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What’s Different in a Sellers Market??

BR2A3206 Fewer homes for sale– if you know how many houses sell per month and how many houses are currently for sale; then it’s Economics 101. The demand is greater than the supply. (if you have been wanting to sell – now is an Excellent time – call one of the 3 Realtors on the Eisenlauer Team) List Price/Sale Price – houses are selling closer to list price , sometimes even over list price. Now is not the time to lowball the seller. February 2016 – sales are 95.9% of original list price. Buyers must be pre-qualified – In the current market – you will not be taken seriously without a pre-qualification letter . “If you don’t provide a pre-approval letter from your lender when you make your offer, you won’t even be considered as a serious buyer. Getting a  pre-approval is free; it also helps you determine your budget and will give you an idea of what your monthly payments will be.” says Luke Landis at Movement Mortgage. Days on the Market – homes are on the market for fewer days right now. If you are in the buying process – have your ‘ducks in a row’ and be ready to write an offer with your Realtor – sooner!  Right now, the Des Moines median is 78 days on the market. Another consideration – in a buyers market, you may be competing against 2 or more other buyers. Consider ahead of time how you can be competitive.
  • Price is not the only consideration. Being able to be flexible in your closing date may give you an edge. Some sellers will want ASAP closing – others may need a little more time to move to their next home.  Flexibility may be a deciding factor.
  • Repairs – Maybe you have skills and time that the sellers don’t. You may be able to negotiate doing some required/requested repairs on the seller’s behalf.
  • Personality – Sometimes a seller will choose to sell to someone they like.  I am not suggesting that they would discriminate for or against someone because of nationality, religion etc. But consider writing a letter to be presented with your offer.  Let the buyer know the things that are especially appealing about the house they have loved. Give them some details about yourself . 95% of people buy (and sell) on emotion and justify logically.  Personify yourself!
Next post – will be suggestions if your house is on the market and NOT receiving showings or offers.

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Climacophobia, Vertigo and Unflattering Angles

Do you remember watching Alfred Hitchcocks’s suspenseful movie Vertigo?  A complicated story surrounding a cop with a fear of heights and spiraling dizziness.  That’s how I feel when I see photos of staircases on the MLS. There’s even a name for fear of stairs. It is Climacophobia.  It is often traced back to an earlier trauma involving stairs. Do you need to see photos of the stairs when house-hunting? I assume that if a house has a second story – there are stairs to get you there. If there’s a basement, there are certainly stairs. The problem lies in photographing the stairs. I’ve seen bad stair photos from both amateurs and professionals.  How do you make the stairs look appealing, without instilling the feeling of vertigo?  Do the photos of the stairs do anything to enhance the appeal of the house? What’s your reaction when you look at these photos?  Should they be included or left off marketing material for the sale of a house? The Eisenlauer Team would love to hear your feedback.  
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HAWKEYE CAUCI

20160129_131415People of Des Moines are in a unique position. We have more access to political candidates and national media celebrities than anywhere else in the country. The First in the Nation position has an amazing impact on our hometown. And we’re making a good impression!  Some things I’ve heard and read. Whatever your political view – we’re in Iowa. All eyes are on us. Show up Monday night at your caucus location. If you’ve never been, don’t worry. Each location is full of Iowa nice people to help you through the process. A few basics:
  • You must be registered as a Republican or Democrat to participate.
  • If you prefer being independent, don’t worry. You can switch back after Monday.
  • They all start at 7:00 PM
  • Teens and interested students welcome to observe and guaranteed to learn.
This is an opportunity and a responsibility. I know we are all sick of the ads, the phone calls, and the press. But Monday, they will vanish in the night. Let’s not let our country down. It is the most grass-root process you’ll ever experience. Let the Caucus Raucous Begin!  
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Iowa Redneck Formula – Top Ten

RayGun had it right...
            RayGun had it right.
I’m sure there was a government grant to figure out a formula for whose home-town is more redneck than another. Who else would need to know or want to know? First, the dictionary defines redneck as: A white person who lives in a small town or in the country especially in the southern U.S., who typically has a working-class job, and who is seen by others as being uneducated and having opinions and attitudes that are offensive.” So if you are a person of color, I guess you can NOT be a redneck.  I’m pretty sure there’s plenty of outrage and offense for any and all subgroups in Iowa. Now the components that make a town more or less Red Neck:
  • Number of bars per city
  • Number of mobile home parks per capita
  • Number of tobacco stores per city
  • Number of places to get fishing gear
  • Number of guns and ammo stores per city
  • Walmarts, Golden Corrals, Bass Pro Shops, and dollar stores nearby
So according to the ‘science’ of Jeff Foxworthy and Red Green geeks, you might be a redneck if you live in:
  1. Fort Dodge
  2. Spirit Lake
  3. Denison
  4. Bloomfield
  5. West Liberty
  6. Missouri Valley
  7. Fort Madison
  8. Red Oak
  9. Maquoketa
  10. Osceola
Coming soon – the Snobbiest Cities in Iowa All data and info is from Road Snacks.