A lot of sellers and real estate investors know the value of curb appeal. Things like fresh paint, new landscaping, and a pressure-washed exterior make a home look nicer and much more appealing at a low cost. Most potential buyers form an opinion within just a few second of seeing a new home, so make sure you have a list of things to look for when you're seeing a house. Here are a few elements to get you started: Look at the plumbing. Not every recent restoration is a sign of bad news, but they are things you should question. Check the area around the water heater, major appliances, and ..read more

When contemplating how to use curb appeal to sell your home at top price, some of the inexpensive ideas include hanging a wreath, adding a bust of color with flowers and pressure washing the walkway. But home sellers that reap the greatest rewards often spend more money on curb appeal by investing in a few major upgrades such as new entryway doors and on-trend garage doors. According to a recent article by vnews.com, experts still insist sellers not sink too much money into the home upgrades that will no longer belong to them. At the same time, if you own a home in Omaha in the $200,000 and u ..read more

Not all home improvements will add to the value of your home. However there are places you can make a big difference. This is especially true with kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal. Much of the rest of the house can usually be brightened up with some paint and a few simple touches. Over-all Improvements Keep your up-grades in line with the value of the house. If you are selling an average house in an average neighborhood, don't invest in high-end finishes. However, you want those finishes in a neighborhood that has more expensive homes. Do hire a contractor for the improvements that are ou ..read more

Making a sizable down payment is a solid investment when you're purchasing a home, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. This shows your lending company that you have a handle on your finances and can result in a reduced interest rate which, when combined with the lower overall debt remaining, makes for a lower overall cost. A sizable down payment, usually 20% or more, also means you don't have to pay mortgage insurance, which lenders charge to mitigate the potential loss of a defaulted mortgage. But finding that sort of capital can be difficult, even if you save money. Here are a few ..read more

When you decide to sell your home, a lot of things need to fall into place to make it happen. Finding the right real estate agent and completing any home repairs may be at the top of your list. But there's one step you should take first: decluttering your home. Not only will your home look cleaner and more spacious when all the clutter is gone, but it will also give you a head start on packing and moving. Here are three easy steps to get you started. Choose one area to declutter. Start by focusing on one room or one area at a time. It won't seem so overwhelming, and you can accomplish a lot i ..read more

If you are house-hunting, this can be an exciting time, but it can be frustrating to get clarity on a home’s nuances if you aren’t prepared with the right questions. Attending open houses is a great way to get acquainted with what you are looking for in a new home, and also what aspects might be deal breaker. If you can spend a few minutes with the real estate agent showing the home, there are some questions that can quickly narrow down if a home is worth pursuing further. Here are three questions you should always ask at an open house.  1. Why are the Sellers Moving? If a home is being ..read more

Professionals and everyday workers notice they go to their 9-to-5 job to please the boss, get a promotion or make money while other people receive passive income from their real estate investments. Even if you are working with only a shoestring budget, you likely wonder how to get started investing in real estate in Nebraska. While most lenders do require you put down 20 percent on an investment property, you won’t have the same limitations if you turn your current residence into a rental property. Your lender does not suddenly require you to put more money toward your mortgage other than any ..read more

Home sales can be a tricky matter of timing. If you're a buyer, you don't want to sell your home before you have a new home under contract. But if you're a seller, it can be stressful not knowing if a buyer is going to back out because they have their previous home to grapple with. It's a common situation for all that it seems like a looming problem, and most real estate contracts solve it through a contingency clause. What is a Home Sale Contingency clause? Many real estate offers and contracts come with a section about the buyer's current home. In this section, or contingency clause, the co ..read more

HOA stands for a Home Owner's Association, a nonprofit group that is operated by a board made up of homeowners, sometimes involving a management company. Every HOA has a different set of rules. It is important to check up on them before you commit to becoming part of the community. Not all HOAs are created equal and some offer more perks than others. Usually the higher the fees, the more amenities are provided. HOA dues are paid periodically and range from lump yearly payments to monthly installments. Is living within an HOA right for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider before m ..read more

It is unfortunate, but many people give little thought to choosing a real estate agent. The all too typical method is to ask a few close friends or family members if they know anyone. We often choose an agent who has a great listing presentation or creates a positive rapport. The simple fact is there are many real estate agents who are great at selling themselves, but they are far more interested in selling you the deal and collecting their commission than representing your best interests. One needs to find an agent who will work for you, not themselves. Whether you a ..read more