We have all experienced something new in 2020. None of us have lived through a shut-down as extensive as this covid-19 experience. We can each think about what we’ve lost during this time OR we can think about positive lessons we’ve learned. Covid-19 has leveled the playing field. None of us had prior experience. It does not respect gender, income, occupation or living standards. We are all learning together. We can be divisive or find common ground. So many things in today’s world can divide us into opposing groups OR we can choose to find common ground. We were TOO BUSY. This virus has forced us to clear our schedule. Let’s count that as a positive. While, we might miss our regular chosen activities, there’s something calming about a simpler schedule. I think it’s a good time to evaluate what/when/how much we want to add back into our lives as regulations relax. We may find we didn’t miss some activities as much as we thought we would! Americans (Iowans in particular) are innovative. Appreciate and compliment the businesses and services that found new ways to serve and thrive in this era. Food delivery services are thriving, restaurants with drive-thru have people waiting to be served. (Dairy Zone, an Eastside Tradition is an example) Our local business owners have enormous hearts and generously give each other a hands-up. We’ve seen individual businesses giving others a shout-out and offering services together to give us a better value. How many “free meals” have you seen offered? Elder Corporation has sponsored many, in lieu of one big 60th Anniversary Celebration. How many “drive-by” parties have you participated in? We hosted one, and I must say, it was easy to organize, no clean-up and one Happy Birthday Girl! Zoom meetings have flourished – how fun is it to attend a business meeting in pajama pants! We’ve used it for church groups and I’ve heard lots of families using it as for social get-togethers. And on the low-tech end of the spectrum, simple things like jig-saw puzzles and board games are very entertaining and bring family members together. I think people are more apt to give grace and mercy in person than on social media – ahem….maybe spend less time on social media! Iowa Nice is a real thing! What are your observations? Would love to know what you’ve learned or how you’ve adapted to the “current normal”. And a real estate note – people are still buying, people are still selling. Call 515-979-2883, if you want to be one of them.
What a crazy situation we are in, a defining time in all our lives. Our kids will see life with this as a reference point – life before Covid 19 and life after. There will be stories to recount to kids, grandkids, in history books and biographies. How do you want to define it? Yes, there are people fighting over toilet paper and disinfectant wipes But it is also a chance to see Americans shine and rise above the ordinary. I was reading a 2016 letter from Warren Buffet to his shareholders. Referring to economy, he said ” For 240 years, it’s been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is no time to start”. I like this sentiment for this time in which we are in. For every doomsday prediction and story, we can find a story of “Iowa Nice”. We are also a very resourceful people, thinking of new ways to do business. Some things I’ve noted.
I came home yesterday to an Easter bunny wallhanging and towel by my back door from a neighbor. Another neighbor left us warm roast beef in a container on the front porch.
Zoom is allowing their platform to be used by nonprofits, so a group of us have been meeting several times a week for a visit and prayer time.
Board games are left out and played often. On our neighborhood FB page, one family offered to deliver from their board game library to others’ front step.
Let’s follow Warren Buffet’s quote, we won’t bet against Americans creativity and resilience. Share your stories of Americans (and Iowans in particular) sharing and caring and finding new ways to do what needs to be done.
Do you ever watch people and notice how many have an electronic device in front of them? Or observe a group of young people together, but individually on their phones? Have you joined the ‘one word’ movement? Each year, you adopt one word that is to dominate your choices, your way of living and shift your focus to one particular area. I’ve heard the word ‘Intentional’ in this context. Being intentional about your thoughts, your focus, your conversations. Well, I am going to challenge myself, and hopefully others to intentionally notice little details in our everyday life. Last weekend, I saw a vanity license plate on a car. It spelled BLONDE, but the fun twist – it was mounted upside down on the car! I followed (chased) the car till I could get a good photo. Then I posted it on Facebook. The owner saw the post and commented that she loves seeing people point, smile, take photos and that, in turn, makes her happy. Our family works in real estate sale, so I notice houses. Sometimes, I drive down a street that I’ve traveled often, and all of a sudden, I notice a house that I’ve NEVER noticed in the past. Then I wonder, how could I have missed that house all the times I’ve driven on this street? That’s what this is about – taking notice of the mundane, ordinary – appreciating them and elevating them by taking note, taking a photo, and/or simply appreciating them. Today, I stopped at a fun food establishment – Grateful Chef. It is located just south of the downtown area and makes ‘Grab-n-Go’ meals and freezer meals. This photo is of the salad I purchased for my lunch. Just look at the visual presentation – juicy red strawberries, fat blueberries, cherry tomatoes, seeds, lettuce and savory dressing. Now imagine the explosion of flavor, the contrast of the crisp lettuce, crunch of the nuts and seeds, soft texture of the fruit, the unexpected contrast of the sweetness with the savory. I appreciate the work that went into this salad, chopping the items, arranging them in a visually appealing presentation that said abundance, health and deliciousness! I plan to start Monday posts about Something-New-I-Noticed. I challenge you to see new things or old things in a new way and share with your world.
And if you’re noticing a house that is For Sale that you’d like info on – call the Eisenlauer Team.
Most of us go overboard decorating for Christmas – do it early and do alot. Then, when the New Year is here, do you transition easily to a winter decor? Or pack it all up and wait for the next decorating binge in the spring? I’ve been browsing blogs for some easy tips and hints for fun, easy and inexpensive winter decor. When our hours of darkness are long, a candle adds a soft, cozy feel to any room, not to mention a sweet aroma. Display natural elements like pine cones in the room. It could be a wreath, it could be in a bowl with greenery. Add some eucalyptus or evergreen for additional color and fragrance. Twigs, branches, natural unfinished wood are all economical accents, especially plentiful this time of year. Leave the branches natural, look for red branches for a pop of color or gild them with gold spray paint. The white, peel-y bark of birch is a textural addition to decor. Use a slice for a pedestal, use logs in a grouping. Here’s a link to suggestion on how to find it at a budget price. We all have lone mittens and gloves – gather them up and make a garland. Picture them across your fireplace – use a rope and vintage wood clothespins. A porch-scape is a great place to welcome visitors with vintage winter sports equipment. Picture ice skates with a ribbon, wood sleds holding a wreath, wooden snow skis and perhaps pair with aged galvanized metal containters. Nothing says winter comfort like flannel, and buffalo plaid is at it’s peak. Take a well-worn flannel shirt and make a pillow – DIY here. Or shop online for popular items in black/white or red/white. Would love to see and hear about your favorite winter decor, DIY’s and where you shop for them. If you’re thinking of selling your house this winter, these could be great staging ideas. If that’s your plan – call 515-979-2883. The Eisenlauer Team is ready to help. Coming next week – Pantone color for 2020
As we end one year, our team meets to review the year ending and plan for the coming year. We assess our activities, our expenditures, goals met or goals missed. As part of the process, I do a bit of research to see what ‘experts’ are predicting for the new year. I’d like to share some of my findings.
Baby Boomers are holding up the inventory in the housing market, as they live longer, work longer and stay in their homes longer.
Millennials – will continue to be the largest age group of home buyers (37%)
Electronic signatures will be more common with other digitized changes will be coming.
New term – Hipsturbia. As urban areas increase in price, millennials will turn to suburbs and outlying communities.
New construction continues, but still a pent-up demand.
The real estate industry has more new, untrained & inexperienced agents. (The number of agents always increases when the market is strong). Your home is often the biggest purchase/sale/investment that you have. Hire an experienced Realtor – like the Eisenlauer Team.
What are your expectations for 2020? If it includes a real estate purchase/sale, please call us (515-979-2883). We are excited for the future and ready to help you and your friends and family. Linked to sources.
Summer is here and it seems to me the bugs have started early. I’m sure the wet spring we’ve had has contributed. What can you do to limit the bugs in your yard, especially mosquitoes?
Standing water is the breeding grounds. Empty pails, glasses, bird bath, toys, then turn them upside down.
If you have spots in your yard where water collects after a rain, resolve the problem with adding dirt and grade the dirt around the house to drain away. This will protect your basement also.
If you have a pond, adding aeration helps keep egg laying/hatching minimized.
Check your gutters to make sure they are draining properly without areas of standing water.
Swimming pools should be filtered, kept clean and covered to minimize the mosquito population.
Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug bulbs.
And if you do all these – it does not guarantee that mosquitoes will vacate your yard. After all, they do fly! What is your favorite home remedy?
A popular one used to be Avon SkinSoSoft. I’m not sure if this product is still availalable?
Bounce dryer sheets are supposed to repel mosquitos. It is suggested you rub them on your yourself and your clothing. Has anyone tried this?
Essential Oils – several oils are recommended to keep bugs at bay; Cinnamon, and /or lemon eucalyptus.
If does seem that some people are simply more susceptible or more appealing to mosquitoes and other annoying summer bugs. What’s your remedy? Would love to hear from you.
Have you been noticing more and more street art in Des Moines? I have and love it. The very first one I noticed was the side of an apartment building at the corner of Des Moines St. and Penn Ave . It’s funky and odd, bright colors, abstract and even a bit disgusting. Really, it has teeth falling out , snot and bugs! But it catches your eye and makes you wonder. Who painted it? Why these cartoonish people? Why on this building? This one was done by a local artist, Frank Hansen and is titled Sarah and Leland with Bees. The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity. Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! Others come loudly, and with less dignity and artistic composition, but still catch your eye and attention. They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
Pantone is the Standard for colors and every year they announce a Color of the Year. In 2017, it was Greenery. Not a friendly color in my opinion. Almost lime green. If we saw it in a seller house, we’d advise them to tone it down to something more nuetral. In 2018 – Ultra Violet. Again – probably not a great color to paint all the walls in one room. But if you think of these colors as accessory colors or pop of color in a more neutral room – you’re more apt to fall in love. For 2019 – the color is Living Coral. If you visit the Pantone site, you can actually shop for fun items in the Color of the Year, like a key chain, a journal, a coffee mug. Consider how your front door might look – changing it annually to the chosen hue. Or throw pillows on the couch, or a beautiful glass vase.
Look for this color this year – not just in home decor, but in advertising, in accessories and in fashion. And then, think how it could coordinate with other colors in your world. The Pantone site is a great resource to show this color (and others) in a color palette that may appeal to you. And if Living Coral does not ring your bell – there are other companies choosing a color for 2019. Benjamin Moore has chosen a shade of Greige – a combination of beige and grey. This has been a great neutral in homes for the past several years. HGTV with Sherwin Willliams has their color choices and trends for the new year. These sites are such good resources. On many, you can upload a photo of your room and they will show you how a new color would look before you roll up your sleeves and start painting. Now that Christmas is over and the New Year approaches, it’s a good time to think about adding color to your winter world. Would love to see (or hear about) what your color projects are for 2019.
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 ofwhat 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.
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.
We have all experienced something new in 2020. None of us have lived through a shut-down as extensive as this covid-19 experience. We can each think about what we’ve lost during this time OR we can think about positive lessons we’ve learned. Covid-19 has leveled the playing field. None of us had prior experience. It does not respect gender, income, occupation or living standards. We are all learning together. We can be divisive or find common ground. So many things in today’s world can divide us into opposing groups OR we can choose to find common ground. We were TOO BUSY. This virus has forced us to clear our schedule. Let’s count that as a positive. While, we might miss our regular chosen activities, there’s something calming about a simpler schedule. I think it’s a good time to evaluate what/when/how much we want to add back into our lives as regulations relax. We may find we didn’t miss some activities as much as we thought we would! Americans (Iowans in particular) are innovative. Appreciate and compliment the businesses and services that found new ways to serve and thrive in this era. Food delivery services are thriving, restaurants with drive-thru have people waiting to be served. (Dairy Zone, an Eastside Tradition is an example) Our local business owners have enormous hearts and generously give each other a hands-up. We’ve seen individual businesses giving others a shout-out and offering services together to give us a better value. How many “free meals” have you seen offered? Elder Corporation has sponsored many, in lieu of one big 60th Anniversary Celebration. How many “drive-by” parties have you participated in? We hosted one, and I must say, it was easy to organize, no clean-up and one Happy Birthday Girl! Zoom meetings have flourished – how fun is it to attend a business meeting in pajama pants! We’ve used it for church groups and I’ve heard lots of families using it as for social get-togethers. And on the low-tech end of the spectrum, simple things like jig-saw puzzles and board games are very entertaining and bring family members together. I think people are more apt to give grace and mercy in person than on social media – ahem….maybe spend less time on social media! Iowa Nice is a real thing! What are your observations? Would love to know what you’ve learned or how you’ve adapted to the “current normal”. And a real estate note – people are still buying, people are still selling. Call 515-979-2883, if you want to be one of them. 
What a crazy situation we are in, a defining time in all our lives. Our kids will see life with this as a reference point – life before Covid 19 and life after. There will be stories to recount to kids, grandkids, in history books and biographies. How do you want to define it? Yes, there are people fighting over toilet paper and disinfectant wipes But it is also a chance to see Americans shine and rise above the ordinary. I was reading a 2016 letter from Warren Buffet to his shareholders. Referring to economy, he said ” For 240 years, it’s been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is no time to start”. I like this sentiment for this time in which we are in. For every doomsday prediction and story, we can find a story of “Iowa Nice”. We are also a very resourceful people, thinking of new ways to do business. Some things I’ve noted.
Do you ever watch people and notice how many have an electronic device in front of them? Or observe a group of young people together, but individually on their phones? Have you joined the ‘one word’ movement? Each year, you adopt one word that is to dominate your choices, your way of living and shift your focus to one particular area. I’ve heard the word ‘Intentional’ in this context. Being intentional about your thoughts, your focus, your conversations. Well, I am going to challenge myself, and hopefully others to intentionally notice little details in our everyday life. 
Last weekend, I saw a vanity license plate on a car. It spelled BLONDE, but the fun twist – it was mounted upside down on the car! I followed (chased) the car till I could get a good photo. Then I posted it on Facebook. The owner saw the post and commented that she loves seeing people point, smile, take photos and that, in turn, makes her happy. Our family works in real estate sale, so I notice houses. Sometimes, I drive down a street that I’ve traveled often, and all of a sudden, I notice a house that I’ve NEVER noticed in the past. Then I wonder, how could I have missed that house all the times I’ve driven on this street? That’s what this is about – taking notice of the mundane, ordinary – appreciating them and elevating them by taking note, taking a photo, and/or simply appreciating them. 
Today, I stopped at a fun food establishment – Grateful Chef. It is located just south of the downtown area and makes ‘Grab-n-Go’ meals and freezer meals. This photo is of the salad I purchased for my lunch. Just look at the visual presentation – juicy red strawberries, fat blueberries, cherry tomatoes, seeds, lettuce and savory dressing. Now imagine the explosion of flavor, the contrast of the crisp lettuce, crunch of the nuts and seeds, soft texture of the fruit, the unexpected contrast of the sweetness with the savory. I appreciate the work that went into this salad, chopping the items, arranging them in a visually appealing presentation that said abundance, health and deliciousness! I plan to start Monday posts about Something-New-I-Noticed. I challenge you to see new things or old things in a new way and share with your world.
When our hours of darkness are long, a candle adds a soft, cozy feel to any room, not to mention a sweet aroma. 
Display natural elements like pine cones in the room. It could be a wreath, it could be in a bowl with greenery. Add some eucalyptus or evergreen for additional color and fragrance. 
Twigs, branches, natural unfinished wood are all economical accents, especially plentiful this time of year. Leave the branches natural, look for red branches for a pop of color or gild them with gold spray paint. The white, peel-y bark of birch is a textural addition to decor. Use a slice for a pedestal, use logs in a grouping. Here’s a link to suggestion on how to find it at a budget price. 
We all have lone mittens and gloves – gather them up and make a garland. Picture them across your fireplace – use a rope and vintage wood clothespins. 
A porch-scape is a great place to welcome visitors with vintage winter sports equipment. Picture ice skates with a ribbon, wood sleds holding a wreath, wooden snow skis and perhaps pair with aged galvanized metal containters. 
Nothing says winter comfort like flannel, and buffalo plaid is at it’s peak. Take a well-worn flannel shirt and make a pillow – DIY here. Or shop online for popular items in black/white or red/white. Would love to see and hear about your favorite winter decor, DIY’s and where you shop for them. If you’re thinking of selling your house this winter, these could be great staging ideas. If that’s your plan – call 515-979-2883. The Eisenlauer Team is ready to help. Coming next week – Pantone color for 2020
When our hours of darkness are long, a candle adds a soft, cozy feel to any room, not to mention a sweet aroma. 
Display natural elements like pine cones in the room. It could be a wreath, it could be in a bowl with greenery. Add some eucalyptus or evergreen for additional color and fragrance. 
Twigs, branches, natural unfinished wood are all economical accents, especially plentiful this time of year. Leave the branches natural, look for red branches for a pop of color or gild them with gold spray paint. The white, peel-y bark of birch is a textural addition to decor. Use a slice for a pedestal, use logs in a grouping. Here’s a link to suggestion on how to find it at a budget price. 
We all have lone mittens and gloves – gather them up and make a garland. Picture them across your fireplace – use a rope and vintage wood clothespins. 
A porch-scape is a great place to welcome visitors with vintage winter sports equipment. Picture ice skates with a ribbon, wood sleds holding a wreath, wooden snow skis and perhaps pair with aged galvanized metal containters. 
Nothing says winter comfort like flannel, and buffalo plaid is at it’s peak. Take a well-worn flannel shirt and make a pillow – DIY here. Or shop online for popular items in black/white or red/white. Would love to see and hear about your favorite winter decor, DIY’s and where you shop for them. If you’re thinking of selling your house this winter, these could be great staging ideas. If that’s your plan – call 515-979-2883. The Eisenlauer Team is ready to help. Coming next week – Pantone color for 2020
As we end one year, our team meets to review the year ending and plan for the coming year. We assess our activities, our expenditures, goals met or goals missed. As part of the process, I do a bit of research to see what ‘experts’ are predicting for the new year. I’d like to share some of my findings.
Summer is here and it seems to me the bugs have started early. I’m sure the wet spring we’ve had has contributed. What can you do to limit the bugs in your yard, especially mosquitoes?
The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. 
An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. 
They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. 
An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. 
Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity. Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! 
Others come loudly, and with less dignity and artistic composition, but still catch your eye and attention. 
They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
For 2019 – the color is Living Coral. If you visit the Pantone site, you can actually shop for fun items in the Color of the Year, like a key chain, a journal, a coffee mug. Consider how your front door might look – changing it annually to the chosen hue. Or throw pillows on the couch, or a beautiful glass vase.
HGTV with Sherwin Willliams has their color choices and trends for the new year. These sites are such good resources. On many, you can upload a photo of your room and they will show you how a new color would look before you roll up your sleeves and start painting. Now that Christmas is over and the New Year approaches, it’s a good time to think about adding color to your winter world. Would love to see (or hear about) what your color projects are for 2019. 
For 2019 – the color is Living Coral. If you visit the Pantone site, you can actually shop for fun items in the Color of the Year, like a key chain, a journal, a coffee mug. Consider how your front door might look – changing it annually to the chosen hue. Or throw pillows on the couch, or a beautiful glass vase.
HGTV with Sherwin Willliams has their color choices and trends for the new year. These sites are such good resources. On many, you can upload a photo of your room and they will show you how a new color would look before you roll up your sleeves and start painting. Now that Christmas is over and the New Year approaches, it’s a good time to think about adding color to your winter world. Would love to see (or hear about) what your color projects are for 2019. 
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.
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