Hickory Dickory Dock...

   Don't forget to change back your clock 

November 2nd! 

This is also a great time to change batteries in your smoke detectors! 

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is coming, and with it comes the hazards of cold and some home owner tasks. Here is just a small list of items that you will want to do before the first snow falls. 

• Take the snow blower out of storage and be sure to have it serviced
• Check for extra gloves, hats, snow shovels
• Drain outside houses and cover faucets 
• Have your furnace inspected
• Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected
• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check and clean gutters and inspect chimney
• If needed, add additional insulation to walls 
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows
• Install storm doors and cover windows with plastic from the inside
• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls
• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer. 

If finding a new home is on your winter to do list, contact me today. We can have you home for the holidays. 

INCREASE YOUR MOOD BY BRINGING NATURE INTO YOUR HOME

Did you know that flowers can boost our moods and can help reduce stress?  To see what all the hype is about, start with some easy ways to surround yourself with fresh blooms, plants and nature. Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to bring more nature into your home.

Start a Container Garden

Whether you're short on space, or just want to infuse more greenery and flowers around the house, you could start planting a container garden. Grab an old wine crate and line it with newspaper or burlap before planting herbs, lettuce or your favorite flowers. Place your plants in the window or on the deck or rooftop apartment.

Plant Blossoms for Butterflies

Head to your backyard or rooftop garden and plant a garden with butterflies in mind. Choose flowering plants and blooms native to your geographic region, to help butterflies get the nectar and foliage required to blossom into adults. Color matters to butterflies, much like humans. They're usually attracted to red, yellow, pink, purple and red. To keep butterflies around, stagger your plants so that when one stops blooming, another one starts.

Create a Greenhouse

It doesn’t take much space or supplies to put together a small greenhouse. Buy a kit at your local hardware store, or you can always make one yourself. Use PVC pipes and clear plastic sheeting and place it in a well lit room. Put glass shelves in a window frame and place your plants on the shelves for a simple and easy-to-remove greenhouse.

Build a Home for Bees

Another idea you could do is to plant a garden for bees, similar to how you can create a garden for butterflies. To create a space with clean water in a shallow container with pebbles for bees to land and drink when thirsty. Like your butterfly garden, pick native flowers and also select single flower tops like marigolds. Double flowers are harder for bees to draw pollen. Designate an area of your garden in a brightly lit spot for bee burrowing with extra soil. But not all bees like to nest in the ground. Pile pieces of wood and bamboo sections for your wood nesting bee friends.

Start Composting

Now that you’ve brought more green and colorful blooms into your home, what should you do with them once they die? Start a compost bin and throw in your old stems, blooms and leaves along with discarded fruit, coffee grounds and grass clippings among others. Use the compost to add to your gardens and indoor plants and watch them flourish.

Stage your home, including the garage!

"The garage can become sort of an after-thought when putting your home on the market, these days it really shouldn't be. More often than not, these days, the garage can be a pivotal point for buyers. Buyers look beyond the garage as something to park cars, they can double as home gyms, storage space, home offices, workshops.

We have all the home listings where sellers simply use the garage to store all their stuff that they plan to take with them or get rid of. While that might be convenient for the current homeowners, it's not very enticing for potential new buyers. If buyers can barely walk into the garage, they'll likely skip it entirely and may feel a bit cheated.

Square footage counts and many people have plans to use that extra garage space for things you might not have thought of. A good-looking garage will attract buyers.

Do what you can to improve your garage but start with the basics. If your garage door is in shoddy shape, replace the hardware. Nothing worse than a buyer taking a look at your garage just as a spring breaks on the automatic garage door! Make sure to sweep out the garage as well. Taking the time to show that you take care of the garage, well also reflect on how well you take care of the rest of your home.

Then take a look around and see what things you can get off the floor and into shelves or cabinets in your garage. The less you have on the floor, the more spacious the garage will feel. If the new buyers have big cars, ample space for cars as well as storage space for household items will be very important.

A garage may not always be the main attraction like the kitchen or master bedroom, but it definitely has its own appeal especially when it's staged to sell."

Are you interested in buying or selling your home? Go ahead and contact me so we can get together and work on your real estate dreams. 

Team work makes the dream work! 

Did you know....

When listing your home with me and NP Dodge Real Estate, I can provide a great service to you while your home is listed. I know that you deserve the best and that's exactly what you get...the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. the nation's leading provider of home warranties for over 30 years. Here at NP Dodge, we understand the importance of having comprehensive coverage and protection available for what may be your largest investment...that is why we offer the exclusive 

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. We are proud to have partnered with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. 

Complimentary seller's coverage is provided during the listing period with a seller's commitment to purchase buyer's coverage at the time of closing. Complimentary coverage will begin upon notifcation of seller's commitment to purchase buyer's coverage to home warranty company, and will continue for a period of one year or until the home sale closes, whichever comes first. 

So let's sit down together and review what I am able to provide to you when you list your home with Kristi Creger.

Contact me today so we can get your home on the market tomorrow. 

DIY Fall Decorating

Harvest table

An easy grouping of seasonal items and colors brings autumn to your tabletop.

Orange and white pumpkins plus yellow chrysanthemums in a sunny yellow container create an eye-catching centerpiece. Elevate some of the pumpkins for added flair. Go ahead and get creative with the fun fall colors. This is perfect for your next fall gathering. 

Six Fall Clean Up Tips for your home.

It’s time to get ready for winter with a thorough fall cleanup all around the outside of your home. 
Courtesy of True Value

Step 1: Keep Up on Lawn Maintenance

Keep mowing your lawn right up until the first frost, but try to keep the grass length longer than 2½" throughout the fall season. When you mow for the last time, use a mulching mower. The mulch will keep as much nitrogen as possible in the soil over the winter and into the spring. Don’t forget to check your lawn for weeds. Use a dandelion weeder to pop them out of the soil, and they won’t return in the spring.

 Step 2: Dethatch and Aerate Your Lawn

Thatch builds up when grass clippings are not chopped finely enough with a mulching mower or if excessive clippings are not removed after cutting. To prevent thatch from accumulating, rake your lawn after mowing. 

Lawn aeration in the fall will give you healthy grass in the spring. Aerating allows for greater movement of water, fertilizer and air. It also increases the speed of mulch decomposition and encourages deep root growth, so be sure to aerate before applying fertilizer.

Step 3: Plant in the Fall for Spring Blooms

For the best spring bloom of your garden, start planting bulbs now. Many common bulbs can be planted in fall, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Tubers such as daylilies and dahlias are also popular choices for the fall planting season. Use a blanket of compost or mulch several inches thick to cover your newly planted bulbs during the winter months. Fall is also the best time to plant cool-season grasses. Varieties such as perennial rye, bluegrass and fescue do well this time of year for filling bare spots. 

Step 4: Fertilize Your Lawn and Garden

It’s important to fertilize before the first frost. Experts at your local hardware store can fill you in on everything you need to know about lawn fertilization, including how to find the right fall fertilizer for your grass or flowerbeds. Take note not to fertilize roses, however, because this discourages winter growth and makes your roses more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and conditions.

Step 5: Prepare Your Deck or Patio

Wintry conditions can be hard on decks and patios, and any furniture on them. Remove patio furniture and store it in the garage or wherever there’s space. If that’s not an option, invest in furniture covers that are made to withstand the harsh winter weather. Before you store or cover anything, clean your furniture properly. Wipe each piece with damp cloths and dry with towels. 

Step 6: Clean and Repair Gutters

When the bulk of leaves have fallen for the season, check your gutters. Clogged gutters can damage your home and cause basement flooding when snow melts, so it’s important to clean your gutters before winter hits. Use a ladder to get onto the roof, and then remove leaves and twigs with gloved hands and/or a large scoop.  Use a hose to flush out the gutters after you’re done cleaning. With the hose running, you may find any leaks that need to be repaired.

Great News for First Time Homebuyers

I am happy to announce that First National Bank now offers a grant program available for first time homebuyers.  First time homebuyers might be eligible to receive up to $3,000 to use towards their down payment and/or closing costs. (the grant is $4,000 but has $1,000 in fees for the grant, so the net is $3,000 to the buyer )

 Borrowers are required to take a homebuyer education class which costs $99.  This class can be taken in person or online.  Both class options take approximately 8 hours.

 The grant is a 5 year forgivable loan, no payments are due during the 5 years, and after 5 years the money owed is forgiven. ( if house is sold or refinanced within 5 years, then borrower has to pay a portion of the $4,000 back )

 Buyers have to make below 80% of the Area Median Income.

For the Omaha Metro, the max household income is the following:

1 -2 Person:                        3+ Person:

$58,000                                 $66,800

 The grants are approved by a 3^rd party and it will take at least 60 days to close with a grant once I receive an accepted purchase contract.

 This is a great product for first time home buyers that do not have the down payment, can not get a gift, or do not qualify with the additional NIFA HBA loan payment.

  Please contact Nick  Zwiebel with First National Bank Mortgage Division with any questions.  He can be reached by phone at 402.602.5263 or email

Sunday Funnies

The Home Ownership Game

Are you ready to play "The Home Ownership Game" Here is a step by step why of how real estate can sometimes work. Give me a call when your are ready to start.

Back to School

Just wanted to wish all the students in the Omaha a great and successful school year. If you are looking to find a home in your ideal school district be sure to contact me as I would be happy to help you find your textbook home. 

Savings & Budget 101 - the Next Steps

Saving & Budgeting

If you think your personal finances are in need of an overhaul, you aren't alone. According to the US Census, the average American household is falling short of their savings goals. I, along with First National Bank  hope to give you some basic tools to help you establish and achieve your personal financial goals. If you have any questions or concerns about saving and budgeting contact Nick Zwiebel with First National Bank and let him know I sent you. Follow me for the next six Mondays for some great tips, tricks and ideas to keep your savings and budgeting on track.

Last Monday, we discussed what Compounding Interest and its benefits. Well this week, according to First National Bank, you will just need to follow the next steps and you should be on your way to a balanced budget.

Next Steps

Taking action: Making a plan is the
most important part of balancing
your personal budget.

·         1. write it all down

·         2. cut back on 'wants'

·         3. set savings goals

·         4. find quick savings wins

·         5. pay down debt

·         6. make interest work for you

Sunday Funnies

Looking for a home with a specific "must have" list. Give me a call and I can help you. 

First Time Homebuyer Considerations

Buying your first home is a decision that can stick with you a lifetime. Not only is it a financial investment, it is also a lifestyle change. You should consider the following financial and lifestyle factors before buying your first home. According to First National Bank here are a few items you just may want to consider. 

Financial Factors Current income and expenses: Before committing yourself to a mortgage payment for the next 30 years, you should evaluate your current financial situation. Detail a list of your current income sources, as well as all expenses. Determine how much money you feel comfortable with allotting for a mortgage payment. This will also help you determine what price range you can afford. You should also consider expenses that come along with purchasing a home, such as earnest money, a down payment and closing costs.

• Tax advantages: New homes come with the possibility of tax advantages. Those possible advantages include deductions for mortgage interest, local property taxes and home equity interest (if you borrow against your home). Plus today's laws allow for savings on capital gains if you sell. As with any tax related issue it is best to discuss this with your tax advisor for all the little details. But if your rent payment is lower than a mortgage payment and you are comfortable living where you are, you can invest those funds and possibly receive the same monetary advantages.
• Maintenance and repair costs: If you are purchasing an existing home, it may involve maintenance and repair costs, both in the short-term and long-term. Ensure that you have a savings plan ready to handle any kinds of unexpected expenses that will be required to continue safely and comfortably living in your new home.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Home and yard upkeep: Maintaining the inside and outside of a new home may be a pro or a con, depending on your situation. If you enjoy landscaping, home maintenance, and decorating, owning your own home gives you the flexibility to make a house your home. If you lack the time, skills, or money to keep up with everything a house entails, you may want to consider continuing to rent.
• Future relocation plans: Consider how long you plan to live in an area. If your job requires frequent relocation or you are planning on moving to a new area within the next few years, renting may make more sense than buying, and having to quickly sell a home in a tough housing market.

Whatever choice you decide is best for you and your family, First National is here to help you through the entire home-buying process. Through the mortgage pre-approval to closing on your new home, First National Bank's mortgage loan officers will guide you along the way. For more information on our variety of mortgage products that will fit your needs, contact us today at 877.687.5626 or visit firstnational.com/mortgage

DIY Idea For Your New Home

Moving into your first home or even a new home can sometimes be overwhelming in the beginning, but is also a very exciting time.  So why not do a fun way to remember your new home. I love the idea above where they had an extra key made, painted it a fun color and then framed it. To add a little bit more of creativeness to the key, they placed a map in the background! How clever is that. How cute would this be for a house-warming gift for friends or family. 

Be Prepared - The Home Seller's Checklist

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Savings & Budgeting 101 - Compounding Interest

Saving & Budgeting

If you think your personal finances are in need of an overhaul, you aren't alone. According to the US Census, the average American household is falling short of their savings goals. I, along with First National Bank  hope to give you some basic tools to help you establish and achieve your personal financial goals. If you have any questions or concerns about saving and budgeting contact Nick Zwiebel with First National Bank and let him know I sent you. Follow me for the next six Mondays for some great tips, tricks and ideas to keep your savings and budgeting on track.

Last Monday, we discussed Emergency savings and what exactly they mean along as why they are so important. – This week we will look into Compounding Interest. According to First National Bank…

Compounding Interest

Banks are willing to pay you for your money. Make sure you are
interest savvy to get more bang for your buck.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): the annual rate of return on an investment after compounding

A few things to consider about compounding interest:

·         1. Compounded interest essentially pays you interest on your interest

·         2. Always compare Annual Percentage Yield over Rate when
shopping for the best interest on savings accounts

·         3. The more frequent the compounding, the more money you make

·         4. The longer your investment sits, the more you earn

With the power of compounding interest, it's easy to earn more in interest than you take from your own pocket. All you need is a little bit of patience. With a monthly contribution of $50and an assumed 5% savings rate, let's watch how your money grows.

Personal Contributions

Cumulative Balance

30 Years | Contributions: $18,000 | Total Balance: $39,863.31

That's almost $22,000 free money!

Sunday Funnies

Borrowing Basics

Advice for Protecting Your Identity

"According to First National Bank, with recent high-profile data thefts, protecting your identity has been top of mind for many. The following tips from the Federal Trade Commission will help you safeguard your personal information and your credit history as well as provide steps to take if your information has been compromised.

• Safeguard your personal information offline: Lock your financial documents in a safe deposit box or a lock box in your home. Limit what you carry in your purse or wallet and always leave your Social Security card at home. Shred any financial documents, credit card or account statements, or insurance forms that are no longer needed. When possible, sign up for online statements. First National offers online statements to allow you to quickly and securely view your information.
• Secure your information online: Be aware of any spam emails or other types of online message that may lead to an infringement of your privacy and theft of your personal data. Do not give out any personal information over the phone or through email unless you are 100% positive of who is on the other side. Keep your passwords private and do not share personal details on social networks. Information shared publicly can help identity thieves to gain access to your accounts.
• Keep your devices secure: Use anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and set up a firewall to protect your device and personal information from being compromised. Always lock your laptop or device when finished using and do not save any automatic passwords or logins in your browser. Be aware of any information you are accessing over a public wireless network if it’s not secure and make sure websites you visit are encrypted.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit report: Check your online banking and other financial accounts on a regular basis to look for any suspicious or non-authorized transactions. Sign up for credit monitoring services to be sure you are aware of any inquiries or dramatic changes to your credit score. First National's Credit Card now helps you keep tabs on your FICO® 8 Bankcard Score. Just by logging in every month, you can view your FICO® Score 24/7 online and discover what Key Score Factors have affected your FICO® Score."

New Listing Alert: 1540 Jefferson Omaha, NE 68107

SOUTH OMAHA BEAUTY!! This Ranch-style home offers over 2300 square feet of beautiful living in the Albright Choice Subdivision. This home features 5 Bedrooms & 2 bathrooms with a light and bright feeling throughout. The Main floor features an updated kitchen with some appliances staying. The living room gives you great space with large windows to allow in natural light. The main floor bedrooms have hardwood floors The large lower level is great for entertaining family and friends with it's large family room and separate kitchen. Which could be ideal for a mother-in-law suite or a potential income property. This home sits in a great neighborhood. You are not want to miss out on this lovely home. You can see more by clicking here.