Spring Is Here: Is It Time to Make a Move?

There's just something about this time of year in the Council Bluffs and Omaha area that makes everything feel fresh again.

The sun is shining a little longer, the air feels lighter, and homes across the Heartland start to come alive. And every year around this time, we start hearing the same question:

"Is now a good time to buy or sell?"

The short answer? For many families… yes, it just might be.

Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Move

Spring has always been one of the busiest seasons in real estate and for good reason.

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Selling your home can be quite intricate, whether you're a first-timer or have some experience from a previous sale. Like any complex endeavor, it's incredibly beneficial to draw inspiration from those who have navigated the process successfully before. While each home and market is unique, the fundamental principles, from preparing your home to keeping it show-ready, remain constant. Begin your next home sale with confidence by adopting these eight habits from accomplished home sellers.

1. Give Your Home a Top-to-Bottom Clean A spotless home is essential to capturing the attention of serious buyers. Kickstart the process by thoroughly cleaning every nook and cranny, including hidden corners,
   spaces behind furniture, and less frequently used rooms. Think of it as aggressive spring cleaning for your entire home.
2. Dazzle Bu...

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Do you know if now is the right time to consider selling your home?

Don't worry — many homeowners scratch their heads at this same question. While buying a home is an important decision, selling your home is a matter of equal significance. When you first consider selling your current home to purchase a new house, a million thoughts may fill your mind.

For some, selling a home involves questions of practicality: When is the best time to sell? How do I know if I can afford a new home? Will buyers want to purchase my home in its current condition?

For others, saying goodbye to a home is like saying farewell to part of the family. They'll often have emotional concerns that raise stressful questions: can I really leave our family's first home, and will I ever find a home that feels just as special?

If you're unsure whether or not now is the rig...

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10 Real Estate Terms Sellers Need To Know

Selling your home is a complex process. But one thing you can do to make it easier is to get familiar with some of the real estate terms that will be used. Here are some of the most common terms and what sellers should know about them.

1. Seller's market
   A seller's market is advantageous to you, the seller. It means there are lots of buyers and fewer sellers. Under these conditions, homes often sell quickly and at or over the asking price.
   
   
2. Listing Agent and Dual Agency
   The real estate agent who lists the home for sale and represents the seller's interests during the transaction is the listing agent. Dual agency is where the same agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Because it...

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When you're selling your home, you want to present it in the best possible light. From tackling home improvement projects to staging an open house, small details can make all the difference in the world to a potential buyer.

When it comes to fixing up your house, it's important to pick your battles carefully. Some home improvements can help boost the resale value of your property, while others spend money you won't get back. Here's what you need to know about what to fix and what not to fix when you're selling your home.

Fixing Cosmetic Problems

There are two ways to look at minor cosmetic blemishes — the kinds of issues that don't affect a home's functionality but do make it look run-down or outdated.