If you are a smoker and want to sell your home - read this to save thousands!

The acrid smell of smoke in a home is a big turn-off, it is also very hard to remove. Most people will try to cover it with deodorizing sprays, candles, etc... Not a good idea. Most of theses products don't work, they add to the odor and 33% of the American population are allergic to most of these products.
If you smoked in your home and want to sell it for top dollar you will have to permanently remove the smoke smell. How, that's the hard part - yes you will have to have the carpets and drapes cleaned professionally and replace the furnace filter about every 10 days until cleaning process is complete - but that is not enough.
All surfaces will need to be thoroughly cleaned with a product like TSP (go to a paint store, they sell it and can tell you how to use it) and painted surfaces cleaned reprimed and painted with a stain and odor blocking product like Kilz. Check after this process to see if you still have an odor problem - have someone who does not smoke check the home - like your Realtor. If there is still a problem you may have to have the carpet replaced.
A house with an odor problem, like smoke or pet will not bring top price - it may not even bring in any offers depending on the market and how the home is positioned for price.
Take Away - don't smoke it costs a lot of money en a lot of areas of your life!

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 Alta Iowa Homes Available

The local market is tight with Buyers matching Sellers very closely. As of 10/4/07 there were 63 homes listed and active (no offers) there were 5 OPCTS (offer pending continue to show. In Alta there were 6 homes listed and active, none of them have offers so far.

Fourteen homes sold in Storm Lake within the last 30 days with prices ranging from $45,000 to $142,000. The sales in Alta ranged from $120,500 to $70,000. Now is a great time to buy or sell as the numbers above show.

If you would like to receive local market updates directly to your email please drop me a request and I will git'er done. Email me at GWeaver@IW.net or go to www.StormLakeIAProperties.com

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

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.

Iowa Mortgage Closing Costs

Ever wonder what the average closing costs are for Iowa and how they compare to other states? Well, if you are into that sort of thing - I personally really like it but I also like spreadsheets, check out this article. Just click on the title of the article.

10 Small Fixes Bring Big $$$ Rewards When Selling Your Home

Think you home is ready to sell - checkout the list of 10 small fixes
1) Remove old calk from tub, shower sinks etc, super clean and dry the area, recalk
2) Clean your stainless sink till it sparkles
3) Clean all bath fixtures until they sparkle
4) Check all floor corners - be sure they are clean
5) Trim all landscaping, especially around walks, beds and trees for a well taken care of look
6) Clean all windows until they sparkle, clean inside window sills too
7) Buy some Old English Oil, it comes in light and dark - go over your woodwork, it will look great and smell great
8)Paint unfinished basement walls white
9) Clean gutters
10) Place blooming plants (vibrant colors like rich red or deep orange) in strategic places inside and out.

These 10 tips will help you sell assuming your home has been accurately prices with the use of a Realtor and a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA).

Call me to look at your home, together we will get it in the best shape to sell in the shortest time and for the highest price! Direct: 712-574-5426

Why You May Want to Remodel Now Rather than Wait

Check out this article at Bankrate.com, why you may want to remodel now rather than wait until next year.

Notice: Storm Lake Foreclosure that may be a good Investor Property

New Foreclosure that could be a good investor purchase:
Address 1713 Tupil Lane
Plantiff: Central Bank (Local bank - easier negotiations, faster response)
Defendant: see notice at http://www.stormlake.com/ page 5C or get a copy at the Sheriffs office
To go to the Buena Vista Assessor's link click on the article's title
Sale July 10th - downstairs in Buena Vista County Sheriffs office (court house)
Judgement approximately $17,500, but see actual notice

Property assessed at $61,020

Could be an excellent buy, need an attorney to ensure there are no liens or judgements recorded against the current owners.

My Personal strategy: After I get the go ahead from my attorney I would go directly to the sellers and buy it before the sale. At this price you could even afford to give the Sellers something on top of getting them out of a foreclosure. A little extra money is a good incentive to have them clean up the property prior to moving out and it can help them get a new start without the black mark of foreclosure on their credit report.

Remember mark this blog to stay up to date with Storm Lake and the surrounding area's Real Estate trends! Go to www.SLRealtyCheck.com to see local homes, info on rentals, investor info, sign up for a great free reminder service and a lot more.

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!

Verbal Iowa Real Estate Contract???

Verbal offers to purchase real estate are totally worthless. If you are buying, selling, or negotiating for real estate be sure everything is in writing, seems like a no brainer doesn't it? You would be amazed (or maybe appalled) at how many people (including some real estate "professionals")think verbal is good enough WRONG!!! No matter what is said, the only thing that counts is what's written down signed and dated.

If you get involved in a real estate transaction where anyone insists in doing things verbally, RUN!!! and I mean run fast. Who will determine who said what - A JUDGE!.

A real estate "professional" who insists on doing business verbally shouldn't be a licensed real estate agents. Iowa has a little thing called the Statute of Frauds, it is a rule that dates back to 1677 in England, it has always been in effect in Iowa real estate dealings. The Statute of Frauds is a fundamental rule of contract law - it states that all contracts for the sale of real estate must be in writing to be enforceable.

What is the advantage of doing things verbally? If you are honest, I can't thing of one single reason to do business verbally, not to mention it's illegal, but then I may be the wrong person to answer that since I am a Real Estate Professional!

Local Property Sells in Less Than an Hour - Seller's Market in Alta and Storm Lake Alive and Well - For Now

We are in a Seller's market, but it is changing fast. The last 2 properties I listed, above on the left, 1610 Peterson Street (Alta) $153,900 - 1500 sq/ft 4 br and 2.75 ba and on the right 112 N. Emerald (Storm Lake) $145,000 - 1392 sq/ft 3 br and 1 3/4 ba sold quickly. Emerald sold within an hour of listing and Peterson sold within a day of listing.

I plan to list another on Monday and I have 2 Buyers looking for a home with that criteria. Another agent I work with wants to get into my new listing as soon as the ink is on the contract.

What gives? It is a Seller's market, in other words there are not a lot of properties on the market but we are getting more every day and soon it won't be a Seller's market (more Buyers than properties)it will even out and probably become a Buyers market (more properties available than Buyers).

My properties have tended to sell fast because I do a competitive market analysis that defines a very accurate range the market will pay for any given home or building. I have a detailed plan including checklists to get a property ready, a number of websites expose my properties to out-of-state and local Buyers(including this blog), I work with the top agents, I use extensive marketing to reach multiple Buyers, I stay connected and active in the community and most important, I won't list an overpriced property.

If you want to sell and take advantage of the local Seller's Market the best time is probably within the next 30 days, maybe 45 baring anything out of the ordinary happening in the mortgage rates and local economy.

Rental Rates in Buena Vista County - FYI RE Investors

FYI according to City-Data.com BV County has the following rental averages
1 Bedroom Apartment - $391
2 Bedroom Apartment - $512
3 Bedroom Apartment - $614

How does your rent stand up to those numbers?

Lake Houses on Storm Lake

"How do you justify the price of lake houses on our lake?" That was the question before the person on the other end of the phone even told me their name.
My answer, "Simple rules of supply and demand." " Lake property is in short supply, houses on lake property in our area are in short supply, short supply and high demand push up price."

Lake houses are expensive, but they do sell, so in my opinion they are not priced too high. Correct pricing is critical to selling a home, lake properties can stay on the market longer than other homes but part of that is due to the limited number of buyers in that price range.