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

I just listed a home at 3709 N 65 St and part of my marketing plan involves the placement of directional arrows leading potential buyers to the property. When I place a directional arrow, I ask the owner of the home if I can have permission to place the directional sign in their yard.

Today, when I asked permission, he told me that it has been over 10 years since someone has last asked permission to place a directional sign on the property. He really seemed impressed and he thanked me for asking permission and he also asked about the property since I add an address rider to the top of the sign.

(Here is an example of one of my directional arrows.)

When you ask permission, you are actually marketing the home, getting "face time" with a potential future client, and differentiating yourself from your competition. In addition to these it is a cost saving measure because when you ask permission your directional arrow is less likely to end up in trash can.

Here is another technique I learned from Bonnie Novak who tried this on her very first listing. She bought two $5 gift cards and gave the owner a choice of either McDonalds or Subway. This idea takes differentiation to an entirely different level. Sometimes it is the very small things that separate you from the competition.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Alliance Real Estate

(402) 490-6771

Stay tuned for more information on my new listing!

Many buyers when purchasing an investment property or a "flip" get tunnel vision and strictly focus on getting a great "deal." However, what you might get is a great "deal" on a property that is tough to rent or perhaps even harder to resell.

Investors have to look at the property through the eyes of the consumer. One example is buying a home on a busy street with no garage or a lack of off street parking. If you purchase such a home you will have to factor in the possibility of installing a driveway or garage construction. This installation can end costing you time on the market, unforeseen construction costs and attracting a smaller pool of potential renters.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Alliance Real Estate

(402) 490-6771

Are you selling a vacant home in winter? Be sure to have your home professionally winterized. It is not enough to simply turn off the water. You should have a professional plumber remove the meter and turn off the water at the street.

Many absentee sellers simply turn the furnace on an hope for the best. What happens if the furnace goes out? It can happen and the results can be painful. In fact, some insurance companies have restriction on homes that have been vacant for a certain number of days.

So if your home is vacant contact a professional plumber or ServiceOne and have your home properly winterized. It is worth your peace of mind and can save you from the agony of frozen pipes.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,e-Pro

Alliance Real Estate

(402) 490-6771

The Omaha Fire Department is offering a FREE carbon dioxide and smoke detector. This offer is for owner occupied properties only and the fire department will also install the detector to insure correct installation.

This program is residents of the City of Omaha only and to register call Theresa with the Omaha Fire Department Public Safety Department at (402) 444-3560.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI,E-Pro

Alliance Real Estate

(402) 490-6771

The Omaha Area Board of Realtors is sponsoring a FREE seminar on the $700 Billion bail out package and how it will impact the mortgage and real estate industry. This seminar will be held on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at 11830 Nicholas St in Omaha, Nebraska.

The seminar will be taught by George Akers with First Mortgage Corporation and he has received rave reviews from past attendees. The session is FREE and all local Realtors and lenders are encouraged to attend.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

(402) 490-6771