No Comments

A Great Step for Mankind (in the design sense)

A recurring design problem – what to do with the large screen TV?  We all want a TV bigger & better than our neighbors’. But, alas, this huge graven image does not make for good design. Do you make the black screen the focus of the room or attempt to disguise it?  Ten years ago, when Oak Woodwork was the standard, homebuilders built a hidden door above the fireplace to hide the TV.  It was a great way to hide the idol, but now the heavy oak panels are passe. Another trick is to build it into a piece of furniture, then with a remote control, the appliance will rise from the depths to center stage. There is a whole industry of furniture built around our desire to disguise our allegiance to the TV.

Samsung has developed an alternative to hiding the TV . A See-Through Screen. When the tv is off, it is sleek and transparent. When turned on – full-color high def picture. What do you think?  How much extra would you pay for this new version?  Will it be the next standard or a passing fad?

No Comments

National Association of Realtors Positive Numbers

The National Association of Realtors’ new numbers are as encouraging as the local Des Moines Association of Realtors’. For the first time in 3 months, sales of existing homes increased.
  • April shows 3.4 % increase.
  • Unemployment is decreasing.
  • Mortgage rates hit a new low (since 1971) 3.79% on 30 yr. fixed.
  •  Median home price is up 10% – now $177,400.
  • New home sales up 2.6% in April.
So to conclude –  It’s all good news! Call the Eisenlauer Team to assess your real estate plans. Bill at 770-2455, Bob at 979-288
No Comments

10th Annual CelebrAsian

The weather was outstanding for the 10th Annual CelebrAsian in downtown Des Moines. 14 villages were there showcasing their foods, their culture, their music, their sports and more. If you’ve never attended, put in on your bucket list for 2013.  Besides all the planned activities, it’s just a great place to people watch. There were a LOT of young people. We watched a cooking demonstration, some young girls from Indonesia do a native dance. I am always  intrigued by the Takraw tournaments. They play on a court similar to volleyball. The ball is a rattan ball about 6″, cannot be touched by the hands. It’s hit with the head and the side of the foot, similar to hackysack. The agility of the players is amazing. Food  of every country can be purchased, including corndogs and Dutch letters. (That one puzzled me!)  It’s a fun way to travel around the world and never leave home.
No Comments

Home Sales in the Des Moines area market on the Up-Swing

Statistics have been tabulated for real estate transactions in the Des Moines area for April 2012.
  • Home sales are up 20% over April 2011.
  • Home sales are up 5% over March 2012.
  • Pending sales were up 23% in April 2012 over 2011.
  • Average home sale price was up. ($164,847).
  • Average  number of days on the market was down. (116 days).
  • Inventory of homes for sale is down (983 fewer than one year ago).
“We’re four months into 2012 and all the key real estate indicators are ahead of last year’s stats over the same period of time,” said Ken Clark, president of Des Moines Area Association of Realtors. “Now is a great time to buy or sell real estate” said the Eisenlauer Team. “Give Bill (770-2455) or Bob (979-2883) a call if you’re ready.”