Real Estate Information

In my last blog I shared some great spring home repair tips with you I learned from the Wall Street Journal’s market Watch.  I also promised I would share more with you today so here they are…

Repair Your Deck:  Get your deck cleaned in the spring and look for areas that need repair.  Check the footings and make certain they are secure.  If not, hire a professional to clean them out and pour in new cement.  Look for rotting or loose boards and nails that are sticking up.  Replace boards, secure the loose ones and make certain all nails are pounded flat; you don’t want guests catching their toes or sandals.

Home Security Improvements:  One of the best things you can do for yourself and your home is to check out your smoke detectors.  Change batteries and make certain they are working properly.  Are your fire extinguishers in place?  Please don’t’ forget them.  Also, make certain your deadbolts are securely fastened.  If you don’t have deadbolts know that it can pay to invest in them.   Many insurance companies give discounts if you have such safety features in place.  Market Watch also recommends investing in carbon monoxide detectors.  They may not receive an insurance discount but they are vital to your family’s health and well-being.

Check Out Your Appliances:  First check out the hoses on your appliances.  If you neglect those it’s very possible your washer could flood or you could get a gas leak from your dryer.  Your water heater is also an appliance and must be checked regularly. 

It’s a lot of work being a homeowner but it’s worth it to live the life you wish for you and your family.  Owning a home is a strong part of the American Dream and one many Americans wish to share.  Let me help.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

If you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away

I’m always delighted when I can get advice from an expert and The Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch has offered up such advice.  The publication offers spring home repairs that can save you money in the long run.  They claim the repairs may even save you money on your insurance bill! Here are some of the great spring repair tips.

Gutters and Downspouts:  How often have I mentioned how important it is to keep your gutter free- flowing and clear of debris.  Even if you hire it done the work done it won’t cost you more than $100. It may save you thousands because the water damage that can occur with faulty gutters is staggering. 

Roofs:  While you are up there checking the gutters, inspect your roof as well.  Are there any shingles missing or broken?  Look at the flashings around the chimney.  Make certain the vent caps and flue pipes are in good order.  If water leaks into your house from the roof it will cost you a bundle to repair. According to Market Watch, if it’s time to replace the roof and you live in a hail-prone area, you might be able to get a discount on home insurance if you upgrade to an impact-resistant roof.  The article cites State Farm’s discount of up to 30% for a roof upgrade such as that.

Prepare for Storms Ahead:  Jim Gustin is a senior property specialist for Travelers, an insurance firm and offers this advice: “Those in areas prone to damaging winds might consider installing a reinforced garage door or retrofitting an existing one,” Gustin said, “The garage door is one of a house’s weakest points, and strong winds can blow it in, pressurizing the home and potentially lifting off the roof.” 

What happens at your house if there is a big storm at your house? If your electricity keeps going out during a storm then consider investing in a generator. If it is strong damaging winds consider reinforced shutters or a reinforced garage door.  Market Watch encourages homeowners to ask their insurance carriers before doing improvements.  “Make sure to ask your insurance carrier about discounts that may come with these improvements. Discounts vary by state and by company, said Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.”

Service Air Conditioner:  It’s time, folks.  It looks as though Omaha is going to have a long, hot summer. Your air conditioner needs to be operating at peak performance.  Make certain you get it serviced now. While you’re at it, check and clean the vents in your home.  Market Watch recommends a can of compressed air to do the job. You want the air circulating efficiently in your home.

I have a few more tips I will share with you in my next blog.  If you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

Yesterday I posted about how to recycle electronic gadgets locally.  I dropped an email to Goodwill industries because I’d read that Dell was partnering with them in some cities to recycle computers.  Here is the response I received from Erin Burke, marketing Specialist with Goodwill Industries, Inc. here in Omaha:

Yes! All of our stores participate in the Reconnect program. Computers and computer equipment are accepted at all of our stores, and hard drives are wiped clean and erased with software from Dell. Those computers are resold at our GoodBytes store at 72nd and F, or recycled through Dell Reconnect. Here is our list of locations: http://www.goodwillomaha.org/shop.php
Have a great weekend!

You too have a terrific weekend whether you are celebrating Passover or Easter. 

Remember too if you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

Ah, gadgets. I love them. The smart cell phones, computers, iPads, T.V.s, DVD players, etc., etc., etc.  We all love our electronics; that is until they become passé or break.  It seems such a waste to leave them on the curb for the trash man.  Most of us at least want to recycle them if possible.  But who will take them?

The Environmental Protection Agency claims that only ¼ of the plastic and metal electronics that could be recycled are brought to a recycling center.  I believe it’s because most of us have no idea where to go to recycle electronics.  Here a few tips that should help:

According to the website, “Recycling Central offers drive-up & drop-off residential recycling services in Omaha, Nebraska.” The company operates “in a safe, secure, locked-down facility.” The office is located at 10330 I Street at the Firstar Fiber Campus.  The phone number is 402-898-5000. The office will be open on these dates from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm: April 7, May 5 & 19, June 2 & 16, July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18 and September 1 & 15.

Did you know you can recycle electronics at Best Buy Stores? Best Buy will “accept most electronics, including TVs, DVD Players, computer monitors, cell phones and more.  Consumers can bring in up to two (2) items a day per household.”  For details visit Best Buy Recycling.

In addition, consumers can drop off old cell phones, rechargeable batteries and ink-jet cartridges at the fee recycling kiosks located just inside the door of your closest Best Buy store.

Both Office Depot and Staples offer in-store recycling of many electronics. At Office Depot you can purchase a Tech Recycling Box (they range in price from $5 to $15) and fill it with as many gadgets as can properly fit.  Then drop the unsealed box off at the closest participating store.  Staples’ EcoEasy offers consumers in-store recycling of electronics for a fee of $10 per item.

But before you give away the working TV, computer or record player try contacting a nursing home, school or church to see if they would welcome your stuff. The best recycling is when the life of the gadget can be extended by someone else using it.

When you are ready to recycle your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

Effective April 9, 2012, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will raise the insurance premium rates on FHA traditional loans.  All FHA borrowers must pay mortgage insurance if they wish to obtain and FHA loan.  The government must be protected in case the borrow defaults on the loan.  Actually, there are two insurance premiums associated with an FHA loan. The first is the annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) and the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP).

The MIP is collected monthly.  It is charged based on the initial loan-to-value ratio and length of the mortgage according to the following:

                LTV                                         Annual Premiums for Loans > 15 years

                = or <95 %                           1.20% of loan amount (Up from 1.10%)

                >95%                                     1.25% of loan amount (up from 1.15%)

               LTV                                         Annual Premiums for Loans < 15 years

               = or <90%                            0.35% of loan amount (up from .25%)

               >90%                                     0.60% of loan amount (up from .50%)

The UFMIP or upfront premium can be paid out of picket or rolled into the loan. The increase is as follows:

              Mortgage Type                 Upfront Premium Requirement

              Purchase Money              1.75% of loan amount (up from 1.00%)                                

              Mortgages &  Full-Credit Qualifying  Refinances

The cost of a loan is going up.  Don’t wait too long to take advantage of a good market and find the home of your dreams. .  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties. so if you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.

A friend of mine is coping with downsizing her home.  Intellectually I know it must be hard to part with possessions, collectibles and mementos but I’ve never had to do it.  My friend is surprised at the emotional toll the shedding of possessions is taking on her. 

“I feel as though I’ve turned into an old woman overnight,” she lamented to me the other day, “Every day I have to face the frustration of nobody wanting the treasures I’ve spend a lifetime collecting.”  Things I’ve paid thousands for in the past I’ve been told I must just give away for pennies.  I just didn’t expect this pain of separation and the hurt it is causing me.”

Although many older adults face this situation it is not hard to find young people in the same situation.  The loss of a job or physical limitations can put a family in a downsizing mode.  Trying to explain to children that they must give up toys or a hobbyist that there won’t be room in the new home is difficult no matter your age.

Also, the lack of status is hard on people as well.  The reasons for downsizing may be embarrassing for many folks.  As stated earlier, the loss of a job or loss of physical abilities can cause a sense of shame for some.  Moving from your dream home because you can no longer afford it is not a happy situation.

If you are downsizing or know of someone who is, please remember to be kind.  Don’t wag on at them about all the positives of downsizing.  Let them talk. Guide them to positive conclusions but don’t preach.  Many people get angry or shut down and walk away when confronted by a well-meaning “cheerleader for change.”  Talking about their fears and disappointments are part of a process.  Don’t criticize and try not to judge.  Allow people to say good-bye to their old life.

The positives that come with simplifying life will rise like a well-made loaf of bread.  The positives of extra time, fewer expenses and a reduction of stress will become clear once they are settled into a new home.  Your patience and kindness as a friend will be remembered.

If you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

I’ve talked many times about Cost vs. Value when a homeowner is considering house remodeling projects.  If you’re doing a remodel because you intend to list your home within the next year, then do yourself a favor and stay away from projects that don’t have a significant pay-off.  Realtor Magazine publishes a Cost vs. Value Report that gives average costs of remodeling projects in different segments of the country. 

This year’s highest return is new fiber-cement siding at 78% on a project costing $13,461. According to Realtor Magazine here are a few others that rated highly:

            Project                                                 Cost                             Recouped when sold

            New Entry Door (Steel)                      $1,238                         73%

            Attic Bedroom                                     $50,148                       72.5%

            Minor Kitchen Remodel*                   $19,588                       72.1%

            Garage Door Replacement                  $1,512                         71.9%

            Wood Deck Addition                         $10,350                       70.1%

            Vinyl Siding Replacement                  $11,729                       69.5% 

            Window Replacement (Vinyl)            $11,319                       68%

            Window Replacement (Wood)           $12,229                       67.5%

            Basement Remodel                             $63,378                       66.8%

*”According to HouseLogic.com, an average a minor kitchen remodel can work wonders without big expense. Get a low-cost facelift by leaving the cabinet boxes in place, and adding new doors and drawer fronts, hardware, and an inexpensive but stylish laminate countertop. New vinyl kitchen flooring and EnergyStar-rated appliances complete the transformation.”     

                                                                      
So be smart and invest wisely if you are going to list your house and want your home to show well. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a curb appeal, fresh, neutral paint and new flooring. Most important of all is that all your treasures are packed away along with most of your furniture. Closets are primarily bare and decorating is spare. You are creating a blank canvas so the buyer can picture their belongings in the home - not admire yours.

I have lots more tips for you. So if you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

It’s spring and for many of us that means its Spring Cleaning Time.  This weekend, Jim was working in the aerating and seeding the yard and I was tackling those indoor deep cleaning projects.  This year I have made an attempt to Go Green with as many projects as possible and this weekend was no exception.  I’ve discovered that with white vinegar, baking soda and water no cleaning job around the house is too challenging.  Cleaning without harsh chemicals is really great for families who suffer from allergies.

I was able to clean my glass oven door with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.  I slopped it all over the door and let it dry.  As I washed it clean I was delighted with the squeaky cleanliness of the formerly grimy oven door. 

My windows are spotless and all I used a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water.  Old newspapers really make the glass shine without streaks.  If you don’t wish to make your own products it’s good to know that manufacturers are making green alternatives to the usual cleaning products.  Next time you’re in the store look for green products.

I even deicide to repaint the kids room so I tried a brand with minimal or no volatile organic compounds. One of those compounds is formaldehyde – no thanks!  Another great feature of low-VOC paints is that they have very little odor.  Here’s a bonus: the paints do not create hazardous waste when discarded.

See, a little creativity and elbow grease and I was able to make the house look as good as the yard.  Jim and I were so pleased with ourselves we went for a run. This Omaha weather is beyond beautiful.

If Spring Cleaning for you means you’re ready to list your home please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home to buy go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.

Did you know Marie Otis can assist with Military Relocation?

Moving or relocating is one of the most difficult things to do for most people, whether they’re in the military or not. If you are one of America’s military personnel, then you probably already know that military relocation is just a plain and simple fact of life, a necessary trial, not unlike like basic training.

Relocation is not all bad, of course. If you approach it with a positive state of mind, it can be almost as exciting as a vacation road trip or holiday to an overseas destination. After all, change is one of the sure things in life; there is no way to avoid it, so you might as well embrace it.

Peace of Mind

The best way to embrace your relocation to Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area is to contact Marie Otis is an expert real estate professional who has a tremendous amount of experience helping military personnel with their relocation to Omaha and Offutt AFB, home of “The Fightin’ 55th.” She has provided a smooth, worry-free transition for countless men and women and their families, so it makes perfect sense to let her do the same for you.

The devil truly is in the details, as the old saying goes, and there are very few other undertakings that are as mired in details as moving.

Let’s set aside for now all of the plans and preparations you have to make in order to leave your current residence, which are no doubt significant, and concentrate on what you are going to have to consider immediately upon your arrival in the Omaha area. We are talking about vitally important information, such as detailed street maps, insider information on specific neighborhoods and personalized real estate options.

It’s never too early to start planning your relocation and the very first thing you need to do is contact here for her contact information, and for more details on the specialized service she provides.

Mandy and Joel, first time homebuyers were crushed when I told them their offer had been rejected by the Seller. The couple had been so excited and they had kept their fingers crossed but their offer was rejected outright.  As we sat down to discuss the matter Mandy asked, “Why did they reject our offer?”

Reject #1 – Less Than Listed Price

There are many reasons a seller will reject an offer but the most prevalent one is that the offer was for less than the listed price.  In a buyer’s market many buyers’ think that “low-balling” an offer is the smart thing to do.  In my experience that usually results in an insulted seller who will reject an offer outright.  This is especially true if the house has been listed only a short time.

Most sellers do not just pick a number out of the air when pricing their home.  If they have a good listing Agent the price will reflect the neighborhood market.  The Listing Agent will have performed a detailed analysis of the properties sold in the neighborhood, studied the present condition of the home and will have arrived at a price to list the home. 

The price is usually less than the seller thought their home is worth.  The seller wants to sell the house and so agrees with the Agent that the amount is what the house will be listed.  The seller is still recovering from that nasty shock when the low-ball offer comes in.  Therefore, the offer            may have been received with outright anger.

Reject #2 – Your Agent Doesn’t Know How to Negotiate

Unfortunately, some Agents believe that they must be tough or aggressive when dealing with the Listing Agent.  Some are known to scream on the phone or issue threats or ultimatums.  Believe me when I tell you, if you have an Agent who does not display professionalism then you are not going to get to the closing table.

When the Listing Agent tells the seller, the Buyer’s Agent in a jerk most sellers will not want to deal with such an individual. Don’t let your offer get sabotaged by your Agent.  Make certain you hire a professional with a track record you can check out. 

Reject #3 – Seller’s Needs Are Not Met

Here is where your Agent’s professionalism and listening skills become paramount.  Wrinkles can be ironed out if needs are understood and offers are tweaked to accommodate.  For example, the seller may have had offers that fell through because the buyers could not secure adequate financing. Your Agent can help soothe the seller’s fears by producing a buyer’s prequalification letter from their lending institution.

Another example could be that the earnest deposit is too low and the seller doesn’t believe the buyer’s offer is serious.  Bumping up the amount of earnest deposit would be an easy fix.  If a seller says they will only accept a cash offer then a buyer shouldn’t be surprised if their VA loan offer is rejected.  As I said earlier, a good Agent can ferret out these issues and with a few adjustments get an offer that will be accepted.

I have lots of tips for you so if you’re ready to list your home call me at 402-670-8775 or please go to http://www.myomahahomemarketvalue.com/ and fill out the page.  I’ll contact you and we’ll get started right away.  If you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties.