The Market Is Heating Up

Don't think for a second that you're going to get a steal of a deal when trying to buy in the Omaha market. It's heating up out there. Just this week we have lost two offers in multiple offer situations and another offer turned down. Buying low and selling high sounds good on TV but it's not working around here.
And it's working the same way nationwide, too. This article shows that most markets are picking up.

Why is all this happening? There are several factors in play, most notably:

• The number of foreclosures and short sales are shrinking.
• Large investor groups are scooping up properties because it's a great time to buy.
• Home builders are building fewer houses, scared of the so-called "fiscal cliff."
• In the Omaha market particularly, the number of houses for sale has declined while the number of houses sold has increased. And they're selling in less time.

When the market tightens up like this, houses don't stay on the market as long and they go for higher amounts. Compared to this last January, houses have gone from being on the market for 75 days to 66 days last month. And they went from selling for 96% of the asking price to 98%. Although I don't think it's a seller's market here yet, I think sellers are tired of being kicked around. Things are looking up in their favor.

Christmas Safety Tips

Don't you just love all the Christmas lights this time of year? We keep them up around our house and already have the tree decorated and shining bright through the front window. Lots of people do, and this sometimes leads to house fires and some pretty tough times for everyone.

Here are some ideas for keeping that tree beautiful and smoke-free:

• Don't use any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
• Don't use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.
• Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Don't purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Use only artificial trees labeled as fire-retardant.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and try to position it near an outlet so that cords aren't running long distances.
• Don't place the tree where it may block exits.
• Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.

In addition to the tree, here are some other tips to keep your Christmas a joyous time:

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Keep an eye on the stove!
• Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays for guests who smoke and check them frequently. Or ask them to smoke outside.
• After a party, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions and inside trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children. When smokers visit your home, ask that they keep smoking materials with them.

And how can we forget the fireplace? If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep this in mind:

• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Don't burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. That stuff ignites quickly and burns intensely.
• Remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area before lighting a fire. Check to see that the flue is open.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Don't ruin it for you and your family with a fire or tragedy. Leave a comment if you have any other suggestions or tips to make Christmas a safe time of year.

Christmas in Omaha 2012

We all love Christmas, with the lights, hot chocolate, beautiful music and the wonderful memories of Chrstmases gone past. I know we all get a little frustrated with the din and all the headaches of preparing, so it helps to relax with some activities and maybe we can start feeling like we did when we were kids. Here are some Christmas activity ideas for you in the Omaha metro:

Where	When	Activity
Henry Doorly Zoo	Dec. 8, 15 and 24 at 10:15 a.m.	Christmas characters diving in the Scott Aquarium. Regular zoo admission.
Henry Doorly Zoo	Dec. 20th through Dec. 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.	Supper with Santa. Regular zoo admission plus $15 for zoo members or $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
Downtown	Each night at dark through Jan. 6th	The downtown is lit up with Christmas lights. Free!
Con Agra campus, downtown	Sun - Thurs from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri - Sat 1 p.m. - midnight Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, 1 p.m - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day	Ice skating in the rink. $5 admission includes skate rental. Canned donations are also encouraged.
Lauritzen Gardens	1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Dec. 1st - Dec. 31st.	Poinsettia show with a 20-foot poinsettia tree. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids six to twelve. Garden members get in free.
Stuhr Museum	Dec. 7th and 8th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Dec. 9th from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.	Lamp lit tour of Railroad Town, cooking, crafts and gorgeous decorations through Railroad Town, live music and the sights, sounds and smells...and the spirit of Christmas. Normal museum admission.
Stuhr Museum	Dec. 16th, 12 p.m - 4 p.m.	Fantasy of Trees exhibit reception. See over 100 lavishly decorated trees. Food and drink provided; normal museum charge.

Do you have any activities you'd like to let others know about? Leave a comment with the information!