Omaha Real Estate Blog

On behalf of everyone at Alliance Real Estate we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We would also like to thank those who serve our country in our Armed Forces and their families for their selfless service and their sacrifice.

Thank you,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Most Realtors make the mistake of not staying in contact with their past clients.  You can always improve on your sphere of influence program and for me it is a work in progress.  This year for my buyer clients I ordered a hand painted ornament with a photo of their new home. 

This idea was from a CRS class and it made a HUGE impact on my clients.  This is just a small part of a ongoing past client contact program.  First, it gives you another chance to call them to say that you would like to stop by and wish them a "Merry Christmas."  It gives you more "face time" at delivery and it has a LONG shelf life.  Chances are they will not throw it away and they will remember who gave it to them.   

You can order these from www.Artelle.com and the cost is only $37 which includes shipping and handling.  They put the ornament is a really nice red box and it took a relative short period of time and our order was fairly good sized.  I was very happy with the quality of their work.   

The result of this small gesture already resulted in a referral from a past client.  If you get the opportunity to attend a CRS course it is well worth the investment.  I would like to thank Chuck Bode with NP Dodge who is a Senior Instructor for the Council of Residential Specialists for this idea. 

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate  

Why is it better to buy a southern facing home in Omaha, Nebraska?  In the Omaha Real Estate market, a southern facing home's driveway will melt faster and will be clear long before a home that faces north.  If marketing a home it is not a bad idea to point this out to a potential buyer.  I do not know about you but once a driveway is snow packed it is a real pain.

Most folks will not even give this a second thought.  Lately, we have had a decent amount of snow and this is readily apparent.  Here are two examples of driveways.  One home facing south and the other faces the north.  Both photos are homes on the same street and taken at the same time.    

If your home is on the market it is extremely important to keep the driveway and walks shoveled and clear of snow.  First, of course is liability.  Next, a shoveled driveway enhances curb appeal and will give the impression of a well cared for home.  It will also reduce the amount of dirt and grime that might be tracked into the home.  Most people are considerate and will remove their shoes.  However, there are some inconsiderate folks out there.  If your walk and driveway are clean it will decrease the amount of dirt being tracked into the home and on the carpeting. 

Thanks,

David Matney,CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Recently the Omaha Area Board of Realtors decided to change MLS providers.  I have spoke with many local Realtors and many have expressed disappointment in the decision to change providers.  In order to have a say in matters or to make an impact you have to be involved and be part of the solution.  Your opinion is important and you can make a difference.  Being involved with the board has many side benefits as well.  It allows you to network, you get to know folks outside of a transaction and benefits your company as well.

Many of the committees are actively looking for agents and the time commitment is minimal and the return of investment is worth the time.  Since being more involved it has also given me more appreciation for the tough job the board actually has to do.  It is tough and it is difficult to navigate in an ultra competitive market like Omaha.  Obviously, involvement in the board has company benefits and the major players in our market have an active role so it is apparent that there is value in being engaged. 

When I first became a Realtor, I did not even consider being involved at the board.  I was too "green" and not enough experience, and I was too worried about just making a living.  Sometimes that is exactly what is needed because fresh perspective and input from all agents is valuable.  It is even more critical as a Broker/Owner of being involved in the board.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

One of the most common mistakes a first-time home-buyer will make when buying a home is not looking at their possible future real estate needs or future resale value.  At the time, maybe a living on a busy street is fine or a two bedroom home will have plenty of room, however, in several years maybe things might change.  Family size, children might be something that will make your current purchase unacceptable.  Someone in their sixties, might be fine in a multi-level but will that be still acceptable in their eighties?

Many times in a new subdivision you might buy a lot that currently backs to a dirt road and a cornfield.  Ten years from now that same dirt road is a busy four lane street and the cornfield is now a shopping center.  So much for the "deal" you got on the lot.  Purchasing a home is a HUGE decision and sometimes buyers will settle in order for the comfort of a smaller payment on a home without looking into the future.  In might be better to rent another year or maybe find a roommate in order to buy a home that might suit your future needs better.  

If a first-time home-buyer settles on a home that might be just fine now it might end up costing more in the future.  Instead of being in the home seven years they are now only in the home two years.  This short period may not be enough time to recoup some of the initial costs in buying the home.  A professional Realtor will assist you and will help you take these considerations into account in purchasing you new home.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

It is extremely important to stage a vacant home with rental furniture when selling your home.  It is probably one of the last thing a seller wants to hear AFTER they have just moved out.  However, it can make the difference between a home languishing on the market or a closed sale.  I have sold several homes this year that had previously been listed by another broker.  Usually, it all comes down to two key items.  Number one is PRICE and not far behind is STAGING. 

Furniture rental usually costs about $400 to $900 per home.  If it is a large home it may cost several thousand dollars for furniture rental.  In my marketing program I pay for the staging consultation which costs about $150.  If the home is vacant, the seller has the option to rent furniture at the sellers expense.  Time and time again, many sellers think of it as a waste of money but nothing could be further from the truth. 

The furniture rental makes the home more appealing when potential buyers walk in the door.  It also makes the virtual tour more appealing, the flyer more appealing, and the photos on the internet more appealing as well.  When a home is vacant, buyers get the impression that they can get a "deal" because now the seller might be paying two mortgage payments. 

If you look at model homes built by many local builders in the Omaha market you will see homes staged with either rental furniture or with furniture owned by the builder.  Builders like their money just as much as anyone else, if they see the value in furniture shouldn't the same apply to a seller of a previously owned home?  It does make a difference.  If you absolutely can not afford to rent furniture then it might be worthwhile to bring some items back to the home.  A professional stager can assist you with what items to bring back.

If you decide to rent furniture, my stager Tori Ross with Ross Designs coordinates the rental.  She will decide on what furniture is needed, moves the items in and out.  Usually, the first month is the most expensive because of initial move in and move out.  Monthly rental thereafter is usually not as much.

I know from my experience this makes a HUGE difference in selling your home in the Omaha real estate market.  How do I know this?  I have had SEVERAL purchase agreements from buyers asking in the contract for the existing furniture.  If you are selling your home or if your home is vacant you might want to consider renting furniture.  Of course, make sure you update photos and marketing materials so it shows the new look.

CLICK HERE if you are considering selling your home in the Omaha area.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Do I need a need a professional home inspection if I'm buying new construction in Omaha?  Yes.  Doesn't it have to be up to code and isn't that sufficent?  Yes, the home has to be to up to code and code is "passing" but a passing grade of only a D.  

It is always a good idea to have a home professionally inspected whether it is new or a previously owned home.  Builders and subcontractors are human and can make mistakes.  Some items if caught early can be easily taken care of.  Do not feel pressured by anyone into not having a neutral third party inspection.  Most builders do a fantastic job and have no problem with an inspection.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

One of the fun things I love about owning Alliance Real Estate is reading the feedback letters and testimonials we receive from our clients.  As a company, we send out a feedback letter from Alliance  to the client after the transaction has closed.  I firmly believe that this feedback is critical improving your service and it recognizes possible areas of weakness that need improvement. 

Everyone has testimonials on their website.  That is fine, but I would rather see the actual letter itself from the client unfiltered and in their own handwriting.  In addition, these feedback letters can also be used on listing appointments so it gives potential clients some insight on how you conduct your business.  I am extremely fortunate to have some great Realtors at Alliance that are part of a team.  These are just a sampling of the many letters we have received over the years.

CLICK HERE to see some our testimonials from our clients.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate