Kids love splash pads. And as a father of a two-year-old, I've become familiar with several of the splash pads in the area.

Most splash pads (also known as spray pools or spraygrounds) are found in public parks. About 10 years ago, I'm not sure if there was a single public splash pad in the area, but times have changed.

Splash pads have little or no standing water so that helps eliminate the need for lifeguards or other supervision. Water spray grounds have distinct advantages over swimming pools in that they are cost-effective and low maintenance, and water-play activities extend well beyond normal pool season.

Here's a list of spray grounds available in the City of Omaha


Benson Park (7002 Military Ave.)
A padded area that is decorated with…

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As we ease into new routines and look forward to a post-pandemic future, one thing remains certain: America desperately needs more homes. That is according to the June 2021 data released by the Great Plains Regional MLS.

School’s out, and as vaccination rates rise and America enters a new normal, the U.S. housing market continues along at a frenzied pace, with low interest rates and limited inventory fueling record high sales prices. Eager buyers are making multiple offers, some for well over asking price, while others are making offers on homes sight unseen.

The Bottom line:

The increase in sales prices comes with a slight decline in existing home sales nationwide, as homebuyers struggle with declining affordability amid a lack of inventory,…

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If you are looking to hold an estate sale (or if you want to attend one), we've compiled a list of several estate sale companies in Omaha.

Please let us know if we missed one.

If you are looking for a calendar of upcoming sales, I've found EstateSales.net to be a great resource.

 

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According to the May 2021 data released by the Great Plains Regional MLS, the housing market shows no signs of slowing as the weather warms and pandemic restrictions ease across much of the country. Strong buyer demand, fueled by low mortgage rates, continues to exceed the near historic low supply.

 

The Bottom line:

Sales prices are surging as a result of the nationwide inventory falling way below what it was at this time last year. And this trend is likely to continue for some time.

Let’s take a look at some of the numbers from May 2021:

May 2021 Omaha Area Real Estate Statistics

Average Sold Price: $295,911 (Up 14.3% from May 2020)
Homes Sold: 1,355 (Up 5.4% from May 2020)
New Listings: 1,640(Down 13.5% from May 2020)
Pending…

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April was another strong month for home sales. That is according to the April 2021 data released by the Great Plains Regional MLS.

The busy spring market continues to see many multiple offer situations driving sales prices above asking price. With such strong activity, by the time a property sale closes, the market may have already moved higher than that sold price suggests. Such markets can create stress and frustration for prospective homebuyers, who are frequently having to submit offers on multiple properties before they are able to secure a purchase.

 

The Bottom line:

Housing affordability remains an issue while strong buyer demand and low inventory show no signs of easing soon. And this market trend is pointing to a continuation through…

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According to March 2021 data released by the Great Plains Regional MLS, normal spring increases in sales activity, coupled with relaxing COVID-19 policies, created a very busy March real estate market as buyer demand continued largely unabated in the face of rising home prices and mortgage rates.

 

The Bottom line:

Inventory remains too low to bring the market back into balance. So expect a busy and competitive market in the coming months.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the numbers from March 2021:

 

March 2021 Omaha Area Real Estate Statistics

Average Sold Price: $278,205 (Up 14.2% from March 2020)
Homes Sold: 983 (Down 5.7% from March 2020)
New Listings: 1,640 (Down 11.8% from March 2020)
Pending Listings: 1,339 (Down 3.3% from…

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Few people can claim to enjoy the hectic moving process, with all of those pieces of the puzzle jostling around simultaneously… Changing your address. Getting WiFi hooked up. Packing, cleaning, unpacking, then more cleaning. Oftentimes, the organization of a home prior to moving can help make that transition to a new space much more pleasant. To ease that burden and learn more about services offered right here in the Omaha area, we chatted with Lisa Tonjes Moritz from HOPE Organizing. Since 2019, most of the business has tightened its focus on the niche of photo and memorabilia organizing, with some general home and office organizing sprinkled in.

HOPE helps families and businesses organize, preserve, share and celebrate their memories. That…

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Get a head start on spring cleaning with a full home purge! Not only will this make your eventual moving process smoother, but it can be a soothing way to spend a day or four. In fact, numerous studies have shown that clutter can actually increase cortisol production in your body; cortisol is the stress hormone, so practice some self-care by getting rid of the unnecessary things around you. Check out these seven charities in Omaha that will accept donations of your gently used, purged home items.

 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Omaha aims to support financial independence through affordable homeownership. The Habitat ReStore accepts in-kind donations of materials to help keep costs low for clients. According to the website, “We accept…

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Mortgage interest rates ticked a bit higher in February, but remain below their February 2020 levels. That is according to February 2021 data released by the Great Plains Regional MLS.

 

The Bottom line:

A new month of data but the same story. Inventory is really low and homes are selling fast. 

Let’s take a look at some of the numbers from February 2021:

February 2021 Omaha Area Real Estate Statistics

Average Sold Price: $232,019 (Up 18.9% from February 2020)
Homes Sold: 731 (Down 12.2% from February 2020)
New Listings: 1,059 (Down 25.5% from February 2020)
Pending Listings: 1,051 (Down 6.7% from February 2020)
Days on the Market: 20 Days (Down 33.3% from February 2020)

All data from Great Plains Regional MLS. Report © 2021…

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Radon gas is a topic that almost always comes up when buying or selling a home.  Most people don’t know much about it, but know that they have to deal with it when they sell their home. 

While dealing with a radon problem is necessary when selling, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General urge all American s to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon even if they aren’t selling.  In honor of the EPA’s “National Radon Action Month” I thought I would give you some of the facts about radon. 

radon-2_300

You can't see, smell or taste radon, but it could present a dangerous level in your home.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about…

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