Tchotchke, pronounced chach-ke. It’s an appropriate time of year to contemplate the economic impact of the gifts we buy for the person who needs nothing. One of my favorite blogs – DemoMemo invented a Tchotchke Index. I love this blog, because, as we all know – Figures don’t lie, but liars can figure! You won’t believe the studies that have been done and conclusions drawn from them. Check it out- DemoMemo. First -consider what defines a tchotchke. Some say a decorative item for the home. Some say cheap and tacky items displayed in the home. Bauble, bric-a-brac, curio, trinket, knickknack. No matter what you call them, we all have them, we’ve all received them, we’ve all given them. But did you ever imagine that the economic health of our country could be gauged by how much we spend annually on tchotchkes? Self-storage facilities might also be an indicator of our love of trinkets. The assumption is that when we feel economically solid, we spend more on fluff decor. DemoMemo claims that the index peaked in 2000 and fell to it’s low in 2003. The good news is that 2014 spending on useless bric-a-brac shows cautious optimism. We’re up from 2013, but less than 2012. So, if you’re feeling comfortable in the wallet – purchase a purely non-essential bauble and feel at peace with the universe.
What’s your favorite along the way site?
Follow us on Pinterest – we have an “Along the Way” Board
with new things added as we find them.
October has so many perks! Beautiful colors, lots of sunny days with cool sleeping-with-the-windows-open evenings, football, crunchy leaves, homemade soups, breast cancer awareness and Taste of Altoona! What more could a person want?
The Eisenlauer Team will be at Taste of Altoona, Thur. Oct 17 from 5:00-8:00. We will be doing a pink theme again to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. We will have PINK bags for you to pick up, pink cotton candy and be ready with any real estate needs you might have.
Here’s my rant about “themes of the month”. Often, we are so inundated with themes and colors and special days that we become immune or de-sensitized. It’s just more “noise” that we have learned to shut out. I understand that. I have gone for an annual mammogram for the last 10 years, at least. I have been called back for abnormalities. But 4 years ago, I was called back and then scheduled for a biopsy. The biopsy was positive for cancer and I prepared to “fight like a girl”. We have been told by the press that annual mammograms are not necessary. I wonder if I’d had the same prognosis if my small lump had gone another year? I say if there’s a female in your life – a mother, a sister, a wife, a neighbor, a co-worker – make this the month you’ll hold them accountable. Make sure they schedule the test. Make it an outing – take them to the appointment, then go to lunch, go shopping, go to a movie – but get it done!
Stop by the Eisenlauer Team booth at the taste of Altoona. Get your pink bag, cotton candy and ask us Real Estate questions. Hope you see you there!
How fortunate are we here in the central Iowa to have TWO major art festivals to attend. Even if you don’t have original art in your budget, there are so many reasons to attend!
However you feel about the highbrow art, the abundance of out-of-state artists, the high price tags – you have to admit that if gives Des Moines notoriety, showcases our town, and gives us a great opportunity to experience a fun, exciting, affordable weekend. Hope you partake!
And in case you’d like the Eisenlauer Team’s opinion on that work of art before you buy, be sure to give us a call.
Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883
Facebook plans to build in Altoona. North of I-80 and Bass Pro will be the new home of Facebook’s Tech Center. There is some controversy about how much of an economic impact this will have on our local economy. They will be building a “data center” – whatever that is. It probably will not be built by local contractors. It will employ fewer than 30 people. They are not elite tech positions – salaries expected to be $50,000/yr. They’ve received $18 million of incentives to locate in Altoona. It looks like, at least on paper, Hubbell Realty is making a profit. Hubbell purchased the 197 acres in 2005 for $2.5 million with the intent to develop for residential construction. They sold to Facebook for $4.8 Million. Mortgage rates dropped again this week, according to CNN money. You can get a 15 yr. fixed rate loan for a record low of 2.56%. The most popular term for a mortgage is 30-yr, that was at 3.35%. Greater Des Moines foreclosure rates decreased in February over the same period last year, according to real estate analytics firm CoreLogic Inc. The rate of foreclosures among outstanding mortgages was 2.3 percent, down from 2.65 percent in February 2012. The national foreclosure rate was 2.85 percent in February. The delinquency rate also dropped in Greater Des Moines, to 4.23 percent from 4.7 percent a year ago. Feed Energy’s parent company – Riley Resource Group has begun remodeling work on the former Lakeside Fitness Center building in Pleasant Hill. 30 of the 100 employees will be located in the newly remodeled building. The north side of the this building is predominately glass. Wouldn’t that be a great work view? Home ownership statistics for the 30-35 yr old age group still needs a boost. This is the age group that is typically looked at, as an indicator of the housing market. If you’re in this age group and don’t yet own a house – give us a call and we’ll help you define the advantages of buying a home in today’s market. Eisenlauer Team, Easy to Work With…Hard to Beat!Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883
I think it’s finally spring here in Polk County. I visited the Iowa State Extension website to see what tips I could pass onto homeowners concerning spring lawn care. Here’s what I found from my research:
Bill – 770-2455 Bob 979-2883
Are you aware that, every year, Pantone chooses a Color of the Year? The color gurus pay attention to what’s being used globally – in fashion, graffiti, landscapes, cityscapes etc – and elect an honored color every year. According to Pantone, Emerald Green promotes balance and harmony. The perception of emerald is sophistication. It’s the color of money. It indicates new growth, and a fresh start. 
It is lively and radiant – Look to nature for inspiration – pair it with yellow and oranges for an energizing jolt. Emerald is lush – a jewel tone. Think of other jewel tones to pair it with – purples, blues, reds, black and golds. Balance and harmony – Let the emerald be the pop of rich color against neutral backdrop of grays, whites, muted yellow or blues. 
Now that you’re aware of the color for 2013 – take notice if you see it in your world. In clothes, jewelry, designer fabrics, printed materials, furniture, exterior color of business, front door of a home.And if you want color design advice – call the Eisenlauer Team. We can steer you to the people who “know”
Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883
The Eisenlauer Team Easy to Work With…Hard to Beat! www.eisenlauerteam.com
Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883
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