Real Estate Information Archive

Whether you have been in your house for two years or two decades, there comes a point where things start to feel stale and you may even catch yourself daydreaming about a different, newer home. Unless you have the budget (and patience) for a home renovation, you may be wondering how you can breathe new life into your current home. 

In today’s blog we are going to be covering five ways for you to fall back in love with your home all over again through a couple of simple changes. Let’s dive in:

-Getting organized is a great way to revitalize your space and make your home feel larger and more alive. Spend some time getting rid of junk, clutter and items that you don’t need/use in areas such as drawers, shelves, closets, countertops, etc. With the items that are remaining utilize organizers such as boxes, bins and holders to make your rooms feel new and manageable. 

-A fresh coat of paint is a great and cost effective way to completely transform the look and feel of your home. You can express your style and personality with a fun accent wall color or go crazy with funky color in the spare bedroom. You will be amazed how much paint can transform your space and make your home feel fresher, newer and brighter.

-Lighting is another feature of a home that can drastically impact the feel of any room.  Updating light fixtures, incorporating lamps and even cleaning windows can bring more light in and brighten up your entire space. 

-Adding an area rug is a relatively small change that can make a big impact on a room. Utilizing a larger rug can make a room can appear larger and add warmth, color and texture to any space. 

-Lastly, rearranging furniture has transformative powers to when it comes to changing the way you feel about your home. You can make a space feel brand new by moving existing furnishings around and even adding in new pieces here and there. You will feel like you are vacationing in your own home!

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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 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. 

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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. 

Even though the official start of winter is still two weeks away, the cold weather has officially landed in Omaha, NE! 

Now is a great time to start preparing your home for the chilly months ahead. Below we have listed a few tasks that aren’t too time consuming and will make a big difference in protecting your home from the low temperatures. Let’s dive in:

-If you frequently use your fireplace during the winter months, be sure to have it thoroughly cleaned by a chimney sweep. This will ensure any creosote buildup, nests and debris are removed, which can be not only dangerous for your health but become a fire hazard as well. This is also a great time to inspect the chimney for cracks and check that the furnace or boiler is running safely and efficiently. 

-While we are on the topic of reducing the risk of house fires, checking the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be on your list this winter. During the chilly winter months, 27 percent of structure fires are caused by heating (according to the U.S. Fire Administration). You can understand the importance and necessity of these detectors working properly in your home to keep you and your family safe.

-A crucial part of preparing your home for winter is ensuring that pipes don’t freeze. As water freezes it expands, and the expanding is what causes pipes to burst (and a migraine to set in). To avoid this you will want to insulate all the pipes throughout your home that are near doors, windows and in any other areas that are not heated. Additionally, you will want to ensure the heat is not set lower than 55 degrees fahrenheit and to drain the garden hose/sprinklers if you have them. 

-Lastly, go to each ceiling fan in your home and set it to the reverse direction.  On most models there is a switch that will allow the fan blades to spin clockwise. Allowing the blades to run in a clockwise direction will push the heated air down and thus create a warmer, cozier atmosphere during the chilly winter months. 

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There is something to be said about the charm and character that comes along with buying an older home. And while you should always check on various areas of the house you are purchasing, plumbing is one that should not be overlooked - especially if you are eyeing an older property. 

Below we have listed some areas in the plumbing department that should be checked on prior to finalizing the sale of a new home. Doing so could save you time, money and major headaches down the road. Let’s dive in:

-Checking the age of the water heater is very important. If you find that it’s more than ten years old, it more than likely is time to replace it. Also, identifying the location of the water heater is a good indicator of potential damage that could arise if it were to leak and allows you to plan accordingly. 

-Go through each toilet in the house and check for leaks and/or damage at the base, as well as discoloration, rocking or warping. You will also want to go through and flush the toilets to ensure there are no clogs. 

-Depending on the occupancy of the house over the last few years, you may find rust or corrosion when turning on the tap water. It is better to know the condition prior to moving in and plan for those costs if repairs need to be made. 

-Bringing in an expert to check the sewer line in the street via video camera is a great way to detect potential issues such as corrosion, clogs, etc. - all of which can damage the line and cause major issues down the line.

-Water supply pipes are another major area to investigate. Finding out when they were installed and if they were ever replaced, as well as what type of material they are can make a huge difference in potential repairs and/or needing to replaced prior to move in.

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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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