Des Moines, IA

You've got better things to do on a Sunday than hold an open house. It's not the greatest feeling having your home opened up for strangers to ogle at your closets or poke through your shower. And while experts may debate the value of open houses, you want to get that property sold, so you do what you have to do. Your Realtor or agent should fill you in on the basics, such as getting the house as clean and tidy as possible for the big day, making sure both yards are trimmed and some fresh flowers are sprouting, and always hiding money, medication, jewelry or small valuables. In addition, here are some extra tips to make your open house count (and make you feel like you were productive during those precious Sunday hours): Make It Generic -- Yes, it's still your home, but you're trying to get other people to picture it as their home. Put away all of the family photos, the children's art, the shopping lists and doctor visit reminders from the refrigerator. And turn the volume on the message machine to "off" so potential buyers aren't screening your phone messages. Clear the Decks -- Stick the fancy electronic toothbrushes, irrigators, deodorants, perfumes, etc. under the sink in the bathroom, and find a hiding place for your coffee maker, Cuisinart and juice maker in the kitchen. The more spacious countertops look, the more people will remember your house. "Nice clean counters give people ideas. They want to know if they're big enough to store their own appliances and products," says Lance Mohr, a Tampa, Fla. Realtor. Dinner! -- Put out your best place settings on the dining room table. It adds a touch of class, making it appear that you're going to be serving a fabulous dinner party later in the evening after the potential buyers have scooted back home, even if you're really planning on KFC in front of the TV. The Doormat Trick -- Just before most people enter a house, they reflexively glance down and give their shoes a rub on the doormat. If you're selling, now's the time to go all out and invest in a nice one. It's a subtle sign that you care about the property and that you're no slob (even though you may have gotten along just fine without one for the last few years). Way to a Buyer's Heart -- Bribes. In this market, try anything. If your open house is occurring when the weather is cool, leave behind a big tray of freshly baked cookies or brownies or a canister of hot chocolate and paper cups. In summer, a big pitcher of lemonade or mini-bottles of cold water can cause some thirsty soul to pause and take a good look around at your house. Take Off -- It can be intimidating for a potential buyer to ask an agent frank questions about a property with the owner trying to listen in the hallway. Plus, buyers are expecting to see the house, not you, sorry. "I had an owner who came back home early from a hike during the open and took off his shirt," says real estate agent Rob Smith of San Diego. "It was a great house, but people came in and saw this sweaty guy without a shirt and they were grossed out." And don't forget to take your barking dog with you.

Wow! What an election. I'm sooooooo glad its over with. Now we'll see just how many campaign promises are followed through on. My hope is that now our country can go from red and blue, and come together and be purple. My hope that this new administration can bring everyone together. My hope is that our economy doesn't get worse. Have a great day and a productive week.

As a Des Moines Mortgage lender, I am truly passionate about my profession, and the result is that nearly 100% of my business is by referral from satisfied clients, trusted financial advisors and the most experienced realtors in Des Moines, and throughout Iowa. My mission is to carefully guide you through the entire home loan process, so that you feel confident as you make choices about the many options available for your financing strategy. With many years and a wide range of experience in the mortgage industry, my dedicated team stands ready to assist each and every step of the way. I understand that it's not just a house, it's your home. Your home is one of the largest financial commitments that you will make during your life, and many people view that as meaning just another monthly payment. I can help you realize that your home is truly a valuable financial tool, and will help you achieve the dreams and plans they envision for your future. You only think about home financing a few times during your life ~ I think about it every single day. It's your home and your future. It's my profession and my passion. I'm ready to work for your best interest.

As a Des Moines Mortgage lender, I am truly passionate about my profession, and the result is that nearly 100% of my business is by referral from satisfied clients, trusted financial advisors and the most experienced realtors in Des Moines, and throughout Iowa. My mission is to carefully guide you through the entire home loan process, so that you feel confident as you make choices about the many options available for your financing strategy. With many years and a wide range of experience in the mortgage industry, my dedicated team stands ready to assist each and every step of the way. I understand that it's not just a house, it's your home. Your home is one of the largest financial commitments that you will make during your life, and many people view that as meaning just another monthly payment. I can help you realize that your home is truly a valuable financial tool, and will help you achieve the dreams and plans they envision for your future. You only think about home financing a few times during your life ~ I think about it every single day. It's your home and your future. It's my profession and my passion. I'm ready to work for your best interest.

OK, so the question is are you certified or qualified? So what does it mean to be certified.

Certified refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization.

To be certified recognizes a certain professional association or professional regulatory organization as possessing the appropriate credentials. There are allot of certifications today, you could be "Board Certified", obtain a "Certified Copy", have a "Certified Check", be a "Certified Public Accountant". The word is used so much anymore that one would have to wonder who is truly the best person for the job.

Certification is truly a great asset to the person who obtains this title, it let's us all know he or she is licensed and has the proper education required to perform the duties expected from them. Would you hire the person who is qualified or certified?

Qualified refers to meeting the proper standards, requirements and training for an office, position or task.

You could be qualified but not certified, can you be certified but not qualified? Does that mean that you are not prepared to perform the tasks at hand? You could be "pre-qualified", or have a "qualified HMO plan", or be a "qualified Home Inspector or Realtor". People in this profession are known as GOOD, BETTER, BEST. OK, sometimes POOR, but what makes us all qualified? What makes some of us Certified?

Picking a Home Inspector is a big decision to protect possibly the largest investment in you, or your clients life. I think it is unmentionable to pass up on a $250 - $350 Pre-Listing or Pre-Purchase Home Inspection for a $250,000.00 investment. Make sure your Home Inspector is QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED and they will give you their very best.

Qualified/Certified, together you get competent, suited, meeting the standard, met the requirements, approval, members, educated, knowledge, skilled, professional, endorsed, licensed, genuine, vouched for, ethical, and standard of practice followed and trustworthy. I'm sure you can think of many more.

What do you think?

ProSite Home Inspections

Dan Hagman

Altoona, Iowa

dhagman3298@msn.com

http://www.prositehomeinspections.com

515-229-2342