Real Estate Information Archive

With summer in full swing, we are sure your weekends are filled with BBQ’s, pool parties and lots of backyard soirées. And let’s be honest, after a seamlessly never-ending cold winter we deserve the long, warm days that summer brings. But we can’t be naïve to the fact that while backyards can be a fun play area, they can also present some dangers to your family and visitors if the right precautions are not in place. In today’s blog post we are going to be talking about a few simple ways to keep your pool, playset and trampoline safe in hopes to avoid any accidents and keep your summer bashes going all night long!

The first topic we are going to touch on is pool safety. As a home and pool owner, it is so imperative that you take the necessary steps in order to keep everyone safe, as the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reported there are 10 unintentional drowning deaths each day. How can you keep your pool safe this summer? The first and most important step is to create a barrier around the pool with a fence, ideally with self-closing gates and locks. This will ensure that children can’t wander into the pool area unattended and help to keep your family and friends safe from the water. If you want to take things a step further, try looking into extra layers of protection and incorporating things such as alarms and safety covers to secure the pool when no one is using it.

Next, when it comes to playgrounds and swing sets, you want to be sure to be maintaining the equipment regularly. Things to keep an eye out for include protruding or rusted bolts, broken ropes, cracked slides and/or swings and open hooks. And to prevent injury and insulate falls, playgrounds should be installed on things such as tiles, rubber mulch or any other soft surface. And as always, adult supervision is highly recommended when children are playing on swings and playsets outdoors. And lastly, when it comes to trampoline safety, you want to be sure to have pads and netting around to prevent jumpers from falling off. It is also important to regularly inspect your trampoline and look for missing parts, rust and tears, and try to not have too many people on at once. And as stated above, it is always important to supervise children while they are enjoying the long days of summer outside on the trampoline.

Who is ready for the weekend?! We sure are. And with all the fun and exciting events happening throughout Omaha in the coming days, there is sure to be something for every age and adventure seeker to partake in. Everything from concerts, star gazing and fascinating exhibits are in store for everyone throughout the city. Below we have listed a few can’t-miss events for you, your family and friends. We hope you enjoy all the fun throughout Omaha this weekend! 

What: Rockbrook Village Friday Night Concert Series 
When: June 22nd 
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S 110th Ct. Omaha, NE

What: A Night at the Dreamland Ballroom Exhibit
When: June 22nd- 24th
Where: Great Plains Black History Museum | 2221 N. 24th St. Omaha, NE

What: 2018 NCAA Men’s College World Series
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: NCAA College World Series | 1200 Mike Fahey St. Omaha, NE

What: Grand Slam Party at The Capitol District
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: 1022 Capitol Ave. Omaha, NE

What: Junkstock: Underneath the Stars 
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: 1150 River Road Dr.

What: Omaha Quilters’ Guild 40th Annual Quilt Show
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: 12520 Westport Pkwy. 

What: Patriotic Perches Exhibit
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft St. Omaha, NE

What: Shakespeare on the Green: Much Ado About Nothing
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: Nebraska Shakespeare | Elmwood Park 60th & Dodge Sts. Omaha, NE

What: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer 
When: June 22nd – 24th 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th St. Omaha, NE

What: Traditional Masks / Máscaras Tradicionales 
When: June 22nd & 23rd
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th St. Omaha, NE

What: Tuskegee Airmen: Who Called Nebraska Home
When: June 22nd – 24th
Where: 2221 North 24th Street Omaha, NE

What: Zydeco Festival

When: June 23rd
Where: 3110 Farnam St. Omaha, NE

What: Blackstone District Walking Food Tour
When: June 23rd
Where: Omaha Culinary Tours | Various Locations Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Baseball History Tour
When: June 22nd & 23rd 
Where: Nebraska Tour Company | 225 North 12th St. Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: June 23rd
Where: 11th & Jackson Old Market Omaha, NE

What: Imagine Dragons: Evolve Tour
When: June 24th
Where: CenturyLink Center Omaha, NE

What: Road to Omaha Run
When: June 24th 
Where: Lewis and Clark Landing | 515 N Riverfront Dr. Omaha, NE

What: Urban Surf
When: June 24th
Where: Neighborhood Offshore Boutique & Board Shop | 6837 Grover St. Omaha, NE

There are many things to do, rooms to DE clutter and improvements to make in the time leading up to your house actually being put on the market. We understand the stress and mile long to-do lists that seem never-ending. But this should also be a fun and exciting time for you and your family as you begin to close one chapter and open the next.  To help in the transition and stress of things you feel like you have to do, we have listed below a few things that you can take off your list and things you will want to avoid. We hope these help during this exciting and busy time!

The first thing you will want to avoid is the thought that you have to over-improve your home to get top dollar. While improvements such as replacing broken or cracked cabinets and updating appliances are always good, you want to avoid making hyper-specific improvements that match your taste and preference. What is an example of this? Well for one, turning your basement into a man cave, complete with a lifted stage and wet bar, may turn off the family of five who would use that space for a play room. All that family will see is a huge project to take on and a man cave to undo. So the lesson here: do not feel like you have to go above and beyond when it comes to improvements to the home. Sometimes less is more and keeping it simple is the best option.

Our next task to not do is along the same lines as above. You want to be sure to not over-decorate and keep the house as neutral as possible. This will ensure that the potential buyers can see their own items in the home, instead of trying to visualize against what you currently have. Third, which may seem pretty obvious to some people, is to not hang around the house when there are showings. We know how tempting it is to clean the house, dress the kids in their Sunday best and stand at the door with fresh made cookies to greet your potential buyers. But the fact of the matter is that most people want to be able to speak openly about the home and having you there may make them feel uncomfortable. So it is best to find some family fun activities to occupy your time during scheduled showings.

Lastly, you want to try your best to not take things personally. We understand that things can be emotional when it comes to selling your home, but it is best to keep your feelings neutral whenever you can. If you get feedback from your agent from a potential buyer not liking your decor, old carpets or quality of the home, it is always best to let the comments slide off your back. Same thing if you receive a low offer from a potential buyer – let it slide off your back. By not taking things personally, you will find yourself not stressing over the little things and enjoying the home selling process a bit more.

Can you believe we are already halfway through June? We can’t either! The coming weekend is not only bringing Father’s Day, but many fun events for all ages throughout the city as well. We have listed a few can’t-miss ones below! So grab your family and friends to have a fun weekend celebrating dad and soaking up the long, warm days of summer. Enjoy! 

What: Opening Celebration Day with Opening Ceremonies, LOCASH Concert & Fireworks 
When: June 15th
Where: TD Ameritrade Park | 1200 Mike Fahey St. Omaha, NE 

What: Constellation Walk and Viewing 
When: June 15th 
Where: Fontenelle Forest/Neale Woods | 14323 Edith Marie Ave.

What: Rockbrook Village Friday Night Concert Series
When: June 15th
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S. 110th Ct. Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Baseball History Tour
When: June 15th – 17th 
Where: Nebraska Tour Company | 225 North 12th St. Omaha, NE

What: Centered: Presentation on Mindfulness
When: June 16th
Where: KANEKO | 1111 Jones St. Omaha, NE

What: Dragon Festival

When: June 16th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S. 20th St. Omaha, NE

What: 2018 NCAA Men’s College World Series 
When: June 16th – 17th
Where: NCAA College World Series | 1200 Mike Fehey St. Omaha, NE

What: ‘Another Bloomin’ Exhibit by Omaha Artists, Inc. 
When: June 14th – 17th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft St. Omaha, NE

What: Art Ride Omaha
When: June 16th – 17th
Where: Bancroft Street Market | 2702 S. 10th St. Omaha, NE

What: Old Market District Walking Food Tour
When: June 16th – 17th
Where: Omaha Culinary Tours | Various Locations 

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: June 16th – 17th
Where: 11th & Jackson Old Market Omaha, NE

What: Village Pointe Farmer’s Market
When: June 16th – 17th
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center | 17151 Davenport St. Omaha, NE

What: Father’s Day at the Museum
When: June 17th
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum | 28210 W. Park Hwy

What: Yoga Rocks the Park
When: June 17th
Where: 2110 Farman St. Omaha, NE

What: Yoga in the Forest
When: June 17th
Where: Fontenelle Forest/Neale Woods | 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd. 

Do you have a small bedroom in your home that makes you scratch your head every time you think about decorating and/or furnishing the space? We understand that small bedrooms are less than ideal and can feel stuffy and claustrophobic if they do not have the right design. But lucky for you, we have some tricks up our sleeves on how to completely transform these small spaces. In today’s blog post we are going to be talking about styling solutions that can drastically change the way you look (and furnish) small bedrooms forever.

The first thing you will want to consider when styling small bedrooms is incorporating built-in shelving or bedroom furniture. This simple design hack is ideal for adding storage to the room without taking up too much space and making the room feel cluttered. And while headboards can be a beautiful and decorative focal point for most bedrooms, it is best to leave them out when it comes to small spaces. This will not only open up the space, but it will allow you to keep the simple and de-cluttered feel that you want to achieve for the bedroom. Because we all know that clutter in a small bedroom can lead to the space feeling even smaller and more closed in than it already is – and no one wants that! A great alternative for a traditional bed with a headboard is opting for a daybed, which can save space and double as a couch if needed. Win-Win!

When it comes to lighting, it is always best to use mounted lights (such as sconces) whenever possible. Having your lighting mounted will ensure that lamps do not take up unnecessary room on the floor, which again is not ideal in small spaces. And a great way to make your bedroom appear larger is to incorporate mirrors in the room, as they draw in light from different angles which can brighten and broaden the space. And when it comes to bold wallpaper, we never shy away! Instead of using just one shade of paint on your walls, try incorporating a pop of color that brings pizazz, personality and a little spark to your small space. There are endless options of eye-catching wallpaper available, and is a great option when trying to add a bold feature to the room without breaking the bank.

The coming weekend is bring lots of fun, adventure and action-packed events throughout Omaha! Whether you are looking for a thrilling outdoor festival or something more cool indoors, we have you covered. Below is a list of events happening throughout the city this weekend that we hope will bring a smile and create a few lasting memories for you and your family. Enjoy!

What: Rockbrook Village Friday Night Concert Series
When: June 8th
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S 110th Ct,. Omaha

What: 44th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival 
When: June 8th – June 10th 
Where: Farnam Street 10th to 15th Street, Omaha

What: A Night at the Dreamland Ballroom Exhibit 
When: June 8th – 10th 
Where: Great Plains Black History Museum | 2221 North 24th Street, Omaha

What: Flatland Juggling Festival 2018
When: June 8th
Where: University of Nebraska Medical Center 

What: Karaoke Friday Nights
When: June 8th 
Where: 510 N. 33rd St., Omaha 

What: Omaha Symphony Presents: Beethoven’s Ninth 
When: June 8th – 9th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street, Omaha

What: Santa Lucia Festival
When: June 8th – 10th
Where: Lewis and Clark Landing | 515 N Riverfront Dr., Omaha 

What: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer
When: June 8th – 10th 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th St., Omaha 

What: Float Symposium and Art Exhibit Opening: Inspiration of Water
When: June 9th 
Where: Hot Shops Art Center | 1301 Nicholas St., Omaha

What: Mini Me Family Mud Run
When: June 9th 
Where: Zipline Omaha | Mt. Crescent Ski Area

What: Mom’s Night Out at the Museum 
When: June 9th 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th St., Omaha 

What: Art Ride Omaha 
When: June 9th                                                                                                                      Where: Bancroft Street Market                                                                                                              

What: Blackstone District Walking Food Tour
When: June 9th 
Where: Omaha Culinary Tours | Various Locations Omaha

What: Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market 
When: June 9th                                                                                                                                Where: 11th and Jackson Old Market Omaha

What: Saturdays at Stinson Concert Series 
When: June 9th 
Where: Aksarben Village | 67th and Center Sts., Omaha

What: Rose Day and Show
When: June 10th 
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft St., Omaha 

Have you ever visited a luxury hotel or spa and thought to yourself how awesome it would be to wake up everyday to such a beautiful space? Especially when it comes to the bathrooms, there are usually breathtaking touches that make the space relaxing, effortless and comfortable. What if we told you there was a way for you to bring that luxury and relaxation to your own home? Well, it’s true! Below we have a few tips and tricks for you to use when updating your own bathroom that will allow you to enjoy pure bliss and lavishness each and every day!

The first thing you may want to consider incorporating into your own bathroom is a freestanding tub. This addition can bring a relaxing and traditional, yet modern, feel to your bathroom. When it comes to color, you want to be sure to keep things neutral and stay away from any bright, vibrant colors on the walls and/or decorative items. To achieve this, you should consider using blonde wood, white oak, pastel shades and/or cedar wall, as these will all help to enhance relaxation and keep a soothing, natural atmosphere.

And if you find yourself needing or wanting to use any colors throughout the bathroom, it is best to stick with blues and greens, as they represent the simplicity and relaxation of the ocean. You should also consider incorporating glass doors for your shower, especially if you are working with a smaller space, as it will help to open the bathroom and make it appear larger. Glass doors are also a very sleek addition to your space. And when it comes to updating the lighting in your bathroom, try installing wall sconces and/or light strips for a soothing addition.

If you are going to splurge on anything in a bathroom remodel, a beautiful vanity is never a bad idea! Incorporating an upscale vanity can definitely be an eye catching focal point to your bathroom, and there are many stunning options that have multiple compartments that can serve as great storage space for the room as well. And speaking of vanities, you should also think about incorporating dual sinks in your bathroom if they are not already there. Dual sinks, especially bowl sinks, are a staple in any upscale, luxury bathroom and can also bring a modern touch to the room. Lastly, bringing in real flowers and plants not only help to brighten the space with vivid colors of nature, but can also be an excellent way to incorporate a relaxing and natural feel to your bathroom.

As we welcome the start of June this weekend, Omaha is set to be filled with warmer temperatures, sunshine and tons of events happening throughout the area. Whether you are looking to spend your time enjoying the outdoors or wanting to do something inside, we have you covered! Below we have listed some events that span all age groups and interest levels and that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face and keep the fun rolling all weekend long. Happy June! 

What: 21st Annual Taste of Omaha
When: June 1st – 3rd
Where: 800 Douglas St. Omaha, NE

What: Family Night at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum: Storm Chasers Baseball
When: June 1st
Where: Union Pacific Railroad Museum | 200 Pearl St. 

What: Nebraska Invitational Dance Festival
When: June 1st – 3rd
Where: CoCo Key Hotel, Resort and Convention Center | 3321 S 72nd St.

What: Rockbrook Village Friday Night Concert Series 
When: June 1st
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S 110th Ct. Omaha, NE

What: Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character and Confucius
When: May 31st- June 2nd
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th St. Omaha, NE

What: First Friday Old Market 
When: June 1st
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Sts. and 10th to 13th Sts. Omaha, NE

What: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer
When: May 31st – June 2nd 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th St. Omaha, NE

What: The Beach Boys
When: June 1st – 3rd
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Omaha, NE

What: WICKED
When: May 31st – June 3rd
Where: Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th St. Omaha, NE

What: Benson Beer Fest
When: June 2nd
Where: 61st and Maple Streets, Omaha, NE

What: The Inflatable Run 5K
When: June 2nd (8am – 4pm) 
Where: Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way

What: A Night at the Dreamland Ballroom Exhibit
When: June 2nd – 3rd
Where: Great Plains Black History Museum | 2221 North 24th Street, Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Framers Market: Old Market
When: June 2nd – 3rd
Where: 11th and Jackson Old Market, Omaha, NE

What: Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series
When: June 2nd – 3rd
Where: Aksarben Village | 67th and Center Sts. Omaha, NE

With summer quickly approaching and the days getting longer, you will probably be finding yourself spending more and more time outdoors soaking in all the fun and joy of this time of year.  We are sure there will be endless barbeques, s’more roasting and swimming in backyards around Omaha. But why let the fun stop when the sun goes down? Below are some fun and creative backyard lighting ideas to keep your summer night parties going (and lit) all night long.

Our first recommendation may just light a fire under you (literally!). A fire pit is a great addition to your backyard for not only light when the sun goes down, but is also a great gathering place for family and friends. Oh yeah, and it is also not too bad for roasting marshmallows! This solution does not require an electric outlet, and can prove to be a great centerpiece for your backyard. Our next idea is not just for Halloween time! Yes, we are talking about lanterns. They are a great way to light your outdoor area while not taking up too much space, and are pretty simple to set up – which is always a perk.

If you are looking to transform your backyard into a magical wonderland, string lighting may be your best bet! Not just used for the holidays, string lighting is a decorative and inexpensive way to light your backyard all year long. And the best part? Most string lighting will blend in with the trees and rest of your backyard during the day so it is not too big of an eye sore. Our next recommendation has been gaining popularity with homeowners over the last years and can actually be used both indoors and outdoors. LED lighting can light your way by being installed pointed up within a garden bed to reflect light off the walls and create a soothing and illuminated backyard.

With Memorial Day weekend nearing, many people are preparing to unwind and enjoy time with family and friends barbequing, swimming and relaxing. And while some may opt to stay home and relax, there are also many exciting and fun events happening around town (listed below) for those looking for a little adventure. Whatever you end up doing during this long holiday weekend, we hope it is filled with laughter, fun and lasting memories! 

What: Family Fishing Night in Papillion
When: Thursday, May 24th (6-8pm)
Where: Halleck Lake
*Free

What: Loessfest in Council Bluffs 
When: May 25th 
Where: River’s Edge Park

What: Starlight Movie Series 
When: May 25th 
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater
*Free 

What: 2018 Big Ten Baseball Tournament 
When: May 24th – 27th 
Where: TD Ameritrade Park Omaha | 1200 Mike Fahey St. Omaha, NE

What: Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series
When: May 26th 
Where: Aksarben Village | 67th and Center Sts. Omaha, NE

What: Summer Reading Program Kick Off Parties
When: May 25th – 26th 
Where: Omaha Public Libraries 
*Free

What: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer
When: May 26th 
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S. 20th St. Omaha, NE  

What: 2018 Memorial Day Observance Program
When: May 28th 
Where: Forest Lawn Cemetery | 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd. Omaha, NE

What: Salute to Summer Festival 
When: May 24th – 27th
Where: La Vista

What: Take Aim at Summer
When: May 25th (4-8pm)
Where: Platte River State Park
*Free

What: Helicopter Day
When: May 26th (10am – 2pm)
Where: SAC Aerospace Museum 

There are also many waterparks, spray grounds and pools around Omaha that are opening this weekend for some fun in the sun for all ages!