Des Moines Real Estate & 5,574 Des Moines Homes for Sale

If you are looking for a home to buy in the Des Moines Iowa area, we have over 5,574 homes, MLS listings and other real estate for sale in central Iowa including: the surrounding cities of Altoona, Ankeny, Carlisle, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Newton, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines and many other cities.

Get instant gratification by using our public IDX connection to our exclusive database of 5,574 homes and other real estate for sale in central Iowa. We download the Des Moines Area Association of REALTOR’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) real estate data into our database, reformat it and present it to you.

Three Deadly Mistakes Every Des Moines Homebuyer Should Avoid

Common Mistakes When Buying a Home in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

It’s a common scenario. You’re all ready to buy your lovely Des Moines home. Your blood is rushing. You feel the clock is ticking, and you can just picture your nice clean home, and you can’t wait to move in. Well, not so fast. You have to tread carefully when buying a home. Otherwise you will make some very common home buying mistakes. Here are a few of them and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1.  Taking too much advantage of the Internet

Many people rush into the buying process too quickly. It’s easy to do this with the use of the Internet. All too often people get on the Internet looking for loans. Then they get approved. It all happens so fast that before the buyers know it, they’ve locked themselves into a contract they simply can’t get out of.

Many times, companies will get calls from people who have already signed contracts. The homebuyers will say, “We’ve found another home.” or “We’ve bought too big of a home.” However, a contract is a contract, and once you sign the dotted line, you will be living in that home. To avoid this mistake, you’ll want to be a little more patient in the home buying process. A Des Moines real estate agent can work with you to make sure that your perfect home isn’t out of your reach. There’s no need to rush when you have the professional help of an agent during the home buying process. What you have to do is plan, research and prepare. Sometimes, buying a home can take up to twelve months, but at least then, you will be sure that you have made the right choice, even if it takes a little bit longer than you thought it would.

Mistake #2.  Homebuyers often buy a home that is outside of their budget

Have you ever seen a beautiful and spacious home with little to no furniture in it? That’s exactly what happens when you buy a home that you can barely afford. Sure, homes in Des Moines are very tempting, but there’s definitely a home in Des Moines that you will be able to pay for comfortably.

Many homebuyers push themselves right up to or beyond their limits. Inevitable circumstances such as an economic or personal crisis can leave one headed for foreclosure. You want to have a peaceful time in your home in Des Moines. Therefore, give yourself a little room to breath. When you go to that lender, take out a loan you are sure you can make the payments on comfortably. Otherwise, you may end up living a life of just barely being able to make the payments on your home.

Mistake #3 – Not Accounting for Hidden Costs

Closing costs, inspection costs, repairs and last minute costs tend to always surprise buyers. Buyers who go into a real estate transaction with only enough money for a down payment often run into the problem of not having funds for last minute costs.

To save yourself the stress, save yourself money and improve your home buying experience, it’s important to have some spare padding cash to help ensure the home buying process goes smoothly.

You can avoid many home buying mistakes if you work with professionals who are knowledgeable about buying a home. If you need someone to partner with you in the home buying process, it is best for you to contact an agent to work with you. The Des Moines real estate market is one of the top markets to live in right now, and an agent like myself is ready and willing to help you find your dream home.

For more information and for everything Des Moines real estate visit us 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.

Des Moines Remodeling Projects That Will Increase Your Home’s Value

DES MOINES, IA, Nov 22, 2010 – Whether you are thinking about putting your home on the market or you are concerned about increasing your home’s equity in a time of depreciating house values, knowing which remodeling projects yield the best return on investment, is critical, says Robb Spearman of RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts.

“Not all home remodeling projects are equal in terms of ROI,” explains Spearman. “In today’s economy it’s important that homeowners understand the value a particular home renovation will – or won’t – add to their home.”

Spearman recommends checking with your local real estate professional or researching websites such as the National Association of Home Builders to determine the potential return on a remodeling project. Following, are the top 10 renovations in terms of increasing your home’s value:

• A Home Office Remodel
  With more and more people telecommuting in today’s difficult business climate, home offices are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
• Renovate or Add a Family Room
  A family room is an excellent way to make existing homes more like new construction.
• Replace the Roof
  The roof is one of the first impressions people have of a home. Replace an old roof or change the character of your home by looking into architecturally styled roofing tiles.
• Landscape Your Yard
  Landscaping is also an integral part of your home’s first impression. A professionally landscaped yard adds value to your home and increases your living space.
• Replace Old Windows
  Thirty percent (30%) of a home’s energy is lost through its windows. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones ups the overall quality of the house and saves you money on monthly utility bills.
• Remodel Your Basement
  Do you have unused space that serves as a black hole of unused items … like your basement? Remodeled basements make excellent game rooms or guest suites, adding value to your home without adding space.
• Paint
  While a basic step, the value of a good paint job can’t be emphasized enough. Hire a professional if you need help and keep the colors neutral if you’re looking to sell.
• Remodel Your Kitchen
  Kitchens sell a home, and in this case, size does matter. But a kitchen remodel is a long-term investment; you’ll see payback 10 years down the road.
• Remodel or Add a Bathroom
  A bathroom remodel can mean making the most of your current space by upgrading fixtures, flooring and lighting. Or add a bathroom and automatically increase the value of your home.

When looking to add value to your home, Spearman advises taking into account the other homes in your neighborhood. “You want to make sure your home is comparable to the homes in your community and can compete with any new construction in the area. If most of the homes have a modern kitchen, for example, you’ll want to update yours.”

For more information, please contact RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts at 515-276-2872 or RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts.

Tips for Home Buying and Selling in the Fall

DES MOINES, IA, Sep 15, 2010 – September is here and the new Fall season has quickly thrown itself upon us. If you are trying to find a post-summer deal or looking to sell before the hectic holidays, there are plenty of things you can do to speed up your transaction and close on your home sooner rather than later.

“Sellers should do themselves a favor and play up the season to their full advantage,” says Robb Spearman, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts. Colder temperatures and nicely hued foliage make the fall a beautiful time of year. Add vibrant mums or other fall-bloomed flowers to the front of your house to add to its curb appeal. Further decorate with things like pumpkins, colored corn or an appropriate wreath on the door. These small additions will give your property a “homey” feel, suiting the newly changed weather and appealing to the buyer’s fall senses.

Sellers should also freshen up their listing photos to suit the new season. “If your home has been on the market since spring or summer, take new photos in order to make the house feel fresh and new,” says Spearman . If your photos include shots of fall foliage, for example, they will make your home appear to be new on the market. The updated look just may entice some buyers to come look at your home.

Buyers just starting their search have already lined themselves up to find a great deal. With the peak seasons of real estate transactions having passed, you may find yourself a bargain in September or October. Selection may lower, but competition from other buyers may lower even more.

With a slower market, sellers may also be willing to negotiate further than they would have one or two months prior. “You don’t want to completely turn sellers off with bids that are too far below their asking price. By hiring a knowledgeable real estate agent to help you make a strategic offer, you can be well on your way to making and closing on a great deal,” says Spearman.

Buyers may even be able to negotiate seller concessions, also known as seller contributions. These are agreements in which the seller pays part or all of the closing costs included in the sale. These costs could add up to 2-9% of the purchase price, but this varies. With smart negotiating, sellers anxious to sell may agree to help pay some of these costs in order to close sooner.

With the new season here, it is still a great time to both buy and sell. For more information on buying and selling during the fall season, please contact Customer Care at RREIN@RealEstateConcepts.net, 515-276-2872 or RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts.

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RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts Mentor Program

 

FREE | Get the Book “How to Buy a HUD Home”

You just might be surprised at the truth behind HUD homes…where they are located, how easy it is to acquire a HUD home, and what a terrific deal that you can get…whether you want to buy a home for your family, or buy an investment property.

Maybe you wanted learn more but didn’t know where to turn.

Maybe you wanted to learn more but didn’t want to talk to a REALTOR™ for fear of getting a sales pitch.

We realize that you want to obtain information on your own terms. You want to learn the ins and outs of HUD homes.

No bull. No sales pitch. No “pie in the sky” promises. Just the facts about HUD homes in a casual, conversational easy-to-read ebook!

Learn about special HUD programs:

• $100 down payment
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Imagine talking with a friend who knows everything there is to know about HUD homes. That’s how you’re going to feel as you read this book.

No long, drawn out explanations. No intimidating real estate lingo.

Just straightforward words used to explain a simple way for you to become a homeowner or investor by buying HUD homes.

Find out all about FHA financing, the ideal way to buy a HUD home. And all the programs designed specifically for HUD homes:

• 203(k) for Repairs
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• Energy Efficient Mortgage
• Graduated Payment Mortgage 245
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• FHA Condominium Loans 234(c)

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Did you know that you can use a relative gift for a down payment?

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It’s all right here…in this ebook. And you can order it now and find out everything you need to know about HUD homes!

We are dedicated to educating consumers about HUD homes and providing that information in the simplest way possible. And it doesn’t get more simple than this! “How to Buy a HUD Home” is easy-to-read and details the ins and outs of buying a HUD home.

Whether you are looking to buy a home to live in, or start on the investor path, HUD homes are a terrific buy. You owe it to yourself to learn more about the opportunity that HUD homes present.

Read about what to look for in a REALTOR™. “How to Buy a HUD Home” outlines all the qualities you want to find in a real estate professional. From attention to detail to the requirement of being a HUD approved broker, you need to know how you can locate a HUD expert to guide you through the HUD home buying process.

Learn about how to make a bid on a HUD home. Discover how to determine your offer price, submit HUD paperwork and follow HUD timelines. Every step you need to take in buying a HUD home is detailed in this free ebook and is yours for the asking.

Please fill in the form below. You will instantly get the FREE Book sent to you by email!

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Real Estate Investment Deal of the Week

Watch this 6 minute video to learn how to receive Carrie Webber’s Real Estate Investment Deal of the Week.

Local Agent Receives Training to Effectively Counsel Real Estate Investors, Provide Wealth-Building Strategies

Des Moines, Iowa – March 11, 2011 – Carrie Webber of RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts in Des Moines has earned the prestigious Certified Investor Agent Specialist™ (CIAS) Designation, having completed extensive training to understand the different real estate investor types, and the investment opportunities, financing options and calculations needed to provide solutions for each. The five real estate investor types include: First-Time Investors, Move-Up Investors, Portfolio Investors, Performance Investors, and Rehab and Resell Investors.

“For decades, investing in real estate has proven to be a consistent and stable way for individuals to build wealth,” Webber said. “Real estate investment supports a number of industries, including construction, retail and professional services, and is a strong way to energize and increase investment in our local economy.”

Over the past 12 months, investment and second-home properties comprised more than $300 billion in sales, representing approximately 27 percent of all residential real estate transactions. In addition, in market conditions affected by mortgage industry challenges, 48 percent of investors made all-cash purchases.

“As markets face the challenges of distressed properties and a difficult economy, real estate investors have the opportunity to find productive deals while helping communities stabilize,” Webber said. “Investors provide much needed liquidity to the market, decrease vacancy rates, improve neighborhoods, and present solutions for homeowners who need to sell.”

With the CIAS Designation training, Webber will help Des Moines area residents build wealth through real estate investment, and homeowners facing foreclosure find potential buyers for their properties.

Today, millions of homeowners are either delinquent on their mortgages or in the foreclosure process. One potential solution for homeowners in this situation is a short sale, in which the lien holder accepts a sale price of the home that is less than the mortgage amount owed. Increasingly, real estate investors are facilitating this solution.

“When it comes to properties that actually end up in foreclosure,” Webber added, “up to 30 percent of them can’t close conventionally. Investors are often the only ones who can buy them.”

The Distressed Property Institute provides live and online CIAS Courses to train real estate professionals how to address the needs of all real estate investors.

For more information contact Carrie Webber at 515-422-0333 or carriewebber@remax.net.

How to Find Motivated Sellers

How to Find Motivated Sellers in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

Whether you are interesting in real estate for investment purposes, or are looking for a new Des Moines  home, it is always in your best interests to find a motivated seller. A motivated seller is an individual or couple that need to sell their home fast for one reason or another. Here are a few tips you can use to help weed out the motivated sellers in Des Moines from the patient ones.

#1 Relationship Problems

When a couple gets a divorce and needs to sell the Des Moines home it is usually done in a rush situation. Both are going their own ways and the income will no longer be double, so getting their Des Moines house sold as fast as possible is a priority. They also probably have some bad memories in the house and want to get it off their hands quickly. Divorce properties can often be sold by very motivated people.

#2 Probate Homes

After the death of a loved one it is difficult to deal with all the technical details of selling a Des Moines home, not to mention the emotional ones. At this time in life the death quite often brings about a state of emotion that does not focus on material goals. Therefore a Des Moines house in probate can often be purchased at a very good price.

#3 Job Relocation

If you find out that the owner has been relocated this is a very good sign. Unless the business he works for is going to be carrying his mortgage while he finds another home, he will be faced with a double mortgage if he does not sell his Des Moines home fast. If this owner needs to move far away from Des Moines he is also burdened with keeping the home maintained while it is on the market. This opens the way for a good deal.

These are just a few things you can look for when you are searching for Des Moines homes with motivated sellers. Your Des Moines real estate agent can also help you with this because he usually has information about the owners and their reasons for selling.

For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market, including the most recent homes for sale, current 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.

Handling the Heartache of Selling your Home

Handling the Heartache of Selling your Home in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

It is time to sell your Des Moines home and you know that you will be leaving memories behind. On top of the stress of moving, you must also deal with the sorrow of saying a final goodbye to the Des Moines house you had grown to love as a home. Here are a few tips to help you deal with these emotions and get on with it.

Tip#1 View your Des Moines home as a marketable commodity

Hard as it may seem to realize, you are putting a tangible object up for sale. The people that come in to view your home in Des Moines are not viewing the memories that you hold; they are looking at the house and the potential it holds for them as a home. Try to take their point of view when selling your home and try to see what they are looking at. This will help you deal with any sadness you may be feeling.

Tip#2 Take pictures – plenty of them

Take some time to walk around your house in Des Moines and take some pictures of anything you have become attached to in the home and that you will be leaving behind. Maybe it is a growing chart you kept as your children were growing, with nicks on the wall. Maybe it is a crack or dent in the wall, a special stain on the ceiling, it can be anything that is associated with a positive feeling that you will miss. You may find that some of the pain of leaving dissipates when you take pictures that you can bring with you to your new Des Moines home.

Tip#3 Leave the past by focusing on the future

The more attention you give to the immediate present and future, the less time you will have to think of the past. Look at all of the pleasant things you have to look forward to in the future. You are embarking on a new housing experience in Des Moines that will begin a new string of memories. Focus on the future as much as you possibly can.

Try these tips when it hurts to part with your Des Moines home. They can really help you deal with it.

For complete information about the Des Moines real estate market, including the most recent homes for sale, current 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.

Getting Back to the Basics for a Quick Sale

Getting Back to the Basics for a Quick Sale in Des Moines, by Des Moines Real Estate Experts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts is your resource for Des Moines Homes

Real estate sales in Des Moines can seem very complicated and complex, but as with all things, getting back to the basics is what usually makes the sale. It is common for these basics to be overlooked, and putting them in can give outstanding results.

Inside

A cluttered home is unpleasant to most Des Moines homebuyers and many cannot see past it when making an evaluation of your home. Make sure your home is clean and tidy for viewings, and rearrange furniture if necessary to give a feeling of extra space. Open your windows to let in some bright and cheery light and to allow fresh air to enter. You may not notice that your house has a stale odor to it, but your viewers will! As a final note, invite one of your friends or relatives in the Des Moines area over to give an honest inspection of these basics and handle any outpoints as required.

Outside

There are some very basic points that you should keep in mind for the outside of your Des Moines house as well. The lawn should be mowed and any trees that appear messy and ragged should be trimmed. Ensure that the house has a nice neat appearance by getting rid of any outside clutter, and make sure that the exterior appears clean and in good repair. A house that shows promise on the outside is a direct invitation to potential buyers in Des Moines to head on in and see what the inside has to offer.

Your Des Moines real estate agent can give you even more ideas about which basics can be improved in your house in order to get the best price and the maximum amount of interest generated. Work closely with your agent in Des Moines to get the best offer you can.

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.

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