Real Estate Information Archive

Is it time for a little face lift for the outside of your home? Are things starting to look a little worn down and dated? If so, today’s blog post is for you! We understand that the maintenance on the outside of your house can sometimes get pushed to the back burner, especially since you may only notice it in passing when coming/leaving. But with a few quick exterior updates, you can give your home a little curb appeal and have it back in tip-top shape in no time.

Dressing up the front door is a great place to start! If your front door is looking a little outdated, splashing a fresh coat of paint on it and adding a decorative wreath will do wonders. You can also incorporate some additional touches such as a welcome mat or festive doorbell cover. Next, if you think that people do not take notice of your mailbox you may want to think again. Sprucing up your mailbox with a fresh coat of paint and/or personalizing it with your last name is a fun and easy way to add a little life to the front of your house.

Another way to bring some flair to the exterior of your home is to add some window boxes underneath the windows in the front of your house. You can purchase a variety of colors and styles of window boxes, as well as plant vibrant flowers such as daises, petunias and marigolds within them. This is a wonderful way to incorporate natural beauty and color to the front of your home without breaking the bank. You also want to be sure to clean out the gutters on your house to make sure that excess water is able to flow away from your home. Spraying them down with a power washer will help to restore the gutters to their original color and make them look new again!

There are some that will say it’s just a bathroom, but to you, it’s a luxurious sanctuary that you can escape to. Well, at least that is what you are planning on turning it into! We understand that a bathroom renovation can be a large undertaking, but if it is done right, it can completely transform the room and in turn increase the home’s appeal to future buyers. And while there is a lot that goes into any DIY renovation, bathrooms in particular can quickly become an overbearing and quite expensive project. So to assist, we have listed below a few tips and tricks to help you successfully tackle your bathroom renovation this summer.

The first thing you will want to do is crunch the numbers. It doesn’t matter if it is a large or small expense, you want to ensure that you have everything budgeted out and that you know you can afford to proceed with the project. An average bathroom remodel costs around $10,000, but there are others that cost upwards of $22,000. So knowing exactly what you want to do with the bathroom, how much everything will cost and budgeting accordingly will help to keep everything on track. Next, you want to drum up some design inspiration through magazines or online websites such as Pinterest. Sure, you may not be able to afford the lavish luxury of some of the high end bathrooms you see, but you will be able to get a feel for what style and colors you are looking for. This will help keep you focused and able to make quick and efficient decisions when looking at materials and décor.

Our next tip for you is to have a back-up bathroom ready. This is especially true if your home only has one working bathroom or if you are planning on renovating multiple bathrooms in your home at once. It may not be a bad idea to arrange to use a neighbor’s bathroom for a few days if the need arises. Lastly, which can prove to be difficult for some, you will want to make sure to stick to the plan. This holds true especially for your budget, as it is always easy to go overboard with spending when it comes to home renovations. You may want to add one last minute thing here and there, and before you know it you are completely over budget. So setting a plan and a budget, and sticking to it, will help you have a successful renovation all around.

Have you been thinking of revamping your home and find yourself wondering what aspect to focus on? Whether you are remodeling to put your home on the market or just updating areas that are outdated, you always want to think about what you are improving, what you are spending your money on and how that will affect the salability of the home in the future. And while it is thought that kitchens and bathrooms should be prioritized when considering return on investment, what many people don’t realize is that paint color can have a large impact on how buyers see and judge the home. And yes, that is exactly what we are going to be talking about in today’s blog post!

Now you may be asking yourself exactly which paint colors will get you the most bang for your buck and will appeal the most to potential buyers in the future. In Zillow’s 2018 Paint Color Analysis, over 135,000 images of homes that were sold across the country were examined. These images were examined to see how colored walls affected selling price of the home compared to plain white walls, and the results are quite intriguing. It was found that homes in which feature black or charcoal gray doors sell for more than $6,200 than expected. And, as you may imagine, yellow exterior paint ranked on the lower end, and those homes sold for $3,400 less than what was expected. When it comes to living rooms, the color taupe with peach, tan or pink undertones tend to be more appealing and on average the home sells for over $2,700 than expected.

When it comes to kitchens, you want to be especially picky because home buyers see themselves spending a lot of time is that particular part of the house and therefore judge it more closely. It was found that the most popular color combination in kitchens is white cabinets paired with dark navy blue or black islands. Homes that features tuxedo cabinets, which refers to the lower and upper cabinets being a different color, sell at a $1,550 premium. And when it comes to bathrooms, using colors such as periwinkle blue or a light blue paint with a gray-blue tint can increase the home’s selling price by over $2,700. So if you are wanting to upgrade your house and put a little life back into it, putting a fresh coat of paint may be just the trick you need. And if you incorporate the information we talked about above, you have a good chance of not only increasing your home’s appeal to future buyers, but in turn get a higher selling price!

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.

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.

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.

Who doesn’t love a good DIY project? There is something to be said about taking things into your own hands (literally) and completing home improvement projects so they turn out exactly how you envisioned. However, there are some DIY projects that you will want to put the hammer down for and call in the professionals to avoid costly and risky mistakes. In today’s post, we are going to be talking about three DIY projects that you want to avoid and call in the pros for.  

The first project we urge you to avoid are structural changes. Many people have a hard time deciphering which walls are load-bearing walls, and there can be large (and dangerous) consequences if the proper precautions are not met prior to the construction. Load-bearing walls act as support systems for areas in your home such as your roof, second story and attic and they are an important part of the structure of your home. Bringing in a professional contractor and/or engineer will allow you the peace of mind knowing that the structural integrity of your home is not being compromised because of a home DIY project you wanted to take on.  

The next DIY project to avoid is plumbing. Now while any plumbing mistakes you make are not necessarily life threatening to you and your family, but they can prove to be very timely and costly repairs if you have to bring someone in to fix what you did. Also, plumbing mistakes can leave your home unlivable until the problem is fixed, therefore putting you and your family at friends houses or at a hotel – and let’s face it, what is worse case scenario! Lastly, you want to avoid DIY electrical work. We know that many DIY project mishaps can be frustrating and annoying, but when it comes to electrical work mistakes, it can be downright dangerous for you and your family. If there is improper wiring for example, it can damage electronics in your home, as well as has the potential to cause a fire. It is always a good idea to call in the professionals for any large electrical work that you are thinking of doing to help avoid very costly and dangerous scenarios down the road.

In today’s blog post we are going to be talking about a few simple tips and tricks that will help lower your energy costs on a monthly basis. And with summer quickly approaching, it is a good idea to get yourself and your family in the habit of implementing these as soon as possible. We hope you enjoy and hope they prove to be helpful!

The first trick we have for you is to install dimmer switches and light/motion sensors. How many times have you or your children mindlessly left the lights on when you leave the room? These devices are great because the automatic systems help to conserve light energy when you and your family forget to turn the lights off.

Next, you always want to make sure to unplug all appliances when they are not being used as they tend to drain energy - even if you were to power off the device completely. The Department of Energy estimated that appliances can increase your electric bill by ten percent or more, so this trick can prove to be very beneficial for you and your family.

It is always a good idea to keep your hands off the thermostat, as frequently altering the settings can end up wasting a lot of energy. You may also consider implementing a programmable thermostat that will adjust the temperatures automatically for you and thus save energy.

Many people do not realize that your front door can be a huge culprit when it comes to energy loss for heating and cooling your home. Be sure to use weather stripping, as well as check the caulking, to make sure both are properly sealing the air in the home. And if need be, it may be a good idea to invest in a new front door altogether.

If your HVAC systems are more than ten years old, they tend to be less efficient and can also waste money every month. You may want to consider upgrading to Energy Star-qualified replacements to help ensure the system is not draining energy and money.