Spruce Up Your Basement With a Remodel For a Lasting and Positive Effect – in More Ways Than One

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The opportunity that exists in basements is huge – and it’s simply a matter of availing it to the fullest. Many property owners neglect to realize the hidden potential in all that extra space which can offer a whole host of added benefits. Whether you have a teenager who could benefit from his own space, would like a recreation/bar area for entertaining, or if you regularly have guests and want to offer a private living space for them – there are myriad reasons to remodel a basement. A quality remodeling project will address five areas so that you are left with a usable, livable and comfortable space in your basement.

Floors

One of the most noticeable differences in any space, especially basements, is flooring. Most basements have unfinished flooring, so even if you were to install a less expensive industrial-grade carpet it would be an improvement. However, in the spirit of being economical and utilizing all resources, homeowners often upgrade to higher quality carpet or rugs to soften the seemingly harsh or rough basement finish. Wood floors are usually not recommended, since there is a potential for flooding or water leakage from heating/cooling systems. However there are several options that are practical and without compromise on quality. Tiling, linoleum or carpeting are the popular choices these days. Keeping in mind your end use, choose wisely. For families with small children, a solid Berber carpet works very well, whereas empty nesters can get away with tile.

Walls

Like the floors, basements walls are also usually unfinished. Though for several years paneling received considerable slack for being “too seventies”, there has been a recent revival but with an updated style. Instead of the standard plywood paneling we’ve seen in many finished basements in homes built in the 70s and 80s, now there is an influx of walls covered with drywall, architectural panels and even synthetic siding. If budget is a concern, you can get creative with simple tension rods and simple curtain panels, strings of beads or other hanging wall/window coverings.

Bathroom

The inclusion of a bathroom in a basement is a must. Many homeowners who have some experience in Do-It-Yourself projects attempt to do this portion of the basement on their own. If managed properly the workings of a bathroom building/remodeling project, very closely monitored by you, can result in a beautiful addition to the space. Not only will adding a bathroom to your basement significantly increase the value of your home, it will also add a tremendous about of comfort and convenient. Depending on the end purpose plus how the rest of the basement is finished – choose fixtures and other permanent bathroom elements accordingly.

Finish

A lot of basements are used as an extra entertaining space, particularly if you are avid entertainers and enjoy having groups of people over for recreation. Some popular choices are to set up a bar or game room, secondary lounge and relaxation space, an activity space for kids or a library/study or work area as a home office. With just a few finishing touches like putting up wall hangings, decorating with a cohesive style or including some essential furniture items, you will complete the space. For game rooms, installing appropriate elements such as a cork wall for darts or a table tennis area and a wet bar space preferably located near a plumbing set-up are also finishing touches that will perfect the rooms.

Storage

There is hardly a basement that isn’t used for storage purposes – and chances are that even if you already have a finished basement there is probably a space set aside for storage. One of the most popular things to do during a remodel is to get organized – literally. By setting up proper storage systems in terms of the structural aspect, you can minimize space wastage and maximize your basement’s usage. Utilizing the space behind and under staircases, for example, is a very convenient method of using otherwise dead space. By installing simple, durable shelves you can get miles of use out of the area setting it aside for those smaller storage items like tools or garden supplies.


When a home on the market has a finished basement, the basement is usually one of the first things that generate buyers’ interest. Many prospective buyers may not have even had a finished basement in mind at first but when they see an updated, modern and usable space that increases the live-in space by as much as 30%, their interest is piqued.

No matter what your final purpose is in having your basement remodeled, it is undoubtedly a great decision and one that will reap benefits for years to come. So if you can do it, don’t hesitate!

March 2011 Omaha, NE Market Statistics

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MLS Statistics - March 2011 Month End


Residential Properties March 2011
Listings Listed: 1,938
Active Residential Listings: 5,338
Average List $ of Residential Listings Listed: $188,821
Average Days on Market: 18
Total Listings Closed: 613

Residential Properties March 2010

Listings Listed: 2,805

Active Residential Listings: 5,505

Average List $ of Residential Listings Listed: $183,489

Average Days on Market: 89

Total Listings Closed: 846

For a complete report click here. >>

Information has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change.  © 2011 Great Plains REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service, Inc.

There was a new MLS Provider effective September 2007. There may be differences in statistical computions from the previous MLS Provider.

2010 Prudential Marketing Award

We'd like to thank everyone for a great 2010 and for supporting our blog. Prudential recently recognized us with the 2010 Marketing Award and it wouldn't have been possible without all our friends, families and awesome clients. So thanks again and here are the tools we use to market homes.

Ever Wonder What Goes into a Successful Real Estate Listing?

Stick a “For Sale” sign in front of your house and it will automatically sell, right? Not exactly. Instead of relying on only one form of marketing for the home you have for sale, we use several proven ways to bring much better and quicker results than you might expect.

The 1-800 Number on the Sign

You can’t drive by one of the Elliott team’s “For Sale” signs without seeing the distinctive 1-800 number. There is a reason for that: it drives sales to your home. It’s an excellent way to tell the world that your home is for sale. We receive many calls just from this one marketing method.

Prudential Website

The Prudential name means something with consumers. It has a reputation for excellence in home sales and customer satisfaction. My Prudential affiliated website that potential homebuyers visit shows that we are a reputable real estate company. Many times that fact gets us in the door with potential customers and it allows us to show them your home.

The Team Elliott Website

When people visit our website, they can easily see we are no one man (or woman!) show. In fact, we have several agents diligently working to get your home sold.

Our website doesn’t contain a lot of fluff about how great we are at what we do. In fact, it shows where homes in the Omaha area are for sale. If you’re selling your home, it will show up on the Team Elliott website so potential buyers can see it. We give detailed information on the homes we have listed and, in some cases, we offer video tours. This gives potential buyers a glimpse into a home before they commit to a tour. This is a very valuable marketing tool.

The 4114Homes Website

A term commonly known among real estate agents is the “4114 website.” What does this somewhat generic sounding name mean? This is a powerful website that lists multiple home listings all over the US. That means if someone in Davenport, Iowa is contemplating a move to Omaha, NB they can go to the website and find your home.

These potential buyers don’t need to know anything about Team Elliott since they aren’t located in Omaha. They simply need to type in the Omaha zip code they are interested in buying in (an easy to use zip code finder is also located on the website) and the 4114 site will automatically pull up any homes for sale in that area. This is a powerful tool for getting your home noticed by many potential buyers, including those outside of Omaha.

Team Elliott Brochures

While the Internet has replaced many forms of print advertising, a simple brochure left in key locations can reach people who are away from their online search tools or, for some reason, don’t use the Internet. Often these simple pieces of paper can be key in simply introducing the Team Elliott name to a potential buyer.

If you are trying to sell a home with us, you can rest assured we are doing all that we can to help you. Through our wide array of unique marketing channels, we are sure you will be happy with the quick results we bring.

Remodeling Your Bedroom; More Than Just Repainting The Walls But Well Worth It

When most people consider remodeling their bedroom, they usually have a few things in mind; adding new bedding, changing the drapes and painting the walls a new color. But if you really want to grab the attention of potential buyers or ramp up the value of your home, it will take more than just a few cosmetic changes. Revamping a bedroom can involve a few major and several minor enhancements that, when done, will change the entire face of the space. We’ve put together some key areas that add a great deal of charm while influencing the likes of future buyers.

Flooring

One of the most significant changes you can make when remodeling any space, especially a bedroom, is the flooring. Depending on your goals and end use, decide whether installing a hardwood floor will enhance the space or if adding carpet will soften the room and make it more comfortable. Consider the following essentials: price, time and usage. If the room you are looking to remodel is a kids’ playroom, then installing hardwood flooring may be a smart decision. If you’re changing the master bedroom after years of having a hard surface floor maybe the idea of a soft, wool carpet is appealing. No matter what your choice, changing your flooring will have the single most impact on the new look of your room.

Lighting

Often overlooked, lighting plays a vital role in the design and décor of a space, especially one as personal and private as a bedroom. Some homeowners opt to install skylights during major remodeling efforts. Others choose to change the lighting fixtures themselves. Even if you are working with a tight budget, a simple maneuver like changing a lampshade and placing it in a different spot in the space can make all the difference.  If your bedroom has an attached bathroom, remember to keep any new lighting fixtures consistent throughout, including the bathroom.

Fixtures and Hardware

Lightings fixtures aren’t the only fixtures in a room that can have a noticeable impact on the look of a redesigned area. Simple things like door handles or knobs, furniture pulls on dressers, desks and tables, or the things like ceiling fans can dramatically change the décor and ambiance of your room. By remaining consistent in terms of finish (brushed nickel, brass, wood) and size – everything will pull together very nicely, ultimately enhancing the entire home.

Space Enhancements

Who doesn’t want or need extra closet space? When are the windows in our bedrooms large enough to bring in the perfect amount of light and small enough to block out unwanted attention? Usually, there is almost always room for improvement in these areas.

Closets

As families grow and more time is spent in a home, the need to increase the physical storage volume of a space skyrockets. Closet additions are one of the most sought-after remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners. Ranging from some mild demolition and the rebuilding of a new, bigger and better closet – to adding a foot of depth or new doors, updating your closet will not only enhance the quality of your life but it will also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Windows

Chances are that unless you built your home in the first place, you had little or no choice in the matter as to how the existing windows were. If your heart was set on bay windows but the house you were buying only had the casement style, the windows were probably not what tipped the scales toward your buying another home. So when it comes to remodeling your bedroom, here’s your opportunity. While it can be an expensive undertaking, new and improved windows are one of the most attractive aspects of a home to potential buyers. They are also one of the easiest ways to transform a space into an entirely new look.

Color

Color does matter. Considering the overall color scheme of your remodeled bedroom, keep in mind that the walls will be semi-permanent. Opt for shades that work well with your furniture, appeal to the rest of your house’s décor and generally make happy the person who will be using the space the most.

Aesthetics

The finishing touches are, for most people, the most fun part of the entire process. Investing in a few new accessories, treating yourself to new and luxurious bedding, laying a fresh rug and making small changes – all are things that will perfect your new design.

When you factor in the benefits one reaps after a remodel job, especially for a bedroom – it becomes crystal clear that whatever the investment, it is well worth it in the long run. Whether or not your goal is to sell the property, offer it for rent or to enjoy lasting use of your home – remodeling the bedroom will enhance the experience. Since a crucial aspect of home ownership is to keep your home maintained and up-to-date, doing so will undoubtedly be useful no matter what the goal.

Up and Coming Trends for 2011 – Business As Usual for Most of Us!

Everyone wants to know what to do next. Should they sell? Is it the right time to finally buy? Hold off on all things till the real estate sun shines brighter? One thing that will help you decide whether or not to buy that dream house with the kidney-shaped, mosaic pool is to know what to expect in the New Year. We’ve put together some projected trends for your benefit, based on how things progressed from last year to now.

2009 vs 2010

Looking at property sales figures and comparing them from 2009 to 2010, there is an obvious increase. As much as ten percent or more higher in 2010, what’s promising is that this is a very normal tendency in a stable market. In 2010 in most typical markets there was an average of 11,000 properties sold as opposed to 2009’s 10,000, which means that the relatively normal movement indicates a positive, upward curve.

Higher Median Price Range

Our median prices have gone up about 25% up from what it was in 2009. Contrary to a common misconception, an increase in median price range does not mean that the prices have gone up. In fact, what it really means is that there is a significantly more activity in the higher priced properties; all very promising signs for us.

Fewer Days on Market

The average number of days on market (DOM) for many properties has significantly reduced – as much 40%! Another way of looking at this is that there is an average 40% decrease in time it takes for the usual property to sell. In other words, things are looking up!

Lower Interest Rates Stay Low

We all know they’ve been low for some time, but no one really knows how long they will stay that way. Experts are predicting that they will continue to remain low for at least the next six months, to as long as 24 months, which is great if you’re in the market for a new home. With this promising to carry into 2011, this is also a very good time to get that refinancing done, if you haven’t done so already, and lock in those great rates!

A Few Not-So-Fantastic Trends

Of course, it’s not always a bed of roses and this year’s expected hurdles are mainly centered on a slow (although definitively steady) pace of improvement, slow job growth, and an inclination toward short sales and foreclosures in the more expensive properties ranging from $1.5 million and up.

The bottom line of what to expect for 2011 is a scene of varying markets; each unique to the next, which is why you will benefit from an individual consultation with your real estate agent – to examine the trends in YOUR area.

Generally, based on 2009 versus 2011, we will see “business as usual” but with the advantage of a relatively flat range of prices and the disadvantage of slower than usual job growth. Holding on to the hope that with small incremental growth and little bits of improvement, we expect another year or two to go by as they have been and then things should eventually start smoothing over and working out.

Replace Your Space and Add Pizzazz with a Fresh Splash of Color!

The bottom line is that if you aren’t in the market for a new home anytime soon, you just have to learn to “live” with the one you already have. Not that your four walls are anything less than to be desired – but the simple fact is that after 5, 10, especially 20 years later – you NEED change. We’ve put together some trendy ideas that will at least make you feel as if you’ve moved on to a bigger and better place. So enjoy the best of both worlds while you are in the comfort of your familiar domain yet surrounded by a new look!

Add Tangible Texture

By simply incorporating a few textured walls in your design scheme, you will enhance the look of your home or office significantly. The updated look will almost instantly increase the perceived value of your domain. The modern, stylish trend has been around largely since the 70s but today’s newer patterns, large variety of painting accessories and exciting paint finishes, make the end result seem as if you had your place decorated by a professional. Whether you opt for an extra-wide tree bark texture finish or go for an exaggerated striped wall making a mixed pattern of some glossy paint finish stripes and others matte – the choice (and look) is yours. Break away from the boring and routine. Embrace the pizzazz your place will instantly command attention to – after all you are going to be around for a while, right?

Make it Monochrome

For rooms that should be larger than they really are (like your family room, for instance) one way to add some zing to it is to play around with all shades of one color. So while it’s technically ‘monochromatic’ the varying shades add interest and dimension to the room. The first step: choose your color. It would be a good idea to consider the number of furniture pieces you have in the space, your liking or disliking of a particular color, and also just how much you want to ‘go crazy’ with this color. Once you decide, visit a color specialist at a leading home improvement store and go up one shade and down one shade, select the spectrum you want to decorate with. From that point on, pick and choose select pieces in the room, being careful not to overdo large pieces with heavy colors, therefore throwing off the balance of the room.

Hang it all Up

In case your goal is to feel as if you’ve moved into that extra large house with the spacious closets and HUGE living room, there is a solution for you! Once you’ve fixed up the place with a textured and (maybe) monochrome look, by strategically installing large mirrors in key areas, you can expand the look and feel of the space. Not only that, the flow of light will increase hugely, which can lend an entirely different personality to your home or office. When you install mirrors, use the beveled-edge variety for a more polished look. The larger the wall, the larger the mirror – and the more perceived space in the room.

Whoever said “a little bit goes a long way” really knew what they were talking about. It doesn’t have to break your bank to replace your space, but as long as you are willing to give it some time and energy, in no time – and especially until you are ready to move on to that dream home – you can have a home that looks and feels brand new!

Instead of Burning All That Cash, SAVE It With These Great Energy Conservation Tips!

When your home is poorly insulated, running on faulty ground or operating on less-than-efficient standards, rest assured, you WILL at some point have to empty those pockets and suffer some serious damages. It’s not just a matter of being ‘green’, though that is always a great way to live, it’s actually more a matter of finding the best and most efficient ways to live in your home so that you and your family aren’t losing out. It doesn’t have to be this way forever. By following just a few straightforward adjustments you can conserve energy and live comfortably. Here’s how:

Close the Gaps

The biggest lost opportunity to save energy is when people don’t make sure all seals are properly closed. This holds true for all areas that lead from one environment to the next – even indoor climate changes apply here. So if you don’t heat your basement in the wintertime by placing a draft roll at the base of the door that leads from the basement to the heated area, you are doing yourself a huge financial favor. A lot of times, homeowners are simply not aware of how much energy is lost through these gaps. You can save several hundred dollars per year if you make sure there are no drafts coming through your windows, doors and other similar closures. Making sure there are no gaps left unclosed will also keep the heat out or cool in depending on the season.

If it’s Broken, Fix It

Few people actually realize just how much a broken or inefficiently running appliance can become an energy-monger. Take a dishwasher, for instance. When a dishwasher is run at a less-than optimal level, it uses up more electricity, tends to run in a way that requires more than the usual cycles because the dishes don’t end up as clean as they should be. If the electrical systems are not working properly, for example, the appliance will run on a lower voltage, for a longer period. All these things are examples of things that go wrong when a machine is not working 100% properly. The same philosophy applies to heating/cooling systems, bathroom fixtures (imagine how much water wastage occurs with leaking faucets or toilets!), faulty security devices or even bad window and doors installation.

Light Up With Sky Lights

In the dark ages it was literally dark. Ok, so maybe not all the time but the basic concept of daylight and twilight remained, leaving activities that required light to be done after dawn. Since the advent of electricity, however, all that has changed. But it doesn’t mean that just because we can have ‘daylight’ around the clock, that we should. By seizing the energy opportunities availed to us by the sun, you can save a lot of money on unused (and unnecessary) wasted electricity. A skylight is an excellent solution because depending on the design, not only does it light up a large area of space in your home, it is also stylish, modern and green. Skylights were around long before everyone starting ‘going green’ but they have significantly evolved and they are definitely here to stay.

Plant Roots on the Roof

Plants are a surprisingly good insulator against the elements – and they look great too! Most people think of plants as an aesthetic addition to their home, to liven it up and add that greenery that is loved so much. But did you know that plants are also a great way to naturally clean the air and block irritants like dust and insects by acting as barriers if placed strategically in your home? The most unknown benefit of greenery from an energy conservation standpoint, however, is the insulation effect it offers when used on rooftops. The phenomenon of rooftop gardening for this purpose is very prevalent in Europe and other parts of the world and extends beyond household real estate to commercial real estate as well. As an excellent way to seal in the cool (or warmth) inside a space and of course ideal for flat rooftops, if yours is an outside space that you can cover with greenery, you will start seeing the savings pile up with less energy costs.

Use the Sun

Install solar energy panels wherever possible so you can generate electricity using the natural power of our sun, rather than the energy company with constantly rising costs. With so many options, sizes and styles of solar panels, you can even go one step further and purchase things like solar-powered outdoor lamps, heating and cooling and air conditioning too. The choices and price ranges are limitless.

Whether you decide to go on a maintenance spree, invite the sun right inside your home or go green on your roof, you are sure to save enough to return any investments made to conserve the energy in the first place. It doesn’t take much but if you and your family are consciously aware of making these few changes to your home and lifestyle, before you know it, you will be able to take a vacation with all that money you save!