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Showing posts with label Alta Iowa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alta Iowa. Show all posts
12/23/2009
Interested in Investing in Real Estate? Check out Lease Purchase, A Very Viable Option!
Want to invest in real estate, but strapped for cash? This article by James Kimmons He is a master of explaining the process and exit strategy. This is a very viable option especially today with so many properties in trouble.
12/07/2009
Storm Lake Multiple Listing Service Market Report Year to Date
12/7/09 Storm Lake and Alta Homes For Sale!
Market Snapshot - Year To Date
Single Family Residential in Storm Lake and Alta
Total Available - 266
Sold - 159
Active - 107
Days on Market (DOM) - time from first listed until closed
and %L/SP (Percentage of Listing Price Received)
0 -31 days 31-60 days 61-90 days 91-120 days 120+ days
40 32 22 17 48
25.16% 20.13% 13.84% 10.69% 30.19%
96.63%LP 95.92%LP 96.29%LP 93.9%LP 94.42%LP
A big take away is that there are a number of properties available for sale, 107 today with Alta and Storm Lake addresses. Just over 25% sell within the first 31 days and at only 3.37% less than listed price. However if the property goes over 120 days (and over 30% stay on the market more than 4 months) it will bring nearly 6% less than listed price PLUS have an additional 3 months in mortgage payment, taxes, utilities and maintenance costs added to the cost.
Example - A List at 100,000
Sells and closes in 30 days at $99,630
A's Owner pays one months mortgage, utilites, taxes, insurance and maintenance (lets say $1,200)
TOTAL Received - $98,430
Example - B Lists at 100,000
Sells and closes at 122 days at $94,420
B's Owner pays 3 additional months of mortgage, utitities, taxes, insurance and maintenance (lets say $3,600)
TOTAL Received - $90,800
A CMA (competitive market analysis) is a vital tool when you want to sell, we do them for both Sellers and Buyers. The CMA tells us the range the property should sell in according the the previous 12 months real estate market. It also tells buyers where they should begin to offer on a property.
Call Me Today To See How I Can Make a Difference For YOU!
Market Snapshot - Year To Date
Single Family Residential in Storm Lake and Alta
Total Available - 266
Sold - 159
Active - 107
Days on Market (DOM) - time from first listed until closed
and %L/SP (Percentage of Listing Price Received)
0 -31 days 31-60 days 61-90 days 91-120 days 120+ days
40 32 22 17 48
25.16% 20.13% 13.84% 10.69% 30.19%
96.63%LP 95.92%LP 96.29%LP 93.9%LP 94.42%LP
A big take away is that there are a number of properties available for sale, 107 today with Alta and Storm Lake addresses. Just over 25% sell within the first 31 days and at only 3.37% less than listed price. However if the property goes over 120 days (and over 30% stay on the market more than 4 months) it will bring nearly 6% less than listed price PLUS have an additional 3 months in mortgage payment, taxes, utilities and maintenance costs added to the cost.
Example - A List at 100,000
Sells and closes in 30 days at $99,630
A's Owner pays one months mortgage, utilites, taxes, insurance and maintenance (lets say $1,200)
TOTAL Received - $98,430
Example - B Lists at 100,000
Sells and closes at 122 days at $94,420
B's Owner pays 3 additional months of mortgage, utitities, taxes, insurance and maintenance (lets say $3,600)
TOTAL Received - $90,800
A CMA (competitive market analysis) is a vital tool when you want to sell, we do them for both Sellers and Buyers. The CMA tells us the range the property should sell in according the the previous 12 months real estate market. It also tells buyers where they should begin to offer on a property.
Call Me Today To See How I Can Make a Difference For YOU!
11/17/2009
Great New 2009 Tax Credit Reference Chart - Storm Lake and Alta Iowa Homes For Sale
Know someone who is looking to buy or sell - follow the link to the tax credit reference chart oput out by the National Association of Realtors.
It is a good chart to have handy if you are looking to sell or buy, are a Realtor, banker, parent of kids looking to buy or parents looking to sell.
It is a good chart to have handy if you are looking to sell or buy, are a Realtor, banker, parent of kids looking to buy or parents looking to sell.
10/12/2009
Storm Lake IA MLS Weekly Real Estate Market Report
Weekly
Storm Lake MLS
Market Statistics -10/7/09
Storm Lake
Available Residential Properties - 67 homes
Properties with offers -6
Sold in last 30 days - 8 homes
Alta
Available Residential Properties -16 homes
Properties with Offers - 0
Sold in last 30 days -6
Storm Lake Iowa and Alta Iowa properties are
listing and selling, our market is very strong. Information taken from the Storm LakeMLS.
Storm Lake MLS
Market Statistics -10/7/09
Storm Lake
Available Residential Properties - 67 homes
Properties with offers -6
Sold in last 30 days - 8 homes
Alta
Available Residential Properties -16 homes
Properties with Offers - 0
Sold in last 30 days -6
Storm Lake Iowa and Alta Iowa properties are
listing and selling, our market is very strong. Information taken from the Storm LakeMLS.
9/30/2009
New Storm Lake MLS Market Report
Weekly
Storm Lake MLS
Market Statistics - 9/30/09
Storm Lake
Available Residential Properties - 60 homes
Properties with offers - 20
Sold in last 30 days - 8 homes
Alta
Available Residential Properties - 10 homes
Properties with Offers - 1
Sold in last 30 days - 5
Storm Lake and Alta real estate especially homes are listing and selling, waiting till "the market improves" DOES NOT APPLY to our market. I have a great investor property for a first time home or for someone who can do some improving for $54,000 on Main Street in Alta!
A personal note, I am not just a Realtor, my husband and I are real estate investors too and we are buying property, we just sold an investment property to a first time home buyer (Congratulations Ali on getting into your first home and qualifying for the tax credit).
Information taken from the Storm Lake MLS.
Storm Lake MLS
Market Statistics - 9/30/09
Storm Lake
Available Residential Properties - 60 homes
Properties with offers - 20
Sold in last 30 days - 8 homes
Alta
Available Residential Properties - 10 homes
Properties with Offers - 1
Sold in last 30 days - 5
Storm Lake and Alta real estate especially homes are listing and selling, waiting till "the market improves" DOES NOT APPLY to our market. I have a great investor property for a first time home or for someone who can do some improving for $54,000 on Main Street in Alta!
A personal note, I am not just a Realtor, my husband and I are real estate investors too and we are buying property, we just sold an investment property to a first time home buyer (Congratulations Ali on getting into your first home and qualifying for the tax credit).
Information taken from the Storm Lake MLS.
7/31/2009
New Listing - Acreage in Alta Iowa
All of you out there who want to live in the country you need to see this gem. The bungalow has 3 bedrooms, an open floor plan, stone fireplace, huge deck, wooded lot and as a bonus it has a 50 by 50 barn. Check out the video http://www.georgiaweaver.com/ then call me, it won't be available long at $88.500! This home was moved to the site 14 years ago, at that time a new foundation was built, all the wiring, and plumbing was updated. A new roof was done 6-7 years ago. plumbing
7/08/2009
718 Main Street Alta, Iowa - New Listing
Checkout the new listing in ALta - GREAT Location close to both schools, some updates and lots of charm! Call, text or email me to see this one! 712-574-5426.
7/06/2009
Storm Lake, Iowa - Star Spangled Spectacular
Hundreds of people converged on the parks, enjoyed the parade, food,fun and fireworks in Storm Lake, Iowa over the 4th of July. Lots of visitors came home with their families to experience a little taste of hometown. I saw people from Alta, Cherokee, Newell, Aurelia, Schaller, Spencer and a lot of out of state vehicles.
Veterans were front and center in the parade and standing applause was given to each parade entry featuring the military. A new group interestingly named the TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already)had an entry. The TEA party consists of people protesting the massive spending programs started by the Obama whitehouse. Several links to them: Tax Day Tea Party and Societism.org
Summer is finally here, heat, sun and wind. Oh well, it could be winter. Thanks for checking out the update. Check back a new market report is coming, and news on closing costs and loan fee transparancy.
Have a good week!!!
Veterans were front and center in the parade and standing applause was given to each parade entry featuring the military. A new group interestingly named the TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already)had an entry. The TEA party consists of people protesting the massive spending programs started by the Obama whitehouse. Several links to them: Tax Day Tea Party and Societism.org
Summer is finally here, heat, sun and wind. Oh well, it could be winter. Thanks for checking out the update. Check back a new market report is coming, and news on closing costs and loan fee transparancy.
Have a good week!!!
5/27/2009
First Time Home Buyers
Are you a first time home buyer; if you are you have a limited time to take advantage of the up to $8,000 tax credit. A lot of misunderstandings are out there concerning this program, here are the facts:
1) You need an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $150,000 - how do you know that? If your combined income (spouse and you) is less than $150,000 you qualify it your combined income is over $150,000 call your tax advisor, they will know!
2) Have you and your spouse owner a home in the past 36 months?
3) Do you plan to stay in residence for at least 3 years?
If you answer yes to all the above questions, now is the time to buy!
Why should you buy now other than to take advantage of the up to $8,000 tax credit?
Interest rates are lower than they have been for the last 50 years.
Many homes are on the market - a lot of very good deals out there!
You've heard buy low and sell high - well it's the same for real estate, in many areas inventory is up and prices are down. Many good buys are available, in our area. You may qualify for up to $8,000 in tax credit - that's just icing.
How does the tax credit work - a tax credit is not a tax deduction. This specific tax credit does not reduce income that is subject to tax - that is a tax deduction, it is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax liability. An example of how these differ is an $8,000 tax deduction would result in a $2,240 tax savings for a 28 percent taxpayer. But, an $8,000 tax credit would result in $8,000 in tax savings for the same 28percent taxpayer.
Still have questions, please call me 712-574-5426 and I will walk you through it. Now is not the time to sit on the fence if you qualify for this tax credit, it is scheduled to be gone on December 1, 2009. That means you have to have the property closed by that date.
source Pat Zaby, CRS, CCIM, speaker at 2009 IAR Annual Convention. www.patzaby.com
1) You need an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $150,000 - how do you know that? If your combined income (spouse and you) is less than $150,000 you qualify it your combined income is over $150,000 call your tax advisor, they will know!
2) Have you and your spouse owner a home in the past 36 months?
3) Do you plan to stay in residence for at least 3 years?
If you answer yes to all the above questions, now is the time to buy!
Why should you buy now other than to take advantage of the up to $8,000 tax credit?
Interest rates are lower than they have been for the last 50 years.
Many homes are on the market - a lot of very good deals out there!
You've heard buy low and sell high - well it's the same for real estate, in many areas inventory is up and prices are down. Many good buys are available, in our area. You may qualify for up to $8,000 in tax credit - that's just icing.
How does the tax credit work - a tax credit is not a tax deduction. This specific tax credit does not reduce income that is subject to tax - that is a tax deduction, it is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax liability. An example of how these differ is an $8,000 tax deduction would result in a $2,240 tax savings for a 28 percent taxpayer. But, an $8,000 tax credit would result in $8,000 in tax savings for the same 28percent taxpayer.
Still have questions, please call me 712-574-5426 and I will walk you through it. Now is not the time to sit on the fence if you qualify for this tax credit, it is scheduled to be gone on December 1, 2009. That means you have to have the property closed by that date.
source Pat Zaby, CRS, CCIM, speaker at 2009 IAR Annual Convention. www.patzaby.com
5/13/2009
105 Peterson Street - New Listing in Alta Iowa
Check out this beautiful large home in Alta, construction is nearly complete on this 4 bedroom 2 and a half bath home. If you are a first time home buyer call me to see if you can take advantage of the new Tax Credit, this home also has a tax abatement for 2 years, high efficiency furnace and energy star appliances. The master suite is on the main level as is the laundry, the additional 3 bedrooms are on the second floor. A new deck is located just off the large living room and is very handy for entertaining. The home has a warm open and feeling and it is wonderfully designed for either a family or a single who entertains.
Call me Georgia Weaver at 712-574-5426 to see this home or email me at Georgia@SLRealtyCheck.com
Selling Your Home? See the Top 5 Wants Consumers Have in a Bathroom
Top 5 Bathroom Features Consumers Want Today
#1 - Linen Closet - 89%
#2 - Exhaust Fan - 88%
#3 and #4 - Separate Shower Enclosure and Water Temperature Control - 79%
#5 Wirlpool Tub - 66%
How does your house stack up; if you have any questions or are thinking about adding some of these items call me to see if it will halp you sell and what percentage you can expect to recoup from the project. Georgia Weaver 712-574-5426.
4/07/2009
Friends Helping Friends
Saturday we all got together to help the Pedersend put the first coat of mud on their basement drywall. Below are some pictures, somehow Joyce and Ronnie didn't get in any of the pictures. Oh well, we are going to be back over tonight, the camera will be ready!
3/30/2009
New Income Property For Sale in Storm Lake, Iowa
Check out my new listing, commercial property located on Lake Ave. in Storm Lake, Iowa. Great income and an increase in income potential is very real. Established reatil store on main level, 2 apartments on second level, and a full basement. The second level could be expanded into 3 possibly 4 apartments for an increase in income. Go to http://www.slrealtycheck.com/listings.html to see it as a featured property. Call me for a tour and for additional information. 712-574-5426.
2/18/2009
National Association of Realtors Site - Tax Credit Chart
Interested in the NAR's take on the First-Time Home buyers Tax Credit, click the title to go to the chart that includes current changes. Many home buyers will qualify, if you purchased a home after April 9, 2008 check out the terms to see if you qualify for the credit.
2/09/2009
Do You Know Your Mortgage Terms? 1 in 4 don't!
Home owners are getting better at understanding mortgage terms, but according to a GfK Roper random survey of homeowners and others, 26% still don't know if they have a fixed rate, ARM or other kind of home mortgage. Still, the numbers are better than last year where 34% didn't know.
What kind do you have; are you sure?
I recently helped a client who wanted to purchase a duplex, the client insisted on using a particular lender because the lender "took care of everything last time", and they had already talked to this lender and the lender had told them this new property would be no problem.
I like to shop my buyer's good faith estimates around to our local financial institutions just making sure they get the best deal. Why, because as the survey above points out, people don't get mortgages often, they don't understand terms, and additionally as a Realtor I believe it is a service I can and should provide. The mortgage on the previous duplex had some red flags, the payment didn't match the "terms" the client said they had (payment amount too low to pay off the loan in the stated time period, loan was a fixed rate).
They brought the mortgage documents in to my office and guess what - it has a balloon! They were not happy, and once they understood they were barely paying on the principle they started looking for a local lender to refinance. But, they had obviously signed the documents- so what happened. Had they just forgotten; I don't think so but it is possible. What is more probable however is that they were intimidated by the jargon and the paperwork and just signed and initialed where they were told to.
Maybe you should pull out that paperwork and take a good look at it again, and if you are thinking about buying go on line and learn, learn, learn. Also, ask a person who should be very familiar with the various mortgage products and programs - your Realtor.
What kind do you have; are you sure?
I recently helped a client who wanted to purchase a duplex, the client insisted on using a particular lender because the lender "took care of everything last time", and they had already talked to this lender and the lender had told them this new property would be no problem.
I like to shop my buyer's good faith estimates around to our local financial institutions just making sure they get the best deal. Why, because as the survey above points out, people don't get mortgages often, they don't understand terms, and additionally as a Realtor I believe it is a service I can and should provide. The mortgage on the previous duplex had some red flags, the payment didn't match the "terms" the client said they had (payment amount too low to pay off the loan in the stated time period, loan was a fixed rate).
They brought the mortgage documents in to my office and guess what - it has a balloon! They were not happy, and once they understood they were barely paying on the principle they started looking for a local lender to refinance. But, they had obviously signed the documents- so what happened. Had they just forgotten; I don't think so but it is possible. What is more probable however is that they were intimidated by the jargon and the paperwork and just signed and initialed where they were told to.
Maybe you should pull out that paperwork and take a good look at it again, and if you are thinking about buying go on line and learn, learn, learn. Also, ask a person who should be very familiar with the various mortgage products and programs - your Realtor.
1/19/2009
Pictures of Storm Lake Iowa in the winter
Storm Lake Iowa is a winter wonderland.
Come and take a look at the beauty of nature in the winter here in Storm Lake Iowa.
Come and take a look at the beauty of nature in the winter here in Storm Lake Iowa.
12/04/2008
Silver Lining to this Housing Market - Yes Indeed!
Home prices are coming down and so are interest rates. That is a very good turn of events for potential home buyers. The difference between now and 2 years ago, it is much harder to qualify for a mortgage. Two years ago if you had a heart beat you could get a mortgage, no verifications of income or assets needed. If you are a potential first time home buyer - even better! You will need an income, good credit, a good down payment and your own closing costs.
The criteria listed above is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. If you are preparing to buy a home you will need at the least fair money management skills. Keeping a job, saving for a down payment, paying your bills on time, living within a budget and planning for the future are all prerequisites for being a mature responsible member of society.
If you are one of those members of society now is quite possibly the best time of your life to buy a home.
The criteria listed above is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. If you are preparing to buy a home you will need at the least fair money management skills. Keeping a job, saving for a down payment, paying your bills on time, living within a budget and planning for the future are all prerequisites for being a mature responsible member of society.
If you are one of those members of society now is quite possibly the best time of your life to buy a home.
10/19/2008
How Green are You?
Green living is happening all over, we are a little slower here in Storm Lake and Alta Iowa but I am beginning to see some progress. Lots of people are very interested in saving money and the environment.
Check out the Green Links for just about everything:
There's sure to be at least a few that will be helpful, if you have favorites of your own please share them here too!
Green Business Guide - http://www.business.gov/guides/environment/
Best Green Blogs - http://www.bestgreenblogs.com/category/green-guides/
Green Auto Guide - http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/green/index.jsp
Save Gas Now - http://beyondoil.nrdc.org/fuel/gasprices
How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption - http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp
Energy Efficient Appliances - http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fappl.asp
Recycling 101 - http://www.nrdc.org/cities/recycling/gsteps.asp
7 Steps for Creating Eco-Fabulous Interiors - http://www.nrdc.org/cities/living/gdesign.asp
Consumer Guide to Water Water Purifiers - http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/gfilters.asp
How to Go Green Bathroom Renovation - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/bathroom-renovation/index.html
How to Go Green Home Renovation - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/home-renovation/index.html
Green Natural Skin Care - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/natural-skin-care/index.html
Green Cleaning - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-cleaning/index.html
Green Lighting - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-lighting/index.html
Pellet Stoves - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/buying-guides/green-pellet-stoves.html
Consumer Reports Green Choices - http://www.greenerchoices.org/pcategories.cfm?pcat=appliances
EcoBroker - http://www.ecobroker.com/
One big way to be green - blog, it saves a lot of trees!
I am also interested in green alternatives to weed control, we bought an acerage this year and it has an abundance of weeks. I would rather not use nasty chemicals because I do have a large garden.
Check out the Green Links for just about everything:
There's sure to be at least a few that will be helpful, if you have favorites of your own please share them here too!
Green Business Guide - http://www.business.gov/guides/environment/
Best Green Blogs - http://www.bestgreenblogs.com/category/green-guides/
Green Auto Guide - http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/green/index.jsp
Save Gas Now - http://beyondoil.nrdc.org/fuel/gasprices
How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption - http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp
Energy Efficient Appliances - http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fappl.asp
Recycling 101 - http://www.nrdc.org/cities/recycling/gsteps.asp
7 Steps for Creating Eco-Fabulous Interiors - http://www.nrdc.org/cities/living/gdesign.asp
Consumer Guide to Water Water Purifiers - http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/gfilters.asp
How to Go Green Bathroom Renovation - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/bathroom-renovation/index.html
How to Go Green Home Renovation - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/home-renovation/index.html
Green Natural Skin Care - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/natural-skin-care/index.html
Green Cleaning - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-cleaning/index.html
Green Lighting - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-lighting/index.html
Pellet Stoves - http://planetgreen.discovery.com/buying-guides/green-pellet-stoves.html
Consumer Reports Green Choices - http://www.greenerchoices.org/pcategories.cfm?pcat=appliances
EcoBroker - http://www.ecobroker.com/
One big way to be green - blog, it saves a lot of trees!
I am also interested in green alternatives to weed control, we bought an acerage this year and it has an abundance of weeks. I would rather not use nasty chemicals because I do have a large garden.
Lustron - Rare Architectural Example in My Backyard
I came across this interesting home when I moved to Alta and once I became a REALTOR I found another one in Storm Lake. While doing some research for a very special Italianate home (which is a sub class of Victorian architecture) I saw a picture of one of these homes. The homes are called Lustron homes they are made out of steel, everything is steel - even the walls on the inside. Is that cool or what?? They are prefab homes built in 1949 and 1950 and I found out there are a number of them where I live (Midwest) and now I am sharing them with you! If you would like to learn more check out the book Lustron: The History of a Postwar Prefabricated Housing Experiment (McFarland & Co., 2001).
Here is a link to find out more online - The Midwest Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation has created a Web site, http://www.lustronpreservation.org/, for more. Stay tuned for more pictures and more info.
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