Real Estate Information Archive

Selling your home in the Omaha can be exciting, but the process requires careful planning to ensure it goes smoothly. Avoiding common mistakes will help make your sale efficient and stress-free as you transition to a new home.

1. Setting a price for your home without doing research or working with a real estate agent is a common mistake to avoid. Home values are based on many factors, including comparable sales in your Omaha neighborhood, seasonality, current inventory availability, and more.

2. Avoid the common mistake of pricing your home without research or an agent's guidance. Home values depend on many factors, such as comparable sales in your Omaha neighborhood, seasonality, current inventory, and more.

3. Avoid using odd listing prices that don't align with typical price ranges, as this can make your home harder to find; for example, pricing your $400k home at $402,289 rather than a round $400k could exclude it from searches below $400,000.

4. Overpricing your home because you have more time to sell it is a mistake. Homeowners may think they can list at a higher price and wait for the right buyer who will pay that price. However, the longer a house sits on the market, the fewer showings it will get, making it increasingly difficult to achieve the original asking price.

5. Listing your home at an unrealistically high price, thinking you have plenty of time to wait for the right buyer, is a mistake. While homeowners may believe they can overprice their home and eventually find someone willing to pay that inflated amount, homes tend to get fewer showings the longer they sit on the market. This makes it increasingly difficult to sell the home for its original overpriced asking price.

6. Even in a hot housing market, avoid thinking your home will sell itself. When listing a house, make sure to stage and market it well to attract buyers.

7. Avoid trying to sell your Omaha home without an agent. Studies show that homes for sale without an agent stay on the market longer and sell for less money.

The Heim-Berg Team has the experience you need to help avoid making these selling mistakes. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the best price for your home for sale in Omaha.

As we enter the new year, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into our homes. And what better way to start than by giving well-deserved attention to our often-overlooked floors? Whether you're gearing up for a major makeover or simply replacing worn-out surfaces, 2024 promises an array of exciting flooring trends, transforming your space into a haven of style and comfort.

1. Warm Tile Tones for a Moody Elegance

Step into 2024 with a burst of warmth underfoot! Tile design is turning towards inviting hues like cream, beige, and grey, blending different large formats and tonalities to craft captivating patterns. Jordana Moche, the maestro behind Porcelanosa NYC, predicts a surge in popularity for medium and darker wood-effect tiles and earth-toned flooring. Picture a home with a cozy, moody charm—a true retreat with a touch of hospitality.

2. Retro Carpet Revolution: Nostalgia with a Twist

Hold on to your hats because the carpet revolution is here! Audra Keiber, Mohawk's design and development virtuoso, hints at a retro resurgence in 2024. Like vintage furnishings and retro colorways, carpets are making a stylish comeback. Step away from the mundane gray and embrace the unique patterns and warm tones of this nod to nostalgia. Our top pick? The upcoming Karastan release, Stitchery, weaves a classic herringbone pattern with traditional colorways for a truly inspiring finish.

3. Familiar Farmhouse Flooring with a Modern Twist

The modern farmhouse style still reigns supreme in 2024. According to Adam Vester, Mohawk's design maven, farmhouse trends are evolving towards warm minimalism with Scandinese influences. Raw textures and organic forms meet Scandi minimalism, creating a visually clean backdrop that transforms living spaces into soft-spoken retreats. Embrace the familiarity of farmhouse flooring with a modern, sophisticated twist.

4. Innovative Sustainable Floors: A Green Revolution

Eco-conscious living takes center stage as sustainability and inclusivity drive flooring choices. Audra Keiber emphasizes Mohawk's commitment to sustainability, introducing innovative bio-based flooring alternatives. Expect clean, renewable, and sustainable materials to take the lead in 2024. Join the green revolution and explore flooring options that align with your values.

5. Hardwood Floors Reign Supreme in Kitchens

In 2024, we'll see kitchens graced by the enduring elegance of hardwood floors. Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz, unveils the trend, with a quarter of renovating homeowners opting for stained or unstained hardwood. Get ready for smooth surfaces, raw wood tones, and wide planks. While lighter hues make waves, rustic wood's earthy charm remains a steadfast favorite. Dive into the classic herringbone pattern for an elegant and classy appearance.

6. A Nod to Nostalgia Across Hard Surfaces

Nostalgia isn't confined to carpets alone—hard surfaces are joining the trip down memory lane in 2024. Adam Vester reveals a trend characterized by clean lines and a pared-back aesthetic. Visualize wood and laminate flooring with enhanced wood looks, featuring more minor character knots. This fusion of midcentury modernism with retro seventies vibes and futuristic elements creates an environment that transcends time, offering a sense of timeless elegance.

7. Universal Design for All: Future-Proofing Homes

Homeowners are embracing universal design principles, renovating with everyone in mind. Future-proofing becomes key, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all. Mitchell Parker points out the rising trend of addressing special needs during renovations, focusing on safety. Think nonslip bathroom flooring—a simple yet crucial upgrade that enhances safety for all ages.

In 2024, let your floors tell a story of warmth, nostalgia, and sustainability. Embrace the trends that resonate with your style, and transform your space into a haven of excitement and authenticity. Prepare for a year when flooring becomes the star of your home's design narrative!

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If you've decided to sell or buy this year...congratulations!  What an exciting time for you. We're here to assist you every step of the way. Call our family team of experts today and we'll get down to business crafting your plan for real estate buying and selling success! 

When selling a home, some small inconveniences can occur, but being prepared for them & working closely with your real estate agent, can limit the irritation. While we do our best to help the process go smoothly, there will inevitably be things that may be annoying. The fact remains that you'll be dealing with different buyer types when selling, and personality types do vary. 

It's good to know what to expect from buyers in advance to keep focused on the goal and not let the inconveniences and annoyances delay the process. Here are a few of the things to expect.

Last Minute Showings

Not everyone is organized with their time, and will sometimes request last-minute showings as they fit their schedules.  

While we do our best to get buyers to schedule at least a few days in advance, last-minute showing requests can & do come up. While this may seem like a major inconvenience to you, remember that this could be the buyer making an incredible offer on your home. A missed showing is a missed opportunity, so try to be open to any showings, even if it means juggling your schedules.  

Buyer Not Arriving for Showings

You work hard to accommodate showing times by coordinating schedules and ensuring your home is in tip-top shape and ready to make an incredible impression, only to find out the buyers will not be coming. Yes, this can be frustrating. However, things can come up on the buyer's end that were inevitable and caused the cancelation. Don't automatically assume it is an inconsiderate buyer.  Instead, work with your agent & buyers agent to reschedule at a better time for both of you. The situation can still be turned around to be profitable for both of you. 

Lights left on or doors unlocked

Sometimes a buyer's agent will leave the lights on or a door unlocked when showing your home. While this is very rare, especially a door unlocked as secure lockboxes are normally used, it could happen.

As real estate agents, showing instructions are included for buyers agents that convey exactly what is to be done during a showing, including the smallest of details. If those details are not followed, simply talk with your real estate agent and the situation will be remedied immediately.

Selling your home may come with some annoyances or inconveniences, but if you keep your eyes on your ultimate goal, and work hand in hand with your real estate team, the process flows much smoother. Communication is key, and your TEAM is always by your side. 

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!

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to add some spice to your kitchen? Adding a backsplash is a practical way to add aesthetic value to your kitchen. And if you plan to sell your home in Omaha, a good looking backsplash will be one more thing about your kitchen to attract home buyers.

Usually, most people use porcelain or ceramic as materials for backsplashes. Those are durable and beautiful materials, but they aren't the only ones you can use. If you want to give your kitchen a new look, consider these options.

Tiles

Tiles can be made of ceramic, glass, or natural stone. Tile is popular because it's tough and does a great job of protecting the wall. It's also easy to keep clean.

You should consider the style of your kitchen when selecting tile. White ceramic tile can look great in both modern and retro-inspired kitchens. Natural stone in marble can give your kitchen a luxurious feel. Glass can add a bright and funky feel.

Glass

Speaking of glass, you could use a large sheet of tempered glass, instead of using glass tile. This works great for adding protected lighting above your stove. It also allows you to use any wallpaper or paint you want behind the glass. Using a sheet of glass can add modern flare to any kitchen.

Chalkboard Paint

Painting your backsplash with chalkboard paint is an easy and affordable DIY project. It can also be quite handy, as you can write messages, menu ideas, or anything helpful in the kitchen.

When you're ready for a clean slate, all you have to do is wipe it clean. The only down side is that the black paint may close your kitchen in and make it feel smaller.

Mirror

For smaller kitchen, a mirror as a backsplash can give the illusion of more open space. It will also bounce more light around your kitchen. The more light, the more inviting the space.

The surface of the mirror will be easy to clean, though it will end up taking more effort to keep clean as any little bit of grease or dirt will show.

Wallpaper

We only mention wallpaper because it may not be the best idea for a backsplash. It may be a fast and easy option, but it won't offer much protection and can peel from the moisture.

Stainless Steel

Lining your backsplash with stainless steel will give it a modern feel and tie all of your stainless steel appliances together. It's ideal because it's durable, easy to clean, and resistant to high temperatures.

Just be careful with acidic foods. The acid will ruin the finish if not immediately cleaned.

Consider one of these backsplash materials for your kitchen. Think about the amount of cooking you do and the level of durability and protection you need. Some materials such as chalkboard paint or wallpaper you can apply yourself. Others, such as tile, marble, and stainless steel are best left to the professionals.

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!

Are you buying a home in Omaha or plan to sell your Omaha home? If so, you may be dreading the moving process. To be honest, it's never easy. But there are ways to make the process go more smoothly and with less stress. Here are some tips to help your nest move a successful one.

Plan as Far Ahead as Possible

When planning a move into a new home, it is important to start several months in advance of the actual move-in date. For long distance moves of several hundred miles or more, planning should begin at least twelve weeks in advance. This involves creating a moving timeline, hiring necessary movers or professionals, and notifying the post office and utility companies of the final move-out date. Proper planning ensures a smooth and stress-free move.

Don’t Do Everything on Your Own

Hiring professional movers is a wise decision as it saves you from doing the bulk of the moving work yourself. In addition, it guarantees the utmost safety for your belongings during the move. Professional movers are highly experienced and know the exact ways to transport your belongings from your old home to your new home with the highest level of care while working as quickly as possible. This ensures that none of your possessions get damaged during the move. Moreover, having professionals handle the move makes it faster and smoother overall compared to doing everything with just your friends.

Hiring additional movers can simplify your move. A reliable vehicle shipping company can transport multiple cars safely and efficiently. This enables you to keep your family together in one car during the move, or you can opt for a comfortable plane or train ride.

When planning a move, it's important to be cautious about who you hire to assist you. Before making any decisions, take the time to research moving companies online. Look for positive reviews on sites like Google and Better Business Bureau. Once you've identified potential Omaha companies, request quotes from each of them to compare prices. Don't hesitate to call and ask any questions you may have. If the company is friendly and able to answer your questions truthfully, they may be a good fit for your move.

Unclutter

Before your move, it's important to downsize your belongings. Take the time to go through everything you plan to bring with you and get rid of anything that you no longer use or need. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you get everything in order before moving day.

Uncluttering before moving can greatly speed up the process. By reducing the number of items to be packed, transported, and unpacked, the entire process becomes more efficient. Packing fewer items takes less time and can be done more quickly, ultimately making the move faster.

Pack Methodically

It is important to prepare for a move in advance by gradually packing and labeling boxes by room. Rushing to pack everything in a short amount of time is not recommended. Prior to packing, it is helpful to declutter. Labeling boxes with their contents and designated room will simplify the unpacking process and ensure that items end up in their proper place.

To simplify packing during a move, it's worth considering using different types of boxes for different items. For instance, old beer boxes with handles can be useful for packing books. Additionally, packing smaller yet heavier items in rolling backpacks can make transportation easier. Rolling these items instead of carrying them can save time and energy.

When moving, the bottom line is the be as organized and prepared in advance as possible. Get professional help as much as you can afford to. Doing so will ensure your next move will go as smoothly as possible.

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!

No doubt you’ve most likely received solicited and unsolicited advice from family and friends about selling your home this year. But are they really in a position to offer advice in this area? With a challenging market, economic uncertainty, and relevant local market conditions, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of it all. Add to that high inflation and interest rates and it can make your head swirl. But what it really means is that in this market, as in any competitive market, you NEED the knowledge and resources of an excellent real estate team to help you win!

Working with a Top Real Estate Team is the single greatest decision you’ll make when selling your home. Experienced agents have been through challenging markets before so they are better equipped to advise you through every step of the process, from getting your home ready for the market- upgrades & repairs, showings, negotiating contracts, and more. Today’s home buyers are more discriminating, the market is NOT what it was 6 months ago. Deferred maintenance on homes is not going to be acceptable, showings have to be readily available, and contingencies are not going to be waived. Your real estate agent is worth every penny you will pay them and more. The resources they have available to them, and you can be the difference between a sale or no sale, and possibly thousands of dollars on the sale itself. Did you know that most homeowners who opted to sell on their own netted 16% less on the home sale? (National Association of Realtors)

Clean & Repair- This is the first step in preparing your home. Go through the house room by room. Deep clean every square inch- after you’ve purged items you no longer need or want and packed away unnecessary items to make each room and closet look larger.  Once you’ve accomplished that goal, make a list of all repairs needed in each room and complete them one by one. You’ll want each room move-in ready without defects or repairs needed.

Depersonalize each room- You want the house to look uncluttered, clean, and organized and presented as a ‘clean slate’ for potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the home. In order to achieve this it is important to remove personal items, collections, and photos from walls and shelves.

Give dull rooms a coat of paint- Refresh dull-looking rooms with a fresh coat of paint. Nothing perks up a room better than a fresh coat of paint. Just remember to keep things neutral so your new buyers can decorate the home to suit their needs.

Boost your Curb Appeal- You have one chance to make a great first impression, and for some home buyers, that is going to be driving past your home. Make sure the outside of your home is well-kept and welcoming. In wintertime, it’s important to ensure sidewalks and driveways are cleared of snow and ice and that your front door/porch area is well-lit. Make it more welcoming by adding a wreath or chair and mat.

Your chosen agent will assist you in staging your home for its entrance to the market and all home showings. They will also work diligently to price your home appropriately for the market today and then negotiate all offers and guide you hand-in-hand through the process.

If you’re considering selling and have questions, please reach out to our team. We’re happy to sit down with you and review the process, and our enhanced marketing plan and get you on your way to a SOLD sign in your yard.

Nancy & The Heim- Berg Team

402-677-9024

www.OmahaAreaLiving.com

If you are looking to sell your home, there are many benefits that come when you use an experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent. The home selling process can be tricky and emotional and having the right agent by your side is a must.

Below we have listed five benefits that come when working with the right agent - let’s dive in:
 
Listing Price. It’s crucial to ensure that your home is listed at the right price from the start, which is something that your agent can help asses. The last thing you want is for your home to sit on the market for too long, and price can play a huge role in this. Your agent will be able to assess the home, see the comps in the area and help you determine a listing price.
 
Guidance. A real estate agent will be able to help guide you on the best ways to present your home so that it will appeal to potential buyers. Tasks such as decluttering the master closet to rearranging furniture to updating the kitchen cabinets are areas that experienced agents will point out to you.
 
Exposure. More eyeballs on your home equals more potential offers. A good real estate agent will have a wide network and expansive knowledge on how to get your listing the exposure it needs to sell at top dollar.
 
Offers. Looking to receive multiple high offers on your home? Thats the goal. An agent gives you the best chances of these offers coming through the door.
 
Closing Time. A knowledgable and experienced real estate agent will aid in speeding up the time it takes to close the deal - which is great for all involved. It also ups your chances of the home selling at top dollar.

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! 

An open house is a great opportunity for potential buyers to tour your home and get lots of eyes on your property at one time. However, there is more to it than just putting a sign up, opening your doors and waiting for people to show. 

Below we have listen four important steps to take to ensure your home is ready for a successful open house. Let’s dive in: 

-Get your home tour-ready by fixing large and small issues around the house. Buyers want to see the home in good shape and not a costly project around every corner. Taking the time and spending the money to make the repairs prior to an open house will serve you in the long run. 

-Cleaning, decluttering and depersonalizing the home should also make the list of prep work before potential buyers walk through the front door. Tasks such as removing valuables, clearing surfaces, organizing closets/drawers and giving the home a deep clean should not be overlooked.

-Don’t forget the outside of the home, as it will be the first impression for potential buyers. Paint the front door, buy new house numbers, hang a wreath, lay a welcome mat, plant some flowers - whatever you need to do to add a little curb appeal and make the front of the home more inviting!

-Make sure to remove all signs of pets. This includes toys, smells and pets themselves during the time of the open house. Even though many people love animals, and there's a chance those in attendance have pets of their own, some people associate pets with wear and tear in a home so it's best to avoid this if possible.

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.

Moving, downsizing and renovating are among the many reasons why people look to utilize a self-storage facility. Whether you are needing to store your belongings for a few weeks or a few years, you want to thoroughly look into a facility to help ensure the safety of your belongings.

Below we have listed five things to look for when selecting a storage space. Let’s dive in:

-The first area you want to look into is the safety of the facility itself. Look for things such as surveillance cameras, door alarms, a keypad code entry and security gates around the premise. Additionally, utilizing a heavy-duty lock is a great way to add an extra layer of protection after you load in your items. 

-Checking to make sure the facility is climate-controlled is another crucial area to look into. This is especially important if you are storing electronics or other items that are temperature sensitive. It’s true that climate-controlled units tend to be more expensive, but so is having to replace items that are destroyed due to temperature. 

-Location, location, location. It can be quite a nuisance to drive a long distance when you need an item out of storage at the last minute. Convenience of location is a high priority for many people when selecting a facility. 

-There are some facilities that will only allow you to access the unit during certain hours so making sure those work with your schedule is crucial. Or if you don’t want to work around certain time frames you may want to prioritize facilities that you can access 24/7. On that same note, make sure the store manager is professional, familiar with the property and able to answer your questions. 

-What better way to get a feel for a facility than from people who have interacted and rented at the specific location? Looking through reviews online is a great way to get first hand testimonials of what your experience may be like. If a facility has incredibly poor reviews, you may want to move on and continue your search. 

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.

Staging is a crucial part of the selling process, especially if you want your home to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. It goes without saying that not everyone has the same taste in decor, paint colors and overall home aesthetics. Staging allows buyers to visualize themselves and their family living in the space, regardless of style differences. 

Below we have listed six common staging mistakes to avoid. Keeping these in mind during the selling process will allow your home to appeal to a wider range of buyers and stand out in a competitive market. Let’s dive in: 

Unnecessary furniture 
One extremely common staging mistake that sellers make is having too much furniture positioned in each room of the home. You want to keep in mind that potential buyers want to imagine themselves in the home with their belongings and that vision is clouded if they can’t see the space clear enough. Less is more when it comes to furniture and staging. 

Incohesive/dark paint choices
Splashing a fresh coat of paint on the walls is a great and relatively inexpensive way to refresh the rooms of your home. Dark paint colors tend to make a room feel uninviting and smaller than it is and having drastically different colors throughout your home is likely to disrupt the overall flow within the house. Light, neutral colors are always a safe bet. 

Having too many personal items on display
While showing that the space is livable is good, sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. It’s always helpful to put away the extra knick knacks prior to potential buyers touring your home. This will allow them to focus on the space itself and not commenting on family vacation photos or refrigerator art projects. 

Leaving rooms in the house empty
Some sellers believe if they can’t stage a room with expensive furniture that it’s better to just leave it vacant. This is a large mistake. Not only do furniture and decor have the ability to conceal imperfections within the room, they also show the potential of the space. 

Ignoring the exterior of the home
It’s true when they say you never get a second chance at a first impression. Driving up, the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see so be sure to not neglect it. Planting flowers, pulling weeds, adding a wreath to the door and painting your front door are simple things that can make a huge difference.  

Having realistic expectations of staging 
While the staging process can be extremely beneficial and helpful when selling a home, it’s not magic. It will not cover up obvious structural issues or evident flaws throughout the home, so be sure have realistic expectations when approaching the process.

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!