Buying a Home

Found 11 blog entries about Buying a Home.

De-cluttering is extremely important when selling your home. Renting a dumpster is a very helpful (and cost-effective) way to get rid of stuff you don’t want anymore. A clean, decluttered home sells faster and often for more money.

Guide to Renting a Dumpster in Omaha

Before you rent a dumpster, please make sure none of the things you are throwing away can be donated.

There are a few things to know when renting a dumpster. That’s why we just published the Complete Guide to Renting a Dumpster in Omaha.

We've pricing for local dumpsters for 2024.

The guide answers common questions, like

  • What sizes do dumpsters come in?
  • How long can I rent a dumpster?
  • What can I put in a dumpster?
  • What else do I need to know?
  • How much does a dumpster cost?

And we also

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Even with high interest rates, new construction was still very popular in 2022. 

Let's take a look at who builds the most homes per year in the Omaha area (Douglas and Sarpy County).

This list is based purely on the number of homes built. 

 

#1 - Celebrity Homes

If you already live in Omaha, you'll be familiar with Celebrity Homes.

And to many of you, it will be no surprise that Celebrity Homes is the biggest home builder in the area.

Celebrity Homes Logo

In 2022, they built almost 295 homes in the Douglas and Sarpy County area.

Prices for new homes continue to go up, but Celebrity offers some of the most affordable homes around. Expect to spend $250,000 or more for a new home from Celebrity. 

Celebrity has been building homes in the area since

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I just finished one of my longest videos ever.

It's a neighborhood tour of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The video is really helpful if you have been accepted to medical school or residency. Or if you have taken another type of job. 

This video is not just for home buyers. It's for anyone that's new to the area.

I cover several neighborhoods including:
Blackstone
Field Club
Aksarben
Benson
Dundee 

And if you are a doctor and are considering buying a home, check out Omaha Physician Loan. It has information on special home buying programs available to doctors.

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2022 was a crazy year for real estate.

It started off crazy and then interest rates caused a huge shift.

Here are some of my predictions for 2023.

 

 

Interest Rates

At the beginning of 2022, a 30-year fixed mortgage was around 3.11%.

Today, interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage are around 6.25%.

What a difference a year can make. I don’t know anyone that predicted interest rates to double.

My prediction is interest rates will go down but not by much. I think rates for 2023 will be between 5.5% - 6.5%. We will not touch 3% or 4%. Get used to the new normal.

 

Home Prices:

Omaha has seen homes appreciate 10% or more in the past several years.

That will come to an end. Some areas of the country will see home

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Considering moving to Omaha? Whether you’re moving back to the area, relocating for a job, or just looking for a new location, Omaha is the place for you. This guide will help you determine what you can afford, the best plan of attack for packing, and even help you pick a restaurant in your new neighborhood.

Determine What You Can Afford

First things first, you need to ask yourself the important question, “what type of home can I afford?” before even starting your search. Doing this will help you see the big picture of your finances. Organizing your finances when moving seems like a pretty typical thing to do, but some people get in the habit of spending money and it can get out of hand pretty quickly. Paying attention to your budget

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Can't find the listing that ticks all the boxes in your must-have list? Why not build your dream home instead?

In this post we take a look at who builds the most homes per year in the Omaha area (Douglas and Sarpy County). This list is based purely on the number of homes built. 

 

#1 - Celebrity Homes

If you already live in Omaha, you'll be familiar with Celebrity Homes. And to many of you, it will be no surprise that Celebrity Homes is the biggest home builder in the area.



In 2020, they built 646 homes in the Douglas and Sarpy County area.

Pricing starts at $250,000+

Building homes in Nebraska since 1977. They build single-family homes as well as villas and townhomes.

Celebrity Homes combines innovation and practicality with

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Buying a home without an inspection is becoming more and more common in this hot seller's market. It's great if you are a seller, but it's a gamble if you are a buyer.

In this video, I explain the risks associated with buying a home without a home inspection. But, I also address some of the ways you can limit that risk.

And if you are willing to skip a home inspection, there are a few scenarios where it can work in your favor.

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If your offers are getting rejected in this market, you probably think everyone is paying with cash.

That's not the case.

In this market, the vast majority of buyers are using financing. But what type of financing should you be using to win? Conventional? FHA? VA?

In this video, I analyze recent home sales to find out what types of offers are winning.

You may be surprised at the stats.

And remember, the type of financing you are using is only one aspect of your offer. There are several ways to make your offer competitive. Talk to your buyer's agent and your loan officer about different ways you can compete in this market. 

 

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This market is absolutely crazy!

Homes are selling for 20% higher than the asking price.

BUT... is it possible to purchase a home for less than the list price?

In this video, I look at homes that have recently sold in Omaha.

Warning: not all homes in this market are selling for more than their asking price. Don't get me wrong. The majority of homes are selling at or above the list price, but that is not the case for all.

In this market, there are a few reasons why a home might sell for less than the list price:

  1. To begin with, it was already overpriced.
  2. It is in bad shape.
  3. The house has a unique quality to it that doesn't appeal to many buyers. 


Don't get discouraged if you're looking to buy a house, but be realistic

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A home inspection's price varies depending on the inspector and the size of the house.

In this video, I'll discuss how much you can expect to pay for a home inspection in Omaha.

A whole-home inspection doesn't include radon, sewer line, etc. Those are separate.

I have a few inspectors that I suggest to my clients as a real estate agent, but you can use whoever you are most comfortable with.

My one piece of advice is to make sure that your home inspection is ASHI certified. 

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