Real Estate Information

Gretna is located on the southwest edge of suburban Omaha. “The mission of Gretna Public Schools is to create student successes by maximizing student achievements.” This great mission statement is reflected in the goals and programs of the Gretna Public Schools (GPS).  Gretna has implemented several literacy programs at all level of education with measurable success.

One program that’s unique to the Gretna Public Schools is the electronic portfolio which documents a student’s growth in writing.  In grades 1-12, each student’s writing samples are captured and recorded 3 times a year. This provides teachers with “an overview of each student’s development as a writer and reader…”  Such programs help teachers refine their teaching approach for each individual student.

Another effective program is the Early Literacy Program for Kindergarten students. In fact, all 3 of Gretna’s elementary schools had this important program in place by the start of the 2007-2008 school year. The program provides for individual monitoring and direct reading instruction. The program is responsible for “steadily raising student scores on reading assessments over the course of the year.” The program is enhanced by the addition of the all day Kindergarten.

For elementary students Gretna has planned a program called “Reach For The Stars.” The program encourages literacy and love of reading. The program first engages the child’s interest and imagination through field trips and author visits, then challenges the student and his/her parent to commit to a reading program of 225 minutes each month. Last year 300 students met the challenge and Gretna hopes it will be even more successful this year.

Middle School students participate in the Accelerated Reader Program and participation results in better school success in every subject. The High School has received national recognition for academic excellence from the US Department of Education. In fact, they’ve been identified as one of the nations “Blue Ribbon Schools.” With a graduation rate of 99.4% Gretna High School can be very proud – Go Dragons!

The National Board of Realtors met this month and one topic they discussed was whether it was effective to advertise listings in newspapers. It's become a hot topic because many sellers believe that the newspapers is where Buyers go to look for new homes. The Board was there to listen to the results of a new study on the matter and the upshot was a qualified "no" to newspaper advertising for listings.

According to one of the research presenters, hometown newspapers compete against 11,000 TV stations, 16,000 radio stations, 1,400 daily newspapers, 6,000 weekly newspapers, 5,000 consumer magazines and 300 Spanish-language publications. Then there's the Internet to consider. According to our National Association of Realtors' research, 82% of home buyers do research on the web first. All this makes it difficult for printed papers to work effectively for listings.

Earlier, I told you researchers gave a qualified no to advertising listings in the newspaper. According to the research, some "Boomers" still read the printed newspaper. If your real estate agent believes your home will appeal to Boomers then newspaper ads may be part of the marketing plan. However, it is wise to remember a seller and their agent want to reach the most people they can for their marketing dollar.  The printed hometown newspaper may not be the best use of those dollars.

As a Seller you need expert advice on effective marketing for your home. I'm that expert. Please give me a call at (402) 697-4251 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbsohome.com. I love receiving your comments. remember to check below for space to comment.

I hear this phrase all the time.  Of course, all of us want to feel safe and secure in our neighborhoods.  However, your Realtor cannot legally determine what a safe neighborhood is for you. Under the Federal Fair Housing Laws it is unlawful for a real estate professional to do anything that is discriminatory.  Discrimination, under the law, on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap or family status is prohibited. 

I would be breaking the law if I steered you away from a neighborhood where you could afford the houses and where there were houses that met your requirements.  So what can you do? You need to determine what kind of neighborhood you wish to live in. Do you want the pulsating rhythms of a downtown street, a suburban neighborhood with lots of children, or perhaps a country lane with no neighbors in sight?

After you decided what kind of neighborhood is best for you, the next thing to do is spend some time in a neighborhood.  Take note of traffic patterns (both vehicle and pedestrian) at various times of the day.  This will also give you an idea of whether there are plenty of school age children in the neighborhood to play with yours. Or perhaps you’re looking for a neighborhood with more mature residents if that is your requirement. 

What can I do for you in this matter?  I can supply you with information on local schools, average test scores, class sizes and numbers of students going on to college.  I can give you information on parks, hiking trails, restaurants, shops, etc. If you are interested in crime statistics I can direct you to appropriate websites for information.  I can give you the information but the decision of what constitutes a good neighborhood is solely your decision.

I love for you to comment on this subject. Let me know if I can help. Email me a Marie.Otis@cbshome.com or give me a call at 402-697-4251.

The Ralston School District is only about 3,100 students strong but it is among the leading districts in the state. Ralston boasts an AA accreditation - the highest the state grants. Surrounded by large metropolitan school district, Ralston holds it own with a commitment to each student.  Small classrooms, experienced teachers and rigorous standards make Ralston an excellent choice for students and their parents.

Here’s a Ralston’s published Mission Statement: “To develop self-reliant citizens who are motivated to lifelong learning, capable of living successfully and working productively in an ever-changing world, and prepared to relate to a variety of cultures through a superior educational environment which combines effective teaching methods, a comprehensive curriculum, community support, and concern for the person.”

At one of Ralston’s elementary schools, parents can enroll their student in a year round school. This unique opportunity allows children to retain more information, information they may lose over the summer months. Although the program does have extended breaks, there are both remedial and enrichment activities available to the student.  If you are moving to the Ralston area, be certain to look into all the District has to offer your child.

If you have any information on Ralston you’d like to share please feel free to comment below.  Please contact me at (402) 697-4251.  I can secure more information for you about Ralston or any of our other excellent area school districts.

We are in the deep freeze this week and it’s times like these that can be discouraging to sellers.  Buyers are still looking so if you have a showing scheduled, Mr. & Mrs. Seller, then make your home as warm and inviting as possible. First, warm it up by literally turning up the heat a few degrees. You want Buyers to be relieved by blessed warmth when they first enter your home.

Also, these are the dark months of the year. So warm up the look of your home by turning on the lights in every room. Even if you have your blinds and drapes open, turning on the lights can give a boost to each room during the winter. If it’s an evening showing the lights become even more important. If you have a fireplace then make certain it is burning brightly. You can even add more drama to a room at night if you place lights strategically. For example, a light behind the couch outlines the furniture and walls.

Warm up your rooms with colorful throw pillows, fresh flowers, pretty soaps and towels. Make certain your home also has the warm smells of cinnamon and vanilla. You can do this with scented candles or heated potpourri.  A better idea is to fill a little crock pot with apple cider and add the spices. This is a safe way to get that lovely smell. You could even lay out a plate of cookies. This will make your Buyers feel right at home – and isn’t that just what you want?

For more warming tips, please write me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com or give me a call at (402) 697-4251.

If you are in a position to purchase a home there is no time like the present. Interest rates remain low and there are lots of homes to choose from. In fact, you may have so many choices you can be easily overwhelmed. Many people worry about making the wrong decision. Should I pick this house or that house?

The perfect house may be right in front of you but you can’t see past the clutter or the decorating. Take a minute to decide what it is that’s important to you in a home. Are you looking for a place that will accommodate oversized furniture or perhaps something with a big kitchen? In order to really see a home’s potential you may have to look past the orange carpeting, flocked wallpaper and overstuffed closets.

It’s time to focus on the positives. Are the rooms the right size? Does it have the amenities you want like a big garage, lots of storage, space to eat in the kitchen; is it close to schools for the kids and is the neighborhood one you feel comfortable in? If so, then it’s time to put your imagination to work. Picture the walls painted a different color and see in your mind how your furniture will fit. Get back to basics. Figure in the cost of what it would take to make it yours. Factor all that into your decision and you may find yourself looking at a real bargain.

If you need any help with this exercise, I’m more than happy to help. I’ve been doing it for years and can help you focus on your wants and needs. Give me a call at (402) 697-4251 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.

It been awhile since I wrote about one of our local school systems and I’m eager to tell you about the Bellevue Schools. According to the Superintendent of Schools, Dr John Deegan, all decisions are guided by the question, “What is the right thing for our students?”  Bellevue claims to rank at the top of all metro-area schools in Math, Reading and Writing while continuing to have “the lowest (tax levy) in the metropolitan area.”

Bellevue also boasts of meeting or exceeding all of the stated goals of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Bellevue Schools have deep partnerships with Metropolitan Community Campus and Offutt AFB. With a strong curriculum that emphasizes the basics, a team of dedicated professionals “who always put children first, and a system that embraces parent involvement, the Bellevue Schools create an environment of learning and growth for its children.

The Bellevue Schools have goals to limit average class size for K-3 to 20, grades 4-6 to 22.6 and grades 7-12 to 22.8. In fact, Bellevue has great goals and a strategic plan worth reviewing. Be certain to visit their website or contact me at Marie@MarieOtis.com. I can send you an information packet if you are moving to the Bellevue area. Remember, you are welcome to comment below. I enjoy hearing from you.

Happy New Year to all of you! I wish you all the best for a prosperous year. In 2008 it may be that circumstances are such that you and your family are required to move. You most likely love your home and believe others coming to see it will feel the same way. To make certain they see your home in the best light possible you must check some areas for common problems and get them corrected.

We’ve talked before about de-cluttering your home, getting it cleaned, freshly painted and making the outside look inviting before you put it on the market. However, be warned, if a buyer is interested in your home they will begin to look at things with a magnifying glass. Is your home ready for that?

Make certain your home doesn’t have pests. Termite problems are the last thing you want the buyer’s inspector to point out to you so you should be proactive and get your home checked out. Mold and mildew will scare off buyers as well. Moisture causes so many problems and not just in Kitchens and Baths. Look for leaks in the house and make certain your plumbing is in tip-top condition.

Check to see your gutters are in good shape and make certain that moisture drains away properly from the house. Make certain enough soil is against the foundation and that it slopes away from the house. Just be certain no soil is touching any of the wood. 

It’s now time to check the roof. Better yet, hire your own inspector to make certain shingles are not damaged, moist or rotting. If they are get them replaced by a qualified roofer. Also have them check all the flashing around your chimney. You want everything watertight and in great condition.

Finally, check all the electrical, heating and cooling systems. An inspector will point out any improper wiring and improperly installed water heater. Seal cracks in the foundation, the sidewalks and driveway. You need to make certain these items are in excellent condition. The competition for buyers is fierce right now and will only get more so. Make certain you’re ready.

Give me a call at 402-697-4251 if you want advice on repairmen and other services for your home.  You can also drop me an email at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.

Omaha is white with snow and we still have one day to go before it’s officially winter. Although we are close to the holiday, people are still eager to look at houses so the market continues to move. My children are so excited about Christmas. We still believe in Santa at our house so the anticipation is building daily. Their last day of school for the year is today so I bet they’ll be bouncing off the walls by Christmas Eve. It’s a special blessing to view this time of year through the eyes of our children and my husband and I are so very lucky.

Have you written out your goals for 2008? We are in the process of doing that right now.  It’s good to take stock of what happened in 2007 and set out steps to reach our dreams (or at least get closer). Forget the resolutions – make a detailed plan on how you will reach your goals and you will have a road map to guide you throughout the entire year. Then we can not only have a yard stick against which to monitor our progress, we can enjoy the journey as well. I pray all of you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. 

I enjoy hearing from you. Don’t forget to use the comment section below or give me a call at (402) 697-4251.

We Omahans are all recovering this week from the tragedy enacted at the Westroads Mall a few days ago. Our hearts and minds are with the victims and their families. We have been given several opportunities to assist them financially. That’s the closest most of us will ever get to offering our sympathy and help. The Great Western Banks have set up accounts for the victims and we urge you to contact them with your contribution.*

Preparations for the Holidays are tinged with sadness for those who are suffering. Mother Nature has hit portions of the Midwest with ice storms. Here in the Big O we have just had to contend with snow and sleet because the ice stayed south of us.  But today the sky is bright blue and the sun is making the snow sparkle. Have you noticed how the shadows on the snow are blue? 

Don’t let the cold, snow and other factors keep you from your family and friends this holiday season. It’s time to hold each other close and let love and peace surround us. It’s time to head on home, hug everyone and count our blessings. That’s my plan.

*If you need information on how to contact the bank please email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com or call me at (402) 697-4251.