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What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
What’s your 4th of July tradition?  I grew up in northern Iowa, close to Clear Lake. So it was not the 4th of July unless we were at Clear Lake. We always watched the parade. It was the best parade in the area.  Always a lot of important politicians (or is that an oxymoron?).  In those days, Clear Lake had a kids drum and bugle corp. I envied those kids!  My cousins were always part of it and it was exciting to see them marching in those funny little shorts and band hats. After the parade – picnic in the triangle park or at my Aunt Verna’s house.  And of course, walk to city park and enjoy the carnival.  The culmination of the day’s festivities is always fireworks set off from barges on the lake – a spectacular sight. After kids’ schedules kept us from getting to Clear Lake – our tradition became going to Carlisle. It’s a quintessential small-town America parade. All the little-league teams ride in the parade, firetrucks, horses, tractors and lots of candy. It’s tomorrow morning (the 4th) at 9:30. Why not come and check it out. The theme this year is God Bless Them All – thanking the military.  I bet someone will even set lawn chairs in their front yard and invite you to join them.
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Central Iowa’s Love/Hate Realtionship with Des Moines Register

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
I don’t know anyone who loves the DM Register and thinks they are unbiased purveyors of local news. They are the newspaper we all love to hate. The latest article to raise my blood pressure was titled “Realtors squabble over commission money, Iowa Realty trims amount of commission it shares with two competitors.” The title seems to imply there was a petty disagreement over money.  Read the article and see if the title represents the content.  Iowa Realty has decided to give NO commission money to Keller Williams agents that sell one of their listings.  That is not “trimming the amount of commission” that is bully tactics to ‘welcome’ the new guy in town. The mystery is how does this serve Iowa Realty’s clients? The client is still charged the full commission. If the selling agent is from Keller Williams – they get nothing. Where does the other half the commission go? In Bill Knapp’s pocket?  And the general public has no idea of this situation.  I don’t know who causes me more angst – Iowa Realty or Des Moines Register.  In this case,  Iowa Realty deserves the razzberry. It’s a greedy move that does not serve our clients, our community or our profession.  

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Junk-tiques, Junk Style, Re-Purposed

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
Call it whatever you want- it’s a dominant trend in today’s decorating. It’s great for the imaginative, for those with a vision for the eclectic and unusual, great for reducing waste – can’t see a down side. Even new things in today’s decorating stores imitate the old, worn, used items. There are websites, markets and stores devoted to selling old things re-purposed with a new lease in life. Here in the Des Moines area, there are many venues to choose from. Last month’s Junk Jubilee at the Iowa State Fairgrounds was a huge economic hit. It was only the second year for the event, the building was full with vendors, the parking lot was full of shoppers from all around the state. If you missed that event, here are some coming up.
  • J.P. Knackers in Gilbert Iowa has an event planned named Junkin in June – 29-30th. Check out their website for details.
  • Red Barn Rustics in Boone is planning an “occasional sale” once a month, next one June 29-30.
  • There will be a Swap Meet at Exit 52, the St. Charles Road on June 23rd.
  • JunkStock, Vintage and Junk Fair will be in Omaha June22,23 & 24th.
If you know of any others in the area  – please post and let us know. If you want a Mid-Century Modern Realtor, who is still current and practical – Call Bill Eisenlauer 770-2455. If you want a younger model- call Bob at 979-2883.
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Somebody please explain this.

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
I know I tend to the traditional. Even trying to think outside the box- I don’t get this. How do these tires work?  Do they have air in them?  If the air in our tires provide us with a comfortable ride, do these tires with almost no air  make an uncomfortable ride?  And therefore – why would a person pay extra for these tires- I’m assuming they are more expensive? 
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A Great Step for Mankind (in the design sense)

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog

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?

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National Association of Realtors Positive Numbers

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
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
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10th Annual CelebrAsian

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog
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.
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Home Sales in the Des Moines area market on the Up-Swing

Author: myrna
Categories: Blog

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.”

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