Omaha Moves Here
Market Forecast January 2020
Posted by Mike Dein - Jan 24, 2020, 11:02 AM
Market Forecast: FHFA House Price Index, Mortgage Applications, Existing Home Sales
Could Densification Give Builders More Space to Build?
Posted by John Hardy - Jan 22, 2020, 9:14 AM
Across the country, home shoppers are competing over a limited homes. That crunch is not enough lots to build on, a shortage we predicted in 2012.
3 Surprising Documents You May Need for Your Mortgage Application
Posted by Mike Dein - Jan 20, 2020, 10:22 AM
Be prepared before you start your application. Before you apply, gather bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs and possibly these three documents.
Credit Score Myths You Might Believe
Posted by Mike Dein - Jan 17, 2020, 9:45 AM
Typically, a higher credit score shows lenders that you're responsible with your debt and may help you get a better interest rate but beware of these myths.
Rising Childcare Costs Hurt Homeownership
Posted by Mike Dein - Jan 15, 2020, 9:33 AM
A major challenge, when it comes to affording a home, is the high cost of childcare. One report found childcare costs have risen 49% in the last 25 years.
Housing Market May See An Early Home Buying Season
Posted by John Hardy - Jan 8, 2020, 10:48 AM
Lower rates plus a more stable interest rate environment will likely trigger mortgage momentum heading into the new year.
Watch Out for Haphazard Home Renovations
Posted by John Hardy - Jan 2, 2020, 4:39 PM
Buying a home that was recently renovated can be a great find or a big mistake.
Fannie Mae: Upbeat Outlook for New Home Construction in 2020
Posted by Mike Dein - Jan 2, 2020, 4:29 PM
Researchers predict single-family housing starts will accelerate 10% in 2020 after just a 1% growth this year.
What to Expect from the Housing Market in 2020
Posted by John Hardy - Dec 30, 2019, 10:22 AM
Although recession rumors persisted throughout 2019, the economy does not appear to be slowing down drastically.
Is the home the next family heirloom?
Posted by John Hardy - Dec 27, 2019, 1:17 PM
What do you do if you inherit a house? The three main options, move into the home and live there, turn it into a rental to income, or sell it for a profit.
Cash-Out Refinances Reach 12-Year High
Posted by Mike Dein - Dec 26, 2019, 7:06 AM
According to a data analytics firm, refinance volume climbed 132% in the third quarter of 2019, the highest level in three years.
End-of-Year Finance Mistakes to Avoid
Posted by Mike Dein - Dec 23, 2019, 10:55 AM
Pay attention to finances now or it could cost you next year. Review your finances now to cut excess spending and take advantage of opportunities to save.
Gen Z FICO Scores Exceed Millennial FICO Scores
Posted by Mike Dein - Dec 18, 2019, 1:30 PM
New data reveals that Generation Z (people born in 1995 and onward) have higher credit scores than both Millennials and Generation X.
Real Estate Experts Warn Against These Kitchen Trends
Posted by John Hardy - Dec 16, 2019, 1:20 PM
What was hot will soon be not. Watch out granite, quartz is here to stay.
Avoid Debt this Holiday Season
Posted by John Hardy - Dec 13, 2019, 1:32 PM
You want to shower your loved ones with gifts but you don't want the holidays to become a season of debt you'll still be paying for next year.
What Co-Signing on Someone Else’s Mortgage Means for You
Posted by Mike Dein - Dec 11, 2019, 10:09 AM
If you have a good credit and steady income you may be asked to co-sign someone's home loan. If they miss a payment your FICO score can drop 90- 110 points.
Rental Rates Rise, Especially for Single-Family Homes
Posted by Mike Dein - Dec 9, 2019, 10:59 AM
Renters are about to start paying more every month, according to data from CoreLogic, due to a shrinking supply of single-family rental homes.
Buying a Home for the Holidays
Posted by John Hardy - Dec 2, 2019, 10:20 AM
During the holidays, home buying and selling activity tends to slow down, if you're a buyer this can work to your advantage.
5 Home Improvement Trends from the Home Improvement Research Institute
Posted by Mike Dein - Nov 13, 2019, 11:14 AM
Many homeowners are taking advantage of lower mortgage rates to reinvest in their home through improvement projects rather than search for a new home.
Seniors Need to Consider the Financial Perspective of Their Home
Posted by aneedham - Nov 11, 2019, 10:43 AM
After years of living independently and countless memories, you’ve made the difficult decision to move into an assisted living facility.
Looking to flip homes? Look in the Midwest!
Posted by John Hardy - Nov 7, 2019, 7:03 AM
Home flipping is one of the ways real estate investors make money. The practice is usually popular in markets experiencing rapid appreciation.
Are you financially prepared for an emergency?
Posted by John Hardy - Nov 4, 2019, 7:42 AM
A study shows that man Americans are unprepared for an emergency like a car accident or unexpected medical cost.
Expect Bidding Wars this Fall
Posted by John Hardy - Oct 22, 2019, 8:53 AM
After a busy Spring, and two late-in-the-year rate cuts we're expecting an even busier Fall, bidding wars included.
Are you making this big money-saving mistakes?
Posted by Mike Dein - Oct 18, 2019, 8:46 AM
While most of us know we are “saving for retirement,” we may forget we are actually “investing for retirement.”
Investing in Real Estate vs. Stocks
Posted by Mike Dein - Oct 16, 2019, 8:43 AM
While all investments come with a degree of risk and reward, investing in real estate tends to appreciate over time, and it is a useable, tangible asset.
Why School Districts Matter, Even if You Don’t Have School-Age Children
Posted by John Hardy - Oct 9, 2019, 10:32 AM
It will influence the overall value of your home. When it comes time to sell, it may even help you sell faster and earn a larger profit.
Average Consumer FICO Score Reaches 706
Posted by Mike Dein - Oct 4, 2019, 10:10 AM
If you are getting ready to refinance or buy a new home, find out your credit score. A good credit score will help you qualify for your home loan.
What Not to Do When the Fed Cuts Interest Rates
Posted by Mike Dein - Oct 2, 2019, 10:01 AM
Lower interest rates mean a lower cost to borrow money, but also a lower return on your savings investments. Here's what not to do when the rates drop.
Did you know your homeowner’s insurance may cover this?
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 27, 2019, 11:13 AM
Did you know your homeowner’s insurance may cover some unexpected hazards in addition to fire, theft and weather damage?
A Buyer’s Market Likely Coming this Fall
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 20, 2019, 11:34 AM
Many buyers are taking their time shopping for homes and bidding wars have declined, turning the seller’s market of previous years into a buyer’s market.
Watch Out: 7 Common HOA Rules You May Accidentally Break
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 18, 2019, 1:44 PM
Seemingly routine changes to your home’s exterior or a friend visiting in a Recreational Vehicle may violate the rules and leave you with a fine or worse.
Listing Your Home? Emphasize These Features if You’ve Got Them
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 16, 2019, 10:34 AM
Zillow analyzed 4.6 million sales across the country and found that these features tended to sell homes faster and, in some cases, net a greater profit.
Think You’re Saving Money on that Fixer-Upper? Think Again!
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 14, 2019, 10:28 AM
Survey discovers fixer-upper buyers spent much less than buyers who bought move-in ready homes but spent more than that difference to make it livable.
Would a Recession Impact Today’s Housing Market?
Posted by Mike Dein - Sep 12, 2019, 1:11 PM
Networks have been reporting on an impending recession. Although it would not be unusual, it will likely not have the same impact on housing market.
Do the Math: How much do you need to save for a down payment?
Posted by Mike Dein - Sep 10, 2019, 8:38 AM
To determine how much you will need to save for a down payment, start with these equations.
How Soon is too Soon to Sell Your Home?
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 6, 2019, 11:49 AM
Most real estate professionals recommend waiting at least five years after buying a home before selling it but sometimes you benefit from selling sooner.
Tesla Tests Rental Solar Panels in Six States
Posted by John Hardy - Sep 3, 2019, 10:20 AM
Tesla is pioneering a rental program with no installation costs and no time commitment.
Low-Cost Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Brand New
Posted by John Hardy - Aug 26, 2019, 1:59 PM
There are ways to spruce up your bathroom without breaking the bank. Not ready for a full bathroom makeover, try these ideas.
4 Ways to Reduce Your Biggest Expense During Retirement
Posted by Mike Dein - Aug 22, 2019, 2:58 PM
Financial contributors at the Motley Fool compiled this list of four ways to reduce your biggest expense during retirement.
5 Most Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes, According to Realtors
Posted by John Hardy - Aug 5, 2019, 3:56 PM
Working with a Realtor or real estate agent can help you avoid any rookie mistakes.
Solar Panels Could Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
Posted by John Hardy - Jul 31, 2019, 11:35 AM
Zillow researchers uncovered that homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average than similar homes without solar power.
Build-to-Rent Housing Growing Popular
Posted by Mike Dein - Jul 29, 2019, 11:25 AM
With foreclosure and distressed property sales at an all-time low, investors are looking for new ways to satisfy demand for single-family rental homes.
Over 8 Million Borrowers Could Save with a Mortgage Refinance
Posted by Mike Dein - Jul 17, 2019, 10:50 AM
With a rate and term refinance, a homeowner lowers their monthly mortgage payment by originating a new loan with a lower interest rate.
The Cost of Selling to an “iBuyer”
Posted by John Hardy - Jul 15, 2019, 10:40 AM
Selling through real estate startups like Knock and OpenDoor may be a tempting offer but you'll net 11% less when fees and other costs are considered.
Read This Before Buying a Home With a Pool
Posted by John Hardy - Jul 5, 2019, 2:47 PM
A pool could mean endless summer fun and higher resale value or it could become a pitfall if you don’t do your due diligence or maintain the pool.
6 Garage Renovation Ideas
Posted by John Hardy - Jul 2, 2019, 11:58 AM
Realtor.com reports garage space ranks just as high as an updated kitchen for some prospective home buyers.
You’re Closing on Your Mortgage! Avoid These 5 Things
Posted by Mike Dein - Jun 26, 2019, 1:40 PM
You're almost to the finish line, don't blow your closing in the final minutes
Are you making these common house hunting mistakes?
Posted by Mike Dein - Jun 24, 2019, 9:28 AM
Your new home is going to be the place where you host your holidays, raise your family, and make happy memories. Don't get caught up in the chase.
Good vs Bad Debt
Posted by John Hardy - May 31, 2019, 10:45 AM
As a consumer, it’s important to understand the differences between good and bad debt and how to use credit responsibly to maintain a good credit score.
Are Parents Hurting Homeownership?
Posted by Mike Dein - May 27, 2019, 10:12 AM
Millennial’s trend of moving back in with mom and dad has increased substantially and hurt their credit scores and could hinder buying a home.
New Listing: 9103 Hanover Street Omaha, Nebraska
Posted by John Hardy - May 24, 2019, 12:24 PM
Well maintained, a nearly new multi-level with vaulted ceilings, open concept living priced under $200,000.
Keep These Phrases OUT of Your Offer Letter
Posted by Mike Dein - May 21, 2019, 3:19 PM
A personal letter could be the extra push you need to get your offer accepted; it could also sour the deal.
5 Challenges Home Sellers Face in 2019
Posted by Mike Dein - May 17, 2019, 10:44 AM
No matter what the market is doing, home sellers will face various challenges in 2019.
1 in 6 Home Buyers Get Down Payment Assistance from Seller
Posted by Mike Dein - May 14, 2019, 1:03 PM
Saving for a down payment has become increasingly difficult as home prices rise, rents go up, and student loan debt reaches record highs.
5 Questions to Ask that Could Save You Money
Posted by John Hardy - May 8, 2019, 11:52 AM
Sometimes asking a simple question could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Survey: Home Buyers of All Ages Looking for Lawns
Posted by Mike Dein - May 7, 2019, 3:12 PM
Second to a kitchen renovation, buyers of all generations liked a nice, big lawn.
Natural Disasters Have Lasting Impact on Credit Scores
Posted by Mike Dein - Apr 26, 2019, 10:28 AM
The Urban Institute identified zip codes to determine the long-term effects on residents’ credit scores.
60% of Home Shoppers are Willing to Renovate.
Posted by John Hardy - Apr 24, 2019, 11:18 AM
Whether it’s the HGTV effect, or limited homes for sale, buyers are willing to spend on home renovations.
Analysis of Today’s First-Time Home Buyer.
Posted by John Hardy - Apr 22, 2019, 10:05 AM
On average, first-time home buyers make up a little less than half of total home buyers on the market.
Report: Healthy Housing Market this Spring Home Buying Season
Posted by Mike Dein - Apr 11, 2019, 2:04 PM
Spring is in the air in the Omaha housing market.