"Eye" Don't Know.

Last year, I taught my oldest son what it means to play hooky from school or work.  I can't even begin to count how many times over the course of the last year that I have been getting ready for work in the morning only to be asked if today is the day I would play hooky and stay home with him to do something extraordinary.  Each request shaved a little chunk off my heart thinking to myself about this precious time we have while our children are young and how we spend so much of it trying to make a living.  Thursday of last week was the day I could finally tell him that both his dad and I were playing hooky, and, boy, was he ecstatic!

I was finally able to teach the kids the fine art of skipping out on work on a beautiful fall day.  One thing our family is really good at is taking snowy and cold days off of work, but we often do not take the time to enjoy days when the weather is nice.  Fortunately, school had fall break, so we made a break for the Henry Doorly Zoo in combination with my follow-up exam at Truhlsen Eye Clinic at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.  (And, my eyes did not get dilated this time, so my husband couldn't trick me out of going to Spaghetti Works due to traffic concerns.)  I soccer-mommed super hard in our borrowed minivan all day--w
eaving in and out of traffic, circling the block several times for a perfect parking spot, telling the kids to quiet down so I could focus on driving downtown, and accelerating quickly at stop lights to give the impression that I was doing a burn-out to win back some cool points.  I hadn't been to the zoo in 20 years, and I am glad I got to experience it for a second time with my boys at a young age.  It was quite a day.  We started at the aquarium and the boys were literally running from exhibit to exhibit in awe of the entire experience.  No major meltdowns, but we did have a little soldier drop trou(sers) in the middle of a group of site-seers on the Pelican Lake Bridge for a potty break.  Attention spans were just long enough to get a general look at each animal throughout the entire excursion.  Exception was giving to the lone tiger that was out in the Asian Highlands as he was the primary animal that our youngest wanted to see.  Luke would not take his eyes off the tiger, even for a photo, because he thought the tiger would be able to get through the fence if he wasn't watching.  The overall expanse of the zoo and the amount of manpower it takes to maintain, winterize, and care for each animal is almost beyond comprehension.  It is pretty incredible to have such a fantastic resource right in our backyard, and it is worth at least one day of playing hooky to go see it in your lifetime!

Checking out the Tiger

You might be wondering about the results of my eye examination as well.  The good news is that my optical nerves have experienced a 15-20% reduction in swelling since June.  I am on the right track with medication.  I did make a point to ask the pros at Truhlsen what is causing the swelling behind my eyes and the eyes of at least four other people I know.  The simple answer was, "I don't know."  I had to chuckle because my three year old's favorite answer to any question right now is, "I don't know."  "What did you have for lunch today?" "I don't know." "Where did you put your water bottle?" "I don't know." "Who colored all over the wall in the garage with sidewalk chalk?" "Logan did it."  He has an answer for everything, even if the answer is, "I don't know."  A simple answer that is endearing in tone and annoying in reality!

As a follow up, I asked if the Med Center is doing research to see why such an insurgence of this particular problem is occurring in women my age, and the answer to that was, "People like you are all we see all day long.  We don't know if there is an increase in cases or not. We are just here to treat the problem."  Not the answer I wanted.  It is slightly unnerving to me that such an influx of women in my own circle are experiencing this problem.  The doctors attribute some of the cause to the increased use of Retin A, retinol, or retinoid in cosmetic products.  It is a common anti-aging treatment that is an ingredient in a number of products.  Unfortunately, putting it on your skin results in an absorption into your body that is far higher than if you simply ate the product and digested it normally.  Your skin is the largest organ and is not designed to filter out bad juju like your intestinal track.  That's your tiny tidbit of scientific advice for today.  Ditch the Retin gals, or suffer the consequences later.


So, that was our fun for the fall in addition to the ongoing harvest and real estate hi-jinks.  A little R&R is just what the doctor ordered when the stars aligned for this appointment and fall break.  Get out of the office, play hooky, and make the most of what you have.  Life isn't all real estate and roses, but we can sure make it fun while it lasts.  Welcome Home.

3-2-1...Ka-blam!

Eleven years ago this week, I went on my first date with the man who is now my husband.  I remember walking into his house for the first time a couple of weeks after this momentous occasion to find him scrubbing his bathroom on his hands and knees to try and impress me.  Little did I know that all of those pretty little lies would go by the wayside once he had me locked down in marriage. 

Perhaps every household is like this, but a hot mess follows my husband wherever he goes within the four walls of our home.  Does anybody else's husband use the stovetop as an extension of the countertop??  Literally, within 10 minutes of cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom, my husband can make it look like a bomb has gone off in there.  I am constantly in awe of how he can possibly make such a huge mess!  Clearly, our cleaning styles are 100% opposite because this is the same guy who lovingly wipes down the tools he uses each day with a shop towel to make sure he doesn't get any grease in his toolbox.  What about the lump of stinking coal he burned onto the large front burner of the ceramic stove top?!  I mean, c'mon, dude!  You have your tools and I have mine, but the stove is like everyman's tool of the trade.  He thinks I'm crazy because I "wax" the stove top twice a week. Don't even get me started on the order in which he does dishes (by the way, pots and pans before Tupperware is not the right order, and rinsing with cold water does not "remove the soap suds more effectively").  Plus, he doesn't swirl the water when he drains the sink, so a lump of dried soap scum and tiny food particles can greet me the next morning.  Yummy.

I know, I know, many of you are thinking, "Well, at least he DOES the dishes."  And, you're right.  Everything we do at home has to be a team effort.  With both of us working full time, we don't leave much room for error when it comes to household chores.  That being said, I'm not telling you all about his flaws to belittle his efforts.  On the contrary, these are the goofy little things that really tell me he cares about doing what he can to help (as crazy as it makes me sometimes). Most days, we are dog tired by supper time. Most days, we have two hangry boys voicing their opinions over the meal. Most days, we eat in shifts while we deal with upset juice glasses or requests for seconds. Most days, we let the Hamburger Helper boil over between calls from work or family or friends who also need a little piece of us.  Most days, I'm impressed that the hubs will put up with as much guff from me as he does and still keep coming back for more.  Most days, I'm just glad to have someone who will help me with the most menial tasks in life, even if it leaves the kitchen looking like Kim Jong-un's nuclear testing grounds.  Life isn't all real estate and roses.  I love hugs, and I love kisses, but what I love most is help with the dishes!  Welcome Home!

A Few Dry Days

I needed to take a moment this morning to thank everybody for their kind words and prayers as I underwent follow-up tests last week for my late April eye exam.  Several of you took time to check-in personally and for that, I am very grateful!  I culminated last week's events by undergoing a spinal tap to measure the pressure of my spinal fluid and take some samples for analysis.  Essentially, they attached me to a tire pressure gauge to see if my head was going to explode.  Fortunately, I won't be splattering up anybody's walls anytime soon.  The best news is that I do NOT have a brain tumor as was suspected.  I also have not been in any pain or discomfort (except the anxiety).  The bad news is that we are still in search of a cause for the pressure surrounding the nerves in my eyes (which is a significant indicator of a tumor and increased spinal fluid pressure).  I have been referred to the eye gurus at the Med Center and will be visiting them next month for further testing.  Thanks for giving me a couple of days to get through the preliminary tests and ease my worst fears.

For now, we are back to business as usual.  I am trying to get used to my glasses, which has been a struggle, especially when a certain 2-year-old always wants to smear his smudgy fingers on them!  How is it that a $6 pair of sunglasses from the local dollar store can fit perfectly, but I have to be constantly adjusting a custom pair of Kate Spades? My apologies to all of my friends who have been wearing glasses for years.  I now feel your pain and will be eternally empathetic!

If things are meant to be a certain way in life, I would have to say that all of this has played out favorably considering that the rains came last week when I needed some help from my family with driving, child care, and appointments.  The few dry days we have had this week has kept everybody on their toes planting corn and beans, fertilizing, and spraying.  I'm not much for running the heavy equipment these days, but I can provide ground support for the hoard of hungry children my family has produced in the last several years.  Each one is good for about 30-60 minutes in the tractor, but that is about all the longer we can keep them in one place unless they are asleep.  Good thing there are chores to do, baby kittens to harass, sand piles to play in, and Big Wheels to race.  A head count every ten minutes gives assurance nobody has snuck off to try to make the golf cart do a Tokyo drift. 

Rest assured, I haven't quit my day/night/weekend job.  The real estate market is still very active in and around Wayne, and it has been exciting to meet new people moving to town as well as help past clients make new transitions.  I'm so glad I'm able to have my cake and eat it too when it comes to helping out at the farm...even if it means we have supper at 9:30 p.m. followed by temper tantrum filled mornings because I didn't have time to wash the only two pairs of short pants that my 6-year-old will wear (even though he has 14 to pick from).  Two more days of school and then summer "break." (I think we have more scheduling issues and plans for June than we have had for any other month this year!  Looks like I better go buy a couple more pairs of "slick" shorts so I don't have to do laundry every other day!  You know, because the pockets on jean shorts hurt your bottom when you have to sit on them. Kindergarten logic.)

Thanks again for the many kindnesses shown to me and my family as we power through the stages of life.  Life might not be all real estate and roses, but we have much to be thankful for, little to complain about, and a whole lot to look forward to.  Welcome Home.

M R...Eye?

For years, my dad has told us kids that you get one perfect day when you are 17 years old when everything in your body works right, looks good, and feels perfect.  It's all downhill from there.  I would have to say that my downhill slide started more around the age of 23, but who's counting? My eyesight decided to take its downhill slide this year.   I hobbled through a couple of months with some cheaters from the local dollar store, but my husband grew concerned that I was doing more damage than good after trying them on.  Two weeks ago, he finally convinced me that it was time to visit the eye doctor.  Much to the dismay of Dr. Hopkins, I had not had a routine eye exam since they were offered in grade school!  Thankfully, a divine power prodded me to get this checkup.

So, on April 25th, I was sitting in Dr. Hopkins' exam room as he reviewed by retinal scans and he started raising his eyebrows and saying things like, "Hmmmm, interesting" and "Oh, that's not good."  I laughed thinking he was pulling my leg, and it took some time to convince me that what he was seeing really wasn't good.  For crying out loud, all I wanted was a simple eye exam and a $350 pair of glasses to carry around in my purse!  Turns out things weren't so simple, and I was being sent on to my medical doctor to more tests.

Last Friday, I was scheduled to have an MRI of my head performed to pinpoint what is going on in my noggin'.  I had myself completely convinced that this machine is like a jacked up tanning bed.  Both ends are open, it makes a consistent humming noise, and the lights are on the whole time.  I was ready.  The technician inserted my IV on the first attempt (a piece of medical hardware I despise) and took me around the corner into the MRI room.  All was good.  She had me insert the ear plugs, lay down on the table, and then she showed me the halo that fits over your head.  Oh, that's cute, I thought.  Then, she packed my head in the positioning mechanism like she was shipping me to Abu Dhabi, and started screwing the halo down to the table.  You ain't moving now sweetheart. Oh boy.  Nope. No way. Get me out of here.

So, I'm psyching myself back into this thing and telling myself I can do it.  I laid back down on the table, halo-less, and ask her to simply insert my body into the MRI machine so I can see what that is like.  I'll tell you what it's like.  A coffin.  A torture chamber.  A suffocation room.  Turns out I am indeed claustrophobic and the gig was up.  Big, tough Trish was going to have to come back another day because she needed to be knocked out for this test.

Fast forward to yesterday.  I spent the whole weekend waking up in cold sweats about this MRI machine eating me alive and nobody being able to hear my screams.  I was the first patient at the outpatient clinic, and Nurse Gretchen took me back into the bowels of the hospital to prepare me for the day's events.  Considering my blood pressure was like 347/120 at this point, she did a wonderful job getting my IV started on the first try.  In walks my anesthesiologist, Todd, and he asks me why I'm having this procedure done.  Trying to make a joke, I say "the doctors are finally trying to figure out exactly why I am the way that I am." Todd, who only laughs at his own jokes, says, "No seriously, why are you here." To which I reply, "we don't know yet, but this test is hopefully going to give us some answers." Good enough. Onward we go.

It's a little after 7 a.m., we are back in the room with the beast, I've got my earplugs in and my arms/torso are strapped down to the table.  Someone asks if I'm doing OK, I give the thumbs up, and all goes black.  Sometime during the next two hours, I entered the belly of the beast and made it back out alive.  A much better experience.  Except the twelve hour hangover afterwards.  I could have done without that.  Thanks a lot, Todd.

We don't have any answers yet as to why I am the way that I am, but we will soon have some results.  I do want to take this time to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff who work so diligently to take care of us each and every day.  We are very fortunate to have this level of care available in our community, and to have an outpatient clinic that provides the kind of services it does.  Let's take the time on this National Nurses week to honor these special caretakers who make such a huge difference on a daily basis, even with difficult patients like me.  Life isn't all real estate and roses, but they do all they can to make a bad situation just a little bit better.  Welcome Home.

Big & Little Brothers

Any successful person will tell you that a strong support team is essential to their achievements.  In my case, a strong support team is essential to my survival and my sanity.  I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a network of very talented people.  The ones I lean on the most include my family members.  For example, I have a little brother, Dale, who can fix anything.  Car broke down on the side of the road?  He can get you towed home and then have you back up and running the same day.  Have a plumbing leak?  He'll bring some PEX tubing and fittings over and have you doing a load of laundry in minutes.  Need a light fixture installed?  He has a roll of electrical wire on hand to get you going. Need a tree trimmed for a closing?  Here he comes with his bucket truck.  Those who know him, know he's always willing to lend a hand when a project needs done.

The guy is as handy as they come.  Even though he is my little brother, he has taught me a thing or two.  I guess it's payback for all the proofreading and school work I helped him with during grade school and college.  (Not to mention, dressing him up like the little sister I so desperately wanted a time or two!)

Then, there's my big brother, Tom.  Have a tax question?  He'll have an answer for you in minutes flat.  If not, he'll be doing the research to get you the answer.  This guy has more information stored in his head that you could write into the entire tax code each year.  Want to depreciate something?  Although his answer is usually a firm "no," you can rest assured that he didn't miss the legitimate items that can indeed be depreciated.  He is coming off of a hectic tax season filled with new tax code.  In fact, even the IRS encouraged the American public to file an extension because they didn't have all of the information out to preparers in a timely fashion.  There are two things in life you don't mess with: the Federal Government and Tom Hansen, CPA. 

(Speaking of which, my mom asked me the other day if I had my book work all up to date for my accounting appointment this year.  After a brief pause and some quick calculations I determined I am about 13 months behind on bookkeeping. "Give me three solid nights of nothing else to do, and I'll have it knocked out," I told her.  She laughed and simply said, "Good luck. Don't make your brother angry."  Bookkeeping is the curse of the small business owner.  I enjoy doing it, but finding the time can be the real challenge.  Just ask Tom.)  

With National Siblings Day being last week, I thought it worthy of a post to toot my horn about my brothers.  They can walk you through a engine diagram in nothing flat or talk you into a major purchase to keep the tax man at bay.  Life isn't all real estate and roses, so we have our moments just like any family does.  As long as you don't show up unexpectedly while we are working on a major project where we all want to be the boss, you probably won't see that side of us too often.  Welcome Home.

Muddin'

Two days ago, my brother decided to work with our yearling calves now that the weather is finally cooperating a bit.  I didn't mind heading out to the farm for a little fresh air on what was a very nice day in town.  I figured it would be a pretty muddy, so I threw on my boots, loaded up the kids, and headed down the highway.  Muddy was an understatement. Thanks to the recent rains and the winter thaw, the cattle yards are giant soup holes.  The yearlings are rambunctious too, considering we haven't had much nice weather to speak of.  Couple this with the fact that Penguin the giant farm mutt decided to follow us down to the lower place and you can about imagine how our project started out.  Seeing the dog and a few extra warm bodies in places where they usually don't belong set the calves in a dead sprint around the yard.  Imagine the sound of thousands of suction cups taking hold and letting go as each pounding hoof bogged down into the the heavy Nebraska clay.  Now, imagine a human walking through that mud and muck with nothing more than a thin rubber boot between you and imminent disaster.  Within the first five minutes, everybody had expressed their feelings toward the land and the livestock as well as each other.  My sister-in-law was the unlucky winner of the mud lottery by being the first to lose her boot in the yard.  It was evident that man and beast were getting a run for our money that day. 

We were finally able to get the herd up in the processing pen after one bovine genius decided to wriggle its way behind the gate versus going through the gate hole.  That trick cost everybody a third trip through the yard to round up the stragglers who managed to escape. No level of training or athletic ability can prepare you for mud season on the farm.  Walking through a mile of mud is better than any workout you can get at the gym.  It might not show, but it takes a high level of aerobic and calisthenic mastery to dodge anxious 800 pound calves and keep a steady marching pace so you don't get stuck in place at a critical time.  My brother asked if we wanted to invest in a concrete plant when we got done so we could at least have a solid surface to do this kind of work.  I'm thinking he might be on to something.

Nevertheless, we prevailed, and all the calves got treated.  Nobody was physically injured, and, despite our pride, we are all well aware that any words shared under such circumstances are not to be taken personally.  The work that farmers do, particularly livestock producers, is not for the faint of heart.  It is stressful for both man and beast, it is dirty, it can be scary, and it is often thankless.  In that work lies an expectation that everyone knows their part, and they will pull their weight to make sure everything gets done.  The unpredictability of each and every situation involving livestock is what wears on a person.  It makes you lie awake at night, it makes you think quickly on your feet, and it instills a sense of danger that you don't really understand or appreciate until you have something to lose, be it your fencing, your equipment, or, heaven forbid, a life.  In spite of it all, you have to keep muddin' through to make sure you do the job for which you signed up.  I sure do enjoy my days at the farm, but it sure does make me appreciate the comforts of a nice clean real estate office after getting home from a project like that.  No matter what happens in the world of real estate, odds are, the decisions that have to be made are not life and death for man or beast.  No matter what happens, I know that I won't be in a position where I am going to lose my boot in a muddy yard.  And, no matter what happens, we usually have a little more time to figure out a solution than in the time it takes the whole herd to turn tail and bolt out of the yard because we got stuck in the mud and couldn't make it to the gate fast enough to shut it.  It's not all real estate and roses around here, but somedays you just have to keep muddin' through.  Welcome Home.

The Great Toothpaste Confrontation of 2019 (1,000 Days of Winter)

I learned last week that my husband takes toothpaste, or the lack thereof, very seriously.  On Tuesday of last week, I witnessed the unfortunate circumstances of running out of "adult" toothpaste.  Bear in mind, we still had plenty of bubblegum Sparkle Crest on hand.  Apparently, that just doesn't do the same job as cool mint gel.  Nevertheless, this led to a 10 p.m. argument about not having any toothpaste.  Luckily, I was able to scavenge for a travelers pack of toothpaste to meet my husband's needs.  Fast forward to Friday.  Still no toothpaste in the house and the traveler's pack is empty.  At this point, the confrontation is boiling down to a battle of wits to decide once and for all who can hold out the longest and exhibit the utmost stubbornness of the two of us.  Turns out my husband won this no-contest, knock-down, drag-out fight by one fall.  I broke down and threw some Crest in the shopping cart while I was out buying groceries in the blizzard to avoid all of the other pre-blizzard shoppers.  He owes me big time, but guess what, he is too stubborn to admit it.

How has your 1,000 days of winter been going?  I would accept false spring at this point even though it will take us into third winter.  Clearly, we all need some fresh air, new perspective, and some Crest toothpaste to fill the void this gloomy, cold, artic tundra has left in our hearts.  By golly, at least the real estate market hasn't been frozen in its tracks by this weather.  I wasn't sure if I was coming or going last week, but I did tell our office manager every time I left that if I didn't see her again by 5 p.m., I would see her the next day.  This is good news for all of you who are anxiously waiting for new listings to arrive on the market.  As our 1,000 days of winter edges ever closer to an end, we will see new listings.  If you would like to be notified of what is coming available, send a text to (402) 518-0675 so I can include you in my early communications!

On the flip side, Sellers be warned!  Your sweet spot for listing properties is not actually the summer months as has long been the industry belief.  The best opportunity for you to command top dollar for your property happens when you list between February 15th and March 15th.  We are almost halfway through this short window, so contact me today if you are toying with the idea of listing.  I can provide initial consultations on preparing your house for sale (including how to use toothpaste for spackle, if needed).  And, don't forget, we have our second Lunch and Learn of the season coming up at Noon on March 13th with everything you need to know about preparing your home for sale, working with an agent for the best results, and surviving the process while trying to make a move.

If you're still not convinced that now is a good time to break up the 1,000 days of winter by listing your home, check out these pending sales that only lasted 24 hours on the market:

315 West 8th Street

1020 Poplar Street

Both of these sellers considered waiting to list their homes until warmer weather.  Nonetheless, getting their homes listed early in the year was a smart move.  Let me help cure some of that Seasonal Affective Disorder by kicking your spring cleaning into high gear and helping you market your home to an anxious pool of buyers. 

Despite recent sales, 1st Realty has a nice selection of homes still on the market!  Right now, we have something for everyone including ranch-style, 2-story, a townhouse, and investment properties to expand your portfolio.  Our team can help find a home that fits your needs!

118 S. Blaine Street

419 West 8th Street

1403 Linden Street

902 Nebraska Street

314 East 4th Street

So, don't let the winter blues get you down!  Go buy yourself a fresh new tube of toothpaste, keep the peace in your current home, and give me a call to help you with your next home sale or purchase.  After all, toothpaste is less expensive than roses, and I love to talk about real estate!  Welcome Home.

A, B, C, D, E-I-E-I-O!

Since the first of the year, I have been spending a portion of each night trying to inspire my Kindergartener to write letters, numbers, and sight words.  He is my son who takes everything very literally.  He requires all things to have order and make sense.  He sees the world in a very black and white sort of way, which is completely mind-blowing to me most days.  Quite frankly, I can no longer look at the English language in the same way I once did just a few short months ago.  After all, 'A' sounds like 'H,' so why are they different letters?  How can 'two' sound the same as 'to' or 'too'?  The letter 'O' doesn't even make an 'oooo' sound at this stage in the game!  Rather than just learning the very basic concept, his mind wants to know all the reasons behind why we talk, count, and spell the way we do. With all of his newly obtained knowledge, he has lost confidence in his ability to learn the English language, particularly reading and writing.  He requires reinforcement at every level, which requires a lot of time on both our parts.  On the other hand, my 2-year old can sing you his ABC's with a little bridge to Old MacDonald in the middle.  He has been working hard on a quality medley of Baa Baa Black Sheep which leads into Twinkle Twinkle Little Star followed up by Jingle Bells.  He oozes confidence when he sings and dances. Chest out, shoulders back, hips swaying, loud and proud!  Makes me laugh every time!  I just want to bottle up this time with both my boys and save it forever!

These differing stages of learning are very similar to those of home buyers and sellers.  We all start out pretty green by mixing our ABCs of real estate with the E-I-E-I-Os of good credit history, financing options, and downpayment funds. Nonetheless, as first-time buyers, we are confident in our ability to make homeownership a reality, so we approach it head-on, loud and proud, telling all of our friends and family via social media that we are in the market to buy a home.  We are especially good at telling everybody when we are interested in a property on social media.  In doing so, we encourage competition from other buyers and limit our negotiating ability.  This is why you need a good teacher a/k/a real estate agent to take you through what I essentially label as real estate preschool.  I encourage you to attend the Lunch & Learn Homebuyer Workshop on February 13th from Noon to 1 p.m. on the back meeting room of 1st Realty.  F&M Bank is our lunch sponsor this month, and they will not let you go back to work hungry!

Eventually, you learn the ABCs and find it is time to sell that home you purchased.  Maybe you have outgrown the space.  Perhaps you have changed employment, or life circumstances may be taking you on a new adventure.  Whatever the reason, you are introduced to a whole new perspective of real estate.  Like learning the letters, numbers, sounds, and symbols of a whole new language, you have to figure out the why's and how's of selling a home. You have graduated to real estate Kindergarten. Again, this is where a trusted real estate professional can help you master this new language and reinforce your ability to sell the property successfully. (1st Realty's Lunch & Learn Seller Workshop would be a good opportunity for you to learn about what it takes to sell a home in today's competitive environment.  Join us on March 13th for this informative seminar). 

The point I'm driving at here is that we don't send our children out into this world to master the English language without a solid team to reinforce their abilities.  We push them through 15+ years of education and spend countless hours at home teaching them to read, write, and solve problems without even a question as to why we would do so.  By the time you have bought and sold one home, you really have only graduated from real estate Kindergarten.  There is an entirely different realm beyond just buying and selling. It takes a qualified team of professionals to close any real estate transaction.  I'm not just talking about real estate agents.  You need lending professionals, title insurance professionals, escrow professionals, inspection professionals, repair professionals, homeowners insurance professionals, income tax and accounting professionals, and staging and decorating professionals to simply process one single transaction.  Real estate has a language and problems all its own.  It is not something you can learn overnight.  It is time consuming, it is hands on, it is anxiety riddled, and it is complicated. I'm still learning new things and encountering new situations after 15 years in the business.  There should be no question about using a trusted real estate professional to handle the purchase or sale of your next home.  In a world where very few real estate transactions turn out all real estate and roses, the team at 1st Realty can help make it a whole lot easier.  Welcome Home.

The Polar Vortex Effect

Well, folks, it just so happens that the Polar Vortex collided with my husband heading to the frozen tundra of Ames, IA for five days of continuing education at the CNHI (Case, New Holland, International) Training Center.  Although it might not seem like a long time to be away, the excursion coupled with the cold weather has forced me to cash in a sizable amount of my stock piled CP & G points.  It has essentially created a perfect storm for using every single resource available to me under the CP & G category.  You are probably thinking, "What on earth is a CP & G point?" Not only are they the most valuable currency any parent can possess, but they are easy to abuse.  People, I'm talking about Crock Pot and Grandma (CP & G) points.  This is how they work:

Me: Can I drop off the kids at 5:30 so I can meet with some clients.
Grandma: Sure! We have already watched them all day, what's a few more hours?
Me: OK, you don't have to feed them because my appointment should only take an hour and I have supper in the crock pot.

...2 hours 37 minutes later...

Me: Sorry it took so long!  Decided to try and meet with some other customers before the middle of the week when the weather turns worse. I bet the boys are starving.
Grandma: It was no trouble!  I didn't want to spoil their supper, so we went ahead and ate ours because they didn't like what we were having.  They had almost a whole bag of potato chips, so they might not be super hungry when they get home.
Me: OK, thanks. See you in the morning!

...10 minutes later, arrive at home...

Me: Boys, would you like something to eat?
Boys: We're not hungry.
Me (talking to myself): Great, what am I going to do with all this roast? (Searches desperately for enough plastic containers to store it all.)

...1 hour 37 minutes later while lying in bed...

Boy: Mom, I hungee!  
Mom: Would you like some roast beef?
Boy: No, hotdog.
Mom: One or two?
Boy: Two, with mustard. No, ch-etchup! I want mustard.

...sleep six hours and do it all over again...

You get the picture.  Those CP & G points flew out the door pretty quickly this week, and it is only Wednesday.  I could probably survive without the crock pot, but it would be a hard road without Grandma and Grandpa close by to fill in the gaps.  I try not to abuse the privilege, but we are fortunate to have a great support team nearby for these times when work takes my husband and me in different directions.  And, I'm lucky to have clients and customers who understand when my boys need to come along for appointments.  That is often the saving grace to ensure that I can refuel my Grandma points for use at another time. You all are so kind and generous to our family!

If my husband can get his pickup started tomorrow, he should be home in time to put the boys to bed.  I'll be sure to have supper waiting for him in the crock pot, just so I can use up my last few CP points before I hit the end of the week.  Maybe he'll take me out to supper this weekend to help build some CP & G points back up again.  I won't hold him to showing up at the door with any roses though.  Welcome Home.

Recycle: It's So Easy, A Three-Year-Old Can Do It

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22nd.  Over the last several years, there has been a movement towards reducing our carbon footprint on the planet.  Recycling is one of the biggest ways we can do our part, and even my three-year-old can do it (still struggling with my 40-year-old husband, but we are making progress😄).  The best news is that you don't need a high dollar recycling bin set up in your home to do it.  Here's what we use, and it only takes up a small space in our garage:

Check out our high-tech recycling operation

Each reusable bag is designated for the specific recyclable item.  One bag holds plastic products, another for cardboard, a third for newspapers/magazines and paper products, a fourth for glass, and a final one for aluminum cans.  We also have a separate bag that holds light bulbs, batteries, and other items that can only be recycled at special recycling events held throughout the year.  Do I label the bags?  No.  My three year old can't read anyway.  He's smart enough to look inside to see what each bag holds.  Plus, if we put them in the same order every week, he knows which items go where.  When the bags are no longer usable, guess what? We recycle them.

Every Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and noon, we load up our four (or so) bags and take them to the Wayne Transfer Station located at 110 Windom Street.  The Transfer Station is also open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  They usually have staff on hand to assist you if you need help unloading your recyclables.  In addition, the containers are clearly labeled so you know where to dump your items. Plus, if your kids help, the staff provides them with a special treat to keep them excited about helping each week!

Recycling isn't hard to do.  In fact, it's so easy, a three-year-old can do it.  Although it takes a little extra time and effort, recycling is one small thing we can do to keep our planet in good shape for future generations who will be calling it home.  We can all make a difference.  Welcome Home! 

A Tale of Two Houses

I can't remember a time when I've cried tears of sorrow and joy all at the same time.  Is that even possible?  It happened.  And it was all caused by a house. Well, actually two houses...

Flashback to Tuesday, February 21st at approximately 7:45 p.m.  I was in the pickup driving home from a church meeting and suddenly came to the realization that this was my last commute to our home in Wisner. Seriously, the last one.  We moved to Wayne the next day.  Something I had done almost every single day for the last five years was suddenly going to end that night when I got home, and my life felt like it was spiraling out of control at that very moment.  What was I doing?  What was I dragging my family into?  How would the boys react?  How would my husband adjust?  Where were we going to put all of our stuff?  How were we going to get it all moved?  Why am I just thinking about all of this now?  And then the tears started to flow.  I cried the whole way home, and must have looked a sight when I pulled into the local Pizza Hut to pick up our supper.  The high school student working the cash register didn't say a word.  He was having trouble calculating the change, so he had bigger things to worry about than the rivers of mascara flowing down my cheeks.

Once I got home, I kept it together through supper.  My husband and I discussed our game plan for the next day and tried to keep it civil.  Emotions have been running high on both our parts.  We have been pulled in different directions throughout our married life mostly due to job and family commitments.  A move to Wayne simplifies our life in many aspects, including work, child care, school, and church.  Nonetheless, Tim has strong ties to his family and their farming operation, which lies about an hour in the opposite direction.  My hope is that we will both have more time to devote to that important aspect of our lives now that we are spending less time on the road each day (between the two of us), but I have yet to convince him of the benefits.  He still reminds me that one of his unspoken marriage vows was, "We shalt never live any further north than Wisner."

Bedtime came for the boys, and my oldest son begged me to read him one of his new favorites, Beauty and the Beast.  The tears welled in my eyes as we laid in bed and I thought of all the stories we had read in our Wisner house.  A whole bookcase of children's books was packed up and ready to move the next day.  I just couldn't stop thinking about the fact that this would be the last time we would lay together reading a story in that room.  After all, this was the house to which we had brought both of our boys home from the hospital.  It is a great house, and it has made a great home for us.  I have so much pride in the improvements we have done (and are currently finishing).  The tears of sorrow flowed thinking of bygone days, happy times, and special moments together...

...and tears of joy streamed from thoughts of our new home waiting for us in Wayne.  The new carpet and paint looked so fresh and clean, and the walls just seemed to be begging for us to start moving in.  This move would be a time saver for our family.  Between their mom and dad, my boys will get an extra two hours of time with us EACH day outside of a car seat!  We will be home before sundown so we can go to the park, hit the library, or actually do something fun besides eat a quick supper, take a bath, and go to bed.  No more making five or six trips to the car in the morning to make sure I have absolutely everything I need because I can't run home over lunch to get it.  The commute is over, and it is going to be life changing. 

Tears of joy and tears of sorrow flowing at the same time over two houses.  That, my friends, is the impact a home can have your life.  More fun to follow later regarding our move, the days leading up to it, and the upcoming sale of our Wisner home.  Welcome Home!

 

Pardon Me While I Be Selfish

As many of you know, a special delivery arrived on August 15th about 5 1/2 weeks early for our little family. Little Baby Luke, as his big brother calls him, is as perfect as we could have hoped.  However, he is dealing with many of the issues that accompany a late pre-term infant (labeled as being at a gestational age of 34-36 weeks). Luke was admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) shortly after delivery and has been here eight days now.  The time has gone quickly for us as we develop a "new normal" at least for the time that he will be spending here.  All of the doctors and nurses have advised us to be prepared for him to stay here until his original due date, which means we have at least another four weeks to go.  Seems like a long time, but they keep us so busy, I'm sure each week will go as fast as the first.

If there is one request I can make of my dear clients, customers, friends and family it is this, please let me be selfish.  Right now, my priorities rank in this order: 1. Luke; 2: Me; and 3: Logan & Tim (my 3 year old son and husband).  As much as it pains me to say it, everything else holds very little importance right now.  It pains me because all of you have been so loyal to me, and have provided me with the opportunity to have a career, friendships, and a life that I never could have imagined having without you. I have come in early and gone home late to help others. I have stayed up into the early morning hours working on paperwork at home just to keep ahead while still trying to spend time with my family. I have missed birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, lunch dates, and time with my family to spend it with yours.  And, in 12 years, I have never cashed in a full two weeks worth of vacation.  All I'm asking is that you let me be selfish and cash it all in right now.  What I need from all of you is 8 to 12 weeks to spend with my family, to get Luke home, to make sure he is healthy and to make sure our family is whole again.  Because, you see, without my boys, work really lacks all importance whatsoever.  And, I'm of very little use to you if my head isn't 100% in the game.   

I know I overpromised many of you last week when I said we might be home in a couple of weeks and that I can work from the hospital.  I was running on pure adrenaline, a high dose of morphine, and some crazy mom-power that comes with delivering a baby. Right now, my "office" consists of two folding chairs pushed together in a tiny corner of an intensive care unit hospital room where my computer plays music for Luke throughout the day.  This 10' x 10' room also serves as my living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and baby room. And, it also comes with all the custom "bells and whistles" of an intensive care unit.  I do have a temporary housing situation established, and can run back and forth for a shower or relief from the day's activities, but that isn't always practical when 12 hours of the day is dedicated to feeding and the other 12 are dedicated to supporting Luke's behavior and brain development.  This experience has truly opened my eyes to the stresses other families in this situation have endured, and I apologize to anyone who I have not shown compassion to as they were traveling this journey.

So, I beg of you, please let me be selfish.  Please let me help my baby grow and develop.  The few weeks that you must sacrifice now will mean a lifetime of health and well being for Little Baby Luke if we can establish the groundwork needed here to get him running at full steam.  The only way I know how to do this is if we work together with trust, understanding, and patience. Although this came as a surprise, the team at 1st Realty is ready to help, and they have been working hard to fill in during my absence.  They will never know how truly grateful I am for their help and kindness during this time.  It truly does take a village to raise a child, and if you will be a part of my village right now, Luke and I will make sure to find you the houses you need to make it a home when we get back!  Thank you all for your patience, kindness and understanding!  Welcome Home.

At a Standstill...

Today is the first day of Spring.  Warmer weather and more daylight to get stuff done, right? A friend asked me two days ago why I hadn't posted any recent updates on our bathroom remodeling project.  Well, to be honest, progress has been slow.  No, let me rephrase that, progress has come to a complete halt.  We can't even blame the unnamed home improvement store because the materials have been stacked up against the wall in our basement family room since late February.  This photo shows where we are at currently (and have been for some time):

Notice all the glue on the walls

The builder loved glue

Someday we'll be back to fully functional

Don't get me wrong, it's not that we don't want to be working on this, but when it's 70 degrees outside, a wagon ride around the block with an almost 2-year old sounds a bit more exciting.  When I really want to spice things up, my family and I take on a large bunch of rowdy yearling cattle after work to see if we can time the head gate on the squeeze chute just right so we can insert an ear tag before they decide to run straight through.  Laugh if you want, but it's not so funny when your sorting the whole herd for the second time to catch those two lovely ladies who managed to sneak through the first time.

Despite the after work shenanigans, the at work demands have been increasing steadily since the first of year.  We've been working overtime trying to keep up with the volume of new listings, showings, and sales the past few weeks.  So, if the shower isn't getting installed it might be because of this,

1006 Brooke Drive (Sale Pending)

 or this,

719 Hillside Drive (Sale Pending)

 maybe this one too,

1000 & 1002 Sunnyview Drive

 here's another good one,

905 Lincoln Street

 or possibly this,

105 West 4th Street

 this one for sure,

57745 847th Road, Wayne

 don't forget this little guy,

307 West 1st Street

 and you're sure to love this one,

920 Douglas Street

 and this beauty, too!

502 West 1st Street

But don't forget about these moments,

Logan calls baby lambs "pigs." I can't make this stuff up.

Nobody at 1st Realty could have guessed it wasn't spring yet by the volume of home sales and listings we have experienced during this first quarter of 2015.  So far this year we have had nine closings, which is, by far, the most closings we've seen during the first quarter in the last five years.  And, not surprisingly, we have more come (keep watching for updates)!

For the time being, the improvements on our home will just have to wait. My husband and I have more important things to do at our jobs and with our family farming operations at the present time.

Tonight, we get to work with these lovely ladies to get them prepped for baby calves set to arrive in about 12 days (or sooner).  As all of you expecting mothers will understand, these bosses are "nesting" now, so let's hope they cooperate with those of us messing up their typical evening routine.  For me, it's a little needed outdoor therapy.  I'll keep you posted on how things are going, but don't be surprised if we are talking selling, buying, and baby calves rather than remodeling at least in the near future.  Welcome Home.

Baby Steps

As we roll into the summer buying and selling season, anxieties are running high.  Severe storms have threatened the area, homes need to get sold so others can be purchased, and a new batch of professionals are moving into town seeking quality rental housing that is in short supply.  As the area battened down the hatches on Tuesday in anticipation of powerful thunderstorms, two home sellers were biting their nails in other parts of the country as the storms raced towards Wayne.  Time moved in slow motion for those sellers.  They were waiting for word that the closings on their homes had officially happened before any storm damage occurred.  On the flip side, two very nervous buyers were accepting the keys to properties that were now their sole responsibility just hours and minutes before the storm hit.  Every other property owner in town was holding his/her breath and hoping the reports of golf ball sized hail were mere exaggerations.  Luckily, Wayne was spared the brunt of the damage.  Our homes, businesses, and personal property are all intact and we are thankful.  Baby steps.

I say baby steps because everything we go through in life, whether it's a storm, buying or selling a home or, quite literally, having a baby, needs a little perspective some days.  In an age of instant answers, we expect fast and accurate results in everything we do, see, and hear.  We expect the weatherman to predict the storm pattern.  We expect to be able to move in to a home or move on from it within our planned timeline. And, we expect past results to predict future performance.  The thing of it is that sometimes the things that don't go as expected are destined to help us experience something else we would have otherwise missed.  Baby steps.

Baby steps.  Had it not been for the storm, I would have missed my son's first steps.  My husband would have missed them, too.  And those would have been some big steps to miss.  The storm brought my husband and me home quite a bit earlier than usual on Tuesday.  We ate supper earlier than usual, and we were glued to the television watching storm coverage at a time of the evening when we are both usually still working on a project.  And then it happened...baby steps.  Right there between storm coverage and an evening treat of caramel popcorn.  Right there between the recliner where dad was sitting and the couch where mom was sitting.  Baby steps.  The storm that brought grumbles from both of us for bringing unexpected changes to our typically well planned day had also given us this wonderful opportunity.  Baby steps.

That very important moment in our lives opened my eyes to how and why things happen the way they do.  Just like the other events in our lives, home buying and selling is a step by step process that is often carefully planned and calculated just like two tiny feet plodding a three foot distance between living room furniture.  Some homes sell quickly, others take months and even years to sell.  Often times, there is little or no explanation as to why a perfectly sound home takes so long to sell with the exception that the right buyer has not seen the potential that home holds.  And maybe the reason is that the time just isn't right yet for it to happen.  Perhaps you might miss out on something else wonderful that would have otherwise been missed if it had sold immediately.  The baby steps we take to buy or sell a home are for a reason.  We don't always know it at the time, but eventually the reason becomes clear. 

If you feel like you are taking baby steps at this time, don't be alarmed and don't get too anxious.  The spring and summer months are an exceptional time to buy or sell a home, and if you move too quickly, you might just miss out on something wonderful.  Welcome Home.

Inspection vs. Appraisal

If you are in the market to buy a home, you are probably being bombarded with words like "inspection," "appraisal," "prequalification," "assessed value," or "contingency."  But what do they all mean?  People keep spouting them off at you like you buy a home every other day, so just keep nodding your head like you understand what's going on, right?  Buying a home can be very confusing!  Today, I want to focus on two terms that often get misunderstood by buyers when purchasing a home:  home inspection and appraisal.

I have heard the terms "inspection" and "appraisal" used synonymously on numerous occasions.  These two items are very different things.  As discussed in my last post entitled Home Inspections, an inspection is designed to find major defects associated with a home.  A certified home inspector or trusted contractor will perform this task (no license required).  An inspection is also a voluntary part of a home purchase.  Contrary to popular belief, home inspections are not mandatory in the State of Nebraska.  If a buyer elects to purchase a home "as is" (in its current condition) without an inspection, that decision is perfectly acceptable.

In contrast, an appraisal is performed by a licensed appraiser for purposes of securing a loan.  The appraiser is hired by your lender to review the property and determine a fair market value.  The purpose of the appraisal is to support or reject the sales price of the property to guarantee that your lender is making a safe investment in lending you money.  The appraised value is a reliable tool for determining the true market value of your property.  An appraisal is typically a mandatory part of a home purchase, especially if the buyer is securing a loan through a bank or similar financial institution.  Although an appraiser will visually examine the property, he/she is typically not qualified to make a determination about the structural soundness of the property.  An appraiser may comment on specific items of concern in the appraisal report because of the influence they have on the value of the property.  However, he/she will also note that a qualified inspection should be performed for items in question.

One important characteristic that a home inspector and an appraiser should have in common is that neither one should be affiliated with the property or the sale of the real estate in any way.  Appraisers and inspectors should always provide you with an independent, unbiased opinion of the real estate condition or value.

The main differences between inspections and appraisals are as follows:

Inspections...
1.  Do not require a licensed inspector
2.  Are a voluntary part of the transaction
3.  Determine the structural or mechanical soundness of components in the home
4.  Are ordered or arranged for by the home buyer

Appraisals...
1.  Require a State licensed appraiser
2.  Are typically mandatory for all transactions requiring a loan
3.  Determine the fair market value of real estate
4.  Are ordered or arranged for by the lending institution

For additional information on inspections, appraisals, and everything else in between, contact me, Trisha Peters, at tpeters@1strealtysales.com or (402) 375-1477.  I can help you find the answers and the home you have been seeking!  Welcome Home.

Attitude Adjustment

Raise your hand if you've been in a winter funk.  We are well into the long stretch of winter that remains before a sustained spring thaw, and all I can say is thank goodness for the warmer temps this week!  A day like today can really work wonders one's attitude and outlook.  I was getting to a point where I didn't know how much more subzero weather I could tolerate. It's depressing.  However, I am thankful that we haven't been getting the snow and ice our counterparts in the eastern part of the country are experiencing. Things could be worse.

Like me, most of you are probably getting spring fever.  It's that itch to hop in the car and go somewhere or at least to get outside and breathe the fresh air.  If showing houses doesn't give me an excuse for getting out of the office on days like today, I make my own.  You might see me at Dollar General with both arms full of office supplies because I've been procrastinating a trip to the west edge of town since they moved the store from its convenient location across the street.  Maybe I'll to run into you at the post office, or you just might catch me at the car wash polishing my wheels.  Anything for a few brief moments outside!  So, I'm begging you. Let's go look at some houses before the frigid cold settles in again!

We do have quite a few homes to see right now.  All kinds, shapes, colors and sizes are currently available from cozy ranches to 2-story cottages and low-maintenance townhouses.  If you can't find something that fits your needs today, just wait as we enter into March and April when listings typically sprout up overnight.  Remember, we are still in the throes of winter for another month or so (and I'm counting down the days until spring!)  In the meantime, check out these recent listings to see if there is something on the market that might tickle your fancy during this February thaw:

311 East 9th Street - Beautiful hardwood floors, remodeled bath, main level laundry

302 East 7th Street - 3-stories of living space, remodeled in 2000

1011 Sunnyview Drive - Cute home, 3-bedrooms, appliances included

212 East 8th Street - beautiful archways, sunroom, and remodeled kitchen

1226 5th Road, Wisner - private acreage with house, grove, and many outbuildings

819 Lincoln Street - Adorable cottage-style home, 3-bedrooms, Bressler Park view!

If you are buying or selling, contact me at 1st Realty to for help with your housing needs this spring.  Or, if you see me out and about playing hooky on these nice days, don't hesitate to stop and visit about the local housing market.  Getting into a new home or out of your existing one can do as much good for your attitude as the weather!  Welcome Home!

tpeters@1strealtysales.com                     
Office:  (402) 375-1477                     
Cell:  (402) 518-0675     

Remodeling...Again.

It's official. My husband and I have not celebrated a New Year yet without having some sort of major home remodeling project in the works.  We ended 2013 with the joy of replacing our 13 month old water heater which unexpectedly started leaking right after Christmas.  If you remember, in November of 2012, we switched out the old-as-the-house-gas-hog for a more efficient electric model.  Guess they just don't make 'em like they used to!  We rang in the New Year in style by prepping for new windows and doors which were installed last week.  No more draft coming in under the front door (and judging by the amount of dust coating our living room furnishings, the saws-all must have let that door know who's boss), no more frozen midnight toilet seat from the draft in the bathroom, and no more curtains blowing in the south wind.  At least we didn't end up replacing windows on the coldest day of the year thus far!  Our new energy efficient, argon filled, double paned windows were certainly put to the test this week.  So far so good.  This year's resolution is to not have any more projects in the works by 2015 (yeah, right)!

Many of you have also probably made some resolutions of your own.  I'm hoping a few of you have set a goal to buy or sell a home this year.  Even though it is cold outside, now is a great time to buy and/or sell.  Sellers are  motivated to get their homes sold this time of year.  As mentioned in a previous post, fewer buyers are in the market for homes during the long winter stretch from January to March.  This motivates sellers to strongly consider any and all offers.  However, you have probably noticed that housing inventory is low as we start out the new year.  This means that those of you on the fence about listing your home until the weather warms up also have less competition right now.  This increases your odds of selling in a shorter period of time and commanding a higher price for your home.  We have buyers waiting anxiously for new listings, and now is the time to get your house in front of them while those resolutions are still fresh in their minds.

Let me help you keep your New Year's resolution to buy or sell a home in 2014.  Contact me at 1st Realty by calling (402) 375-1477 or e-mailing tpeters@1strealtysales.com to get the inside track to our new listings.  Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!  Welcome Home.

December is a Great Time to Buy!

Let me give you something to consider today:  December is GREAT time to buy a home!  Don't call me crazy until you hear me out.

1.  Only a serious seller will contend with selling their home during the holiday season.  You don't have to mess around with sellers who are just "testing the waters."

2.  Sellers tend to be more negotiable on prices during the month of December.  Consider it a direct result of being in the holiday spirit.

3.  Viewing homes with Christmas trees and other Christmas decor up gives you an idea of how big a space really is because those items typically do not occupy a room at various other times of the year.

4.  Historically (and with the exception of the past week), temperatures average between 20-30 degrees and snow fall amounts are fairly light for our area until after Christmas.  This helps to make moving a little easier when compared to January and February when snow falls are typically larger and temperatures colder.

5.  Fewer buyers are in the market for homes which motivates sellers to strongly consider any and all offers.  Your odds of buying a house improve as the market shifts in the direction of a buyer's market during winter months.

If you've been holding your cards close to your chest, you might want to consider taking a look at some homes to see what kind of deals might be available this month.  Wonderful opportunities await you in the local market to bring you home for the holidays!

Also, don't forget to participate in the1st Realty Elf's Christmas Tour of Homes promotion taking place from now through December 24th!  It is a great opportunity to preview our listings and win yourself some holiday cash courtesy of 1st Realty Sales & Management.  Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/591259154277665/.   Happy holidays from all of us here at 1st Realty!  Welcome Home!

I'm Baaaaaack!

Well, it's been almost a solid three months since I've been able to post anything.  I bet most of you know why...there is a sweet little boy who consumes all of my free time these days, and I just can't get enough of him!  Am I still selling real estate?  You bet!  I was back in the office just two weeks after the little guy was born.  In my last post, I told you we would hit the ground running!  The new joke here at the office is that I need to keep having kids because we have never been so busy as those few weeks I was gone for maternity leave!  So, watch out Wayne!  When the announcement for the next baby Peters comes, things are going to get wild and crazy with the real estate market!  In the meantime, Logan has been getting an early start to his real estate career by helping mommy at the office here and there, listening in on important phone calls, and pounding out e-mail messages as only a 10 week old can (sorry for the typos if you happen to get one.  He's just learning how to type.)  Thanks to all for bearing with us during this special time, particularly my coworkers.  (Although, I don't think they mind when the little guy is in for a visit!)  We muddled through a few days just on the brink of consciousness as we adjusted to those midnight feedings, but we are getting a routine down as I continue to adapt to parenthood.  Thanks for all the support!

But enough about me, let's talk real estate.  The weather is HOT and the market is moving quickly.  Housing inventory hasn't been sticking around long these days, so here's some advice for those of you looking to purchase a home before the snow flies:

1.  Get prequalified for a loan NOW!  In situations where multiple buyers are looking at homes and making offers, those with prequalification letters are considered more serious than those who haven't even spoken to their lender.  When it comes right down to it, sellers want you to show them the money (or at least that you have access to it).  This doesn't mean you have to lock in an interest rate and apply for a loan, you simply have to do some preliminary leg work to get a general idea of what you can afford.

2.  If you haven't spoken to a REALTOR, do so.  Keeping an eye on the local paper and websites is helpful, but some properties are selling before they even make it to an advertisement.  If you have your name on the mailing list, you won't miss a thing.  E-mail is also a great way to stay in touch!

3.  Be proactive.  If you are unsure about what type of house interests you the most, look at a few in person or online to determine the features you can't live without.  Make a list of everything your "dream home" would possess, then narrow that list to 3 or 4 things that any home must have.

4.  Look at the big picture.  Ultimately, your goal is to buy a home.  A lot of times we get hung up on minor details like paint color, carpet stains, or cosmetic imperfections at a home.  Try to look past those items to see the true potential a home holds for you.  If you have trouble visualizing, ask your agent, a relative or close friend for their advice and expertise in regard to what can be done to solve the problem.  A different perspective can make a big difference.

5.  Be prepared.  Things happen when you least expect them, so don't get caught off guard.  Stay in contact with your lender and REALTOR even when nothing interests you on the market.  If you currently own a home, ask your REALTOR to perform a market analysis to determine its value and give you advice about preparing the home to sell.  Making an offer tied to a contingency to sell your current home can often make a contract look less attractive.  Being able to tell a seller that you are ready for a quick sale might improve your odds of acceptance.  I am more than happy to give you an idea of your home's value in today's market.

6.  Don't get discouraged.  The real estate market is always changing and evolving.  Even though some homes are here today and gone tomorrow, it simply means that something better is waiting for you the next time around.  Keep looking and stay in touch with your agent to make sure you have the latest information.

Give me a call at (402) 375-1477 or e-mail tpeters@1strealtysales.com if you are in the market to buy or sell this summer.  I look forward to working with you in the days and weeks ahead!  Welcome Home.