With housing prices and interest rates so low, it couldn’t be a better time to buy.  Consider that your child will be in college for at least 4 years and home appreciation rates are anticipated to rise.  If you have more than one college age child you could have the home for more than 4 years.  If the condo has extra space you could rent to out to your children’s friends.  The secret is to charge market rates for the rent. 

How is your child going to pay market rates while in college?  Well, remember all that money you would have to pay to a dorm or apartment landlord?  Open an account for your child with the “dorm” money and have them write out a check to you monthly.  If you do this you can then deduct real estate taxes and the mortgage interest.  Bill Bischoff, writing for MONEY Magazine, claims you can “write off all the other operating expenses – like utilities, insurance, association fees, repairs and maintenance, and so forth. As a bonus, you can depreciate the cost of the building (not the land) over 27.5 years, even while it is (we hope) increasing in value.”

If you seriously consider this suggestion then consider this suggestion as well.  Sit down with your tax accountant and learn about all the other tax benefits there are to buying a condo for your child while they are in college.  Learn about Passive Loss rules, etc. and how they can benefit you when it’s time to sell.  The idea just may make you money.

If you’re ready to explore condo possibilities in Omaha and the surrounding areas then 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. 

God bless all good mothers.  You know who you are.

This is an opportunity to look at gorgeous homes to your heart’s content gathering ideas for your remodeling project or building your dream home.  Maybe one of the homes on tour will be just what you’re looking for and you’ll be contacting me to help you make an offer. 

I suggest you go to www.hbpomaha.com, the Home Building Professionals of Greater Omaha website. There you will find maps, home addresses, home prices, lists of builders and even pictures to whet your appetite for touring. The site is filled with helpful information.

Best of all, admission is FREE.  So don’t miss this opportunity. The Parade runs from May 11 through May 20. Don’t miss the show.  I’ll see you there.

Remember, 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.

The packing should begin when you first make the decision to sell or buy a home.  We all have many items that we use only once a year or on special occasions.  If you don’t need it right away, then pack it up.  At first it may be easy to put the packed boxes in one room or in the garage but as the number of boxes grows think about renting a storage space.

When you pack make certain the heavier items, such as books, are placed in smaller boxes.  Don’t risk injuring yourself or your movers.  When sealing your boxes, don’t use duct tape or masking tape. Neither is designed to stick to corrugated cardboard.  Purchase tape made for sealing packing boxes.

Carefully label your boxes.  It can be a pain but it pays off when you’re finally in your new place.  Don’t put kitchen items in the same box as bathroom supplies.  It is important to fill a box with items that belong to a specific room.  Just as important is packing a box or two just with items you will need right away when you arrive at your new destination.  Make certain they are packed last and placed right at the door of the truck so they come off first.

Here is an interesting tip: Don’t pack your china with newspaper. The ink has been known to permanently stain china and lampshades.  Who knew?

Please remember, there are services in Omaha you can hire to do your packing for you.  If the job seems too overwhelming then hiring professionals just may be the right choice.

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.

This has been fun for me.  Last June Womans Day did a segment on fun things to do in Omaha.  I got to tell readers about lots of fun things to do in the Omaha area.  The article even had a few pictures of me, my kids and Boji, our Golden Doodle. 

This time there are no pictures of me – just advice.  Please give it a read if you get the chance.  The advice is good and may help you sell your home.  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.

Also, ask the reason for EVERY fee you see listed on the contract.  Please do your homework or hire an attorney to help.  There are “hidden” fees that you will want to understand and challenge if necessary.  Don’t be afraid to ask about the fees and let the lender know if you believe them to be a nuisance that will add to your financial burden.  Sometimes the fees are negotiable so ask your lender if there is any way to save money by lowering or eliminating certain fees.

You will hear many people tell you it is cheaper to buy than to rent these days.  In many cases this is true.  However, to the monthly mortgage payment you must add what the monthly mortgage insurance will cost, the monthly tax rate and household insurance.  It can add up to a hefty monthly payment.  What you may have calculated to be approximately a $700 per month mortgage payment can instead be $1,250 or more.

Another big issue to pay special attention to is the type of mortgage loan.  Maybe you should consider a fix-rate loan if you plan on living in the house for many years.  If you know you will be transferred in a couple of years then perhaps an adjustable rate loan would be a better fit for you.

Finally, remember that obtaining a loan is also costly.  You have to pay for an appraisal, inspection reports (i.e., a termite inspection), credit report fees and recording fees.  Don’t rely on just one visit with a lender.  Please get a second opinion.  Don’t’ assume that the contract with the lowest interest rate is automatically the best loan for you.  Look at all the fees, all the costs and the actual monthly payment (with taxes, fees and insurance) and carefully compare before deciding.

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 already own a home and are 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.  

How is this possible?  Weren’t we still in a recession in 2011? Isn’t it true that the national media keeps producing scary headlines to make us think the recession will only get worse?  What has happened that 10 million more renter households could qualify to buy a home? 

According to Hale there are 4 reasons. The first is that household incomes have increased; 2. The general population has grown; 3. Mortgage rates are lower than in 2005; and, 4. Home prices have fallen since 2005.

Below is a chart that provides an interesting comparison between 2005 and 2011.

                                2005                                                                                                       2011                      

Ms Hale points out that, using the numbers in the above chart, while 24 percent of renters qualified to buy a home in 2005, a whopping 45 percent possibly qualified in 2011.  I believe most renters don’t believe they will qualify for a mortgage and don’t even try.  I believe it is time for many renters to meet with a mortgage officer and take the plunge toward home ownership.  It is a wonderful time to buy in Omaha.  Homes are plentiful and they are priced to sell.

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.  

Forbes looked at the 100 largest MSA’s in the United States then ranked then using seven categories.  The categories included: “median income, overall cost of living, housing affordability (what pct. of the market is affordable to a family at the median income), commuting delays, percentage of families owning homes, crime rate and education quality (mainly test scores).”

As the magazine quipped, “Warren Buffet knows value.”  Omaha is a quality city for the young and old – in fact, for all ages. The State’s unemployment rate is the second lowest in the nation, homes are reasonably priced and the quality of education is great.  We’ve plenty of green space in town and all of us know in 25 minutes we can be out in the countryside gazing at lush crops, healthy livestock and the big Nebraska sky. 

Congratulations, Omaha.  Congratulations, too, to all those Omahans out there who are raising their families in one of the best cities in the nation.

And 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.

The event will be an Expo providing jumping competitions for all ages (from 13 to 72), ceremonies and educational opportunities.  The International Grand Prix will attract about 175 professional riders from around the world. Best of all, some of the riders will be from Omaha. This year’s event will only be the first with a goal of attracting “a world equestrian championship on par with the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials,” according to Mike Kelly of the Omaha World Herald.

If the event is a winner then it could be the start of an annual competition right here in Omaha, Nebraska.  The goal is to have the event approved by the Federation Equestre International (France). We have to prove ourselves before we can get FEI approval. Organizers intend to do just that. It may take a couple of years but Omaha will keep its eye on the goal.  With a top prize of $50,000 organizers hope it will attract quality riders.

Already more than 3,000 tickets have been sold.  However, CenturyLink Arena can hold even more so don’t delay; get your tickets right away.  RFD-TV, an Omaha-based network focused on the rural lifestyle is presenting the event and the Omaha Equestrian Foundation is running the show.

Enjoy the horses and if you are looking for just the right home go to http://www.myomahahomesearch.com/ and you can view all the latest properties. 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 superstitious don’t despair, you are not alone.  Hotels, hospitals and other business buildings usually omit naming a floor 13.  2012 is not the only year to have 3 special Fridays. If we are around in 2015 we will go through it again.  The months for those Fridays are February, March and November. 

Several famous people had a fear of Friday the 13^th. Some even just had a fear of the number 13.  They must not have known about the “Bakers’ Dozen.”  I always loved that 13.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt refused to travel on the 13^th of any month.  President Herbert Hoover was said to have a dread of the number 13.  Napoleon as well.  Mark Twain, of course, joked about the dread of the number 13.  He was purported to have said that he was the 13^th guest at a dinner party and they only had enough food for 12.

Did you know Alfred Hitchcock was born on the 13^th and if he’d lived to 100 years his birthday would have fallen on Friday the 13^th?  Alfred wasn’t afraid of the number 13 or Friday the 13^th.  He reveled in people’s superstitions and capitalized on them quite handily.

I hope your Friday was a good one. Mine certainly was. 

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.

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

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.

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.

The EPA 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.