Real Estate Information Archive

Happy Spring, Omaha friends and neighbors! Nancy Heim-Berg here, and I couldn't be more excited that spring has officially arrived in our beautiful city. While walking through Memorial Park, I noticed the first daffodils appearing, which always signals me that it's time for that annual post-winter home checkup.

After the particularly harsh winter we've just endured, with those record-breaking January temperatures and the heavy snowfall in February, our Omaha homes have indeed weathered quite a storm. My team and I have already been fielding calls from homeowners discovering the hidden damage those winter months can leave behind.

Let's talk about where to start with your spring maintenance. I always recommend beginning with a thorough roof inspection. Those strong Nebraska winds we experienced in January may have loosened shingles or created minor issues that, if left unchecked, could become major problems during our spring rain season. You don't necessarily need to climb up there yourself – binoculars from ground level can help you spot potential trouble areas, or you can call one of our trusted local roofing professionals for a more thorough assessment.

Next, take a walk around your foundation. The freeze-thaw cycles we experienced this winter can be particularly tough on concrete foundations, so look for any new cracks or shifts. In my 15 years helping Omaha families buy and sell homes, I've seen how minor foundation issues can quickly become expensive repairs if not addressed early. We recently helped a family in the Aksarben neighborhood sell their home for $20,000 more than expected simply because they had diligently maintained their foundation over the years.

Your gutters and downspouts deserve special attention this time of year as well. I just had mine cleaned out last weekend, and despite having gutter guards, I was amazed at the amount of debris that had accumulated. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to standing water and damaged fascia boards and even contribute to foundation problems if water isn't correctly directed away from your home. While up there, check for any sections that might have pulled away from the house due to ice buildup over the winter.

Don't forget about your HVAC system! The perfect time for HVAC maintenance is as we transition from heating to cooling season. Even something as simple as replacing your air filter can improve efficiency and air quality. My husband and I just scheduled our annual HVAC checkup. Our technician reminded us that this simple maintenance can extend the life of your system by years – something we always remind our clients when they're purchasing a new home.

If you live an older home in a neighborhood like Dundee or Florence, you must check your window seals and weather stripping. These charming historic homes often have original windows that, while beautiful, can develop air leaks over time. Those leaks could noticeably increase your energy costs. This summer, a simple beeswax treatment on wooden windows can significantly affect your cooling bills.

Your outdoor spigots may have taken a beating during our sub-zero days. Even if you correctly winterize them, it's worth checking for leaks when you first turn the water back on. I learned this lesson the hard way a few years ago when a cracked exterior spigot caused water damage in my basement – not a mistake I'll make twice!

Speaking of basements, this is the time of year when we see an uptick in water issues as the ground thaws and spring rains arrive. Carefully look around your basement walls and floors for any signs of moisture. Those of us in Omaha know that our clay-heavy soil can put extra pressure on foundations when saturated. A dehumidifier can be a worthwhile investment, especially in older homes.

Those of you with decks and outdoor living spaces need to inspect carefully for winter damage. Wood decks, in particular, can suffer from moisture damage during winter. A fresh coat of sealant might be required, and now is the perfect time to apply it before our summer entertaining season kicks into high gear.

The trees on your property also need some attention. My team and I always point out to homebuyers how Omaha's beautiful mature trees add tremendous value to a property but require maintenance. Dead branches weakened by winter ice should be removed before spring storms arrive. We've partnered with several local arborists who offer special spring rates to our clients, so reach out if you need a recommendation.

Lastly, remember to check your lawn and garden beds. You may need to repair snow removal or winter salt-damaged areas, and now is the perfect time to fix them while the ground is soft and spring rains can foster new growth. The garden centers around Omaha are starting to stock up for the season, and getting an early start on lawn repair will pay dividends when summer arrives. My husband picked up some grass seed from Earl May last weekend to address those pesky bare spots left by snow shoveling and ice melt!

These suggestions help you prepare your home for the beautiful Omaha spring ahead. Taking care of these maintenance items protects your most significant investment and gets your home ready for Summer. Over decades of helping Omaha families with their real estate needs, I've seen how well-maintained homes consistently command higher prices and sell faster.

My team and I are always here to help with any real estate questions, whether you're considering selling this spring or want to chat about home improvement projects that add value. Give me a call: (402) 677-9024 or visit our website: www.omahaarealiving.com. 

Maybe we'll run into each other around Aksarben Village or at the Farmers Market when it opens. I love connecting with neighbors and sharing the latest Omaha real estate insights. Enjoy the spring season in our wonderful city! 

Hey Omaha! ☘️ Can you believe it's St. Patrick's Day already? Our beautiful city is buzzing with Irish spirit, community celebrations, and plenty of that famous green beer! Whether you've got Irish heritage, are married to it, or love any excuse to wear green, I've covered you with all the Omaha fun around town today. If you’re ready to go green today, check out everything Omaha offers for St. Parick’s Day.

The 2025 AOH St. Patrick's Day Parade
Have you made plans to catch the parade yet? The Ancient Order of Hibernians' annual celebration starts at 10:00 AM downtown. Starting at 15th and Harney, the parade winds through our charming Old Market before finishing up at 10th and Howard. You'll see over 100 floats, fantastic local bands, and many community groups showing their Irish pride.

Insider tip from a local who's been caught unprepared: Try arriving by 9:00 AM to snag a good viewing spot, and don't forget to layer up—you know how fickle our Nebraska March weather can be!

Omaha also has some fun family events planned. Got kiddos? After the parade, why not head over to Heartland of America Park? From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, they're hosting the city's biggest family-friendly St. Paddy's celebration with something for everyone:

You can watch the incredible dancers from Dowds Irish Dance Academy (trust me, the kids are AMAZING!). While there, tap your feet to traditional Irish tunes from talented local Celtic bands. The little ones will love getting their faces painted with shamrocks and rainbows. When hunger strikes, grab a bite from food trucks serving everything from authentic Irish cuisine to local favorites. Don't miss the "Pot of Gold" scavenger hunt!

Are you looking to raise a glass with friends? Omaha's Irish Pubs will surely be Shamrockin'. Check out some of these favorite Old Market Spots: Dubliner Pub has live music all Day (the fiddle player who comes in around 5 PM is incredible!), hearty Irish stew. Some of the best black and tan specials in town and the Lucky's bar crawl that starts at 4:00. Barry O's offers fantastic whiskey flights right down the street, perfect for today's celebration. If you're feeling brave, their corned beef eating contest at 3:00 PM is always hilarious. Don't overlook Annie's Irish Pub, the new kid on the block making quite the impression with Irish coffee that'll warm you to your toes and some creative twists on traditional dishes.

If the downtown scene isn’t for you, and you're in West Omaha, Brazen Head Irish Pub is a family-owned gem that serves the kind of Irish comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate, like their famous potato pancakes. Their Guinness pour is absolute perfection. Over in Benson, Paddy McGown's offers a livelier vibe with a celebration that's always a blast, featuring Irish rock bands scheduled throughout the Day and stacked corned beef as high as the ceiling! I've already heard they've got some special surprises planned for this year!

Contrary to some people's opinion, today is about more than green beer. If you’re not a not a big drinker, Omaha offers alot of ways to celebrate Irish culture without setting foot in a pub. Have you checked out the Durham Museum lately? Their special one-day exhibit on Irish immigration to Nebraska is fascinating, with artifacts and stories that'll transport you back to the 1800s. Movie buffs will love the Irish film marathon at Film Streams in the Dundee Theater, running from noon until midnight. (Their popcorn is worth the trip alone!) The Omaha Celtic Cultural Center is also opening for music workshops, language lessons, heritage displays that the whole family can enjoy, and the awesome Irish Community Mural painted on the brick at Donahue’s Pub.

We care! So, no matter what you do GET HOME SAFELY! With all the celebrating, let's ensure everyone gets home safely. If you're grabbing a ride, Uber and Lyft offer $5 off rides in Omaha today with the code "STPATS2025". Need a designated driver? Our friends at Safe Home Omaha are running free rides from participating bars between 4:00 PM and 2:00 AM. If you prefer public transit, Metro Transit has extended hours on major routes today, with the last buses leaving downtown at 2:30 AM.

Did you know that Nebraska has deep Irish roots? While you're celebrating today, please take a moment to appreciate how Irish immigrants helped build our state during the railroad expansion of the 1860s. Many found work on the Union Pacific Railroad, establishing communities throughout eastern Nebraska with churches, schools, and cultural organizations that still shape our city's character. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in Omaha was in 1878—can you believe we're continuing an almost 150-year-old tradition?

We can help you find your Pot O'Gold with Omaha real estate. Speaking of Omaha's rich history and vibrant neighborhoods, have you considered putting down roots in our fantastic city? Or you want to sell your home and find a new spot to create memories.

As your neighbors and fellow Omaha enthusiasts, the Nancy Heim-Berg Real Estate Team knows every corner of this city—from the historic homes near the Old Market to the family-friendly communities in West Omaha. We've helped countless families find their "pot of gold" in Omaha's diverse real estate market.

What makes our team different? We combine our passion for Omaha's unique neighborhoods with personalized service that puts your needs first. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to upgrade because your family keeps growing, or ready to downsize now that the nest is empty. We're here to guide you through every step.

Like today's St. Patrick's Day celebration, which brings our community together, we believe buying or selling a home should be a positive experience that connects you more deeply to this city we all love.

Wishing you the luck of the Irish in all your endeavors, whether you're hunting for four-leaf clovers or your dream home today! Let's chat about your real estate goals! I'd love to hear from you. Nancy Heim-Berg / Phone: (402) 677-9024 / Website: www.omahaarealiving.com

The ice was hot, and the competition fierce yesterday as Omaha's bravest and finest faced off in the annual Guns N' Hoses Hockey Challenge. This year's event marked a historic turning point. This year was the 1st time The Omaha Fire Department won this game for the first time since fundraiser began, finally ending the Police Department's long-standing winning streak. "The rivalry is always intense, but it's all in good fun and for an incredible cause," said Captain Mike Reynolds of OFD. "We've been waiting for this win for years, and it feels amazing to bring home the trophy finally."

The rivalry was reignited in Sunday's showdown at the arena, as both departments brought their A-game in what has become one of Omaha's most anticipated charity events. Players traded their uniforms for hockey gear, but departmental pride remained displayed as they battled for year-long bragging rights.

Today we wanted to recognize an honorable tradition of service and sport. The Guns N' Hoses Hockey Challenge began in the early 2010s as a friendly match between a few hockey enthusiasts from both departments. Over the years, the event has grown substantially, moving from small community rinks to larger venues as public interest increased.  Many people don't know about the game's humble beginnings as an informal game between 1st responders who love playing hockey and how organizers recognized this game's potential to support first responder causes. The friendly game evolved into a formal charity event and fierce rivalry that’s intensified with each passing year, as the police department established an impressive winning streak that, ended yesterday with a firefighter win.

Most importantly and impressively, the first responders have raised over $500,000, because of this game. It's become a tradition that supporters look forward to each year and showcases the community spirit of our first responders while providing crucial support to their families.

Now, the cherished Omaha event has become more than just a game. While the competition on the ice was fierce, the true winner was the First Responders Foundation, which benefits from this annual fundraiser. "It's our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we can keep supporting the first responders, veterans, and families in the area," said Todd Sears, president of the First Responders Foundation. Local emergency service personnel and their families benefit directly from the various programs and assistance initiatives these funds support.

The police department had maintained an undefeated record since the event's inception, making Sunday's upset victory even sweeter for the firefighters. After years of coming close, the fire department finally claimed the title with a nail-biting finish that had the crowd on their feet. While breaking the streak.
"We'll hear about this until next year's game," joked Sergeant James Wilson of OPD. "But that's what makes this rivalry special. We'll be back next year ready to start a new winning streak."

The community support for this game is impressive, as crowds packed the stands. First responder families, supporters, and colleagues created an exciting atmosphere. Kids waved signs as they cheered for their favorite departments, and the noise reached "Blues" levels during the final minutes. 

After the game, attendees told media outlets about how the event showcases the best of Omaha's community spirit, bringing together different departments that work side by side during emergencies to celebrate their service. 

After this year's upset, the table for next year's rematch is already set. The police department will seek to reclaim their title, while the firefighters hope to start a winning streak.

I'm excited that the event keeps growing, getting bigger and bigger every year. It's so much fun. Todd Sears added. "We're grateful to everyone who came out to support these incredible first responders and the work they do every day for our community.

As the players shook hands at center ice after the game, it was clear that while the rivalry remains intense, the respect between Omaha's first responders runs deep—a fitting reminder of the teamwork that keeps our community safe year-round.

For more information about the First Responders Foundation or to donate, visit their website at firstrespondersfoundation.org

If you’d like to learn more about opportunities to support Omaha Charities or would like to chat about Omaha Real Estate then;
Contact The Heim-Berg Team today 
Phone: (402)677-9024
Website: OmahaAreaLiving.Com

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH?  GET YOUR NO-OBLIGATION HOME VALUATION

The Nancy Heim-Berg Team are real estate experts in Omaha, NE, known for their data-driven approach, online marketing strategies, and deep understanding of local market dynamics. The Nancy Heim-Berg Team’s proven strategies have helped countless homeowners sell their homes quickly and for more money in the Omaha Real Estate Market.

Thanks for stopping by. We’re the Heim-Berg Team & we’ve helped hundreds of Omaha homeowners sell their properties quickly and for more money. We wanted to share some insider tips about preparing your home for this year's spring market. Let me tell you - timing and preparation are everything when maximizing your home's value and creating buyer interest here in Omaha.

So, what does the timeline look like for selling your home? After years in this market, we have noticed that sellers who start their prep work about 60 days before listing consistently see better results. That matters because our spring market typically kicks into high gear by early March, with buyer activity peaking in April and May. Starting your preparations in January or early February gives you the perfect runway to tackle everything systematically without feeling rushed.

Let's talk candidly about what matters in our local market and moves the needle for Omaha buyers. Through years of selling homes across Omaha, I've seen which improvements consistently deliver the best return on investment. You might be surprised that you don't need a complete remodel to impact kitchens significantly. I've seen amazing transformations with just a few key changes. Painting warm white or light gray cabinets can completely refresh the space. Updating hardware and lighting fixtures makes a huge difference, too. Right now, brushed nickel and matte black finishes are catching buyers' eyes.

Believe it or not, fresh paint is your best investment. I tell all my clients this: nothing beats the return on fresh paint. Currently, Omaha buyers are responding to warm neutrals in main living spaces, soft whites in kitchens and bathrooms, and light grays in bedrooms. Here's a pro tip I've learned the hard way: Always get samples first! Our Midwestern light, combined with your home’s windows, can make colors look different than you'd expect.

Curb appeal is especially crucial here in Omaha, where our harsh winters can be brutal on exteriors. I always recommend starting with a professional lawn cleanup to remove dead vegetation and winter debris. Fresh mulch makes a considerable difference - dark brown or black mulch is particularly popular now. A good power washing of walkways and siding can make your home look years younger. And don't forget about your front door - it's incredible how much impact a fresh coat of paint or a new door can have.

“OK Nancy, I’ve used your above advice, now how do I make my home shine?” Every Omaha neighborhood is different, and I've sold homes in all of them. While staging preferences vary by area and price point, I've learned some universal truths about what works in our market. In living spaces, it's all about creating an inviting atmosphere. I always suggest my clients think about traffic flow - how people will move through the space. Creating welcoming conversation areas makes buyers feel at home. Lighting is crucial, especially in our older Dundee and Field Club homes, where natural light might be limited.

Kitchens and dining areas deserve special attention. A clean, clutter-free kitchen with just a few attractive appliances on display works wonders. We love suggesting that my clients set their dining table—Omaha buyers respond to being able to envision family meals in the space. How about adding a small fresh herb garden in the kitchen window to make the space more alive and appealing?

Don't forget about outdoor spaces - they're crucial selling points once our beautiful spring weather arrives. Clean and arranged patio furniture makes a big difference, even if you're listing in early spring. We recommend adding some potted plants - we suggest varieties that handle our spring temperature swings, like Champs. Good outdoor lighting is essential, too - buyers often drive by in the evening.

Let me share the timeline we've developed over years of spring sales in Omaha. Here’s your countdown for the listing day with our team.

About 60 days out, you'll want to schedule your contractors—they book up incredibly fast in spring. At this time, you should also begin decluttering and tackle any major repairs. We know some great local storage solutions if you need them.

By the 30-day mark, you should be wrapping up significant improvements and starting on painting. You should also begin deep cleaning carpets and windows. In the final two weeks, we'll focus on touch-up work, staging, and that final professional cleaning. We work with a photographer specializing in capturing our unique Omaha architecture—correctly timing that final photo shoot is crucial.

We believe there’s “NO I IN TEAM!” Over our years selling homes in Omaha, we've built relationships with excellent local contractors who understand what Omaha home buyers want. When you work with us, you get access to our entire network—from painters who know current buyer preferences to handymen who can tackle those crucial minor repairs. We've got great stagers who understand our market and cleaners who know how to make a property truly market ready.

We've learned something that might surprise you: professional photos make an enormous difference in our market. Today's sophisticated buyers make split-second decisions based on online listings. Intense preparation, a skilled photographer, and eye-catching online visuals will set you apart from the competition and make the difference between a quick sale and a lingering listing.

So, LET’s GO! If you're considering selling this spring, now is the perfect time to begin preparations. While everything I've shared works well for most properties, every home is unique. I'd love to walk through your home with you and provide specific recommendations based on your goals, your property, and your neighborhood. We can create a comprehensive plan to maximize your home's appeal to today's Omaha buyers. 

Contact The Heim-Berg Team today to start your journey to finding the ideal community in Omaha:
Phone: (402)677-9024
Website: OmahaAreaLiving.Com

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH?  GET YOUR NO OBLIGATION HOME VALUATION

The Nancy Heim-Berg Team are real estate experts in Omaha, NE, known for their data-driven approach, online marketing strategies, and deep understanding of local market dynamics. His proven strategies have helped countless homeowners sell their homes quickly and for more money in the Omaha Real Estate Market.