David Matney, CRS ~ Omaha NE Real Estate ~ (402) 490-6771

The Omaha Area Board of Realtors will soon be adding an "open house" link to the IDX. IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. This will allow agents and companies to publish the upcoming open houses from other companies on their website. This will be a great enhancement for clients to see ALL the upcoming open houses in the marketplace. Kudos to the OABR for adding this feature!

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Omaha Real Estate | Search for Omaha Homes for Sale

(402) 490-6771

One of the more common questions buyers ask when looking at a home is, "How long has this home been on the market?" Do you really know? One of the best ways to protect your buyer is to conduct an address history search on the MLS. In fact, it is arguable that if you do not conduct an address search you are derelict in your duties to represent your buyer.

In order to protect yourself, it might be a good idea to print the address history and have your buyers initial and date and keep it in the file. Now you have proof that you gave the information to the buyer.

Here is an example of an address history of a property in the MLS. This is a home that I just sold that had previously expired when listed with another company. This also is an illustration of the importance of proper pricing when selling your home.

Address History for 3709 North 65 Street

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Omaha Real Estate | Search for Omaha Homes for Sale

(402) 490-6771

On Monday, February 23, 2009 the Omaha Area Board of Realtors will be holding their 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off. This is a fun event and this year's theme will be Mardi Gras. This year I am participating as one of the chefs.

I have never cooked chili before (except can chili in a microwave) so I will be harnessing the "power of the internet" to assist me with my chili cooking. If my chili does not turn out, I can place the blame on Al Gore for inventing the internet. If you would like to attend it is held at the OABR education center from 11:00 to 1:00 PM. See you there!

P.S. I welcome any tips or suggestions.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Omaha Real Estate | Search for Omaha Homes for Sale

(402) 490-6771)

I would like to thank Gregg Mitchell with Mitchell & Associates for speaking to a packed house at the Omaha Area Board of Realtors today. Gregg has supervised or personally conducted over 30,000 valuations. It was no surprise the room was filled to max capacity.

Mitchell & Associates was organized in 1946 and was an original founding member of the Great Plains Multiple Listing Service. Mitchell & Associates consist of 13 professionals with a combined 284 years of experience. In a typical year, they appraisal over 4000 properties. In summary, when Gregg has something to say about our local market ... Realtors listen.

Thanks Gregg!

I would also like to give a "shout out" to the OABR Education Comittee for sponsoring the event!

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Omaha Real Estate | Search for Omaha Homes for Sale

(402) 490-6771

Most buyers are somewhat familiar with title insurance. Just as you have homeowners insurance insures your home and car insurance insures your car, title insurance insures the title of the property. You would not want to buy a home and two weeks later have someone knock at your door and say that they now have an interest in your property.

There are two types of policies, basic coverage and expanded coverage. Both policies cover items such as a mechanics lien. What is a mechanics lien? Let's say the previous owner had the house roofed and did not pay the roofer. The roofer could now file a mechanics lien against your property for the amount still owned on the roof.

What about if there is a "cloud" on the title post policy? In that situation only the expanded title insurance coverage would protect you. Keep in mind that expanded coverage is only available for owner occupied one to four family residential property. The cost is approximately 10% more for the expanded coverage and it is well worth the cost, especially since title insurance is usually split between buyer and seller.

When you write a purchase agreement on a property you would want to specify in the contract that you want the expanded coverage. If you have any questions concerning title insurance it is best to speak with a professional at a title company. They deal with title issues on a day to day basis and can be a tremendous resource when purchasing a home.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Omaha Real Estate | Search for Omaha Homes for Sale

(402) 490-6771