The PERFECT way to start your summer: A Beautiful Lake House!

What Can You Expect from the Omaha Real Estate Market in 2014?

What Can You Expect from the Omaha Real Estate Market in 2014?

People have been frequently asking me about what the market will do in 2014. We are off to a strong start! Inventory is still very low making now a great time to list your home. If you are thinking about selling, do it as soon as possible! There are a lot of buyers out there and rates are projected to rise as we move towards spring time. With inventory and rates low, you have a much better chance of selling now.

As spring comes, more homes will come on the market and interest will rise. However, more buyers will come as well! I believe 2014 will be fantastic. If you’re a motivated seller, price your home according to comparable homes and work with a great agent that will help you with this, you will have no problem selling your home! The Omaha market is always a great market.

If you know of anyone who is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, give us a call! We would be more than happy to help. Thanks and have a great day.

We Thought it Was Time for a Change!

We Thought it Was Time for a Change!

We are so excited for 2014 and all the opportunities that lie ahead for our team. First and foremost, we will be re-branding. Team Elliott has served us well for many years; but from now on, we will be calling ourselves Elliott Co. As we begin to get involved with other ventures inside the real estate industry, along with our philanthropy, we felt a new brand was appropriate.

Be on the lookout for Elliott Co. Also, be sure to tell us what you think and stop by to say hello; we’re always home! If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks and have a great day!

Happy Holidays from Team E!

In case you missed it, we have officially become a part of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate. More importantly, I wanted to wish you a very happy holiday season and to personally thank you for all of your referrals and support throughout 2013. As a reminder, it’s still a great time to buy and sell real estate. So if you know anybody who is looking to buy or sell, be sure to reach out to me.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day and have a wonderful holiday season!!

Is Now the Time to List Your Home?

Is Now the Time to List Your Home?

Today I am here with Gina Elliot to speak about the seriousness of our low inventory and the amount of buyers and investors looking to purchase homes. Many people are serious about buying with the low interest rates and uncertainty of how long they will stay down but with the low inventory, they’re just waiting for things to come around.

Another question we get this time of year is whether or not people should wait until spring to enter the market. With the low inventory and interest rates, now is a great time to be selling your home. It is important to have your home in great condition and priced correctly as well. If you’re motivated, now is the time to sell!

If you have any questions, call us, text us or send us an email. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Should You Wait to List Your Home?

Should You Wait to List Your Home?

Today, Jeremy Wilhelm from Private Mortgage Group has joined me to answer some questions about the current state of the mortgage business. “This is the perfect time to talk about selling your house and what’s going on in the mortgage market,” Jeremy said. “We’re seeing a huge rally in regards to interest rates dropping. Possibly in the next two days we may see a quarter percent drop in interest rates, which is huge,” he continued.

The issue is getting the word out to sellers, because everything we are listing right now sells very fast due to the lack of inventory. Sellers who wish to wait until spring are missing out on a fantastic time to sell. “Not only is the market poised for interest rates but 4.5% on 30 year money is excellent right now,” Jeremy stated.

Jeremy also explained that if a buyer wants to move up price ranges but waits until spring, they could lose up to $40,000 in interest over the 30 year period.

If you have any questions, please call email or text us and we will also provide Jeremy’s information. Thanks and have a great day!

Visiting "I Think Fit" Gym - With Heath Murray

With fall approaching, I wanted to talk about how important health and fitness is. For the last two and a half years, I have been working with Heath Murray, owner of I Think Fit Gym. Heath helped me devise a workout plan to burn fat and increase muscle definition that consisted of three day sessions targeting specific muscle groups and having me do three days of cardio on my own. Working together, I have lost 16 lbs. of body fat, 4 lbs. gained in muscle mass and which coincides with a 10% total loss in body fat.

“Kudos to her, I think she’s done a real good job and I think she feels a lot better about herself,” Heath said. This is true and not only do I feel better about myself, my overall health is better, too. My immune system is built up and I am not getting sick as much, I’m sleeping better and the fact that I have much more energy is so important. If you have any health or fitness goals, I strongly suggest working with a trainer.

When I tell people about what I did, people are shocked about the financial commitment. Heath put it into perspective by telling me that we don’t think about how much we spend on a car payment and a house payment, but to invest in ourselves and our well-being, it’s something special.

“We have to overcome a lot of [that] in the profession because most people don’t see the value in the service when comparing to other gym memberships like 24 Hour Fitness where you pay $20 a month,” Heath explained. “But what we’re going to do is we will bring someone in, hold them accountable, put them on a calorie and goal specific plan and get them going in the direction they want.

There is a bit of a financial commitment, but doing so keeps people showing up,” Heath said. Heath helped me realize how important it was to invest in myself and really get the “wow” factor in my aesthetics.

 “Those are things you just can’t put a price tag on.”

For me, the accountability is huge. I like being on a schedule and it gets me up in the morning. The feeling that I accomplished something early on in the day is really great. Heath gave some pointers for people going in to a fitness program, “Have a goal in mind, see the trainer’s credentials, make sure the atmosphere makes you feel good and most importantly make you connect with the members and that you are going into a family friendly atmosphere.”

I Think Fit also stocks a great line of fitness products called Rock Solid. So it’s a bonus to get my egg whites and protein powder, as well as any other supplements you may need in one stop. I Think Fit Gym has over 30 different camp times available which includes diet tracking, the flexibility of working with different trainers in a small group setting while keeping costs down. For people outside the Omaha Area, they can plan people’s workouts through our website.

If you have any other questions, call Heath at 402-203-8824. Thanks and have a great day!

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

From: http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/10/01/heres-how-the-government-shutdown-will-affect-housing/

By:  Morgan Brennan, Forbes Staff

The government shutdown is here. Whether it’s not being able to get a new Social Security card or visit a national park, Americans will immediately feel the effects. But there’s one bright spot of the economy that stands to be affected as well: housing.

One of the biggest questions regarding the shutdown and how it will affect housing has revolved around the mortgage market, specifically prospective buyers’ access to new home loans. After all, more than 90% of all loan activity is underwritten, insured, or owned by the government and its affiliated entities.

Initially at least, the mortgage market is likely to be only minimally impacted. New loans will continue to push through most government agency pipelines. What will change is how long the process takes, as many agencies expect to experience delays.

Mortgages purchased and securitized by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be unaffected because their operations are paid for by fees charged to lenders. And the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to guarantee mortgages for Americans that have served in the military since these loans are funded by user fees as well.

But if the government shutdown of 1995-1996 is any indicator, the process will take longer than usual. “Loan Guaranty certificates of eligibility and certificates of reasonable value were delayed,” the VA warned in its September 25th contingency plan.

Where there has been mounting concern is the Federal Housing Administration, which currently endorses about 15% of the entire single-family mortgage market. Several media outlets recently reported that the FHA would be unable to endorse any single-family loans and that no staff would be available underwrite and approve new loans.

That prospect would be somewhat worrisome – if it were actually true. The FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing will indeed remain open for business, albeit with a smaller staff. “FHA will be able to endorse single family loans during the shutdown. A limited number of FHA staff will be available to underwrite and approve new loans,” the report now states. In other words, other lenders’ loans will continue to be insured and some in-house lending will continue to take place at a reduced rate.

The reason for that mix-up: the initial draft of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s contingency plan mistakenly stated that single-family loan operations would cease. The report was amended over the weekend.

The FHA’s single-family loan operations are funded through multi-year appropriations, meaning their budget is not tied to the government’s standoff over funding for the new fiscal year that starts in October. On the other hand, what will be more affected is the agency’s Multifamily Housing Office, which is funded through yearly appropriations.

“Because we are able to endorse loans, we don’t expect the impact on the housing market to be significant, as long as the shutdown is brief,” continues the HUD report. “If the shutdown lasts and our commitment authority runs out, we do expect that potential homeowners will be impacted, as well as home sellers and the entire housing market.”

One government lender that will indeed suspend its home loan activity, however, is the Department of Agriculture. The USDA says that no new housing loans or guarantees will be issued through its Rural Development programs in a shutdown. The department also warns that such a scenario could cause “a setback in construction start-up,” and if the shutdown lasts for an extended period, “a substantial reduction in housing available in rural areas relative to population.”

“The government doesn’t generally approve loans, they basically just insure them,” says Don Frommeyer, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and a vice president at Amtrust Mortgage Funding. “For the most part you aren’t going to see much of a hit in the mortgage market unless it goes for a long period of time.”

If it does stretch on, he adds, the worry will be what mortgage rates do in a market shrouded in fiscal uncertainty and how that will affect the home buying, especially in light of recent rate spikes.

Home lending aside, many economists and real estate experts are keeping a close watch on how Americans will react to this shutdown. “Administratively everything should keep moving along, but it’s more about the confidence of consumers and whether they perceive that the government shutdown could lead to a recession,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.

Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi recently told the Senate Budget Committee that a partial shutdown could shave as much as 1.4 percentage points off of fourth quarter economic growth if it drags on for several weeks.

Americans’ confidence in their ability to buy and sell homes hit a record high in May, according to a Fannie Mae survey. Since then, as mortgage rates jumped more than a percentage point, that confidence level has plateaued.  If prospective homebuyers fear that the country’s economic recovery will stall, or worse slip back into recession, they will pull back on purchases, worries Yun.

“Home sales is always the first housing variable that changes so one would see sales declining and that would naturally lead to more inventory on the market and eventually put pressure on prices,” he says. But that would be a worst-case scenario based on a long-term shutdown.

Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia TRLA +6.43%, notes that if the shutdown lasts longer than a few days, the first places to feel the impact will be local economies with large concentrations of federal government workers. Metro areas like Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Md., where 19% and 13% respectively of total local wages go to federal employees, would be the feel the negative effects of unpaid furloughs and with them, tightened consumer spending and weakening local economic growth. Though not all will be equally affected, other metro areas like Virginia Beach, Va., Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dayton, Ohio are areas that Kolko is keeping an eye on: “Whether there is a big effect depends on how long the shutdown lasts, how long people think the shutdown lasts, and whether people get back-pay. All those things matter for the impact.”

Still others are worrying even more about the next fiscal standoff, in  mid-October, surrounding the debt ceiling debate and its accompanying threat of debt default by the U.S.  ”With the threat of an impending partial government shutdown and yet another battle over the nation’s debt ceiling, in particular, we are really messing with fire right now—even if it doesn’t seem to bother some legislators,” says Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow.

“But the effects of a government default associated with the impending debt-ceiling deadline would be more pronounced because of its greater impact on domestic and international markets. This will rattle consumers and investors alike, slow down the overall economic recovery and further slow the housing recovery, which is already undergoing a moderation in the pace of home value gains due to rising mortgage rates,” he warns.

Upping the 'wow' factor: Luxury cars and more used to market older mansions

By Cindy Gonzalez / World-Herald staff writer

From: http://www.omaha.com/article/20130920/MONEY/130929958/1697#upping-the-wow-factor-luxury-cars-and-more-used-to-market-older-mansions

Sales of Omaha-area homes priced over $1 million have bounced back since the housing slowdown, but that doesn't mean real estate agents don't still go the distance to lure in the Daddy Warbucks types.

A creative touch is especially helpful, perhaps a must, when it comes to marketing older mansions that today compete with a growing swarm of brand new suburban subdivisions where consumers can build their dream home from scratch.

Ask Teresa Elliott, who staged an open house this week at a 1935-era Fairacres home listed for $2.39 million. In addition to catered wine and cheese, she partnered with a luxury auto dealership that brought new Jaguar and BMW models as a sneak peek bonus to those attending the event — an exclusive, invitation-only experience.

While Markel Automotive Group typically lines up luxury car shows for charity events, Vice President Tony Caputo said this was the first at an open house.

Said Elliott: “It's exposure. It's promotion. It's not just come and see the house — see the cars. It makes it a little more interesting.”

Both Markel and Team Elliott of Prudential Ambassador Real Estate invited loyal customers and business associates to 506 N. Elmwood Road. Their thought was that even if attending guests didn't leave with a home contract or a Jag, they would spread the word about the elite home and vehicles to their circles.

The target marketing strategy comes as building permits for single-family homes in largely suburban areas of Douglas and Sarpy Counties are up about 32 percent in the first eight months of this year compared with the same period last year.

While in an exclusive and popular neighborhood, the gated Fairacres home — with six bedrooms, seven fireplaces, a five-car garage, a saltwater pool and an outdoor kitchen — competes with buildable lots being carved out in newer west Omaha and Sarpy County neighborhoods, Elliott said.

The good news for sellers of luxury homes is that sales activity has rebounded in the $1 million and higher category.

So far this year, 17 homes in that range have either sold or are in the process, a count that already matches the year-end counts of each of the past two years, according to the Omaha Area Board of Realtors. There were eight closed sales in that price range in 2010.

(Realtors say the OABR statistics, which are based on the Multiple Listings Service transactions, don't include every newly constructed home sale.)

To be sure, the 48 Omaha area for-sale homes priced at $1 million or more are just a tiny slice (about 1 percent) of all homes on the market today.

Realtors say that regardless of the range, appropriate pricing and move-in condition are factors that most quickly push homes into the sold category.

Andrea Cavanaugh of NP Dodge Real Estate for years sold only newly constructed residences, so she understands the attraction buyers have to cleanliness, neutral coloring and the overall “wow factor.”

“Buyers fall in love with the models,” she said. “It gives them the idea of how they could live and how we all want to live in a clutter-free, organized environment.”

Cavanaugh now transfers that wow factor to previously lived-in homes she lists, typically staging them with decorative accessories and mirrors. Decluttering. Taking down personal photos or mementos that can distract.

She recalled one Husker fan being turned off by a house decorated in Hawkeye gear.

Still, Cavanaugh and others said, a unique open house — much like curb appeal — can help draw in agents and potential buyers.

Signage and balloons are among more common lures. But local Realtors have pulled in fellow agents with prize drawings and delicacy foods. And industry publications talk about offering carwashes, pool parties or even a tailgate hot dog handout during football season.

Jen Alloway of Omaha's Deeb Realty once brought a live band to go with appetizers and cocktails served around a pool at a high-end home she was selling.

Elliott said she's hosted open houses around jewelry parties and business meetings. That way, she doesn't wait only for clients who have seen the home marketed through the traditional Multiple Listings Service or online real estate sites.

Chris and Cindy Maher (he's president and CEO of Premier Bank) were among invited guests at the Fairacres open house. “It's good to get out and see these kinds of things to see what the market is,” Chris said.

Tracy Clevenger, who came with husband Todd, an executive vice president at Premier Bank, appreciated the peek at the luxury cars without having to listen to a sales pitch.

Caputo figured that those who could afford the nearly 7,000-square-foot home, which was expanded in 2005, could afford to buy an elite Jaguar XJL or BMW M6 Coupe, each of which sells for around $100,000. The Land Rover LR4, a little cheaper, is more of a family vehicle.

“Demographically, it fit,” Caputo said. “It's also different and fun.”

Our Recipe for Success When Selling a Home

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to my video blog.

Today, I am at 5011 S. 239 St., a beautiful home in the Hamptons. This four bedroom, six bathroom home is nestled into a 100 year old oak forest. The almost new home has a walk though pantry, an open floor plan and almost everything else you can think of!

Today, I wanted to talk about the perfect recipe to sell your home. Don’t tell anyone, though! It’s our secret!

The first ingredient is choosing the proper price. Together, the sellers and I determine a price we are both satisfied with.

Then we bring in a professional stager to help arrange the home and make it appealing to a wide range of potential buyers.

Once the home is in good condition, a professional photographer comes in to take beautiful pictures to showcase your home.

Those pictures are then put on the MLS. Did you know most buyers start their search online? That’s why professional photographs that compliment your home are crucial! They are the first impression your home makes on a potential buyer.

If you would like to see this beautiful Hamptons home click here (NEED LINK TO HOME)!

Thank you for watching and as always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me at 402.445.4899

Vote for Team E in The Best of Omaha!

Today is September 6th.

You only have roughly three weeks left to vote. 

Vote for Team E! Thank you!

The Cox Classic Presented by Lexus of Omaha

The Cox Classic Presented by Lexus of Omaha

The Cox Classic started in 1996 and has been a summer fun tradition in Omaha ever since. The tournament starts this Thursday bright and early at 7:15a.m.

To say thank you for all your support and business, we invite you to come have some fun at our tent on the 18^th green! Just give us a call at 402.445.4899 so we can reserve you an All-Day Pass! Our tent number is 23!

Can’t make it during the day? Don’t worry there’s plenty of time to enjoy the Michelob Ultra 19^th Hole! Every night there will live entertainment, drinks and dancing. Don’t miss out!

More information about Residential Revival will be coming soon! Be sure to check out our blog for updates!

“What’s Going On with the Market?” – July 2013

Hi, everyone! People always ask me, ‘what’s going on in the market?’

Well, as we know, the interest rates climbed a bit earlier this summer. This caused some chaos in our market with buyers scrambling to purchase homes before rates increased more. Things have calmed down, though.

We are still seeing an all-time record low inventory. There are a total of 3,918 active listings in the Omaha area and 2,300 pending sales! There are buyers out there looking for homes. So, if you know someone who is thinking about selling now or in the near future, give us a call. Our team will get your home sold, not only quickly but at the price you want!

In July of this year, the average days on market in Omaha for MLS was 58 days; Team Elliot’s average was only 44 days! Not only do we sell quickly, though, but at a great price. Our sales vs. list price ratio is 98%, while MLS’s is 97%.

Despite low inventories, I will emphasize that sellers still need to have their home in good condition that is priced competitively. The market is great; now is the perfect time to sell. Give us a call so we can start on your next real estate move!

Where To See The Best Fireworks in Omaha!

	HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY Team Elliott wishes you and your loved ones a very "Happy 4th of July".  Check out our video greeting (& firecrackers!): What's Happening in Omaha: July 3rd: Home Run Derby & World-Herald Fireworks Tickets are on sale for the 7:30 p.m. July 3 event. Available at CenturyLink Center Omaha box office, Ticketmaster by phone and online. Tickets cost $8 youth (ages 3-12), $12 adults and $35 for a four-pack. July 3rd & 4th: Ralston Community Celebration and Picnic: Community celebration with picnic on the park July 3rd (80h St. & Park Drive). Parade and fireworks 9:30pm on July 4th outside of the Ralston arena.  July 4th: Free Fireworks show in Blair, Nebraska Fireworks show at 10pm at the South Creek Conference center (formerly Blair Bowling Center) July 4th: Free Fireworks at Boys Town Campus  Fireworks show at 10pm on the Boys Town campus. Rain date is Saturday. July 4th: Free Fireworks at Field Club of Omaha Fireworks show at dusk. They will be staged on the golf course near the 10th hole. Address is 3615 Woolworth Ave. July 4th:  Annual July 4 UNO Carillon Concert This year's annual July 4 carillon concert on the University of Nebraska at Omaha Henningson Memorial Campanile will be presented by Brent Shaw. The bell tower was built in 1988. Free. Have a great Independence day!

Video Highlights of Aksarben Village Entertainment

Aksarben Village at 67th and Center is a hub of Entertainment, Events, Shopping, and Great Dining. There are so many great places in Aksarben that you can enjoy for a date night, family time, stress relief or a quick dessert!

 In this episode of our Video Series, we interviewed 3 of thriving businesses including Aksarben Cinema, Village Canvas and Cabernet and Liv Lounge, about their services and what to expect this summer through their special events:

Click here to see a map & complete listing of shopping, entertainment, food and events At Aksarben Village

FEATURED LISTING VIDEO: "Sweet Tomorrow Farms" 

23205 West Q Road

AMAZING PROPERTY! Sweet Tomorrow Farms! Equestrian retreat offering 20 acres w/Pond. Embrace serenity at this home & all it has to offer! 4Bd, 5Ba, 3 frplc, 3 car garage, Inground 20x40 pool. Over 6,900 SF+ of living space including a theatre rm, ofc, & full kit on lower level. NUMEROUS out bldgs. 36 heated, matted stalls.Heated wash 2 groom bays. 2 Indoor arena's & 1 Indoor w/spectator seating. 30x60 motor home heated garage.Embrace country living, while only 10-15 mins away from stores.

Thanks a million!

Teresa Elliott

Prudential Ambassador - Team Elliott
www.teameomaha.com
402.690.1573 (call anytime, it's my cell)
teresa@teamelliott.net

Golf Tips From a Pro & Gift Ideas For Dad

Happy Father's Day! Father's day is quickly approaching. Have you found the perfect gift? We did some brain storming ourselves and came up with a unique and fun idea, what about personal golf lessons for dad?  We asked a local Pro Golf Trainer for his tricks and tips on the greens. Impress dad with these pointers in case you decide to tee off together for Father's Day:  Check with your local Golf Club and see if they offer personal, family, or group lessons. It's a great way to relax,  spend time together as a family! OTHER FATHER DAY GIFT IDEAS: TECH NOW: 10 Hot Tech Gifts for Every Kind of Dad FEATURED LISTING VIDEO: "Sweet Tomorrow Farms"  23205 West Q Road AMAZING PROPERTY! Sweet Tomorrow Farms! Equestrian retreat offering 20 acres w/Pond. Embrace serenity at this home & all it has to offer! 4Bd, 5Ba, 3 frplc, 3 car garage, Inground 20x40 pool. Over 6,900 SF+ of living space including a theatre rm, ofc, & full kit on lower level. NUMEROUS out bldgs. 36 heated, matted stalls.Heated wash 2 groom bays. 2 Indoor arena's & 1 Indoor w/spectator seating. 30x60 motor home heated garage.Embrace country living, while only 10-15 mins away from stores. Thanks a million! Teresa Elliott Prudential Ambassador - Team Elliott www.teameomaha.com 402.690.1573 (call anytime, it's my cell) teresa@teamelliott.net