As I was debating with myself whether or not to look at trading my 10 year old vehicle, I realized my main reason for hesitation to trade is based on my lack of confidence with the current state of the economy.  What will happen with the national debt?  What does the long term future hold and, in the short term, what will happen?  Will interest rates rise?  Will current programs be changed financially?

Trying to work out pros and cons on what I should do with my vehicle, I realized current home buyers are faced with the same indecision.  If I’m struggling to decide whether or not to trade an older vehicle, what must potential home buyers be thinking about purchasing a new home?

In the Ames, Iowa real estate market, it appears as though most sellers are trying to do their part by reducing their property sale price as low as they possibly can.  Yet, many sellers find their homes are staying on the market for longer periods of time.

Interest rates continue to be low, but buying (pending sale) activity has slowed in the past few weeks.  Can this change be related to the confidence in the economy?  Are buyers cautious as they’re not sure what their own future holds when it comes to income, jobs, etc.?

I’d like to hear from potential buyers on what their thoughts are regarding purchasing homes in the Ames, Iowa area during this time of uncertainty.  The “prime time” window to sell a home is coming to close as the beginning of a new school year is on the horizon and colder weather months are around the corner.

Before I end this blog, below are some of my thoughts regarding real estate in the Ames, Iowa area:

Buyers – if you’re ready to buy, now is STILL the time to buy.  Most sellers have prepared their properties to the best condition they can to sell.   Recognize, even with a “buyers” market, there may be one or two things you will want to change in your new home.  There is a lot of property inventory to choose from in the Ames, Iowa real estate market but, it may be difficult to find the absolute “perfect” home.

Sellers – hang in there.  Continue to make sure your home is in the best condition possible – both physically and in presentation.  I’ve stated in previous blogs that updates made by sellers may not lead to increased profit when your home sells.  Updates may be necessary to compete with other homes on the market in your price range in the Ames area.

I’d also like to mention to sellers, even though it may not be an ideal situation (as the goal is to sell your property), for some of you, renting your home may be a possibility.  There are buyers who have worked with a lender to find they need to rent for a period of time so they can save for a down payment.  Renting could be a win / win for both a seller and buyer.  Sellers and buyers may want to consider a “rent to own” scenario.

I would really like to know what sellers and buyers are thinking – feel free to respond to my blog with your thoughts.

Don’t forget to check out the listings on the Friedrich Iowa Realty website.  We have great variety to choose from.  The web address is:  www.greatiowahomes.com.

Catch you on my next blog.  Until then, take care.

As we approach the halfway point of summer – the 4^th of July holiday –  I found myself reflecting on what’s the best way  to stay current and keep people informed as to “what’s going on in real estate”.  I couldn’t help but wonder . . . what method of communication is most effective and what do buyers / sellers want to know that they aren’t receiving from the news, lenders and real estate agents in the Ames, Iowa area.

So, I’m going to post a different real estate blog this time.  I’d like to hear from both sellers and buyers.  I have a couple of questions that I’m most interested in getting feedback on.  One, what do you want to know or learn about real estate in the Ames, Iowa area that you’re currently not getting from various media sources? 

Second, how do you obtain your information when you’re looking at real estate in the Ames, Iowa market?  Real estate websites, Craig’s List, newspaper or other news media (including Facebook ,Twitter and real estate blogs), or by calling a real estate agent? 

Finally, do you value the services of your lender or real estate agent in the Ames, Iowa area?  Are they someone you trust and would use again in the future?  Perhaps recommend to others?

The reason for my questions in this Real Estate Blog for the Ames, Iowa market is, I want to help you meet your real estate goals.

 As a real estate agent in the Ames, Iowa real estate market, I’d like to know how best to serve clients – today and in the future.  I’d really appreciate your feedback on what you’re looking for from a real estate agent and lender, what information is important to you that you’re not finding and the communication tools you use.  Please send me an email with your thoughts, comments and suggestions. 

Some final thoughts:  1) Buyers – get busy.  If you’re ready to buy, now is the time.  2) Sellers – be realistic.  Make sure your home is in the best condition possible – both physically and in presentation.  Also sellers, recognize updates you’ve made to your home may not mean increased profit, but that your home may sell faster than the competition.  I’ve listed these items in a previous real estate blog for the Ames, Iowa real estate market, but they are still important to keep in mind.

 Don’t forget to check out my listings.  I have great variety to choose from. 

Catch you on my next blog.  Until then, take care and have a safe 4^th of July weekend.

Hopefully, 2011 is off to a great start for you and your family and you’re coping with the snow and sub zero temperatures.  As the cold weather and after holiday downtime sets in, it may be tempting to stay at home and not visit area open houses.

The internet and virtual tours provide a great “sneak peek” at homes for sale with photos and helpful property information.  I’d like to suggest a few reasons why walking through realtor open houses and seeing a home first hand may be beneficial for you:

1)     You can “try on” the home and see how if fells and fits for you and your needs.  Stand / sit in the kitchen and see how it would work for you when preparing a meal or sit in the living room and see if it’s the right room for reading the newspaper or watching the TV news.

2)     You are able to see the actual sizes of rooms and how they will fit with your furnishings.  Measuring tapes come in very handy to as you can measure a room that may be in question size wise.

3)     You’ll be able to see what appeals to you whether it’s the floor coverings, paint or cabinetry, what you would want / need to change, or what you could get by with for awhile.

4)     “Real” visuals provide great comparisons between several properties that are of interest.

Another subject I’d like to touch on is it seems we can get caught up in negative news.  We continue to hear that jobs, along with the economy is slow to come back, and the real estate interest rate is starting to rise a little.  While these facts are true (at the time of writing this blog), don’t let what you’re hearing or reading deter you from looking into purchasing a home if it’s the right time for you. 

Some of us remember the 1980’s and interest rates of 11-13%.  An interest rate around 4.5 – 5% is not bad.  What’s important is timing for you and your family.  Talk with a reputable lender who can help you determine if now is the right time for you to buy or sell your home.

Your realtor can be a tremendous asset whether you are a buyer or seller.  Your realtor can provide market analysis on the properties you’re interested in buying or selling and also, as a good listener and resource provider, help you make good decisions.  If you don’t currently have a realtor you’re working with, please give me a call.  I’d be happy to visit with you. 

Some final thoughts:  1) Buyers – get busy.  If you’re ready to buy, now is the time.  2) Sellers – be realistic.  Make sure your home is in the best condition possible – both physically and in presentation.  Also sellers, recognize updates you’ve made to your home may not mean increased profit, but that your home may sell faster than the competition.

Don’t forget to check out my listings.  I have great variety to choose from whether you’re a first time home buyer or an investor.

Catch you on my next blog.  Until then, take care.

The winter (and holiday) season is quickly approaching and if you are a seller, there are few things to consider during this time of year.

As a seller, if your property is vacant and not checked very often, it would be a good idea to have the property “winterized”.  I would suggest that you contact a professional in the area where the property is located and contract them to do the services for you.  A few items to look into include:  cover outside faucets with insulation, turn off water at the main valve, turn off propane or natural gas, keep the heat on low if possible, put anti-freeze in the toilet bowl and tank.  It is important to protect your heating and water systems in the cold weather.  Again, I would suggest having a professional take care of the property for you.

Also as a seller, the question is asked during this time of year whether or not to take your property off the market for a couple of months.  There are pros and cons – if your home is not on the market it can’t be sold.  However, the holiday season is busy enough to try and keep your home “show ready” too.  Work with your realtor and they can assist you during this hectic time and keep your home on the market and you more stress free.  There may be serious buyers who have time off during the holidays and will use this time to look for their next home.

Here are a few thoughts for buyers.  Just because it’s cold outside and with the holidays, there are a lot of things going on, it still may be the perfect time to find your next home.  Property inventories remain high and, keep in mind, it will be easier to look now and negotiations may be less stressful.  Interest rates remain low and for many buyers, a monthly house payment may be very close to monthly rent rates.

I’d like to close this blog by wishing all of you – family, friends, current clients and future clients a safe and wonderful holiday season.  Take time to reflect with family and friends.  Also, remember those whose holiday season may not be as bright this year and if there is something we can do to help make it more enjoyable for them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Janeen

Summer is fading . . . fall is on the way.  We’re starting to see small changes in the weather.  In Ames, Iowa, I believe we’re ready to see the hot summer days go and will welcome the crisp fall air.

A change we are not seeing in the real estate market as summer turns to fall is a rise in interest rates.  To date, interest rates remain historically low.  Opportunities are abundant for buyers who want to take advantage of the low interest rates.  Whether you’re interested in single family property or investment property, now is the time to purchase.  It’s a perfect time to talk with your realtor and also your lender and discuss options that would be right for you.

 A change we are starting to see is that competitive pricing has become a successful selling feature.  Location is still very important to buyers, but with higher housing inventories, sellers recognize the opportunity to sell their home is greater if the home is priced competitively.

If you are thinking about selling your home, but want to make a few updates first, be careful.  Make sure the updates you make will not overprice your home in your neighborhood.  For example, kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular rooms that get updated prior to a house being put on the market.  When deciding on updates, consider Formica counter tops instead of granite counter tops.  You may also be able to paint out-of-date cupboards to give them a fresh, new look instead of actually replacing them.  Your goal should be to give your home an updated look without overpricing when it goes on the market.

Your realtor can be a tremendous asset whether you are a buyer or seller.  Your realtor can provide market analysis on the properties you’re interested in buying or selling and also, as a good listener and resource provider, help you make good decisions.  If you don’t currently have a realtor you’re working with, please give me a call.  I’d be happy to visit with you. 

Some final thoughts:  1) Buyers – get busy.  If you’re ready to buy, now is the time.  2) Sellers – be realistic.  Recognize updates you’ve made to your home may not mean increased profit.

Also, don’t forget to check out my listings.  I have great variety to choose from whether you’re a first time home buyer or an investor.

Catch you on my next blog.  Until then, take care.

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.