New Photos of Storm Lake Iowa Architecture

I hope you enjoy these pictures of the beautiful and unique architecture of Storm Lake, Iowa.

http://picasaweb.google.com/SLRealtyCheck.com/StormLakeIowaBlackAndWhitePictures

Stay tuned for more. Check out some of my other photo collections below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SLRealtyCheck.com/BarnesOfIowa

Unique and historic barns of Northwest Iowa

Old Ford Sign on Building in Storm Lake Iowa

Storm Lake and Alta Real Estate Year to Date

The year to date numbers on residential properties sold in Storm Lake and Alta Iowa are very encouraging!

According to the Storm Lake MLS, www.StormLakemls.com

Total Dollars Sold - $16,002,318.00 - 100%

RES - $13,250,600.00
Market Share 41.40%

C-21 - $10,592,586.00
Market Share 33.09%

ReMax - $4,633,900.00
Market Share 16.41%

C&E - $800,500.00
Market Share 2.50%

Stanley - $548,425.00
Market Share 1.70%

Other - 1,624,825.00
Market Share 5.23%

Why should you care about these numbers? Well, these numbers show that our real estate activity is up 100% from 2006, it shows we have a very strong market.
These numbers also show the market share of each local brokerage. Why's that important, it is one tool to help you decide who to use to help you achieve your real estate needs and goals.

Some people think winter is not a good time to sell, well just because some people think that, it limits the number of homes on the market. People will still need to move, businesses will still transfer employees and people will still retire. So what do I think, I think an appropriately priced home will sell home at any time of the year! Call me I'll help you market your home to sell or I'll help you find a great home for you to buy!

Storm Lake and Related Home Markets- Still Going Strong!

By the numbers, the local home market is still cranking out excellent numbers of both sales and listings. Unlike the national big city markets our local market is solid. Yes, we are seeing an increase in foreclosures and it is tougher to get a loan if your credit history is shaky but the impact is very little - so far.

What are the numbers?
The local MLS (Multiple Listing Service)reported 21 sales in the last 30 days
1) 14 were in Storm Lake
2) 2 were in Alta
3) 2 were in Early
4) 1 in Aurelia
5) 1 in Sioux Rapids
6) 1 in Rembrandt

25% of the sales were out of the Storm Lake and Alta Market, this may be a reflection of the Buyers decisions being impacted by the negative press concerning the national real estate market.

The properties that sold outside of Storm Lake and Alta had an average sale price of $55,600. The sale price of $55,600 is quite low for the Storm Lake or Alta market.

There were 2 foreclosures in the mix - both in Storm Lake. These sold for $45,000 $50,000. These amounts are good for foreclosures, the sale price for these 2 reflects an aggressive investor market in the Storm Lake and Alta area.

Alta had 2 sales, one at $120,500 and the second at $70,000. There is a new foreclosure listed in Alta - 113 Division Street. This is not an investor property, it is move in condition and it is priced for this condition.

For additional local real estate market info and listings go to www.StormLakeIaHomes.com

New Storm Lake Conference Center, Restrauant and Water Park Open for Business

The AWAYSIS Project is full steam ahead, the water park is open both inside and outside as are the conference center, restaurant and hotel.

The outdoor water park is awesome - if you haven't been there you are missing out. Young and young at heart are trying out the slides. If you are feeling more sedate (chicken) they have provided an area just for swiming both inside and out, but WHY not try the slides just once, you'll be hooked?

The Regetta Grill restaurant has very good food, I felt the service was a bit slow but there may be a method to that and the view makes the service well worth the wait. Having experienced both lunch and dinner a word of advice - make a reservation if there are more than 2 people.

Check out the elegant modern lobby furnishings, very sophisticated with a hint of the 1940's.


On a separate note, the new condo project across the street to the east from King's Pointe is showing signs of life. Huge concrete pillars have emerged from the golf course, I can't wait to see what comes next. A number of these condo's have been spoken for, if you are interested in a condo home on Storm Lake give me a call. A number of floor plans and upgrades are available prior to development.

Harmony Hill - Proposed Residential Development in Alta

Adeline Peters, one of Alta's leading ladies is at it again. She has proposed a new residential housing development - Harmony Hill. The initial phase of Harmony Hill is composed of 26 building lots, the proposed site is the corn field south of Addie's home. The project is approximately 37-38 acres, the average size of the lots is 1/3 of an acre.

Gary Armstrong of the law firm Mack Hansen Gadd Armstrong and Brown PC, represents Addie; she has retained Mike Michaelson as the Project Manager and the Realtors Joe Aube and Georgia Weaver (both of Alta) make up the Marketing Team.

Addie and the team met with the Alta City Council Monday evening and a meeting with the Alta Utility board will take place Tuesday at 4:00. The City Council's posture toward the proposed development was very positive. Alta has a strong real estate market - with houses selling within days of listing. The homes in the proposed development will benefit the city of Alta in numerous ways: increase in needed tax dollars, additional children for the Alta School System, increase funding to the Alta School System, increase patronage to Alta's business and who knows, maybe even help spark a new grocery store project.

Addie is an outstanding member of the Alta community, very forward thinking and a treasure to know. She has decided to do this project on her own with the help of a team of local talent.
You go ADDIE!

New Realtor! Bonnie Lewis

Announcing Bonnie Lewis - the newest Real Estate Specialists of Storm lake Inc. member. Bonnie has been a Realtor for years, has previous banking experience, and is an active member of the Aurelia community. Her banking experience adds valuable skills to our team.

Previously, an agent with Northwest Realty of Cherokee, Bonnie is a great addition. Bonnie is a strong Christian, and a people person with an obvious drive to make people happy and to do her best. Her family, like mine is spread out over this big beautiful country.

Please email Bonnie and welcome her to the Storm Lake, Alta and Aurelia market! Bonnie welcome aboard, I see great things in the future for you.

Georgia A. Weaver Broker/Associate, BS, GRI

Trulia - Real Estate Info at your Fingertips

This website is great, it lists new listings, average sales price, average price per square foot, income and home prices, school info, and just about anything you want to know about Alta, Iowa! To view click on this link http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Alta-Iowa/ or on the article title.

New Storm Lake Housing Development - not a local contractor

Twenty one residential lots are planned for single-family home development on Storm Lake's north side. Des Moines based Colby Development requested their initial plat and zoning changes to the area be approved by the Storm Lake Planning and Zoning Commission.

Colby Development is planning to build single-family homes on all 21 lots. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation will be presented at the Storm Lake City Council tonight at 5:00 pm.

Please respond to this if you have an opinion one way or the other that a contractor out of Des Moines appears to be going to get approval for this project. Should it have gone to a local contractor?

Aurelia Iowa - Next Big Real Estate Investor Spot

Aurelia is 13.1 miles from Storm Lake, 8.1 miles from Cherokee and 7.2 miles from Alta. The real estate market is slow slow slow! A number of houses have been on the market over a year, several apartment buildings are available. Need I mention the new ethanol plant slated for fall - contractors need places to live, employees also need homes.

Shown at left is the dining room of a 3 bedroom, completely remodeled, ranch home with a 2 car garage and shop - listed for $62,000!

So, you say, if it's such a good deal why haven't you invested there? Only one reason, we have two projects inb the works - a 4-plex that is a complete remodel and a laundrymat. Need I say more?

Money is still pretty cheap, so if you want to begin investing check out some of the Real Estate Investor tools and take a drive to Aurelia. Call me if I can help!

2 - Alta Iowa, Main Street Revitalization Projects

Two projects are planned by yours truly to be completed this year. They will be done simutaneously and both will improve Main Street in Alta. This is the way we like to invest, we make a difference while we make a living - it doesn't get better than that!!!
The projects are both commercial - one is a 4 plex and the other is an old building (the former ROCK) that will become a great new and much needed modern laundry.
The four plex will become a 3 plex (residential - 2-2 bedroom apts and 1-1 Bedroom apt)and the remaining apartment (street level front)will become a professional office.
We will blog the entire process for each building including before and after pictures.
Both my husband and I enjoy teaching real estate investors but it is hard to teach what we do in the constraints of a classroom. I've been to a lot of houses and buildings with your guys to discuss project possibilities and I love to help you dream and build those dreams. Ronnie and I thought these 2 projects would be wonderful unique opportunities to let you look over our shoulders and probably do a lot of laughing with us and at us as we climb this mountain together.
STAY TUNED!

Gone Fishin' in Alta, Iowa for a Great Cause

Friday, April 13 a benefit concert aptly named, "Gone Fishin, will be presented at Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. The Christian music artist include some of our homegrown talent - HC Derksen. The proceeded go to Christian Motortcycle Association's "Run For The Sun", and Campus Crusade, Open Doors and Missionary Ventures. Other artists scheduled will be : Solid Gospel Praise, Elaine Peacock, SOS and Dallas Clark. Tickets are available for $15 pre show and $20 at the door, at Salt and Light Books and More in Storm Lake, Village Boutique in Aurelia, Builder's Sharpening in Cherokee and On Eagle's Wings in Spencer or call 712-200-9255.