<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Des Moines Iowa Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By Iowa Realty</title><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:17:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>HUD Announces New Policy For Quicker Foreclosure Re-sales</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.thesmartmoveteam.com/agent_files/foreclosure.jpg" alt="" width="125" height="94" />Recently t<span style="font-size: 10pt;">he </span></span><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&nbsp;annoucned that</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;they will&nbsp;relax FHA rules that prohibit insuring mortgages on homes that are owned by the seller for less than 90 days. This new policy took effect<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> February 1, 2010 and is a move that hopefully will</span> help to expedite the rehabilitation and resale of foreclosure properties.<br /><br />With recent tighter lending requirements,&nbsp; FHA financing has been the only option for some buyers. The 90-day policy has&nbsp;kept some </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank">homebuyers</a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"> </a>from being able to <a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Access" target="_blank">purchase affordable homes</a>. In addition this has also prevented the quick resale of </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">foreclosed properties</span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">, which affects the ability of communities to stabilize and rebuild.<br /><br />This temporary waiver will be in effect for a period of one year, unless extended or withdrawn by the FHA.&nbsp;"FHA borrowers, because of the restrictions we are now lifting, have often been shut out from buying affordable properties," said FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens. "This action will enable our borrowers, especially first-time buyers, to take advantage of this opportunity."<br /><br />To ensure FHA borrowers are protected from inflated prices, the policy has certain restrictions, including:</span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">All transactions must be arms-length and there can be no identity of interest between the buyer and seller.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">If the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition cost, the lender must meet specific conditions for the waiver to apply.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and cannot be used under the </span><a href="http://www.hecmresources.org/hecmresources/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)</span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> purchase program. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Read more specifics on this </span></span></span><a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/waivpropflip2010.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">waiver</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">, visit the HUD.gov release.</span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/HUD-Announces-New-Policy-For-Quicker-Foreclosure-Re-sales</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/HUD-Announces-New-Policy-For-Quicker-Foreclosure-Re-sales</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Assumable Mortgages</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/assumable%20mortgage.jpg" alt="" width="127" height="85" />Assumable mortgages are a unique lending instrument that allows someone else to take over the payments for you. The assumable mortgage is an alternative to the traditional financing most </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">homeowners</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> go with.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Assumable mortgages are very different and are also usually not very common today's market but depending on your situation, they may work for you. Below are&nbsp;the basics of assumable mortgages and what they can do for you.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How They Work</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">An assumable mortgage works in that&nbsp;another person can take over the loan that was originally issued to&nbsp;someone else. In order to assume the mortgage, the purchaser must qualify for the loan and pay closing fees, including the appraisal cost and </span></span><a href="http://www.hartfordtitle.com/?gclid=CKWHpbyDj6ACFQUMDQod2Xxmdg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">title insurance</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">.&nbsp;This&nbsp;can be beneficial for a piece of property that has been difficult to sell. A potential buyer can take over the current mortgage rather than obtaining their own financing.&nbsp;If you are in a situation where you need to sell a home quickly this can be an option.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Benefits of Assumable Loans</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull; The process of converting the original loan to an&nbsp;assumable mortgage, is relatively simple. Because the buyer will not need do go&nbsp;thru the closing process or obtain a property appraisal, the entire process can be completed quickly.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull;If the original loan was written during a time when </span></span><a href="http://www.bankrate.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">interest rates</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> were low, that is a big benefit to the buyer. The buyer is guaranteed the original interest rate, they do not&nbsp;have to take whatever rate the market is at currently. dictates to them.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull;If you are the seller and need to sell the home&nbsp;quickly,&nbsp;offering an&nbsp;assumable mortgage is a big attraction to buyers.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Disadvantages of Assumable Loans</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull; One risk&nbsp;for this type of mortgage can exist for the seller of the home. Some assumable mortgages can hold the seller liable for the loan itself even after the assumption takes place. Thus if the&nbsp;the buyer were to default on the loan, potentially the seller could be left responsible for whatever the lender is unable to recover. The homeseller can avoid this by indicating their release their liability in writing at the time of the assumption.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull;Sometimes large&nbsp;down payments can be required and could be difficult for some buyers to obtain.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Assumable-Mortgages</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Assumable-Mortgages</guid><pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Cabinet Refacing</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/cabinet%20refacing.jpg" alt="" width="140" height="99" />Whether you are planning to </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">sell your home</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or want to give your kitchen a fresh look, </span></span><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=SV_HS_Cabinet_Refacing&amp;langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">cabinet refacing</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;can be a less expensive alternative to a complete kitchen remodel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Outdated cabinets are a big turn off to potential buyers. Replacing cabinets can be quite costly, but refacing them can&nbsp;provide a&nbsp;completely new look.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If your cabinets are still in good condition, refacing with a wood veneer could be the best way to give your kitchen a makeover. Prices vary between different types of veneer so the overall cost will depend on the wood you choose.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Refacing cabinets means adding new doors and&nbsp;the framework that holds them.&nbsp; Existing structures are left standing, no cabinets are&nbsp;removed and the layout remains the same. A typical refacing job involves replacing the cabinet doors, the drawer fronts, and the hardware. Matching wood, paint, or laminate veneer is used to resurface any exposed cabinet framework. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The cost of a refacing job will depend on the size of the project, the materials, and options, but a typical refacing job generally costs between $1000-$5000 depending on if you plan to do it yourself or <a href="http://www.homeimprovementcorner.com/contractors_by_state.php" target="_blank">hire a contractor</a>.&nbsp; To determine the projected cost of a refacing project, some companies will give a price per unit. They count each cabinet door, drawer, end panel, and false front as a unit, and add up the kitchen's units for a total unit count. Price per unit can range from as low as $150 to as high as $250, depending on options and material selection. Using a high-end wood door will up the costs, while a less expensive RTF veneer might be a more budget-friendly option.<br /></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Cabinet-Refacing</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Cabinet-Refacing</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Escrow Process Explained</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/escrow.jpg" alt="" width="121" height="97" />During the process of purchasing a home you will need to enter into escrow. Many first time <a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank">homebuyers</a> have many questions about the escrow process.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What exactly is an escrow?<br /></strong>An escrow is an arrangement in which a disinterested third party, called a escrow holder, holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer&rsquo;s and seller&rsquo;s instructions. The escrow becomes the depository for all monies, instructions and documents pertaining to the purchase of your home.</p>
<p><strong>How does the escrow process work?</strong></p>
<p>The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of&nbsp;the home, including&nbsp; funds for the down payment, lender&rsquo;s funds and documents for the new loan. The duties of an <a href="https://www.escrow.com/" target="_blank">escrow holder</a> include: following the instructions given by the principals and parties to the transaction in a timely manner; handling the funds and/or documents in accordance with instructions; paying all bills as authorized;&nbsp; closing the escrow only when all terms and conditions have been met; and, distributing the funds in accordance with instructions.</p>
<p><strong>Do I need documentation?</strong><br />Receipt of your deposit is generally included in your copy of your purchase contract. Your funds will then be deposited in your separate escrow or trust account and processed through your local bank.</p>
<p><strong>What information will I have to provide?<br /></strong>Typically you will&nbsp;be asked to complete a statement of identity as part of the necessary paperwork. Because many people have the same name, the statement of identity is pucused to identify the specific person in the transaction through such information as date of birth, social security number, etc. This information is kept confidential.</p>
<p><strong>How long is the escrow?<br /></strong>The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from a few days to several months. Typically an escrow often takes an average time of 30 to 45 days.</p>
<p><strong>When does the escrow process end?</strong></p>
<p>The escrow process ends when you actually close on the home, during the closing procedure. This is when all funds are transferred accordingly, when all documents are signed, and when you get the keys to your new home.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/The-Escrow-Process-Explained</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/The-Escrow-Process-Explained</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Common Mortgage Terms</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.thesmartmoveteam.com/agent_files/mortgage%20terminolgy.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="96" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you are purchasing a </span></span><a href="ttp://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">new home</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, most likely you will be researching a mortgage as well. This can be a confusing process, especially if you are first time homebuyer. You will hear many different terms when dealing with lenders, agents and brokers. Below are some of the </span></span><a href="http://www.realestateabc.com/glossary/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">common terminology</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> used so you can become familiar when&nbsp;going thru&nbsp;home buying process. </span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Annual Percentage Rate (APR):</strong> The APR for your home loan is an annual cost that includes the interest rate quoted by your mortgage company plus additional home loan costs such as origination fees and points.&nbsp; Required by law, this amount is to be disclosed to the homeowner by the lender under the federal Truth in Lending Act. This amount&nbsp;includes up-front costs paid to obtain the loan but does not include the&nbsp;PMI,&nbsp; title insurance, appraisal, and credit report.</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Closing Costs</strong>: These are the expenses aside from the&nbsp;price of the property that are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property.&nbsp; These costs include origination fees, property taxes, charges for title insurance, escrow costs, appraisal fees etc.&nbsp; Many times these costs are&nbsp;shared by the buyer and the seller.</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Escrow:</strong> During the home loan process, a neutral third party known as Escrow holds documents and money (including earnest money deposits) for safekeeping until the real estate transaction is complete.</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Points:</strong> The amount paid either to maintain or lower the interest rate charged. Each point is equal to one percent (1%) of the loan amount. This means that, to lower your interest rate by one point on a $300,000 mortgage, you&rsquo;ll need to pay an additional $3,000 at closing.</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):</strong>&nbsp; If you are purchasing a home and you do&nbsp;not have a the traditional 20 percent down payment, &nbsp;lenders will require you&nbsp;to&nbsp;carry private mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance will usually require an initial premium payment and may require an additional monthly fee depending on your loan&rsquo;s structure.</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Title Insurance:</strong> This type of insurance protects both the buyer and the seller against legal issues that may arise&nbsp;with a &nbsp;home&rsquo;s title. If a problem occurs, the title company pays the associated legal fees to correct the situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="actions"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There are&nbsp; many different terms out there that will come up&nbsp;when you buy a home and apply for a loan. If you are ever confused or have any questions about a particular term or contract be sure to ask your </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/About" target="_parent"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">realtor</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or real estate </span></span><a href="http://www.realestatelawyers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">attorney </span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">for clarification before signing any legal documents</span></span>.<!-- REAL PRO SYSTEMS EDIT --></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Common-Mortgage-Terms</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Common-Mortgage-Terms</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Selecting The Right Generator</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/generators.jpg" alt="" width="124" height="90" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The electricity can go out in any season whether due to&nbsp;storms or equipment failure.&nbsp;Having a backup emergency generator as part of your emergency plan can be a lifesaver.&nbsp;There are various types and sizes of generators on the market and depending on your needs, can range in cost and&nbsp;quality. If you are a <a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank">homeowner</a> considering investing in a generator,&nbsp;below are some helpful&nbsp;tips that can&nbsp;help you in your research..</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Types of Generators</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p>You can get <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10051&amp;categoryID=524797&amp;langId=-1&amp;catalogId=10053&amp;navFlow=3&amp;searchRedirect=generator&amp;cm_sp=searchredirect-_-generator_cat-_-x-_-x" target="_blank">generators</a> in&nbsp;various sizes and types of power.<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The more items you plan to to provide power to, the bigger and more costly the generator.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Stationary Generators</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A stationary generator is&nbsp; outside-mounted and&nbsp;run on propane or natural gas and supply more power than a portable. They are typically equipped with a forced air or other type of cooling system that allows it to be enclosed typically outside mounted on a concrete pad similar to a central air conditioning unit.</span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Permanent generators are installed as part of the electrical system and provide power to the building wiring. </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Electrical current from the generator may back-feed into the home's electrical system and cause damage or fire and ruin equipment if it is not properly installed. It is recommended a qualified electrician install a generator to a home electrical system.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Stationary generators are far more powerful than any portable unit, a stationary generator will allow you to weather any outage for an extended period of time.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><br /><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Portable Generators</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This type of generators are typicaly wheeled and are ususally the most popular, You will need to make sure you have an ample supply of fuel when using this type for extended use. This type&nbsp;is idea if you plan to use</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> a few selected circuits such as&nbsp; for lights in the general living area, heating or cooling systems, or refrigerator.</span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If deciding to use a portable generator, it is important to select one that is adequately sized. Some electrical motors in home appliances and equipment can be ruined or damaged if they do not receive enough electrical current. </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Portable generators are least expensive and can be transported for camping, trips or other locations where temporary power is needed</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Before you purchase a generator be sure to you have determined the total watts needed to power the items you need. This is important to help you determine what size generator is required. An </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.elocalelectricians.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">electrician</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> can help make this determination or you can check the manufacturer information for each appliance.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Whether you choose a portable or a stationary, all generators burns fuel and must be run outdoors. Always follow the manufacturers instructions and never run it in the garage or inside the home.</span></span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Selecting-The-Right-Generator</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Selecting-The-Right-Generator</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Avoiding Loan Scams</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/loan%20scams.jpg" alt="" width="126" height="89" />One of the major things you will need to do if you are purchasing a </span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">new home</span></span></span></a><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">,</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is to obtain a home loan. Unfortunately with the difficult economy and the availablity of loans more difficult, loan scams are on the rise. People with&nbsp;bad credit and the elderly are the most vulenderable and often&nbsp;targeted. Below are some tips to help you from being a victim.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Avoid Being A Victim</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Avoid Unsolicited phone calls. Be wary of any phone call offering remarkably low interest rates on loans, especially if you have registered your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry. Most major nationwide lenders do not solicit business over the phone. Never give out personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure who you are speaking with.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't agree to anything with a too-high interest rate </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't buy insurance from a lender without shopping around first. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Watch the terms for reinforcing. They might end up worse than what you've got now. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't sign anything that's been given to you as a surprise! If the terms aren't what you'd agreed on, do not sign the document. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Avoid bad credit mortgage rates when looking for a loan. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Many loan scammers use high pressure sales tactics, so if you feel pressured or uncomfortable in anyway, never sign anything. It is a good idea to contact a real estate </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://lawyers.findlaw.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">lawyer</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> if in doubt to review the documents. If the company is legit, they should have no objection to a lawyer looking over the loan agreements before you will sign them. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Warning Signs</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Do business with reputable companies, stay away from&nbsp;unsolicited calls, e-mails or letters offering you a loan. </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Never do business with anyone who asks for money to be sent in advance to cover "processing", "application", "insurance", or the "first month's payment". Legitimate lenders never ask for these things to be paid before a loan is disbursed. </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Requests that you "wire" or "send" money, as soon as possible to a large U.S. city or to another country, such as Canada, England, or Nigeria, by Western Union, Moneygram, or similar means. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What To Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed?</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you feel that you have been scammed or the company you have been in touch with is suspicious, contact the below agencies.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">FTC</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">FBI</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">File fraud alerts with each of the three credit bureaus. This is important if you have provided the&nbsp;scammers&nbsp;with your sensitive information, such as your Social Security Number and information on your driver's license. They can use this to obtain credit in your name.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Avoiding-Loan-Scams</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Avoiding-Loan-Scams</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Reverse Mortgages</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/reverse%20mortgage.jpg" alt="" width="134" height="89" />Reverse mortgages are becoming more popular as a alternative for senior citizens who are </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">homeowners</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. A reverse mortgage provides a way for seniors to borrow against the equity in their home with no repayment due until the homeowner dies, moves or sells. Any remaining equity after repayment goes to the borrower or the estate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;If you are considering&nbsp;a reverse mortgage, it may be of benefit if:</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull;You need cash assets or income and have no other source available. <br />&bull;You are unable or unwilling to sell your house. <br />&bull;You do not care what the costs are to get the income or assets you need. (Recent law has helped limit the outrageous costs of reverse mortgages.) <br />&bull;You have no concern about which assets are left to your heirs. <br />Make sure you thoroughly scrutinize all costs and provisions.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The amount of money you can&nbsp;borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of your home or FHA's mortgage limits for your area, whichever is less. Generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, the lower the interest, the more you can borrow. You can use&nbsp;this </span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://rmc.ibisreverse.com//rmc_pages/rmc_aarp/aarp_index.aspx" target="_blank">online calculator</a></span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;on the AARP website to get an idea of what you may be able to borrow.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There are some cost involved, many of the same costs that someone pays to obtain a home purchase loan, or to refinance their existing mortgage, apply to reverse mortgages too. You can expect to be charged an origination fee, up-front mortgage insurance premium (for the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM), an appraisal fee, and certain other standard closing costs.In most cases, these fees and costs are capped and may be financed as part of the reverse mortgage. If a reverse mortgage sounds like it might be a solution for your situation, visit this </span></span><a href="http://www.reversemortgage.org/Default.aspx?tabid=255" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">website </span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">to locate a lender in your area.</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Reverse-Mortgages</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Reverse-Mortgages</guid><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Snow Removal Options</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/snow.jpg" alt="" width="126" height="84" />Winter is in full swing in the </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Des Moines area</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;and with the recent storms, snow removal is a necessity. Waking up to a driveway buried in snow is not always a welcome sight--especially on days that you need to be to work on time! Whether you want to remove the snow yourself or you would rather pay for the service, you have some different options to clear the snow from around your home and get on your way.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<strong>Snow Blowers</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Also called snow throwers, these come in both gas and electric. If you don't have too long a driveway, electric snow blowers provide an alternative to heavy, high-maintenance gas snow blowers. While they are sometimes less powerful, they typically require less maintenance. Gas </span></span><a href="http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">snowblowers </span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">will have a wider clearing width and you don't have to worry about the cord but they are more expensive and require more maintenance such as tuning and yearly checkups.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Professional Snow Removal Services</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you prefer to just hire a professional to clear the snow for you, commercial snow removal companies are the way to go. Snow removal cost can vary greatly, some companies will offer a lump sum seasonal rate for businesses or residential. Others will charge on a each time basis which can range from $35 to $100. The downside can be a long wait if you are not a regular customer and a big storm hits. It is important to make sure the person you hire is experienced and insured. Visit the </span></span><a href="http://www.sima.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Snow and Ice management</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;association's website to find a qualified company near you.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lawnmower/Tractor Attachments</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you have a long driveway and have a riding lawn mower or lawn tractor, you may want to invest in a </span></span><a href="http://www.google.com/products?sourceid=navclient&amp;rlz=1T4SNYR_enUS314US314&amp;q=lawn+mower+snow+blade+attachments&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;ei=l5ZGS-S2OYiWtgfO9snmAQ&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=product_result_group&amp;ct=title&amp;resnum=3&amp;ved=0CCQQrQQwAg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">blade attachment</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;or snow blower attachment for snow removal.&nbsp;&nbsp;These attachments fastens to the front of the mower and throws snow or plows to the front or side. For longer and wider driveways, a snow plow attached to the front of the mower can quickly remove large amounts of snow.&nbsp;You can also purchase tire chains to help prevent the mower's wheels from spinning in their tracks.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<strong>Shovels</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Some homeowners prefer to use the tried and true traditional </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=13755561" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">snow shovels</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;and moves&nbsp;the snow themselves. It is important however to consider your physical condition. If you have a heart condition or other&nbsp;health issues,&nbsp;you should proceed with caution. Snow is heavy and shoveling is hard work - you don't want to risk a serious injury or jeopardize your health.&nbsp;On the positive side, it is a great way to burn calories and it&nbsp;doesn't cost you a thing!&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Snow-Removal-Options</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Snow-Removal-Options</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Deductions For Homeowners</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/taxes.jpg" alt="" width="135" height="90" />With the new year also comes tax time, and&nbsp;homeowners&nbsp;may be able to deduct many home-related expenses. Keep in mind these tax breaks are available for any type of home whether it be a mobile home, single-family residence, townhouse or condominium.</span></span></p>
<p><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Deducting Loan Points Paid on a Purchase or Refinance</strong><br />The points you pay on a loan for a </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">home purchase</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> are tax-deductible for the year you made the purchase. You can deduct the points you paid as well as those a seller paid on your behalf if you meet the following criteria:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; The loan is secured by your primary residence </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; The loan was used to buy, improve or build the home </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; Paying points is a common practice in your geographic area </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; The points are calculated as a percentage of the loan principal </span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>First-time&nbsp;home buyer&nbsp;credit.&nbsp; </strong>A&nbsp;$7,500 tax credit is available to </span></span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">eligible taxpayers</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> must have bought,&nbsp;buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return.&nbsp;and before July 1, 2009.&nbsp; You are considered a first-time home buyer as long as you did not own a home during the three years leading up to the purchase of your new home.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Moving expenses</strong>. If a move is connected with taking a new job that is at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was, you can deduct travel and lodging expenses for you and your family and the cost of moving your household goods.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Deducting Real Estate Taxes</strong>. Real estate taxes are deductible in the year paid. They are generally reported on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, the annual statement from the financial institution holding your mortgage, or on your county real estate tax assessment statement. You should also deduct any prorated taxes collected from you at closing. These amounts are not always included on Form 1098, but may be itemized on your real estate closing statement.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Make sure you&rsquo;re not missing out on important home-related tax deductions. Everyone has a different situation and you may actually qualify for other deductions you were not aware of, so always check with&nbsp;your </span></span><a href="http://www.hrblock.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">tax advisor</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to find out which deductions apply to you.</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Deductions-For-Homeowners</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Deductions-For-Homeowners</guid><pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Do You Have Hard Water?</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.move2ca.com/agent_files/hardwater.jpg" alt="" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You may have heard the term 'hard water' but many homeowners do not understand exactly what it is and even if they have this problem. According to the </span></span><a href="http://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">U.S. Geologic Survey</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, 85 percent of the homes in the United States have hard water.&nbsp; While hard water is not considered to be unhealthy for people to drink, it can be damaging to household plumbing, water-using appliances and it can make it difficult to clean.&nbsp;Below are the basics of&nbsp;hard water, how to tell if you have it and what can be done about it.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<br />What Is Hard Water?</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hard water contains calcium and magnesium and while this is quite natural, excessive amounts create what is commonly referred to as hard water. Hard water is not considered a serious health risk but people who are more prone to rashes and skin problems can have problems because it changes the skin&rsquo;s pH and soap remains on the skin, clogging pores.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ways To Tell If You Have Hard Water</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The best way to tell whether water is hard or soft is the soapy factor. Soap and toothpaste do not lather up as quickly in hard water as it&nbsp;clogs skin pores and coats hair. The minerals in hard water can affect the ability of soap to clean kitchen and bath surfaces, dishware and laundry. Most homes have hard water problems without necessarily knowing about it.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hard Water Solutions</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you suspect you have hard water, call a </span></span><a href="http://www.culligan.com/en/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">professional</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;to test your water and recommend soft water solutions. The most common solution is to use a water softeners or water treatment systems. While many systems use salt, there are several water softeners available that have a salt free system. However if you are concerned about the presence of sodium ions in their water, use of sodium ions does not make the water noticeably salty or cause a significant increase in a person&rsquo;s sodium intake. In fact, the FDA defines water that would result from softening 75 gpg hard water (where much more sodium ions would have to be exchanged that is typically the case) as a &ldquo;low sodium&rdquo; beverage.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There are many affordable solutions available for both purchase and for rent.&nbsp;If you are interested in a system for purchase, a&nbsp;typical household water softener costs around $1,000 to $1,500 with a monthly operating expense of around $2 to $8 if sodium is used. Many companies offer systems for rent with monthly costs ranging from $25-$85 depending on the model. Be sure to&nbsp;look for the </span></span><a href="http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=1003" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">WQA Gold Seal</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to find products that have been successfully tested to industry performance standards.</span></span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Do-You-Have-Hard-Water</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Do-You-Have-Hard-Water</guid><pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Tips When Househunting</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/house%20for%20sale.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="91" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Even if you know exactly what you're looking for, searching for&nbsp;a </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Buyer-Resources" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">new home</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> can be a time consuming and&nbsp;frustrating process. You may look at several homes so making the most of your time is key to finding the house of your dreams. Below are some tips to help you make the most of your search.</span></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;Start by concentrating on a few </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Access" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">neighborhoods</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> first.&nbsp; Decide what's most important to you about the neighborhood you want. This can greatly narrow down your search.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Allow yourself plenty of time. When househunting be sure to dedicate an entire day or weekend. It is important to not rush, you want to be able to spend enough time at the home, especially if you if you find one you really like. Keep in mind you might just find one that you want to act on quickly and make an offer! </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Bring a checklist. Create a realistic </span></span><a href="http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/checklist/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">checklist</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> of the aspects your idea home should have. When looking at homes you can check off and make notes on which homes have or don&rsquo;t have what you are looking for. This will help you analyze your needs and wants and focus on the properties that you can get serious about.&nbsp;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Be prepared to look at the potential of a house rather than what you see in front of you. Set your needs versus your wants so you can decide on some items that can be&nbsp;sacrificed. It's more important that the layout of the house and the number of bedrooms you need fit your needs and that all major systems are functional versus your dislike for the carpeting or outdated stove.&nbsp;Keep in&nbsp;mind that those types of cosmetic shortcomings can be easily remedied once you buy the house.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes but it is a good idea to wear slip on shoes as many homes might have a posted&nbsp; &ldquo;please remove shoes&rdquo; sign to help keep the flooring clean. Having to untie and tie your shoes at every house can be a huge waste of time. Wearing comfortable clothing will allow you to focus on the aspects on the home and enjoy your experience.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Bring a Digital Camera. </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes but it is a good idea to wear slip on shoes as many homes might have a posted &ldquo;please remove shoes&rdquo; sign to help keep the flooring clean. Having to untie and tie your shoes at every house can be a huge waste of time. Wearing comfortable clothing will allow you to focus on the aspects on the home and enjoy your experience." target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Digital cameras</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> are ideal for house hunting. You can take pictures of the homes you visit and save them in labeled folders on your computer. Which home had the huge walk in closet? Which one had the great backyard? Just look at the photos and you&rsquo;ll remember!</span></span></li>
</ol>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Tips-When-Househunting</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Tips-When-Househunting</guid><pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Tips For Moving In Winter</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/moving.jpg" alt="" width="113" height="117" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Moving in any season is a chore but add cold temps, ice and snow and the task can be even more daunting. If you are moving this winter season I have some tips that can help you make your move during the winter months a little easier.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1. Be sure to have enough warm clothes with you - don't pack them. If you are moving from a warm climate to a cold one this can be even more important in case your&nbsp;items get delayed! <br />&nbsp;<br />2.&nbsp;Make sure your car is serviced before the move - you don't want to break down in cold weather. A good idea for anyone who lives in cold climates is to&nbsp;keep an<a href="http://beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=28&amp;bhcd2=1260499573" target="_blank"> emergency 'survival' kit</a> in your car that has canned food, bottled water, a first-aid kit and flashlights.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">3.&nbsp;Keep <a href="http://www.moversdirectory.com/moving-your-plants.html" target="_blank">plants</a> in the passenger area of the vehicle or store them in plastic bags with holes punched for air.<br />&nbsp;<br />4. Keep in mind that your belongings will be in a&nbsp;cold moving van for a long time, so plan accordingly. Precautions should be taken to protect expensive electronics, anything with liquid that can freeze or anything that might be damaged due to the cold.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">5. In case of inclement weather be sure&nbsp;to clear your sidewalk, driveways and walkways of ice and snow. Remember that&nbsp;any accident on your property could become your liability.</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Tips-For-Moving-In-Winter</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Tips-For-Moving-In-Winter</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Great Sharp Grimes Area Split Foyer Plan Home!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/509-NW-Valley-View-Drive-Grimes-Iowa/i/198956/0/t?pid=" title="Welcome to 509 NW Valley View Drive!" alt="Welcome to 509 NW Valley View Drive!" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>This wonderful home offers an easy low maintenance exterior featuring vinyl and vinyl windows.</strong> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">&nbsp;</span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Inside you will find the first floor host a nicely sized Living Room, Large Eat-in Kitchen that provides direct access to rear deck through sliders, Den and Master Bedroom. Neutral tones throughout allows you to move in and make this home your own with ease.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The lower level includes 2 Bedrooms a second Full Bath and Family Room with ceiling fan. Entertaining outdoors will be a breeze with the 12x24 deck perfect for barbecuing.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Large 2 car detached garage and privacy fence complete the spacious backyard. Call today for your private viewing.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/509-NW-Valley-View-Drive-Grimes-Iowa</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/509-NW-Valley-View-Drive-Grimes-Iowa</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:08:10 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Checking Your Credit Before Purchasing A Home</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/credit%20score.jpg" alt="" width="135" height="90" />If&nbsp;you are planning to be a </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Buyer-Resources" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">homeowner</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> in the near future, you should access and check your credit report before starting to look for a home.&nbsp;Most lenders usually prefer to check your credit report before considering your application when you apply for a loan. The information in your credit history helps the lenders in deciding your credit worthiness and how much credit to offer you in case of a loan approval. Your credit score will also decide which interest rate you are eligible for.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The first critical step is to review your credit report to check for any errors.&nbsp; Unfortunately, many people fail to take this all important first step. Instead, they wait until they have applied for a mortgage loan to find out from the lender that there are problems with their credit scores.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">By checking your credit score before you apply for a mortgage loan you gain the opportunity to find out if there are problems which you can correct and discrepancies that need to be removed. There are three national credit reporting agencies that you can choose from: Experian, Trans-Union and EquiFax. Remeber that you are also eligible for a free credit report annually by law, </span></span><a href="http://www.freecreditreport.com/default.aspx?PageTypeID=HomePage128&amp;red=1&amp;sc=669767&amp;s_tnt=19972:9:0" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">click here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to get your free 3-in-1 credit report.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Review your credit report carefully for any errors and&nbsp;if you find any discrepancies you&nbsp;have a right to contest it. You will&nbsp;need to contact the credit reporting agency and explain why you believe the item is incorrect and thus you will need to provide documentation such as receipts and cancelled checks can help your claim. <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20010906a.asp" target="_blank">Bank Rate</a> offers some great advice on fixing these errors along with the forms you will need. Although this is will be an inconvenience it is better to get everything cleared up before you fall in love with a home only to be denied a loan due to problems with your credit report. </span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Checking-Your-Credit-Before-Purchasing-A-Home</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Checking-Your-Credit-Before-Purchasing-A-Home</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Des Moines Holiday Events</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/happy%20holidays.jpg" alt="" width="91" height="90" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Now that Thanksgiving is here, the holiday season has offically kicked off. The </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Des Moines Area</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is full of holiday events and fun for the whole family. Below are some dates and information for some of the area's best seasonal events.</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What would the holiday season be without shopping? On November 27th, The annual Rockin' Shoppin' Eve at </span></span><a href="http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com/Events/Holiday-Shopping-Kickoff---ROCKIN-SHOPPIN-Eve" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jordan Creek Town Center</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> means that stores will open at 12:01 a.m. for holiday shopping. Free coffee and live entertainment will keep you awake.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On December 3rd and 10th, Shops will stay open late during </span></span><a href="http://events.desmoinesregister.com/details_events.php?eventID=133766" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Valley Junction's Holiday Open House</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. The businesses in Historic Valley Junction and the streets will be lined with more than 150,000 twinkling lights.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If holiday crafts interest you then you will want to visit&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.adventurelandpark.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Adventureland </span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">from Nov. 27-29th they will host more than 100 craft vendors.</span></span></li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On Dec. 5th, West Glen Town Center hosts Sip and Shop, with a tree lighting on Nov. 21, carolers on Dec. 5 and visits from Santa and carriage rides both days.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It's the 18th and final year for Dutch Christmas in the Country, which features 55,000 lights and twelve structures that make up a Dutch Village. Starting Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 visit this amazing event which runs 5:15-10:30 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 31. To get there, take Highway 163 east to Pella, take exit 40 and follow the signs. Admission is free.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From Dec. 1-18&nbsp;go back in time 150 years and visit Merry Christmas to All: A Thomas Nast Christmas in Ames. Celebrate the season and the timeless images of Thomas Nast, and experience an authentic founding farm Christmas. Visitors will see traditional holiday decor and hear Christmas songs from the 19th century while touring the 150 year old Farm House&nbsp; Farm House Museum, Knapp-Wilson House, Iowa State University, 1810 Lincoln Way, 290 Scheman Building, Ames, IA 50011, (515) 294-3342</span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't forget that animals need help this season as well. The Animal Rescue League is hosting &ldquo;Home for the Holidays&rdquo; Open House and Frosty Paw Boutique.&nbsp;Visitors can explore the adoption area and meet adoptable pets ready for new homes, and shop the Frosty Paw Boutique, located in Mapes Auditorium. Everything from art work, pet supplies, makeup, jewelry and food items will be available for early holiday shopping. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win some fabulous prizes all while helping the animals at the ARL. Animal Rescue League, 5452 N.E. 22nd St., Des Moines, IA 50313</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If theatre is your thing, mix together a batch of fruitcakes, dozens of Christmas trees, a chickenpox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a runaway boy, and a Christmas hog, and youve got the recipe for a fun holiday show. This moving story of understanding and reconciliation provides a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer. Admission: $15&nbsp; </span></span><a href="http://www.actorsinc.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ames Community Theater</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">of Recreation Service, 120 Abraham Drive, Ames, IA 50014</span></span></li>
</ul>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Des-Moines-Holiday-Events</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Des-Moines-Holiday-Events</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Break Out your Urbandale Spirit!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/7004-Twana-Drive-Urbandale-Iowa/i/196985/0/t?pid=" title="Welcome to 7004 Twana Drive!" alt="Welcome to 7004 Twana Drive!" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Enjoy this very sharp split foyer plan located just footstep from the new high school football field. </strong><strong>This adorable home boasts 3 large bedrooms with 3/4 bath off the Master Bedroom.</strong> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A spacious Living Room with neutral tones and cooling ceiling fan great you upon your arrival home. It sits adjacent to both the Dining Room and Kitchen making it the perfect place to entertain. </span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Dining Room features gorgeous wood flooring and a ceiling fan. There is a convenient pass through to the kitchen allowing you to serve meals with ease. Access your large 400 square foot deck from the double doors located in the Dining Room just off the Kitchen. Entertaining outdoors will be a simple task with this floor plans natural flow.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At home chefs will love the open and airy Kitchen flaunting a beautiful brick backsplash, updated maple kitchen cabinets and pantry. As an added convenience there is a sit down breakfast area and pass through to the dining room which keeps you connected with family or guest while preparing meals. </span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Master Bedroom you will find cooling wall tones, designer ceiling fan and plenty of space. It truly is a lovely nighttime retreat also offering a great &frac34; bath.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Each of the additional bedrooms is nicely sized and feature sports themed walls great for little ones. </span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the basement there is a finished Family Room complete with a brick flanked fireplace and half bath. </span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A wonderful fenced backyard offers plenty of running room as well as a fantastic view to the new high school football field. Sit on your huge deck and enjoy live sporting events right from the comfort of your very own home.</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contact Jon Smith of Iowa Realty for more information or to schedule a showing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Visit </span></span></em><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.DesmoinesHomeSource.com</span></em></span></a><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> or email </span></span></em><a href="mailto:JonSmith@IowaRealty.com"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;">JonSmith@IowaRealty.com</span></em></span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></em></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/7004-Twana-Drive-Urbandale-Iowa</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/7004-Twana-Drive-Urbandale-Iowa</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:46:39 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Des Moines Named #1 Most Livable Market</title><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/des%20moines.jpg" alt="" width="128" height="92" /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Des Moines</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> was just named #1 in the </span></span><a href="http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=22334217&amp;GT1=35000#2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2009 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">! According to their report, Des Moines may be one of the best and most overlooked places to jump-start your career.&nbsp; They also rate the economy of our area as solid, with a large number of well-paying jobs in the insurance, bioscience and agribusiness fields. Yet the median house costs just $150,000. </span></span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Forbes</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> has ranked it one of the best places for business and careers three years running.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The report also notes that the Des Moines area has&nbsp;some of the cleanest air in the country. The residents reported that there&rsquo;s enough outdoor recreation, culture and fine art to keep most people happy. &nbsp;According to Lauren Burt of the Greater Des Moines Partnership &ldquo;There&rsquo;s so many things that are accessible here,&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of volunteerism and ways to be engaged with the community.&rdquo;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">MSN Real Estate asked Bert Sperling of Sperling&rsquo;s Best Places to evaluate the most affordable housing markets from the 100 largest U.S. metro areas and pinpoint 10 of the most livable areas: places where unemployment is low, commute times are mercifully short and there are enough interesting entertainment and cultural amenities to keep most people busy and satisfied. Congratulation&nbsp;Des Moines for making&nbsp;#1 on this list!</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Des-Moines-Named-1-Most-Livable-Market</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/Des-Moines-Named-1-Most-Livable-Market</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Law Offers Credits For Homebuyers</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/agent_files/tax%20credit.jpg" alt="" width="103" height="116" />Initially scheduled to expire on December 1, 2009, the first time home buyer tax credit will now be extended to May 1, 2010. An addition to the extension, the new law also features&nbsp;some significant changes to this new tax credit that should allow many more </span></span><a href="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">home&nbsp;buyers</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to qualify for it.&nbsp; Below are some new elements of the extension:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Credit available for purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Credit remains at $8000 for first-time purchasers.&nbsp; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. The&nbsp;buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.&nbsp;</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Homebuyers who purchased a home in 2008 or 2009 may be able to take advantage of the first-time homebuyer credit. The credit applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence. This reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar and is&nbsp;fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.<br /></span></span></p>
<p>For more information on how to file for this credit or&nbsp;for frequently answered questions, visit the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=187935,00.html" target="_blank">IRS website</a>. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/New-Law-Offers-Credits-For-Homebuyers</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/Blog/New-Law-Offers-Credits-For-Homebuyers</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Hunters Run Condominium! </title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/662-58th-Street-2-West-Des-Moines-Iowa/i/194497/0/t?pid=" title="Welcome to 662 58th Street #2!" alt="662 58th Street #2!" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Your expectations will be exceeded with this lovely well maintained 2 bedrooms unit.</strong> </span></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Welcoming you into the home is an open and airy foyer. The foyer offers an expansive view through the dining area into the spacious living room.</span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Soaring ceilings greet you in the dining /living area combo. This beautiful room boasts neutral wall tones and carpeting, cooling ceiling fan and a warming fireplace flanked by large window and glass front door to the new deck. The natural light from the window and door combine to bring warmth and comfort to the room. If you were looking for the perfect home to entertain in you have found it here.</span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A gourmet kitchen is flaunted just off the foyer. Enjoy cooking in this amazing kitchen boasting convection/microwave oven, granite countertops, and large eating area. Preparing meals here is nothing short of a delight. The cheerful breakfast is bright and sunny and sits beneath a great skylight. Enjoy your morning coffee or tea here! </span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When the day is done, a wondrous master bedroom featuring a walk out to the deck, large walk-in closet and sumptuous bath with Jacuzzi style tub awaits you. </span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The lower level features a family room that opens to patio, computer room, spacious second bedroom with 3/4 bath and cedar deck. </span></span></em></p>
<p><br /><em><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Located near West Des Moines bike trail and Jordan Creek Town Center this home is truly a must see!<br /></span></span></em></p>]]></description><link>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/662-58th-Street-2-West-Des-Moines-Iowa</link><guid>http://www.desmoineshomesource.com/property/662-58th-Street-2-West-Des-Moines-Iowa</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:52:58 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>