Cedar Rapids real estate forecast has never been better. I've spoken with a few brokerages this past week, and they say the same thing. "Business is booming." In fact, some go as far to say that we are setting record months for sales.

Traditions Real Estate is no different in that with our flexible commission plan, our dedication to SERVICE FIRST, and our attention to the little details, our business has been blessed with record sales as well.

If you're a buyer, there is plenty of inventory to choose from and all price ranges and locations are fully stocked and ready for your perusal.

If you're a seller, you are starting to compete with a lot more inventory so make sure of two things!

1. Your home is priced right.
2. Your home has that WOW factor on the inside as well as on the outside.

While Cedar Rapids real estate is alive and kicking, it appears from one source (myself) that SERVICE is sorely missing from our fellow Realtors in town. How do I know this? Observe the comments I've received from clients that I received after hearing there horror stories about other Realtors.

• This Realtor wouldn't drive on the other side of town to show me a house because it was a waste of gas.
• A Realtor I worked with wouldn't show me houses unless I was prequalified and ready to go with a lender.
• I was told by another Realtor that he would not show me acreages because they were a nightmare and a waste of his time.
• I was working with this Realtor but everytime I called her, she didn't call me back for at least a week.
• I was told by this Realtor that she doesn't do Open Houses because they don't sell houses

These are just a few of the comments I've received from disgruntled clients that are now working with me. Why are they working with Christopher Smith of Traditions Real Estate?

1. I haven't forgotten that I work FOR the clients and they don't work for ME.
2. I live by the Get by Giving philosophy.
3. I understand that to earn trust and receive a client for LIFE, all I have to do is provide WORLD CLASS SERVICE to them and they are mine for ever!
4. I too understand that Open Houses don't sell houses, yet I do them anyway to appease and promote good spirits between my sellers and I.
5. There are lots of different types of properties out there. We would all love to sell the 300K houses with no problems and brand new furnaces, A/C, and roof so there are no contingencies to the sale of the house. Problem is, that's not reality. There are fixer uppers, lower income properties, distressed properties, near foreclosure properties, acreages, and other properties that require WORLD CLASS SERVICE and ATTENTION. Those that follow through with this SERVICE are GOLDEN to their clients.
6. We all know as Realtors that gas is six billion dollars a gallon, but if you can't drive across town to service a client, get out of the business and stop wasting your money.
7. COMMUNICATION is a HALLMARK of being a REALTOR. If you don't have the decency to communicate with your clients either by email, phone, snail mail, etc., once again, hang up your R pin and let someone else do the job that's motivated and honored to represent the profession.

I sense a trend or maybe an ebb and flow of laziness among out real estate agents out there. I know we're coming off of a cold, harsh winter, but spring is here and the market is outstanding. My prediction for Cedar Rapids real estate agents is this: THOSE WHO DO NOT PROVIDE WORLD CLASS SERVICE, GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE TRANSACTION, AND COMMUNICATE ON A WIDE SPECTRUM WITH THEIR CLIENTS WILL LOSE 50-70% OF THEIR BUSINESS.

It's all about SERVICE and this is why my slogan is: Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others. You see, it's not about me and it never has been about me. My head is way too big to fit on most billboards in town so I don't need to show the public who I am. I just need to show each individual client I come in contact with that I am there for them to provide service, answer questions, educate and inform, so that they can make one of the most important decisions in their life: whether or not to buy or sell Cedar Rapids real estate.

Here's to an outstanding year for all Realtors in the area who SERVE, rather than drop the ball!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others

A few comments have been made over the last few days at Active Rain by smaller communities telling their prospective buyers and sellers to not listing to the national news regarding real estate.

They (being the national news) paints such a gloomy, depressing picture that who would want to buy or sell real estate, after hearing those dreaded stories. Certain "pockets" of the country are experiencing growth in the real estate field and according to the NAR, Iowa is one of five states in the country experiencing positive growth from last year's sales. The fact of the matter is that Cedar Rapids is doing great in today's real estate market.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, being one of the major cities in Iowa is experiencing small but cautious growth from last year's totals. Real estate inventory is plentiful and buyer's can afford to be picky and smart when writing an offer with their agent. Sellers also have the upper hand if their house is in A+ plus condition and it's priced right. Buyers at this time of the year are serious buyers and know value when they see it.

I have chosen to get the news about about our "guarded but positive" real estate outlook in my newsletters and e-newsletters. I let everyone know that although things are tight, the market is still wonderful for buyers and sellers. Relocation is at an all time high for the Cedar Rapids area, thanks to Rockwell Collins.

For information regarding the market in the Cedar Rapids area, please contact me at 319-329-5988 or email christopher@skogman.com. Also, visit my website at www.christophersmithrealtor.com for more information and education about the market in Cedar Rapids.

Christopher Smith

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher@skogman.com

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

In 2004, my family and I had the opportunity to move back to Cedar Rapids/Marion area where I grew up and 90% of my family still resides. Nine months before I actually moved, I met Gary and Melynda Wolter and my life has never been the same since. People don't just come into your life by accident; as I've always believed that God puts us into the paths of other's in order for us to grow and grow we did!

In Texas, I had two unfortunate experiences with Realtors. To put it mildly, they were awful. These people just put a sign into the ground and I never heard from them again until we had an offer. No communication, no personal touch, no nothing. Would I recommend these Realtors to anyone else in the Austin area. I mean, how would I since I would soon be moving to the midwest. Believe me, I made a point to make sure that all of my friends knew about these two Realtors and to never use their services again. Then along came my friends Gary and Melynda, who work for Skogman Realty.

I informed Gary and Melynda that I would probably be a year out from moving and so they wouldn't need to really help me at this time. Perhaps direct me to a few listings so I could see how the market was in the Cedar Rapids area. Gary stepped right in and told me that he would be in touch with me at least once a week. I thought to myself, "That's a noble claim but I doubt if anyone is going to communicate with me and be that persistent." I was wrong. Gary set me up with a listing notifier that sent me listings when my search criteria came across a new listing. So, almost every day, I would receive a new listing from Gary's website, which by the way is fast becoming Cedar Rapid's most comprehensive website for buyers, sellers, lending, and relocations. Once a week, I would receive a quick phone call from Gary. He would leave his name and number and was just wondering how I was doing and if I needed anything. He made himself available even though he didn't have to.

When I moved to Cedar Rapids in June of 2004, my wife and I moved on blind faith, meaning we had no jobs but at least we had family and friends right? Once we got into town, we met with Gary and Melynda and went over the scenario of qualifying for a loan with our (soon to be) new jobs, searching for the perfect home, how to write a competitive offer, and the negotiating of the purchase sale contract which Gary is legendary for in Cedar Rapids real estate.

Well, it wasn't long before we had our jobs and so we were ready to buy. Gary must have taken us to 30-40 homes, so we could rule out or in whatever home we wanted to settle down in. Once we found our home in Marion, Gary and Melynda sat down with us and we wrote our offer. It was accepted within the same day and we had the ball rolling. Thirty days from that point, we would move into our new home! Throughout this time as many of you know it's one of the most stressful, negotiating through the whole house inspection, termite inspection, radon inspection and financing. Gary and Melynda kept us informed daily on the progress of our home sale. It was if we were connected to a email ticker that gave us daily updates on the stock market! Well, it wasn't long before we were in our new home over Labor Day of that year, and we have been extremely happy ever since.

You would think that if I ever became a Realtor, that I would owe my enthusiasm and zest for helping others to Gary and Melynda Wolter. After all, look at Gary and Melynda's track record:

• In real estate for over 6 years.
• Multi-million dollar producers
• Graduates of the prestigious Floyd Wickman Master Sales Associate program.
• Lives by the "Get By Giving" philosophy.
• Born and raised in the Linn County area.
• Children attend the Linn Mar school district.
• One of the all time greatest Disc Jockeys in the Cedar Rapids area: www.djgarywolter.com

Yeah, you would think that if I ever became a Realtor, why would I ever recommend someone else's services as a Realtor. After all, aren't they my competition? Well, they are, and I am...recommending them highly as Realtors and as personal friends of the family. Please visit Gary and Melynda's real estate website at www.garywolter.com. You can also email the Wolter's at wolterteam@aol.com or call them at 319-350-7901. With a reputation for results, contact Gary and Melynda Wolter today; Cedar Rapid's Real Estate's finest!

Do you know that as of this date: Iowa ranks #2 in the country in total real estate sales volume. Forty five of the fifty states have a negative sales volume. In a tough market, sometimes the turtle outpaces the hare. With our slow rate of appreciation and steady economy, Iowa and Cedar Rapids are set to continue growth and earnings into the fourth quarter and first part of next year.

Skogman Realty has long been the leader in real estate sales and volume since it's evolution begun in 1974. Is it our big red sign that attracts business, is it our dedicated Realtors, is it our marketing? Fingers can be pointed in any direction you choose but here are the facts:

1. Skogman Realty's volume for YTD is up 61.8 million dollars. That's a 13.8% increase from last year.
2. Skogman Realty's average sales price is up 8 1/2 % over last year.
3. Average days on the market for our MLS is 101 days. Skogman averages 86 days on the market. On an average 200,000 house at 6.5% interest rate, that's quite a substantial savings to the seller.
4. Skogman sells 61.4 % of it's listings in house. We get the word out and plug our own seller's property.
5. There have been 46 new Skogman agents to come out of the Development and Training Center since 2006. Those 46 agents have generated over 80 million in sales volume since January of 2006.

Selling your home in the Cedar Rapids area? Looking for an agent that "exposes" your property to more "potential buyers" than any other agent in town? Give Cedar Rapid's Realtor Christopher Smith a call at 319-329-5988 or email christopher@skogman.com . Don't forget to visit Cedar Rapid's most comprehensive real estate website at www.christophersmithrealtor.com for much more information on Cedar Rapids Real Estate.

Details, details, details, is what 2710 Spoonbill Drive in Marion, Iowa is all about! When you build a home in the popular LinnMar School District (www.linnmar.k12.ia.us ) you come across a savvy buyer, that expects upgrades to be the norm for a custom home. SMB Builder Shawn Bible does not disappoint in this category. This home off of 44th Street in Marion is a testament to quality in the details and quantity in the square feet. With over 3300 square feet of living space and over 1800 of that upstairs, this home is ready for your family to move in! Here are some of the highlights of this wonderful property in Marion, IA.

• Rounded bull-nose edges on all corners of the walls and faux granite countertops.
• Mudroom immediately inside the garage door and 1/2 bath for the little punkin' heads!
• Whirlpool "Commercial Quality" washer and dryer that stays in the laundry room with wash basin.
• 20 X 20 Porcelain tile that is durable enough for your spills, drops, and the experimental Tonka truck launch off of the countertop!
• Cookies and cream Stainmaster carpet hides dirt and is warm and inviting for you and your guests.
• Venetian Bronze plumbing and light fixtures throughout entire home.
• Six foot soaking tub in Master Bath. Believe it or not, soaking tubs are making a huge comeback because there is no maintenance to clean up the clogged jets with your favorite bubble bath.
• Ample maple cabinetry in the Master Bath for storage.
• 4 X 4 foot Master Shower.
• Perhaps more canned lighting than any other builder I've seen. Canned lighting is direct, it's softer, and it casts light more evenly throughout a space.
• Superbowl sized Great Room downstairs, which can be divided, used as one big room, made into a theater, etc.
• Custom built split-Granite corner fireplace with "no mess" Heat N Glo heat source. Heat's up your home, but doesn't make a mess.
• TV or Audio source can be placed directly above fireplace, and the remaining equipment can be tucked into the Plug N Play Closet by the foyer.
• No neighbors in back of you, unless you consider corn your nearest relative.
• One of a kind waved, lead glass window separates the living from the dining room with grace and elegance. You simply must see this attention to detail in this grand partition.
• Wrought iron woven handles adorn your maple cabinetry throughout the kitchen and baths.
• Wrought iron woven spindles attached to the stairwell leading down to the Great Room.
• Energy Star appliances, furnace, and A/C.
• Knick knack ledges between living and kitchen area, also located above maple cabinetry in kitchen.
• Kohler Low Flush toilets save money on water.
• Downstairs storage galore.

This home on 2710 Spoonbill Drive offers more house and amenities for the price than any other comparables in the area. Please make an effort to set up a showing with your Realtor, or for a private showing, contact Christopher Smith at 329-5988 or email christopher@skogman.com for more information. There are also more than 36 pictures and a complete description of this property at www.christophersmithrealtor.com.

• Listed at $309,000
• Over 3300 square feet of living space
• Oversized 3 stall attached garage
• Beautiful custom designed kitchen with maple cabinets, 20 X 20 Porcelain tile.
• Venetian bronze custom light and plumbing fixtures throughout home.
• Bull-nose rounded corners.
• Gorgeous lead glass window separates living area from dining area.
• Laundry room is on 1st floor with wash basin.
• Mudroom
• Master Bath has 4 X 4 separate shower and 6 ft. soaking tub by Jacuzzi with custom maple cabinetry.
• Superbowl sized Great Room downstairs with two additional bedrooms/offices with separate full bath.
• Deck to be completed upon sale.
• Popular Marion, IA neighborhood
• Kids go to brand new Linn Grove Elementary, Excelsior Middle School, and LinnMar High.

For much more information on this property and for more Cedar Rapids Real Estate, visit Skogman Realty's Christopher Smith at his website: www.christophersmithrealtor.com.

• Priced at $135,000
• Almost 1900 square feet of living space!
• Three bedrooms, two full baths.
• Oversized two stall, heated garage, with workbench the entire width of garage.
• Private Master Suite upstairs, with sitting area and loads of storage.
• Gorgeous kitchen, well lit with canned lighting and beautiful colors.
• 1st floor living area has gleeming hardwood floors and plenty of room for a dining table
• Basement has 2nd living area with custom built bar, and 4th non-conforming bedroom.
• ALL APPLIANCES STAY including refrigerator and washer/dryer.
• Brand new storage shed just off of the garage also stays.
• Beautiful porch for those lazy afternoons.

For more information on this beautiful property and more Cedar Rapids Real Estate, contact Christopher Smith or go to his website: www.christophersmithrealtor.com for more information.

Since my slogan has always been "Service With a Smith," I would be remiss if I didn't expound upon my service attitude that has always been a part of who I am as a person, not necessarily as a Realtor.

If you have lived in Cedar Rapids for any length of time, then you know my father Al Smith. My father has worked with children for almost 50 years in this town. First, he was the Recreation Director for the Cedar Rapids Recreation Commission. If you grew up in the sixties, seventies, and even into the eighties, many of you participated in the goal shooting contests and punt, pass, and kick contests at your local Cedar Rapids Community Schools.

As a former professional baseball player with the Cleveland Indians organization, my father could have pursued a major league baseball career and been very successful. Then, he met my mother Virginia Dunn, and later married, having six children, three boys and three girls. My father gave tirelessly of himself and his money to all of his children growing up in the sixties, seventies, and eighties. When any of his children wanted the latest tennis shoes, or jeans, he always thought of his children before himself.

My father lives by the motto, I am third. His faith comes first, his family and friends second, and then his needs come after that. Since my father is my role model and hero, I am continuing his service attitude with my job as a Realtor. Before I became a Realtor in Cedar Rapids, I was an elementary school teacher for twelve years. I loved teaching children and working with families, especially those with the most needs. After twelve years, I decided to work with big kids instead of the little ones, and so here I am.

I have worked very hard on all aspects of my career as a Realtor to provide you with service that knowone would ever expect from a Realtor, ever! Here are some of my bullet points:

• Twelve years + experience working with children and families.
• An expert in finding your family the perfect school and school district to move to.
• I know most of the principals in town by first name basis, and if I don't, well then, I'll probably be visiting your school next week!
• I understand the moving process. I have lived and moved into four homes myself. I have relocated twice to Austin, Texas in 1985 and back home to Marion, Iowa in 2004.
• I have a Distinguished Service Providers Index on my website that grows everyday. These are local vendors who provide outstanding services to you like plumbers, carpenters, carpet cleaners, etc... These folks have been screened by me and also come highly recommended. No need to look any further than this tab on my website.
• I'm an expert communicator. If you call me or email me, I will usually return the correspondence within the hour or two. If you need information on buying, selling, financing, or anything related to real estate in Cedar Rapids, I have the resources to immediately provide to you and your family.
• My website is easily found in major search engines like Google, MSN, and Yahoo. I have worked hard to make my website www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com easy to find for searches relating to Cedar Rapids real estate, Cedar Rapids Realtor, and Skogman Realty. Once you have found my website, you can request all of the information you'd like, and trust that I will not stalk you like some Realtors will. I also know that when you are ready, you will return to the source that has provided you with information to make educated and informed decisions about moving to Cedar Rapids, moving neighborhoods, buying real estate, or qualifying for a loan.
• Trust and integrity are two words that have lived inside of me ever since I was a child. I thank my parents for instilling in me the values and morals that I now am imparting on my two children today.
• I keep in touch monthly and sometimes bi-monthly with my clients and past clients. My friends and family receive a newsletter with items of value each and every month.
• All of my listings have a VT (Virtual Tour). I have a minimum of twenty to thirty photographs of each one of my listings on my website, not the standard one or eight pictures you find elsewhere.
• I also offer you your own domain name (ie - www.370IowaAve.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com ) to once again expose your home to more "potential buyers."
• Each one of my sellers gets their own section of my website to "brag" about their home to potential buyers.

I always used to tell my youngsters in school that, "You make the choices, not Mr. Smith." You as homeowners and buyers also have many Realtors to choose from in this area. Almost 900+ Realtors to be exact! Do your research on the Internet, and find out who provides the most services and will work hard for you! My #1 goal is your #1 goal. Call me today at 319-329-5988 or email Christopher@skogman.com . Also visit my website: www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com for much more information than I can blog about in this post!

As always, I thank you for taking the time to read this very important information. Have a great week!

Real estate sales and buyers are heating up the market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sales are up by a small percentage over last year. More and more inventory continues to become available on the market. It's kind of like the weather in Iowa. If you don't like the weather now, wait five or ten minutes. Similar to real estate: if you don't like what's on the market now, wait five or ten days.

Buyers, you can request a Buyer's Packet from Christopher Smith at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com, your Cedar Rapid's Realtor. In this packet, I discuss the buying process from start to finish. I give you a checklist of things to do, a financing checklist of items you'll need to prequalify for a mortgage loan. I also outline how I work for you the buyer, for absolutely free!

Email Christopher@skogman.com for your free Buyer's Packet or call 319-329-5988.

Sellers, the most important part of selling your home is "exposure." The Realtor who "exposes" your home to the most potential buyers, will sell your house quicker and for more of the asking price. I market homes to more outlets than any other Realtor in town, guaranteed. No other Realtor in town markets homes on the Internet like I do. I've worked hard to provide a wonderful network of websites that will advertise your property and it's highlights so as many potential buyers as possible see your property. I also write about your property on one of my four real estate blogs. Once again, no other Realtor blogs about their listings and I do. What are the chances that one or two of the hundreds of people that read my blogs each week might be a potential buyer for your home?

Visit my website at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com for more details on how your home can be sold successfully by your Cedar Rapid's Realtor, Christopher Smith. Thank you!

When you are looking for a company to sell your home, you don't just close your eyes and pick a company in the phone book. That would be foolish! You choose a company based on it's merits, it's long standing history in the community, and it's ability to get the job done.

Skogman Realty has consistently demonstrated their work ethic since it's humble beginnings 34 years ago. All realty companies have their "game plan" on how to sell your house the quickest and for most of the asking price. However, I think the company who networks the most and actively pursues the "ears" of other Realtors in town, is the company that will always succeed. For five years leading up to 2007, Skogman Realty has consistently been at the top of the heap in terms of Sold Listings.

Of 4,280 Transactions in 2002:

Skogman 1,334 = 31.16%

Iowa 1,215 = 28.38%

Coldwell 504 = 11.77%

Remax 269 = 6.28%

Other 958 = 22.38%

Of 4,544 Transactions in 2003:

Skogman 1,450 = 31.91%

Iowa 1,300 = 28.60%

Coldwell 516 = 11.35%

Remax 297 = 6.53%

Other 981 = 21.58%

Of 5,035 Transactions in 2004:

Skogman 1,533 = 30.44%

Iowa 1,322 = 26.25%

Coldwell 660 = 13.10%

Remax 274 = 5.44%

Other 1,246 = 24.74%

Of 5,170 Transactions in 2005:

Skogman 1,557 = 30.11%

Iowa 1,324 = 25.60%

Coldwell 688 = 13.30%

Remax 363 = 7.02%

Other 1,238 = 23.94%

Of 5,323 Transactions in 2006:

Skogman 1,596 = 30.00%

Iowa 1,297 = 24.36%

Coldwell 677 = 12.71%

Remax 430 = 8.08%

Other 1,323 = 24.85%

Looking for a company that treats it's clients like family? Looking for a company that aggressively markets your property to sell quickly and for most of it's asking price? Then look no further; Skogman Realty is your friend in the real estate business.

Should you need a Realtor that works tirelessly to market your house; not only locally, but statewide and nationally, Christopher Smith is your choice. Looking for a Realtor that walks door to door in your neighborhood and other neighborhoods looking for a buyer for your house? Christopher Smith is your choice. Looking for a Realtor that provides a Virtual Tour for every listing, and up to 30 pictures on his website showcasing your property? Christopher Smith is your choice.

Call or Click today for "SERVICE WITH A SMITH." You won't be disappointed!