Derek Hilgert of HOME Real Estate, received a Leadership Resources Success Award at the 2011 Celebration of Success. Hilgert was one of seven award winners out of over 35 nominations.

Developed in 2007, the Leadership Resources Success Awards celebrate and recognize client accomplishments and increased levels of success. Individuals, teams and/or companies are nominated by facilitators, coaches, representatives and strategic partners. The strength of the supporting documentation such as tracking metrics, measurable outcomes, and peer testimonials were used as supportive evidence for this award.

Hilgert’s nomination read, “His sales are up 55 percent more than 2010, and he has spent even more time with his wife and kids, something he remains fiercely committed to as he moves forward.”

Hilgert ends the year with a 63 percent increase in closings over 2010. He says he was able to pay off over $10,000 in medical bills and take his family on a weeklong Disney vacation, without working more hours. He has transferred his goal setting knowledge to the home and is helping his kids set goals as well.

“This goal was also met at a time in our industry where many REALTORS are struggling to maintain last year’s business numbers,” Hilgert said.

Leadership Resources is a results-oriented provider of organizational development. They work with companies that believe success lies within the strategic intentions of their leadership team and the productivity of their people. By combining proven processes with accountability, their services produce positive behavioral and cultural changes, leading to increased engagement and measurable results. To learn more, visit www.LRsuccess.com.

HOME Real Estate, an affiliate of HomeServices of America, is the area’s leading real estate company serving the Lincoln, Seward, and surrounding areas. The company’s agents are committed to providing clients with exceptional service in all stages of the building, buying, and selling process, including real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance. For more information about HOME Real Estate and Hilgert, visit his website at http://www.HomeRealEstate.com/DerekHilgert.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

We ended the year with a strong month, making our final 2011 better than 2010. It is a sellers market out there, as the inventory of listings for sale is extremely low. Here are the December numbers from all HOME Real Estate offices including Lincoln, Seward and Milford:

• $32,033,372 Total Volume Sold (Up 3% from Dec. 2010)
• 236 Total Sides Sold (Up 5% over Dec. 2010)
• 178 Sides Placed Under Contract (Up 2% from Dec. 2010)
• 316,406 Page Views on HomeRealEstate.com
• 37,891 User Sessions on HomeRealEstate.com
• 5,069 User Sessions from a Mobile Device
• 47 New Saved Searches on HomeRealEstate.com
• 1,040 New Saved Properties on HomeRealEstate.com
• 165 New Customers/Clients on HomeRealEstate.com
• 1,096 Daily Active Users on Facebook.com/HomeRealEstate
• 54 Text Inquiries to HOME4U at 59559
• 1,895 Guided Tour Views at HomeRealEstate.com
• 16 Views at HomeRealEstateTV.com

View our monthly Market Snapshot here.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

Leighun Brabec

Leighun Brabec of HOME Real Estate has earned the nationally recognized Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) certification. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers the BPOR certification to REALTORS® as evaluating properties depends more than ever on professional expertise and competence, the best use of technology, and a commitment to approach the valuation assignment from all pertinent perspectives.

“As the real estate market evolves we are seeing more demand for broker price opinions, and it’s imperative that REALTORS® are knowledgeable and educated about how BPOs work, as well as the risks involved,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “The BPO Resource certification not only adds value to the services provided by REALTORS®, but also it helps practitioners grow their business.”

“BPOs: The Agent’s Role in the Valuation Process” is the required one-day course that provides REALTORS® with knowledge and skills to reduce risk and increase opportunities to create professional and accurate BPOs. In addition to completing the course, participants are required to take a Webinar. Once awarded the certification, REALTORS® will be eligible to receive BPO orders as a preferred provider. The certification also assists member in creating more comprehensive comparative market analyses for their customers’ listings.  For more information about the BPOR certification, visit www.BPOR.org.

Brabec has been a licensed REALTOR since 2004 and works out of HOME Real Estate’s North office. She has been processing BPOs for the past four years and is excited to obtain this new designation now offered by NAR.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

With 2011 coming to a close, The Underwood Team, REALTORS® are gearing up for a full and busy 2012. By all indications now is a fabulous time to sell a home. Interest rates are at all-time lows and contrary to what you might have read or heard in the media, buyers CAN get financing. If you’ve been waiting for a better time to put your house on the market, we have good news. Right now is a better time.

The Underwood Team is a team of 3 REALTORS® working together with each of our clients as one. Our listing inventory is quite low compared to other years at this time and we are actively seeking out serious sellers who want to team up with experienced professionals to get their house sold. Our success stats will show that we provide successful, top notch service. We are “lifers” in real estate. Our office is open. Our phones are on. And we do to take walk-ins.

 Posted byUnderwood Team

From KCM Blog:

One thing many real estate agents have learned is the importance of having a team of professionals to facilitate a smooth transaction. Having a lending expert on the team, can make available the following services to you…all for FREE:

• They stand ready to screen all potential buyers. Today’s lending landscape is a rapidly changing environment. Programs and requirements are changing regularly. A good loan officer should have a reputation for being on top of current guidelines and finding the best solutions for prospective clients. You need to know that when you accept an offer, the buyer can actually close.
• Financing is an important component to getting a home sold. Whether it’s marketing flyers, carrying costs, unique mortgage strategies (such as buy-downs and Sales Concessions) or even loan programs to differentiate your home (ex. loans that can incorporate monies for the purchase and renovation of a home), the best loan officers take pride in their ability to help increase the number of people for whom your home could be a fit. More prospects equals higher sales prices.
• In so far as a professional loan officer is seen as an educator, they would want to offer you the chance to tune into some of their online seminars (called webinars) and videos. As an example, some lenders have webinars with topics ranging from “How Lenders Look At A Mortgage Application” to “Renovation Lending” to “Getting Your Optimal Credit Score”, as well as videos that can fully explain your Good Faith Estimate. They are constantly striving to be a resource for everyone they come in contact with.
• Lastly, your loan officer knows that most home sellers become home buyers. Not only will they run your credit and analyze your income and assets, but they will also pre-approve you for your next mortgage, typically free of charge.

Both your agent and the loan officer on their team are committed to the highest level of advice and integrity. Reach out to them for any questions you may have.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

Ann M. Underwood

Ann M. Underwood, a Seward and Lincoln Realtor, has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 31,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential.

Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS designees subscribe to the strict Realtors code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.

Underwood is a sales associate with HOME Real Estate in Seward and Lincoln. She is a member of the Realtors Association of Lincoln. Among other organizations, Underwood is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, Seward Chamber of Commerce, Seward Rotary, Seward Area Development Corp. and the Seward County Housing Corp. For more information, visit www.UnderwoodTeam4You.com.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

Cindy Morand

Cindy Morand joins the North office. She grew up in Lincoln and attended the University of Nebraska majoring  in Marketing. She has held a Sales Associate License since March of 2011 and most recently worked with New Traditions Home & Realty. Her hobbies include golfing, gardening, reading, home decorating and spending time with her children. She is very excited about her career at HOME Real Estate and looks forward to working with all of you! Cindy can be reached at 402-310-1660 or Cindy.Morand@homerealestate.com.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

The Lincoln real estate market is showing some signs of improvement! Here are the November numbers from all HOME Real Estate offices including Lincoln, Seward and Milford:

• $35,694,520 Total Volume Sold (Up 18% from Nov. 2010)
• 221.5 Total Sides Sold (Up 18% over Nov 2010)
• 191 Sides Placed Under Contract (Down 2% from Nov. 2010)
• 351,466 Page Views on HomeRealEstate.com
• 44,629 User Sessions on HomeRealEstate.com
• 5,282 User Sessions from a Mobile Device
• 44New Saved Searches on HomeRealEstate.com
• 1,090 New Saved Properties on HomeRealEstate.com
• 136 New Customers/Clients on HomeRealEstate.com
• 1,186 Daily Active Users on Facebook.com/HomeRealEstate
• 76 Text Inquiries to HOME4U at 59559
• 2,342 Guided Tour Views at HomeRealEstate.com
• 484 Views at HomeRealEstateTV.com

View our monthly Market Snapshot here.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

By: Rich Binsacca

Installing a wood-burning, gas-burning, gel-fuel, or electric fireplace to your house costs $400 to $10,000, depending on the type of fireplace you select.

Installing a fireplace with a brick-lined hearth and a custom mantel can easily cost $10,000 or more. It’s also possible to get a similar look for thousands of dollars less. Just shop for a ready-made unit and watch what you spend on the fireplace surround.

If your budget is really tight, a free-standing gel-fuel or electric fireplace eliminates installation costs. But be aware that some bare-bones alternatives don’t completely succeed in mimicking a real wood fire.

Check local building codes for possible restrictions on the types of fireplaces that can be installed in your area.

Costs of a wood-burning fireplace

An open-hearth, wood-burning fireplace—like the ones you see in mountain resort hotels—requires the help of a skilled, professional mason and a budget approaching (and often exceeding) $10,000.

For an existing home, considerable renovation work is required, including a foundation to carry the weight of the firebox and chimney, and the cost of the chimney itself.

Expect to pay $7,000 to $10,000 or more.

• Cost saver tip: Go for a drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.

Costs of a gas-burning fireplace

A fireplace unit that burns natural gas or propane runs about $2,000 for the basic materials package. Installation and finishing typically add $2,500.

• Cost saver tip: Switch to a simpler surround and mantle, and get a direct-vent fireplace so you don’t need a chimney. Or, opt for a vent-free gas fireplace for $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.

Your least-expensive option

A gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace starts under $400. With a portable unit, that’s the total cost since the fireplace is ready to use once you remove the packaging.

Because there’s no flue or chimney, it’s easy to install TVs or other electronic gear directly above an electric fireplace. If you include a mantel package, expect to pay $800 to $1,600. One perk available: sound effects that mimic the crackle and pop of a real fire.

Ongoing costs

Estimate your energy costs by using a fuel cost comparison calculator. Gel fuel, not included in the calculator, costs $3 per 13-ounce can, enough for three hours.

For a wood-burning fireplace, figure on $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces need an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance.

Tax credits for fireplace inserts

Through Dec. 31, 2011, you may qualify for a federal tax credit for up to $300 in costs, if you install a biomass (wood- or pellet-burning) fireplace insert that’s at least 75% fuel-efficient.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/fireplaces-chimneys/fireplace-addition-costs/#ixzz1fydOyuyg

 Posted byHOME Real Estate

Karen Hain

Karen Hain joins the Cotner office. She grew up in Seward, NE and graduated from Wayne State with a degree in Criminal Justice. She moved to Lincoln to coach softball and give pitching lessons. Karen’s grandfather was a builder in Seward and aunt, a Realtor. They were her inspiration to begin a real estate career. Karen can be reached at 402-641-5247 or Karen.Hain@homerealestate.com.

 Posted byHOME Real Estate