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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Agent Training at Morse Real Estate

by Morse Real Estate

Morse Real Estate offers one-on-one, group, and virtual training to help agents reach the next level in their business. We strive to guide our agents so they can save time, increase their services to their clients and complete transactions smoothly.

Our broker and office manager share ideas on how to gain momentum in sales, boost creativity, and generate business regularly. Many existing agents take part in the training on a consistent basis to steadily grow their lead sources. Morse Real Estate hosts a private virtual group where idea sharing happens, lessons are learned, and advice is given. We offer an environment where agents are able to reach our support staff and broker easily when they have a question or concern.

Morse Real Estate also has an on-boarding program for new agents. The program evolved over our years in business and helps new agents get started quickly and confidently. We also have a simple on-boarding training program for existing agents that aid them in their transition to selling with us. All agents that go through our training walk away with new pieces of information and tricks to get them servicing clients with ease.

Whether one of our agents needs hands-on training for social media marketing skills, virtual guidance for contract generation, step-by-step written instructions on how to manage a contact database, or a quick phone call to work out a problem, Morse Real Estate is here to provide the help they need.

Want to learn more about a career at Morse Real Estate? Contact us for your free confidential meeting.

 

Annual Food Drive 2019

by Morse Real Estate

Morse Real Estate agents from Nebraska and Iowa participated in the 2019 canned food drive for The Micah House. The Micah House is located in Council Bluffs and  provides food, shelter and valuable services to the homeless population in the area.

From November 4-15, agents and members of the Council Bluffs and Omaha community brought in non-perishable food items to the brokerage lobby. Russ’s Market in Glenwood generously donated cases of canned vegetables to help our brokerage reach our goal. As the deadline for donations approached, members of staff and agents arranged and sorted items as well as weighed the items received.


On December 18, agents and their families loaded up vehicles and delivered the needed items to The Micah House. After carrying the items from cars and into the pantry, they received a guided tour of the facility and met some of the women who were staying there. 


This food drive was so impactful to our agents and their families and allowed us to feel more connected with our community. Our office donated 727 pounds of food for their residents during the holiday season.

Here are some statistics from The Micah House showing just how impressive their work is in our local area:


In 2018, Micah House Served: 
970 Homeless Individuals
304 Were Children and Families
24,148 Nights of Shelter were Provided
26,985 Nutritious Meals were Served
54% Were Children  (521 Children)
59% Of Clients Served were from Nebraska
35% Of Clients Served were from Iowa


If you would like to find out how you can help The Micah House and their mission, please visit their website for more information. 

2019 County and State Fairs

by Morse Real Estate

As a Midwesterner, our hearts can be easily warmed by the smell of smoked turkey legs, freshly fried corn dogs, and anything else that is served on a stick! July and August are always filled to the brim with local county and state fairs that provide guests with tasty treats, thrilling concerts, deadly demolition derbies, exciting rodeo riding, and smoke-filled tractor pulls. Here is a list of 12 upcoming county and state fairs in Iowa and Nebraska that just cannot be beat and must not be missed in 2019! If we skipped one, please comment below!

2019 County and State Fairs

Mills County Fair – July 11 – 16 -  Malvern, Iowa - 61317 315th St, Malvern, IA 51551
Website: http://www.millscountyfair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millscounty.fair
Schedule: http://www.millscountyfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-FINAL-schedule-as-of-4-2-19.pdf

Douglas County Fair – July 11 - 14 - Multiple Locations – Free Parking and Shuttle at METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ELKHORN (829 N. 2014th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022) to both Village Pointe (17305 Davenport - Omaha, NE 68118) AND Chance Ridge( 829 N. 2014th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022 (506 Skyline Rd., Elkhorn, NE 68022)
Website: https://www.douglascountyfair.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCoFair/
Schedule: https://www.douglascountyfair.org/copy-of-events-1

Pottawattamie County Fair - July 18 – 21  – Avoca, Iowa – 307 W Lincoln St, Avoca, IA 51521
Website: http://pottawattamiecountyfair.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastPottawattamieCountyFair/
Schedule: http://pottawattamiecountyfair.org

Harrison County Fair – July 23-27 - Missouri Valley, Iowa - 1200 W Huron St, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Website: https://www.harrisoncofair.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrisoncountyiowafair/
Schedule: https://www.harrisoncofair.com/schedule.html

West Fair – July 25 – 28 - Council Bluffs, Iowa - 22984 US-6, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Website: http://www.westfairevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfairia/
Schedule: http://www.westfairevents.com/

Otoe County Fair – July 25 – 28 – Syracuse, Nebraska - 1st St & Plum St, Syracuse, NE 68446
Website: http://www.otoecountyfair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Otoe-County-Fair-113197402717/
Schedule: http://www.otoecountyfair.com/entertainment/

Saunders County Fair – July 28 – August 4 – Wahoo, Nebraska - 635 E 1st Street, Wahoo, NE 68066
Website: https://www.saunderscountyfair.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saunders-County-Fair-459966754188968/
Schedule: https://www.saunderscountyfair.com/copy-of-schedule

Sarpy County Fair – July 31 - August 4 - Springfield, Nebraska - 100 Main St, Springfield, NE 68059
Website: http://www.sarpyfair.com/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SarpyCountyFairRodeo
Schedule: http://www.sarpyfair.com/

Lancaster County Super Fair – August 1 – August 10 – Lincoln, NE - 4100 N. 84th Street, Lincoln NE 68507
Website: https://superfair.org/super-fair-home/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperFairLNK/
Schedule: https://superfair.org/see-entertainment/theme-days

Cass County Fair – August 6 – 10th – Weeping Water, Nebraska - 8420 144th Street, Weeping Water, NE 68463
Website: https://www.cassfair.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cass-County-Nebraska-Fairgrounds-447586029109747/
Schedule: https://www.cassfair.com/

Iowa State Fair – August 8 – 18 – Des Moines, Iowa - 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Website: https://www.iowastatefair.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iowastatefair
Iowa State Fair Map: https://www.iowastatefair.org/upl/downloads/library/fairgrounds-map.pdf
Schedule: https://www.iowastatefair.org/entertainment/fair-schedule/

Nebraska State – August 23 – September 2 – Grand Island, NE - 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE, 68801
Website: https://www.statefair.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaStateFair 
Schedule: https://www.statefair.org/events

Have a safe and fun-filled fair season!

Omaha Area Fireworks Shows

by Morse Real Estate

Omaha metro residents love the smell of black powder and the sparkle of lights that fireworks bring. Families gather together to grill, relax, and celebrate our country’s freedoms while lighting off fireworks. Another way to celebrate Independence Day 2019 in Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas is to watch the large, local fireworks shows. Morse Real Estate has put together a list of local Omaha metro fireworks displays to make it easy to catch them all.

The City of Omaha Celebrates America Free Concert & Fireworks Show with Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul w/ Chris Isaak
Dates: June 28, 2019
Location: Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave., Omaha, NE 68132
Times: 6:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Admission: Free
More Info: Get ready to rock the park! Little Steven (Steven Van Zandt) will headline, with co-headliner Chris Isaak also performing. Local cover band The Firm will open the show. Stick around for the fantastic fireworks finale set for 10pm. The concert was originally canceled, but it was brought back with the help of an anonymous donor.

College Home Run Derby & Fireworks
Dates: June 29, 2019
Location: 1200 Mike Fahey St., Omaha, NE 68102
Times: Starting: 7:00 PM
Website: https://www.collegehomerunderby.com/About_Event
Admission: $10+
More Info: Watch college baseball's premier power hitters show off their skills during the Home Run Derby, live on ESPN. Stay for the fireworks! Visit website for all the details.


Lake Manawa Fireworks
Dates: June 29, 2019
Location: 1100 S Shore Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Website: https://www.friendsoflakemanawa.org/lake-manawa-fireworks/lake-manawa-fireworks-support 
Times: 9pm
Admission: Free
More Info: Watch Lake Manawa's largest fireworks display yet over the lake at dusk.


Omaha Storm Chasers Game with Fireworks
Dates: July 4, 2019
Location: 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
Website: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Team.asp?SponsorID=11796#.XQk__ohKiUk
Times: Starting: 7:05 PM
Admission: $9-$21/Free for Kids 2 & Under
More Info: Bring the family for a night of fun at the ballpark as the Omaha Storm Chasers take on the Nashville Sounds. The night will end with a spectacular Independence Day fireworks show to USA-themed music!


Ralston's 59th Annual Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks
Dates: July 4, 2019
Location: Downtown Ralston
Website: https://ralstonareachamber.org/events/details/2019-independence-day-54
Times: From: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Admission: Free
More Info: Bring the family for a slice of Americana complete with music, food, and more. Check out Nebraska's largest parade on Wednesday, along with a fireworks spectacular to cap off the night.

All of our agents wish you a safe and happy fourth of July!

Local Father's Day Events

by Mike Morse

Father’s Day is a special time to celebrate the dads in your life that have made a difference and it falls on Sunday, June 16th this year. Here are some ways to celebrate locally in the Council Bluffs and Omaha area this week.

Council Bluffs Farmer’s Market

Start the fun off early with the Council Bluffs Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, June 13th from 4:30pm-7:30pm. They are set-up at Bayliss Park and will have a giveaway for dads and extra vendors to help you find the perfect gift. Plus, they always have live music, kid’s activities and some great vendors. Enjoy the night at the park!

College World Series Fan Fest

Starting June 14th, the official Fan Fest begins and hosts giveaways, live music, interactive games and much more! Head to Lot C and Mike Fahey Street in Omaha for the fun. Visit their website for the schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/championships/baseball/d1/fan-fest

First Annual SAC Museum Car Show

Take dad to this indoor car show that lasts two days! Don’t miss the opening ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at noon that begins with a parachute jump performance. He could even register his car as part of the exclusive show! Visit the website for tickets and information: https://sacmuseum.org/event/car-show/


Fun-Plex

Give your favorite dad the gift of fun in the sun as fathers will get free admission to Fun-Plex located in Omaha on Sunday, June 16th! You can check out their new attraction called Rockin’ Rapids and enjoy the fun from noon to 8PM. Visit their site for more information: https://fun-plex.com/

Sky Zone Omaha

Every dad will jump for joy on Father’s Day at Sky Zone Omaha when they get in free! Jump with them from noon to 6PM. Visit their site the more details: https://www.skyzone.com/omaha

The Mark

Roll over to The Mark located in Elkhorn for a good ol’ fashioned bowling competition! Dad’s get to bowl for free on Sunday, June 17th and there are ribeye and prime rib specials to take advantage of. If you haven’t been to The Mark – go! It is a great place to take the family. Visit their site for more information and discounts: https://markomaha.com/


Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Take your dad to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo on June 16th where he can get in free and enjoy watching the animals and checking out their new expansion project that opened May 10th. Visit their site for details: https://www.lincolnzoo.org/events/

We wish you a very happy Father's Day!

 

Iowa Homestead Tax Credit

by Mike Morse
 
Iowa Homestead Tax Credit filing deadline is fast approaching!
 
New homeowners in Iowa are encouraged at the closing table to file for the Iowa Homestead Tax Credit as soon as possible. This program was originally adopted by the state to encourage home ownership through property tax relief. It also protects the homeowner from certain debts being attached to their property as a lien. Homeowners are eligible for the exemption if they own and occupy the property as their primary residence and if they declare residency in Iowa for income tax purposes. They must also occupy the property for a minimum of 6 months annually. Owners in the military or nursing homes who do not occupy the home are also eligible. 
 
The current credit is equal to the actual tax levy on the first $4,850 of actual value which translates to an average of $50-$200 savings per year on property taxes.
 
Homeowners that would like to file for this exemption may fill out this form and submit it to the county prior to July 1 and only have to file once during a lifetime of ownership as long as it continues to qualify or the property is sold or transferred. People signing up will also be required to certify that a smoke detector has been, or will be installed in the home.
 
Pottawattamie county homeowners may submit the forms:
 
Stopping by in person:
Pottawattamie County Assessor
227 S 6th St. Ste 257
Council Bluffs, IA
 
Mailing it in:
Pottawattamie County Assessor
PO Box 1076
Council Bluffs, IA 51502
 
E-mailing it to:
 
 
If you have questions about filing or would like to speak to one of our expert agents, send us a message

Morse Real Estate's New Office

by Morse Real Estate

Morse Real Estate is excited to announce the opening of a new office in central Council Bluffs, Iowa. This facility is located on the busy corner of West Broadway and S. 7th Street, just one block northwest from Bayliss Park

Morse Real Estate was established in 2010 by Council Bluffs native, Mike Morse. After a successful 20-year career in residential and commercial real estate, Mike launched the brokerage. Over the past 9 years, it has continued to grow as a family-owned and operated virtual brokerage.

“Our agents have been working at our virtual brokerage for years and have helped thousands of people make a move. They have either worked from home or a remote office and have met clients wherever was convenient for the client.” Mike said. 

After years of successfully operating the virtual brokerage, the number of agents began to grow. Getting a physical office was the next step to providing a larger community presence and increasing resources for Morse Real Estate agents.

“We were on the lookout for a central location that would be easy for our busy clients and active agents. We found the perfect place and received keys in the beginning of February. After gaining access, our family pulled together to plan out the office and take on the challenge of the remodel. It was worth the effort.” Mike said.

The work space features modern technology in a comfortable setting to allow agents to focus all day or simply stop by to write contracts. The design of the space was inspired by a 3D rendering that his daughter and office manager, Christy Rhoades, drafted. The space is fresh, airy, and contemporary.

“Our REALTORs are so mobile that most work from their cars, home offices or coffee shops. However, in this fast-paced market, agents really have to manage everything even quicker and on the go. This new office allows them to do that seamlessly.” Mike said. “Since opening, I have had clients come for consultations and they comment about how clean and beautiful the space is. We couldn’t be more excited for the future of our service to the local community.”

Morse Real Estate hosted an agent open house on April 4. The agents were able to walk through the space and see it and celebrate with Mike and his family.


(From left to right: Mike R. Morse, Shannon Snipes, Christy Rhoades, Mike Kent, Abby Tietsort, Mike Morse, Deb Peraza)

(Capre Kennett)
(Eric Mace)

During the remodel, Nebraska and Iowa experienced some of the worst flooding witnessed in recent history. Since opening, Morse Real Estate has seen an increase in the need for professional advice and guidance in the local real estate market.

“With all of the flooding recently, our agents have received so many calls from families that have had to move out of places like Pacific Junction, Glenwood, and Bartlett. It’s heartbreaking. As agents, we want to help them find somewhere to live and do it quickly. I have never seen so many people displaced locally. Iowa and Nebraska needs to continue pulling together and help each other out.”

With the opening of the new office in Council Bluffs, Morse Real Estate and its agents will continue to service residential and commercial real estate clients in the Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa metro area. Consultation appointments can be made by calling the office at 712-435-1900 or by contacting one of the expert agents directly at www.morse-re.com/agents.

REALTOR Ring Day 2017

by Morse Real Estate

This holiday season, over 100 REALTOR® associations will be supporting the Salvation Army on Friday, December 1. This idea came from a REALTOR® member in Fargo, N.D., who wanted to give real estate professionals an opportunity to support a cause familiar to them - housing. The Salvation Army was the perfect fit because it offers so many housing-related programs. This is the Iowa Association of Realtor’s sixth year participating in this great event joining over 26 other states ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

Last year, more than 300 Iowa REALTORS® representing all 17 local boards participated in this event and raised more than $30,000. A few members of our team came out to volunteer. We had a lot of fun joking, singing and ringing!

Your Home Just Got More Valuable

by Morse Real Estate


The National Association of Realtors just released a report covering the latest data on our national housing market. Many of the figures were staggering and surprising. The following charts summarize the biggest findings from the report.


Click to enlarge

Housing Supply Year-Over-Year: Last 12 Months: One of the more surprising data produced from National Association of Realtors was the giant leap in housing shortage from July to August. It showed that nationally we are experiencing an incredible 10% decrease in homes on the market. It could be reasoned that a lot of buyers scooped up a ton of inventory during the summer leaving August high and dry. This could also mean buyers are struggling to find their next dream home.


Click to enlarge

Seller Traffic By State: To breakdown the data and apply it to each state we can see just how many homes are listed for sale by state. Alaska, New Mexico, Maine and four other states are experiencing Very Strong seller traffic numbers which means there are more homes to choose from. However, Iowa and Nebraska and most of the nation do not share the same fate. Seller traffic is weak meaning that these housing markets are struggling and need more homes listed for sale.


Click to enlarge

Existing Home Prices Year-Over-Year by Region: Nationally sellers are receiving 5.1% more for their homes this year versus last year. However, sellers in the Midwest are receiving 5.5% more on average. 

Let’s break that down for our local real estate market:

Average home sold in Council Bluffs, Iowa since September 1: $145,615

On average, sellers are receiving $8,008 more this year versus last year
____________________________________________________________

Average home sold in Omaha, Nebraska since September 1: $199,374

On average, sellers are receiving $10,965 more this year versus last year


By the way, homes are selling for more and much faster as opposed to last year, with many having multiple offers in less than 48 hours.

How Many Homes Sold Last Week?

by Morse Real Estate

Kids are back in school but it hasn’t slowed the housing market down. Just over the last weekend, our brokerage had a listing that received over 20 written offers on it! 

Here are the number of homes that have sold in our local markets in the last week:

Homes that sold in the Omaha area: 326 Homes
Average home price: $208,572
 
Homes that sold in the Council Bluffs area: 29 Homes
Average home price: $161,066

To find out more about what your home is worth, contact one of our experienced agents today!

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Contact Information

Photo of Mike Morse Real Estate
Mike Morse
Morse Real Estate
17580 Lochland Ridge
Council Bluffs IA 51503
402-677-6356
402-677-6356