Omaha Real Estate Blog

Everyone is well aware of how important cleanliness is when selling your home.  If everyone's home is clean what does a seller do to go beyond that?  One item that many sellers overlook is downstairs that will get looked at by almost all potential buyers.  Most buyers at least LOOK at the furnace and the hot water heater.  True, they might not know what they are looking for but almost all still look at the furnace and hot water heater.

First, things first.  Be sure and have your furnace SERVICED before putting your home on the market.  Buyers LOVE to see a up-to-date service sticker on the furnace.  It also shows that you keep the property well maintained.  The next tip is to clean the dust off of the top of the hot water heater.  The top of the hot water heater is usually dusty and most sellers overlook this when conducting their pre-listing DEEP cleaning.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

The beginning of most basement water issues usually begin in the gutters and downspouts.  This summer the Omaha area has had more than it share of rain.  If your gutters are clogged this can lead to water accumulating near the foundation and this can lead to water seepage in the basement.  Keeping gutters clean and the downspouts in place helps keep the water away from the home and out of the basement. 

If you are selling your home, don't forget to keep the gutters clean.  A sure-fire way to kill the curb appeal is to have a small forest growing out of the gutters.  This screams out: 1) deferred maintenance 2) basement water problems.  This is another reason most high octane FULL SERVICE Realtors periodically drive past their listings to ensure the home maintains marketability.  

Thanks,

David Matney,CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate  

I would like to invite everyone to an Open House at 19272 Atlas St in Whitehawk from 2-4 PM on Sunday on June 29, 2008.  For a VIRTUAL TOUR please click on the photo.  If you are considering selling your home and you would like more information on my comprehensive marketing program please call (402) 490-6771 today!

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

I would like to thank Jennifer Edwards with Prudential Ambassador Real Estate.  Jennifer brought the buyer to my listing at 15826 Seward St in the Windridge subdivision.  15826 Seward Street sold for $162,000 and was on the market for only 26 days. 

If you are considering selling your home and would like more information on my comprehensive marketing program please feel free to call me directly at (402) 490-6771.

Thanks,

David Matney CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

In a tough market, some sellers believe that changing agents will somehow change the value of a property.  It does not.  There is only one reason a home does not sell ... PRICE.  Several months ago I was on a listing appointment and I showed the seller that in my professional opinion the market value for her property was about $110,000 to $115,000.  Keep in mind I don't have a magic crystal ball but several similar homes sold in that price range in the past few months.

The seller really did not like my price and thought I was "giving it away" and she listed with another agent for $134,900.  It was clearly overpriced.  It was vacant and was somewhat dated.  Still a vacant, dated home will sell at the right price.  Today I was in the area and I drove past the home, it was listed by another firm and it was listed for $114,900.  In my opinion, it is near fair market value and it will probably sell.  If a home is priced at market value it will probably sell in average market time. 

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Congratulations to Karen Jennings of CBSHome.  Karen was the monthly winner of a $25 gas card for simply responding to a e-mail feedback request via HomeFeedBack.com.  As part of an incentive program to encourage feedback I have a monthly drawing for simply responding to a feedback request.  Karen showed my listing at 9735 Centennial on May 18, 2008.  I appreciate Karen's feedback and her professionalism.

Congratulations Karen! 

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

In a ultra competitive market curb appeal can make a HUGE difference.  Many sellers get tunnel vision an simply look at just their own property.  Keep in mind, that buyers are looking at the surrounding homes and their curb appeal or lack thereof can affect the sale of your home.  If your neighbor's yard is unkept or it might not be a bad idea to "pay it forward" and be "neighborly" and perhaps even offer to help somehow to improve their curb appeal.   In a way, it is form of staging the neighborhood.  Obviously, for legal reasons you would have to obtain the permission of the homeowner.  Recently, I had a seller mow their neighbor's yard in order to help improve the appearance of the neighborhood.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Congratulations to Carole Souza of CBSHome!  Carole won a drawing for a $25 gas card by simply filling out a feedback evaluation for Destination Midtown.  As a member of the Education Committee for the Omaha Area Board of Realtors, this feedback helps the committee develop forums and seminars for the benefit of the membership. 

Congratulations Carole and we appreciate the feedback!

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

I would like to thank Jamie Grayson-Berglund for speaking yesterday on the Destination Midtown community development project.  Jamie is the Executive Director of Destination Midtown and she spoke about the many opportunities and upcoming plans in the Midtown area.  As a member of the OABR education committee, it is great to have a fantastic turnout on these seminars.  The area covering Destination Midtown is 24th St to the east, Saddle Creek Road to the west, Cuming St to the north and Center St to the south.  They have a website and if you are a Realtor you can advertise your properties in the Midtown area for sale on their website for FREE. 

CLICK HERE to visit the Destination Midtown website

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

My father, Ralph Matney passed away last Saturday at the age of 86.  He loved to work and he was simply without a doubt one of the hardest working and toughest individuals I have ever known.  His upbringing in the Great Depression taught him the value of a dollar and the value of hard work.  He never gave up and if times were tough he believed you just simply worked harder and gutted it out.  You were never to do anything without giving it 100% effort.

My Dad held a variety of different jobs.  He owned his own furniture store, installed carpet, and was a salesman at Nebraska Furniture Mart.  He also was a real estate investor and purchased his first apartment building in 1959.  He had seven children so when it came time to mow the yard or shovel the snow he had his own work crew.  You were never too young to start working.  If you could walk and pick up something, you could start working.  I remember driving by the apartments to "make sure everything was OK".  If there was something out of place or trash in the yard; you were expected to "go pick up that small scrap of paper in the yard and throw it away."

He was married for 58 years and had seven children.  He had a passion for hunting, fishing and his family.  I was the "baby" and I have six older sisters.  He was never a real demonstrative person, but you knew in your heart that he deeply cared for his family.  He was stubborn and he also believed that you could do anything if you worked hard enough and set your mind to it.  He would be determined to prove you wrong if you told him something could not be done. 

His died at home but his final days were pure hell.  On Thursday, the hospice nurse said that he had less than 24 hours.  In true fashion, he would be determined to prove her wrong.  He died at home on Saturday. I take comfort in knowing that he is no longer is suffering in horrific pain.

It may seem odd, but after he passed away I drove by the apartments.  The grandkids now mow the yard and he would be happy knowing everything was in its place.  I got out of the car just to look around.   In honor of my Dad, I would find a scrap of paper and throw it out.  I walked to the back I noticed a small scrap of paper.   It was truly a miracle because on that scrap of paper were the words, "thank you." 

Dad, "Thank you, and I love you."

Love,

David