Real Estate Information

Listing your home to sell is an exciting time as you prepare to say goodbye to one chapter and welcome the next with open arms. But before you put your home on the market there are a few steps you should take to increase your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar. 

The home staging process is crucial to ensure your property shows well and potential buyers can see themselves living in the space. Below we have listed a few tips and tricks to help you stage your Omaha, NE home – let’s dive in! 

-The first step in staging your home is to de-clutter the space. Too much furniture can make your home appear small and closed off and too many items around can distract potential buyers. This will also allow for a clean canvas for you to stage.

-You will also want to depersonalize your home. We understand this may sound strange but having family photos everywhere and kids’ artwork hanging on the fridge can make buyers feel like they are visiting your home, instead of envisioning themselves settling in and making a home for themselves there.

-Steam clean the carpets (you can do this yourself or hire a company) to make sure there are no stains or odors. 

-Paint rooms that are looking dull. It is a good idea to stick to white or neutral colors as to not throw off potential buyers with colors that don’t match their taste and preference. It will also make rooms appear larger. 

-Natural light is a huge selling point for potential buyers, so make sure windows are clean to allow the sunlight to shine through. You may also opt to replace dark window treatments with lighter ones.

-Style your dining room table to make the space welcoming and fun. This is an area that is largely forgotten about when it comes to staging and can really make a big difference.

-Rooms should not be left unfurnished but instead staged by how the spaces can be best utilized. This will help potential buyers easily see how each room can be used and designed. 

-Crank up the curb appeal with a freshly painted front door, add a welcoming wreath, trim the grass and plant colorful flowers all around. A first impression is crucial – especially when it comes to buying a home! 

Be sure to check out our "Seller Tips" page here for more information on selling your Omaha, NE home!

Weekends are sure looking a little different these days. With social distancing efforts in place, businesses are getting techy and moving their offerings to the online space. 

Below we have listed a few virtual events from local Omaha, NE businesses, as well as other online kid friendly events that are sure to keep your kiddos entertained and inspired. Sending our best wishes for a fun weekend ahead! 

What: Benson First Friday
When: May 1st | 5:00pm – 12:00am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2083179425147804/

*Benson First Friday is an event that is aimed at highlighting local artists and the Omaha, NE community by way of digital interactions and virtual gallery tours. There will also be window displays, public art and after-dark projections that can be seen from home or in-person (respectfully staying at a 6 feet safe distance from other viewers). 

What: Junkstock: Online Edition
When: May 1st – May 3rd | Friday: 11am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-6pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/589968058510991/

*This Omaha vintage festival is going virtual! You will find an array of talented vintage artisans and vendors from across the country selling their goods by way of the Facebook event page discussion wall. Shop till you drop all weekend long!

Virtual events for kids:

What: Drawing with Woodsy
When: May 1st | 2pm
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbz0SRP7ftKQWKSHvIKPBzQ

*Join Disney animator Michael Woodside as he walks viewers through tutorials of how he draws his favorite Disney characters.

What: Stuck at Home Science with the California Science Center 
When: May 1st | 12:00pm
Website: https://californiasciencecenter.org/stuck-at-home-science

*This fun activity hosted by LA’s California Science Center allows families to investigate, explore and have fun learning together in the comfort of their own home. 

What: LA Zoo Presents: Animal Draw-Along with Brian Kesinger
When: May 2nd | 3:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LAZoo

*The LA Zoo is “Bringing the Zoo to You” with a series featuring Brian Kesinger (of Walt Disney Feature Animation and Disney Television Animation) who will host Facebook Live draw-along events. This week features Peninsular Pronghorn, an endangered species at the zoo.

What: The Cartoon Voices Panel
When: May 2nd | 3:00pm
Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2QtT8U9x9E

*Join this panel of the top cartoon voice actors as they discuss and demonstrate their craft – this is one you won’t want to miss!

What: PJ Library Read Aloud
When: May 1st | 10am, 12pm & 3pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PJLibrary/

*Don’t miss this event with PJ Library as they host a virtual story time for all ages! 

What: Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants) at Home
When: May 1st | 7am
Website: https://mommypoppins.com/new-york-city-kids/event/free/dav-pilkey-captain-underpants-at-home

*In partnership with Scholastic, the Library of Congress is hosting a video event with Dav Pilkey where he will be reading, drawing and following his mantra – Always Be Creative!

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! 

There is no denying that moving is stressful – the wrapping, the packing, the taping, the lifting, the lugging, the unboxing. Now add a global pandemic to the mix and your stress levels are sure to rise! 

While it would be ideal to put off moving until conditions are a bit safer, not everyone has that luxury. That is why we have listed a few ways to help ensure a safe move during these trying and unprecedented times below for you to review. Let’s jump in!

-First thing’s first – before you move, double check that you are even allowed to during this time. While moving has been deemed as an ‘essential service,’ it is always a good idea to check your local and state governments (including HOA or condo board if applicable) before you schedule your big day. 

-Make sure to thoroughly research your movers and inquire about their COVID-19 practices and policies. Some questions to consider asking include if the company provides virtual/digital estimates, are the trucks and movers prepared with sanitizer/gloves/masks, what is their cancellation/rescheduling policy, what is their protocol for ensuring employees aren’t sick, etc. 

-While many people try to save money and resources by reusing other people’s moving boxes, this time you may want to opt for new cardboard boxes. It is also wise to skip on the movers packing your items and just doing it yourself as to limit the amount of outside contact with your belongings.   

-Even though it may take longer to arrive at your new abode, you should try to arrange for car travel instead of flying. This will help to minimize your contact with germs and other potentially infected individuals. 

-Be sure to purchase cleaning supplies for your family and movers to ensure hands and items are cleaned as frequently as possible. At minimum you should have hand sanitizers and/or disinfectant wipes available. You can never be too clean! 

-Speaking of disinfecting, once you have arrived at your new home is it a good idea to wipe down all points of contact including doorknobs, cabinet handles, countertops, moving boxes, furniture, etc.

-Lastly, if you or a family member is feeling ill it is best to delay your move until you get the ‘all-clear’ from a health care provider. We understand this may throw a wrench in an already stressful situation, but it is essential to keep everyone’s health and safety as a priority - especially during this time. 

Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here for more useful tips and tricks!

As we all are adjusting to the new social distancing guidelines, it is no secret that weekends are looking a little different. But that hasn’t stopped many local Omaha, NE businesses from changing course and going digital!

Below we have a breakdown of virtual events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend without even having to change out of your PJ’s. So, pop some popcorn, grab a cozy blanket and enjoy! 

What: Art Adventures Picture Mash
When: April 24th | 10:30 – 11:00am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

*Spend the morning at home creating your own masterpieces while learning all about the art from Joslyn’s collection. The Museum will go live on Facebook for an art-making lesson – all you need to bring are a few simple materials. Visit the website for a list of what you will need, with free kits are available each Thursday (beginning at 9am, while supplies last) for pick-up outside the museum. 

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 24th | 2:00pm – 2:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaZoo/

*Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is home to over 36,000 animals. Get ready for an exclusive interactive video that highlights animal enrichment, behind-the-scenes experiences and other educational activities.

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment
When: April 24th & 25th | 3:00pm – 3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/

*Don’t miss this short segment that features exclusive moments with raptors and critters from Fontenelle Forest. This is a must-attend for all animal lovers! 

What: Handmade Omaha Cyber Show
When: April 24th – 26th
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/161296698264954/

*Shop from a coveted collection of local talented artists who handmake art, crafts and artisan goods at this multi-day craft event. There will be photos, videos and more for you to enjoy. 

What: Virtual Music Bingo
When: April 24th – 26th | 6:30pm
Website: https://www.innerrailfoodhall.com/deliverypickup

*With the purchase of food and drinks from Inner Rail Food Hall, patrons will be eligible to play via Zoom and receive bingo cards with instructions with their order. And no bingo game is complete without some good tunes, so DJ Animale will keep the music going!

What: Dinner and a Play (at Home): Recommended Reading for Girls
When: April 24th | 7:30pm
Website: http://www.omahaplayhouse.com/education-and-programming/view/athome/

*This locally made, Omaha-staged production is able to be viewed and enjoyed from the comfort of your own home! And we are hard-pressed to find anything better than dinner and a play, so let local pizzeria PITCH do the cooking for you. They are offering two custom dinner options exclusively for the streaming patrons of Omaha Community Playhouse. You can find full details in the link provided. 

What: We Read: Live Book Reading
When: April 24th – 26th | 12:00pm – 12:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KANEKO.UNOlibrary/

*This book reading is geared for children and will be streamed in real-time, with the option of enjoying at a later date if unable to attend live.

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

There are a number of factors to consider and questions to pose when figuring out if a home is right for you – is the neighborhood safe, what is the school district rated, how far of a commute will it be to work, is it central to local amenities, etc. One other important item to consider is whether or not you want your house to be located within a Homeowners Association (HOA). 

In today’s blog post we are going to discuss the pros and cons of living in a community with a Homeowners Association. But before we dive into the meat and potatoes, we want to make sure you first understand exactly what an HOA is:

An HOA is an organization that is created to help run, maintain and manage a community, subdivision or condominium. The residents residing within the community are responsible for monthly or annual dues which the HOA uses to maintain shared spaces, as well as carry out other duties such as meeting management, rule enforcement and financial planning.

What are the pros of an HOA?

-A pro of living in a community with an HOA is that the organization typically is in charge of handling community maintenance. This could include things such as snow removal, landscaping and the upkeep of roads within the planned community. 

-Neighborhoods with an HOA typically offer (and will therefore manage/maintain) community amenities. These can include areas such as pools, parks, tennis courts, community centers, etc. and are all assessable to community members. 

-The organization will ensure that all members are abiding by the rules and set standards of the HOA, including the appearance of the exterior of properties. These standards can help protect the value of your home. 

-The HOA will make sure that the neighborhood and/or building is kept clean and neat.

-Lastly, you can lean on the HOA to step in on your behalf if you were to have an issue arise with a neighbor. 

What are the cons of an HOA?

-The main issue many people have with an HOA is the cost to be part of the community. It is important to note that the cost can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and is based on things such as property and access to amenities. 

-Another downside is the unexpected fines and fees that can potentially arise if you were to do something that goes against the rules and regulations that have been set by the HOA. You, the homeowner, are expected to know, understand and abide by the standards of the community. 

-Lastly, there is a potential for things to become political within an HOA which turns some people off. 

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 many local events and activities on pause for the next few weeks, we wanted to bring you a few virtual events that you and your family can enjoy from the comfort of your own home this weekend. You will find events for the craft lovers, animal enthusiasts, sustainability aficionados and more. Enjoy!  

What: Art Adventures: 3D Drawing
When: April 17th | 10:30am – 11:00am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/

*Spend the morning at home creating your own masterpieces while learning all about the art from Joslyn’s collection. The Museum will go live on Facebook for an art-making lesson – all you need to bring are a few simple materials. Visit the website for a list of what you will need, with free kits are available each Thursday (beginning at 9am, while supplies last) for pick-up outside the museum. 

What: Virtual Earth Day Omaha
When: April 18th | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Website: http://earthdayomaha.org/

*This is a free community-wide virtual event and the largest gathering of Omaha’s sustainability community. Spend the afternoon learning about eco-adventures that you can participate in while you are quarantined at home while also experiencing interactive activities ranging from yoga to a family dance party. 

What: Virtual Creative Mornings/Omaha: Purpose featuring Candias Jones and Naomi Hattaway
When: April 17th | 8:00am – 9:30am
Website:https://creativemornings.com/talks/virtual-audience-takes-the-stage?fbclid=IwAR03oL3608gxn8b09t1qinedaZkIf4INkYuW0BclNCo9RmF-Yy7ia_YJQDw

*Join Candias Jones and Naomi Hattaway as they lead a discussion on understanding your purpose on the other side of a pandemic. The event will be hosted via Zoom.  

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 17th | 2:00pm-2:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaZoo/

*Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is home to over 36,000 animals. Get ready for an exclusive interactive video that highlights animal enrichment, behind-the-scenes experiences and other educational activities.

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment
When: April 17th & 18th | 3:00pm-3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/

*Don’t miss this short segment that features exclusive moments with raptors and critters from Fontenelle Forest. This is a must-attend for all animal lovers! 

What: Handmade Omaha Cyber Show
When: April 18th – 26th
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/161296698264954/

*Shop from a coveted collection of local talented artists who handmake art, crafts and artisan goods at this multi-day craft event. There will be photos, videos and more for you to enjoy. 

Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our 'Home Selling Tips' page here for more useful tips and tricks!

If you are a first-time home buyer you may come across words or phrases during the buying process that you are unfamiliar with, thus causing a level of confusion and unnecessary stress. Two of those terms may be pre-qualified and pre-approved – and while they sound similar, it is crucial that you understand the differences.

And as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be covering in today’s blog post. We want to ensure you are equipped with all the knowledge possible to make the home buying process as enjoyable as possible. Because after all, it’s an exciting and wonderful time! Let’s jump in: 

For home buyers, one of the first steps in the mortgage process is to get pre-qualified for a home loan. Essentially this step allows you to provide the lender with an overview of your financial picture and can typically be done online or over the phone. You can expect to provide things such as debts, assets, income, etc. The lender will then evaluate your information and provide you an estimate of the mortgage that you may qualify for. 
*It is important to note that this is not a complete assessment of your ability to purchase a home, but simply will provide you an idea of what you can potentially be approved for. This also does not take into account your credit report. 

The pre-approval process, on the other hand, is more in depth and a much more involved process. This process requires the home buyer to complete an official mortgage application, in addition to providing items such as credit reports and bank statements. The lender will then do a very thorough assessment of your provided information and can submit an exact mortgage amount that you are approved for. Being armed with this information is crucial when starting your home search as you will understand exactly how much home you can afford and not waste time on properties out of your price range.  

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 is no secret that Easter may look a little different this weekend than years past. Many events are cancelled and the call for social distancing has caused a lot of families to opt for staying home instead of celebrating with loved ones.

However, thanks to technology, we want to keep the fun rolling and allow the spirit of the season to shine through. Which is why we have listed how to have a virtual Easter egg hunt below along with other fun virtual events that local Omaha, NE businesses are offering. We hope you enjoy, are staying safe, and have a wonderful Easter weekend! 

How to hold a virtual Easter egg hunt:

-Invite family, friends and loved ones to your event! Send out a text or email outlining the date, time, supplies they will need, hiding spots (more on this below) and a link to the videoconferencing app you wish to use. (*It may be a good idea to hold a quick call on the app of your choosing a day or two before the big hunt to ensure everyone is set up and knows how to use the technology. This will allow for fewer headaches and confusion the day of!) 

-All hosts must hide the eggs in the same places in each home. An example of potential spots could be on the TV stand, underneath the couch cushion, behind the bed frame, under the kitchen sink, in the bathtub, etc. You want to be sure to outline each spot in the invitation to ensure everything flows and all hosts are on the same page. 

-Create markers and clues that will help each egg hunter find the hidden eggs. 

-The big day: Once everyone is logged in and the scavenger hunt begins, each host will read the clues to the hunters. Everyone will then work together to find the hidden Easter eggs in their respective hiding spots.  (*Make it fun by doing a close-up of each discovery, make everyone do a ‘victory dance’ when an egg is found, give pep talks, etc. The point is to smile throughout and have fun!) 

-Count up the eggs at the end to ensure each one was found! 

Virtual Omaha, NE events from local businesses: 

What: The Durham Museum Field Trip: Featuring Early Transportation 
When: April 10th | 10am – 10:30am
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/event/digital-learning-18/?instance_id=17378
*Free event

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 10th | 2:00pm – 2:15pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaZoo/
*Free event

What: Art Adventures: Pop-Up Critters
When: April 10th | 10:30am – 11am
Website: https://www.joslyn.org/education/classes/art-adventures/
*Free event

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment 
When: April 10th & 11th | 3:00pm – 3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/
*Free event

What: Interrogated: Improv
When: April 10th | 10:00pm – 11:00pm
Website: https://www-backlinecomedy-com.seatengine.com/shows/124933
*Cost: $7.00

What: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Conversation
When: April 10th | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Website: https://www.trifaith.org/events/

What: Stories Coffee Co. Date Night with Chris Saub
When: April 11th | 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/storiescoffeecompany/posts/2812951985448860:0
*Cost: $30-$35, delivery not included

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

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!

As we are getting used to the new normal with social distancing, local Omaha, NE businesses are getting creative with different ways to keep their patrons involved and entertained. Below we have listed a few virtual events that are taking place this weekend for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their own home. So, grab your computer and a snack and get ready for some serious virtual fun! 

What: April (e-pril) First Friday!
When: April 3rd
Website: http://www.bffomaha.org/

This event will highlight and feature local artists through virtual gallery tours, digital interactions and after-dark projections.

What: The Durham Museum Field Trip: Photo Archive
When: April 3rd | 10:00-10:30am
Website: https://durhammuseum.org/event/digital-learning-18/?instance_id=17378
*Free event

This interactive and engaging event is taught by educators and can be accessed through Zoom (on laptop or mobile). Attendees will enjoy this unique and historic experience through images, artifacts and videos with a behind-the-scenes look of the Museum.

What: Virtual Music Bingo
When: April 3rd – 5th | 6:30pm
Website: https://www.innerrailfoodhall.com/deliverypickup

With the purchase of food and drinks from Inner Rail Food Hall, patrons will be eligible to play via Zoom and receive bingo cards with instructions with their order. And no bingo game is complete without some good tunes, so DJ Animale will keep the music going!

What: Zoo from Home: Animal Activity
When: April 3rd | 2:00-2:15pm
Website: http://www.omahazoo.com/zoo-from-home

Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 36,000 animals - tune in for a behind-the-scenes experience unlike any other! Attendees will enjoy exclusive interactive videos that highlight educational activities and animal enrichment. 

What: From the Forest: Raptor/Critter Moment
When: April 3rd & 4th | 3:00-3:10pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fontenelleforest/
*Free event

Calling all animal enthusiasts! This short segment showcases exclusive up-close and personal moments with Fontenelle Forest's raptors and critters – you won’t want to miss this! 

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!