Nada Silent Night VII

by Kevin Howe on December 4, 2009

A good opportunity to get into the holiday spirit – the Nada Silent Night show from Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in Sherman Hill. Great show for a great cause – Toys for Tots.and Dylans Smile.

Mr. Babers Neighbors were in great form opening for the Nadas

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Des Moines is named #1 most livable city

by Kevin Howe on November 18, 2009

MSN just released an article on the top Most-Livable Bargain Markets. Des Moines was named #1. The article sited the number of jobs available in financial and agribusiness, the stable economy and the low median price of housing ($150,000).

While we all know that these are tough economic times (even here) it’s nice iStock_000009189135XSmallto hear that Des Moines may be fairing better than most. It also reinforces what most of us that live or have lived in Iowa know – the quality of life is high. We offer great schools, low crime, easy commutes, a great sense of community and friendly people.

MSN did mention that our climate can be less than ideal at times but that just proves that Iowans are tough!

You can find the article here:

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=22334217&GT1=35000#2

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Where are the Des Moines real estate bargains?

September 17, 2009

As the Des Moines real estate market continues to pick up steam, one of the questions that gets asked frequently is “Where are the best buys?”. Typically when most people think of bargains, they think short sales and foreclosures. While there are a lot of these properties available ( and will continue to be for [...]

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Golf course lots at River Valley Golf Community

August 15, 2009

I wanted to share a video that Julianna Cullen and I recently did for the Open House Television show. The video shots do a great job at highlighting these one-acre homesites located at River Valley Golf in Adel. You really get a good sense of the views and beautiful homes already located there.
Take a look [...]

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Nicely updated home in Urbandale IA with character

August 14, 2009

I just recently listed a home in Urbandale that has some unique qualities. It was built in 1954 so the style is more reminiscent of Beaverdale. It is a 1.5 story plan with a lot of original features such as hardwood flooring, crown molding and a tuck-under garage. It also has a nicely landscaped yard [...]

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Who pays the lowest central Iowa property taxes?

July 17, 2009

A question that often comes up when working with buyers is “How do property taxes compare across different cities in the Des Moines area?”. It’s a relevant question when considering areas to live in, particularly if you are not tied to a specific city, school district, etc.
Before we get into who pays the highest/lowest, it’s [...]

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Want to buy a home but concerned about your job?

June 25, 2009

Anyone who is paying even a little attention to real estate knows that in most areas and price points, we continue to remain in a buyers market. There many good reasons to buy a home right now:
1. Interest rates remain close to record lows
2. There is an $8,000 tax credit available to first-time buyers
3. Inventory and selection [...]

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The Yin Yang of the Des Moines Homebuilder Show

June 18, 2009

I had an opportunity to tour the annual Des Moines Area Homebuilders show last weekend. As usual there was an impressive selection of homes priced from the $500,000 to $1,000,000+. It’s always a great way to see new building products and trends.
I believe that all but one of the homes was sold.The Yin Yang is [...]

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Planning to sell? Have a septic tank…?

June 18, 2009

If you currently have a septic tank and are planning to sell your home, you should be aware of the the new state regulations that go into effect on 7/1/09. The new law that will be enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)    requires that all septic systems will need to be pumped [...]

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