Real Estate Information Archive

Approximately 70% of houses nationwide are affected by mold, indicating that this issue is widespread and not to be underestimated. It is important to acknowledge that even if you believe your Omaha home is safe, the reality is that mold can easily be introduced and thrive under suitable conditions.

Hidden mold in the house can be a challenging problem to address, particularly when you can detect its presence through its distinct odor but cannot visually locate it. In such cases, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further mold growth and potential health risks. Here are some steps you can take to deal with hidden mold:

Identify the Source of Mold

While you can't see the mold, you can certainly identify what's causing it.

To identify the cause of mold in your house, conduct a thorough inspection for signs of water damage. Look for leaks, water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. Don't forget to check poorly ventilated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

Address Water Issues

If you notice any water leaks, it is important to address them promptly. This may require fixing roofs, pipes, or windows. To prevent the growth of mold, make sure there is adequate ventilation in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Isolate Affected Areas and Clean

To prevent the spread of spores, it is important to isolate the affected areas where mold is found. However, it is crucial to note that there are likely many hidden spores throughout the entire house, contributing to the mold problem.

To protect yourself and prevent spreading mold spores, put on personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and a mask. Use mold-killing solutions like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or commercial mold cleaners to clean your home. Scrub with a stiff brush.

Remove Mold-Infested Materials

When encountering heavily contaminated drywall or insulation, it is important to note that these materials cannot be effectively cleaned. In such cases, proper disposal is necessary.

Make sure to dispose of these items properly by securely bagging them in a thick trash bag. It's a good idea to double-bag for added protection. Once bagged, wrap and tape the opening to ensure it stays closed.

Consider Professional Remediation

If visible mold cannot be found or if there is a severe infestation, it may be necessary to seek professional help. A mold remediation company can locate and remove the sources of mold, ensuring that your home is safe to live in. It is important to note that not everyone is physically capable of cleaning mold due to health reasons.

Sell Your House

Selling your house can be a wise choice in certain situations. If your property is plagued by severe mold and other significant problems, it may be best to sell it and move on. Fortunately, there are buyers who will purchase your house in its current condition, providing you with a quick source of cash. This can be an excellent opportunity to make money swiftly. Of course, you can count on The Heim-Berg Team to help you if you decide to go that route.

Take Care of Hidden Mold in the House

Hidden mold in your Omaha home can have serious health implications, making it crucial to address any suspicions of infestation. Although there are DIY methods to combat mold, opting for professional mold remediation services is often the best choice. In severe cases, selling your home may be worth considering. For additional tips on maintaining a safe and comfortable home, explore our many blog articles on this site.

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!

A dry and well-maintained basement is crucial for the structural integrity and resale value of your Omaha home. Neglecting signs of water intrusion can result in expensive repairs, health risks, and other complications. Basement waterproofing acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture damage to your foundation. If you're uncertain about your basement's condition, here are clear indications that it's time to consider waterproofing.

1. Visible Water Stains: Water stains on floors, walls, or ceilings are clear indicators of water intrusion. These stains can appear yellowish or brownish in color, serving as evidence of a recurring issue.

2. Musty Odors: The persistent musty smell, similar to wet newspapers or old books, is a clear indication of mold or mildew. These fungi thrive in damp conditions.

3. Mold Growth: Mold, with its distinct musty smell, can manifest as black, green, or white patches on walls, floors, or ceilings. Its appearance not only signifies water damage but also poses health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory ailments.

4. Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white, powdery, chalk-like substance that can be found on basement walls. It occurs when water seeps through concrete, brick, or stone and then evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits.

5. Peeling Paint: Water seepage can lead to the bubbling or peeling of paint on walls, even when using waterproof paint. This occurrence suggests that external water pressure may be the underlying cause.

6. Cracked Walls and Floors: Hairline cracks may appear insignificant, but they have the potential to expand and allow water to seep in. Vertical cracks in block foundation walls are especially worrisome.

7. Wet or Damp Floors: If your basement floor feels consistently damp or if you spot pools of water with no discernible source, it's a sign of a deeper issue. Water might be entering through cracks or where the floor meets the wall.

8. Increased Humidity: High humidity levels in the basement can lead to a damp, sticky feeling or visible condensation on the windows. This moisture can cause damage to items stored in the basement and promote the growth of mold.

9. Rusty Appliances or Fixtures: Rust on metal appliances, furnace casings, or fixtures in your basement indicates a moisture problem.

10. Bowed Walls: The extreme sign of water pressure from the outside pushing against the foundation walls is evident when basement walls curve inwards. It is crucial to consult a professional immediately in such cases.

11. Sump Pump Issues: If you already have a sump pump but still encounter water problems, there are two possible reasons. First, your sump pump might be malfunctioning and in need of maintenance or repair. Second, it could be overwhelmed by the volume of water, in which case an upgrade might be necessary.

12. Landscape Issues: If the ground near your foundation slopes towards your home, it can lead to water being directed towards your basement. Additionally, the formation of puddles close to the foundation after rain is another warning sign to be aware of.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to consider basement waterproofing. Addressing the issue early can prevent structural damage, costly repairs, and health complications from mold exposure. Waterproofing keeps your basement dry and improves your home's health and longevity. Contact a professional in the Omaha area for an assessment and recommendations. Take a proactive approach to protect your home's foundation.

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!

With Omaha experiencing exceptionally cold weather, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss ways in which you can protect your home against the elements. Below we have listed six things you can do to ensure your home is safe during these chilly temperatures. Let’s dive in: 

1. -Ensure all holes and cracks in your home are sealed prior to temperatures dropping. This is a great project to conduct annually as even the smallest holes allow freezing air in and warm indoor air out. 
2. -Make sure your home is properly insulated! It not only increases indoor comfort but also helps with energy savings. Pay special attention to areas such as exterior walls, unheated garages, and attics. Insulation also protects pipes running through exterior walls. 
3. -A great way to ensure that pipes don’t freeze and burst (and cause a major headache) is to wrap exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces such as attics and crawl spaces. Pro tip: Insulation sleeves are a great item to use for this! 
4. -Maintain a steady level on your thermostat. While it is common to lower your heating levels at night, it is important to keep an even level of heat during the daytime hours.  Continually switching up the heating temp can cause issues with the materials in your home and attics and basements. 
5. -To avoid ice from forming on the roof of your home, take some time to make sure the gutters are clean. You can also look into gutter screens which is a great tool to help prevent leaves from clogging this area. 
6. -Protect the water pipes in your home by disconnecting garden hoses, shutting off water sources to outdoor faucets, and draining the lines. 

​For more homeowner tips and real estate updates, make sure to follow us on our Facebook page and check our blog frequently. 

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Whether you are celebrating at home or heading out of town to visit loved ones, we hope you are having a joyous and merry holiday season! Below we have listed a few safety tips to ensure the festivities and celebrations go off without a hitch and everyone stays safe - no one likes a holiday emergency! Let’s dive in: 

Tips for the chefs and bakers of the house:
-Did you know that leaving food unattended on the stove or fryer is the most common cause of cooking fires? Be sure to always keep an eye on things while you are actively cooking. 
-On the topic of cooking fires, make sure to quickly check that all smoke detectors are working and change out the batteries if needed. 
-Using a deep fryer this holiday season? Make sure to keep a safe distance from flammable materials and only use on a level surface. 
 
Tips for the candle lovers of the house:
-We get it, candles fill the home with warm light and delicious seasonal smells. However, make sure to only use candles on sturdy, level surfaces and use weighted holders to lessen the chance of them falling and starting a fire. 
-At the end of the night, after the festivities are over, walk through the house and make sure all the lit candles have been blown out.
-To ensure nothing catches fire, it is recommended to keep roughly twelve inches clear on either side of a lit flame. 
 
Tips for the holiday home:
-Keep your Christmas tree watered and hydrated at all times, as a dry tree is more likely to catch fire. It is also recommended to keep trees away from heat sources in the home. 
-Be sure to have your chimney cleaned at least once during the year if you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
-Installing smart sensors in your water pipes is a great way to help prevent potential water damage from a frozen/burst pipe.

Tips for the holiday traveler: 
-If you are heading out of town for the holidays, there are a few things to check on before your departure. First, be sure to close all blinds and/or shades to keep curious eyes away. 
-Do a quick walkthrough to ensure all entry points in your home are closed and locked, especially doors and windows. 
-Remove any spare keys that may be hidden around the exterior of the home. 
-You may want to invest in a security system as an extra layer of protection for your home. It is also a great way to deter thieves. 
-If you will be gone for an extended period of time, think about pausing your mail, asking neighbors to grab any packages from the porch and hiring a snow shoveling service if weather is in the forecast. 

From everyone here at the Heim-Berg Team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! We are so grateful for each of our wonderful clients and appreciate the opportunity to serve you. 

Even though the official start of winter is still two weeks away, the cold weather has officially landed in Omaha, NE! 

Now is a great time to start preparing your home for the chilly months ahead. Below we have listed a few tasks that aren’t too time consuming and will make a big difference in protecting your home from the low temperatures. Let’s dive in:

-If you frequently use your fireplace during the winter months, be sure to have it thoroughly cleaned by a chimney sweep. This will ensure any creosote buildup, nests and debris are removed, which can be not only dangerous for your health but become a fire hazard as well. This is also a great time to inspect the chimney for cracks and check that the furnace or boiler is running safely and efficiently. 

-While we are on the topic of reducing the risk of house fires, checking the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be on your list this winter. During the chilly winter months, 27 percent of structure fires are caused by heating (according to the U.S. Fire Administration). You can understand the importance and necessity of these detectors working properly in your home to keep you and your family safe.

-A crucial part of preparing your home for winter is ensuring that pipes don’t freeze. As water freezes it expands, and the expanding is what causes pipes to burst (and a migraine to set in). To avoid this you will want to insulate all the pipes throughout your home that are near doors, windows and in any other areas that are not heated. Additionally, you will want to ensure the heat is not set lower than 55 degrees fahrenheit and to drain the garden hose/sprinklers if you have them. 

-Lastly, go to each ceiling fan in your home and set it to the reverse direction.  On most models there is a switch that will allow the fan blades to spin clockwise. Allowing the blades to run in a clockwise direction will push the heated air down and thus create a warmer, cozier atmosphere during the chilly winter months. 

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!

With spring in full swing and warmer weather in the forecast, now is the perfect time to prepare your backyard as you get ready for more time spent outdoors. As you prep, is important to consider the common hazards that are present to your pets in your yard in order to keep them happy and healthy. In today’s blog post we are going to be acknowledging those threats and some ideas you can implement to make your yard safe for your furry, four legged family members. Let’s dive in:

-Toxic Plants: Did you know there are many plants that are toxic to dogs and cats? It’s true, and many of them are commonly found in backyard gardens. It’s best to avoid planting these toxic beauties to ensure your pet doesn’t decide to snack on them. Some of these dangerous plants include: Lilies, Iris, English Ivy, Chrysanthemum, Begonia and Daffodils. *You can always check with your local nursery to find some pet-friendly plants. 

-Fleas and Ticks: It is no secret that fleas and ticks can be dangerous to the health of your pets. To help avoid this issue, you can limit the habitats in which they thrive by removing dry or long grass and maintaining your lawn. Additionally, you can put your pet on a preventative medication for an extra layer of protection.

-Dangerous Tools: Pets can be curious creatures and therefore it is best to remove any tools that could be dangerous to them. Keeping the tools in the garage, shed or basement is a great way to stay organized and ensure your pets don’t get ahold of them.

-Fencing: As we mentioned above, pets can be curious and want to explore the busy world beyond your home. Installing a fence is a great way to make sure they can enjoy the backyard space without having to keep an eye on them at all times. If you already have a fence in place, take some time to ensure it is in good repair. 

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!

With freezing temperatures sweeping the country, it is important to know how to protect your home against the elements and cold weather. Below we have listed five things you can do to ensure your home is safe during these chilly times. Let’s dive in: 

-Guard your water pipes by disconnecting garden hoses, shutting off the water to the outdoor faucets and draining the lines. Also, ensure your indoor plumbing pipes are safe by making sure the wall insulation is in good repair and up to the recommended standards.

-Make sure your gutters are clean to avoid ice from forming on the roof of your home. Especially if you know temperatures are going to drop significantly, take some time to clean them out. Also, you may want to look into gutter screens which can help to prevent leaves from clogging the gutters. 

-Take inventory of the holes and cracks in your home and spend time sealing them up. Even the smallest holes can let the freezing air in or let the warm indoor air out. Consider making this a part of your annual home maintenance routine. 

-Ensure your home is properly insulated to increase indoor comfort, enjoy evenly distributed warmth and energy savings. Do this by making sure places such as attics, unheated garages and exterior walls are properly protected and insulated. 

-Wrapping exposed pipes is a great way to help ensure that pipes don’t freeze and burst! You can look into using insulation sleeves on pipes that go through unheated areas such as crawl spaces and attics.

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! 

With Christmas festivities in full swing, it is important to remember some simple tips to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season. Whether you are the baker, adventurer or candle lover of your family, we have you covered below. Let’s dive in: 

Tips for the cooks & bakers:
-Be sure to never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or fryer as this is the most common way cooking fires begin.
-Don’t forget to double check all labels and make yourself aware of any food sensitivities or allergies of your loved ones to prevent allergic reactions. 
-Take some time to quickly check your smoke detectors and switch out old batteries if necessary. 
-If you are using a deep fryer, make sure it is away from flammable materials and used only on a level surface.

Tips for the adventurer: 
-Invest in a security system to make sure your home is protected while you are away. This also helps to deter potential thieves.
-Don’t forget to hire a shoveling service if you won’t be home and snow is in the forecast.
-If you will be away for quite some time, it may be a good idea to pause your mail or ask a neighbor to come by and collect it for you every few days.

Tips for the candle lovers: 
-Make sure to only use sturdy, weighted candle holders to lessen the chances of them toppling and causing a fire.
-Only place lit candles on level, sturdy surfaces. 
-Take inventory of all your lit candles before the end of the night and be sure to blow each one out. You also want to blow out candles before they have a chance to burn all the way down. 
-It is recommended to keep about twelve inches on each side of a lit flame clear to make sure nothing catches fire. 
-It may not be a bad idea to switch out real candles with fake ones where you can to lessen the hazard in your home. 

Tips for the home: 
-If your home has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. 
-Keep your Christmas tree hydrated and watered at all times. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire.
-Make sure to keep your trees away from heat sources. 
-It’s never a bad idea to install smart sensors on your water pipes to prevent potential water damage from a frozen or burst pipe.
-Look into flame-resistant decorations. 

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! 

Home DIY projects have been all the rage for quite a while. We get it - there is something to be said about carrying out your vision for your home yourself and making sure every detail is completed to your liking. 

With families spending more time at home these days, there doesn’t seem to be a better time to begin the updates you have been putting off for months. However, there are some projects that you want to put the hammer down for in order to avoid costly and risky mistakes and just simply call in the pros for. We have outlined them below, let’s dive in! 

-Arguably the most important DIY projects to avoid are any that involve structural changes. For many reasons, but the main one being that a lot of people have a difficult time deciphering which walls are load-bearing. There can be catastrophic consequences if you were to do the project incorrectly and compromise the structural integrity of your home. 

-Another dangerous DIY project to avoid is electrical work. If there is improper wiring in your home it could lead to damage to your electronics and could even potentially cause a fire. 

-While plumbing mistakes aren't necessarily as life threatening as the previous two bullet points, they can be quite costly and timely repairs. Additionally, if the mistakes are severe enough they can leave your house unlivable until you are able to bring a professional in to correct the repairs. 

-Fixing roof shingles is another project that is better left to the pros. Why, you ask? Well if done incorrectly, you can have major interior damage to your home such as leaks in the attic and water draining behind the siding (instead of in gutter) and can potentially void warranty from the manufacturer. 

-Lastly, if you are thinking of replacing windows in your home - think again. We get that it seems like a pretty straightforward job, but there can be major expenses down the road if there are any errors in the process. Not only could you increase your energy bill by the windows not being installed correctly, but even the smallest gap between the walls, framing and window can be a concern for mold damage and water leaks.

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!

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!