Here's another typical scenario of what happens with an over-priced listing.  I met with some sellers that had previously listed their home with a part-time agent that was a friend of theirs.   It had been priced at $199k but never sold.  I went over everything that I do and they were impressed with everything I offered.  I suggested a list price of 180k but let them know that if we don't get any showings or if the feedback we get is that that the price is too high, then we would have to lower it.  After three weeks on the market we had not had a single showing.  I re-evaluated the situation and recommended lowering the price to 175k.  At this point they cancelled the listing, convinced that they needed a better agent.  I watched their listing once it was relisted with another agent.  I... 01/28/2008

I met with a seller who had previously been listed with another agent.  The home had been priced at 125k and the CMA showed it should be listed at 115k.  Despite explaining why the home was only worth 115k, she stilled wanted to list it at 125k because she was convinced that the last agent was completely ineffective and it wasn't the price that prevented it from selling.  So I took the listing at 125k, letting her know that the price would have to come down.  The house would sit for 4 to 6 weeks without a single showing and I would tell her we needed to drop the price.  The feedback from the few showings that we did get was that it was over priced and I would let her know that we needed to drop the price.  Gradually she lowered the price - 1k here, 2k there.  After five and a half month... 01/28/2008

I want to thank Mary Rae Wolf of CBSHome. Today the sale of my listing at 1752 S. 9th St. in Kountze Addition of South Omaha closed. It sold in only seven days. Selling a home takes not just comprehensive marketing and outstanding service but also a capable agent on the other side of the transaction. Mary Rae represented the buyer and she did an excellent job. She was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to doing business with her again. Join  Omaha Homes For SaleTrumm Team - Alliance Real Estate, Omaha, NE   01/28/2008

2007 was definitely an interesting year in real estate.  The national news would have you believe the sky is falling.  The truth is the number of residential sales in the west Omaha market through the first three quarters of 2007, were actually 5% better then the 2006 sales.  The last quarter of 2007 was flat, which is pretty normal for Oct, Nov, and Dec.  Pricing was a different issue.   Price pressures were seen across all market sectors.  Gregg Mitchell with Mitchell and Associates said, in his West Omaha 2006/2007 Sales Trend Analysis Report "Sophisticated, (smart) buyers continue to see that lower pricing, lower interest rates, coupled with a large inventory has created a rare opportunity."  Therefore, creating a buyer's market in which buyers are asking for lower prices and seller... 01/28/2008

I want to thank Wayne Plowman of Charleston Homes of Omaha for taking the time to meet with me to discuss how my services can benefit his clients. Specifically we discussed how my Guaranteed Sale program will benefit clients that want to build a new home with Charleston Homes but need to sell their current home first. My Guaranteed Sale program solves that problem - if I cannot sell their home in 120 days, then I will buy it so that they can purchase their next home. Trumm Team - Keller Williams Realty, Omaha, NE 01/28/2008

Congratulations to Mark Taylor of Alliance Real Estate.  Mark Taylor was named Alliance Real Estate's Buyer's Agent of the Year for the second year in a row.  Mark's laid back style and his personality can truly win over anyone!  His years of experience and vast network of agents from across the city aid in Mark's ability to put a deal together.  Mark is a pleasure to work with and he always keeps the client's needs first and foremost.  Mark is a team player and he frequently helps his fellow agents at Alliance with various situations in which he can draw on his vast level of experience.   Congratulations Mark! David Matney, CRS,GRI Alliance Real Estate 01/25/2008

I want to thank Abe Farrington of Deeb Realty. Today the sale of my listing at 10301 Mary St. in Cherry Hills closed. Selling a home takes not just comprehensive marketing and outstanding service but also a capable agent on the other side of the transaction. Abe represented the buyer and he did an excellent job of staying on top of things. Best of all he was a pleasure to work with. Thanks, Abe. Join Troy Trumm - Alliance Real Estate, Omaha, NEThe Trumm TeamOmaha Homes For SaleFree Information on Omaha Real Estate  01/24/2008

O.K. maybe one half percent isn't so bad. What about taking an extra week to sell, though?As Satan rushes to the hardware store to stock up on mittens and ice melt, the real estate bubble has burst in Omaha. Not since 2001 when the average sales price dropped nearly 3%, has the Omaha real estate market been so gloomy.According to recently released figures from Trendgraphix on the Omaha MLS, the median sales price has dropped .47% from $141,333 in 2006 to $140,667 in 2007. Market times have taken a toll, as well. Successful sellers found it took and average of 67 days to sell compared to 60 days in 2006.If it's this bad at the middle of the pack, imagine how many million dollar homes have just sat there. Well, they all didn't just sit there. A dozen homes sold in 2007 for at least $1,000... 01/22/2008

Business doesn't stop with the cold whether, but the cold whether does make some things more difficult. Primarily getting for sale signs in the ground when the ground is frozen. The solution is a cordless drill with a spade bit. Today I took two listings and I simply marked where the signs were going to go and then I drilled holes. The signs went in the ground without a problem. Troy Trumm - Alliance Real Estate, Omaha, NEThe Trumm TeamHomes For Sale in OmahaConsumer Reports on Omaha Real Estate 01/21/2008

I had previously posted a blog titled Brokerage in Omaha not Paying Agents what they Advertise in the MLS. I received a call from my broker today informing me that the company that had this policy has decided to change their ways. They are now going to pay all co-operating agents the commission that is advertised in the MLS. While I did not mention the name of the company in my original post, I have still removed the post. I think many people could figure out what company it was and I do not want that company or its agents to be adversely affected by a policy which they have now dropped.Troy Trumm - Alliance Real Estate, Omaha, NEThe Trumm TeamHomes For Sale in OmahaConsumer Reports on Omaha Real Estate 01/18/2008

Alliance Real Estate has some exciting news!  We are proud to announce that we have added new and improved map search technology which incorporates Web 2.0 into search criteria.  Web 2.0 is the next generation in web technology.  This type of search will enable buyers to get a better picture of the overall layout of an area to include items such as nearby restaurants, schools, parks, ball fields, etc.  This will save buyers time and is the leading edge of map technology.  It really is fun to use and can be kinda addictive.  At Alliance, we are relentless in our quest to enhance the buyer experience.  This will be available to anyone searching for a home in the Omaha area.  There is no registration required and we are excited to have this tool available.  Alliance has also given access t... 01/16/2008

9317 Spaulding St., Omaha, NEsend this to a friend 4 BR Beauty in Palomino Hills!print this page 4 Bdrm Single Family Houseoffered at $116,500Year Built1966 Sq Footage1,601 Bedrooms4 Bathrooms2 full, 0 partial Floors2 Parking1 Car garage Lot Size7,500 sqft HOA/Maint$0 per monthDESCRIPTION Move-in Ready! The carpets were just cleaned and both the interior and exterior paint is new. Kitchen walks out to a large deck and patio. There are ceiling fans and large closets throughout. The living room features a built-in plant shelf and 2" blinds. Enjoy the convenience of a master bathroom which is rare in this price range. Finished lower level with family room and bonus room which could be an office or storage room. New roof, furnace, and AC six years ago. Sprinkler system. All kitchen applianc... 01/15/2008

8606 S. 142 Ave., Omaha, NEsend this to a friend Lovingly Cared-For Home in The Meadows!print this page 3 Bdrm Single Family Houseoffered at $117,000Year Built1980 Sq Footage1,300 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 full, 0 partial FloorsUnspecified Parking1 Car garage Lot Size7,000 sqft HOA/Maint$0 per monthDESCRIPTION Lovingly cared for home. This house is beautifully decorated with contemporary colors. The inviting kitchen features a vaulted ceiling. Completely updated bathroom. Formal living room for entertaining and comfortable family room for relaxing. Outside is a large deck overlooking a private yard with mature trees. Updates include new A/C and Furnace in 2007, programmable thermostat, cedar privacy fence installed in 2004, interior paint, exterior doors, vinyl siding, insulated garage door ... 01/15/2008

1752 S. 9th St., Omaha, NEsend this to a friend Updated Home in Move-in Condition!print this page 3 Bdrm Single Family Houseoffered at $60,000Year Built1898 Sq Footage1,372 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 full, 0 partial FloorsUnspecified ParkingUnspecified Lot Size4,620 sqft HOA/Maint$0 per monthDESCRIPTION Updated home in move-in condition. Enjoy the large remodeled kitchen with new flooring and refinished cabinets and the elegance of a formal dining room. Oversized master bedroom. New parquet floor in the entryway plus new carpet and paint throughout. Convenience of a main floor laundry. Possible fourth bedroom. Outside is a private deck, patio, storage shed, and new garage. Other updates include a new roof, vinyl siding, plumbing, electrical panel, and front porch. HMS warranty available.For m... 01/12/2008

Below is an invitation to the wine a and cheese event at 80 Dodge offering a sneak peak of the new look of the Beverly Hills Plaza. The renderings of the upgrade and the new renderings of the 80 dodge project, including the view of the roof top pool, will be available for you to see. See you there.   01/10/2008

Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent for You    When you've decided it's time to sell your home, who will you trust to represent one of the most important financial transactions you can make in life? Is it the soccer mom who handed you her card and asked you to keep her in mind if and when you sell?  Is it the listing agent of the house down the street that sold in just days? Is it the first name on the list of Google results? How do you find the ideal match for your real estate needs?   During the previous boom in real estate, it seems that everyone ran out to get a real estate license hoping to make easy money. For example, when you do an Internet search for "Omaha real estate", you've suddenly got pages and pages of agents from which to choose. How do you weed through these never en... 01/09/2008

It's that time again and we have exciting news. Beverly Hills PLaza is getting a make over that will compliment the 80 Dodge Condominium project. Join us for a sneak peak of what is planned for the Beverly Hills Plaza, view the cool new renderings, and enjoy some wine, cheese, and conversation. I hope to see you there.  01/08/2008

 NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT --March 20-22 at Qwest CenterCOLLEGE WORLD SERIES--June 14 to 25 at Rosenblatt StadiumU.S. OLYMPIC SWIMMING TRIALS--June 29- July 6 at Qwest CenterCOX CLASSIC--July 31-August 3 at Champions RunNCAA VOLLEYBALL FINAL FOUR--Dec 18-20 at Qwest CenterFor additional information on the above events please log on to Omaha World Herald.   01/02/2008

Rating Agent Performance Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions a person will make in a lifetime.  The enormity of the process can be made easier or more difficult by a Realtor® depending on what type of agent you choose to represent your interest.While everyone has to get their foot in the door somehow, choosing a Realtor® with little to no experience or without a proven track record can be a costly mistake.Finding a winning agent involves a bit of searching but is worth the effort.  When conducting your search, there are a few things to look for when interviewing agents.1.   Length of Time in Real Estate An agent doesn't have to have years of experience to be good but you do want to hire someone who has experience and can guide you through the process.  You don't ... 12/28/2007

Why is it better to buy a southern facing home in Omaha, Nebraska?  In the Omaha Real Estate market, a southern facing home's driveway will melt faster and will be clear long before a home that faces north.  If marketing a home it is not a bad idea to point this out to a potential buyer.  I do not know about you but once a driveway is snow packed it is a real pain.  Most folks will not even give this a second thought.  Lately, we have had a decent amount of snow and this is readily apparent.  Here are two examples of driveways.  One home facing south and the other faces the north.  Both photos are homes on the same street and taken at the same time.      If your home is on the market it is extremely important to keep the driveway and walks shoveled and clear of snow.  First, of course i... 12/22/2007