Buying a home in today’s market means there are several moving pieces that need to be considered at once. You might need a realtor with a particular skill set, you’re purchasing home insurance for the first time and don’t know where to look, the mortgage process is intimidating and confusing, or the moving process is just something you don’t want to deal with even though you want to move. Even with all of this, what if you realize you’d like to upgrade your new home after you move it?
There are many things to consider when buying a home, whether it’s your first time or your fifth. Most importantly, the home should be evaluated against factors such as how it will fit your lifestyle, how your belongings will fit inside the space, the preexisting condition of surfaces such as kitchen cabinets or exterior walls and if it can be updated in the future. Additionally, the market is constantly changing for buying a new home, making it difficult to keep up with everything you may need to remember as you search.
The businesses of Lincoln can help with individual concerns such as these, as well as give you friendly guidance towards what you what you truly need and want during the process. It may sound and feel overwhelming to go through the process of buying a home, but worry not. There are local professionals who would love to offer their services to make the home buying process smooth, painless, and even a little fun!
Most people spend a lot of time thinking about the mortgage, inspection and closing costs, but don’t always think through the logistics of actually moving into the home. This is where T Square Movers (tsquaremovers.com) has got you covered.
One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing a home is accessibility. Are there steep driveways, narrow streets, tight staircases or HOA restrictions that could impact moving day? If you’re purchasing a home with multiple levels or oversized furniture, it’s worth thinking about whether your belongings will fit through doorways, stairwells or elevators before closing. Doorways, staircases and room layouts can all be different than expected, so measuring ahead of time can save a lot of frustration.
Timing is another important factor. Delays with closing, overlapping possession dates or selling one home while purchasing another can create challenges if you don’t have a solid moving plan. Working with a professional moving company like T Square Movers early in the process allows you to coordinate schedules, avoid last-minute stress and prepare for unexpected changes.
T Square Movers is there to help you prepare for one of the most stressful parts of buying a home. They may even make the process so smooth that you don’t need to worry about it, leaving you to focus on other important tasks.
They also advise homeowners to have utilities connected before moving day and to make sure appliances are disconnected and ready if movers will be transporting them. Small details like these help everything stay on schedule so that your moving process can stay short and sweet; this way, you can enjoy the excitement of having a new home as soon as possible.
Lastly, don’t forget that moving is physically and emotionally demanding. A professional moving team can take much of that burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home instead of worrying about the heavy lifting.
Buying a home is exciting, and moving into it should be too. With the right planning and an experienced moving team like T Square Movers, homeowners can avoid many of the common headaches and start enjoying their new home from day one.
With a background in residential new construction, building materials, and project management in home building, Jayson Becker of BancWise Realty (bancwise.com) brings industry knowledge and a passion for realty to his work. No matter the question, Becker will help you find the answer.
Becker specializes in new construction and luxury homes in Lancaster County, and is well known throughout Lincoln as a friendly and honest family man. He has a deep appreciation for the Lincoln area after growing up and living in Lincoln and understands that it is important to keep up to date with the constantly evolving real estate market. His 14 years of experience have prepared him for any challenge, and his aforementioned friendliness and honesty have made him a “go-to guy” for buying and selling homes in Lincoln.
Becker is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, meaning he is committed to using his resources to find the best possible outcome for your real estate problems. If you are seeking a professional who is knowledgeable and eager to help as you look into buying a house, Jayson Becker is the realtor for you.
(FIND SPRAY NET PHOTO) Spray-Net Lincoln (spray-net.com) has plenty of experience with exterior and cabinet refi nishing, giving them an idea of what to look for when prospective homeowners are searching for houses.
Prospective homeowners should look beyond the color and focus on the condition of the surfaces. For kitchen cabinets, check for peeling finishes, water damage, swollen wood, loose hinges, and signs of poor-quality previous paint jobs.
On the exterior, look for fading, chalking, peeling paint, damaged caulking, cracks, failing sealants around windows and doors, and any moisture-related issues. Also pay attention to the condition of vinyl siding, brick, stucco, garage doors, and windows. Catching these issues early can help buyers budget appropriately and avoid unexpected repairs after moving in.
A neglected exterior can become much more expensive if maintenance is delayed. Small issues like failing caulk or deteriorating coatings can allow moisture to penetrate, leading to wood rot, mold, or structural repairs.
The good news is that many exterior surfaces don’t need to be replaced—they can often be professionally restored. Spray-Net helps homeowners extend the life of their siding, brick, doors, windows, garage doors, and more for a fraction of the cost of replacement, helping protect both the home and its long-term value. They are trustworthy and organized; with Spray-Net, your home will be left clean and tidy, and your surfaces will be as good as new.
Spray-Net offers consultations both before a home is purchased and after closing on a home. An exterior consultation can help identify areas that may need attention, estimate restoration costs, and determine whether refinishing is a viable alternative to replacement. Having that information before making an offer can help buyers make more informed decisions and negotiate with greater confidence.
Ultimately, don’t judge a home by its color—judge it by the condition of the substrate underneath. Cosmetic appearance can be changed, but the condition of the materials is what really matters. Many surfaces can be professionally refinished to achieve a factory-quality finish at a signifi cantly lower cost than replacement. Spray-Net’s services provide a factory-like finish that is backed by
a 15-year no-peel warranty. Additionally, many of their projects can be completed in as little as one day, meaning they will be quickly in and out, leaving you with the surfaces that look good and stay for the years of homeownership to come.
Having an experienced professional such as those at Spray-Net evaluate the home before you buy can potentially save you thousands of dollars and give you a much clearer picture of future maintenance costs.
According to Pat Ohmberger of Home Real Estate (homerealestate.com), the median age of first-time homebuyers has reached 40, raising an important question: why are so many waiting? Buyers ages 27 to 45 made up 26% of home purchases, down from 29% the year before, meaning the younger generation’s share of the market is shrinking just as they should be entering their prime homebuying years.
The central challenge facing the housing industry is affordability and access to homeownership for the next generation.
Homeownership is more than a personal financial milestone; it remains one of the primary ways families build and transfer wealth in America. Ohmberger believes the American Dream of
homeownership is still alive, especially if younger buyers receive the guidance, education, and confi dence they need to pursue it. The younger generation is ready to begin the process of homebuying; realtors can play an important role in helping them move toward a brighter financial future.
For many buyers, the first step is connecting with a realtor who can explain the process, answer questions, build trust, and help turn the goal of homeownership into a practical plan.
The Lincoln market has settled into a more normal rhythm after several fast-moving years. Multiple offers still occur in many price ranges, but buyers now have more inventory, more time to evaluate options, and a better opportunity to make informed decisions with the help of their knowledgeable realtors.
In Pat Ohmberger’s 35 years of helping clients buy and sell homes, she has seen how valuable it is to choose a realtor who can simplify the complex issues tied to real property and guide buyers through each step with confidence. Whether the concern is credit score, down payment, interest rate, or the closing process, a realtor can help separate myth from fact and make the transaction less stressful.
If homeownership feels out of reach, the best first step is to talk with a realtor like Pat Ohmberger early, ask questions and build a plan before assuming the American Dream is unavailable.
Alicia Chrastil of Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty (nebraskarealty.com) brings a fresh view of both the process of buying a home and the Nebraska real estate market to her clients.
Her specialty is helping people make wise housing decisions during important life transitions, especially adults 55 and older, seniors, families, and veterans. Chrastil’s role is to educate, guide, protect, and advocate. A very important part of that is protecting her clients’ equity. She does not offer to buy her clients’ homes, because she believes that can create a conflict of interest. Instead, she helps homeowners understand the true value of their property, protect them from fraud, and guard them from quick-cash buyers or investors who may try to purchase a home far below its real market value. You are safe in her hands as you sell your home and look to buy a new one.
During the process of buying a home, she encourages clients to look beyond the pretty pictures and think about how the home will truly fi t their life. Location matters, but so does safety, maintenance, layout, accessibility, resale potential, and the total monthly cost including taxes, insurance, utilities, and repairs. Chrastil can guide you as you take these aspects into consideration.
Chrastil’s specialty in helping older adults or families helping aging parents means she is aware of additional concerns to keep in mind. She shares that it is also important to consider main-floor living, fewer steps, bathroom safety, and proximity to family, medical care, church, shopping, and community support if you are an older adult or a family with older adults.
In today’s Nebraska real estate market, well-priced homes in good condition are still moving, but buyers are more cautious and educated than they were a few years ago. Interest rates, affordability, and limited inventory continue to affect decisions. Buyers want value, condition, and confi dence, while sellers still have opportunity when they price correctly from the beginning.
At the heart of Alicia Chrastil’s work is the belief that a home is never just a house. It holds memories, independence, routines, and sometimes a lifetime of belongings. Chrastil’s goal is to help clients move from overwhelmed to confident, with real help, real care, and real estate guidance they can trust. With her experience and knowledge, she could be the perfect fi t for you or your family in your home buying process.
When it comes to financing your home purchase, Union Bank & Trust (ubt.com) is here to help. A great first step is getting prequalified so you have a better idea of what you can afford and can shop with confidence. In many cases, realtors prefer to see a prequalifi cation letter before submitting an offer.
If you currently own a home and want to buy before selling, options such as a bridge loan or home equity loan may be available. Once you’re prequalified, you can begin shopping for a home. When your offer is accepted and you have a signed purchase agreement, your lender can help you move forward with the mortgage process.
Conventional loans are among the most common financing options, and FHA loans can be a good fit for qualifying buyers. Eligible homebuyers may also benefit from Nebraska’s NIFA First-Time Homebuyer Program, which can provide assistance with down payment and closing costs.
With so many options available, talking with a UBT mortgage professional can help you determine which loan is right for you and get you started on your home buying journey as soon as possible.
To help keep the process on track, you should plan and set goals ahead of time, maintain good credit, avoid taking on new debt, and try not to make major financial or employment changes before closing. Most importantly, stay in close communication with your lender and ask questions along the way.
From prequalification to closing, the mortgage professionals at Union Bank & Trust will guide you through every step and help make your home buying experience as smooth as possible.
As you begin the exciting journey of purchasing a new home, the decisions can feel overwhelming. Finding a realtor who not only understands your unique needs but also listens and guides you can make all the difference. Deb Wagner of Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty (nebraskarealty.com) is dedicated to ensuring your home-buying experience reflects your desires and vision.
A solid relationship with your realtor is essential, but so is collaboration with everyone involved in the process—from lenders and title companies to inspectors and appraisers. Deb emphasizes that her detail oriented approach and attentiveness to each phase of the transaction help everything run smoothly, providing peace of mind during what can often be a stressful time.
In a rapidly changing real estate market, staying educated is critical. Deb continually updates her knowledge and skills, leveraging her 24 years of experience to navigate the nuances of the Nebraska market effectively. She also ensures she maintains sharp negotiating skills, so that she can get you the best homes for the best prices.
Deb looks forward to not just meeting your home-buying needs but also to fostering relationships within the community. She is excited to support you on this journey and would love to discuss how she can help you find your dream home. Reach out today to start the conversation!
Unless you are purchasing a home outright without the use of a loan or mortgage, insurance will be required when buying a new home. Even in the few cases where a loan is not needed buying a home is huge investment that most people want to protect from disaster. This is where Shelter Insurance Companies (shelterinsurance.com) come in: there are so many factors when buying a home that it is important to have an agent who understands your needs.
More than ever acquiring proper homeowners insurance can be something that can make or break a sale. Many changes have been made to homeowners polices over the last few years that make a huge difference in the cost and coverages you will be considering. Marketing and advertisements you see on TV almost always mention the cost. No one wants to overpay for insurance, but the premium should not be the only consideration when purchasing your home.
Roof claims are by far the most common claim that you will have on your house. As a consumer, you really want to pay attention to this when looking at quotes. Most companies have a separate deductible for wind/hail. This is normally 1% or 2% the value of the home. Shelter Insurance companies offers both but only requires 1% on most homes.
This is where people often get in the most trouble. They take a very high wind/hail deductible to keep the insurance cost low, and when hail happens, it puts them in a situation where they cannot afford to get it fixed. The bottom line is that it’s important to fi nd out the age, kind, and condition of the roof and relay that information to your insurance agent before making any offers on a home.
There are so many factors when buying a home in Nebraska that make it very important to have an agent who understands your needs. Anyone can give you a quote and try to make it look appealing by having the lowest cost. But a good agent can explain why you need certain things and others that may not be as important; they are irreplaceable when it comes to getting the proper coverage on your new home.
Home insurance is an important piece of buying a home. Ashley Freese and Associates, Inc. (amfam.com) recommends that new home buyers should be aware of various factors when looking for home insurance.
Firstly, make sure the dwelling limit refl ects what it would cost to rebuild the home today; labor/material costs can change. Next, review common gaps like water back up, service line, and match vinyl siding endorsements. Next, balance a deductible you can comfortably afford with a premium that fi ts your monthly budget. Next, think about the value of personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing) and whether you need extra coverage for high-value items.
It’s important to keep in mind the age of the roof, electrical/ plumbing updates, fi replaces/wood stoves, pools, dogs, and distance to fire protection can all affect eligibility, price, and coverage. Consider how much liability coverage you want for injuries or damage to others, plus whether an umbrella policy makes sense. Finally, ask about multi-policy (bundling), home security devices, newer/renovated home discounts, claim-free savings and impact resistant shingle discounts.
Home insurance is very important when purchasing a home in multiple ways. It protects your investment because a home is typically a family’s biggest asset. It can help you financially recover after events that may destroy the home, or after liability claims such as accidental damage to someone else’s property. Additionally, many mortgage lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before closing and want it kept active for the life of the loan.
Ashley Freese recommends that the appropriate time to start the process of insuring a new home is as soon as you’re under contract—ideally 3-4 weeks before closing. This gives time to confirm rebuilding cost, choose deductibles/coverage options, request inspections or documentation if needed, and provide proof of insurance to the lender. Coverage typically needs to start on the closing date (or the date you take ownership), so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.
Buying home insurance creates peace of mind: It helps homeowners focus on moving in and building their future instead of worrying about “what if” scenarios. Ashley Freese makes this process smooth and stress free so you can enjoy your new home!
It is common to buy a home that is almost perfect – everything is exactly what you want, but there are a few small things that are just different than you expected.
Willet Construction (willetconstruction.com) is there for all of the desired updates to your new home, from bigger projects like bathroom and kitchen remodels to smaller projects like retiling or door replacement.
The first thing most people do after buying a new home is changing the locks and security on the home. Who knows how many people have that garage code?
After this, the most common updates new homeowners make are fresh paint and flooring. These are easiest to get done before furniture gets moved in.
Some people will opt for renovations as well, before moving in, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel. These should be planned and budgeted for as far in advance as possible, if you want them done before moving.
This can be a wise decision because you will not need to plan your everyday life to avoid the areas as they are being remodeled if you have not moved in yet. Additionally, when you move in, you will get the treat of having a brand new space exactly as you wanted it.
You don’t need to entirely remodel your new home; something simple and low stress after the stress of buying may be what you’re looking for. Updating a backsplash is one way to change a kitchen without an entire remodel.
New cabinet hardware can also make a big impact, along with new light fixtures. With so many LED options out there, this small project can help you save money on your electric bill while updating your home.
Once moved in and some time is spent in the home, then you see what isn’t working so well. Improvements to areas you use every day, like the bathroom or kitchen, would be higher on the list since those things can quickly lead to frustration.
Willet Construction has many options for remodeling projects big and small to upgrade your new home and take it to the next level.
For realty needs from finding a home to finding the best loan to selling a home, Ben Bleicher of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate (bhhs.com) has got you covered.
His experience in the business has made him a pleasure to work with; Bleicher’s ability to focus on your needs is what makes his services worth it.
His client-focused approach and top of-the-line tools will bring you to the house of your dreams, making your goals and preferences a reality. Bleicher has connections and supports that can help with all pieces of the process; if finances scare you, Bleicher has the resources to help!
His history in new construction aids his work, and he is well known for being a great negotiator who gets his clients the best properties for the lowest possible prices. He finds great satisfaction at successfully buying property while being attentive to his client’s needs.
Bleicher keeps up his knowledge on the Lincoln real estate market so that he can provide the best possible service.
Buying a home can be stressful and exciting, and the process can be truly rewarding with a professional like Ben Bleicher there to support you.
Whether it’s your first time purchasing a new home or it’s something you’ve done in the past, the market is always changing.
It can be very difficult for one individual to keep up to date on everything they may need to know when buying a home; there are many moving parts that should be taken into consideration.
It’s important to lean on your community for help when you don’t know something – and believe us, these professionals know something!
They’ve got you covered from realty services, to home insurance, to mortgages, to loans and to the physical act of moving.
Buying a home in Lincoln has never felt so easy with these wonderful community members behind you every step of the way.
Find your dream home today, with the less amount of stress possible.