We’re at the Forefront of New Technology

Here at The Bill Black Team, we are always striving to be out in the forefront of new technology and ideas in real estate. 

We were the first team in Omaha to get on the QR code bandwagon. Although it didn’t last long, it’s just another example of how we were ahead of the curve when it comes to marrying real estate and technology. Today we wanted to tell you about our latest technological innovation, something that sets us apart from most Realtors.

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This tool is useful for buyers and sellers.

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We have a system set up where if you text one of our numbers that you see on a particular listing, it will instantly send you all the information about the home via your mobile device. This is going to be not only a useful tool for potential buyers, but for sellers as well. As soon as these people log in to get information about a home, we get their information.

We used to do flyers, but realized there was a better way. With this, we can track buyers, find out who they are, and get them to buy your home.

If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to reach out by giving us a call or sending us an email. We would love to hear from you!

Find Your Dream Home in Nebraska

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

Today, we're coming to you from the Sandhills of Nebraska, fifteen miles from North Platte. Someone called us looking to buy a house out here.

We actually put a bid in on a foreclosed property in the Sandhills. There were a lot of other Realtors competing for this property, but we ended up getting the house!

If you see a foreclosure home, or if you're looking to buy outside of Omaha, give us a call. My license transfers over to the entire state. We would be happy to help you out.

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

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here to contact me for a Home Market Analysis
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!

Why Do We Stand Above the Rest in Omaha?

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

Today I just wanted to remind you of the heights that we will go to in order to bring you the best real estate service possible.

I'm here at great heights today, enjoying the view of the stadium. Omaha is home to the College World Series, and it could be your home too! 

If you would like to see this condo, go to www.555omaha.com and take a look! You have to see it to believe it. It's the Riverfront Plaza Penthouse Suite: a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom property with two fireplaces and absolutely stunning views of Omaha and the Missouri River.

I'm going to get back to watching the game, but please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I'm always here to help you!

Have You Heard About Our Latest Marketing Efforts?

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

We are always looking for better ways to serve you, so today we thought we would share with you the latest technology we have invested in to serve your real estate needs even better.

When you list a home with us, all of the yard signs we put on your property will include a keyword and a phone number to text for potential buyers. Once they text the number, they will be sent all the information on your home. Everything from the info and measurements of the home, to all the info available from the MLS, to contact information if they would like to see the property in person. 

We are always looking for bigger and better ways to market your home, and this is just a start. If you have any questions, or would like to suggest something to us, our door is always open. Give us a call or send us an email, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

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!

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.