Frequently Asked Questions:
Real Estate Agent Income in Omaha, NE
How do realtors in Omaha get paid?
Realtors are 100% commission-based, meaning they only earn income when they close a transaction. They do not receive a salary. The commission is negotiated between the agent and the client and is typically paid at closing.
Once an agent earns a commission, they must pay a portion to their brokerage and cover their own business expenses, including marketing, software, and transaction fees.
What is the typical commission for realtors in Omaha?
Commission rates vary based on the level of service provided and are negotiable between agents and their clients.
Sellers negotiate commissions with their listing agent.
Buyers negotiate commissions with their buyer’s agent.
Many sellers offer to cover part or all of the buyer’s agent commission to make their home more attractive to buyers.
Since discussing specific commission rates could be considered price-fixing, it’s best to interview multiple agents to understand common market rates.
How much do realtors make in Omaha?
Realtor income varies widely.
New agents typically make less because they are still building their business and may have higher brokerage splits.
Experienced agents can earn significantly more by keeping a larger portion of their commission.
In 2024, the average real estate agent sold only two homes, earning around $10,000 before expenses.
Full-time agents who focus on lead generation, marketing, and networking tend to earn significantly higher incomes.
What factors influence a realtor’s income?
An agent’s earnings depend on several key factors:
✅ Number of transactions closed – More deals = more commissions.
✅ Lead generation strategy – Agents who rely on paid leads (e.g., Zillow) have higher costs than those who work from referrals.
✅ Brokerage split & fees – Newer agents often pay a larger percentage to their brokerage.
✅ Market specialization – Luxury, relocation, and investment property specialists can earn higher commissions.
How do realtors handle taxes and expenses?
Since realtors are self-employed, they must:
📌 Pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid IRS penalties.
📌 Cover business expenses, including marketing, software, and transaction fees.
📌 Work with an accountant to maximize deductions and structure their business properly (many form LLCs or S-Corps).
Do realtors in Omaha have other income opportunities?
Yes! Many realtors create multiple income streams, including:
🏡 Flipping homes – Buying, renovating, and selling properties.
🏠 Rental properties – Investing in long-term real estate assets.
👥 Referral fees – Earning commissions by referring clients to out-of-state agents.
📚 Coaching or mentoring – Helping new agents get started in the industry.
What should new real estate agents expect in their first year?
🔹 New agents should be financially prepared to go several months without a paycheck.
🔹 The time from first client contact to closing can range from 30 days to several years.
🔹 Many new agents join real estate teams to gain training, leads, and a structured system for success.
How can I maximize my earnings as a real estate agent in Omaha?
1️⃣ Focus on high-ROI activities – Spend time on prospecting, not just social media.
2️⃣ Lead with revenue – Invest wisely in marketing with a clear return on investment.
3️⃣ Be relentless in networking – Word-of-mouth referrals have the highest conversion.
4️⃣ Hold every penny accountable – Track expenses to avoid unnecessary spending.
Thinking About a Career in Real Estate?
If you’re considering becoming a real estate agent in Omaha or need expert guidance in buying or selling a home, let’s connect!
📞 Call or text me at (402) 690-4481
📧 Email me at cjamison@nebraskarealty.com
Is Omaha a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate?
Why Omaha is a Strong Market for Real Estate Investors
Omaha offers strong rental demand, affordable home prices, and steady economic growth, making it a solid choice for real estate investors. With several colleges, Offutt Air Force Base, and a growing job market, there’s a consistent pool of renters looking for homes. While property taxes and insurance costs are higher than average, investors who buy wisely and manage properties well can still generate positive cash flow and long-term appreciation.
Key Factors That Make Omaha a Good Investment Market
✅ High Rental Demand – With students, military personnel, and professionals moving to the area, Omaha maintains a strong rental market.
✅ Affordability – Home prices remain below the national average, making it possible to find cash-flowing properties.
✅ Variety of Investment Strategies – Whether you’re interested in single-family homes, multifamily properties, short-term rentals, or mid-term rentals (traveling nurses), Omaha offers opportunities across different niches.
✅ Landlord-Friendly Laws – Nebraska has fewer restrictions on landlords than other states, making it easier to manage rental properties.
Challenges Omaha Investors Should Be Aware Of
🔹 High Property Taxes – Nebraska has higher-than-average property taxes, which can impact cash flow.
🔹 Rising Insurance Costs – Rates have been increasing, making it important to budget for these expenses.
🔹 Finding Good Deals – With more investors entering the market, finding underpriced properties takes effort and strategy.
Best Areas in Omaha for Real Estate Investment
The best investment areas are those close to universities, major employers, or entertainment districts. Some strong investment neighborhoods include:
🏡 Benson – Popular for young professionals and renters, with a vibrant nightlife and local shops.
🏡 Blackstone – A growing district with bars, restaurants, and strong rental demand.
🏡 Little Italy – A historic area near downtown Omaha with high potential for appreciation.
🏡 Near Offutt AFB – Military personnel create consistent demand for rental properties.
How to Find Good Investment Deals in Omaha
📌 Work with an agent who specializes in investment properties and can find off-market or distressed deals.
📌 Attend local investor meetups to network with wholesalers and other real estate professionals.
📌 Watch the MLS for properties with high days on market or homes that have gone back on the market, as these sellers may be more motivated.
Getting Started: Key Steps for New Real Estate Investors
1️⃣ Secure financing – Explore options like HELOCs, private lenders, or self-directed retirement accounts to fund your first deal.
2️⃣ Learn property management – Managing your first few rentals yourself helps build experience before hiring a property manager.
3️⃣ Keep detailed records – Track all expenses, maintenance costs, and rental income for tax benefits and future planning.
4️⃣ Have cash reserves – Set aside enough funds to cover unexpected repairs and vacancies.
5️⃣ Think long-term – Real estate works best as a long-term investment, building equity and generating rental income over time.
Is Omaha a Good Place to Invest?
Final Verdict
✅ Yes! Omaha offers strong rental demand, affordable properties, and a stable economy, making it a solid market for real estate investors.
✅ The key is finding the right deal, managing expenses, and having a long-term strategy for growth.
📞 Interested in investing in Omaha real estate? Let’s connect!
📧 Email me at cjamison@nebraskarealty.com
📞 Call or text me at (402) 690-4481
Is Omaha a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate?
Why Omaha is a Strong Market for Real Estate Investors
Omaha offers strong rental demand, affordable home prices, and steady economic growth, making it a solid choice for real estate investors. With several colleges, Offutt Air Force Base, and a growing job market, there’s a consistent pool of renters looking for homes. While property taxes and insurance costs are higher than average, investors who buy wisely and manage properties well can still generate positive cash flow and long-term appreciation.
Key Factors That Make Omaha a Good Investment Market
✅ High Rental Demand – With students, military personnel, and professionals moving to the area, Omaha maintains a strong rental market.
✅ Affordability – Home prices remain below the national average, making it possible to find cash-flowing properties.
✅ Variety of Investment Strategies – Whether you’re interested in single-family homes, multifamily properties, short-term rentals, or mid-term rentals (traveling nurses), Omaha offers opportunities across different niches.
✅ Landlord-Friendly Laws – Nebraska has fewer restrictions on landlords than other states, making it easier to manage rental properties.
Challenges Omaha Investors Should Be Aware Of
🔹 High Property Taxes – Nebraska has higher-than-average property taxes, which can impact cash flow.
🔹 Rising Insurance Costs – Rates have been increasing, making it important to budget for these expenses.
🔹 Finding Good Deals – With more investors entering the market, finding underpriced properties takes effort and strategy.
Best Areas in Omaha for Real Estate Investment
The best investment areas are those close to universities, major employers, or entertainment districts. Some strong investment neighborhoods include:
🏡 Benson – Popular for young professionals and renters, with a vibrant nightlife and local shops.
🏡 Blackstone – A growing district with bars, restaurants, and strong rental demand.
🏡 Little Italy – A historic area near downtown Omaha with high potential for appreciation.
🏡 Near Offutt AFB – Military personnel create consistent demand for rental properties.
How to Find Good Investment Deals in Omaha
📌 Work with an agent who specializes in investment properties and can find off-market or distressed deals.
📌 Attend local investor meetups to network with wholesalers and other real estate professionals.
📌 Watch the MLS for properties with high days on market or homes that have gone back on the market, as these sellers may be more motivated.
Getting Started: Key Steps for New Real Estate Investors
1️⃣ Secure financing – Explore options like HELOCs, private lenders, or self-directed retirement accounts to fund your first deal.
2️⃣ Learn property management – Managing your first few rentals yourself helps build experience before hiring a property manager.
3️⃣ Keep detailed records – Track all expenses, maintenance costs, and rental income for tax benefits and future planning.
4️⃣ Have cash reserves – Set aside enough funds to cover unexpected repairs and vacancies.
5️⃣ Think long-term – Real estate works best as a long-term investment, building equity and generating rental income over time.
Is Omaha a Good Place to Invest?
Final Verdict
✅ Yes! Omaha offers strong rental demand, affordable properties, and a stable economy, making it a solid market for real estate investors.
✅ The key is finding the right deal, managing expenses, and having a long-term strategy for growth.
📞 Interested in investing in Omaha real estate? Let’s connect!
📧 Email me at cjamison@nebraskarealty.com
📞 Call or text me at (402) 690-4481