Looking for something fun to do this month? Omaha and the Metro area have a lot to offer, so plan an afternoon or evening out on the town!

FEBRUARY SCHEDULES:

http://www.omahaplayhouse.com

Same Time, Next Year-1/18-2/10

Company-2/8-3/16

Cliffhangers-2/29-3/15

http://omahasymphony.org

MASTERWORKS-Gershwin's Porgy & Bess-2/29, 3/1-HH

CHAMBER- Mozart's 40^th Symphony-3/22-UNO

LIGHT CLASSICS-Rhapsodies & Romance-2/9-HH

http://www.operaomaha.org

Evenings with Stewart Robertson-2/11

Aida Celebration-The Aida

Look-2/21-Joslyn

Art for Aida-2/28-The Paxton

The Tragedy of Carmen-3/5-9-Joslyn

50^th Anniversary Special Opera -

AIDA-4/4,6,9,11,13

http://www.rosetheater.org

The Headstrong Daughter-2/14-24

Puss in Boots-3/7-22

http://www.dwhm.org

Presidential Documents: Our First 100 Years of Democracy-1/26-4/20

Omaha Hall of Fame: "Crossroads of Commerce - Omaha Opens for Business" -2/16-4/27

http://www.joslyn.org

First Friday Jam-Each Month

Young Art Patrons-First Friday of Each Month

SPEAK: Children's Book Illustrators Brag About Their Dogs-Until 2/24

http://www.henrydoorlyzoo.org

Teddy Bear Clinic-2/9-9:30-3:30

2008 Photo Challenge-Begins 3/1

Job Fair at the Zoo-2/16

http://www.omahaperformingarts.org

Phantom of the Opera-1/30-2/24-O

Band of the Coldstream Guards-2/10-HH

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra-2/23-HH

Addy - an American Girl Story-3/1-O

Mama Mia-3/4-9-O

Glenn Miller Orchestra-3/15-HH

Quest Center http://www.questcenter.com

Linkin Park 2/12

Bon Jovi-2/18

Toby Mac & Jeremy Camp-2/22

Matchbox Twenty-2/26

Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood-3/7

http://www.omahacivic.com

Tangier Shrine Circus-2/21-24

Omaha's Outdoor Living Showcase-3/6-9

http://www.oayo.org

Spring Concert-3/9-UNO

Thinking of moving in the Metro Area? Visit http://www.HuskerHomeFinder.com for more information on Omaha and surrounding communities.

*All Military Personnel be sure to check the ticket hut for possible discount tickets!

I often laugh when I recall one of my first introductions to military acronyms. My husband had recently returned from Desert Storm and he kept telling a war story involving a "POV". After hearing the term several times I finally asked what a "POV" was. He looked at me (surprised by my question I think) and matter-of-factly responded, "a privately owned vehicle". There was a pregnant pause while I deciphered the information. Then I asked, "do you mean a C. A. R."?

Now, after 19 years as an Army spouse the military jargon is just part of my every day conversation. I often forget others have no idea what I'm talking about! I originally typed the information below to help my fellow "civilian" real estate team members and lenders. I wanted them to understand the terminology they would often be hearing from my military clients during our real estate transactions in order to better assist them.

Most of the terms are pretty universal, however, I should warn you each branch of service has some variation to the lingo. For example, in the Army we call the military facility a "post", the Air Force calls it a "base". My disclaimer is that I'm also a wife, therefore I'm communicating these terms the way I interpret them. I'm sure some of our retired or active duty service members may find some corrections, or have some additions. If so please post them for us!

I hope all of you "civilians" out there find this list helpful, I'm sure you've heard some of these acronyms thrown around but were afraid to ask what they were. By understanding what some of these terms mean, you'll be of much better service to your military & government employees. I speak from experience (9 or so moves in 19 years), when someone takes the time to learn more about my lifestyle, it's truly appreciated and noticed -- it will get you referrals!

Here are some commonly used acronyms you may hear during your real estate transaction involving Military families;

PCS = "Permanent Change of Station" (although there's nothing "permanent" about it!). In "civilian" terms PCS = Move

TDY = "Temporary Duty Assignment", in "civilian" terms TDY = Business Trip

TDY IN ROUTE= Moving to a new base (or post), but temporarily stopping at another base for a short assignment before moving to permanent location. (Typically, they are going to a short-term school first, then on to their long-term assignment.) Although there's much inconvenience to this, soldiers get paid more money for TDY in Route moves.

PERMISSIVE TDY= Paid time (not counting against vacation time) allotted to house-hunt. Service members are alloted 10 days if stationed in a different state/overseas to find a home in a new location. If they wait until arriving to their new destination, they are only allotted 8 days (the military is basically subtracting the two days of travel time).

DEPLOYED = Service member is overseas on an assignment where family/spouses are not able to accompany him/her. They are often in war zones when deployed.

STATIONED (i.e. where all have you been stationed?) = Bases where they have been assigned/lived

LEAVE = Vacation Time - all military (regardless of rank) are given 2.5 days per month - about 30 days - of paid leave per year.

2400 instead of 12:00 AM (midnight)

TERMINAL LEAVE = Used by military who are retiring. They can save leave and actually stop working up to 2 months (I believe) before their actual retirement date and still get paid. Essentially it is unused paid vacation, but there is a cap.

BILLETING = Base Hotel/Lodging.

TLF = "Temporary Lodging Facility" - basically another word for hotel, but these are usually a little bigger than billeting with washer/dryers & kitchens.

BILLETING/TLF INFORMATION FYI: Active Duty Military who are PCSing are considered a "priority 1" and are allowed to stay up to 30 days in billeting once they arrive with orders. Uncle Sam pays for the first 10 days at the hotel, after 10 days the service member begins paying out of pocket. (However, they can begin receiving their BAH(housing allowance - see below).

Once the 30 day stay has expired, they become a "priority 2", which means they must check with the front desk every 3 days to see if there is still availability - because now anyone that is a "priority 1" bumps them off the list. If there isn't space they'll have to find another place to stay off base - which is much more expensive (at least double per day cost compared to on base daily charge). They must also pay the 3 days at a time in advance.

**If there is no availability on base the service member must get a TLF Form from base for permission to have the first 10 days paid for off base - they need to contact finance first to see how much they are allowed per day because if they exceed this amount, they must pay the difference.

Retired Military are always considered a "priority 2" and must follow the 3 day at a time rule above.

R.F.O. = "Request for Orders". This is the form they receive stating their orders are being processed; however, it is not considered "official" until you receive "Orders" (see below). This is an Army term.

ORDERS = Final notice of assignment. This is the "official" document stating where you are moving and the day you begin working there. **Military MUST have official orders before they can make appointments to have items packed/shipped.

REPORT DATE = The day the service member must start (report) to their new job.

PACK-OUT DATES = The days the movers are coming to pack their belongings (can vary anywhere from 2-5 days depending upon how many household goods they have).

HOUSEHOLD GOODS = Their personal belongings

DITI MOVE = "Do It Yourself Move". Some (not many) service members choose to pack their own belongings, load them on the truck, and deliver on their own. They choose this route because the government pays them nicely for it, however, the service member is now liable for any breakage, not the government.

PARTIAL DITI= A smaller version of the DITI above. Rent a small trailer to load only some of your personal belongings. You can get the vehicle weighed empty, then full. The government will pay you so much per pound of items you move yourself.

HOUSING ALLOWANCE / BAH = "Basic Allowance for Housing". This is the amount the government gives each military member for rent/mortgage payment. This amount is determined by rank, area, and whether the service member has dependants or not. Service Members are paid more BAH if they are married and/or have children (with dependants), less if they are single (no dependants). Here's a link http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.htmlwhere you can find out their housing allowance based upon rank & zipcode. If the service member chooses to live on base, the government just keeps their BAH.

LES = "Leave and Earnings Statement", in civilian terms = pay stub

BP = Basic Pay

TLA = Temporary Lodging Allowance

COLA= Extra monies service members receive overseas to compensate for the dollar rate vs. the currency of the country they reside in. This becomes important for service members moving back to the U.S. after being stationed overseas. The service member was basically being paid extra money to while living abroad. Therefore, moving back can drastically change their income. For instance, when we moved back to the U.S. after being stationed in Germany we lost over $1000 per month (due to the Euro being worth more than the U.S. dollar).

DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE = Money given to service members each time they move - amount varies based on rank, location etc. The purpose of the money is to offset some of the moving expenses such as purchasing new home supplies, cleaning, food, utility deposits, etc. Many times service members will use this money towards closing costs.

OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS = Most military stationed overseas will ship their household goods and vehicles about 30 days prior to moving back to the U.S. Their items go on a ship, therefore, it takes 4-6 weeks for their household goods to arrive in the U.S. They will often still live in their government quarters (military housing) using government loaner furniture until they leave.

EXPRESS SHIPMENT or HOLD BAGGAGE = A small shipment military members can send earlier than their regular household goods. It's typically items they'll need immediately upon arrival such as clothing, towels, pots & pans. Because it's a small shipment it will arrive overseas quickly often waiting for them when they get there (or back here from overseas).

JAGG or Legal Aid: On base Lawyer. Military service members can get free "legal advice" & document preparation (but not representation). In regards to real estate - they can go to JAGG to get a Special Power of Attorney for Real Estate (if their spouse cannot attend closing, or for the agent) at no cost. They can also seek free legal advice if something goes awry in their house deal.

KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid (thanks John!)

Thanks to each and every one of you for taking such great care of our military service members and their families!

When I first got into the real estate business I heard this term way too often. Agent after agent told me stories of how they took buyers out for months looking for the 3 BR, 2 Bath, non-compromise ranch with a finished basement on the West side of town. Hundreds of houses later (if the agent was lucky enough to keep the buyers long enough to get paid), the buyers purchased a 2 bedroom, 2 story Colonial with an unfinished basement in the country. Hence the phrase, "Buyer's are liars".

I'm sorry, but I'm not buying it. I don't believe any buyer intentionally drags an agent around looking at the exact opposite home they really want to purchase... at least not consciously.

So, the question is, whose fault is it when this happens? Is it the buyer's fault, or, dare I say, the agent's? I'll probably make some enemies here, but my opinion is it's the agent's job to do their "homework" before tossing the buyer into a vehicle and heading out to look at houses. Punching the buyer's criteria into the MLS system, pulling up 20-30 houses based mostly upon sq feet, bedrooms, and baths, then hitting the pavement to find a house is comparable to driving in a blizzard. No one can see where they are headed, and the final destination will be a long, unenjoyable journey.

I work with a lot of people relocating from out of town. I think the key to finding a buyer the "perfect" home is that I don't find it, they do. I try to get inside their heads to visualize what they want prior to their arrival. I ask them a lot of questions about their "dream" home; I set them up on a search and tell them to "save" any homes of interest into their virtual folder. I look at the homes in their folder to get a feel for similarities they may not even realize (they all have front porches, brick, big windows, similar architecture, are Colonial style, etc.).

Then, I ask them to choose their favorite "Top 10" homes from the list they've compiled. I've had clients with 75 properties saved in their folder (and I'll admit I was a bit nervous...), but not even they argued with my logic. I simply explain, "Let's look at the 10 BEST possibilities first, the ones that most closely match your "dream house". I of course reassure them if we don't find "the" house within our first 10; we'll by all means fall back on the other homes saved on their list.

I've also come to discover I'm just the "director", so to speak. Today's buyers are internet savvy, educated consumers who want to make their own choices; I just guide and help them tailor their list based upon clues, information, and observations. My job is not to choose their home, but instead to help them narrow it down. Here are some tips I offer my buyers to help them narrow their "Favorites List" to their "Top 10" Homes:

1. If you don't like the outside appearance delete it, you have to look at it every day!

2. Take another look at the interior photos. Pay close attention to things inside that would be costly or too time consuming to update or amend to your liking (i.e. kitchen, flooring, wallpaper, paint, etc.)

3. If particular rooms must be a certain size to fit furniture (i.e. bedroom sizes, living room, etc.) eliminate those that do not have the preferred minimum sq footage

4. Is the yard or location important? If so, check lot size, surrounding areas (http://www.googleearth.com/), proximity to schools, work, or shopping.

5. Look back over the amenities for each home - choose the homes that most closely match your "perfect house" criteria (I.e. fireplace, deck, sprinkler system, garage, cul-de-sac, etc.)

I sometimes feel like I'm playing the game of "Clue"; carefully analyzing, assisting with eliminations, processing every comment, like, dislike, and emotional response working towards unlocking the "mystery" of their ideal home. Between compiling clues, and putting the buyers in the "driver's seat", 98% of the time we do find the house they write on within their chosen Top 10 on the first day. Why? I believe it's because the process was a two-way street and we both did our "homework" before we hopped in the car. "Studying" prior to a test always pays off in the end!

Here I go...I'm braving my "First Blog" on Active Rain. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about, so I began by reading several posts. Along the way I read I should write about something I am passionate about. If not for where I work today, I wouldn't be writing this...

Four years ago, after being a "stay-at-home mom" (and dedicated volunteer) for 12 years, I decided it was time for me to do something I loved (and actually get PAID for it!). After several months of searching for what that "something" was, I followed the many paths that kept leading me to real estate. It didn't take long for me to realize this was my "calling", and what I was supposed to be "when I grew up".

I began my career in Illinois, where I worked for the number one company in the area. Our office consisted of furniture from the 1970's (and carpet to match). Our broker was the nicest guy in the world, but not someone I would go to for advice or guidance. Except for the initial 2 week orientation, there was minimal training - so agents were pretty much "on their own", so to speak. We ran out of lockboxes (our company provided them). Our signs (company provided) were often delivered a week or so after our new listings hit the MLS (provided we didnt' run out of posts!). However, overall I was happy because this was all I knew. I loved my job and nothing else really mattered because I couldn't wait to get to work each day!

Year #3 in IL, we found out we were moving (again). The Army was kind enough (after 18 years) to give us an assignment back "home" in the Omaha area - we were so excited! I immediately began researching local Real Estate companies. This time around, I knew exactly what I wanted (or didn't want) in my new brokerage. This time I was going to interview them.

I visited a few offices while home for the holidays the winter before. I sent a few emails to local companies. However, one company immediately impressed me, NP Dodge. My (to be) broker, Dave Moody, called me within 12 hours of my email. He actually not only asked, but listened, to what I wanted, what I was looking for. At our first meeting he said, "I work for YOU", and I can honestly say he does. (And has from day one.)

I've now been with NP Dodge for about 13 months. They continue to "Wow" me. They provide so many training opportunities, most of which are either free, or partially paid for by them. Mark Leader, Rich Casto, Jeff Turner... just to name a few. We have in-house training by peers, online training, personal goal setting with our broker. They even provide free coaching sessions with a well known local coach, Mark Wehner, to every agent. They want us to succeed.

We have an Advisory Committee to bring ideas, suggestions, and even complaints to the table because they care what we think and want to HEAR us. They want to be "cutting edge" in the marketplace. They strive to find new ways to improve our company and reinvest in technology which benefits each agent.

I don't feel like I work for a corporate monster, but rather a family. I truly count my blessings each and every day for the countless opportunities presented to me here. I can go to anyone in my office and ask them a question, laugh at myself, or share ideas. I know they are "technically" my "competitors", but in reality they are my friends, my mentors, those who inspire me.

I know I'm gushing, but I feel so fortunate because if not for my experience where I worked before, I think I could've easily taken everything I have now for granted. I also know my future successes will be in direct correlation with the tools and opportunities I've been presented with here. I want others to know, who, like me, may not realize that there may be a better world out there. Choose where you work carefully. Interview companies, go with your "gut", and don't base everything on money. Isn't that what we preach to our clients - you get what you pay for? We wonder why so many people list without interviewing agents, isn't this is their largest investment? We ask ourselves, why would they choose someone strictly based upon commission?

Then why would we choose a company solely based upon how much (initially) of my check they take? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In my opinion, here's the bottom line, if the company is not providing ways for me to learn, grow, and succeed I will fail - then how much will I have lost? Much more than a mere percentage. I will have lost my dream, my opportunity for growth, and my opportunity for greatness. If I'm surrounded by those who want nothing more than my success, won't financial gain naturally follow?

I'm in it for the long haul. My opinion is I'll be much more successful in my career because of what I'm learning, who I'm learning from, and their desire to make sure I have the tools to "shine" and be a quality agent. That extends far beyond commission. I don't want to be "good"; I want to be "great". Who I work for and how they WORK FOR ME has a direct impact on my future.

I hope every new agent, no matter where they live, will take all of these things into consideration before they sign with the first company they speak with. Your success hinges on those who surround and embrace you. The term "surround yourself with greatness" holds true, it rubs off. Work for (and with) people who care less about what you can give THEM, but rather more about what they can give YOU. The dividends for both parties are "priceless".