<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Omaha Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Visit the Hopkins Home Team Blog for news on the Omaha housing market, to learn about local neighborhoods, new construction, upcoming events, and popular attractions.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/five-tips-for-saving-that-you-havent-heard-of-yet.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/five-tips-for-saving-that-you-havent-heard-of-yet.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Five Tips For Saving That You Haven't Heard of Yet</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Need some motivation to save up for that down payment? Want to put more back into your mortgage? You've likely heard many tired tips and tricks for saving: buy in bulk, stick to a budget, the list goes on and on. We've collected some tips you likely haven't come across yet, to give you the extra help you need to reign in your spending so that you can make some headway on purchasing your home.





Get healthy. Paying attention to your own health and wellness is probably the most overlooked strategy for giving your bank account a boost. There are many reasons that being healthy physically will make you healthy financially. For starters, being healthy means you'll be able to work more days, which means more money in your bank account. It also means less costly health insurance, doctor's bills and medications. Homemade meals with fresh vegetables are cheaper than eating out (or about the same cost, depending on quality and quantity), and benefit you far more. Exercise is as free as taking a walk, and has been proven to drastically improve the state of one's mind.


Try no-spend days. Ever heard of this? It can be a pretty powerful weapon to have in your arsenal of frugality. A no-spend day is one where you spend zero dollars on non-essentials. Essentials would be scheduled bill payments and gas for your car (if it's empty); that's about it. No-spend days require planning, which is what makes them so effective. When you plan your days, weeks, and months ahead of time, you leave less room for impulse purchases and end up using what you already have on hand. This can be very effective for cleaning out the freezer, or wearing clothes you haven't pulled out of the closet in a while. Some people even like to set a monthly goal, for example: "this month, I will have four no-spend days".


Save your impulses. If you can be really mindful when you're about to engage in an impulse buy, this tip might be right up your alley. The next time you're at the checkout counter at the store and you reach for that pack of gum, check yourself. Record what the price of that item is, and transfer what you would have spent on it from your checking account into your savings account. If you have a smartphone, it's even easier to do this with various apps. For chronic impulse shoppers, this can really make quite a bit of difference, as long as you practice being very aware of when you're about to have an impulse buy.


Never new. Try making the bulk of your purchases pre-owned. This would include clothing, household items, cars, and just about anything else. When you're getting together a down payment, it only makes sense to make saving up that chunk of change your first priority. Don't have a TV as big as you'd like? Need to make do with a second-hand sofa? It will pay off when you move into your own home. It will also make you take a second look at what you're spending money on: maybe you can live with your current bedroom set after all. You might find, unexpectedly, some great outcomes from buying used. Clothing swaps not only help you save money on new clothes, they also allow you to visit with friends on the cheap. Likewise, you can meet some great people in your community by buying on Craigslist or other similar sites. Make sure you keep your safety in mind for these transactions, however.


Share, and share alike. If you live centrally in your city and don't need to use your car much, consider giving it up. Now, this is a drastic measure, but hear me out. Not having a car is a big change, but it can also put a lot of money back into your pocket, especially if you're still making payments. Think about how much you pay for insurance, gas, and upkeep on your vehicle. Now think about how much your car's value depreciates every day, week, month, and year. A car will never be a good investment, but a house is. If you require the use of a car (say, for a big shopping trip or a weekend away), there are plenty of options. Car share programs, like ZipCar, are a great alternative to renting, the costs of which can quickly add up.





Saving up for a down payment doesn't have to mean giving up everything you love. With careful planning and discipline, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to budget a down payment into your financial plan. Do you have your own insights to share? Weigh in below, in the comment section!

#sn-buttons# ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:43:36 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/fire-prevention-tips-for-the-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/fire-prevention-tips-for-the-home.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Fire Prevention Tips for the Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Just this past Thursday, a fire at an apartment building at 144th St. and West Maple Rd. rendered 30 residents (possibly more) homeless. All those inside the building were evacuated, and none were injured, although one person was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. In December, another residential fire destroyed homes in a building just minutes from Thursday's fire. The December fire was caused by something burning that was not properly extinguished, and this may have been the case for the most recent fire too. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so we'd like to provide some tips to help prevent these awful fires:




Some tips for directly preventing a fire include, as you likely already know: never leaving a burning candle unattended, never allowing a child to handle matches or other open flame until they are capable of doing so, supervising children when they're in the kitchen, never smoking in bed, using LED lights for holidays and other special occasions, turning off halogen lights (which easily overheat) when not in use, wearing close-fitting clothing when cooking, not keeping combustibles (like gasoline) inside your home, installing electrical fixtures correctly, or seeking the knowledge of someone who knows how to do so if you do not, and finally, using space heaters appropriately (three feet away from any flammable item, unplugging them when not in use and when you go to sleep).


The holidays (both summer and winter) can present a variety of hazards. For example, you might be surprised to know that many structural fires every year are caused (indirectly) by Christmas trees. Likewise, birthday parties and fireworks celebrations can also pose unforeseen hazards. Make sure you take all necessary precautions to consider fire safety both in your everyday life and during celebrations. By being perhaps a little over-cautious, you can prevent all kinds of accidents and mitigate those that do happen.


If you do end up in the terrible situation of having to escape a fire, make sure that you regularly check smoke detectors and have a plan, especially if you have children. There are many fire escape planning tools online that help with creating a layout of your home so that you can diagram the best escape routes. Walk through the house and point out different ways to exit, then discuss the manner in which to move through the house if there's smoke (low to the ground) and to beware of metal objects (doorknobs) that may have heated up enough to burn skin on contact.




Sometimes it can be almost impossible to put out a fire once it's started, which is why it's such a good idea to follow some strategies for prevention. Of course, even the best plans can be forgotten in the midst of a stressful situation. For that reason, it's important to ensure that you have homeowner's or tenant's insurance, and to review your policy to make sure you know what kinds of scenarios your insurance covers.




To find out how you can help those displaced by this fire, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCross.org.



#sn-buttons# ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:38:11 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/fha-loans-for-first-time-buyers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/fha-loans-for-first-time-buyers.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>FHA Loans for First Time Buyers </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you're looking forward to buying your first home, but you're concerned about qualifying for a traditional home loan, you might want to consider applying for an FHA loan. The FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, has been offering mortgage insurance since the 1930s, and offers buyers a means of getting a mortgage that they might not otherwise be eligible for.


The Pros


For first time buyers, often the greatest hurdle to getting a mortgage is having enough money to cover the down payment. One of the biggest benefits of getting an FHA loan is that the down payment can be as low as 3.5%. This puts home ownership within reach for a lot of buyers, particularly those in their twenties and thirties, who might not have much capital on-hand.


FHA loans are also a good option for first time buyers who have yet to build up much credit. The FHA allows relatives to co-sign for loans even if they won't be occupying the home themselves. Again, this makes home ownership accessible to a much wider range of buyers than traditional home loans.


Another financial benefit of obtaining an FHA-insured loan is that borrowers can get a large amount of their closing costs covered by the loan.


The Cons


Firstly, not everyone will qualify. Requirements include a clean and stable credit history (no bankruptcies), and a steady job for the past two years that provides enough income to cover the loan. Borrowers will need to do their homework to find out which lenders in their area are FHA-approved, and then shop around for the best loan terms.


There are also limits to how much of a mortgage a buyer can get, and this varies by state. In some cases, the maximum loan amount may be 75% (or less) than what you could get with a regular home loan. This means that you might not be able to get the property that you really want.


Another potential downside is that FHA loans take longer to close than conventional loans, which means that you could miss out on the house you have your eye on if another buyer is able to close the deal more quickly.


There is also the issue with appraisal requirements, which are more strict with FHA loans. First time buyers and those with less income aren't likely to have the available funds to handle unexpected repairs, so the FHA has higher standards when it comes to appraisals. While this is done to protect buyers, these requirements may cause delays in closing or even cause an offer to be rejected by sellers who don't want to make the repairs.


While FHA loans may not be right for everyone, they can be the answer for many people looking to buy their first home. See our Related Links below for more information, and check out the FHA loan limits for Douglas County and Sarpy County in the widget below.



 
 

FHA Limits by FHA.com




#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:58:27 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-home-inspector.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-home-inspector.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>What to Look For in a Home Inspector</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A home inspection is a critical part of buying a home, but how do you choose who to hire? While you can look online or in the phone book, the best way is to get a referral from someone who's worked with a local inspector in the past and had a positive experience. Ask friends, family, and of course your real estate agent, who can suggest potential home inspectors to interview. When you've collected a few names, it's important to learn more about each home inspector, to find the right one for you. You'll want someone who:






Performs home inspections as their full-time job.










Is licensed if your state requires licensing. You can check to see which states require licensing here.










Has been an inspector for at least a few years. You don't want someone who's inexperienced to be in charge of such an important part of what's likely to be the largest investment of your life.










Has training and practical experience in home building. This component is critical, as you want someone who really understands the functioning of a home's various systems, and how they work together.










Carries insurance.










Is affiliated with nationally-recognized organizations like the National Association of Home Inspectors.










Will provide you with a detailed written report rather than a generic checklist.










Uses the most up-to-date technology such as electrical testers, moisture meters, infrared thermometers, digital cameras, and continuous radon monitors.










Is happy to provide you with references.










Is prepared to devote enough time to the inspection. A thorough home inspection will typically take about 3-4 hours, depending on the size of the home.






Once you've interviewed a few candidates, it's time to make a choice. Don't automatically go with the person who offers the cheapest rates unless that person also has a really solid background and references. You want to make sure the person you hire is going to do a good job; this isn't an area you want to skimp on.


--written for the Hopkins Home Team


#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:45:22 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/red-flags-to-watch-for-when-buying-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/red-flags-to-watch-for-when-buying-a-home.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When house hunting, it can be easy to become emotionally attached to a property. Maybe it's in the perfect location, or it has that fireplace you've always wanted. Before you start planning where your grandmother's hutch is going to go, it's imperative that you take a closer look at the house to make sure there are no potentially costly issues lurking behind that great first impression.


Here are some of the most important items to watch for as you look for homes. They're not necessarily deal breakers, but they could be indicative of serious issues, so be sure to investigate further if you come across any of the following problems.


Cracks in the foundation. If there are lots of small cracks, or cracks that are bigger than a quarter of an inch, it could signal structural problems.


A poorly maintained roof. Are there shingles that appear warped? Are there lots of haggard-looking layers? A roof that's old and not well-maintained could cost you a lot, especially if it starts to leak and has to be replaced.


Windows that don't keep out cold air or water. You want to watch for chipped paint and peeling caulking along the sills, and water between the panes of double-pained windows. These could indicate that there's a water leak, which can cause mildew problems and damage the wood. If you feel lots of cold air by the windows, they might not have been installed properly. This air loss could come back to haunt you in terms of heating costs.


Doors and windows that don't open easily. If you find that several doors or windows are tricky to open and close, it could be a sign of the foundation settling.


Strong odors. Does the home smell like pets, urine, or cigarette smoke? These smells can be hard to remove completely. Is it musty? There might be a mold or mildew problem in the house. Can you smell sewage? The sewage system could be blocked or damaged. What if all you can smell is an overwhelming wave of air freshener or bleach? The seller could be trying to cover something up by trying to mask other odors. Whether the place smells musty or like a pine forest, if you encounter strong odors, be sure to locate the source of the smell to make sure it isn't a symptom of a serious problem.


A yard that slopes towards the house. During heavy rain or snow, water will run towards the house, and could get into the foundation or basement. This can lead to a host of problems including dangerous mold and structural issues. When touring the basement, be sure to look for water stains and check for a musty smell, both of which can indicate that moisture has gotten into the basement before.


Improperly maintained heating &amp; cooling systems. Is the HVAC system being well-maintained? If there's a build-up of dust and grime, the filters likely haven't been changed in a while. Check the furnace for any signs of damage. Cracks in a furnace can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the home.


Poor water pressure and slow drains. Weak water pressure could suggest plumbing problems and pipes that need replacing. Slow drains suggest a blockage or even problems with the sewer pipe.


Leaky showers. Check to make sure that there are no water stains in the room underneath the shower. If there are, they could be caused by a leaky shower pan.


Electrical problems. Check all light switches and watch for flickering. Also pay attention to the outlets. If they're overloaded with extension cords, get warm with use, or simply don't work, there could be issues with the home's wiring.


Signs of pests. Watch for signs that there is or has been an infestation of insects or other pests. Termites in particular can cause a great deal of damage to a home.


Synthetic stucco siding. Though this type of siding looks good, it's been the source of headaches for many homeowners. Water can get trapped underneath the siding, causing mold to grow and the structure to rot. Termites are also attracted to this kind of siding because of the protection it gives their nests as they go about feasting on the wood. The National Association of Home Builders suggests that synthetic stucco be inspected by a specialist every year to make sure there are no problems.


No one's lived there in a while. If the house has been sitting vacant, there could be problems like mold, frozen or busted water pipes, vandalism or even theft. It will be important during the home inspection to have the electricity turned on (if it's been turned off) in order to do a proper inspection.


An evasive seller. If you're asking the seller questions about the home and their answers are vague or they refuse to give you the information you're looking for, this could be a big red flag. Also be suspicious if there are parts of the house that they won't allow you to go or furniture placed in an odd spot -- it could be blocking or hiding something.


It's impossible to look at every possible detail when touring a home, and it's hard to know which issues are minor and which could cost thousands to repair. This is why it's critical that you have a team of professionals to assist you along the way. A Realtor can guide you through the buying process and a home inspector can check for these and other issues. He or she, along with your real estate agent, can help make sure that you're fully informed before signing the dotted line.


--written for the Hopkins Home Team


#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:30:11 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/buying-green-homes-in-omaha-ne.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/buying-green-homes-in-omaha-ne.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Buying "Green" Homes in Omaha, NE</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Many people are attempting to build or remodel homes in Omaha to Green Building Standards. But home builders, architects, designers, and home owners all have different perspectives on what a "green" home in Omaha looks like. So if you are looking to buy a green home, how can you be sure that it is a green home? Do all certified green homes have the same features?


First, true green homes are certified. A Nebraska Certified Green Built home will have documentation that a buyer can see. Homes built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards will also have documentation. There are different levels of LEED certification, so if you are looking to buy a LEED built home, ensure that you understand what the different levels are. Some Omaha homes may not have green certification, but the owners or builders may have added some green features to the home.


Depending on the standards aspired to, different homes offer different green features. So before you search for a green home to buy, make sure you know what you are looking for. Green homes can offer much more than just EnergyStar® appliances and low flush toilets. While a rooftop garden and bamboo flooring may be considered "green" features, the home may not be certified as a Nebraska Certified Green Built home.


Take a moment to scroll through the following list of common features in certified green built homes.


Common Features in Omaha's Green Homes




Deciduous shade trees on the south and west sides,


Natural light entering a room from two sides in at least 50% of the homes total living space,


Recycling holding areas in, or near, the kitchen,


An R-3.2 or better insulated exterior wall sheathing,


Non-toxic, termite protection such as termite shields,


Poly vapor barrier under floor slabs,


No metal framed windows


Bath fans that are EnergyStar® and controlled with a timer,


Exhaust fan in garages with a timer,


Light colored, recyclable roofing,


An active or passive solar heating system,


An active solar system for cooling,


Steel studs in more than 90% of the interior walls,


Doors that are not Luan or tropical hardwood


Photocell controlled exterior lighting,


Light interior colors,


EnergyStar® appliances,


Interior and exterior clotheslines,


Flooring that has recycled content, is bamboo, or is cork,


Carpet that is tacked not glued,


Low-biocide paints,


Solar, photovoltaic or wind powered water heating,


Xeriscaping,


2.0 gpm faucet in the kitchen,


Gray water irrigation system, and


A gravity hot water recirculating system




Buying a green home is no easy task. For a more detailed list, with some explanations, click on the link below, or go here: http://www.neo.ne.gov/home_const/greenbuild-features.pdf.


Omaha offers a good selection of green homes for sale with a wide variety of features. If you want to buy a green home, knowing precisely which green features you are looking for, will make your search much easier.


For help finding a Nebraska Certified Green Built home, contact The Hopkins Home Team.


#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:27:08 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/omaha-ne-golf-courses-golf-course-homes-the-transformation-of-the-fontenelle-golf-course.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/omaha-ne-golf-courses-golf-course-homes-the-transformation-of-the-fontenelle-golf-course.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Omaha, NE Golf Courses, Golf Course Homes &amp; the Transformation of the Fontenelle Golf Course</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Omaha has dozens of excellent golf courses surrounded by beautiful golf course homes. Award-winning golf courses in Omaha include: The Happy Hollow Club &amp; Course, Shadow Ridge Country Club &amp; Course, Omaha Country Club, Players Club at Deer Creek, and Quarry Oaks Golf Club. There are, however, dozens of other great golf courses to enjoy in Omaha.


Homes near golf courses are often highly prized because they offer wide open, perfectly manicured landscapes and exciting games of golf to watch. Golf communities ensure that residents have easy access to private or public golf courses. Omaha's exquisite golf course communities are perfect for golfers and their families.


Omaha Golf Course Homes &amp; Communities:






Deer Creek - off 120th Street and State Street


Eagle Run - on the South West Corner of 132nd and Maple Street


Indian Creek - on the northwest corner of Hwy 6 and Maple Street


Tregaron - east of 25th Street and north of Fairview Road


Tiburon - on the northwest corner of Hwy 370 and 168th Street


Pacific Springs - on the northwest corner of 180th and Pacific Streets


The Ridges - in west Omaha, bordered by Pacific Street, West Center Road, 180th Street, and 192nd Street






Golf course homes in Omaha range from affordable single family homes under $200,000 to incredible million dollar mansions. Check out Omaha golf homes for sale.


Transforming Omaha's Fontenelle Golf Course


Although golf course homes are popular, one golf course, the Fontenelle, is being transformed into a park. This transformation will be huge with crews adding new walking trails, trees, and landscaping. Hundreds of dead trees are being removed and a trail loop that will be about 1.3 miles, will follow the perimeter of the park. With 80 acres of green space, this park will be an excellent place for frisbee golf. As well, a new shelter will be going up by the old clubhouse. It is hoped that by spring, the Fontenelle Golf Course will have been transformed into a bright, open park perfect for picnics, jogging, frisbee golf, and more. With a different kind of golf course and a huge park that everyone can enjoy, residents in surrounding neighborhoods such as Northwest Community Club, Fairfax, and Fontenelle View have a lot to look forward to this spring!


#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:55:15 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/top-7-townhomes-condos-flats-in-omaha-ne.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/top-7-townhomes-condos-flats-in-omaha-ne.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Top 7 Townhomes, Condos &amp; Flats in Omaha, NE</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Have you ever considered living in an Omaha townhome, condo, or loft?


Perhaps, you want an affordable home, the security of nearby neighbors, and a yard that requires little to no maintenance. Maybe a luxury Omaha condo with a fantastic view, custom finishing, and maintenance free living is more your style. Or perhaps you favor the trendy, art scene of the urban, historic district of Omaha and living in bright, open, modern lofts.


Whatever you prefer, checkout the condos Omaha has to offer. Here is our top 7 list of townhomes, condos, and flats in Omaha.


Top 7 Condos, Flats, and Townhomes in Omaha


Number 7: Aspen Condos


Located at 8941 Miami Street, Aspen Condos is in the center of Omaha. Amenities include: granite countertops, custom tile work, new appliances, new heating and cooling system, an upgrade package, off-street and garage parking, and a secured community area with fire pits.


Number 6: Clarinda Condos at Turner Park


Located at 30th &amp; Farnam Streets, Clarinda Condos is a historic condo building at Turner Park. Upgrades include: new heat, new electrical, new plumbing, new kitchen, new flooring - virtually everything is new! These condos overlook Turner Park and are just minutes from Midtown Crossing and everything downtown has to offer. Clarinda Condos offers historic urban living at an affordable price - a great combination!


Number 5: Dundee Villas


Located at 5140 Dodge Street, Dundee Villas is also in a good location. These villas offer two car garages, hardwood floors, granite countertops, three bedrooms, a private bath and a walk-in closet for each of the bedrooms, Pella windows, a private balcony, a backyard patio, 1900 square feet of finished living space as well as an unfinished basement, and much more!


Number 4: Dunsany Flats


Located at 10th and Pierce in a historic neighborhood, Dunsany Flats is a restored vintage building. Windows on three sides of each flat provide lots of light for every unit. Amenities and interesting features of Dunsany Flats include: iron window boxes, a green roof, spacious balconies with views, a courtyard, reclaimed woodwork, glass walls that open to the balcony, 12 inch thick masonry walls, exposed brick walls, stainless steel countertops and appliances, storage units, garage parking, and a workout facility.


Number 3: Copper Ridge


Located in Northwest Omaha, near 157th and Hartman Avenue, the Copper Ridge community has mature trees, relaxing green spaces, beautiful views, and spaces for community gatherings. Amenities include: cement board siding, stone and brick, Pella windows, granite countertops, tile and bamboo floors, stainless steel appliances, tall ceilings, full tile showers, walk in closets, jacuzzi tubs, and more!


Number 2: Kimball Lofts


Located in the middle of downtown Omaha, at 15th &amp; Jones, Kimball Lofts consists of two historic buildings that have been restored. Sleek modern designs, stainless steel appliances, polished concrete flooring, custom cabinetry, and granite countertops are some of the wonderful features of Kimball Lofts. Huge windows let in a ton of light making each unit feel open and airy.


Number 1: The SoMa Community of Townhomes &amp; Lofts


Located at 11th and Leavenworth, The SoMa community consists of both townhomes and lofts. This community offers professional landscaping, a community garden, a gallery space, and is walking distance to the Old Market, shops, galleries, theatres, and museums.






The Rows at SoMa: On the edge of the Old Market, SoMa townhomes have roof top decks, two car garages, red brick and box-ribbed metal panel exteriors, energy efficient gas furnaces, airconditioning, custom cabinetry, new appliances, and a combination of carpet, tile, and hardwood flooring.


The Lofts at SoMa: The lofts offer a hip, urban lifestyle. Features of the lofts include: exposed duct work, custom cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, wood framed walls with box-ribbed metal panels, private balconies, and private roof decks (from 4th floor units only). Lofts range in size from 966 - 1,723 square feet.






Scroll down to read about some of the many other townhomes, lofts, and condos that could also be in this list.


Other Notable Flats, Condos &amp; Townhomes in Omaha






Belle Meade - Located at 147th &amp; West Maple Road, Belle Meade townhomes offer gourmet kitchens, gas fireplaces, attached garages, energy efficient windows, french doors to a deck, a community pool and fitness center, a Clubhouse, a computer/business center, high ceilings, and walk-in closets.


Millpointe - Located at 108th and Dodge 810 N 107, the Condos at Mill Pointe offers 19 luxury condos with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, tile, new appliances, 6 different floor plans with 2 or 3 bedrooms, stunning views, parking, and storage lockers.


Silverthorne Condominiums - Located at 2003 Thurston, Bellevue off the Kennedy Freeway, Silverthorne Condos are close to Fontenelle Forest and Offutt and offer garage parking, low monthly dues, appliances, additional space in the lower level, and an upgrade package that is included.


The Hill - Located at 26th &amp; Douglas, The Hill consists of three buildings. Condos at The Hill are affordable and offer bamboo floors, travertine tiled bathrooms, new kitchens, wrought iron decks, security fences around the buildings, a secured parking lot, and a workout facility.


Landmark Condos &amp; Deer Creek - Located on the corner of Fort Street and N 120th Street, these condos are custom built with custom kitchens, a brick and stone exterior, soundproofing, and low utility bills.


Gold Coast Condos - Located at 3830 Cass Street, Gold Coast Condos offer historic living near Joslyn Castle and Creighton University. These restored historic buildings offer a secured entry, hardwood floors, a sun room, slate floors, storage units, parking stalls, new appliances, new windows, and tiled bathrooms.


1101 Jackson - Lofts in the Old Market - Located at 11th &amp; Jackson Streets, these lofts combine modern design with historic 1920s architecture. This is the only loft building actually in the heart of the Old Market District. These lofts have high ceilings, hardwood floors, light-filled spaces, and fabulous views.



#sn-buttons#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:07:23 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/tremendous-growth-in-papillion.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/tremendous-growth-in-papillion.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Tremendous Growth in Papillion</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This summer, Papillion has been preparing for many new building projects. From downtown Papillion to Midlands Place, new businesses are opening, or planning to open, all over town. It is good to see these new businesses opening and replacing piles of dirt after months of waiting for permits.


Papillion's Chick-fil-A at Market Point, near 72nd Street and Peters Parkway, has recently opened its doors for business. Shadow Lake Towne Center has additional new stores moving in including Piers 1 Imports, Weight Watchers, and Charter West National Bank. There are rumors that Project Photon and numerous smaller projects are in the works.


There are still many planned projects for Papillion. SAC Federal Credit Union will be in a four-story building southeast of 72nd Street and Highway 370. Midlands Place, east of 84th Street on Highway 370, will be a shopping center which will have many small merchants in one place.


A new shopping center is also planned for Settlers Creek, near 72nd Street and Cornhusker Road. Although it's not set in stone, Hobby Lobby, a crafts store, could occupy a portion of the shopping center. Other buildings, some of which are already built, include Walgreens. There will be a variety of businesses at this new shopping center including large chain stores, small retail stores, and fast food restaurants. Other areas of Papillion such as Tara Plaza also have seen many new businesses start up. Even Lifegate Church is renovating a large space at Papio Pointe.


Existing areas are being revitalized in downtown Papillion and on 84th Street. The First Street Plaza project is underway with the removal of the parking lot on the corner of Washington Street and First Street complete. The parking lot will be replaced by a fountain, benches, and bathrooms.


These new developments will provide more locations for businesses and create hundreds of new jobs for Papillion residents. The revitalization projects and the landscaping around the new developments will help beautify the city and make it more attractive and usable for both residents and tourists.


In the past, many residents of Papillion have traveled outside of the city to work. Over the next two years, it is likely that more residents than ever will have job opportunities right in Papillion.

#sn-buttons# ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:14:36 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/renting-buying-historical-homes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hopkinshometeam.com/blog/renting-buying-historical-homes.html</link>
            <author>sminino@npdodge.com (Steve Minino)</author>
            <title>Renting &amp; Buying Historic Homes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's the mystery, history, and romance attached to historic homes that many people find attractive. For some people, renting a historical home is a good option. While renting a historic mansion is not without its challenges, it is certainly a good option for people who are unable to buy a mansion or historic home.


Whether you want to rent or buy a historic home, you will find useful information and links in this post.



Renting Historic Homes


Unoccupied historic homes often require caretakers to help protect the home against weather, pest damage, vandalism, and fire. Sometimes societies, private organizations, or programs administered by cities will pay for the upkeep of the home and provide the caretaker with rent free accommodations within the historical building to keep it occupied. An article in The New York Times, (April 20, 2012) outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages to being a caretaker of a historic home.


People who have some historical knowledge about the home and area are often drawn to certain historical homes and make good caretakers because of their knowledge of, and interest in, the home. Being a caretaker means that you need to be especially careful not to damage the home, the home's contents, or the property. In addition, if the caretaker is residing in a historical home rent-free or paying a very low rent, the caretakers may be required to host tours and offer classes to educate the public about the property.


Some states allow people to live in and restore state-owned historic properties through resident curator programs. For more information about these programs, go here: National Trust for Historic Preservation. In some cases, residents of historic homes are required to pay for the upkeep and restoration of the historic buildings.


Buying Historic Homes


Because keeping historic buildings in good shape and open to the public is very costly, some cities are selling off their historic buildings. Transferring public historic buildings to private ownership is happening all over the world, not just in the United States. Read "States Offer Historic Buildings Rent-Free Through Resident Curator Programs", a Huffington Post article, May 25, 2012, to find out more information about the selling of historic buildings both in the U.S. and abroad.


If you are considering buying an historic home, now might be a very good time but be prepared for extra work and headaches because buying a historic home is usually more complicated than buying a regular home.


Historic Home Buying Tips




Extra Work: Be prepared for extra work including: salvaging and repurposing original floorboards, antique brick, and other items. You may also need to update the kitchen and bathrooms and install more secure exterior doors and windows.


Historic Real Estate Agent: Find a real estate agent who has been schooled in historic homes, who understands architectural styles, and who will recognize features that a historic home might offer such as "cross and bible" doors, a "garden with two rooms," or florette moldings.


Historic Home Inspectors: Look for an inspector who understands historic homes.


Restorations and Special Home Insurance: If restorations need to be done, you will need to check if the home is protected by a local ordinance. You may also need special home insurance designed for historic homes.


Property Tax Credits: Depending on where you live, there could be property tax credits available if you buy a historic home.


#sn-buttons# 

Top
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:59:32 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>