Real Estate Information

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.

Last week the Chamber of Commerce put on an seminar luncheon on the 2008 Economic Outlook for Omaha. The Luncheon featured Dr. Barry Asmus, senior economist for the National Center for Policy Analysis. Dr. Asmus talk was as delightful as it was enlightening. Omaha’s economy is soundly based and predictions are it will continue to grow in 2008.  We have challenges however with rising oil prices, lower housing prices and tighter credit.

But for the investor or first-time homebuyer this is the time to buy! Investor philosophy is “buy low” and the prices on most homes have adjusted downward. The current inventory is high; it has risen 7% over last year.

For the first-time homebuyer with good credit the time to buy is now. Banks and mortgage companies have many loan programs available. It’s time to begin talking to your mortgage lender to see what programs you are eligible for right now.

If you are an investor or first-time homebuyer please contact the Otis Team. We will get you to the right people and help you get what you want. That’s our job, helping you to buy the home of your dreams or finding that perfect investment opportunity.

After polishing off their turkey dinner many Omahans headed down to the Gene Leahy Mall for the annual Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony.  The pre-show began with Second Chance and later the Nebraska Choral Arts Society’s Cantori Choir. Our own Mayor Mike Fahey led the countdown to turning on the thousands of sparkling, twinkling lights through the mall. It’s a breathtaking site and if you weren’t able to be there the Mall will remain lighted every evening from 5 pm to 1 am through January 6. It’s worth the trip and the cold.

Following the ceremony, people headed to their choice of the evening’s entertainment. At the Civic Auditorium 100 area skaters performed an hour long program called Skating Through the Seasons. The audience loved it.

At the Holland Performing Arts Center the audience was treated to a wonderful concert featuring some of Omaha’s best-known singers. There were dancers and saxophone musicians too. The program would even put Scrooge and the Grinch in the holiday mood.

The Rose Theater opened A Little House Christmas, a heart-warming, lovely story based on a childhood story by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The Rose is a lovely venue and the play is perfect family entertainment.

For film lovers, the 1940 production of Shop Around the Corner was shown. The acting talents of Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan make this film a memorable and definitely worth seeing again and again. The movie was the inspiration for the Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks production of You’ve Got Mail.

Finally for all the rest of the holiday revelers the Old Market provided all kinds of opportunity for holiday shopping, fine dining and a cocktail or two.  It was a marvelous evening. I hope you were there.

Let me hear about what you and your family chose to do in the comments section below. Remember you can always reach me at 402-697-4251 or email me at marie.otis@cbshome.com.