The start of a new year is a perfect time to show gratitude. Thank you for being a part of our journey and trusting us with your business. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead in 2024!

Here are some events coming up in Omaha to help you ring in the new year.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Sun, Dec 31, 7 – 8 PM
CHI Health Center
455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE

Enjoy breathtaking fireworks from the comfort of your car this New Year's Eve! Free parking lots open at 6pm near CHI Health Center (MECA Lots A, B, and C) and Gallup University Campus (1001 Gallup Drive). Fireworks will launch from MECA Lot D at midnight. Tune your radio to STAR 104.5 FM to hear synchronized music during the show.

New Years Eve @ The Granary!

Dec 31, 2023, 1 PM – Jan 1, 2024, 2 AM
Venues at The Granary
5555 Granary Plaza Suite 101, Ralston, NE

New Year’s Eve at the Granary is back for Nebraska’s second annual LIVE New Year’s Outdoor Ball Drop!

This premier Midwest NYE destination offers three exciting party venues to welcome the new year. Dance the night away with a live DJ in the lively Bushwackers area or enjoy the exclusive VIP experience with live music, special menus, and private balcony access. Upgrade to a private VIP cabana with bottle service and decor for you and 9 guests. At midnight, usher in 2024 with Nebraska's biggest live ball drop outside on the Granary Green, followed by a dazzling fireworks show. With entertainment options for everyone, the Granary's New Year's Eve celebration is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The party culminates in a spectacular midnight celebration on the Granary Green, where Nebraska's largest live ball drop counts down the seconds to 2024 on a 27-foot LED screen. As the glowing ball descends, a DJ spins party music to match the custom video countdown. Cheers erupt when the ball drops at midnight, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. This memorable New Year's Eve bash is an event not to be missed!

New Year's Eve At Slowdown

Sun, Dec 31, 9 – 11 PM
Slowdown
729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE

Get ready to dance into a new year with Omaha's best New Year's Eve party! DJs, dancing, and champagne toast at midnight.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available and include:
- Private bar with 1 cent drinks all night long: Premium Wells, Several canned beer options, House red and white wine, Champagne.
- Balcony access
- Appetizer buffet from 8-10pm

Happy New Year 2024!

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!

The Heim-Berg Team would like to wish all of our clients and family the very best this holiday season. Thank you for letting us help you make your real estate reams a reality in 2023!

To help round out the season, here are a few holiday events planned in Omaha this week.

Christmas at Union Station

Sat, Dec 23, 12 AM
The Durham Museum
801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE

The magic of Christmas continues at The Durham Museum with a long-standing tradition that includes Omaha's official Christmas tree, holiday concerts, and visits from Santa Claus himself, and we hope you will join us for the festivities!

Winter Wonderland

Thorugh Jan 2, 2024, 5 PM
Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE

Each December, we transform our Great Hall into a Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. The forest setting of Fontenelle Forest creates a magical holiday experience where families can start new traditions and make lifelong memories.

Holiday Concert Series

Sat, Dec 23, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
The Durham Museum
801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE

Enjoy beautiful holiday music performed by talented local entertainers under the glow of The Durham Museum's 40-foot Christmas tree as part of the museum's holiday concert series.

Happy Holidays from The Heim-Berg Team!

 

The holiday season is upon us, and while you're busy planning your festive getaway, ensuring your home stays safe and secure is crucial. As your local real estate expert, I'd like to share some invaluable tips to keep burglars away while you enjoy your holiday travels.

 

Light Up Your Home:

A well-lit home is a deterrent for would-be breakins. Investing in timers for your indoor and outdoor lights creates the illusion of an occupied home, even when you're miles away. Motion sensor lights are also an excellent addition to enhance security.

 

Secure Entry Points:

Double-check all doors and windows before leaving. Reinforce entry points with deadbolts and secure sliding doors with bars or dowels. A safe home starts with fortified entryways.

 

Maintain a Lived-In Look:

Lean on a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail, packages, and newspapers. A buildup of deliveries signals an empty home. If you're away for an extended period, consider pausing mail and package deliveries.

 

Smart Home Security:

Invest in smart home security systems with cameras and alarms. Utilize modern technology allows you to monitor your home remotely, receive alerts, and even control lights and thermostats from your smartphone.

 

Landscaping Matters:

Keep your yard well-maintained to avoid the appearance of an empty home. Trim bushes and hedges that could provide cover for burglars and ensure a well-kept appearance.

 

Social Media Caution:

Avoid publicizing any holiday travel plans on social media platforms. Sharing your vacation details on any public platform can attract the wrong kind of attention. Save the posts and updates for when you're safely back home.

 

Secure Valuables:

Always store valuables in a safe or secure location. Consider taking important documents, jewelry, and small valuables with you or utilizing a safe deposit box.

 

Neighborhood Watch:

Engage with your local neighborhood watch if available. Neighbors looking out for each other can be an effective way to deter criminal activity.

 

Emergency Contact List:

Provide a trusted neighbor or friend with your contact information for an emergency. Having someone nearby who can quickly respond to a possible issue, adds an extra layer of security.

 

Police Notification:

If you are away for an extended period, inform your local police department. Some areas offer vacation checks where officers will periodically drive by and inspect your property.

 

NOTE: A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your home remains a safe haven during your holiday travels. 

We wish you a joyful and secure holiday season!

Safe travels and secure homes,

The Heim-Berg Team

When renovating your Omaha home within a limited budget, prioritizing projects can be challenging. Even if you have $12,000 to spend, upgrading the fence, patio, bathroom, and kitchen cabinets (each around $3,000) would exceed the total budget. You'll need to determine the order of importance among these desired upgrades to stay within your budgetary constraints.

Renovating your Omaha home can be a tricky conundrum, especially if you’re trying to avoid going broke in the process. Moving forward with renovations can cause anxiety if you don’t properly research, set a budget, and determine each project's return on investment. Before swinging that hammer, take the time to thoughtfully plan your renovation approach. This will help ensure you can make the upgrades you want without having to sell your house to pay for them.

Ask yourself why you're doing it

Before beginning a renovation, identify your objective—whether it's increasing rental income, boosting resale value, personal enjoyment, keeping up with neighbors, generating flipping profits, or something else important to you. Knowing your goal upfront will help you stay focused and make the right choices once the work is underway.

Prioritize

When funds are limited, renovations to frequently used items or those you can appreciate regularly may be a better investment than a major project like adding a covered patio. Even if a patio is appealing, carefully consider whether you'll use it enough to justify the cost. Building one could lead to more expenses like outdoor furniture, electronics, climate control devices, and décor. If you don't enjoy being outside much, directing funds toward interior renovations could bring more daily enjoyment. With any major home project, have honest conversations with yourself about its benefits versus the costs, both financial and practical.

Consider your budget

Regarding the budget, certain renovations are clearly more expensive than others. Some projects may also be higher priority for you than others. Many people struggle with wanting instant gratification (I'm certainly guilty of that!). It might be wise to start with a few minor upgrades that will give you a sense of progress. Alternatively, you could save aggressively for a couple months to afford the dream kitchen countertops you've been wanting.

Ask around

You may be able to reduce your hard costs by hiring a skilled handyman rather than a flooring company to install your floors. You could also take advantage of special offers from big box stores like Home Depot's current free carpet installation promotion to lower costs. Signing up for daily emails from Home Depot and Lowes provides access to limited-time deals that can save money. These retailers send Daily Deals valid for one day or until sold out.

Consider the ROI

If you cannot determine which renovation provides more value based on your needs, consider the potential return on investment. One project may offer a higher ROI than the other. Consult the Cost vs. Value Report, which compares the average cost and resale value of 21 popular remodeling projects across 149 markets. This report is an excellent resource for assessing renovation ROI.

Assess Your House

Hire a licensed home inspector to thoroughly examine your house before deciding on renovation plans. Have the inspector climb into the attic to check for dampness, scan the basement for leaks, test the HVAC systems, inspect the roof, plumbing, and electrical panels. Although you may want to update the master bath and re-face the fireplace, more pressing maintenance issues could require attention first. Evaluate the home inspector's findings to determine the most urgent priorities and develop an action plan.

Think about everyday costs

While new appliances and home upgrades like doors and windows require an upfront investment, their energy efficiency will save you money regularly in the long run.

Renovating your Omaha home may be one of the bigger challenges you'll take on as a home owner. But it can be a profitable and rewarding experience if you follow these tips.

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!

Fontenelle Forest's Winter Wonderland event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your family. This weekend, you can enjoy a variety of holiday-inspired arts and crafts, indulge in delicious hot cocoa, take a festive caroling hike, participate in habitat-building activities, meet Santa Claus, and even have the opportunity to interact with birds of prey. It's a fun-filled event that offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Bellevue Berry Farm is excited to invite everyone to our Country Christmas event. Join us in our cozy country atmosphere where you can warm up with a cup of Hot Cocoa and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Don't forget to take a picture with Santa and write your Christmas list. Our farm offers a variety of activities, including Kids Play Areas, a Bonfire, and a Holiday Trail of Lights that you can enjoy on a Wagon Ride. We also provide free self-serve Ornament decorating, and if you're interested, Face Painting and Balloons are available for an additional cost.

 Holiday Lites is an annual production by Brigit Saint Brigit that celebrates the diverse customs and celebrations of the year-end season. It is a collaborative effort between Benson Theatre and Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company, combining technological artistry with immersive charm to create a magical and eclectic evening of live theatre. The lineup includes a mix of touching, humorously irreverent, classical, and original performances, featuring both audience favorites and brand-new creations. It is a truly unique and enjoyable experience for all.

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!