What is more risky than buying without a Realtor is buying a home for sale by owner. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions can be time-consuming and complex, requiring you to manage pricing, showings, negotiations, and legal paperwork on your own.
Aside from the Realtor you should use for the buying process, there are other factors to consider. How are you going to get your all your belongings from point A to B without blowing out your back or breaking the antique vase your grandmother entrusted you with? How do you know the home is safe? Clean? Is it going to cost you thousands to fix shotty workmanship?
There is a variety of Lincoln business and Realtors who are here to calm your worries and help you find your dream home. A house is a big investment; the stakes are high and the ramifications of choosing the wrong one could financially haunt you for decades.
T2 Movers: Moving You Forward (contact@tsquaremovers.com)
T2 Movers is a woman-owned, family-operated moving company proudly serving homeowners within a 150-mile radius. Co-owned by Ashley and her husband Justin, T2 Movers brings trust, professionalism, and heart to an industry that’s often known for its stress and uncertainty. Every team member is carefully vetted through HR practices she oversees, and trained not only in skill—but in service. T2 Movers hires for attitude and trains for excellence, ensuring your moving team is trustworthy, respectful, and capable.
Moving is one of the top five most stressful life events—even when it’s a happy one. That’s why choosing the right moving company is critical. T2 Movers understands the emotional and logistical weight of relocation. From your most fragile items to your heaviest furniture, they treat every belonging with care and respect. You deserve a team you can trust—and T2 delivers. T2 Movers offers more than just muscle—they provide options, education, and peace of mind. Here’s how they’re different:
· Flexible Service Options: Labor Only (loading/unloading) or Full Service (packing, transporting, unloading)
· Mover and Cargo Insurance
· Transparent Education about Services
· Packing Supplies & Rentals
Ashley is proud to be a woman leading in a male-dominated industry—but she doesn’t stop at breaking barriers. She builds leaders. Every head mover at T2 goes through a three-week leadership training program, empowering them to make smart decisions and serve clients with confidence. It’s leadership in motion—literally.
King’s Home Inspection: Why a Home Inspection Is Essential (kingsinspections@hotmail.com)
One of the most important steps in the home-buying process is scheduling a professional home inspection, and the sooner, the better. Once your offer is accepted, you’ll want to act quickly to book an inspection. Home inspectors are in high demand and often booked out several weeks in advance.
That’s where King’s Home Inspections comes in. Owner Randy King brings over 25 years of experience and has completed more than 8,000 home inspections. He is an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector, one of the highest credentials in the industry.
King’s Home Inspections offers a “Whole House Inspection”, which is a comprehensive evaluation of the home’s key systems and structure. Prices typically range from $400 to $700, depending on the size and features of the home.
A quality home inspection is thorough but non-invasive. Inspectors do not dismantle or damage the home, but they may recommend a licensed specialist if something appears suspicious or outside the scope of a general inspection.
Beyond identifying current concerns, King’s inspections provide valuable insight into the age and condition of home components such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Schedule your home inspection as soon as your offer is accepted. An expert home inspection is a small investment that could save you thousands—and give you the confidence to move forward with your purchase.
Pat Ohmberger: Pat’s Path to Helping You Home (Pat.Ohmberger@homerealestate.com)
Pat Omberger’s journey into real estate wasn’t a traditional one, but it was deeply personal. With children in college and tuition costs looming, Pat already had experience owning and managing rental properties. Encouraged by a friend who saw her potential, she earned her real estate license as a way to support her family financially. What began as a practical decision quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.
Years later, long after her kids graduated, Pat is still serving the Lincoln community with a unique combination of knowledge, compassion, and real-world experience. She has made it her mission to help every buyer, regardless of budget or lifestyle, find a place they can call home.
“When you find your dream home, it’ll be the most expensive thing you buy in your life,” Pat says. “Keep in mind, the world isn’t perfect; your dream home likely won’t be perfect either. But realtors are here to help you make it your own version of perfect.”
Pat brings an experienced eye to every showing. First-time buyers often don’t know what to look for beyond aesthetics, but Pat does. She examines things like appliances, HVAC systems, roofs, and other costly essentials. She understands that most buyers are using the bulk of their financial resources to purchase the home, leaving little room for expensive surprises after move-in.
“With a realtor at your side during a showing, we can point out things you’d never notice, explain the legal steps, help with the paperwork, and be a guiding hand throughout the process,” she explains.
She also emphasizes the professionalism and advocacy built into the real estate industry.
“Realtors have some of the best lobbyists and advocates working with the government. We stand on a three-legged stool (local, state, and national associations) working to protect private property rights.”
“All realtors follow a strict code of ethics. We’re not just individuals. We’re a collaborative group protecting the rights of homeowners, buyers, and sellers alike.”
For Pat, guiding buyers isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.
“Sometimes I see myself as a mother duckling with little ducks behind me,” she laughs. “I make sure all your ducks are in a row and guide you through the process. There might be bumps in the road, but with a realtor at your side, the journey becomes a whole lot smoother.”
With Pat Omberger, you’re not just getting a realtor. You’re gaining a partner, an advocate, and a steady hand through one of life’s biggest milestones.
Union Bank & Trust (Barb.Bulow@ubt.com)
Before falling in love with a house, it’s crucial for homebuyers to take a step back and review their budget. This helps determine a comfortable monthly mortgage range and sets realistic expectations. From there, the next best move? Get prequalified.
Prequalification isn’t just about what a buyer can afford—it’s also about aligning that number with what they’re comfortable paying each month. Often, buyers qualify for more than they actually want to spend. Sharing your budget with a loan officer helps ensure your prequalification price point matches your comfort zone.
Buying a home usually involves some level of debt, so it’s important to avoid adding more during the process. Taking on a new car loan or running up credit card balances could negatively impact your loan approval. The good news? Union Bank & Trust offers a variety of mortgage programs and down payment assistance options, including grants that may help first-time homebuyers reach their goals sooner.
Yes, the process can seem overwhelming—but with Union Bank & Trust, you’ll never deal with it alone.
Alicia Chrastil: A Heart for Real Estate and a Passion for Serving Seniors (alicia@nebraskarealty.com)
Alicia Chrastil, a committed and compassionate realtor with Nebraska Realty, brings decades of experience and a heart-centered approach to her work. Licensed in real estate during three different seasons of her life, Alicia has consistently returned to the industry with renewed dedication and purpose. For her, real estate is not just a career, it’s a calling grounded in integrity, service, and sincere care for others.
Alicia began her real estate journey in 1981 as a part-time agent, drawn to the excitement of helping people find homes, and fascinated by the market and the intricacies of real estate finance. Over the years, her love for the profession has evolved into a specialized focus on serving the 55+ community.
As a member of Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group, Alicia provides expert guidance and protection for seniors and their families. She connects clients with trusted service providers, advocates for their financial well-being, and ensures they are making informed decisions about their living arrangements. With each client, Alicia treats their situation as if she were assisting her own parents, with empathy, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Her advice to anyone exploring real estate decisions, particularly seniors, includes:
- Partner with a Realtor you trust
- Do your homework and ask questions
- Schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable agent
Alicia believes that a good realtor not only guides clients through the process but also helps them avoid common pitfalls, strengthen their credit when needed, and make choices that lead to long-term peace of mind.
Remy Refinishing: The Paintbrush That Finishes What Your Keys Started (remyrefinishing@gmail.com)
Remy Refinishing helps new homeowners turn houses into homes—reviving outdated cabinets, doors, trim, and other surfaces with expert craftsmanship and durable, high-end finishes. If you’ve just purchased a home and want to make it truly yours, Remy offers an affordable, stylish way to refresh your space without the mess and cost of full replacements.
Remy guarantees beautiful, long-lasting results for cabinets, fireplace mantels, staircases, and front doors—plus lifetime touch-ups and a personalized paint stash just for you. It’s peace of mind built into your home investment.
In 2025, interior trends are leaning toward soft minimalism, dark and moody tones, neutral palettes with bold accents, and a mix of contemporary with natural elements—perfect inspiration for first-time homebuyers settling into their space.
Refresh the room where everyone gathers, cooks, and creates memories. Start your homeownership journey with confidence—with Remy.
Deb Wagner: Your Partner in Real Estate (Deb@DebWagnerHomes.com)
With over 20 years of experience helping buyers and sellers in Lincoln and the surrounding areas, Deb Wagner brings deep expertise in residential real estate, including existing homes and new construction. As a proud agent with Nebraska Realty, Deb believes in the power of local knowledge and relationships.
“As your Realtor, one of my strongest skills is listening,” Deb says.
“Many clients have come to me after feeling unheard—steered toward homes that didn’t fit their needs. I believe in building a partnership with you to ensure your goals are always front and center.”
Deb is committed to strong, respectful working relationships with everyone involved in the real estate process—your lender, title company, inspectors, appraisers, and even the agent on the other side of the transaction. Real estate is complex, involving layers of detail and negotiation. Deb’s attention to detail and dedication ensure a smooth and successful experience from start to finish.
Shelter Insurance: Why Insurance Isn’t the Place to Cut Corners (MMoorhead@ShelterInsurance.com)
It’s crucial to understand how closing costs and insurance costs work together—and why both matter. Many homebuyers stretch their budgets to the limit when purchasing a home, and then try to cut back on things like insurance and ongoing upkeep. But that decision can cost far more in the long run.
“I sell insurance, not homes. But I would never want someone to buy a policy without a good agent, and I feel the same way about buying a home,” says Matt Moorhead of (Shelter Insurance). “Lincoln has a lot of great real estate agents working hard to get buyers into the right home. The key is finding someone you trust—and that’s where Shelter Insurance comes in.”
From an insurance perspective, Matt encourages clients to be aware of a few key things before closing on a home:
- Flood Plains – Parts of Lincoln fall within designated flood zones. If the home is in one, flood insurance is required, and that cost can be significant.
- Prior Water Damage – Even outside flood zones, issues like sewer backup, rain intrusion, or mold can lead to expensive problems. Always get a full inspection.
- Roof & Exterior Condition – Recent storms have damaged many roofs in the area, and not all homeowners make proper repairs. A compromised roof can disqualify a home from replacement-cost insurance until repairs are made.
Matt and his team at Shelter Insurance understand that buying a home is a huge investment. Their goal is to make the insurance process as stress-free and informative as possible, helping buyers protect that investment from day one.
ABC Electric: New Home, No Outlets? Let’s Talk
Many homes in the Lincoln area for sale are going to be older homes which have different and dated electrical systems and not enough outlets for our technology-engrained lives. ABC Electric technicians are pros of updating and rewiring electrical systems in homes to ensure safety and reliability for your new home.
Many times with older homes, upon inspection, there are faulty and dangerous wiring work that was done or degraded overtime to a condition not up to code and could risk electrical fires or outages.
When acquiring a new piece of real estate, there are bound to be surprises. ABC Electric will help you out with these unwanted surprises and can prevent dangers and costly repairs down the road.
You likely just spent most of your dollars on the house and want everything to be perfect. Don’t let risky electrical work or too bright lights ruin the new home euphoria and excitement.
Whether you just moved in, or have been at your home for years, ABC can assist with all of your electrical problems and questions.
Ben Bleicher: Your Negotiation Ace (ben.bleicher@bhhsamb.com)
In today’s market, experience matters. Many real estate professionals entered the industry during or after the pandemic—when homes were flying off the shelves and negotiation wasn’t much of a factor. But that market has shifted. Negotiation is back, and the process has become more nuanced. Buyers need a seasoned realtor who understands pricing strategy, contract terms, and how to protect their clients’ interests in a market that’s finally starting to feel more balanced.
Ben Bleicher found his passion through real estate. Once he got licensed, he never looked back.
“I had friends in the business pushing me to get licensed for quite some time. In 2014, I was finally in a place where I could take the leap, and it was the best career decision I ever made.”
When it comes to working with clients, Bleicher takes a straightforward but strategic approach:
“For me, it’s a simple process. I start by identifying why a client wants or needs a different (or first) home. Then I look at where they work, play, and where the kids go to school. From there, we figure out what features are most important to have in the home, and what’s not.”
“We usually begin with a broad search and gradually narrow it down to a more targeted list. If inventory is low, I have employees who prospect off-market opportunities to give clients more options than what’s publicly available.”
Bleicher emphasizes the importance of leaning on a professional, especially when it doesn’t cost the buyer anything.
“Most people aren’t experts at buying real estate, just like they aren’t trained in most other professions. And considering that buyer’s agents are paid by the seller (meaning it’s essentially free for buyers), it just makes sense to use that expertise.”
“Even after 11 years and over 1,000 homes sold, I don’t claim to know everything. But I definitely know more now than when I started. So use my knowledge, especially when it’s free.”
One pressing issue Bleicher sees more frequently now is the rising cost and limited availability of homeowners’ insurance. Natural disasters—like tornadoes, floods, hail, and wildfires—have led many insurers to raise premiums, reduce coverage, or stop writing policies altogether in certain areas. Finding affordable, comprehensive coverage is becoming increasingly difficult.
That’s why Bleicher recommends involving your realtor early in the insurance conversation—not just to secure a good deal on the home, but to make sure your largest asset is protected long-term.
At the end of the day, what drives Bleicher is simple: helping people make smart, profitable real estate decisions.
“I take great pride in helping protect my clients’ best interests, making sure they spend their money wisely and build long-term value through real estate.”
Its Just Us Painting: Turning Houses Into Homes (itsjustusllc@outlook.com)
It’s Just Us Painting specializes in transforming older homes into stunning, dream-worthy spaces that capture attention and add lasting value. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for preserving character, they revitalize worn interiors through expert craftsmanship and high-quality finishes.
Whether refreshing interior outdated walls or restoring charm, their work enhances both comfort and visual appeal. For sellers, a fresh coat of paint can make a powerful first impression, helping homes stand out in a competitive market. For buyers, it’s a simple cosmetic update to help turn any house into a home.
It’s Just Us Painting makes it easy to turn potential into perfection and history into home.
Along with services for painting, they also specialize in drywall installation and repairs, including fixing any patches or holes in your walls.
Owner of Its Just Us Painting , Daniel Barkdoll, gives some advice to potential home buyers:
- Inspections are the most important thing
- A second set of eyes during showings
What sets Its Just Us apart is their prep work. They put time and energy into making sure the base is perfect before adding paint. Many painting companies slap a coat of paint over anything. Command strips, nails, drywall holes, anything to get the job done. That’s not how Its Just Us Painting rolls.
Their attention to detail and precision will make any house a home.
Westgate Bank- From Pre-Approval to Porch Photos—We’re With You (jmorand-ackerman@westgate.bank)
From initial pre-qualification to closing day, Westgate makes sure clients understand their options clearly, without all the jargon. Westgate Bank also partners closely with realtors, insurance agents, and financial advisors to provide a truly seamless experience. It’s like having a team working together for you behind the scenes. With flexible communication (text, email, calls, & in-person meetings) and customized financing strategies, it’s easier to navigate student loan debt or maximize down payment assistance programs.
Westgate Bank’s mission is to make homeownership feel possible, not overwhelming. They believe everyone deserves to understand their mortgage and feel empowered in the biggest financial decision of their life. They want clients to walk away saying, “That was actually easier than I thought.”
Michelle Milana, Mortgage Loan Officer at Westgate Bank shares her expertise and qualifications for having people trust her with their home and money. “My background as a former math teacher allows me to break down complex financial concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. I don’t just hand over numbers, I explain them. I’m also highly relationship-driven; I stay in touch after closing to offer advice on refinancing, home equity, or future purchases. I’m not just here to close a loan. I’m here to be a trusted mortgage partner for life.”
Milana and other pros at Westgate Bank Start give some advice for potential home buyers:
- Start the conversation early, even if you’re a year out. Many buyers wait too long to get pre-qualified, only to find surprises when its go-time. Knowing your numbers upfront gives you a huge advantage.
- Also, don’t just shop for the lower rate – shop for the right loan. A good mortgage is about fit, not just price.
The market is always evolving, and recently, there are more creative financing options become more mainstream—like temporary buy downs, bridge loans, and down payment assistance programs. Technology has also sped up the process, but it’s more important than ever to have a human guide who can help interpret the data and protect your best interests.
Westgate Bank stays connected after closing with check-ins and insights to help clients manage their mortgage wisely over time.