A Story about a Tree

 It's the time of year when you may have forgotten how beautiful the fall can be... those gorgeous maple trees - I get lost in the colors - I love the sugar maples and I was particularly fond of a  sugar maple in my front yard in a home I previously lived in.  That tree would have the most amazing colors of orange and tangerine with a crisp green early then a nut brown as the season came to an end.. I picked up so many leaves rescuing them from death and cold and of course they still dried up .. but I used them as book markers and flattened them between pages infatuated with the colors and textures.  

Imagine my reaction when one day I came home and because that tree officially was city property because it was planted in the right of way... the tree had been cut down.  I am not an arborist but I did not see any reason to kill this beloved tree.  I still feel the beauty of that tree when I drive by that home and I miss it somewhere deep inside. Sometimes I find a leaf neatly kept between two pages of a book and I smile. Keeping those leaves from a tree at a home that had in some way saved me brings back a flood of emotions. Thank you fall, for the memories. 

Websites

 I was curious about websites and what we look at when searching for homes.  So, I did a little searching and here is what I find.

There are more than 500 websites ! 

 Lets start with your Zillow, Realtor.com,Trulia (owned by Zillow) type sites - here they are syndicated through the local MLS ( Multiple Listing Service).  The information provided is based upon the information stream (RETS Feed) that is established between the MLS and the site. 

 That information is often then disseminated to the website and often into a different format.  Often the agent is not able to make changes to these sites as it is proprietary to the sites creator.  These sites offer searches to the public to assist in the home search at no cost, however, they are a lead capture site.  The Zillow and Realtor.com sites then have a program whereby agents and brokers can sign up to have leads "referred" to them for a fee. 

Then we have those just dedicated to their brand such as Century21.com - they have what is known as an IDX feed .  An IDX (Internet Data Exchange) offers listings of the MLS through their site and is a convenient way to search the MLS and still be "in brand" .

Most real estate companies locally offer this on their websites, it assists consumers in their search and populates website with content to keep the consumer searching at one website and not having to seek other sites for listing information.  The listing office is noted in the IDX feed though it is often hard to find even for seasoned agents.  These also can be lead generating to the agent/office if they are asking for your email to continue searching, the lead then goes to the company/office or listing agent. 

For the best service call a LOCAL REALTOR! that is your best bet for getting quality answers and real time information on a listing.  Most of us work nights and weekends so no time is a bad time to reach out! 

The good news is that if you are listing with an agent your property is likely to show up on so many websites and have exposure to a larger pool of buyers looking to purchase.  The down side is that some information may be incorrect and need attention that an agent may not have control of.  

For buyers there is a good chance you will find your next home on a website - maybe before you see it in person you will see it online and feel that emotion of seeing yourself in a new space.  If that happens be sure to call your agent and make the appointment to walk through and see it in real time.  The market is still challenging, but there are opportunities out there and new listings are coming your way! 

About Home

 This week has been a busy one... alas I am a day later than initially planned with this blog.. this week started with a personal friend/colleague down with covid and the space that occupies in your mind when thinking of them while hoping for a quick and full recovery with no lingering side effects. 

There was travel this week to the Iowa Association of Realtors conference in Council Bluffs, learning new techniques and keeping up with law and ethics while meeting new friends and brokers and agents I have known for years.  It was good to feel the freedom of being in a group again and reconnecting with the staff at IAR.

The emotions kept coming towards end of the week and I now am reflecting on what it means to be home.  The place where you can go to hide, perhaps to cry or just to feel safe from the world.  Home is a comfort, something to look forward to at the end of the day, knowing it has you, your home is your sanctuary.  At home there is no judgement, no time lines to stress you and being there is the heart of everyday life. A home gives us warmth in winter and provides shelter against storms.  You live your life in that home and if you have ever had to sell a home that you have lived in and built memories in and healed in, you know its a train-wreck of emotions trying to say goodbye. 

There is also the excitement and joy of a new space, a new home to call your own, I have felt this joy and so often in my job experience the joy of others as they realize their dreams.  That is one of the many things I love about my job.. those relationships built around searching for and finding the "one" that says home. 

Coming home, what does that mean to you? 

Picking your agent

For many consumers in the real estate market the yare unsure of how the process works.  Do I call the agent on the sign do I call the office?  how do I know who to pick as my agent?

1. Past client referrals are a great way to find an agent.  Testimonials and word of mouth are a good basis for getting an agent who is dedicated to the profession.  Choose an agent who works for you and with you, find a relatable agent. Honesty and  transparency are also good qualities to look for in your agent.

2. Google your agent ; most agents have been around long enough to have a track record on Google. Ask lots of questions - 

3. Be sure your agent is geographically competent - knowing the area and the market are important factors in making offers and listing properties... if the agent is unfamiliar with the area it could cost you.  Some agents are trained in many types of real estate - commercial, multi family etc. ask your agent if they specialize in residential property sales, or if they are experienced in other area's of property. 

4. Discounted fees aren't always the best deal.. if you are unsure get a 2nd opinion. If it sounds to good to be true it may be!  Interview several agents to get the fit you are looking for. 

Agents and Brokers are independent contractors who work for a broker or brokerage that has a Managing Broker within the firm...there are franchises such as Century21 and Re/Max as well as many others as well as independent agencies.  All are licensed through the state and are members of the National Association of Realtors and the local board of Realtors.

Realtors work on commission basis and are typically not paid a salary so they depend on listing and selling property to make a living.  

10-8

Fall Thoughts

 As we end September and the 3rd quarter of 2021 it seems we are in a re-balancing of the real estate market.  Having worked through the first 3 quarters of the year and seeing homes appreciate and multiple offers within hours of being on the market, this year has sure been a whirlwind! .

The current statistics show lower inventory and going into fall we could certainly use more to work from as the demand is still here.

Year to Date Solds: 545 Des Moines County 

Current listings in Des Moines County 268 residential/multi family/ land an commercial  including those currently under contract.

Here are some predictions for the rest of the 2021 market:

Though "crash" articles get clicks, real estate will appreciate at an above-average rate through late 2021 for three reasons–scarcity, utility and demand. Scarcity: there is a shortage of 6.8 million housing units. Utility: the home is now the center of the remote workers' world by being both the office and gym. Demand: Millennials are America's largest generation, in their prime home-buying years. - Keith Weinhold, Get Rich Education
Sales continued to increase over last year and prices remain stable. After the halfway point of the year, unlike shoes and watches, many people do not buy more than one home at a time, so I expect to see fewer showings, fewer offers and less aggressive offers. In most markets, sellers overcorrected on their pricing months ago, so the over asking price craziness has already settled down a bit. - Joshua Cooley, Keller Williams

Whatever happens we will continue to serve our communities buyers and sellers with the professionalism expected, stay on top of values and the fluctuations in the market place to best serve our clients.  

Questions?  feel free to reach out anytime to ask... email/text or call. 

Iowa- First Time Home Buyer Program, Tax Deductible Savings

 Did you know ?
this legislation went into effect in 2018 

WHAT IS THE IOWA FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM?

This bill allows individuals to open an interest-bearing first-time homebuyers savings account with a state or federally chartered bank, savings and loan association, credit union or trust company in Iowa and designate the account as a first-time homebuyer savings account. The funds must be used to buy a property in Iowa.

A first-time homebuyer is identified as an Iowa resident who has not owned a single-family residence for at least three years prior to the home purchase for which the account’s funds are applied.

THE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER SAVINGS ACCOUNT

An individual may establish more than one first-time homebuyers savings account as long as each account has a different beneficiary. This means that parents and grandparents can start an account for a child or grandchild!

There is no limit as to how much can be retained in each account. However, an account holder is allowed to deduct from the individual income tax the amount of contributions made during the year by the account holder to to the account holder’s accounts, not to exceed $2,000 per year or $4,000 for married taxpayers with a joint account. The interest earned on the account is not taxable and the yearly tax deduction can be taken up to 10 times (a max of 10 years).

As a reminder, this is a state tax deduction NOT a tax credit and it cannot be deducted on federal taxes. If the money is not used to buy an Iowa property, it may be subject to penalty. We will continue updating you as we find out more of the details; in the meantime, read the full legislation.

 Check with local banks for participation ! 

Realtors - Your Trusted Partner

It's easy to look at real estate agents and think all they do is show homes and collect checks.  Truth is there is so much more that goes into being a Realtor.

 Your full time agent is licensed by the state, has  knowledge of the area and stays informed on new listings  coming on the market daily, has systems in place to alert you to those new listings,  maintains a data base with past & present clients to help sell your home in the most efficient time frame as well as develops marketing plans and advises sellers and buyers  on best practices . 

 A full time agent is in the office or in the field listing and selling homes, keeping clients informed and watching the market constantly. Stays current on lending guidelines and what mortgage options are available in your area . Most agents work nights and weekends for the convenience of buyers and sellers work schedules. In addition agents are trained negotiators and remove the personal emotion of home buying and selling for you. 

Realtors are required to stay current on laws and ethics and are mandated  36 hours of continuing education every 3 years to renew their license.  Realtors prescribe to a Code Of Ethics that is the model for ethical behavior. 

There is a minimum of 183+ steps to get a listing in the market and make sure that all state and national laws are followed, disclosures are accurate and fair housing laws are not violated.  The agent will take time to know you and your needs and has the time to be available to assure the transaction is moving towards closing and has access at all times to be accountable to you and your transaction. 

At your first consultation with an agent be sure to ask if they are full or part time.  Plan to move with a trusted Realtor.

REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® ..

Salesperson/Broker - Iowa licenses Salespersons and Brokers - Illinois licenses Brokers 

Salespersons -after 2 active years in the industry can take additional training and exam to pursue a Brokers license

Managing Broker - this is the licensed "manager" of the agents within his/her firm

Board of Realtors - local association 

Iowa Association - State association in cooperation with Iowa Real Estate Commission

NAR - National Association of Realtors

Fall 2021 Market Analysis

 The year has flown by - in spite of all that is happening in the world the real estate market remains resilient.  Homes priced well are still in demand and buyers are pre qualified and ready to buy.  

If you have a home and are wondering if now could be good time to test the market, most agents offer complimentary market analysis.  This report will compare your home to minimally 3 recently sold *( typically within last 6 months) and also use 3 or more active

"listed " properties including "pending" in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service.)

The price is determined by using the most comparable in style, square footage, level of finish, updates and similarities.  There are lots of variables in determining the price range but most agents are well versed in how to get you the maximum amount for your home in the least amount of time.

Please feel free to reach out if I can be of service.

Market Stats

 You hear a lot of talk about what's happening in the market,  it' s different for every market and I have learned that all real estate is local.  Meaning that what you hear on the news, national television and internet is usually not exactly what is happening here in Des Moines county. 

Currently we do have a lower than normal inventory of homes, I ran the most recent stats for just Des Moines county... below is the stats for year to date sales.

ISTING COUNT:

452

DAYS ON MARKET:

958

0

72

40

LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE $689,900 $8,000 $149,748 $124,900 $67,386,765 $680,000 $7,000 $144,946 $117,250 $65,515,777

For more information on local real estate please feel free to reach out 

Whats New in Real Estate

Wondering how to purchase a home? Right now is still a good time to buy, rates are affordable and lenders have the capital on hand to loan.