Radon in Omaha: How to Test Your Home This Winter (and What Buyers and Sellers Should Know)
Key takeaways Average radon test results run from 3.9 pCi/L in Douglas County to 7.5 in Cass County (DHHS, 2018 to 2023 data). The EPA says fix your home at 4 pCi/L or higher, and consider it between 2 and 4. Winter is an easy time for a short-term test because the house is already […]
Omaha Winter Heating Bills: How to Lower Them and Where to Get Help (2026)
Key takeaways Each degree on the thermostat can change energy use 1% to 5%, per OPPD. Keep it above 55 degrees. Budget billing (M.U.D.) and the Level Payment Plan (OPPD) even out bills but don’t lower them. New OPPD help opens Nov. 1: up to $500 for customers behind on bills, at or below 200% […]
Omaha Snow Removal Rules for Homeowners and Renters (2026)
Key takeaways Omaha: clear your sidewalk within 24 hours after the city declares major-street snow removal complete. Owner and occupant share the duty. Leave at least a four foot clear path, and never push snow into the street. If Omaha clears it for you, the bill runs $3.16 to $6.90 per linear foot, plus $150 […]
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Omaha (and What to Do If One Bursts)
Key takeaways Disconnect and drain hoses now. One hard overnight freeze can burst a faucet or its pipe (M.U.D.). Find your main shutoff valve and stop box before winter. Traveling? Keep the heat at 55 degrees or higher (Red Cross). Burst pipe with water running? Call M.U.D.’s 24/7 emergency line at 402-554-7777. Insurance often covers […]
Moving to Omaha in 2026: Cost of Living and What to Know
Key takeaways Federal data puts Omaha metro prices about 8% below the national average, and rents about 14% below. Zillow’s average Omaha rent is $1,455, and the existing-home median was $305,000 in September 2026. Property tax is the big line item: about 2% a year on average in Douglas and Sarpy counties. Sales tax is […]
Renting vs Buying in Omaha: Real Monthly Numbers for 2026
Key takeaways Zillow’s average Omaha rent is $1,459, and a three-bedroom averages $1,911. The existing-home median in the Omaha area was $305,000 in September 2026. At 7.32%, my estimated FHA payment on that home is about $2,891 a month with taxes and insurance. That is roughly $970 a month more than renting a three-bedroom, before […]
Selling a Home in Omaha During the Holidays: A 2026 Seller Guide
Key takeaways December 2025 had 981 new listings in the Omaha area, less than half of May 2025, yet still 622 pending sales. January 2026 new listings jumped to 1,499, so listing before New Year’s means less competition. Nationally, December sales typically beat November by about 3.9% (NAR). Spring often pays a little more, so […]
Closing Costs in Omaha: What Buyers and Sellers Pay in 2026
Key takeaways Nebraska’s documentary stamp tax rose from $2.32 to $3.32 per $1,000 on July 18, 2026. By law it falls on the grantor (usually the seller). Nebraska recording fees are set by statute: $10 for the first page and $6 for each added page, in Douglas and Sarpy alike. Property taxes are paid a […]
Nebraska Homestead Exemption and Omaha Property Tax Basics (2026)
Key takeaways Homestead Form 458 is filed after February 1 and by June 30 each year with your county assessor. For 2026, age-65 applicants could get 100% relief with household income up to $37,000.99 (single) or $43,400.99 (married or closely related), based on 2025 income. Douglas and Sarpy: first half due March 31 (delinquent April […]
Cap or No Cap: 6 Omaha Homebuyer Myths (and the Truth About Your First Offer)
Key takeaways Only 12% of buyers waived the inspection contingency in NAR’s February 2026 update. You usually don’t need to. The median first-time buyer put down 10%, per NAR’s 2025 Profile. Some loans allow 3%. Zillow says the Zestimate is not an appraisal. Use comps for your offer. Sarpy suburbs like Gretna and La Vista […]
