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A Guide For First Time Home Buyers In Omaha, NE

by Nancy Heim-berg

A Guide For First Time Home Buyers In Omaha, NE If you are looking to purchase your first home in Omaha, NE then you won’t want to miss today’s blog post! 

The home buying process for first time buyers is very exciting, yet also can seem daunting and overwhelming at times. That is why we have outlined the process in a few simple steps below in hopes that you can familiarize yourself with what to expect. Ready to find your first home? Let’s dive in! 

-The first thing you want to do is get an idea of the type of property you are looking for. This will help you effectively communicate your wants and needs to your realtor and keep you from wasting your time at showings that ultimately will not interest you.

-Next, find a great real estate agent. This step is crucial because not only will you be spending a lot of time with your realtor, but you want to find someone that has extensive knowledge of the area, is hard working and will work in your best interest. Your relationship with your real estate agent will be the foundation of your home buying process, so make sure you find someone you can trust. 

-Find a lender and work with your loan agent to figure out which mortgage is right for you. You will then follow the application process and submit all required material.

-This is where the fun starts – find your dream home! Your agent will begin setting up showings with potential properties that fit your criteria and budget. 

-Once you find a property that you love you will work with your real estate agent to craft an offer on the home. The offer will have specifics such as price, proposed settlement date and contingencies. 

 

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!

Five Tips For A Successful Move In Omaha, NE With Kids

by Nancy Heim-berg
Five Tips For A Successful Move In Omaha, NE With KidsAs if the process of moving isn’t difficult enough, adding children into the mix can be a daunting and stressful recipe. But with the right preparation and planning you can make it a fun and exciting journey for your whole family to enjoy. That is where we come in!
 
Below we have listed five tips and tricks for a successful move with children: 
 
1. Our first tip is to call a family meeting to explain what will be going on with the big move. And make it fun! Order pizza or your favorite take out spot and sit together to discuss what they can expect to take place over the coming weeks. This will create a safe place for your children to ask questions, voice concerns and allow everyone to get on the same page. Children are more likely to be excited about the change if they understand everything that is happening and feel a part of the process. 
 
2. Next, do your best to involve your children in the moving process. This will not only arm you with extra helping hands but also ease their nerves about the situation. One big way to accomplish this is to spend a few days over a few weekends sorting through their toys, clothing, books, etc. and donating/selling/tossing items they no longer use or want. This purge will help to lighten your packing and ensure you are only transporting items you need to the new house. 
 
3. If you are moving just across town, plan to take some time over a weekend and drive your children to the new neighborhood to show them around town (and a walk-through of the new home if possible). Visit the local grocery stores, libraries, community theater, gyms, etc. and familiarize them with the area and allow them to get excited about their new surroundings. 
 
4. To help keep moving week organized (and your sanity in check) make a plan. Sit down with your family the week before and plan every task that each person is responsible for. Be detailed and set a day/time that each item needs to be completed by. You can even get as detailed as mapping out what meals you will eat in the event you are not able to cook at home and which car each person will drive in on the day of the move. The more detailed the better! 
 
5. Lastly, if your children are switching schools due to the move, host a “See you soon” party with all their friends. This is a great way to make your child feel special and create beautiful memories before parting. 
 
Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our Home Selling Tips page here for more useful tips and tricks!
 
4 Things To Consider If You Are Buying An Older House In Omaha, NEMany people are attracted to older homes due to their character, charm and unique design elements, and much prefer this purchase over a newer, more modern property. And while all homes have their fair share of upkeep and issues from time to time, older homes are more prone to costly renovations and repairs. 
 
If you are thinking of purchasing an older home in the Omaha, NE area then be sure to take note of our blog post today as we outline a few things to consider and keep in mind during your home search. Let’s dive in!
 
1. While we all know how important the home inspection is prior to finalizing the sale, you may want to consider bringing in a second inspector if you are purchasing an older property. The truth is we are all human and with that we are prone to making a mistake two. And when it comes to a home inspection, missing something here or there can add up to costly repairs down the road that you did not expect and therefore not prepared for. It may be worth the extra money to ensure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and having a second inspector come out.
 
2. If you are looking at an older property, chances are there was lead paint used on the walls and other areas throughout the house.  This can be especially important to note if you have children as there are potential health risks involved. If you see chipped, cracked or flaking paint be sure to have the inspector test it and look into ways of remediating it. 
 
3. It’s a four-letter word that can wreak havoc on your life and health if left untreated – that’s right, we are talking about mold. Many homes that have been sitting empty for a while and/or do not have good circulation can be a breeding ground for mold, especially in attics, basements and living quarters. Be sure to test for mold and understand that remedying the situation could be quite expensive.
 
4. Lastly, don’t forget to ask how long the home has been sitting vacant. The longer the house hasn’t had air or water circulation, the more likely you are to run into costly problems like mold, moisture buildup and rodent infestations. Additionally, if you know the property has been unoccupied for a long time then you can be sure to look more closely at things to ensure you catch potential issues before signing the dotted line. 
 
 
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!

What To Look For When Buying A Home In Omaha, NE

by Nancy Heim-berg

What To Look For When Buying A Home In Omaha, NEIt is no secret that buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. And with the right real estate agent and professional guidance, it can also be one of the most exciting times for you and your family as you navigate the home buying process. 

There are a lot of factors to consider when you begin looking at potential homes in Omaha, NE, which is why we have outlined some things for you to look for and think about when you begin your search:

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need for the next decade – are you planning on growing your family, do you have children leaving for college soon, will you be caring in-home for elderly parents, do you need a home office or gym? These are all factors to consider when figuring out your ideal bedroom and bathroom count. 

Does your current (or future) situation call for a single-story home?
If you have anyone in your household that will have an issue utilizing a staircase then it may be better to opt for a single-story home. This may include small children, elderly parents, guests with physical limitations or if you simply are planning on growing older in the home yourself and foresee a staircase being an inconvenience. 

How much storage space do you need?
Storage space can be an afterthought for many people when it comes to looking for a home – that is, until they move in! If you are someone who needs a lot of storage it is important to note that for your realtor prior to your search. You can also always get creative and find different ways to create storage areas if needed, but it is important to have that on your list if it’s important to you. Also, be sure to take into consideration garage space if you need to accommodate multiple vehicles. 

What does your ideal yard look like? 
Some people dream of a spacious backyard to host summer BBQ’s and birthday parties, others want a low maintenance property with little upkeep. And some families fall in the middle. 

What are you looking for in a neighborhood?
What neighborhood you live in can impact many things such as commute times, school districts, distance to local conveniences, walkability, accessibility to amenities, etc. It is important to think about this off the bat, so you don’t waste time touring potential homes in areas that do not meet your needs and wants. 

Do you want to do repairs and renovations? 
Some people are open to (and even get excited about) the thought of home repairs and renovations as it allows them to put their own personal touch and incorporate their style into the property. Others run far and fast when renovations are muttered in a sentence and want a move-in ready home. Which do you prefer? 

 

Whether you relocating to Omaha, NE or simply moving neighborhoods, be sure to check out our Home Buying Tips page here!

Five Reasons To Work With A Real Estate Agent When Buying Your Omaha, NE HomeNo matter if it’s your first or sixth time purchasing a property, the process of buying a home can be exciting, stressful and seem like a roller coaster of mixed emotions. And while we live in a digital age, it is important to know that the internet will not replace the guidance and expertise of a knowledgeable real estate agent during your home buying journey in beautiful Omaha, NE. 
 
In today’s blog post we are going to be talking about the many reasons why it is so important to have a real estate agent by your side in the home buying process and a few qualities to look for when choosing an agent. Let’s jump in! 
 
1. One of the most important reasons to work with a buying agent is because they have a finger on the pulse of the market and will be knowledgeable on the local conditions. They can guide you on neighborhoods that are within your budget and understand the comps of the chosen area. 
 
2. Second, your agent will be able to provide valuable insight while walking through potential homes and can point out certain things that you may not have caught on your own. These can be anything from potential costly renovations and repairs, to different ways to envision and utilize a certain space/room.
 
3. Your agent will be able to guide you from start to finish on the process of putting an offer on your dream home. Especially if the home you are eyeing has a lot of attention, your experienced buying agent will be able to keep you informed to stay ahead and competitive on the property.
 
4. Fourth, you can sleep well at night knowing you have someone working in your best interest and looking out for you from start to finish. Especially if you are a first-time home buyer, it can be comforting to be able to ask questions and seek advice from an agent who wants to see you win at the end of the day. 
 
5. Lastly, you have someone in your corner who can comfort you and walk you through any emotional situations that may arise. They say that your real estate agent becomes your best friend during the home buying process and the journey is much more enjoyable when you have someone in your corner that you trust to lean on.  
 
 
Qualities to consider when looking for a real estate agent:
 
-Honesty and integrity 
-Tenacious spirit
-Well networked 
-Knowledgeable about the local market 
-Extreme attention to detail 
-Clear communicator 
-Good listener 
 
 
Are you looking to purchase a home in beautiful Omaha, NE? Allow our team of experienced agents to help with all your real estate needs. Learn more about our team here!
Five Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Neighborhood In Omaha, NEWhether you are relocating to Omaha, NE from another state or just moving minutes up the road, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing a new neighborhood to settle into. And since narrowing down a part of town you want to be in can be tricky, we have listed a few things to keep in mind and research before deciding on an area:
 
1. School District: If you have children or are thinking of growing your family in the future, what school district your neighborhood falls in can be a huge determining factor. Be sure to research and educate yourself on the school districts and set boundaries, as well as the elementary, middle and high schools that fall within each district. 
 
2. Commute Times: Ask yourself how long you are wanting/willing to spend in the car each day commuting to work/school drop off/activities/etc. Commute times can be another huge factor in the neighborhood you decide to settle into and should be calculated prior to deciding on a part of town.  
 
3. Conveniences/Amenities: Set aside some time to research (or drive around) the neighborhood you are looking into to determine how close everyday conveniences and amenities are such as grocery stores, gas stations, gyms, doctors’ offices, dry cleaners, local parks, playgrounds, etc. If you are not wanting or willing to drive fifteen minutes to grab that gallon of milk you forgot, then maybe it’s time to look for a new neighborhood. 
 
4. Safety: This may be one of the most important factors for many families to consider, especially if you have young children. Living in a safe neighborhood with low crime rate can provide homeowners peace of mind. You can get an idea of this by speaking with local residents or police officers in the area or by visiting websites like NeighorboodScout.com.
 
5. Affordability: No matter how much you love a neighborhood, if the home prices exceed your budget things just won’t add up - literally. This is why it is so important to know your numbers before you start looking so you can stay practical and within your budget while searching for your dream home in your desired neighborhood. 
 
 
Allow our team of expert agents to help you find your perfect home in your dream neighborhood by signing up for our free Listing Alerts here!

Tips To Ensure A Successful Final Walk Through On Your New Omaha, NE HomeWe understand just how stressful the home buying journey can be – from setting a budget to finding your perfect neighborhood, to touring potential houses and finally landing the home of your dreams – it is a process to say the least! But when the finish line is finally in sight you don’t want to forget one crucial step, the final walkthrough. 

In today’s blog post we are going to be talking about different aspects of the home you want to make sure to check (and double check) before signing the final paperwork. But before we dive in, lets chat about what a final walk through is:

A final walk through is your last opportunity to tour the home and make sure that everything is in order and working as it should prior to closing day. It also gives you, the buyer, an opportunity to verify that the seller has completed all agreed upon repairs, as well as allows you time to ensure that no new issues have arisen since the home inspection was completed.  The final walk through is usually done a few days before the closing day. 

A few items you want to make sure to bring to the final walk through are the home inspection report, the home purchase agreement, a camera, something to write on/with and an item to use to test outlets. 

Below we have featured a quick checklist for you to have handy to ensure that nothing is overlooked during the final walk through:

-Do a quick overview and look for any obvious damage
-Turn every light fixture on/off
-Test all appliances, including stove burners 
-Run all waterspouts and look for any leaks under the sinks
-Test hot/cold water
-Flush toilets a few times and make sure they fill correctly/look for any leaks
-Test the air conditioning and heating 
-Open and close all windows and doors 
-Test the garbage disposal 
-Look closely for any mold buildup
-Test all outlets to ensure they work properly 
-Make sure garage door openers are present and work correctly 

 

If you are looking for more tips and tricks for home buyers, look no further! Check out our Home Buying Tips page here

Tips For First Time Home Buyers In Omaha, NE

by Nancy Heim-berg

First Time Home Buying Tips OmahaThere are few events in life more exciting, momentous and nerve-racking than buying your first home. You may be combing the web for the ideal school district or find yourself driving around neighborhoods trying to picture which cul-de-sac you could settle into. However, there are also moments where, especially for first time home buyers, you may feel overwhelmed and confused by the process. 

In an effort to settle some nerves and calm potential anxiety, we have focused this blog post on discussing tips for first time home buyers:

-Our first tip for you is to start saving early for your down payment. It is common to put around twenty percent of the purchase price down, so starting to save early on can help be a big asset. Your future self will thank you!

-Check on your credit. Many people don’t realize how big of a factor their credit score is on the approval process for a mortgage loan. Staying on top of your credit score and improving areas that need some work will help you when you to go apply for a mortgage. 

-Figure out how much you qualify for before you start house shopping. The worst feeling is to get emotionally attached to a home you can’t afford, so knowing where you stand and what you can afford will make the process a little smoother. 

-Prior to starting your home search, take a few minutes and write out a list of the non-negotiables you want in your home. This can be anything from location to square footage – anything that you can’t live without in your next abode. It will not only force you to narrow in on what you are looking for, but it will also help your realtor get a better idea of what to start showing you.

-Find the right realtor. You will find throughout the home buying process that your realtor becomes your new best friend. We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a knowledgeable, hardworking, honest and committed agent by your side. It really will make all the difference. 

-Our last tip for you is to have fun and enjoy the process! 

 

The fun doesn't have to stop here! If you want more home buying tips check out our "Omaha Nebraska Home Buying Tips" page here

Things To Look For When Walking Through A Omaha, NE Home

by Nancy Heim-berg
The home buying process, while stressful at times, should be a fun and exciting time for you and your family. Touring new potential homes is a great way to see if each would be a good fit for your needs, but there are also certain things to pay special attention to while touring the property. Below we have listed a few things for you to keep in mind during your walk through:
 
1. While walking through the home, make sure to take note of the layout and if there are any areas/rooms that you will need to renovate. Rarely will you see a home that checks every item off your wish list, so noting what things you will want to change/update is a must. 
 
2. Next, you will want to pay close attention to any evidence of water - especially when it comes to ceilings and under sinks. You will also want to check for wet spots or water stains under windows.
 
3. Third, be sure to check the condition of the floors around the home. Keep an eye out for any stains, fading and/or buckling flooring as these costs can add up if you need to replace down the road.
 
4. Make it a point to check any and all appliances that would be staying in the home after the purchase. You may even want to turn them on to ensure they are in good working condition and will not have to be replaced immediately. 
 
5. Finally, take a walk around the exterior of the property to check for foundation issues, as well as caulk around doors, windows and siding. 
 
 
Be sure to check back every week for more Omaha, NE real estate information! Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook

Tips For First Time Home Buyers In Omaha, NE

by Nancy Heim-berg

It’s true when they say that buying a house is one of the largest financial investments most people will make in their lifetime. With that said, it comes as no surprise when people have a cautious approach to the home buying process and want to gather as much information as possible before they sign on the dotted line. This is especially true for first time home buyers as they navigate the mix of excitement and nerves of owning their first property. 

In today’s blog post we are going to be breaking down a few tips and tricks for first time home buyers in hopes to make the process a little easier and more enjoyable. Let’s dive right in! 

-Get a copy of your credit report to get an understanding of where you stand, and start doing your research to find a reputable mortgage company you want to work with. 

-It is a good idea to get prequalified for your home loan prior to starting the home search so you know what area/homes are in your budget.

-Start putting money aside early for your down payment and closing costs so you are prepared to pull the trigger when you find your dream home. 

-Figure out where you want to live – what neighborhood is best for your family, the school district you want to be in, how far the commute will be for work and what style home fits your taste. 

-Before you settle on your home, make sure to have it checked by a home inspector so there are no surprises down the road. 

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Heim-Berg Team
Berkshire Hathaway
331 Village Pointe Plaza
Omaha NE 68118
(402) 677-9024
(402) 679-7108 | (402) 830-6123
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