Why NP Dodge Is a Unique Real Estate Company

The Bill Black Team chose to associate itself with NP Dodge because of the respect we have for the oldest real estate company in the U.S. It’s allowed us to attend some great events, such as this one.

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As you know, we at The Bill Black Team have associated ourselves with NP Dodge, the oldest real estate company in the United States. However, our age doesn’t mean we are old—it means we are stable and tried and true. Think of the companies that have made it to today from 1855. There are very few of them.

We know how to deal with adversity and we know what it takes to be successful. NP Dodge has associated itself with the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the largest international organization of independent real estate businesses. We do more dollar volume than any other association or franchise in the country.

"We know how to deal with adversity."

We’re coming to you from Las Vegas, where we went to meet some amazing companies. It has been a great experience; stay tuned for future videos where we’ll be covering more about this trip.

No matter where you are looking for a home in this world, whether it’s in Omaha or in France, we can help you. If you have any questions for me in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Pets Earth: A Pawsome Place to Treat Your Pet

For the first episode of our new “Park Bench” series, we’re spotlighting Pets Earth—an all-natural dog and cat food store.

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For the first episode of our new series “Park Bench,” we’re spotlighting Pets Earth—an all-natural dog and cat food store located right next to Elkhorn South High School.

In addition to offering plenty of great treats and toys for your pets, they also offer walk-in grooming services and provide wash stations that allow you to clean your pet yourself.  

If you have an Elkhorn business you’d like us to spotlight in an upcoming video, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Pets Earth is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’d like to know more about them or you want to reach out to them, you can visit their website www.petsearth.com or give them a call at (402) 505-3340.

If you have an Elkhorn business you’d like us to spotlight in an upcoming video, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. If you have any real estate questions, feel free to give me a call or send me an email as well. I’d be glad to help you.

The Bill Black Team—Formerly of CBSHome—Is Moving to NP Dodge

Our team is making the switch to NP Dodge, and today we’d like to let you know what this change will mean for you.

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At first, CBS Home Real Estate was simply “CBS”—having been named after the three gentlemen who ran it at the time. A little later on, another brokerage called Home Realty went under and was absorbed by CBS. It was at this point that CBS Home Real Estate was born.

But now, after more than 50 years, CBS Home Real Estate is coming to an end…sort of. We’re making the switch to NP Dodge. We believe this transition will truly be what’s best for our clients. NP Dodge is family owned and has been up and running since 1855, making it the oldest real estate company in the United States.
 

We’re so excited about this change.

And longevity isn’t all they have going for them. They handle insurance, title services, land development, property management, and much more. Our team has a lot of faith in the brand and what it stands for. We’re so excited about this change.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Are You Going to Fish Fest?

Fish Fest Omaha is this weekend and we hope to see you there.

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Omaha was scorching this past weekend, but that didn’t stop us from having some fun.

Surrounded by our incredible friends, we were able to forget about the heat for a while to celebrate our daughter’s wedding. The venue was beautiful, the flowers were gorgeous, and the DJ, a family friend, did an amazing job.  

We even played something called the shoe game. Which, if you’d like to learn more about, you can call us at 402-680-2500 and we’ll tell you all about it. We also may be posting some highlights to our website.

But though the heat may have subsided for now, the fun times haven’t.  

This Saturday, July 29th we hope you’ll come see join us at Fish Fest Omaha—the city’s biggest Christian contemporary music festival.

Skillet, Unspoken, and other great artists are going to play and you won’t want to miss out. In case it’s as hot as it has been, we’ll be giving away fans at our booth.

Come see us at Fish Fest Omaha

So be sure to drop by and let us help you beat the heat so you can focus on having a good time.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you, soon.

A Free New Real Estate Resource Is Now Available for You!

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Call me at (402) 680-2500 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation

Today, David Knox joins us to explain what he has to offer to agents looking to improve their skills and grow their business.

The best agents are in the industry to get better at what they do and grow their business. In order to do this, great agents work to provide better service for their clients and differentiate themselves. It's up to Realtors to demonstrate the difference in value; they may charge more, but they justify it with stellar service. In fact, sellers often net more by hiring a Realtor who has credibility and expertise in the field.

David has been in the business since 1972 - even longer than I have! That's why we listen to what he has to say: we truly believe in learning from the best! He goes around the world talking to people in real estate and sharing his advice, so I'm very glad I've had the chance to spend some quality time with him!

David started making videos for agent's years ago. Not long into doing that, he realized that he could benefit buyers, sellers, and homeowners with these videos. He now has a line of 6 consumer videos that cover how to price your home right, how to select the right agent, how to prepare your home for sale, and many other topics!

We want to share these videos with you because we think they could be very beneficial. Give me a call or shoot me a quick email and I'll share this great resource with you! Hope to hear from you soon!

We Have the Tools You Need to Succeed in Omaha Real Estate

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
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Call me at (402) 680-2500 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation

We're still building picnic tables, and I'd like you to know that it takes the right tools to build these tables. We have a T-square, a saw, a measure, and more. 

To make a proper picnic table, it takes someone who knows what they're doing, and selling real estate is no different.

My team has the tools and resources that you need in order to succeed. We are always happy to help, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with anything that you might need assistance with. 

We're equipped to help you buy the home of your dreams, or sell your home for top dollar!

Where Is the Best View in Omaha?

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Welcome back everyone, we've got some exciting news today. We have just launched our latest website, 555omaha.com and we want you to visit! What's with this site, or the name, for that matter? 

In today's video, we are at 555 Riverfront Plaza, one of our most recent listings. You can't pay for a view like this. This waterfront penthouse apartment comes complete with a 2,000 sq ft. observation deck and a 360-degree view of the city. 

I just can't get enough of this view! To get all the details about this unique and luxurious property, visit our new site, www.555omaha.com

For a virtual tour of the property, including the many great views it offers, watch our video above. 

If you happen to have any questions for us in the meantime, you can always reach us via phone or email. Thanks for stopping by, we'll talk to you soon!

Should You Be Worried About Your Concrete?

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
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Call me at (402) 680-2500 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation
Whether you are in a newly-built home or not, you have cracks in your concrete. Today we are going to discuss what different cracks in concrete mean, and when you should be worried about them. 

One thing that a ton of our clients have been asking us a lot about is the cracks they see in their concrete. The first thing we would say about that is that cracks are very common, even in brand-new multimillion dollar buildings, like the one feature in our above video. 

The rule of thumb for concrete cracks is that if the crack is deeper than a 1/4 inch, there is cause for concern. However, if the crack is less than a 1/4 inch thick, you have nothing to worry about. It's normal, especially in Nebraska, to have lots of small cracks in the concrete in your home.

If you have any questions or concerns about the concrete in your home, be sure to give us a call or send us an email. We would be glad to help you with whatever you need. 

When is the Best Time to Build a New Home?

There are many great Omaha area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (402) 680-2500 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.


We've seen a ton of new construction lately, which has been prompting a lot of my clients to ask, "When is the best time to build a home?" 

I'd like to answer that question today, while giving you advice on what you should start planning for before you even call a builder. 

This year, the best time to build a home is coming up, in the early spring. It will typically take anywhere from 5-6 months to competently build a home, so you want to plan accordingly. 

Although it's still winter, it's not too early to start planning your new home. You want to give yourself anywhere from 4-8 weeks prior to breaking ground. You've got to meet with a builder, finalize plans, and apply for a permit before you lay the foundation. 

In whole, the entire building process should take about 7 months from start to finish. If you want to be moved into your new home by the time the kids start school again next fall, you should start planning soon.  We have a ton of great lots right now and would love to show you them. If you have any questions, or would like to take a look at some lots, feel free to give us a call or send us an email.

Video Blogging: Educate Your Customers!

There are many great Omaha area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (402) 680-2500 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Video Blogging: Educate Your Customers!

Many of you have been asking about the person who is behind the scenes of my video blog so today, I am putting John from Vyral Marketing on the spot. John has been working with us for about four years; we were one of Vyral’s first clients! “We started here in Omaha and the reason why Frank [Klezits] and I came up with this concept is to give people an educational way to stay in touch with their database,” John tells us. He’s always telling me to look at the camera!

“We want to make sure that people are getting relevant content about their real estate needs,” he continued. This relevant information includes improving your house, the current state of the customer’s specific market and what is currently in that market. These guys came up with a great concept; I even remember when they pitched it to me!

Having a video blog on my website has been great because it allows me to keep you updated on what goes on in real estate. When we did the series on New Construction, we wanted you to understand what the process of buying a home. There are physically 88 things that can go wrong from time we go into contract and when we close. This can be compared to flying a plane; we all want a smooth landing but sometimes we nail it and sometimes we don’t. It’s all a matter of having the best pilot on board!

I’m glad to have Vyral Marketing to help pilot my blog! If anyone wants to use Vyral Marketing to help with their video blog, John explains that they work with a multitude of different services. “Just go to www.getvyral.com and you can see how it works, watch demos, client success stories and a list of the clients themselves,” John said.

When you call Vyral Marketing, make sure you tell them you heard it from us!

Our New App Makes Searching for Homes Even Easier for You!

Our New App Makes Searching for Homes Even Easier for You!

Do you remember the old way to look for homes? I came across the “books” where all of the homes were listed. You would pick the homes you wanted to see, I would pick up the keys from the listing agent and meet you at the house. Thankfully, we’ve become much more efficient than that.

Other ways you can find homes is looking through our Home Guide, our insert in Saturday’s edition of the Omaha World-Herald, real estate magazines (only 10% of agents use this) or by finding the channel on your television and wait for the right home. But who has time to shop for houses this way?

A better way to shop for homes is to call our office at (402) 680-2500 and we can set up a search and find houses for you. But, none of these methods are the easiest. I wanted to introduce to our new CBSHome app for your smartphone. When you’re out looking for houses, all you have to do is point your phone in any direction and it will bring up the homes that are for sale in that area.

If you have any questions about the functionality of the app, please give Elise Owens a call at (402) 964-4811. We’re trying to find bigger and better ways for you to shop for houses. We’re always in your corner!

Have You Considered a Timbercraft Home?

Have You Considered a Timbercraft Home?

Welcome back! Today we’re going to talk about building a home out of Douglas fir posts by Timbercraft Homes. I have Tom Townsend with me today as he’s building this custom home for an excited customer. One of the neat features of this home is the radiant heat system that is built into the floor. The system uses antifreeze that runs through the hoses in the floor and provides warm floors and helps heat the entire house.

Tom tells us that there are large posts held together by oak pegs that are very strong and secure. Timbercraft, the company out of Michigan, cuts the timber in their shop, pre-fit the posts, load them on a truck and assemble them when they arrive at the job site. The crew puts the house together and has it is ready for windows in about 14 days.

When the Timbercraft frame is put together with SIP (structure insulated panels) panels, it is very energy efficient. SIP panels are constructed by taking plywood, adding foam and then another piece of plywood. The ceiling in the great room and garage and all the exterior walls are constructed with SIP panels. The cost is high, but there is no waste, it is constructed quickly and creates a more efficient home.

If you want to discuss a Timbercraft home, contact me and we will get together with Tom and price out your home. Call me at (402) 680-2500 or email me bill.black@cbshome.com if you have any questions.

Do you have the right homeowner’s insurance?

Do you have the right homeowner’s insurance?

Hey, guys! Welcome back to my video blog!

People ask me all the time about home insurance and whom they should go to. The best thing to do is talk to family and friends; find out whom they trust.

I’ve been with Farm Bureau for a long time and today I am with the seven-time national agent of the year, Troy Perchal!

Troy is here to tell us about what kind of homeowner’s insurance you should have.

Troy Perchal says,

"The most important part of homeowner’s insurance is having the right amount of coverage.  Some people have their lot and their home insured; this isn’t necessary. Your lot will always be there so, you do not need to insure it. Plus, agents often overcharge for the double insurance. 

Another thing you want to check is your replacement costs. We have a 125% replacement cost. Why the extra 25%? Sometimes lumber can cost more or maybe there’s a clean up needed; it’s an extra cushion.

You also want to check the replacement costs on your personal property. Some insurance carriers have a prorated replacement cost method; they will limit costs based on certain factors such as how old the personal property is.

Earlier Bill had asked about water leakage. Either a backed up sewage, or a broken sump pump can cause water leakage. These are two are separate and must have a specific write up.

I also recommend an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy offers an excess of other protection and costs for losses not under your main coverage."

If you have any questions about Farm Bureau’s homeowner’s insurance, you can call me at 402-758-6633 or send me an email at troy.perchal@fbfs.com

How a Neighbor Can Affect Your Home Value

Hi everyone! Today, I wanted to talk to you about something serious. We’ve had a lot of people who have gotten in touch with us in regards to what their legal rights are when dealing with a neighbor. Remember, when you buy a house, you are buying the neighborhood, so make sure to drive around and see what you are buying.

You don’t want to have the most expensive house in the neighborhood. If you buy a junky home, clean it up and improve the value of the neighborhood, that’s great!

So, let’s talk about the neighbor who isn’t taking care of his/her home. What can you do legally?

1.      Make a list. Write down everything you want your neighbor to take care.

2.      Check your state ordinances. In some cases, city officials will be able to help you enforce regulation. For example, if there is a tree that is causing problems, city officials can help you determine the compromise.

3.      Know your land. When you buy a property, you buy that space. If a neighbor’s tree hangs on your lawn or over your fence, you have the legal right to trim it. Do not kill it, though! If you kill it, you can be fined up to 3 times the value of the tree.

4.      Contact your home owners’ association. If there is a mud or water issue, it may be something your home owners’ association needs to contact SID engineers.

If you have an issue with water or mud, call me and let me know. I can help take care of it! I have gone over to a neighbor’s home and told them they are affecting the value of the home next to them.

The best thing is to not get an attitude. Don’t lose your temper. Just set up a time to talk. We even had some offer to help their neighbor. In one particular case there was an elderly man who wasn’t physically able to manage the lawn and a church group was gathered to help clean up. So be kind and find a way to get the problem fixed!

If you have any questions please give me a call and if not then have a great day!

Claxton Fireplace

Welcome back to my video blog! We have a fun one for you today! It’s beautiful out today and we’re going to talk about grills fire pits, outdoors kitchens and so much more!

Right now, were at Claxton Fireplace. Dan Claxton is the owner and he is a very good friend. He is a trusted individual so if you have any questions about the products you see today, don’t hesitate to give him a call!

One of the newer things Claxton’s has is these great awnings. So if you have an outside area that gets a lot of heat and a lot of sunshine, these awnings help really cool off and shade an area.

They also have all kinds of different grills: ceramic, gas, and he can even convert your propane grill to natural gas.

Who doesn’t love a good fireplace? They have contemporary, fire pits and anything else you can think of.

We have Josh with us today to tell us more about what Claxton’s has to offer. Josh has been here for six years and he project manages. So if you have plans for adding a fireplace or want a new grill, come to him and he can help you figure out how.

We have almost anything you can think of. We have every type of fire place from contemporary to traditional to outside fire pits. We can resurface and remodel your current fireplace too. At Claxton Fireplace we have our own tile guy, stone guy, etc.

Claxton’s is also the only company that offers power sweep for chimneys. We start from the bottom and run a drill that acts almost as a weed wacker. We also run a vacuum through.

So give us a call at 402.491.0800. We have anything you can think of! 

Home Drainage Systems

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When we build your home, we want it to be perfect.  One of our biggest concerns is waterproofing your home. The first thing we do is put a sump pump in the basement; we have never had water in our homes.

An important tip for when you do landscaping, do not put the concrete or plastic edging all the way around the house. That edging will prevent drainage away from the home and will instead fill the window wells and leak in your basement.

Make sure you take the precautions to waterproof your basement. We have your best interests at heart when building your home. We have a firm foundation to build it on. If you have any questions about waterproofing, please call 402.680.2500 or email bill.black@cbshome.com

How Rain Affects New Construction

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April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring headaches and problems for builders and clients.

A lot of clients are frustrated that the hole for their homes has not been dug yet.  Builders, though, must consider the weather forecast before moving forward with construction.

Here, we have a perfect example of what happens when rain falls soon after a hole is dug.  This basement is nine feet deep and flooded with four feet of water.  The construction is now two months behind: the water needs to be pumped out, the ground has to dry and then the hole must be dug again and reshaped. 

Not only does it put progress behind, it also is dangerous for those living in the area already.  Drownings and other accidents are a liability for the builder. 

Trust your builder for the best time to begin digging. If you have any questions, please contact us at 402.680.2500 or email Bill Black directly at bill.black@cbshome.com.