha, NE

What: Village Pointe Farmers Market
When: August 27th - October 1st
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center | 17305 Davenport Suite 203 Omaha, NE

What: The Midwest Pirate Festival
When: August 27th & 28th
Where: Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch | 11001 S 48th Street Papillion, NE

What: The Peter Max Experience
When: August 27th & 28th
Where: Roberta & Bob Rogers Gallery | 1806 Vinton Street Omaha, NE

What: Florence Mill Farmers Market
When: August 28th - September 25th
Where: Florence Mill | 9102 N 30th Street Omaha, NE

What: Fitness in the Park
When: August 28th - October 30th
Where: Aksarben Village | 67th and Center Street Omaha, NE

What: Giraffe Backstage Experience
When: August 28th
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 3701 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Sunset Hike
When: September 1st - 29th
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd. 

What: Benson First Friday
When: September 2nd
Where: Military Avenue & 60th Street Omaha, NE

What: Leashes at Lauritzen
When: September 5th - October 10th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Stand Up Comedy at Tiny House
When: August 25th
Where: Tiny House Bar | 1411 S 13th Street Omaha, NE

What: Friday Night Flicks: Encanto
When: August 26th
Where: 900 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: 125th Anniversary Summer Fete at Joslyn Castle
When: August 27th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: September Birding Walk
When: September 3rd
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd. 

What: LOVAM Jazz Festival
When: September 3rd
Where: Turner Park | 3110 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: HutchFest 2022
When: September 4th
Where: 1102 N 12th Street Omaha, NE

If you are looking to sell your Omaha, NE house, be sure to contact our team for more information. Our dedicated, knowledgeable agents are here to provide you with the expert services you need.