Real Estate Information

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, and it can also be one of the most stressful. By having a home inspection it can help to ensure that the quality of your potential home is in good condition and help to eliminate surprises by making you aware to any problems.

So how do you go about selecting a home inspector?    One good way to start is one of the two nationally recognized professional associations for home inspectors; the American Society of Home Inspectors or The National Association of Home Inspectors.   In order to be listed with either of these organizations one has to go through a certification process. Both of these have a search engine to help you find “state certified home inspectors.”  Once you have a few names it doesn’t hurt to check with the Better Business Bureau.  Make a list of inspectors that have been recommended.  Avoiding anyone who has a negative report can help you avoid any potential problems with your inspection. 

A few things questions to ask when talking to your potential home inspector:

• What is the inspector's experience? How many years have they been in the business and how many inspections do they do a year?
 
• Exclusively inspections? Beware of contractors who do house inspections "on the side"--they may be looking for work and this isn’t necessarily what you want.

• What type of report? Will it be written or oral or both? Will the report contain suggestions for remedying deficiencies?   Preference should always be to get it in writing.

• How long will it take? Depending on the size of the house an inspection should take between 2 and 4 hours.

• What will be included in the inspection?

• What certifications do they have? Are they ASHI or NAHI certified?

With summer’s arrival, the thought of that dip in the pool is a very tempting prospect.  For children, it is even more tempting and dangerous.  It then comes as no surprise that the National Safety Council reports that the number two cause of injury-related death among children is drowning. About 1000 children drown each year and another 4000 are hospitalized for near-drowning. Many of these tragic events could be prevented by the installation of a pool fence or barrier.

Most county and townships have specific requirements for a perimeter fence around a yard containing a pool.  Those requirements have to be met to the letter.  However, if your yard is like most, it does double duty in the summer, housing a pool and also a play area.  While nothing can replace a parents vigilant supervision, there are a number of products on the market that can make things a little safer and offer a little more peace of mind.

Pool Fences:

Fence it in. Pools should be completely surrounded by fencing material at least 4 feet tall. Chain link fence works,  A slatted fence should have no gaps wider than 4 inches, so kids can't squeeze through. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a child's reach.  There are several fencing options available specifically for keeping children out of the pool and harms way.  Click here to view some of these options that are actually endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Pool Barriers:

One pool cover called Katchakid has actually gotten the ALA (American Lifeguard Association’s endorsement.  A Katchakid is a custom net system which covers the pool in a net which is too small for a child to stick a head through, but still allows you to chlorinate the pool as needed without the other issues a full pool cover would cause.  The net is made of a rough UV resistant product that is uncomfortable for little children to walk or crawl on.  Thusly, a child is prevented from crawling on or getting into the pool. 

Another recommended option is an alarm system, something as simple as an alarm on the gate of the fence that surrounds the pool.  Also available are pool alarms which are activated by motion at the pool level.   

Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.  It is also a good idea to remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool. Wile there is nothing on the market is more vital to your family’s safety than your vigilance.  Supervision is key around the pool and while children are playing outside. 

Independence day is almost here, and for many people the 4th of July is the highlight of the summer. Backyard barbecues, parades, and of course fireworks! The Des Moines area has much to offer in fun for everyone. Take a look at what different events your family can enjoy together on this holiday.

Living History Farms

Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth with a historic Independence Day celebration in the town of Walnut Hill! With events such as pie eating, watermelon seed spitting, and gunny sack races. An 1875 vintage Independence Day parade along with a period 1875-rules baseball game.

Fireworks, "Live At The Creek" Concert

Jordan Creek Town Center's Independence Day celebration with entertainment and fireworks will take place on July 1. Festivities start at 5 p.m. when Tony Bohnenkamp and Jared Hall challenge each other during dueling pianos at the amphitheater. Fireworks will be at dusk.

Mud Volleyball Tournament

The 24th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament will take place in Raccoon River Park in the morning.  The WDM Community Band Concert will be held by the Coneflower Shelters in Raccoon River Park starting at 7:00pm and the fireworks display will begin at dusk over Blue Heron Lake in Raccoon River Park.

Enjoy all the different events the Des Moines area has to offer.  Have a a wonderful and safe holiday!

Traditionally, a bridge loan is taken out by people caught in bottlenecks in the home buying process. They also help buyers take quick advantage of a home bargain, make a down payment on a house under construction or simply relieve some of the pressure of house-hunting. But the loans are fairly mysterious because few lenders write them and even fewer advertise them, making cost comparisons difficult.

What is a Bridge Loan?

Bridge loans are temporary loans to cover the difference between the sales price of a new home and a home buyer’s new mortgage if the old home hasn’t sold. The bridge loan is secured to the buyer’s existing home. The loan is then used as a down payment on the new home.

Many banks that offer bridge loans do not go by a FICO rate but more a sensible underwriting approach that hinges on the prequalification of the second home’s loan rate. (In other words, did you qualify for more than the amount of your new home or are you just barely making it. What is your debt to income ratio?)

Pros and Cons:

The Pros
• You can immediately put your house on the market.
• Bridge loans often have a grace period, without payments, for a few months.
• If the buyer has made a contingency offer to buy and the seller issues a Notice to Perform, forcing the buyers hand, the buyer can move forward still move forward with the purchase without the contingency.
• It allows you to get your new home without the stress of waiting on the sale of your old one.

The Cons
• Bridge loans cost more than home equity loans.
• Buyers will be qualified by the lender to own two homes and many buyers cannot qualify for this.
• You will essentially have two mortgage payments PLUS interest. Not the best situation for the long term.

Bridge loans are not meant to be long term, so in some cases taking out a home equity loan on your existing house for the down payment on your new home may be a better course of action. If your house sells within a month or two, you may need to make only one small payment before it closes. At closing you’ll pay off the home equity loan and be done with it. Essentially, you will have crossed the bridge before you even got to it.

Summer is here and it is time for the much cherished family vacation. But record-high gas prices  are forcing people to stay closer to home instead of driving or flying long distances for their summer vacation. That does not mean any shortage of fun however, the Des Moines area is full of fun things to do with something for everyone! With a little planning you can create a fun and relaxing destination in your own backyard. Below are just a few of the wonderful attractions  you can enjoy in our area.

Des  Moines Art Center   

4700 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA  515-277-4405
 

The Art Center presents thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, as well as hands-on studio art classes. World-class architecture and outstanding Permanent Collection is also featured. The center also has a restaurant that boasts a 5-star rating and the museum shop is a source for great gifts, contemporary items, jewelry, greeting cards, and art related books.

Des Moines Botanical Center

909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA  515-323-6290

The Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.

 Adventureland Park
 
305 34th Avenue NW
Altoona, IA 50009
515-266-2121

Adventureland Park has more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, including three great roller coasters. Rides for all ages, from mild to wet-and-wild. Shows throughout the park feature a variety of family entertainment. Hotel and campground located next to the park.

Big Creek State Park 
 
12397 NW 89th Court
Polk City, IA 50226
515-984-6473

Big Creek State Park provides a diverse outdoor recreation opportunity for visitors of all ages and interests. Big Creek Lake along with adjacent Saylorville Lake is the result of a flood control project. The focal point of the Park is the 866-acre lake with fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and other leisure activities

The recent floods and devastating storms have resulted in hundreds of families who are in need of help. You can help the victims of flooding and other disasters across the country by contacting the below agencies.

The Red Cross is providing Iowa flood victims with shelter, food, counseling and other assistance. Donate at 1-800-HELP NOW or en espanol 1-800-257-7575 or online.

Iowa Concern Hotline
Iowans who need assistance or wish to volunteer with recovery efforts should contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.

Des Moines Volunteer Registration
Polk County Emergency Management officials said Wednesday morning that so far they don't need volunteers to help with sandbagging efforts. However, the did indicate that there may be a large-scale volunteer effort necessary to respond throughout Polk County. Anyone interested in volunteering should begin registering now at www.unitedwaydm.org.

Volunteers will receive an email notification once opportunities and needs are made available. Residents without access to the Internet should call 211 to register their contact information. Volunteers will  then be contacted if they are needed and should be available to report to the Volunteer Reception Center as directed. Once at the Center, volunteers will be screened, given an ID and deployed to various locations in the most urgent areas of need. A Volunteer Reception Center is being set up to coordinate the volunteer response to the flooding emergencies in Polk County. The Volunteer Reception Center will be open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. beginning Wednesday, June 11.  It will be located at the United Way Human Services Campus at 1111 9th  St, Des Moines, IA.

Rides For Volunteers
Wednesday: Yellow Cab and Capitol Cab is offering free rides to any person who will volunteer to help with flood prevention efforts downtown.  515-282-8111 for information.

Memorial day kicks off the summer season and our area offers many festivals and events all summer long to enjoy. From music to art and everything in between, Des Moines offers something to do for everyone! Summer always goes quick so take time to enjoy the below offerings throughout the area.

Greek Festival 2008

June 7 - 8

Eat and Be Greek! The Greek Food Fair of Des Moines promises to be another fun filled Greek weekend. The festival will be located on the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church,1110 35th St. Des Moines, IA, 50311

Des Moines Arts Festival 

June 27 - 29

Come enjoy the sites in downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. The De Moines Arts Festival features 175 professional juried artists, over 25 family and adult art activities  Performing Arts Stage,   24 eclectic food booths,2 stages hosting live music, 26 Non-profit organizations showcasing art activities,fireworks and much more. Admission is free.        

                 
 Iowa State Fair 

August 7-17

In additon to the traditional rides and great food, the music line-up includes classic rock band Def Leppard with special guest Everclear, “High School Musical” sensations Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, country superstar Josh Turner, and glam metal band Cinderella.

While during your search for a new home, you may find some that are part of a homeowners association.  If you have never owned a home in a HOA community will certainly have questions such as what exactly does a homeowners association do? As well as what are the pros and cons?

A homeowners association is usually formed by a developer as a non-profit to maintain some aspect of a development or community.  In the case of many condos, a home owners association often handles the maintenance of the building at large. The association is normally funded by dues or an association fee.  Most real estate listings will tell you if the home is a part of an association and the fees.

A home owners association has the authority to enforce established rules and by-laws, including the right to fine individual home owners for flagrant violations.  If a neighbor's tree fell onto a home owner's driveway, for example, a homeowners association would have the right to order the tree removed.  If a fence violates the maximum height rule, a home owner’s association representative can order the home owner to replace the fence with a more acceptable one.

There are pros and cons to being a part of a homeowners association, it may or may not fit with your lifestyle and ideals. Below are some of both to help you make a decision as to if you are interested in moving into a neighborhood with an HOA.

Pros
• Some communities with HOAs have community parks, playgrounds, swimming pools or other nice amenities to help attract prospective tenants. Another plus is the maintance is already taken care of!
• They handle keeping the neighborhood clean and maintains up to date, they also help keep the house all looking the same to keep property values up.
• The close community concern may give owners a greater sense of security.

Cons
• If you don’t like restrictions on your own property, a HOA may not be for you. Many associations restrict boats and cars that don’t run from being stored in a driveway and certain paint colors on homes.
• If you don’t comply with the rules or fail to pay the dues, the HOA has a right to put a lien on your property.
• Fees can be monthly or yearly, so you will need to include them in your budget; many fees tend to rise on a yearly basis.

Before considering a home with an owners association read the agreement.  Ask the homeowners in the community about the services they receive.  This way you can get a feel for how happy the locals are about their association.  Also, be sure to make sure you know how the association deals with issues that arise. As a potential buyer do your research to make an educated decision and avoid surprises.