Our Blog

Omaha Does It Again!

The city of Omaha has won all kids of acclaim over the years, and 2011 is no exception.  Kiplinger recently released its Top 10 Best Value Cities, and Omaha was #1.  The article praises our Midwestern work ethic that attracts big companies like PayPal, as well as new entrepreneurs.  With a 4.6% unemployment rate and relatively inexpensive housing prices, Kiplinger says we are the best value city in the United States.  That's no surprise to those of us who call Omaha "home" but it's nice to be...  Read more

Understanding Agency

It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company.

A Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent) is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

A...  Read more

Is It Time for You to Become a Real Estate Investor?

Perhaps you've thought about becoming a real estate investor.  You watch all the home makeover and other real estate shows, see all the informercials on getting rich in real estate, and have read every book that includes the words, "No Money Down."  The first things you should realize are that TV shows are entertainment, not reality; people get rich in real estate, but not quickly; and "no money down" deals are few and far between in the Omaha real estate market.

That being said, real...  Read more

10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance is a must, whether your home is a mansion or a cozy cottage, and whether or not your home is paid for.  Of course, if it's not paid for, the lender will require you to maintain insurance at all times.  But the cost of your home insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars from one company to the next. While it’s important to have enough coverage to replace or repair your home and belongings if they’re damaged or stolen, there’s no reason you should pay more for Homeowners...  Read more

Does “Moving Up” Make Sense in This Economy?

It's not unusual for families to decide to "move up" in their housing.  Sometimes it's caused by an increase in family size and a need for more living space. Sometimes families want a more desirable home location - closer to work or church, or with a better school district, or a move to "the country." Whatever the reason, here are some thoughts about whether or not moving up makes sense for you and your family:

• First, how much equity do you have in your home? Look at your annual mortgage...  Read more

The Pros and Cons of Condos

Maybe you don’t want the upkeep and maintenance of a large home. Perhaps you are single and don’t need a lot of space. Or maybe you enjoy an urban lifestyle. Whatever the reason, condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. Before buying, consider these advantages and disadvantages:

    Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements in which to store belongings.

    Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor...  Read more

Housing Market Worst in 40 Years - Because of the U.S. Economy Debacle

Based on new home sales, the U.S. housing market hasn't been this bad since 1963.  In a time of historically low interest rates, a large inventory of homes for sale, and an otherwise superb buyer's market, people just aren't buying! The height of the market was July 2005 when homes were selling at an annual rate of 1.39 Million.  In May of this year, the annual rate calculated at 267,000 - about a 72% decline!

Usually, the Midwest isn't hit as hard as the Coasts, but this malaise seems to...  Read more

Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

The neighborhood you live in can have a big impact on your life. Available amenities, culture, and convenience all play a part in selecting the perfect home in a neighborhood catering to you and your family’s lifestyle. Omaha has hundreds of distinct neighborhoods and subdivisions, so choosing one may seem like a daunting task.  Here are a few tips to help you narrow the choices.First, make a list of the activities and the places you visit frequently: your job, the grocery store, movie...  Read more

Moving - Love It or Hate It?

I'm always a little surprised when I meet someone that has lived in one city all of his or her life.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  In fact, my wife would praise such stability.  And I can't think of a better place to spend your whole life than Omaha.

But I guess I'm cut from a different cloth than most people.  You see, even though moving to a new town or state is rated as one of the most stressful life experiences, I like to move!  I've lived in the states of South Carolina,...  Read more

Be Thankful that Omaha Houses Don’t Appreciate TOO Quickly!

My daughter and her husband recently took their home in Maryland off the market - after two years of being unable to sell it!  They purchased some acreage a couple of years ago, and have been looking forward to building a new home on that property - but that was before the bottom fell out of the real estate market!

My daughter tells us that their home has lost approximately $200,000 in value in the last two years - and they just can't get enough for it to make it worth selling!  They've...  Read more