Real Estate Information Archive

Homeowners across the country are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and searching for ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. One way to achieve this is by improving aspects of their home to align with their eco-friendly mission.

By making your house more sustainable you are not only helping the world around you, but it can actually lower the cost of running your home. This is achieved by saving energy, maintenance and water on appliances and systems, all while making a healthier environment for your family. 

Before we jump into actionable ways to improve your surroundings, we first wanted to clearly define what it means to have a ‘sustainable home.’ This refers to a house that is either built or retrofitted to be efficient while optimizing water and energy usage through the use of low-impact, high-performance materials. Due to the high-quality of the materials, systems tend to last longer and have fewer issues, which results in less waste in the environment. 

1. Energy efficient light bulbs have gained popularity in the last few years as homeowners become more educated on their effectiveness and ability to save money. These bulbs use less electricity compared to traditional ones and don’t need to be replaced nearly as often. 

2. Installing a low-flow or aerated shower head can decrease water consumption by forty percent or more. It is also a great way to conserve water while saving energy and money.

3. Properly insulating your home is another great way to cut back on energy consumption and a great avenue to save money. A home that is well-insulated is able to properly hold in heat, meaning less energy is required to keep your home at the ideal temperature. Be sure to check the walls, roof and window insulation as these are common areas for leaks to happen. 

4. When it comes to selecting materials, there are a few areas to consider that can help your home be more sustainable. Reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo are great options for flooring and/or furniture and opting for water-based paints that contain natural pigments are a great eco-friendly alternative to oil-based.

With the official start of Autumn just a week away, now is a great time to begin fall maintenance on your home. And while it would be great if lighting pumpkin spice candles and hanging festive fall colored wreaths were all you had to do to prepare your house for the season, we have a couple (arguably more important) items to add to your list. 

Below we have outlined a checklist of things you should do to transition your Omaha, NE home from those warm summer days to the crisp nights of fall. Let’s dive in: 

-Check Drafts: Did you know that loss of heat through windows accounts for roughly 30 percent of heating energy use (according to the U.S. Department of Energy)? One of the most cost-effective ways to lower your heating costs in the winter is to utilize weatherstripping. A great way to see if you are facing a draft issue is to close a window or door over a piece of paper. If you are able to easily slide the piece of paper it may be time to check the weatherstripping. 

-Clean Gutters: Many people are so used to their gutters working properly that they forget they may need a little attention now and again. Keeping them clean, and even replacing them if necessary, is a great way to avoid interior and exterior damage. 

-Fix Cracks In Driveway: Some homeowners don’t realize that when water gets into the cracks it freezes, expands and can eventually end up making the crack bigger, which leads to larger problems down the road. 

-Drain Outdoor Faucets: Prevent water freezing and pipes bursting this winter by draining and disconnecting all gardens hoses from the outside spigots. This is a simple way to avoid an unwanted headache. 

-Keep Critters Out: To prevent little critters from coming inside to escape the cold make sure to cover large holes in walls and, if you have an attic, check the insulation for any damage. 

-Lastly: Remember to change your filters and schedule a chimney cleaning/heating system maintenance. 

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If you are thinking of selling your house in Omaha, NE chances are you have done a mental walkthrough of everything you need to fix, paint and/or redecorate before the listing goes live. And while the list may seem a mile long, there are certain projects that should be bumped to the front and be top priority. 

In today’s blog post we are going to be discussing four things that you should repair before selling your home - let’s dive in: 

Paint: If you are looking for an easy and cheap way to update the interior/exterior of your home, grab a paint brush! Old chipped paint can be a huge turnoff for potential buyers. Light, neutral tones are a safe bet when it comes to choosing colors as they will make your home appear brighter and appeal to a wide range of people. Also, be sure to remove any old wallpaper as it tends to date a house.

Damaged flooring: One area that potential home buyers take notice of is the flooring throughout a house. If you have worn and damaged flooring, especially hard wood flooring, it’s not only an eyesore but can also take away from the value of your house. If it’s in your budget, replacing the floors is best. If not, you can refinish/deep clean them and bring some life back into your home. 

Exterior: You never get a second chance at a first impression, so be sure to make it a good one when buyers come to tour the house. The first thing people will see is the exterior of your home so its crucial to make it look good. Pull the weeds, mow the lawn, plant some flowers, replace missing fence boards, remove any junk, fix the roof and add a fresh coat of paint to the front door. 

Pet damage: Even though you love your furry four-legged friends, you can’t deny the impact they can have on a home. If you are thinking of selling your house, be sure to repair any damage that resulted from your pets. Everything from the scratches on the doors to the urine stains on the carpets. Potential buyers touring the home should (ideally) have no idea that pets live in the home. 

If you are looking to sell your Omaha, NE house, be sure to contact our team for more information. Our dedicated, knowledgable agents are here to provide you with the expert services you need. 

With patience, the right tools and a little sweat equity you can use your free time to increase the value of your house. Whether you are looking to sell now or in the future, there are many projects you can do on your own, in your own time, to improve the overall aesthetic and appeal of your home for future buyers. 

Below we have listed a few DIY projects that you can tackle over a week, weekend or even a month that are sure to increase the value of your home. Let’s dive in: 

-Painting the interior of your home is one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects for you to dive into. When it comes to buyer impressions, a fresh coat of paint can do more for your home than you think. It’s smart to stick with neutral paint colors to not only ensure it appeals to a wide variety of people, but also to keep your space looking fresh and clean.

-Giving your bathroom a refresh is another great way to appeal to buyers, as many people put a large focus on the aesthetic of the room. An outdated bathroom can really age your home and be a large turn off. It can be as simple as upgrading fixtures such as pulls and knobs, changing out the shower curtain, buying new towel to display and updating lighting fixtures.

-Refinishing or painting your kitchen cabinets is a very effective way to change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. Seeing as how many families spend a lot of time in kitchen, it is an area buyers really take a look at. While this can be a time consuming project, the payoff can be well worth it.

-Not many things date a house more than popcorn ceilings, which is why our next project for you to tackle is removing it from each room in your home. With the proper equipment and instruction, you can have those smooth ceilings in no time.

-This next project can seem like a daunting task, but if done right can really provide a great return on investment. Replacing your wall-to-wall carpeting with hard flooring is a great way to impress buyers and stay competitive in today’s market. This can be an involved process so be sure to plan ahead and have the proper tools on hand. 

-Our last DIY project will take you outdoors as you spruce up and improve your yard. Curb appeal is very important when potential buyers view your home. Doing small things such as planting flowers, removing weeds, buying new outdoor furniture, or even installing a fire pit can all go a long way.

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

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

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

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

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

From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers - whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to check back each week for more real estate and Omaha, NE community information! Also, are you following us on Facebook? If not, be sure to check us out here! 

Whether you are the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction, the home inspection is a very important part of the process. While the inspection is designed to protect the buyer of the sale and alert them of damage to the home, a poor result from the inspection can open the door to renegotiation. In today’s blog post we are going to be discussing what a home inspection is and all the ins and outs of the process. Let’s dive in:

A home inspection is a ‘non-invasive’ examination of the property and a crucial part of the home buying process. A licensed home inspector will come to the property and review the home for structural, mechanical and/or electrical defects. The process is designed to give the buyer a more comprehensive overview of the house they are purchasing and ensure there are minimal surprises when they move in. 

The home inspection process is not required by law, but it is definitely worth the money. It acts as a protection of the investment the buyer is making, while also giving them peace of mind that the integrity and condition of the home is in good repair. The inspection will typically take place a short time after the offer is accepted by the seller.

During the process, the inspector of the home will look for any issues having to do with the home’s electrical system, heating/cooling system, plumbing, windows, doors, foundation, roof and more. If you are the seller and are looking to prepare for a home inspection, there are a few things you can do. First, you need to ensure that all your paperwork is in order and begin addressing repairs that you know will be red flags to the inspector and need attention right away. Second, about a week before the inspection is scheduled, begin removing any clutter or items that could interfere with the inspection. Lastly, ensure your home is clean and everyone is out of your home on the day of the inspection.

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! 

If you have ever thought about taking the steps to make your home more energy efficient, now is the perfect time! There are many reasons to make the switch including saving money, potentially raising your home’s resale value and helping the environment. Below we have listed a few easy things you can do to begin the journey to making your home more energy efficient. Let’s dive in: 

-The first item to tackle is sealing all the windows throughout your house to ensure there are no air leaks. You can add weatherstripping around the frames if they are drafty and use silicone caulking for any cracks you find in drywall. This is a simple and inexpensive way for you to lower your energy costs on a monthly basis. 

-Getting in the habit of lowering your thermostat while you are out of your home is another great trick. Adjusting the temperature by just three to five degrees will allow you to not only use less energy throughout the day, but also lower your monthly utility bill. 

-Look to replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, Halogen bulbs or CFLs as they are more energy efficient and offer longer lasting light. And with the average home using around forty bulbs, making this switch is a sure way to save some money on your electrical bill. 

-When it comes to water efficiency, installing low-flow shower heads is a great place to start. Traditional shower heads use roughly five gallons per minute, while low-flow heads use less than 2.5 gallons. 

-Expanding on water efficiency, turning off unnecessary water is another wonderful way to conserve water and money. Being conscious of small things such as turning off the water when brushing your teeth/shaving, showering instead of bathing and avoiding running half -loads of laundry can make a big difference. 

-Lastly, going through your home and unplugging chargers when they are not in use is a great way to conserve energy. These “energy vampires” are consuming energy - get this - even when your phone is not connected!

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! 

When selling your home, there are many factors that determine whether your property will sell quickly or sit on the market for a while. If you are in the process of selling your Omaha, NE home and are wondering why it hasn’t sold yet, we encourage you to keep reading as we have outlined a few reasons why the “For Sale” sign may still be up. Let’s dive in:

-The price is too high.
We understand the attachment people have with their homes, however you have to make sure the emotion doesn’t push you to overprice the property and expect people to pay more than it's actually worth.

-The home needs renovations.
Is your home needing those repairs that you have been putting off for years? Are your appliances and fixtures outdated? While some buyers enjoy the challenge and freedom that comes with home renovations, many buyers are looking for a house that is move-in ready. You are better off taking the time and money to do at least some light renovations and updating before your home hits the market. 

-The home is not staged well. 
When potential buyers view your home either online or in person you want them to feel as if the space is livable and functional for them and their family. One way to achieve this is by staging your home and giving buyers an idea of how certain spaces can be used and rooms can be laid out. 

-The listing photos don’t show the house well.
Buyers will typically begin their home search online by scrolling through listings and zooming in/out of images of properties (this is especially true given the current climate). That is why it is so important to have a professional snap the images of your home. Ideally you would use a photographer who is familiar with real estate photography as they will know all the right angles and shots to capture. You want to put your best foot forward and showcase all the wonderful features of your property. 

-The time of year.
Your home not selling could come down to something as simple as timing. Especially when it comes to time of year, as spring and summer months tend to be a better time to sell a home than winter and fall. 

-Your home appeals to a specific buyer.
If your home is unique and unlike others in the area, it can definitely prove to be an advantage in many ways. On the flip side, it  may also mean that you have to wait a bit longer for the right buyer to come along and fall in love with the property. 

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!