Gena Schriver ~ ~ YOU MATTER OMAHA ~ ~ (402) 320-HOME (4663)'s Blog

A Formal Introduction Compared to "Here Take a Look"

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:55:00 -0800

Online photography is booming in real estate, but are we fully taking advantage of it? Yes we can put good looking photos up and we can put a lot up as well. But I believe that there is more we can do with these photos to really get the potential buyer interested in the home.

Here's an example of what I do to my photos to really get the potential buyers attention online. I give them multiple views of the same room so they can really get the feeling of the room, but then I also add verbiage to the photos! I don't go overboard on the size of the verbiage or the amount, I just point at the little things that the viewer might've missed when just looking at the photos. This is no different than what I might do when actually giving a tour of the home.

Here's another thing I do that you can see in the one above as well. It's a photo collage that really highlights different areas of a room or feature. These photos in and of themselves are not fantastic but when added to the other photos it gives the potential buyer the feeling of the space all at once, as if they were there.

Here's another example of how I use verbiage and arrows to point out the little things that snow has covered up. I have another picture on the same listing that the seller's had taken during the summer but I wanted to have updated photos as well. I've just pointed out the things that might've been missed normally in just viewing the photo.

I use these methods to help my listings stand out online. What do you think?

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6 Simple Solutions to Home Staging

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:29:15 -0800

We here at You Matter Omaha believe in staging and how much staging helps sell homes. We spend as much time as possible preparing your home to look it's absolute best for photos and in person visits. We also give you all the information you need to make this not an inconvience for you during the listing time. But there are always things that can be done by you prior to us showing up.

http://www.wisebread.com/6-cheap-ways-to-stage-your-home-in-a-buyers-market

What do buyers see first when they see your home? The outside of course! So tackle this opstical first. Rake leaves, Pull weeds, Plant colorful flowers, touch up paint and scrape anything that needs scraping. There's always more than this but these are a couple of good first thoughts that could be done. And of course constant mowing helps (or shoveling as this is Nebraska).
Many of us clean the house weekly or daily but when it's time to go on the market you just might have to do that extra little bit that's not in the normal rotation. Do a deep clean!
Become your own handyman or woman! Fix leaky faucets, paint, or just simple stuff to give the final touches of a well cared for home.
Have you ever tried the couch at an angle or that chair in a different corner? New layouts can really change the feeling of a home. Move around the furniture and find that perfect spot that makes the room feel inviting.
Add just a little visual flair. Bring in some greenery to the home, it can be fake or live. Look for color and character.
Appeal to all the sense not just visual. Bake something before the Open House, or get a scentsy. The "Just Cleaned" smell is amazing as well, just not the "Wet Dog" smell.

These are just a couple of small things you can do to make your house look Show Ready.

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Check All 9 of These Before Signing on the Line!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:39:23 -0800

Ran across this list of 9 Real-Estate Deal Breakers from MSN recently and thought it was worth the mention.

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23460653&page=0

Many future home buyers don't understand everything that goes or comes with buying a home and they tend to just jump into the fun of looking for a new home. They start by getting online to look at many of the different websites that are available and start their journey towards home ownership. This is fine and a perfect place to start, but once you've made this decision there are a couple other questions a future buyer should think about as the process moves along!

1. Do you qualify?

This is the first question you should think about when deciding if it is time to buy a home. Many first time buyers come to us interested in looking for a home and once they find one they love they then start the process of becoming qualified for the loan. To make things easier on yourself (and the agent) get pre-qualified first! That way when you start looking at homes you can look for and fall in love with ones that you know you are qualified for. Its a simple process and if you don't know a lender talk to your Realtor, they will definately have some suggestions for you and let you know what you will need to get pre-qualified.

2. Is this the right neighborhood for you?

Once you have been pre-qualified and have started looking at homes the next step is to look for a neighborhood. This is important, especially if you are looking in a new city that you don't know as well. Realtor's can definately help you if you don't know the area and are interested in it, otherwise if you are interested in certain areas go visit them and check them out. Driving around and seeing what goes on at different times of the day and week can give you a better impression of the neighborhood and if it's right for you.

3. What’s that smell?

Once you've found a neighborhood and a couple of homes that you are interested in go back and take a walk. There maybe something about that block that you didn't notice before like a neighbor that mows his lawn every morning or a smell from the sewer that's right on the corner. It's important to realize its not just the house and yard that you are buying into but what surrounds it as well.

4. Is it really a good deal?

This is where you Realtor can really help you out. They can run figures and find out information about the home and the prices of the area. It may seem like a good deal until you learn that houses around there are selling for cheaper and then you'd be the odd one out having over bought the home.

5. I owe more than just the mortgage?

There is more than just that initial price when it comes to buying a home. If you rent you may not realize that there are water, electricity, or gas bills as well. Or there may be association fees and then there are the taxes and insurance. There are also expenses such as mowing the lawn and general up keep. Make sure you do a sheet of all of these fees so you can truly understand what you may be paying once you buy the home.

6. My sofa doesn’t fit?

BRING A TAPE MEASURER with you! If you already have furniture then it's important to know if it'll fit into your new home or you may be buying all new furniture and praying someone will take the old ones off your hands for a decent price.

7. Legal issues

There is much more than just signing a document and check. There maybe other pieces that are just as important so if you have any questions just ask your Realtor and they can point you in the right direction.

8. Is the infrastructure sound?

Any Realtor will suggest you get a home inspection and they are usually worth it in the long run. Understanding the home is important and a home inspector can point things out to you and answer your questions. Plus knowing the house inside and out is important since you don't want any surprises once you've signed those papers.

9. The appraised value is what?

All homes are appraised prior to final sale, and with that there sometimes is a surprise or two. But not to worry your Realtor can help you either renegotiate or understand when it is time to walk away and find another home.

This is definately not an exhaustive list of deal-breakers and there are always new ones popping up.

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The Importance of Words

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:11:03 -0800

I saw someone's blog post a couple weeks ago about the 10 most overused words or the top 10 words that shouldn't be used and often realtors use them. I found an article yesterday about the 5 listing descriptions that basically won't intice buyers to look at your listing. How often do you use them?

http://pro.truliablog.com/sellers/five-listing-description-deal-killers-and-makers/

Words that kill deals or decrease profits

Fantastic
Spacious
“!”
Charming
Great Neighborhood

Words that make deals or improve profits

Granite
Energy-Efficient
State-of-the-Art
Maple
Gourmet

I read these lists and realized I hadn't used any of the words that were green and how used many that were in red on 1 listing alone! Apparently I am killing the listing without even realizing it.

I called one listing a CHARMING home that was SPACIOUS on every floor and had a FANTASTIC backyard area. PLUS I use exclamation points all of the time. (Had a teacher tell me once we were allowed 9 !'s in our lifetime, I believe I have been over that number since the age of 9 when I learned what it was for.)

So next time you go to describe your home look for more original words or actually list what is in the house not a general feeling of the home. And yes there are times you can't get away from using those words but make sure it isn't every time!

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New Lower Price~Don't Miss this Opportunity

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:20:07 -0800

This home went from Great Price to Soon Off the Market Price!

You Don't want to miss this opportunity to live just down the road from the up and coming Benson area.

Check it out!

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68104/Omaha/4973_Maple_St

An Incredible Value, this 3+BD, 3BA & 2.5 Car Home Can Now be Yours! Now Transferring Out of State, Sellers’ have Beautifully Updated this Historic Midtown Beauty, Enjoying the Fantastic Indoor & Outdoor Living Space Offered Here!

XL Covered Patio, Extensive New Landscaping with Smart Design and New Water Feature with Fountain; Master Suite with Rare 3/4 Master Bath, Stunning Refinished Hardwood Floors on Main Floor.

Attached Garage with Bonus Workshop PLUS Newer 1.5 Detached Garage with Professional Exhaust Fan, 220V Power, Separate Utility Meter, Extra Parking & Alley Access. Perfect Opportunity for Business or Lease! Finished Basement Showcases New, Quality Carpet in both Family Room & Office/4th Bedroom (non-conforming).

Enjoy a Cozy Wood-Burning Fireplace, Plus Convenient New 3/4 Bathroom Addition & Updated Laundry Area. Numerous Windows and a Beautiful Chandelier Illuminate the Inviting Living & Dining Room areas which are Connected by a Large, Open Archway.

Charming Tuscany-Themed Kitchen Features Refinished Hardwood Floors, Large Removable Breakfast Bar, Gas Stove & New Dishwasher. Plus All Appliances Can Stay!

Great Floor Plan with Sightlines from Kitchen to Sunroom, Spacious Bedrooms and Full or 3/4 Bathroom on Every Floor! Enjoy New Shutters, Vinyl Siding, Few New Windows + New Bay Window, New Outdoor Speakers & More.

Corner lot, fenced yard & Great Midtown Location Add to the Wonderful Value!

Welcome Home! For additional information and/or a personal tour of this home, please call or text Gena Schriver at 402-320-HOME (4663).

Don't forget Now ONLY $100,000!

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5 Regions That Will Flourish in 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:28 -0800

Found this article on Housingzone.com

http://www.housingzone.com/industry-data-research/5-regions-will-flourish-2012?nocache=1

In order they are:

1. The Energy Belt- Texas, Oklahoma, the Dakotas, Montana, Louisiana and Wyoming

2. The Agricultural Heartland- Omaha, Des Moines, etc

3. The New Foundry- Southest and along the Texas Corridor connected to Mexico

4. The Technosphere- San Jose-Silicon Valley, Boston and Seattle and other large metro areas

5. The Pacific Northwest- Washington and Oregon

The one that struck me was #2!

What another great reason to move to Omaha, it is flourishing and growing quickly. It's no longer just a cattle town but so much more. With more businesses mean more jobs and where else can you go where you aren't cramped together and there's still a local feeling to it but you also get the big city in the deal.

So come on and move to Omaha we would love to have you!

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Pinning Great Ideas

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:59:33 -0800

Have you heard of the newest social media website, Pinterst?

It is a very interesting and entertaing site and it is quickly growing. http://pinterest.com

So how does this affect us realtors? It's not a direct effect but we can definately use it. Pinterest does not allow brands or business to go out and use Pinterest to promote their services or work, but there are definately ways to use Pinterest to promote what your business is or give yourself more personality using Pinterest.

Mashable (a great website for learning about social media) posted this article yesterday about brands and Pinterest.

http://mashable.com/2012/01/09/the-top-brands-on-pinterest/

If you look at the list some of the brands make sense once you realize who is using Pinterest the most (mainly moms or crafters but it is slowly growing to more). What's important is reading how they are using Pinterest.

Example: (Pulled from Article)

Bergdorf Goodman

The retailer appeals to the shopoholic with boards like "Shoes that make us swoon," but also includes quirky stuff like "I have a weakness for..." that define the brand without necessarily pitching a specific product.

So how do we do similar work as Real Estate Agents?

You Matter Omaha just got our invitation to Pinterest today and we started with 6 boards:

"For the Home" "Favorite Places & Spaces" & "Dream Home" just to name a few. We plan to give our followers ideas for updating, decorating, staging, and other interesting things. It's really just a place for us to keep ideas and give our followers information to help them for their home and dreams. When it comes to social media it's really about what you want to do with what you are given and interacting with your fans & followers. Social Media gives you a personality!

So if you get onto Pinterest and need someone to follow check us out at http://pinterest.com/youmatteromaha/

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8 Reasons why your house won't sell!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:09 -0800

This post is very imformative as to reasons that houses sit on the market long past what they should've been. Many of these reasons your realtor should spot or due long before you are even on the market and if they haven't then your realtor is not doing their job and you should let them know!

Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, Illinois Homes for Sale (Evanston Condos & Evanston Single Family Homes):

Karl Hess was good enough to remind me that it's been more than a year since I published my perennial favourite blog. So I'm republishing, and updating it now... and thus far, each year I've been able to add a reason.

Back in August of 2009, I published a post called 6 Reasons why your house won't sell. It garnered an unbelievable (at least unbelievable for ME) 192 comments, after being viewed 8667 times, and having 7,934 people "click" on it. That means that 2.4% of the people who viewed the post, were moved enough to leave a comment behind.

The average, at least for me, has been less than half of that return... more like sightly under 1%. It was also "reblogged" by an astonishing 47 Rainers to share with their readers.

Soon after posting, a local Chicago Realtor publication contacted me, having found the article on Active Rain, and asked if they could publish the article, with my byline, of course. As you might imagine, I said "yes", and picked-up 438 copies of that issue (my mother loved them).

The last iteration "7 Reasons why your house won't sell", had over 60 reblogs and 258 comments... (with over 11,000 clicks +68 short URL clicks, and over 12,000 actual VIEWS!) which was in-freakin'-credible...WOW so I thought there might be a fresh generation of Rainers who hadn't yet seen it... so here is my newest iteration. As you can see, now we're up to EIGHT reasons.

________________________________________________________________________________________

8 Reasons why your property won't sell.

1. Your property won't sell because your photos are "less than impressive". Yep, this is an actual photo from our MLS, just came on brand-new this morning. Apparently the place must be really awful, 'cause the agent didn't even dare step out of her car, to get close to the property so you could see any details.

The vast majority of home buyers begin their search for a home on the internet, so your property had better look fantastic in print. Not just nice, it has to look downright fabulous. Today an internet view is the same as a 'virtual showing'... if your house gets past that, then they might (just might) make an appointment to see it in person... You should really consider that your SECOND showing. Today's online viewers are expecting good quality photos (and lots of them...the picture below... taken from Google Maps... is completely unacceptable. That's a $500,000 listing, take a moment and your digital camera and force your agent to go earn their commission), a virtual tour, maybe even a floor plan, and they need to be high-quality, or don't bother.

2. Your property won't sell because it's overpriced. It's important to be as objective as you possibly can. Look at the home as though you were a "buyer"... if necessary, make an appointment with your Realtor to view other properties that are priced comparably to yours. Be brutally objective. Given the other options on the market (and yes, you DO have to include short sales and foreclosures on your list... your potential buyers are!), would YOU buy your home, over the others that are currently available on the market?

If the answer is "NO", (and try to be as honest as you can) well then you have your work cut out for you, don't you? You either have to "update" your home to meet or beat the competition...(that might mean an updated bathroom or kitchen, or neutralizing some decorating... remove that old wallpaper that was there when you bought the house or lower your price to adjust for it. if you can't afford to sell it for the price, that you KNOW it should sell for, this may not be the right market for you to sell. Consider taking it off-market.

3. Your property won't sell because it shows badly. This could mean almost anything... from the 60 pound Rottweiler, barking and drooling at the potential buyers from behind the safety of the flimsiest child-gate, to the lingering smell of 30-years of smoking. Maybe the carpeting shows traffic-pattern wear, or your nicotine covered windows allow in slightly less than daylight. All things that aren't visible from the internet, but whoa.... once you get inside the house... they show up, like a cat-urine-soaked-shag carpet on a 95 degree day in New Orleans!

4. Your property won't sell because you're invisible. Today's buyer comes from the internet, almost exclusively. Have you (or your agent) simply plopped the property on the MLS, and started praying? Are you on all the websites...(Trulia, Zillow, Craig's List, Google Base, etc...) all the places that buyers are searching? If not, you need to be, now! Don't try to be a secret, in today's electronic world. You want to be found, and the sooner the better.

If you're not making full use of the internet today, you're out of business before you've started. C'mon people... get on board, the train is leaving the station. (I love a good train metaphor).

5. Your property won't sell because your listing is tired and stale on the market. Okay... yes, you overpriced your home initially when you first came on the market a year and a half ago. But since then you have reduced your price almost monthly, constantly chasing the market down. Now, finally you're truly priced where you believe should be, but your listing (not your house) has become tired and stale. Everyone who is looking for your type of property (ie: 3br/1.1 bath) in your area has already seen the listing online, or in person and they remember that there was "something" about it that they didn't like... but what they don't remember is... what they didn't like.... was the price.   Time to take the listing off market. Let it cool off (3-6 months), and bring it back on fresh in the Spring. Yeah, you'll have 6 mos. worth of holding-costs... but you'll more than make up for it in your purchase price.

btw... Resist the temptation to bring the house back on at a higher price, than when you left the market. Just "don't do it"!

6. Your property won't sell because your house won't appraise. The house looks great... you've finally gotten someone to bring you a bid on your slightly over-priced, but beautiful pied-a-terre. But the bank appraiser says it's worth $20,000 less than your buyer has agreed to pay. Heavy sigh... bite the bullet.... negotiate with them.   If you have to drop the price $20,000 to make it work.... "make it work"... chances are, anybody else trying to buy your house will run into the same problem. If you're not willing to negotiate the difference, you may find yourself with no buyer, and accepting a lower offer somewhere down the line. Appraisals carry a great deal of weight these days.

7. Your property won't sell because it's unavailable to show. You have a baby, and a 1-year old. And they need their naps. So you've told your Realtor in no-uncertain-terms, that you'll only allow showings between 9:00a.m - Noon, and then again from 2:30-5:30 p.m. And no showings on Saturday or Sundays. "After all", you've told him "we still live here.. it's our home!". Well guess what? They can't buy it, if they can't see it. As good as your online photos are, they're no substitute for an in-person visit. "If they really want to see it, they'll reschedule", you're already answering as you read this. Nonsense! What they'll do, is they'll just move on to the next property in line (there are dozens like yours available) and maybe they'll buy that one instead. Once you put your property on the market it stops being your "home", and has become your "product". And you want your product to be seen by as large a buying audience as possible.

8. Your property won't sell because you have the heat and power turned off. Okay... maybe it's an REO, or maybe you're no longer living in the home. But viewers need to be able to feel comfortable when they've viewing your home. You want them to spend time in the home and get a sense of the place. You don't want them standing in the darkened foyer shivering, breathing on their hands to keep their knuckles from freezing in position. If they can see their own breath, the house is too cold. It's just not an invitation to spend time in the home. Have the power on, and leave the heat running, at least high enough to keep viewers from shivering. It doesn't have to feel like a tropical paradise, but it shouldn't feel like the north pole, either. Ain't nobody gonna buy that igloo.

- 2.5

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com
Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate



Do not copy the content of this blog, without first contacting the author for permission. Reblogging is allowed. All other use is strictly prohibited without express permission from me. This blog is tag-resistant... Do not tag me, I don't participate in tagging, no MeMe's don't even think about it

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Warm Weather is AMAZING in January!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:24:35 -0800

What wonderful weather we've been having here in Nebraska this new year! Can you imagine 60+ degrees today? A record breaking day and week! Two years ago we were lucky not to have icycles hanging from our nose and to not step on white snow! Now we can walk around with a light jacket, AWESOME! Plus this is an awesome opportunity to get a look at our two wonderful listings that offer beautiful outdoor living!

First is the Elkhorn Home with a killer backyard!

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68022/Elkhorn/18924_Grant_Street

Can you imagine seeing this in white instead? What a great opportunity to tour this home now before you lose it! This home offers 4 bedrooms and a great parking spot for your boat or RV (no monthly dues!).

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68104/Omaha/4973_Maple_St

Our other lisiting is in midtown and offers 3+ rooms with beautiful woodwork throughout the home and a possible 2nd floor master suite!

The photo tells it all well close to all but right now is perfect to find out the rest of the home and what else is here for outdoor living!

So give us a call today to schedule your tour of these wonderful homes before it gets too cold!

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What are these ugly black boxes that are popping up all over?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:30:31 -0800

As realtors we understand the value of QR codes, right? But when asked about them do we know how to explain them and how they work? I found this article today that broke down those ugly black boxes and thought it was interesting enough to blog about!

http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/repurposed-inventions/2d-barcodes.htm#mkcpgn=kaw1

Did you know that there were multiple types of 2-D Codes and that QR Codes isn't all of them? So first thing when relating to sellers or buyers about QR Codes explain they need a QR Code Reader not just some bar code reader. The application they use needs to specifically read QR Code Reader. Unfortunately I have not seen many or one even app that reads all 2-D codes equally.

After this explanation it's pretty simple to explain that QR Codes are here to help the buyers and sellers as well. No need to write down the whole long website for a house or search through multiple sights, just pull up the application on a smart phone, scan the QR Code and buyers can quickly have all the information on the home right at their finger tips.

Now to get this information to potential buyers! No more driving past a house and wishing you had paper and pen, or being out of luck because all of the flyers are gone, just pull out the phone and all the information is right there and saved so buyers can contemplate calling you right there rather than another day or never because the information was lost.

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New Listing Definitely Worthy of Title "Old World Charm"

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:28:15 -0800

What a beautiful home this is! Listed at only $103,900 it couldn't be any better!

Check it out: http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68104/Omaha/4973_Maple_St

This historic home offers a wonderful 2nd floor Master Suite along with a 2nd garage built for an at Home Automotive Business. It offers a mega-exhaust fan and 220 power electric box.

There are 3 bedrooms with a 4th non-conforming in the basement. There are also 3 full baths, one on each floor of the house. There’s a Bay Window in one bedroom as well as Original Refinished Wood Floors throughout the main floor. Along with the wood floors there is Original Woodwork throughout the whole house and a beautiful Chandelier in the dining room.

With tons of Open Space and Sightlines from Front to Back of this house also offers loads of storage space and a Wood Fire Stove in the basement.

Located in Midtown, Easy Access to NW Radial Hwy and close to area schools!

BONUS it's Open Next Sunday from 1-3pm! Check it out quickly before it's SOLD!

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Snow and Photography

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:47:48 -0800

It's that time of year again, snow has fallen (at least here in Nebraska it has). And now the question comes how to best sell a house when no one wants to go out in the snow.

It's funny how such a small thing,

in such large quantities makes realtors jobs that much harder!

How do you intice potential buyers into coming and looking at houses?

I suggest using the internet to the full advantage. Have pictures from pre snow and snow as well. During the holidays, if your sellers have put up lights, go out at night or dusk and take a picture. Tips for Low Light pictures leave the shutter open longer so you'll probably need a tripod for this. If not wait for a day that there is more sun and not cloudy, but perferably not at high noon. There are lots of ways to make the snow look homey and not dismal, you've just got to be creative! Make the house look like a home and buyers who love the photos will brave the cold!

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Baby It's Cold Outside.....

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:38:50 -0800

Well at least it's getting colder and as we all know in Nebraska it can get downright fridgid out there!

With the colder temperatures it is time to turn on the heating otherwise deal with pnuemonia. Have you already done a pre-winter check to make sure everything is working correctly and you aren't losing heat and money right out those windows?

Here are some quick tips to save heat and money this winter!

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter.html

Turn down the thermostat just a couple extra degrees and save up to 5% in your bill.
Make sure you have replaced your air filter and check it throughout the winter (it should be done once a month!).
Seal all leaks, Caulk is your best friend. Don't just check windows and doors but sockets and pipes as well!
Insulate water pipes and turn down your water heater.
As always you can update to EnergyStar applicances.

There are always more things that can be done beyond these such as:

Rearrange furniture to be away from outdoor walls
Cut your showers in half saving almost 33% in the bill
If you have a fireplace keep it shut when not in use and when you do use it close off outer rooms to keep the heat centralized where you are
Only use the dishwasher and clothes washer when full loads, wash clothes in cold water when possible!

There are plenty more tips to help you out this winter on the above website.

Does anyone have any more ideas for heat and money saving tips for the winter?

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This Week in Omaha

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:10:10 -0800

Want to get out of the house and enjoy the Holiday Spirit? Family left and need something to do? Want to make a new tradition with the family this Thanksgiving?

Then head down to the Old Market and enjoy the Holiday Lights festival!

http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org/lightingceremony.html

The CenturyLink Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony starts at 6 pm this Thursday (Thanksgiving Night) and concludes with the free Mutual of Omaha Making Spirits Bright Concert at 7pm.

Also that night many businesses will be open for some early holiday shopping, making it easier to sleep through the night!

http://www.villagepointeshopping.com/directory/shop-dine-be-entertained/holiday-lighting-ceremony/

Then on Friday Night (if you slept at all the previous night) you can head out to Village Pointe and see their Holiday Lighting Ceremony that includes a parade, caroling, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, free horse and carriage rides, and free hot cider and cookies!

There's plenty to do in Omaha this Holiday Week and Weekend. So brave the weather now before it gets too cold!

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Home with Garage options and new Lower Price!!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:52:29 -0700

If you are looking for a home that has the best of the city and the best of open space look no further than 18924 Grant St Elkhorn NE!!!

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68022/Elkhorn/18924_Grant_Street

18924 Grant has so many options available for you and the price just dropped to only $114,995!!!

A 4 Bedroom Home for that price? Unbelievable! But yes it is true! This home has a Great Backyard and is move-in Ready!

If you are a big outdoorsman (or woman) the Bonus Driveway is Perfect for Boat or RV *OR* the Sellers will add a 2nd Garage for only $10K!

So Bring Us Your Offer! It is Priced $1000's Below what Sellers Paid PLUS the Newly Finished Basement with bathroom & the 4th bedroom, there's New Central Air, a New Roof (perfect for those Nebraska Summer Storms), and New XL Gutters & there are so many More Updates in Big Remodeled Eat-In Kitchen; Plus the Updated Bathrooms; Also for those that like to enjoy the outdoors away from the city there is a Large Deck & a Fantastic Level, Fully Fenced Yard with Storage Shed, Dog Run & Garden Area; Don't forget you are in the Excellent Elkhorn School System and the commute to Omaha is simple as you are located Just off Dodge Freeway (but far enough way not to hear it ;))!!!

So don't forget only $114,995 4 Bedrooms, Large Yard, Extra parking spot or new garage, and Great Neighborhood and Schools!

Call or Text Gena Schriver TODAY at 402.320.HOME(4663) to take a look at this wonderful home!

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Beautiful Home Only 1 Owner Open This Weekend

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:43:08 -0700

OPEN SUNDAY 130-330

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68022/Elkhorn/1319_N_208_Street

Take a look at this Exceptional West-Facing Walk-Out Ranch that Backs To Trees & a Common Area!It is Loaded With Upgrades!

With Soaring Vaulted Ceilings In the Great Room & Kitchen and tons of Cabinets (42 Maple ones) , a Corner Glass Cabinet to show off your China, add an Appliance Garage, and a Pantry with Stainless Steel Appliances makes for an amazing kitchen!

A Large Deck & a New Paver Patio straight off the walk out basement;Plus a New Sprinkler System & Extensive Lush Landscaping Makes for Tons of Outdoor Living Space!

The Master Bedroom is perfect with a Full Master Bath & a Long Walk-In Closet! Don't forget there are 2 other spacious bedrooms and another full bath!

What else could this home have? How about an Enormous Walk-Out Basement with a Rough-In Bath that is Ready To Finish! Tons of space down there for a game room, more living space, or possibly a workout room!

Finally there is a Covered Front Porch; 50 Gal H2o, Sump Pump, Plus the details of White Painted Trim & 6-Panel Doors & so much More!

Don't Forget This Sunday 130-330 OPEN HOUSE!!!

Come Check out 1319 N 208th St Elkhorn NE

For Sale for only $155,000

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OPEN SUNDAY!!!

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:27:05 -0700

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3!!!

Every wanted the opportunity to live in the big city but without the big city hassle? Then WELCOME HOME!!!

This wonderful home is Remodeled & Move-In Ready! It is a Spacious 4Br, with a Great Backyard & Double-Driveway Perfect For Boat Or Rv! **Or Sellers Will Add 2nd Garage For Only $10K**

This Home is Already Priced Below What Sellers Paid And the Sellers Finished Basement, Added a New Central Air, Roof & XL Gutters & Much More!

This home offers so much! There is a Spacious Remodeled Eat-In Kitchen & Updated Bathrooms, Also Entertain On the XL Deck & Enjoy the Fantastic Level and Fenced Backyard that comes with a Storage Shed, Dog Run & Garden Area!

Don't Forget: Large Bedrooms; Excellent Elkhorn Schools, and Easy Access To the Dodge Freeway!

Open this Sunday

18924 Grant St Elkhorn NE just off of 192nd and Dodge!

Only $118,820 (a steal!)

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68022/Elkhorn/18924_Grant_Street

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Another Great Opportunity to look at a House this Sunday!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:59:52 -0700

Check out this house in Elkhorn NE just off of Dodge (Hwy 6) http://www.prudentialambassador.com/Property/NE/68022/Elkhorn/18924_Grant_Street

It is OPEN THIS SUNDAY from 2-4!

Remodeled & Ready for You Now!

This home boasts a Spacious 4BRs, has a Great Backyard for kids, gardening, or just enjoying the outdoors & a Double-Driveway this is Perfect for storing Your Boat or RV for a quick weekend retreat!

*It is Priced Below what Sellers Paid Plus the Sellers have Finished the Basement & Added New Central Air, Roof & XL Gutters! What could be better?

Huge, Beautiful Remodeled Eat-In Kitchen that sits right off an XL deck, perfect for entertaining!

There are Updated Bathrooms throughout; Patio Doors Open to XL Deck & Fantastic Level, Fenced Backyard!

The backyard includes a Storage Shed, Dog Run, & Garden Area; There are 4 Generous-Sized Bedrooms; and you are in the Excellent Elkhorn School system, PLUS there is Easy Access to the Dodge Freeway; Overall this is a Great location and Buy!

$118,820

18924 Grant St Elkhorn NE

It is OPEN THIS SUNDAY from 2-4 stop by and take a look at this Entertainment house in Elkhorn!

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Exciting Homes to View this Weekend!

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:01:52 -0700

I have two exciting open houses this weekend!

The first is a Gorgeous, Upgraded Condo in the Heart of Downtown Omaha!

The condo comes with stunning Brazilian Hardwood Floors, Granite Counters, Cherry Cabinets & ALL SS Appliances Stay! Bonus its a Corner Unit, which means More Natural Light, Fewer shared walls & 6 Xrta Large windows for more breathtaking views of Omaha! Spacious 10+ft ceilings and Extra Large Closets!

The building has been approved for a NEW Rooftop Deck! This building also offers On-site Manager,Exercise Room, Library w/Free WiFi; Plus the seller is offering 6 months of free parking!

You don't want to miss out on this deal! Only $100,000!!!!

Open House this Sunday 1:30-3:30pm

300 S 16th St #803 Omaha, NE 68102

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68102/Omaha/300_S_16_St_803_803

Also open this Sunday from 2:00-4:00p a Spacious and Open House in Mockingbird!

This beautiful open and spacious home is situated in an established neighborhood with easy access to shopping and the interstate! Corner Lot with a huge fenced in backyard! Covered Porch allows for privacy and open to kitchen for entertaining!

This home has a private master bath and walk-in closet, formal dining and living room and an extra large Rec room in the basement! Fourth bedroom is non-conforming. Walking distance to Blumfield elementary and the community center.

Great Price! $135,000

10230 M St. Omaha NE 68127

Don't forget to check this one out Sunday from 2-4pm!

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver/Property/NE/68127/Omaha/10230_M_Street

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NEW, IMPROVED WEBSITE! =-)

Thu, 26 May 2011 17:14:46 -0700

Excellent News!

Thank you, Vince, and CONGRATULATIONS Prudential Ambassador on our new & DRAMATICALLY improved website!

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver

I am thrilled to see the company take this much needed leap forward in making our company website more user and agent friendly! The power and importance of on-line accessibility, ease of use and our presence is undeniable, and statistics continue to show the growing numbers of clients that research homes, companies and Realtors via the internet long before ever contacting someone in person about their desire to buy and/or sell a home.

I am so happy to see Prudential Ambassador take this enormous step toward helping ALL agents in this company rise above the masses, allowing us this important opportunity to customize our page for our business and clients, and ultimately offer better service to our clients! This is exactly the kind of support I hoped to see and experience with my move to Prudential Ambassador, and it is hands-down the best investment I have personally experienced since joining the Prudential family.

THANK YOU! =^)

I look forward to continuing to see us move in this direction with the best opportunities and resources to ensure we each have every opportunity to serve our clients with "Service You Can Brag About!"

http://www.prudentialambassador.com/gena.schriver

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NEW LISTING ~ OPEN SUN 1:30-3:30

Sat, 14 May 2011 19:00:05 -0700

NEW LISTING

Your opportunity to own beautiful, spacious home on over 1/3 Acre in Heart of Omaha! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and loaded with energy efficient updates! Sellers super sad to leave, but moving out of state for work. See this gem Sunday from 1:30-3:30 or call/text Gena Schriver for a personal tour at 402-320-HOME (4663).

View link below for more information:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2011-N-104th-Cir_Omaha_NE_68134_M72966-32201

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Thinking about a move? How about to the happiest state in the USA?

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:29:43 -0800

A new research poll to find the happiest state in the USA, based mainly on employment, foreclosure and non-debt mortgage statistics, shows NEBRASKA leading the way! HAVEN SELLERS are proud to serve Omaha, Nebraska as a leading Realtor Team of Choice! If you, or anyone you know, are thinking about buying or selling real estate in our area, please give us a call! HAVEN SELLERS is proud to provide real estate "Service You Can Brag About!"

The research poll can be viewed by cutting & pasting the web address below in your browser:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/video?id=7266970

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OMAHA ~ one of the top start-up hubs from around the world!

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:48:50 -0800

Omaha is gaining attention from around the world! If you are thinking about buying or selling or relocating to Omaha, call HAVEN SELLERS today! We

When most people think of startup hubs, a few common places come to mind. Even the average non-tech enthusiast knows that Silicon Valley and New York City are startup hubs thanks to stories about Google and movies like The Social Network. And while these places are certainly at the heart of technology, plenty of new startup hubs are blossoming around the world.

1. Delhi, India

India is rapidly emerging as a major world startup hub. In a January 2011 article on five red-hot Indian tech startups, Memeburn notes that India has an advantage over China (another up-and-coming startup hub) in its relatively free, open economy. Additionally, “its high percentage of English speakers and its highly educated new caste of IT whiz kids” make India the “perfect breeding ground” for game-changing technology entrepreneurs.

2. Omaha, Nebraska

Few would list Nebraska as a startup hub, given that even the state’s airports sell t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “We Got Nothin.” Yet in recent years, Omaha has become a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity. In fact, the city played host to two large events in the startup community. Each May, more than 500 entrepreneurs and investors gather in Omaha for Big Omaha, a two-day event featuring prominent entrepreneurs who have set awesome examples on both a national and even international scale. Startup Weekend also takes place in Omaha with the goal of, as NebraskaEntrepreneur.com explains, successfully launching a brand new business in 54 hours.

3. Shanghai, China

It tends to get downplayed here in America, but China has already made substantial contributions to the tech world. In Asia, Baidu is actually a more popular and widespread search engine than Google, and Tudou.com is China’s rough equivalent to YouTube. China’s only weakness as a startup hub, as Tudou co-founder Marc van der Chijs told TheNextWeb, may be that its companies are “too focused on the Chinese market.” While American startups often try to spread their products around the globe, many Chinese startups are content to corner the local markets alone.

4. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City has slowly but surely begun developing a startup-friendly business climate. Per ReadWriteWeb: “Though the city is often passed over for Silicon Valley and New York in terms of startup cultures, Chicago has a expanding repertoire of companies, entrepreneurs, investors and organizations helping put the city on the startup map.” Like Ohama, Chicago also hosted its own Startup Weekend in 2010 thanks to sponsors like ShareASale, Flyover Geeks and the Illinois Technology Association. Among the startup participants were Shave-O-Matic (a subscription service for razors and blades) NomSum.com (a localized search engines for restaurants) and Intourage (an application for organizing group activities.)

5. Toronto, Canada

Although not historically known as a nexus of entrepreneurship, Toronto has come onto the scene as a fast-moving startup city. As the Toronto page of AreaStartups.com explains, the city now possesses a “vibrant and quickly growing startup ecosystem” comprised of nearly 400 companies. Well-known local startups include NetShelter Technology Media, Casale Media and Macrae’s Blue Book. BlogTo lists 10 of the top Toronto startups of 2009 – many of which are still thriving today.

6. Dallas, Texas

Among states, Texas has fared better during the recession than almost any other. Could part of this be due to the area’s slowly blossoming startup culture? Perhaps. Dallas, in particular, is beginning to attract attention from entrepreneurs and investors (both angels and VC.) One especially prominent force for startups in Dallas is Tech Wildcatters, a “mentorship-driven microseed fund and startup accelerator” that runs as a 12 week “bootcamp” every fall and spring.

7. London, England

Sometimes the best way for a city to become a startup hub is by creating ties to an existing one. That appears to be the approach London is taking. In a December 2010 article, TheNextWeb notes that a number of UK startups have forged the “London to NYC” initiative “aimed at promoting trade and investment between the two cities.” The visit received NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg’s blessing and was hailed as a major step forward for London’s growing startup culture.

8. Boulder, Colorado

In April 2010, BusinessWeek boldly stated that Boulder, Colorado was America’s best town for startups and the “top U.S. destination for new tech companies.” The city is now said to have the highest concentration of software engineers per capita in the country, and outranks everywhere but Silicon Valley in percentage of tech workers. Best of all, the startup culture was created not by government mandate, but by a “bottom-up revolution led by entrepreneurs.”

9. Vienna, Austria

Like other cities discussed today, Vienna, Austria was the site of a Startup Weekend event in 2010. At these events, programmers, businesspeople, graphic designers and marketers meet for an intense 54 hour session of pure creation. Unlike typical conferences, which feature lengthy lectures and presentations, participants at Startup Weekend are solely focused on building the ideas out and running with them.

10. Brooklyn, New York

Who says every New York startup has to work in Manhattan? According to BusinessInsider, Brooklyn ranks directly behind Manhattan as the borough with the most startup activity (including two from 2010′s 25 Hot New York Startups You Need To Watch list.) Recently, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian announced that he was moving to Brooklyn specifically to find and fund early stage startups in the area.

http://grasshoppergroup.com/10-up-and-coming-startup-hubs-from-around-the-world/

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OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 ~ Builder's Home, Awesome 4BR, 3BA, 3+CAR Ranch

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:59:40 -0800

Please join us this Sunday from 2pm-4pm at 426 S 198th Street! Builder's own home with rich, masculine finishes! Entertain in style & comfort with stunning and extra spacious finished basement, full huge wet bar, stone media centers up and down, luxury guest suite, granite & custom tile work in all 3 bathrooms, kitchen opens to great room and boasts huge granite center island, maple hardwood floors, gas stove and walk-in pantry. Extra large, covered and custom-stamped patio with built-in fire pit expands across the back of this beautiful 4BR, 3BA, 3+Car Ranch. Situated in on a large corner lot in popular Pacific Woods with easy access to Dodge Freeway, new Elkhorn schools and conveniences. http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/426-South-198-Street_Omaha_NE_68022_M78440-42206

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Stunning Ranch! New Builder & Loads of Upgrades

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:17:22 -0700

Entertain in style & comfort!

426 S 198th Street, Pacific Woods, Elkhorn Schools, $300K

Quality, Energy Efficient Ranch, 4BR,3BA,Oversizd 3-Car.

Open floor plan, rich masculine finishes.

LOTS of extras!

Granite & Tile thru-out kit & baths! Huge kit island, walk-in pantry, Gas stove, maple hardwood flrs,Walk-in showers, whirlpool tub; Stunning Stone Media Centers up&down; Impressive basement w/4th BR, luxury bath, Full bar(2B completed), Russ Sound System, Covered Stamped XL Patio, built-in firepit, Extensive Landscaping; Corner Lot, Sprinklers & more!

For more information, please contact HAVEN SELLERS!

Gena Schriver, 402-320-HOME (4663), Gena@HavenSellers.com

Lois Johnson, 402-305-7000, Lois@HavenSellers.com

Rich Johnson, 402-319-8465, Rich@HavenSellers.com

Jan McDonald, 402-968-9350, Jan@HavenSellers.com

http://www.paomaha.com/property-details.html?mls_number=21019849&prop_type=RES&mls=GRPL&no_images=

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