Should I Wait For Interest Rates to Come Back Down?

Should I wait for interest rates to come back down?

Some buyers are waiting to see if interest rates will come back down before making a decision about buying a home. No one can guarantee where rates will be in a few months.

Many experts believe rates may actually move higher. The Mortgage Brokers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in agreement projecting that rates will continue to climb.

Rates have increased over the past 18 months. There have been some dips along the way, but overall mortgage rates are higher.

With home prices increasing and interest rates projected to also continue to increase, the cost of buying a house will quickly increase and has over the past year.

If you are ready and the time is right for you and your family to move, do it now. Don’t wait for something you cannot control. Let’s meet and come up with a plan to get you moving. Please share this with anyone you know looking to make a move in the next few months.

Should I sell my house during the holiday season?

Should I sell my house during the holiday season?

Traditional school of thought says selling a home during the holiday season is a bad idea, the reason being that people are too busy celebrating with family and won’t have time to shop for a new home. I disagree! There are many advantages to listing a house during the holiday season.

1. More Serious Buyers! The buyers who are out looking during this time are serious buyers. This increases the changes of selling your property quickly. You may have fewer showings during this time, but the showings you do have will most likely be buyers more driven to make a purchase!

2. Fewer Homes on the Market! This means less completion for you. During the peak of the season there is a greater selection of houses to purchase.

3. Buyers Have More Time! Many people think buyers are too busy to look during this time, but actually most people take time off of work during the holiday season and have more time to browse homes.

4. Job Transfers! January is typically the month employees are transferred to new positions. Many of these buyers need to move quickly and cannot wait until spring to make a purchase.

5. Home Shows Great! A home is very appealing to prospective buyers when it is decorated for the holidays. With festive décor and lights, done right, the house shows very well and feels like a home.

If you don’t want to move during the holiday season, extended occupancy can be negotiated allowing both parties the time they want to get through the holidays and close after the new year. For a seller this is great, because you can secure a higher selling price on the property before the market is inundated with new listings that come in January.

Don’t let the holiday season keep you from listing your house. I have a plan to get your house sold no matter what season it is! Call me today to get started or share this with someone you know looking to make a move.

What 5 Things Should I Require From My Real Estate Agent?

What 5 things should I require from my real estate agent?

Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading dealing with the process of it? Are you concerned about getting the best price? Are you worried about having strangers in your house?

Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth the commission she charges, just like a great doctor or accountant. You want to deal with the best agents in your area. How do you know if they are the best? Require these 5 things!

1. Honesty and Accuracy in Pricing Your House
Many agents will tell you the price you want to hear to get the listing, but overpricing is one of the main reasons a house will sit on the market without selling. Demand that the agent shows you numbers and how she came to the price she suggests. Make sure she stands behind the list price.

2. Understanding of Your Time Frame
You will be moving your family to a new home. That may revolve around a new job, start of a new school, or whatever your move plan is. Your agent needs to know the time frame you need to have your house sold in to ensure it happens.

3. Ability to Negotiate
Your agent MUST know how to handle all challenges that may arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.

4. Help with Your Relocation
Make sure the agent you hire is capable and willing to help you find your next house. The coordination of the move is crucial. You want to make sure you don’t end up with two housing expenses. You should in most cases be able to close on your current home and immediately close on and move into your new home.

5. Get the House Sold!
You are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving. You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you would not be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come with selling. Selling your house is why you hired an agent. A great agent will walk you through any tough issues and be able to deliver the good news of a quickly sold house.

If you or someone you know is looking to move, you can count on me to be the great agent you deserve!

Am I Ready to Move?

Am I ready to move?

An efficient, well-managed move not only saves you time and money, it can also make the transition into your new home easier and more pleasant for your family. Here are some proven tips to help make your move less stressful from start to finish.
The before you move checklist:

1. Hire movers.
2. Take a room by room inventory of your home.
3. Organize your belongings.
4. Arrange for the shut off or transfer of your utilities.
5. Complete change of address from your post office.
6. Give your friends and family your new address.
7. Obtain copies of all medical and dental records, school transcripts and birth certificates.

Packing tips:

1. Label contents on the outside of each box to indicate where they will go in your new home.
2. Write FRAGILE in large, legible letters on boxes that contain breakable and/or valuable items.
3. Pack all breakables and liquids separately.
4. To conserve space, fill drawers with light items such as shirts, underwear, blankets, pillowcases, etc.
5. Hard to replace or extremely valuable items such as jewelry, documents or artwork should also be transferred under your personal supervision.

What to do when moving day arrives:

1. Get plenty of rest the day before you move.
2. Have food and beverages available for the movers at both ends of your journey.
3. When the movers arrive, show them which items you want loaded last and which items they should not load.
4. When you arrive at your new house, check the utilities and do as much cleaning as you can before moving furniture inside.
5. After the movers have finished unloading, you might be asked to sign an inventory list.

Plan something special for the whole family at the end of the day. Planning ahead will make the day go smoother. Please share this with someone you know thinking of moving soon!

Is My House Priced to Sell?

Is my house priced to sell?

The right price means a successful sale. Pricing your home is an art and a science. Achieving the optimal price is the result both of objective research into comparable properties and a gut feeling about your property and the current market. The right price should always attract buyers, allow you to earn the most money possible and help you sell as quickly as possible.

The number one factor that helps homebuyers determine which homes they want to view is price. It is important to remember that you, as the home owner, set the price, but the home’s value is determined by the buyer. Overpricing is a common mistake that can cost you in the end.

Here are some factors you should consider when determining price:
1. The timeframe in which you need to sell
2. The amount of competition in your price category and area
3. The availably, flexibility and affordability of financing
4. The sale prices of similar homes sold in your area during the past 3-6 months

Here are some factors you should NOT consider when determining price:
1. The original cost of the property; price is determined by today’s market
2. The cost to build your home today
3. Emotional attachment
4. The opinions of friend and neighbors.

Problems can arise from overpricing. Your home may stay on the market longer. You could lose market interest and qualified buyers. You might create a negative impression of the property.
Hiring an agent can help you avoid overpricing. With a mix of real world experience and advanced training, I can help compute the fair market value of your home based on both marketplace and personal considerations. Remember, the right price is the key to a successful sale. Work with me to price your home accurately the first time.

Should I Rent or Own?

Should I Rent or Own?

For some people renting a property may be the right choice, both financially and personally. Which is right for you? Consider the following:

1. Which will cost less each month?
Rent can still be affordable, but you should compare it to what a mortgage payment would be for a similar property. If your potential monthly mortgage payment would be lower than your monthly rent, it might be time to buy.

2. Which offers more value?
A home is an investment. A rental property is an expense. Home ownership allows you to build up equity over time.

3. Which offers more stability?
As a renter, you are subject not only to rising rental expenses, but also to the sale of your building or home. As an owner your home belongs to you until you are ready to move.

4. Which is better for your credit?
Home ownership is a major indictor of financial responsibility and stability, which contribute to building a strong credit history.

5. Which helps you to establish roots?
Unlike homeowners, renters are more mobile and often don’t establish roots in a community.

No question about it, homeownership is a big investment, maybe the largest you’ll ever make. Over time it pays for itself. There are several tax and investment benefits to owning a home, as well as personal satisfaction. You will enjoy the pride of homeownership; for many people, it is a sign of independence and achievement. Call me and let’s figure out if homeownership is the best choice for you!

Should I Sell My House Myself?

Should I sell my house without a Realtor?

This is a question that thousands of home owners ask themselves every year. Selling your home can be a long and complex process. Before you make a decision, consider how you will deal with the following 4 major components to selling a house: pricing, marketing, showings, and drawing up the contract.

Pricing Your Home

Your first responsibility as a seller is to assign your home a realistic and accurate value, meaning the price you choose does not exceed what a ready and able buyer will pay. As part of that decision you will have to objectively consider comparable properties in your area and current market conditions, as well as the cost of financing and its availability. Your home needs to be in line with comparable properties and market trends, you don’t want your home to linger on the market if you price it too high or sell for a lower price than you might have otherwise received if you price it too low. Also keep in mind that “For Sale By Owner” homes typically attract bargain hunters who may expect you to lower your price since the know you are saving money with no Realtor commission.

Marketing Your Home

When you decide to list your home, it is extremely important to make sure people know that your home is for sale. Realtors have a number of ways to make sure the public knows that your house is on the market. As a Realtor, I can list your house on a number of different sites, including the MLS (multiple listing service), which is a forum where participating real estate agents can list properties they have for sale. Only Realtors have access to the MLS. This means that for you to successfully market your own house, you need to consider doing one or more of the following:
• Put up signage that is consistent with local ordinances
• Develop and pay for advertising in print and online
• Hold open houses
• Work to ensure your home gets good word of mouth exposure amount your friends , neighbors and community organizations

Showing Your Home

You will be responsible for all showings of your home. With that in mind, always encourage prospects to make an appointment and discourage drop ins. Work to screen the “buyers” from the “lookers.” You should also pre-qualify potential buyers to ensure they can afford to buy your home. When the time comes to negotiate, you will need to be prepared. Try to resolve any doubts your buyers might have, work to keep their interest high and make final agreement as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once an offer is made, agree on the price and terms, respond to objections and try to be responsive and flexible to legitimate concerns.

Drawing up the Contract

Every independent home seller should have an attorney or another qualified individual to review all agreements. That individual should be the one to draw up the contract and manage the sale proceedings and closing. You should be sure to include a list of items you want written into the contract, including any personal property that will remain with the house (like the refrigerator, microwave, oven, dishwasher, etc.) or items excluded from the sale. Also remember as the seller you are required to disclose any material defects in your property to the purchaser.

Selling your own home takes a lot of hard work and know how. Making even a small mistake can be costly. Working with a Realtor gives you the services of an experience professional with advanced training in residential sales. Not only will that free you up from time consuming tasks involved with selling your home, it gives you the added expertise to help maximize the profit from your home. Consider all of the above before you decide to sell your house without a Realtor. Still not sure? Call me and let’s set up a no-obligation meeting to discuss what it would be like to hire me to sell your home.

Is my house ready to sell?

Is my house ready to sell?

What do you really need to do before you put your house on the market? You may ask yourself questions like, “Can I just put it on the market now and do things over time?” or “I am hiring a real estate agent to sell it, is that enough?”

You need to do things to prepare your house to sell. While a real estate agent will market your property and screen potential buyers, it’s up to you to give your home a simple, inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way toward getting your home sold quickly. You should make these updates before showings begin and maintain these updates throughout the home’s time on the market.

What should you do before showings begin? First impressions are lasting impressions! The exterior of your home will determine how buyers will view the interior. Start with making sure your front entrance is clean and inviting. Then keep the cleaning going inside your home. If your house is clean, buyers feel like you have taken care of it and that piques their interest. Here is a short list of some easy things you can do to make your home look its best to buyers:

• Keep windows and floors clean at all times.
• Repair worn woodwork.
• Repaint any rooms that need it and keep the colors neutral.
• Steam clean carpets.
• Replace and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.

Once your house is listed, clean up before the showings, and leave before the potential buyers arrive. Turn on the lights in the house whenever possible. The overall condition of your house is different when you have it listed for sale versus everyday living. When your house is on the market, try to make it a blank canvas so buyers can picture living there. Remove all pets from the home and evidence of them. Keep personal items hidden, and create a homey atmosphere.

You did your part getting everything ready; now the professional you hired will market your property, screen potential buyers, and sell your house! If you are wondering if your house is ready to sell, invite me over. We can put together a plan to get it ready and get it sold!

Do you have to call the agent on the sign?

Do you have to call the agent listed on the sign to see the house?

The answer to this is kind of. At some point the agent listed on the sign needs to be contacted to set up the showing. If you are working with an agent already then you would ask your agent to set up a showing to see the house. Your agent would then contact the listing agent. If you are not working with an agent and want to see the house then you can call the agent listed on the sign.

I highly recommend using an agent to represent you. It takes so much of the stress and guesswork of the transaction. If you hire me as your agent, I can show you any house that is listed for sale. It does not matter what agent has it listed or what real estate company is on the sign. We can look at as many houses as you want. I can even show you for sale by owner homes.

You can call the agent on sign or hire an agent to represent you and show you any house you want. Pass this on to others you know looking to buy a house. I would love to help them in their search!

When is the best time of year to buy a house?

When is the best time of year to buy a house?

According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, the months between April and July are when the most house sales take place. Spring/Summer is typically when you will see an increase of new homes on the market. Also depending on where you live, your house will have better curb appeal in the spring/summer than fall/winter. Some buyers will try to make the most of school breaks and move during that time. All these things contribute to the fact that most house sales take place between April and July. Does that make spring/summer the best time to buy?

My answer is, buy when you are ready! Buying a house should be fun and one of the most exciting times in your life. You don’t want it to be stressful. You want to do it when it is best for you. The market dictates what the right price for a property is and there is rarely a large change within a year.

Work with a seasoned agent who can guide you through the process. I chat with each buyer about what is best for them. What is right for one buyer may not be right for another. Call me and I will take the time to get to know you and what is the best time for YOU to buy a house.

Share this with others you know looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. I would love to help!

How do I find an agent if I am moving out of state?

How do I find an agent if I am moving out of state?

You are moving out of state and need to find a Realtor to help you buy a house in your new state. Where do you begin? The best answer to this is ask a local Realtor. I can confidently refer you an agent in any state.

I recently received my certified residential specialist designation. Only 3% of all agents nationwide have this designation. A certified residential specialist is a Realtor who has earned certification from the council of residential specialists by completing a rigorous course of advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements. It’s a rare combination that makes a certified residential specialist more than just another real estate agent. It’s the ability to make a real difference in the purchase or sale of your home that places them among the best in the business. This designation has connected me to agents in all 50 states - agents that that I can confidently refer to you.

I am also the immediate past president of the Omaha chapter of The Women’s Council of Realtors. The Women’s Council of Realtor is the 12th largest women’s organization in the world. Over the past 3 years, I have traveled to the national conventions and mid-year meetings. During my travels, I have met several talented agents in many states. These are Realtors that are committed to continuing their education and being top notch agents. Being a member of the National Women’s Council of Realtors has also connected me to agents in all 50 states, and again agents that I can confidently refer to you.

How do you find an agent if you are moving out of state? Ask me! I have aligned myself with top agents nationwide that I would love to refer to you. If you know someone else moving out of state, please share this information with them.

What are some easy ways to increase curb appeal?

What are some easy ways to increase curb appeal?

The importance of curb appeal is often overlooked, but one of the most costly mistakes you can make is not taking it seriously. The outside of your house is the first impression a buyer has. In an online house search, the front outside photo of a house is almost always the first picture a potential buyer sees. If that first picture does not stand out and make them want to see more, they move on within 2 seconds, and your house does not end up on their list. Here are some easy ways to increase your curb appeal.

1. Add big bold house numbers.
2. Paint the front door. Maybe add a pop of color.
3. Update the outside lights.
4. Add a red accent. Red has such vibrancy; a little goes a long way.
5. Repair driveways and paths. They should be clean and inviting.
6. Replace the garage door. You will not believe the difference new garage door makes.
7. Add a new door knocker. This adds polish.

When I meet with a client before listing their house, we come up with a list of things to do before putting the house on the market. You only get one chance to make a good first impression with buyers. Start from the outside and work your way in. Please share this with anyone you know looking to get their home sold.

What are 5 things first time home buyers must know?

What are Five Things First-Time Home Buyers MUST know?

Most important: Don’t leave purchasing your first home up to chance! Use a Realtor that will help you every step of the way. There are many layers to purchasing a home, and you need to be informed. Here are my top tips for first-time home buyers.

1. Be choosy, but realistic
Your price point will dictate what options and features are realistic in the home you are looking for. A Realtor who looks at several houses in different price points each week is a great resource to help you decide what is realistic within your budget and the area where you want to live.

2. Do your homework
Take the time to really know what you are looking for in a house, including location and house features that are most important to you.

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
There are a lot of mortgage options right now. Meet with a mortgage lender who will take the time to explain the options and help you determine a comfortable price point for you and your family. If you would like to speak to a mortgage lender, I would be happy to make a referral!

4. Think long term
Don’t buy house that you will outgrow in 2 years. You want to make sure you see yourself living in this house long term.

5. Get a home inspection
I recommend this to every client, regardless of price point, location, or apparent visible state of the house (i.e., even if the house looks perfect). Having a professional inspect the home before you buy it can save you thousands of dollars down the road.

If you are a planning to buy your first home this year, give me a call! It is never too early to start planning and preparing. Please share this with anyone you know looking to purchase a home.

What are the four factors that will sell your property fast?

What are the four factors that will sell your property fast?

1. Price
2. Condition of Property
3. Your Agent
4. Location

You control three of these: price, property condition, and your agent.

Pricing your home correctly is the number one factor in getting your home sold quickly. . A good Realtor will provide you with a market analysis that gives you an honest and realistic view of what your home is worth. A house that’s priced right can grab a buyer’s attention immediately, and a fast sale of your home means saving and making the most of your time and money. I have had many years of experience pricing homes in almost every neighborhood in Omaha and its surrounding areas. Pricing a home to get you the most profit and buyer interest is one of my greatest strengths in real estate.

To appeal to the most buyers possible, you must present your home looking its best. You only get one chance to make an impression on potential buyers, which is why I follow a specific strategy to make your house look as fantastic as it can to buyers online and in person. To start, I will help you make thoughtful and informed decisions about how to de-clutter and depersonalize your living space. Next, I call on my team’s professional photographer, Paula Moser, to capture and best show off all the love, time, and work you have put into your home. I provide this service to you free, because I understand the impact of great online photos of your home. Go to paulamoser.com or any of my current listings to check out some of her amazing photos!

The agent you select is a key part of the process. You need a top agent to get your home sold in today’s market. Top agents know what it takes to get your home sold and have the connections to make it happen. I am currently ranked in the top 5% of all Realtors in the Omaha area. I will keep you informed and have frequent contact with you as we work together to sell your house.

Location is the one variable you cannot control. It will slow down the process or speed it up, depending on where your home is located. If you feel that your home may be in an undesirable location, don’t be discouraged. Using my years of experience in real estate, I will help you price your home correctly and make your house look its best to potential buyers.

I want to sell your house as much as you want it to sell, so call me today or refer a friend to me. The perfect time to sell is right now!

Why use a Realtor when buying a home?

Why Use a Realtor When Buying a Home?

People think it costs a fortune to use a Realtor when buying a home. This is simply not true. Commission on the sale is paid by the seller and split between the buying agent and selling agent in the transaction. This means as the buyer, you have a professional working with you, on what is most likely the largest investment of your life, every step of the way without having to pay for it!

Your Realtor plays many roles in the buying process. When you first talk to your Realtor, she will ask you for a list of your wants and needs, which helps her understand what you are looking for in your new home. When you are ready, she will guide you through the mortgage loan pre-approval process. As you decide on location, use your Realtor’s expertise to help you choose the perfect area. Realtors have vast knowledge about the different neighborhoods in your city and can help you determine which one will best suit your needs.

Then the shopping begins. When you and your Realtor start finding potential houses, she will set up showing appointments to look at those homes. She has access to details on the listings that may not be public knowledge. Once you decide on a house, she will prepare a comparative market analysis and help you determine the best offer price. Then she will prepare all the necessary paperwork and present your offer. Hire a realtor who is a strong negotiator! This can save you thousands of dollars.

All Realtors must adhere to strict code of ethics and standards of business practice. We have a duty to be responsible for our actions, and must be competent and loyal to our clients. We take this code very seriously, which means that you are working with an absolute professional who will act in your best interest for the entire transaction.

My advice is, don’t buy a house without a Realtor. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell in the next few months, let me know. I would love to help!

Should I buy a short sale?

Should I buy a short sale?

Let’s start with a basic explanation of what is a short sale is. A short sale occurs when the seller of a house owes more on the house than what it is worth, and the seller is not able to pay the lender what he owes. This means the lender now becomes part of the transaction. The seller must get the lender’s approval to sell his house for a lesser amount than what the seller owes to the lender.

What does all that mean to you the buyer? It means the transaction is more complicated. You may get a good deal on the house because of the lowered price, but there is also a chance that the transaction may take longer or not happen at all. The lender does not have to agree to accept the short sale and often times does not agree to accept a buyer’s initial offer. In addition, the seller has to qualify for the short sale. The transaction may not go because the seller does not meet the lenders requirements for a short sale. Many real estate agents will make sure the seller does qualify before they list a property as a short sale, but not always. As a buyer, be sure you work with an agent who understands short sales and knows to ask these questions up front before you make an offer.

Most, if not all, short sales are sold as is. You can have a home inspection, but repairs will need to be made by you, the buyer. Also, most short sale homes will need some TLC before moving in.

When you understand the process of purchasing a short-sale property, it is much more likely to work for you. Although it can be more complicated and time consuming, you can frequently purchase a home with a fair amount of equity built into it. I encourage you to fully discuss the process with your agent before deciding if it’s right for you.

Please share this with someone you know thinking about a new home purchase or have them give me a call at 402-305-4335. I am never too busy to help!

When is Spring in Real Estate?

When is spring in Real Estate?

When you think of spring, you think of April Showers and May Flowers. In real estate, the spring market is half over by then. Will you have missed your buyer if you list your house in April or May? Are you still going to get the best traffic? When is the best time to put your house on the market?

Buyers are out now! There are some major FHA financing changes coming April 1, 2013. Buyers using this type of financing are looking to purchase before then. In addition to that, interest rates are still really low. No one knows when they will start to go up. Buyers want to make sure they take advantage of the current rates.

In May and June real estate inventory is at its peak. This gives buyers lots to pick from. Listing before then puts your house in a smaller group. Increasing your odds of the buyers looking at your house and writing an offer.

The best time to put your house on market is when it is ready. You only get one shot to make the best impression possible to buyers. Presenting your house the best way possible is a must in today’s market. If it is ready to go, list it now!

Spring in Real Estate is now! Get your house ready and get it on the market ASAP. Not thinking of selling your house? Please pass this on to someone you know who is.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Question-#37

Who do I call?

If you have ever bought or sold a house before, you know there are a lot of moving parts. You need to know what to do and who to call along the way. This process is what sometimes scares off first time home buyers. They can feel it is too much and get overwhelmed by the process in general. What do you do to manage all this? How do people sell a house and move into another one in 30 days or less with all that needs to be done?

Your AGENT will know who to call. I have a list of service providers to call for any need that will come up during a home purchase. And not just names from the phone book. Providers my past clients have worked with before and been happy with their service. As your agent, I am with you every step of the way to ensure you ALWAYS know who to call.

This does not change after closing. I also have a list of Non-House related service providers to share with you. Networking and meeting new people is part of my daily life. I have met lots of great people that I would love to share with you.

So think of your agent as your “one stop shop”. I will connect you with you who you need to call during the process or after.
Please share my Frequently Asked Real Estate questions with someone you know who is in the market to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate in the next few months.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 36

Does it still make sense to buy a home?

In November of 1981 the average interest rate was 15.8%. Rates like that made home loans extremely expensive. Today, the picture is totally different. Interest rates are 4% or lower! The current economy understandably leaves homeowners reluctant to make such a big financial commitment. Some people even suggest that since home values are not appreciating like they once were, the investment no longer makes sense. That is a short-sighted point of view. Here are 5 very sound reasons to buy a home in out current market;

1. Homes are affordable.
2. Home loan rates are at historic lows!
3. Tax break on interest payments.
4. You’ll own it!
5. You’ll build equity.

Low rates combined with affordable home prices is too good to pass up! The next step is to meet with a Realtor and discuss how to get started shopping for that new home. Don’t wait! No one knows how much longer these rates will stay this low. If you or someone you know is considering moving in the next few months, call me!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 35

What Are Signs That The Housing Market Is In Recovery?

The average home sale price in the Omaha area increased 4.4% in 2012, making it the highest average sold price since 2007. Renting a house is getting more expensive as well. These two points alone tell you that positive things are happening in real estate. Consumers are ready to move on and have shifted to a recovery mindset.

Last Thursday the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released its new mortgage guidelines which are “a set of standards that protects consumers from bad loans” according to David Stevens, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association. These new guidelines show that the government and banks are working together to ensure a secure environment for mortgage loans. For a great summary of the new guidelines, check out CNN’s article “New Rules Aim to Make Mortgages Safer”.

2012 was a great year for Omaha area real estate. The number of homes sold was the second highest ever, with a 17% increase from 2011.

If you have thought about buying or selling in the past few years, but just did not do it, NOW is the time. Act now before rates and home prices increase. They will both increase as the market continues to recover. Give me a call today and we can chat about how to get started. 402-305-4335.