Ames

As I’m thinking about a real estate topic for this blog, I remind myself that most sellers and buyers are paying attention to the latest information regarding interest rates (which remain very low as of this blog), what’s for sale and where, and the sell price due to all the multi media avenues we have today.  Newspapers, mid-week advertising flyers, TV, radio and the internet keep us informed on what’s happening in today’s real estate market.  I’ve also, in previous blogs, mentioned my current listings, which you can check out on the “Featured Homes” section located at the right side of this blog.

This week, I’m going to reflect a bit on what home ownership can mean to you and your family.  My family is currently in the process of preparing our childhood home for new occupants.  As my siblings and I “clean house”, and go through 60 years of memories, we’ve found ourselves reliving a bit of our youth.

My sentimental find was my Mom and Dad’s wedding dress and suit.  I realized the strong commitment they had to make a house a home and raise their family in a country environment.  I believe the commitment to buy a house and make it a home is very strong today.

The uncertain economy has taken a toll on families – job loss, change in financial situations, and relocations have, in many instances, sent us “back to the basics”.  Our homes have, perhaps, taken on a new roll – entertainment centers.  Instead of going out to dinner, a family can plan a fun night at home by creating a nice meal together and watching a movie or enjoying a video game.  Maybe a weekend getaway happens at home by pitching a tent in the backyard and cooking breakfast on the outdoor grill.

Even with the uncertain economy, it still can be a good time to purchase a new home.  If you’re 1) tired of renting, 2) starting a new family, 3) have become empty nesters, 4) want to downsize or increase square footage or 5) change your surroundings – from city to country or vice versa, the interest rates continue to be at historic lows and inventory in the Ames, IA area remains steady.

My advice, if this is a good time for you and your family to make a home change, is to make an appointment with a reputable lender.  A lender can help you determine if it is a good time for you financially to buy and also what price range would be best for you.

I’d be happy to visit with you and talk about a results oriented home finding process for you and your family.  Please contact me via email or phone.  Until the next blog, enjoy summer with your family and friends.

PS – Don’t forget to check out my current listings!

If you’re wanting to take advantage of the low interest rates, this week will be a great week to walk through available properties.  The weather can’t get much better – no rain forecasted and temps in the 80’s.  Inventory is plentiful whether you’re looking at one story, two story, or you’re a first time home buyer or wanting to move up.

There are also great properties for sale in the towns around Ames – Nevada, Huxley, Boone, Colo, Story City, Zearing – so there are lots of options.

I hope you have a great 4th of July holiday.  Please contact me if you would like to see available properties.  I’d be happy to work with you.  My cell phone number is:  515-460-0786.

Welcome back . . . this week, June 14, I’m going to be touching on a couple of awesome listings.  The first is a town home located at 1238 Truman Place, Ames, Iowa.  This quaint, move in ready three bedroom town home is located northwest of the North Grand Mall in Ames and minutes from the Somerset area.  Kitchen and bathroom flooring have been updated, along with great paint schemes throughout.  There is a patio on the front of the home and fresh plants and landscaping that can be viewed from the sliding glass door off the dining room.  This is the perfect time of year to take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool and clubhouse that come with belonging to the Town Home Association.  A great starter home – priced to sell at $117,000.

The next home I want to mention is a beautiful, single family home located at 705 4^thStreet, Colo, Iowa.  This is a three bedroom tudor style home built in 1934 with extraordinary features.  The outside walls are concrete, the corner lot is almost a ½ acre, and guys will love the oversized three car garage.  Don’t worry, gals, the kitchen is large too!  The dining room has two built-in corner wood cabinets, the entrance into the dining and living room are enclosed in wood trim and there is wood shelving on the window sills.  An addition was added in 2004 which includes main floor laundry with storage closet, sun room (with french doors between sun room and living room) and large ¾ bathroom.  New windows and roof were also done in 2004.  There is a nice quiet patio located off the sunroom.  Colo is located on US Highway 30, 8 miles east of Nevada with easy access to Nevada, State Center, Marshalltown and about 40 minutes from Des Moines.  This one of a kind find is priced to sell at $165,000.

 Check out these homes on the “Featured Homes” section located at the right side of this blog.

 Interest rates remain low – it’s a great time to find the right home for you and move in and enjoy before Fall, 2010.

Have a great week and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Too much time has passed since my first blog.  The tax credit has ended (April 30, 2010) and Spring has almost turned to Summer in Ames, Iowa.  Even though the tax credit has ended and was not renewed, opportunities still exist for people looking to buy homes.  Interest rates remain low and prices are more competitive than they were a few years ago.

Anyone considering buying a new home, however, should not count on interest rates remaining at their current level.  As the economy gains strength, interest rates may rise and possibly result in a monthly house payment outside of the family’s budget.  For more information and a copy of the home buyer brochure “Opportunity Knocks for Home Buyers”, visit the NAHB website at:  www.nahb.org/homebuyerbrochure .

If you would like information on what you need to know and do when you are ready to purchase your first or maybe your third or fourth home, please contact me at:  janeen@friedrich-realty.com, or by phone:  515-956-1529.  I’d be glad to give you a checklist that will help assist you during the home buying process.

On a different subject, if you are looking for something fun to do in Ames, Iowa the week of June 7, visit the Parade of Homes.  This event will begin on June 9 (Wednesday) and run through June 13 (Sunday).  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at any of the homes on the tour.  For more information and times the homes will be open, check out the Parade of Homes at this website:  www.ameshomebuilders.com .

Please come back and visit my blog soon.  I promise to make more timely updates and hopefully share something of interest to you in the real estate market in and around Ames, Iowa.  Until the next blog, take care.

Let’s just say it - if you live in Ames, IA, you’re sick and tired of Old Man Winter.  Great news!  The days are getting longer, the snow has melted, the temperatures are warming and you’re now ready to sell your home in Ames.

But. . . wait, how do you prepare the outside of your home for great curb appeal?  Glad you asked.  I’ve checked out some of the “Dos and Don’ts on Landscaping” on HGTV.com and have some suggestions for you.  Things that will help create curb appeal include hardscaping, enticing walkways/pathways, year round color in plantings, using pots to frame an area, and making smaller spaces seem larger by choosing the right design.

Don’ts include allowing the landscaping to overwhelm your home, starting a landscaping project without a plan, planting too much of the same thing, and planting trees too close to your home so to detract from your home’s attractions.

Ok, don’t let any of these tips scare you when getting ready to sell.  Survey the outside of your home and pick out a couple of things that stand out - good or bad and start there.  A fresh coat of paint, cleaning up the debris collected over the winter can be a great help.  We’re all tired of the dreary, cold snowy days of winter and a little color and cleanup will go along way.

Good luck!  For more suggestions, visit HGTV.com and check out the Landscaping tab.

Come back soon – I’ll mention a few things that can be done to spruce up the inside of your home to make it more attractive to home buyers in the Ames, IA area!  Feel free to give me a call and I’d be glad to help you prepare your home for sale.