Real Estate Information

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 are looking to fill your calendar with quality time outside your home, we have you covered! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss events and adventures happening in and around our beautiful city of Omaha, NE over the next few weeks. You will find everything from art showings and light shows, to castle tours, yoga classes, children’s exhibits at the Museum, First Friday events and much more. Enjoy!  *Please observe social distancing guidelines. 

What: Bug Squad
When: January 27th - April 11th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Collaboration Exhibit
When: January 27th - February 26th
Where: Hot Shops Art Center | 1301 Nicholas Street Omaha, NE

What: Landlock Gallery Artist Co-Op; Winter Showcase
When: January 27th - February 19th
Where: Landlock Gallery | 4011 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Latin American Graphics
When: January 27th - 30th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Lights in the Old Market
When: January 27th - March 14th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th - 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: January 27th - February 14th
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: The Great Reuben Debate 2021
When: January 27th - 31st
Where: 3922 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Revisiting America: The Prints of Currier & Ives
When: January 27th - April 11th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: Fantastical Folklore at Lauritzen Gardens
When: January 29th - May 9th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: How to Build an Ark: Searching for Joel Sartore
When: January 29th - February 21st
Where: The Rose Theater | 2001 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: Traditional Textiles
When: January 28th - February 27th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Joslyn Castle Public Tours
When: February 1st & 8th
Where: Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street Omaha, NE

What: The Crescent Moon’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
When: February 1st - 7th
Where: Crescent Moon | 3578 Farnam Street Omaha, NE

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: January 29th - March 13th
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE 

What: Benson First Friday
When: February 5th
Where: Military Ave & 60th Street Omaha, NE

What: Yoga at the Malcolm X Center 
When: February 1st
Where: Malcolm X Birthsite | 3448 Evans Street Omaha, NE 

What: Game On!
When: February 6th - March 6th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World
When: February 6th - April 25th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Fairytale Land
When: February 6th - September 5th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Yoga for Beginners
When: February 10th - May 19th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Tai Chi and Qigong: Cultivating a Path to Well-being
When: February 6th - May 29th
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

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!

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! 

If you are looking for fun events and adventures to fill your calendar over the next two weeks, you are in the right place! Below we have listed all the can’t-miss happenings around our beautiful city of Omaha, NE. You will find everything from yoga events and light shows, to virtual collaborations, an indoor air show, children’s events at the museum and more. Enjoy! *Please observe social distancing guidelines. 

What: Bug Squad
When: January 13th - April 11th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: January 13th - February 14th
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: Lights in the Old Market
When: January 13th - March 14th
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Revisiting America: The Prints of Currier & Ives
When: January 13th - April 11th
Where: Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: January 15th - February 14th
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Avenue Omaha, NE

What: Traditional Textiles
When: January 18th - February 27th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Weekend at Arendelle - Frozen Event
When: January 15th - 17th
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Yoga at the Malcolm X Center
When: January 18th
Where: Malcolm X Birthsite | 3448 Evans Street 

What: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day + Free Admission Durham Museum
When: January 18th
Where: 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Indoor Air Show
When: January 16th
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum 

What: The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg
When: January 21st
Where: Union Pacific Railroad Museum | 200 Pearl Street Council Bluffs

What: Latin American Graphics
When: January 13th - 30th
Where: El Museo Latino | 4701 S 25th Street Omaha, NE

What: Intimate Actions: Exhibitions by Antelman, Jausero and Sepuya
When: January 13th - April 24th
Where: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts | 724 S 12th Street Omaha, NE

What: “Women & Whiskey” Virtual Panel Discussion & Tasting
When: January 21st
Website: Click for link here

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!

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! 

If you missed any of the holiday events around Omaha, NE over the last few weeks and are wanting to get out of the house for some socially distanced fun, we have good news - there is still time! Below we have listed all the fun events and adventures happening in and around Omaha, NE over the next few days. Additionally, we have listed a few ways to ring in the New Year indoors as we understand some of you are opting to keep your New Year’s celebrations at home this year. Let’s dive in:

What: Christmas at Union Station
When: December 29th 2020 - January 10th 2021
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Cultural Trees Display
When: December 29th 2020 - January 10th 2021
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Drive-Through Car Wash
When: December 29th & 30th
Where: 11910 M Street Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Lights Festival: Holidays in the Old Market 
When: December 29th 2020 - January 4th 2021
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets

What: Holiday Lights at Rockbrook Village
When: December 29th 2020 - January 8th 2021
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center | 2800 S 110th Ct. Omaha, NE

What: Holidays at the General Crook House Museum 
When: December 29th 2020 - January 8th 2021
Where: General Crook House Museum | 5730 N 30th Street Omaha, NE

What: Merry and Bright Holiday Poinsettia Show
When: December 29th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Miracle at Mercury: A Pop-up Christmas Cocktail Bar
When: December 30th & 31st
Where: Mercury | 329 S 16th Street #3 Omaha, NE

What: Santa’s Rock n Lights Drive-Through Light Show
When: December 29th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE

What: Season’s Greetings, Omaha!
When: December 29th 2020 - January 10th 2021
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Winter Wonderland
When: December 29th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 Bellevue Blvd. 

What: Bubble New Year’s Eve Party
When: December 31st
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: New Year’s Eve at Topgolf
When: December 31st
Where: 908 N 102nd Street Omaha, NE

What: Say Goodbye to 2020!
When: December 31st
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

Fun ways to ring in the New Year at home: 
*First things first: dress up! Even if you are planning to sit on the couch all night, keep things fun by doing it in sequence (or a fun outfit that you never got to wear this year). 

*Make a festive drink or cocktail that you can use to toast the New Year. You can find a fun recipe online or make one up yourself. 

*Hosting a video call with close family and/or friends is a great way to feel like you are all together for the holidays. You can play games, swap stories and do a toast to the New Year.

*If you were looking forward to a more lowkey evening, plan out a movie marathon with your favorite foods. Gather all your favorite movie titles, arrange your snacks and cozy up with your warmest blanket for a quiet night of cinema. 
 
Wishing you peace, love and laughter in the New Year! 

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!

With Christmas festivities in full swing, it is important to remember some simple tips to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season. Whether you are the baker, adventurer or candle lover of your family, we have you covered below. Let’s dive in: 

Tips for the cooks & bakers:
-Be sure to never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or fryer as this is the most common way cooking fires begin.
-Don’t forget to double check all labels and make yourself aware of any food sensitivities or allergies of your loved ones to prevent allergic reactions. 
-Take some time to quickly check your smoke detectors and switch out old batteries if necessary. 
-If you are using a deep fryer, make sure it is away from flammable materials and used only on a level surface.

Tips for the adventurer: 
-Invest in a security system to make sure your home is protected while you are away. This also helps to deter potential thieves.
-Don’t forget to hire a shoveling service if you won’t be home and snow is in the forecast.
-If you will be away for quite some time, it may be a good idea to pause your mail or ask a neighbor to come by and collect it for you every few days.

Tips for the candle lovers: 
-Make sure to only use sturdy, weighted candle holders to lessen the chances of them toppling and causing a fire.
-Only place lit candles on level, sturdy surfaces. 
-Take inventory of all your lit candles before the end of the night and be sure to blow each one out. You also want to blow out candles before they have a chance to burn all the way down. 
-It is recommended to keep about twelve inches on each side of a lit flame clear to make sure nothing catches fire. 
-It may not be a bad idea to switch out real candles with fake ones where you can to lessen the hazard in your home. 

Tips for the home: 
-If your home has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. 
-Keep your Christmas tree hydrated and watered at all times. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire.
-Make sure to keep your trees away from heat sources. 
-It’s never a bad idea to install smart sensors on your water pipes to prevent potential water damage from a frozen or burst pipe.
-Look into flame-resistant decorations. 

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! 

It’s that time of year! Glistening lights are being hung, Christmas carols are being sung and everyone is getting in the holiday spirit. If you are looking for festive events in and around Omaha, NE to celebrate the season then you are in the right place! Below you will find everything from holiday lights and tree displays to firework events, poinsettia exhibits, Christmas music shows, gingerbread habitats and much more. *Please observe social distancing guidelines. 

What: Christmas at Boulder Creek Lights Display
When: December 9th - 23rd
Where: Boulder Creek Amusement Park | 14208 S Street Omaha, NE

What: Christmas at Union Station
When: December 9th 2020 - January 10th 2021
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Cultural Trees Display
When: December 9th 2020 - January 10th 2021 | Tuesday - Sunday
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Here Comes Santa Claus… and Rudolph, Too!
When: December 9th - 23rd
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Lights Festival: Holidays in the Old Market
When: December 9th 2020 - January 4th 2021 
Where: Old Market | Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets Omaha, NE

What: Holiday Lights Festival: South Omaha Lighting Display
When: December 9th 2020 - January 4th 2021
Where: Vic Gutman & Associates | 24th & N Streets Omaha, NE

What: Merry and Bright Holiday Poinsettia Show
When: December 9th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street Omaha, NE

What: Santa’s Magic
When: December 9th - 23rd
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 S 20th Street Omaha, NE

What: Santa’s Rock n Lights Drive-Through Light Show
When: December 9th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE

What: Season’s Greetings, Omaha!
When: December 9th 2020 - January 10th 2021
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: December 9th 2020 - February 14th 2021
Where: Midtown Crossing | 34th & Farnam Omaha, NE

What: Winter Wonderland
When: December 9th 2020 - January 3rd 2021
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd. Bellevue, NE 

What: The Capitol District Igloos
When: December 11th 2020 - February 14th 2021
Where: The Capitol District | 1022 Capitol Ave Omaha, NE

What: Strings of the Season
When: December 12th - 20th
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: The Nutcracker Home Cinema Edition
When: December 12th - 25th
Website: https://amballet.org/look-whos-back-were-bringing-the-nutcracker-home/ Omaha, NE 68106

What: Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas
When: December 25th & 26th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Omaha Symphony Presents Centennial Overtures: Home for the Holiday
When: December 18th & 19th
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street Omaha, NE

What: Gingerbread Habitats
When: December 19th
Where: Fontenelle Forest | 1111 N Bellevue Blvd.

What: Polar Express Happy Hour and Trivia
When: December 19th
Where: Union Pacific Railroad Museum | 200 Pearl Street Council Bluffs, IA

What: Holiday Lights Festival: Fireworks Spectacular
When: December 31st
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha | 455 N 10th Street Omaha, NE

What: Say Goodbye to 2020!
When: December 31st
Where: Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street Omaha, NE

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 the holiday season in full swing, now is the perfect time to begin decorating the outside of your home to add some Christmas flair and festive curb appeal. Below we have listed a few simple ways to achieve this and bring a little holiday spirit to your neighborhood. Let’s dive in: 

-Holiday wreaths are a simple and wonderful way to bring a little holiday cheer to the outside of your home. They serve as a warm welcome to your guests as they enter your front door.

-While on the topic, you can also add a holiday door mat and/or a festive garland to really deck out your front entrance. Garlands are perfect for wrapping columns, framing doorways and draping over railings. 

-Incorporating vibrant, traditional colors to the front of your home is sure to bring the holiday spirit to any passersby. Potted poinsettias are a great way to achieve this with their bold green and red coloring, as well as evergreen trees or plants. You can use them to line your walkway or simply cluster them together at your front entrance. 

-Another great way to add Christmas curb appeal to your home is through winter props. Items such as wooden sleds, warm lanterns, nutcrackers, stocking, artificial trees, lights and other holiday decorations are a wonderful way to elevate the outside of your home. 

Are you interested in hearing what our amazing clients are saying about us? Be sure to check out the Testimonials page here!