Using the Internet to your Advantage when Searching for a Home

Using the Internet to your Advantage when Searching for a Home in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

As the Internet has evolved so has real estate advertising and communication. It was not too long ago when you had to go to your Des Moines real estate agent’s office to see pictures of homes you would like to view. Nowadays, with the help of the Internet, you can look at Des Moines homes on your computer and get a good idea of which ones you would like to look at.

Role of the Des Moines real estate agent

If you think that you can find a home on the Internet and purchase it without the help of your real estate agent then think again. A lot of people have tried this method and have run into serious problems. The Internet is a useful tool for real estate, but it in no means takes the place of the real estate agent in purchasing a Des Moines home.

When you see a house in Des Moines you would like to view, your real estate agent can advise you on whether it really is something you should take the time to see. A house that is really an eyesore can be made to look beautiful in a picture. Your Des Moines real estate expert will be able to tell you if there are any problems with a home, that are not evident in the pictures. He will also know how long it has been on the market, whether or not the sellers are anxious to sell, and any other vital information you may need to know about the Des Moines home in question.

Role of the Internet

The Internet should be used as a guide to help cut down the amount of time spent looking for Des Moines houses to view. If used for anything more than this it can become a damaging tool. Trying to purchase a Des Moines home without a real estate agent can lead you into big trouble. They have the experience to work with you to get the best deal and to have any documents processed legally, with your best interests in mind.

When purchasing your home use the Internet and your Des Moines real estate agent as they are meant to be used. They are both invaluable tools that will get you the most house, for the least money, in the fastest time possible.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate.

For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete online website dedicated to everything Des Moines has to offer and your complete resource for Iowa Homes. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Homebuyer Appointment Wish List

Homebuyer Appointment Wish List, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

Touring homes for sale in Des Moines can be a confusing process.  There are many great homes for sale.  Often real estate agents schedule viewing appointments one after another for their clients.  This series of appointments are groups of homes that fit the buyer’s criteria.

Visiting one home after another is an efficient use of time as well as beneficial to the decision making process.  It is easier for buyers to compare properties against each other when they are viewed on the same day.  However, viewing several homes on the same day can become a confusing and even overwhelming process.  We suggest creating a list such as the one in the example below to help you keep organized while touring potential homes for sale in the Des Moines area.  If you bring along a digital camera, take a snapshot of the listing sheet given to you by your real estate agent prior to each home tour.  If your camera has voice recording or video capabilities consider recording a few notes for yourself after each home tour.  This tip will help you remember the differences between each house choice.

List 1 – Your Wish List

Make a realistic list of what your ideal home will be.  The key word for this list is, “realistic.”  If a seaside mansion is not within your budget, don’t include this on the list.  Examples of a realistic wish list for the average homebuyer include:

- Single family home
- Attached garage
- Three bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Two-story home
- Walking distance to schools
- Near post office, stores
- Hardwood floors
- Dish washer
- First floor laundry room
- Master bedroom near other bedrooms
- Master bedroom away from other bedrooms
- Color palette

Note:  Although many items on your wish list may be fairly easy and/or inexpensive to change (such as wall color or carpeting,) if a home already fits your criteria, that is one less item you would need to change.  In the end, if you are torn between two properties, the little details may be what make your decision.   The home that comes closest to the buyer’s wish list is the one that they eventually will call home.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate.

For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete online website dedicated to everything Des Moines has to offer and your complete resource for Iowa Homes. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Home Staging

Home Staging, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

Real estate professionals in Des Moines agree a well staged house sells faster than the competition.  If hiring a professional stager is not in the budget, the seller can use basic home staging principles to do it themselves.  It can seem overwhelming at first, but with the help of a real estate professional, your house can be a stand-out.

The first step for any potential seller is to hire a professional real estate agent or broker.  They can go through your house and make suggestions that will show off the features of the home.  Often homeowners become overwhelmed with the task of staging.  Some tips that will help manage your project and get the job done are below.

Purge it, Hide it, flaunt it
If you don’t know where to begin, we suggest clearing out the space and starting over.  You may want to start with a closet.  Empty the space and put back only what you will be using.  If you haven’t used the item in three months, store it elsewhere.  If you have not used the item in a year, sell or donate it.  If it is an item that must stay, display it well.

Clear High Traffic Paths
Walk through your house as if you were the potential buyer.  If there are any items in the way of the traffic flow, remove them.  It is especially important for the entryway to be clear of clutter.  Another key area is around the dining room.  Make sure potential buyers can walk all the way around the dining room table.  Clearing off counter tops and floors is another key area to tackle.  Maximizing floor space will make the room feel larger.  Counter space is valuable to buyers – show it off!

Break down each task into smaller jobs.  Take it one room at a time.  The most important tip to sellers is to get in the mindset of the buyer.  Don’t think of your house as your home.  Think of it as if someone else were living there and purge personal items.  Would the buyer want a picture of your grandmother hanging in the living room?  Clear away personal items and present your house as if it belonged to someone else.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate.

For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete online website dedicated to everything Des Moines has to offer and your complete resource for Iowa Homes. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Finding a home for sale in Des Moines Iowa or looking for Iowa Realty Des Moines Iowa you will find that our  home for sale Des Moines Iowa will provided you more results then Des Moines Iowa Realty and Iowa Realty West Des Moines.  The leader in all searches when looking in Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Colfax, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Mitchellville, Newton, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines Iowa.

Five Tips for a Quick Home Sale

Five Tips for a Quick Home Sale in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

Regardless of the current market situation, people continue to buy and sell homes in the Des Moines area.  Even in a difficult market, there are things you can do to increase your chance for a quick home sale, according to the real estate experts at RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts. In addition to selling your house quicker, many of these tips have been proven to increase the sale price.  Ultimately the increase in profit is more than the time and money spent on the projects.

1. Fix Deferred Maintenance
Deferred maintenance is a red flag for homebuyers.  A broken door knob to an infrequently used closet may not bother you, the seller, but a buyer thinks differently.  The buyer sees this deferred maintenance and wonders what else has not been maintained.  Perhaps larger, more important items are in need of repair.  A quick trip to the hardware store for a new door knob can erase this concern in a buyer’s mind and protect your asking price.  A professional real estate agent can go through your home and help you make a list of items to repair before putting your home on the market.  Some common fixes are replacing burnt out light bulbs and repair or replace dripping faucets.

2. Paint
Dingy walls and little dings and scratches can have a big impact on the bottom line.  A small amount of spackle and some paint will freshen up the interior of the home and invite buyers to make an offer.  The amount of time spent in painting will be worth the value added.

3. Eliminate Shabby Items
Replacing or eliminating shabby furniture and accessories is another way to improve the appearance of your home for buyers.  Wash or freshen-up curtains, carpets, and pillows.

4. Clean the House
Clean the entire house.  Preparing your home for a quick sale requires a little elbow grease.  A neat and clean house shows much better than a dirty home, according to [Profile.full_name].  One of the quickest ways to lose a potential buyer is with a messy home.  This is the time to really clean your home thoroughly.  Buyers scrutinize every nook and cranny.  Make sure the interior of the range is clean.  Clean behind the toilets.  Get the cob-webs off of the ceilings and doorways.

5. Edit Possessions
Finally, remember the saying, “less is more.”  Take down personal art and photographs.  De-clutter rooms and closets.  If necessary rent an off-property unit to store your items while the house is on the market.  Think of it not as a chore, but rather as getting a jump start on packing for your new home.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete online website dedicated to everything Des Moines has to offer and your complete resource for Iowa Homes. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Real Estate with RE/MAX Show – Attorney David Pulliam

RE/MAX Brokers Lance Hanson, Matt Mauro and Ryan Rivera are joined by David Pulliam as they discuss the legal aspects of real estate and estates.

David was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1988. He earned his B.A. degree, with distinction, in English with a minor in Political Science in 1992 from Iowa State University, and he was also a Phi Beta Kappa initiate. He graduated with distinction, obtaining his J.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in May of 1995.

After joining the Bar in June of 1995, he joined the Iowa City law firm of Hayek, Hayek & Brown, L.L.C. as an associate. David returned to Des Moines and joined the law firm of Wasker, Dorr, Wimmer & Marcouiller, P.C. as an associate in March of 1997. He was made a shareholder of the firm in 2001. He is a member of the Iowa State and Polk County Bar Associations.

David and his wife, Brooke, have three children, Taylor, Laney and Nicholas.

Five Kitchen Design Styles

Five Kitchen Design Styles in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

There are five basic kitchen design styles in the Des Moines area.  The best kitchen design style depends upon what your own needs are.  Fulfilling those needs is what determines which style is best suited for you.  Many homes with great kitchen designs in the Des Moines area are on the market today.  The five basic styles are called:

One-Wall Kitchen
Galley Kitchen
L-Shaped Kitchen
U-Shaped Kitchen
G-Shaped Kitchen

One-Wall Kitchen
You will find one-wall kitchens in small living spaces such as one-room apartments.  They can also be found in homes that do not put an emphasis on the kitchen, but rather emphasize the importance of open living space.  A one wall kitchen can be cut off from the rest of the living space with the use of creative design elements such as sliding doors or decorative screens.

Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens are sometimes called Corridor kitchens.  Galley kitchens can be very efficient when designed correctly.  They also function best when only one family member at a time is cooking.  When more than one person is cooking at the same time space becomes an issue.  A galley kitchen functions best when the isle is 48-inches wide. However, if space is limited a 36-inch isle can work as long as the cabinet doors and appliance doors (such as the dishwasher door) don’t hit each other when opened.  Real estate agents are experts in pointing out issues such as this to their clients.

L-Shaped Kitchen
As the name implies, an L-shaped kitchen has two walls that are perpendicular to each other.  One of the walls is usually longer than the other.  This style works well if an eat-in-kitchen is desired because there is space opposite the “L” shape to accommodate a kitchen table or even a trendy built-in booth.

U-Shaped Kitchen
One main benefit of a U-shaped kitchen is that it avoids “through traffic.”  The U-shape takes up three walls of the kitchen.  Sometimes one of the walls connects to a family room or other casual area.  This is an efficient design; however, there are some drawbacks.  For example, corner storage can be difficult to access.  However, with well planned out cabinetry this issue is easily resolved.

G-Shaped Kitchen
The G-shaped kitchen is ideal for families that have two members who enjoy cooking at the same time.  The shape of this type of kitchen is similar to a U-shaped kitchen with the addition of a peninsula.

The best kitchen design style is one that fits your lifestyle.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Des Moines real estate at Real Estate with RE/MAX. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Creating Curb Appeal

Creating Curb Appeal in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

It is said you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.  This is especially true when selling your house.  Curb appeal is a major factor that draws the buyer out of their car and into the interior of the home. An appealing and welcoming landscape is a subtle message to the buyer that this is a well maintained home.  It is the first thing a potential buyer sees when approaching the house.  Think of it as your home’s calling card.

Creating and maintaining curb appeal and well designed landscaping does not have to be expensive.  If a professional landscape architect is not in the budget, don’t despair.  There are some simple tasks the average homeowner can do to improve their landscaping.  However, some consideration should be made regarding hiring a professional landscape company.  Real estate experts in the Des Moines area agree a well landscaped property sells quicker than one that is not landscaped, or is in poor condition.  Speak with a real estate expert about your property – it may make financial sense to invest in professional landscaping in order to bring in a higher selling price.

Revamping a tired landscape or creating a totally new landscape begins with the lawn.  Of course make sure the grass is mowed.  Get rid of weeds.  Straighten out lawn edges.  Older yards tend to have lawns that creep and crawl over the driveways and walkways.  Use an edger tool to create a tidy line of separation.  Older houses in the Des Moines area tend to have mature trees, shrubs, and plants.  Be critical of overgrown shrubbery.  If they have passed their prime consider just taking them out and replacing them with a fresh, more size appropriate shrub.  If there are bare spots in the lawn, fill in with grass seed or grass seed patch material.

The lawn is the first element of landscaping to tackle when improving the curb appeal of your house to achieve a quick sale.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete online website dedicated to everything Des Moines has to offer and your complete resource for Iowa Homes. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Home Stager

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Home Stager, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

What is Home Staging All About?

Home staging goes beyond cleaning and de-cluttering a space. Staging a home is about creating an atmosphere and setting a mood.  A well staged house can appear bigger, cleaner, brighter, and more comfortable.  In short, home staging creates a home the buyer wants to live in.  Stagers create a warm and inviting appeal.  A well staged home convinces the buyer to mentally move in the moment they see the property.

Homeowners are requested to de-clutter the rooms prior to staging.  Stagers recommend items that have not been used within the last three months be put into storage.  Unused items older than one year should be sold, donated, or thrown out.  This will also help the homeowner with moving preparations.

Why Hire a Home Staging Professional in Des Moines?

A professional stager helps the homeowner put the difficult task of de-cluttering into perspective.  Clutter is the enemy of equity.  The buyer can’t imagine themselves living in a home that is too cluttered or personal.

Professional stagers have the skill of a designer and knowledge of what sells in real estate.  It’s the little touches that make the difference between an amateur and a professional.  They know how to re-arrange your items into vignettes and other designer tricks to increase the perceived value of your home.

Staging presents your home in the best way to appeal to the widest variety of buyers possible.

Often times the homeowner cannot be objective.  A professional stager analyzes the home and makes recommendations to improve the space for maximum benefit.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Home Staging Professional?

There are proven results with hiring a home staging professional.  Statistics show professionally staged homes sell approximately 32% quicker than homes that have not been staged.  Additionally, these homes sell for 3 to 10% more than non-staged homes.

Investing in a professional home staging service is a good investment.  Tough economic times have caused a lot of competition for sellers.  Home staging sets your property apart from the mass inventory the buyer has to choose from.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Des Moines real estate at Real Estate with RE/MAX. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

Before Closing Advice

Before Closing Advice, Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

House hunting has been a roller coaster ride, but you have finally found your dream home, congratulations!

As real estate experts in the Des Moines area, we are often asked what happens during the time in-between finding a house and closing on the house.  The answer is two-fold.  The first part involves preparing to leave your current residence, and the second part involves preparations to begin your new life in the new house.

Part 1 – Saying Goodbye to Your Current Residence

Pack up your belongings
This is a good time to purge unwanted and unused items.  Think of this move as a fresh start.  If you won’t use an item in the next year, sell or donate it.  Consider having a garage or yard sale.

Cancel Utilities
Notify the utility companies of your move.  In some cases the utilities may be transferred from your name to the new owners, rather than having the service shut off.  Coordinate this with your real estate agent.  Also notify other home delivery services such as the local newspaper of your moving date.

Change of Address
Notify the post office of your change of address.  Have your mail forwarded to the new address.  Send out change of address cards or notices to friends and family.  Contact credit card companies and other business relationships to update your information on file with the new address.

Moving Company
If you will be using the services of a moving company set up the specifics of the move.  Will the moving company be packing your possessions as well as moving them?  If not, ask for a guide to packing.  Most moving companies offer tips on efficient and safe packing.

Part 2 – Getting Ready to Move In

Make Move-In Day Easier
Mark each box to be moved with the room it will be moved to in the new house.  Many new homeowners in the [Profile.market] area use the numbering system.  What this means is a big number is put on the door of each room (such as bedroom #1, #2, etc.) and every box to go in that room has that number marked on it.  You can code the boxes as well with simple letters, such as “K” for kitchen, or “LV” for living room.  This will make the move in day run much smoother.

Register In the Neighborhood
If you have school-age children, register them in the new school district.  Also contact the local newspaper and have home delivery arranged to start after the closing date.

Establish Utility Service
Contact the utility companies and arrange to have service started for the day of closing.  If seasonal services are required, contact those services as well so when the time comes, they have your information associated with the property.  Seasonal services can include anything from septic maintenance and lawn care, to pool opening and closing services.  Your real estate professional should supply you with the names of the companies the sellers used.

With everything in place the last piece of action required is gathering the funds for closing.  This may include cash or certified checks.  Your real estate attorney will inform you a few days before closing of the exact amounts needed for each check.  Each closing is unique.  Be prepared to show proof of insurance or other documents that will be required.  Ask your real estate professional for specific items a few days prior to closing.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Des Moines real estate at Real Estate with RE/MAX. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

ARMs – Adjustable Rate Mortgages Explained

ARMs – Adjustable Rate Mortgages Explained, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

The term ARM is us used by mortgage and real estate professionals when referring to an adjustable rate mortgage.  There are many forms of ARMs available to buyers in the Des Moines area. 

Simply put, a variable rate ARM is a loan that has a rate of interest that is fixed for a certain period of time, then adjusts to a new rate of interest for another period of time.  Most ARM’s adjust annually, after the initial period of time.  This will continue until the loan is paid off.  The term of most mortgages is either 15 or 30 years (although other terms do exist, and can be as little as 10 years or less, and as high as 40 years.) 

ARMs come in many shapes and sizes.  The most traditional ARM is  the 5/1 or the 10/1 year ARM.  The 5 or 10 refers to the initial period of “fixed” interest rate.  For example, a 10 year ARM mortgage with a 30 year term would be called a 10/1 ARM.  The interest rate would be fixed for the first 10 years and then adjust annually for the remaining 20 years until the loan is paid off. 

When reading any ARM product that is presented with a slash, IE: 3/1, 5/1, 10/1 etc., the first number is the initial period, and the second number is the frequency of adjustment (in most cases, annually.) 

The ARM adjusts based on an index plus an agreed upon premium.  The most common index used is the one year treasury note rate.  Another popular index is the LIBOR rate.  This is a European index based out of London.  It is popular with many Jumbo loans and is a favorite of the financial sector borrowers in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.  Another important item to look at with an ARM is the ceiling, floor, and lifetime ceiling.  The most common ceiling is 2% per adjustment and 6% lifetime.  The floor varies from lender to lender.  Recently, many lenders have changed the game and now use a 5% max ceiling per adjustment, and no ceiling.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Des Moines real estate. For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website on line dedicated to everything Des Moines real estate at Real Estate with RE/MAX. Please feel free to contact us with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and we will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-708-5890 or email us at dsm@realestateconcepts.net.

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