Real Estate Information Archive

Even for the seasoned buyer the home buying process can prove to not only be stressful, but filled with questions and many moments of uncertainty. The best thing you can do as a buyer is to arm yourself with information prior to beginning your search so you can walk in as prepared as possible. 

Below we dive into 5 frequently asked questions that many home buyers have and provide information on each topic. Let’s jump in:

What is the first step in the home buying process?

Mortgage pre-approval. 

The first step in the home buying process is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved for a loan will allow the buyer to understand exactly how much home they can afford and search for houses within their set budget. Buyers will need to provide proof of income, proof of assets, employment verification, good credit and other documentation when applying. 

What can I expect my real estate agent to do during the home buying process? 

A lot. 

When it comes time to buy a home, your real estate agent will become your new best friend and biggest advocate. They are the most valuable asset you have as their knowledge and expertise will help you navigate each aspect of the home buying process. Throughout the entire transaction your realtor will not only represent you, but they will be there to educate you on all of your options and answer any questions you have (because there will probably be lots of them!). 

How long does the closing normally take?

It depends. 

Typically you can expect the closing process to take around 30-45 days if you have a conventional mortgage, but every situation is different and timelines can vary. While there are some delays that unfortunately are unavoidable (and frustrating) there are a few things you can do to help ensure things run smoothly including depositing the down payment on time, making sure the loan application is complete and fulfilling all unpaid debts. 

Is it necessary to get a home inspection?

Yes.

Any time you are purchasing a home you should always get an inspection, even if it’s a new construction. Inspections are relatively inexpensive and will provide you with useful knowledge such as structural issues, safety problems, any unwanted pests and/or insects, and overall peace of mind and protection on your largest investment. 

How much should I be saving for a down payment?

Aim for 20% of purchase price.

The magic number many experts say to aim for when it comes to a down payment is at least 20% of the purchase price as it lowers the buyers lending risk. This will allow you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and added interest to your mortgage payment. As an example, if your dream home is $350,000 you should plan to save around $70,000 for a down payment.

What type of community and home are you searching for? Put our years of local experience and real estate knowledge to work for you. Give us a call or start your customized home search today right here.

We are almost halfway through February and the fun around Omaha is still going strong! Below we have listed events happening in and around our beautiful city over the next two weeks. You will find everything from Valentine’s Day celebrations and events at the children’s museum, to castle tours, music concerts, plays, comedy shows, trivia nights and more! 

What: Billie Holiday at Sugar Hill
When: February 9th - 27th
Where: 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Black History Month Story Times at Omaha Children’s Museum
When: February 9th - 27th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Block Party
When: February 1st - May 1st
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Confluence Exhibit at Gallery 1516
Where: February 9th - 27th
Where: Gallery 1516 | 1516 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: Bright Star
When: February 9th - 13th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Hawks Mainstage Theatre

What: Forever Forest
When: February 9th - April 16th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Fiddler on the Roof
When: February 9th - 13th
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: 56th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo/Omaha Lawn, Flower & Patio Show
When: February 10th - 13th
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: FORM: Monumental Works
When: February 10th - March 20th
Where: KANEKO | 1111 Jones Street Omaha, NE

What: Wonders Under Glass at Lauritzen Gardens
When: February 9th - May 8th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Bob Mathews: Portrait and Figures
When: February 11th - 13th
Where: Split Gallery | 2561 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE

What: Valentine Candle Making Workshop
When: February 11th
Where: Nomad Wax Company | 9001 Arbor Street Suite 110 Omaha, NE

What: High Tea at The Cottonwood Hotel
When: February 12th - May 1st
Where: Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel | 302 S 36th Street Omaha, NE

What: The ARENA at The Backline
When: February 11th
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: February 13th - May 29th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Valentines Pop-Up
When: February 11th
Where: 11432 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: m-pact
When: February 11th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Eric Church: The Gather Again Tour
When: February 11th
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Cupid’s Market at The Empire Room
When: February 12th
Where: 220 S 31st Avenue Suite 4107 Omaha, NE

What: Art Baby
When: February 12th
Where: 144 S 39th Street LL1 Omaha, NE

What: Cupcakes with Cupid at Bella Terre Vineyard
When: February 13th
Where: Bella Terre Vineyard | 23375 Barrus Road Glenwood, IA

What: Yoga at the Zoo: Turtley in Love (Partner Flow)
When: February 12th
Where: 3701 South 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: The Secret Life of Bears
When: February 15th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Fontenelle Forest Kids Tech Day
When: February 19th
Where: 1111 Bellevue Blvd.

What: Disney Trivia and Dinner at Lula B’s
When: February 23rd
Where: 902 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

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! 

If you are looking to sell your Omaha home, chances are you have made a list (either on paper or in your head) of all the projects and improvements you would like to complete before the listing goes live. This can be a stressful time for homeowners and many of the tasks you've outlined may seem daunting from a time perspective as well as a budget. 

Don’t let that discourage you. Here are five areas to focus your efforts to get a great start:

1. While decluttering your home, be ruthless in what you purge. Whether you are selling, donating, or throwing things away, you want to ensure any items that are left in your home are intentional. Potential buyers want to be able to see themselves living in the space, so an uncluttered, neutral space allows them a clean slate to envision their lives in your home. 
2. Details matter! Walk through each room of your home with a discerning eye. Check light switches, baseboards, light fixtures, door handles & hinges, flooring, and walls. Make a list of any and all damage that needs to be fixed. Small items like patches in a wall or replacement of switches or hinges are fairly easy. However, if you find you need faucet replacements or larger items, you may want to hire a handyman to take the stress off of you and knock out chunks of your list at once. 
3. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to refresh almost every room of your home. Not only will it look brighter, it also gives the room and home a "new home" feel. As a side note- remember to choose a neutral palette in your color choices. This allows your potential home buyers to decorate according to their personal style. 
4. You never get a second chance at a first impression. Knowing this, give your front porch and yard a little extra TLC. Look into low-cost projects that offer big-impact curb appeal such as porch lights, new house numbers, a fresh mailbox, welcoming doormat, planters and/or a wreath for the front door. 
5. Finally, we can’t overstate just how important it is to give your home a thorough, deep clean before potential buyers start to tour the space. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, look into hiring a cleaning service to make sure each surface is shiny-clean and your home is able to put its best foot forward. This includes cabinets, closets, the basement, and the garage. 

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.

With February around the corner and cold temperatures in the forecast, now is a great time to ditch the winter blues and have some fun around Omaha! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss events happening in and around our beautiful city over the next two weeks. You will find everything from block parties and music concerts, to comedy shows, castle tours, trivia nights, theatre plays, First Friday events and more! 

What: Billie Holiday at Sugar Hill
When: January 25th - February 27th
Where: 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Lunar New Year Celebration at Omaha Children’s Museum
When: February 1st - 5th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Beyond the Vote
When: January 25th - 30th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Block Party
When: January 25th - May 1st
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Interior: The North American Portraits of Karl Bodmer
When: January 26th - April 17th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: January 25th - February 14th
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: Lights in the Old Market
When: January 25th - March 13th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: The Great Reuben Debate 2022
When: January 25th - 31st
Where: 3922 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: FORM: Monumental Works
When: January 27th - March 20th
Where: KANEKO | 1111 Jones Street Omaha, NE

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: January 25th - April 3rd
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE

What: The ARENA at The Backline
When: January 28th
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: Cathedral Flower Festival
When: January 29th & 30th
Where: St Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center & Gallery

What: Mudpies at Fontenelle Forest
When: January 25th - 27th
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd. 

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: January 30th - May 29th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: First Friday in the Old Market
When: February 4th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Bright Star
When: February 4th - 13th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Hawks Mainstage Theatre

What: Forever Forest
When: February 5th - April 16th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: David Spade - Catch Me Inside
When: January 28th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Fiddler on the Roof
When: February 8th - 13th
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Dancing with the Stars: Live
When: February 1st
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Valentine Candle Making Workshop
When: February 4th - 11th
Where: Nomad Wax Company | 9001 Arbor Street Suite 110 Omaha, NE

What: Taylor Tomlinson Deal With It Tour
When: January 29th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Andre Right Performs Live
When: February 5th
Where: Sozo Coffeehouse | 1314 Jones Street Omaha, NE

What: Reba: Live in Concert
When: February 3rd
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Trivia Night at the Zoo - The Office
When: February 3rd
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 3701 S 10th Street

Choosing the best home and neighborhood for your needs is of utmost importance to our team.  Please contact us with any questions you may have and check back to view our blog weekly for great home buying and selling tips!

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. 

What type of community and home are you searching for? Put our years of local experience and real estate knowledge to work for you. Give us a call or start your customized home search today right here.

With the holidays over and the new year in full swing, now is the perfect time to enjoy all the fun events and adventures happening in and around our beautiful city of Omaha, NE. Below we have listed some for you to review - you will find everything from comedy shows and castle tours, to block parties, children’s events, light shows and much more! 

What: Block Party
When: January 12th - May 1st
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Beyond the Vote
When: January 12th - 30th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: From the Globe to Our Home: Holidays at the General Crook House Museum 
When: January 12th - 14th
Where: General Crook House Museum | 5730 N 30th Street 11B Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: January 12th - February 14th
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: Faces from the Interior: The North American Portraits of Karl Bodmer
When: January 12th - April 17th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: January 12th - April 3rd
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Mudpies at Fontenelle Forest
When: January 13th - 27th
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: January 16th - May 29th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Bright Star
When: January 21st - February 13th
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse | 6915 Cass Street Hawks Mainstage Theatre 

What: The ARENA at The Backline
When: January 14th
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: Shayna Steele
When: January 14th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: WWE Friday Night Smackdown
When: January 14th
Where: CHI Health Center | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Weekend at Arendelle - Frozen Event
When: January 21st - 23rd
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
When: January 17th 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Tedeschi Trucks Band with Raye Zaragoza
When: January 18th
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Indoor Air Show
When: January 15th
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum 

What: Rhymes and Reason: Hip Hop Panel Discussion
When: January 21st
Where: 3014 N 24th Street Omaha, NE

What: Flip Fabrique: Six
When: January 22nd
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: What the Constitution Means to Me
When: January 20th 
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Shen Yun 2022 World Tour
When: January 25th & 26th
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour
When: January 22nd
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

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 the new year in full swing, many homeowners find themselves eager and invigorated to finally tackle those pesky home improvement projects that have been sitting on the “to-do” list for ages. And while there are some DIY projects that can be completed with minimal headaches and fuss, there are some that are better left to the professionals. In today’s blog post we are going to be discussing five home DIY projects to avoid. Let’s dive in:

1. Redoing plumbing in the bathroom: It is strongly advised to call in a professional when it comes to redoing the plumbing in the bathroom. A running toilet is one thing, but there are serious risks, such as flooding and electrocution, that arise when tackling this on your own without the proper expertise. ​

2. Removing chipped paint: If you live in an older home there is a high probability that lead-based paint was used throughout. Even a job as simple as removing chipped paint has the potential to pose serious health issues if proper precaution is not taken. A professional has the experience necessary to keep everyone safe and get the job done right. 

3. Repairing drywall: Just because you have the tools and instructions on how to drywall a room does not mean that you should. Skill and extensive knowledge is required to ensure the job is done well and unfortunately many DIY jobs aren’t completed correctly. 

4. Window replacement: It’s true that replacing old, drafty windows can lower your utility bills. However, this statement only holds true if the job is done correctly. Any mistakes made during the installation process could leave your home vulnerable to the elements and costing you more in the long run. 

5. Drilling into walls: This task may seem simple enough, but it can be dangerous for amateurs who aren’t familiar with the wires and pipes that are potentially running behind the wall. Mistakes can lead to electrocution, a gas leak or a burst pipe if done incorrectly. 

We love the Omaha area for so many reasons. With its gorgeous location along the Mississippi River, and home to many fortune 500 companies, four bustling entertainment districts, over 200 parks, and world-class shopping and dining. But it’s the people and the neighborhoods that make the Omaha area a fantastic place to call home. With that said, we have the latest update to the Top Omaha Neighborhoods and Suburbs to call home for 2022…drum roll, please!

Top Omaha Neighborhoods:

Benson- Do you have an artsy, creative flair? Then you’ll fit right in with the Benson neighborhood. Affordable homes with lots to do in the area. Great local coffee shops, a foodie haven, and wonderful shops and schools. Search all Homes for Sale in Benson.

Old Market- Omaha’s most historic neighborhood, with beautiful cobblestone streets & entertaining nightlife. A relatively small neighborhood hosting Omaha’s famous Farmer’s Market, great shops and dining, art galleries, bars, and lots of socializing. A more expensive area, but home values are on the rise and this neighborhood has an 87% walkability rating! Search all Homes for Sale in Old Market.

Dundee- This charming neighborhood knows what community means and keeps up with its homes and neighbors. Often referred to as the golden child of the city, it is the safest neighborhood and the very home of Warren Buffet for over 60 years.  Great affordability for homes and walkable to most of your favorite places. Ahh, yes, please. Search all Homes for Sale in Dundee.

Leavenworth- A neighborhood full of lovely parks, moderately priced homes, great schools, and nightlife too!  Add to that the shops at Midland Crossing and you have the perfect neighborhood for any family. Again, if you’re looking for a great neighborhood with walkability to your favorite places, Leavenworth may be the place for you.  Search all Homes for Sale in Leavenworth.

Aksarben/Elmwood Park- Just south of Dundee, Aksarben Village is the hub of community activity and home to many upscale apartments and condos with lots of retail space, parks, and offices nearby. It is also nearby Baxter Arena, home to the many University of Nebraska at Omaha Sports Teams. Home prices here are in the $200,000.  Search all Homes for Sale in Aksarben/Elmwood Park.

Top Suburbs of Omaha to Live:

Papillion- Just south of Omaha is this tight-knit, charming community of Papillion. Boasting incredible shopping, namesake brewing, 650 acres of park space & bike trails, golf courses, recreation areas and excellent schools. This is a top-notch suburb for you and your family to call home. Search all Homes for Sale in Papillion.

Gretna- A small, beautiful community known for its parks and attractions, Gretna is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. You’ll also love the great dining and shopping options and wonderful schools for your family to enjoy. Search all Homes for Sale in Gretna.

Chalco- This mid-sized city, along the Missouri River, is new to the list but offers a suburban charm with lots of outdoor amenities. Fishing, boating, nature trails, and home to the Chalco Hill Recreation Area. Highly rated schools that are fantastic for families and have very affordable housing options. Search all Homes for Sale in Chalco.

La Vista- Officially the youngest town in Nebraska, La Vista offers the advantages of a small town, with all the opportunities of a large city. Featuring well-kept homes on beautiful tree-lined streets, and home to many corporations boasts a wide range of home options. Amenities include 17 parks, a sports complex, swimming pool, community center, senior rec center, library, and excellent schools. Search all Homes for Sale in La Vista.

Bennington- The town of Bennington may be small, but once you’ve visited here beneath the miles of blue skies and shade of heritage trees among the quiet and beautiful surroundings, you’ll know why it’s one of our best-kept secrets! Today Bennington combines the serenity of a farming community with the culture of a more metropolitan area. You’ll enjoy great schools, access to everyday necessities, and a short drive to anything that Omaha has to offer. Search all Homes for Sale in Bennington.

What type of community and home are you searching for? Put our years of local experience and real estate knowledge to work for you. Give us a call or start your customized home search today right here.

As we say goodbye to another year and welcome 2022, we want to thank all of our amazing clients for a truly incredible 2021. What a year it has been!

If you are looking for fun ways to ring in the new year, below we have listed some NYE celebrations happening in and around Omaha, as well as other events in the coming weeks for you to enjoy. You will find everything from firework displays and painting parties, to First Friday events, plays, block parties, castle tours, children's events and more! 

What: New Year’s Eve Firework Spectacular 
When: December 31st
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Bubbly New Year’s Eve Party
When: December 31st
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: New Year’s Eve: Paint & Sip SPARKTACULAR
When: December 31st
Where: 1315 N 26th Street Omaha, NE

What: Penguins and Pancakes
When: December 29th & 30th
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 3701 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
When: December 30th & 31st
Where: Slowdown | 729 N 14th Street Omaha, NE

What: Christmas at Union Station
When: December 29th 2021 - January 9th 2022
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Beyond the Vote
When: December 29th 2021 - January 30th 2022
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Dear Evan Hansen
When: December 29th 2021 - January 2nd 2022
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th Street Omaha, NE

What: Cold War in Film
When: December 29th 2021 - January 3rd 2022
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum

What: Game On!
When: December 29th 2021 - January 2nd 2022
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Guy Goldstein
When: December 29th 2021 - January 2nd 2022
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: Our Home: Holidays at the General Crook House Museum 
When: December 29th 2021 - January 14th 2022
Where: General Crook House Museum | 5730 N 30th Street 11B Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Lights Festival: Holidays in the Old Market
When: December 29th 2021 - January 3rd 2022
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Santa’s Rock n Lights Drive-Through Light Show
When: December 29th 2021 - January 2nd 2022
Where: Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: December 29th 2021 - February 14th 2022
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Lights Festival: North Omaha Lighting Display
When: December 29th 2021 - January 3rd 2022
Where: 24th & Lake Streets Omaha, NE

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: December 29th 2021 - April 3rd 2022
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Winter Wonderland at Fontenelle Forest
When: December 29th 2021 - January 3rd 2022
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd.

What: The ARENA at The Backline
When: December 31st
Where: The Backline Comedy Theatre | 1618 Harney Street Omaha, NE

What: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at The Capitol District
When: December 30th 2021 - January 1st 2022
Where: The Capitol District | 1100 Capitol Avenue Suite 101 Omaha, NE

What: Block Party
When: January 8th - 12th 2022
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: First Friday Old Market
When: January 7th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets and 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: January 9th 2022
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: Petting Zoo at Scatter Joy Acres 
When: December 30th 2021 - February 26th 2022
Where: Scatter Joy Acres | 4966 Newport Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Mudpies at Fontenelle Forest
When: January 11th - 27th 2022
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd.

From our family to yours, we want to wish you a very Happy New Year! 

Choosing the best home and neighborhood for your needs is of utmost importance to our team.  Please contact us with any questions you may have and check back to view our blog weekly for great home buying and selling tips!

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.