It’s no surprise to me. Most buyers want a professional to help them find and purchase what may be the largest investment in their lives. A Realtor is a professional who has finished a great deal of course work and taken a test to get their license. In Nebraska, a Realtor is required to take 18 hours of Continuing Education every two years. The courses must be approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission and pertain to some aspect of real estate. Some Realtors, such as me, also earn real estate designations in many specialized areas of the industry.

Such designations and my extensive experience give me the knowledge to explain the pros and cons of different types of housing. For example, I can tell you what to expect when you buy into a condo as compared to purchasing a single family home. My knowledge about the local real estate market is another reason why a buyer wants and needs me in the process. I can research what happening to home prices in specific areas which interest a buyer. I can guide a buyer toward making an offer that will eventually be accepted by a seller.

As a Realtor, I also have access to ALL properties for sale in the Omaha Metropolitan Area. Whether a property is listed by another Agent, another real estate company or by the homeowner I can make arrangements to get a buyer in to view the property. Today’s market is also full of complications such as bank-owned, short-sales and foreclosures. A buyer needs a Realtor to guide them through these processes.

Realtors can guide and protect buyers from making mistakes during the buying process. Make certain you have a Realtor who is on your side in all negotiations. While it is possible in Nebraska to handle both sides of a transaction (representing both the buyer and the seller) I don’t make that a practice. I represent either the buyer OR the seller; I’m vigilant about protecting the interests of my client.

If you are interested in buy or selling a home please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. I know I will be a good choice for you.

Regular tree maintenance also increases safety, but did you know that a professional can determine if you have a structurally weak tree? An Arborist may suggest bracing or cabling to support a weak branch. A little bracing now may increase the tree’s strength as it grows.

Heavy foliage can add a lot of weight to a tree. If not pruned regularly, the extra weight can weaken branches and cause problems. Pruning also ensures that enough sunlight gets through the leaves so that grass can grow under the tree. Bald spots are not attractive on lawns so this issue is also one to be aware of when considering tree maintenance.

As a Realtor, I know that well cared for trees enhance the looks and desirability of a home. It’s important to maintain trees if you are considering selling in the future and pruning can enhance the natural lines and looks of the tree. Curb appeal is vital in today’s market.  An Arborist can shape your trees so they are a thing of beauty.

If you are thinking of buying or selling please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. 

A National Association of Realtors (NAR)-sponsored poll was conducted between Jan 2-5 of this year. It was conducted by both Republican and Democratic polling firms to determine the value Americans (both home owners and renters) place on homeownership. Three out of Four potential voters believe that owning a home is the cornerstone of the American Dream.

In the past year there have been several surveys about Americans and homeownership and they all have the same results within a few points.  However, this was the first one where people were identified as Democrat, Republican or Independent.  The value of homeownership was the same across party lines with 84% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans and 71% of Independents.

The survey also revealed that 73% of voters oppose elimination of the mortgage interest deduction and 68% would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to abolish the deduction. Voters were also against any and all amendments to harm homeownership.

Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners (one of the polling firms) said, “With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage homeownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction.”

There are so many findings in this report that I’d love to share with you. If you are interested please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  Also, anytime you are ready to buy or sell a home please give me a call. I’d love to be part of your quest for the American Dream.

The next morning I glanced at the cold ashes and made a mental note to get them cleaned out before the weekend.  I also made a mental checklist to call a chimney sweep.  This is the time of year for lovely fires but it also the time of year when news articles begin appearing about people being overcome by carbon monoxide.

According to the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD),” carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can be produced by incomplete combustion when carbon-based materials – wood, propane, charcoal, natural gas, oil, gasoline and kerosene – are burned.” Carbon Monoxide has no odor or color so it isn’t easy to detect.  However, people do experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, weakness and tightness of the chest.  If the symptoms disappear when you go outside then it’s time to call the professionals for immediate help.

The best choice is to do all you can to prevent CO problems. Here is what MUD recommends:

1. Have a licensed heating contractor inspect the heating system and appliances every year.
2. Never use a gas range to heat your home.
3. Keep flues and chimneys free of debris. (Here’s the fireplace chimney sweep tie-in!)
4. Clear snow and ice from exhaust and combustion air vents for gas appliances.
5. Use a clean filter in your furnace – Standard air filters need to be changed once a month during the heating season! Check the owner’s manual.
6. Do not operate a BBQ grill in a closed area, such as the garage.
7. Don’t start or run gasoline-powered equipment in a closed area.
8. Check for rusted or pitted flue pipes from the furnace and water heater. Don’t’ patch the pipes; replace them immediately.

If anyone is overcome by CO call 911 immediately, get lots of fresh air to the victim and make certain all people and pets are out of the house.  The safety of you and your family is paramount. So keep warm by enjoy your crackling fire, cranking up the furnace or taking a nice hot shower.  Just remember to follow through on the CO prevention tips listed above for worry-free comfort.

When you are ready to buy or sell a home please call me at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) decided to find out the answer and surveyed buyers. To 67% of buyers, location was tied to the quality of the neighborhood. The second highest answer was convenience and the third was affordability.

Quality, Convenience and Affordability of the location are at the top of the list. The NAR broke it down even further to include the following:

                Good Schools                                                    Access to Transportation

                Nearby Amenities                                           Area Architecture

                Reputation                                                         Parks and Outdoor Spaces

                Low Crime Rates                                              Neighbors

                Stable Home Values                                       Proximity to Culture

As a buyer it is important for you to determine what aspects of location are important. It could be the most important reason is that you’re close to work or that your children can walk easily to schools and to the park. Whatever you decide it’s important you have a plan and that you share it with your Realtor.

As a seller it is vital to market you home wisely. Emphasize the features of your location. Maybe you have a bus stop on the corner or are just minutes from the Interstate. If your neighbors are great then use their actions and comments to market your home. 

Location is important. As your Realtor I can give you tips to assess each neighborhood. I would like to work with you to find your perfect location. Give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. 

First, pack the family into the car some evening and start driving around the city looking at the beautiful lights.  With everyone vying to spot the most fantastic display and between all the aaahhhing and ooooing you just night find yourself in a happy mood.   Perhaps you could start in downtown Omaha.  We have been celebrating the Festival of Lights since the day after Thanksgiving.  The million twinkling lights are just beautiful.

Downtown has other sights as well.  The Old Market is celebrating Dickens in the Market. Carolers dressed in period clothes, horse-drawn carriages carrying loads of happy people, stores full of gifts and treats and wonderful Christmas lights and decorations make this a grand destination for the entire family.

Stop in at the Durham Museum just south of the Old Market and stare in wonder at the enormous Christmas tree.  Take a few minutes to view the movie costume exhibit as well.  This is place to capture the peace and joy of the season.

As you continue south it may be a good idea to stop at Lauritzen Gardens to see the magnificent poinsettia tree. The tree is made up of 7,000 poinsettia plants. There are also some antique sleighs, and a model train that’s worth seeing.

The Mormon Trail Center is holding a Gingerbread Festival. You and your family can taste delicious gingerbread creations and gaze at beautifully decorated Christmas Trees.  The Boystown Visitor Center has an interesting display of Christmas themed postage stamps.

Some night this week arrange to take the family to see The Christmas Carol at the Omaha Playhouse. This timeless classic is a tradition in Omaha and has done great job of getting the community into the Christmas spirit. You see, there is no reason not to take time out this week to have some fun, see some sights and play with your family.

Merry Christmas to you all.

The Omaha Chamber of Commerce is just as eager as I am to dispel the negative notions of Omaha and they recently produced and shared a short but wonderful video of Omaha at Christmas.  It is my honor to share it with all of you.

Click on the link below and remember if you are in the market for a move to Omaha please give me a call at 402-670-8770 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  I can provide you with information on neighborhoods, schools and anything else you need.  I can make certain you get into the Omaha home of your dreams.

The Greater Omaha Chamber Wishes You the Beauty of the Season from Greater Omaha Chamber on Vimeo.

First, have your vehicle serviced regularly. The cold weather has hit so be certain to check the concentration of antifreeze in the car’s engine.  You can purchase an antifreeze tester which is inserted into the water reservoir of your car. DO NOT OPEN the radiator cap.

Add a stronger windshield cleaner/deicer fluid solution to keep your windshield sprayers from freezing.  It is possible to get a product that contains a cleaner also. This will be most welcome when snow becomes dirty slush and getting it off the windshield is critical. 

Check the air pressure in your tires including the spare tire.  Don’t forget to replace worn tires and get them properly aligned.

Here’s a checklist of all the items you should have checked regularly (especially when it’s very cold or very hot):

Heater & Windshield Defroster     Tires                                   Battery         Exhaust                                           Brakes                               Fuel                                                                       Brake Fluid                                     Oil                                     Ignition System                                            Lights & Emergency Flashers                       Radiator                                         Power Steering Fluid

Be safe this winter. Drive carefully and keep your vehicle in good repair.  No one want’s to break down when it’s freezing outside.

Be safe too when buying or selling your home. Enlist the aid of a good Realtor.  Please give me call when you’re ready at 402-670-8775 or drop me an email at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.

 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal heat pumps are far more efficient and reliable than any fossil fuel furnace or boiler so they are willing to rebate you up to 30% of the installation costs until 2017.  The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) also endorses geothermal and provides local, on-line case studies for customers to use as research. There are other grants and rebates out there for the cost-conscious consumer, but it takes a bit of digging to find them.

Geothermal units last at least 20 years when properly installed and maintained. They save the homeowner a great deal on their monthly energy costs. According to ASHRAE,* “A Geothermal System provides a very high return on the extra investment. For example, new homes may save enough money on fuel and electricity to provide the owners with a positive cash flow if the additional investment for the earth loop is financed in the mortgage.”

A geothermal system reduces true energy consumption for heating by 72% at point of use. In addition, the lucky homeowners don’t have to watch the oil and natural prices go up and up year after year. A geothermal reuses the solar energy absorbed by the earth for comfort conditioning.
A geothermal system recycles solar energy back into the ground in summer air conditioning mode.

If you wish to build a new home in the near future or even if you are faced with replacing your air conditioner, furnace or hot water heater, it will be a smart move to determine if geothermal is your best option.  Just give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  I can make certain you get an accurate bid and excellent contractors.

* American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

If your kitchen needs updating consider this a seller recoups about 85% of the cost of remodeling their kitchen.  Here are four items to replace if you just want to do the minimum: new countertops, new flooring, lighting and Energy Star appliances.

Countertops. Replacement of your countertops can change the entire look of your kitchen. Granite or stone are many people’s first choice but if that is not in your budget make certain to use a solid state material and have it professionally installed. Please think about “going green.” Look at cement, recycled glass, terrazzo and recycled aluminum and paper for countertops. I did a blog on all these alternatives and found lots of great materials; so explore your options. You can give your kitchen a new look for less money and still help the environment.

New Flooring. Again, here’s another chance to “go green.” Consider replacing your floor with renewable bamboo or another renewable product. A wood floor looks clean and sophisticated and holds up well to children and pets.  

New Lighting. Pendant lights over work spaces or canned lights in the ceiling are good choices in today’s market. If you update the kitchen but leave the old light fixtures it can give the room an outdated look.

Energy Star Appliances. Here is where you will really score with home buyers.  People want to save on their energy bills and the new appliances will help. Make certain all your appliances have the same look. Don’t choose a stainless steel dishwasher and then a black stove. Make certain they all have the same look. If you can only replace one or two appliances, then start with the dishwasher.  The built-in appliances with energy star ratings impress buyers most.

Yes, I’m not forgetting the cabinetry. If you can afford to replace them, fine. If not make certain they are very clean, shiny and open and close properly.  If the cabinets are in good shape and also look good then consider swapping out the old hardware for a new look. 

For more information and advice on how to get your home ready for the housing market please give me a call at 402-870-6775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. I’ve got some great ideas and the research to back them up.

That’s right. January 2012 marks the beginning of the end for the incandescent lightbulb. We have depended on these for 130 years. It’s startling to learn that it took so long for mankind to improve on the design of Thomas Alva Edison. On October 19, 1879 he tried a carbonized cotton sewing machine thread for the filament. After more than 40 hours it was still glowing and he knew his filament design was going to work. Yes, we improved the material the filaments were made of but the design of Edison’s has remained roughly the same.

Luckily, we have invented lighting that is more energy efficient and which emit very little heat. CFLs continue to improve in variety of size, shape and composition. LEDs are quickly becoming less expensive and readily available.

According to the Omaha Public Power District the average home has around 40 to 60 light sockets. The new CFLs and LEDs offer superior options for most of the sockets. However, there are still “specialty” areas where only incandescent bulbs will work. These include oven lights, refrigerator lights and other appliance lights. That’s because LEDs do not work well in high temperatures.

The people of OPPD assure consumers that there is a lighting option for every need. Keep your eye on the development of LEDs. Although the newest lighting alternative they promise to propel lighting forward. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Solid State Lighting has many great characteristics. It has a long life (25,000 to 50,000 hours), safe low voltage and they are cool, no mercury and they are Energy Star labeled with a 3 year warranty. They also have the potential for even greater energy savings, they have a long service life and they even have color control.

So even though the lighting industry has been very slow to develop new form of lighting they are now in gear and offering new and exciting options.  For your information I have a little chart to let you know that the manufacture of 100 watt bulbs is ending but other wattages as well.

                January 2012 – 100 watt general purpose incandescent bulbs are retired.

                January 2013 – 75 watt incandescent bulbs are retired.

                January 2014 – 60 watt and 40 watt varieties are retired.

So say good-bye and be prepared. There are more exciting options ahead to explore.

If you are ready to say good-bye to your home and are looking for something new please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  I’d love to explore new options with you.

The Dundee business district is graced by a distinctive, tall, four-sided clock tower at 50^th and Underwood.  Dundee has a thriving and lively little city with all kinds of businesses including some of Omaha’s best restaurants.  Dundee is close to two of Omaha’s premier universities and two of its best parks, Elmwood and Memorial.

In the 1970s, Dundee successfully fought off a proposed interstate highway that would have cut right through the neighborhood. It was a protracted battle but it united and strengthened the neighbors into a cohesive group. That sense of place is still alive and well in the area. An interesting real estate item was noted by Mike Kelly, Omaha World Herald Columnist, who wrote, “The area has remained stable. The World-Heralds’ online Curbwise.com feature shows that the average price of homes in the area rose from $95,261 in 1990 to $217,368 in 2010.”

Happily, the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood will continue to make improvements to the area and the city plans to make “Streetscape” improvements with better landscaping and curb design.

If you like tree-lined, quiet streets and period homes such as Colonial, Georgian and Tudor or Italian Renaissance, Prairie School and Spanish Colonial, then the Dundee-Memorial Park area may be just the place for you.  This is a neighborhood that holds spring clean-up, a holiday lights contest, tends a community garden and numerous other activities.

Congratulations to the residents of Dundee-Memorial Park. This is a vibrant, gorgeous part of town and Omaha is proud of this latest award. 

When I asked Woman’s Day how they found me they answered it was my website and especially my blog that attracted their attention. WOW! Those comments made me feel great. Many of you who regularly visit my website have eventually become real estate clients. Thus, I wanted to share this honor with you.  So if you’re near a newsstand stop and read the article. It begins on page 44 of the November issue.

I’d love to hear from you about which attractions you love about Omaha. Please share by using the comments section below.  My family and I are always looking for fun things to do.  I’ve written about several of them here in my blog. We’re ready for new adventures so please feel free to share your favorites.

And remember, if you are ready to buy or sell a home please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. Let me hear from you.

First, check for and seal foundation cracks. If you find them be certain to seal with an exterior caulk or foam insulation. The article recommends you clear leaves and mulch away from the foundation so that you can be certain you don’t miss anything that should be sealed.

After everything is safely dried then build up dirt around the foundation. The objective is to make certain that the land slopes away from the house to keep moisture from causing more damage. Please be careful not to let any dirt touch the wood or siding parts of the house.  You don’t want to encourage rot either.  Keep the dirt on the foundation only.

The usual recommendations of cleaning gutters and downspouts are stressed here as well. While you are up on the roof it’s important to check for broken shingles (or tiles). These can cause bigger problems when the ice and snow appear. If you know how, this is the time to replace broken or missing shingles/tiles. If not, hire a professional to get the job done before the snow flies.

Have your furnace checked and serviced. It’s important to hire a professional to do this task. If you are a do-it-yourselfer then make certain you are using the correct tools and you know what you’re doing. I don’t recommend experimenting on the furnace.

Make certain to have your fireplace checked as well. If you have open mortar joints anywhere in your fireplace it is a dangerous fire hazard. Fire can spread through open joints into the wall and destroy your home and property.

If you have storm windows take the time to install them now. If you have combination windows make sure you have pulled down both the top and bottom glass panels to prevent heat from escaping. Also, caulk around outside windows and doors to keep out drafts.

If you have an automatic sprinkler system it’s time to get that winterized as well. I do recommend you contact a professional who knows what they’re doing; especially if this is your first winter with a system.

Either pull on your handyman suit or flex your fingers and call the necessary professionals to winterize your property. Do it while the weather is still warm and friendly. It’s certain that if you live in Omaha it will be winter temperatures before long.

If you’re planning on buying or selling a home please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. I’m here to help and can recommend some excellent professionals to winterized and protect your home.

According to the League of American Bicyclists “the BFC award recognizes a community’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.”

It has taken a lot of people working very hard for many years to get here. Although Omaha was cited for our recreational trails in 2004, the trails were not enough to earn the BFC. According to the Omaha World Herald, this year we won for the following reasons:

1. The Bike Omaha Commuter Challenge
2. A bike and pedestrian transportation map and guide
3. New dedicated bike lanes and shared bike markings
4. Organized rides for cyclists
5. Bike racks on Metro transit buses

There is still more work to do. Omaha received the Bronze BFC and with work we can rise through the other three higher designations of Silver, Gold and Platinum. The great thing about the League of American Bicyclists is that they give communities, such as Omaha, a blueprint to rise through the ranks.

Omaha is a great place to live with wonderful trails spanning the entire city as well as bike-friendly policies. We are very proud of our Bronze designation. I want to thank all the citizens who have worked so hard to get us here. Congratulations, Omaha!

If you are looking to move closer to your favorite trail or if you have a great home to sell please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  I’d love the opportunity to help you into the home of your dreams.

In today’s market, if you want to sell your home it must look better, it must be better priced and it must SMELL better than the competition. Once you are living with a smell it becomes difficult for the homeowner (you) to detect. The best thing to do is have a friend or neighbor do a “sniff” test for you. 

I have to admit that I would rather stand on my lips than tell a client their home has an odor.  It is not in my nature to jeopardize my relationship with my Seller. In circumstances like this I have my fellow Realtors tour the home and ask them to sniff. My colleagues seem to have no trouble offering the brutal truth on their comment sheets.

The two main culprits of smells are pets and cigarettes.  Pets can smell and frankly, many people don’t like that great dog aroma or cat box fragrance.  The sad truth is that your animals may have to be boarded during the selling process.  If not, then the Seller must go to great lengths to keep the odors at bay.

If cigarettes or cigars are the issue the house must first be cleaned down to the “bone.”  Professional painters have products that are effective at getting out the cigarette residue.  It is a smart idea to ask for expert advice on this matter.  Then, if you must smoke it will be necessary to light up outside the house. Don’t throw the butts on the ground as that is a turn off for Homebuyers as well.

Many people believe they can mask smells with plug-ins or bowls of potpourri but let me tell you – they can’t compete with animal and cigarette smells.  Take this advice seriously and make your home smell clean and fresh.

When you’re ready to put your home on the market please give me a call at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.  I want to hear from you.