It's not until you move away from Iowa that you realize what we have here is special....
Beggar's Night is coming...and for those of you not in Des Moines, Beggar's Night is the night that the kids take to the streets and go trick or treating. Though the 31st is Halloween, each town in the Des Moines area picks what night will be "Beggar's Night". Around the country kids are saying "Trick or Treat!" and claiming their candy prize, but we do things a bit differently here. We do things right....

New to Des Moines? Be prepared:
1) Kids in costume ring the doorbell
2) Homeowner answers...
3) Kids say "trick or treat!"
4) Kids then tell their BEST joke, usually something simple, and then wait to see if the homeowner is amused.
5) If the homeowner likes the joke, then...
6) The kids earn their candy!

Have a Joke to Share?

I can only think of one right now...if you know a good one, leave a comment with your joke!

Why did the boy bring the string to the game?

To tie the score

Des Moines Area Beggar's Night Times

Clive: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

Des Moines 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

Grimes: 6-8 p.m. -- October 31

Granger: 6-8 p.m. -- October 31

Johnston: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

Urbandale: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

Waukee: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

West Des Moines: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

Windsor Heights: 6-8 p.m. -- October 30

For more areas around Des Moines, check here

Have more questions? There are definitely more answers. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

Thanks to kcci.com for the Beggar's Night Times

Photo Credit: ctk

Thinking of using the $8000 tax credit? Time is running out! The media is pushing hard to let everyone know that the deadline for closing on a home is November 30, 2009 if you plan on using the $8000 tax incentive. But you need to know there is a PROCESS!

CLOSING TAKES TIME

To be sure you allow for enough time for the closing process (think processing your loan & clearing title and abstracting). Right now we are writing offers for FHA approved buyers with a minimum of 45 days for closing. If you closed November 30th, you would need to have your offer ACCEPTED by October 16, 2009. You also need to give your self a few days for negotiating your offer. So, by my count, you would need to write your offer by October 14th. That's only 41 days from now!

GET OUT THERE!

There is a good supply of first time homes available out there! Get out there, have fun, and enjoy! Have more questions? There are definitely more answers. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help. asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com Photo credit: josterpl

Yes, I said lipstick.

You know, a quick fix to look prettier? I "borrowed" that from someone a few years ago. Can't remember who, but I've used it since. It works out perfectly in the real estate world. Pretty houses sell....

I often hear the question...what does my home need to sell?

The answer is easy. Really...it is. Your home must look great, be in good condition, and must be priced right. Period. Know this...a buyer is looking for a home that stands out from the rest. They want that "feeling" when they walk in the door. Shag carpet isn't going to do it!

Many don't want to spend the money to update

I'm not asking you to remodel, or even do anything unnecessary. Just step outside of your own shoes, become the buyer, and walk through your home. Is your carpet dated or worn? Replace it. Are your walls white or too bright? Paint them. Is your house dirty, dusty, or piled to the ceiling? Fix it! Realtors offer staging advice and will even recommend or hire a staging service for their sellers. Listen to them...they know what they are saying!

Check out these quick fixes

This homeowner had VERY dated carpet, paneled walls, and older appliances and fixtures. Replace these...and things look much better. First picture is before, 2nd is after. Enjoy!

Have more questions? There are definitely more answers. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I'm happy to help.

asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com

Following up from yesterday's post titled FAQ: What Questions Should I Ask When Buying A Condo? Part 2 today includes what your lender might want to know.

Thanks to Tyler Osby, of Four Legacies Mortgage, for his input on buying a condo.

If you are buying a condo that is new construction or that is in a newer community you should know:

With condos, it's always important to lenders what the entire project looks like. The reasons they take consideration into the entire project is because it impacts resale value (so, it's a good thing they care about it).

Here are some examples of questions that a mortgage lender will ask about a condo project:

Which phase of development is this property located in?

How many of these units are sold in this project?

How many units are completed?

Is this project a conversion? (from apartments to condos)

Who has voting control on the Board of Directors? (Builder or association dues)

Does the project contain any rental units? If so, how many? (this matters BIG)

How many unit owners are delinquent more than 30 days on dues? (this also matters BIG)

Total Sales Information: ( __Total # of completed unites in project, __ Total number of units conveyed, __ Total number of units under contract, __ Total number of units conveyed/under contract investors).

Long story short, each project is looked at individually before getting 'approval'. Some condo projects have their project already approved through FHA and Fannie Mae, others don't.

Just know going into these condo purchases that they could get into trouble getting approved with an unusual condo questionnaire.

If you'd like to connect with Tyler, you can find him online at http://wealthwithmortgage.com or follow him on Twitter @tylerosby.

Have more questions about Living in Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

If you’re thinking of buying a condo you might want to check this out. PS..grab a beverage, it’s a LONG one!

You Must Know

In my personal opinion, buying a condo is HARDER than buying a single family home. The details are endless and you need to be prepared.

Let’s Dig In: The Questions

How many units are in the building?

Is the building large with so many tenants coming and going that you’ll get lost in the shuffle?

Is there a building manager? What is he/she responsible for? Do they live on site?

How much are the association dues?

A MUST know…without a doubt. You have a budget for your mortgage. If the price seems right, but the dues are too high, you’ve gone overboard. It’s in your best interest to review dues before you see the unit. Don’t waste your time.

What do the dues cover? Is there a “repair fund”?

If the dues seem high, take a step back and see what they cover. Some will cover all utilities, cable, and internet. Do your homework and crunch the numbers to see if they work for you.

How is the HOA run?

Each Homeowner’s Association has their own set of rules and guidelines. Be sure to see how things come together

Is parking included?

Many condominiums do NOT come with parking, or parking costs more. Even if the listing online says there is parking, double check with your Realtor.

Where do I take out the garbage?

Seems silly, but do you have to lug your garbage a few miles, or just down the hall? Hmmm…..

Can I see the covenants, financials, and history of the dues?

YES! Your Realtor should request these before you make your offer. Make sure you see and review all of these documents. They hold the answers to many questions you might have about where your dues are going and what the future of the condo might be.

Will my furniture fit?

Another question that might seem silly right now…but how are you going to get that baby grand piano up the stairs or elevator? (Yes, this is a real scenario…)

Can these units be rented out? How many units are owner occupied vs. renter occupied?

Can I rent out my extra parking stall?

What is the history of resale of these units?

Not everyone gets to stay put for more than a few years at a time. If your job or life might take you elsewhere, find out the history of how these units have sold.

Does each unit have laundry?

If laundry is not in the unit, is it included in dues or do I have to pay?

Does each unit control their own heat? AC?

What kind of privacy can I expect?

Oh boy…I’ve been waiting to add this piece. @mitchgroup on Twitter gave me this one. You should ask: “can i get a refund if the guy upstairs is a tap dancing insomniac who likes rap music?” booom booom clickety clack giggity! (If you appreciate his humor…follow him here)

What repairs/updates have been made to the building in the last 5 years?

Get a handle on what’s been done. If the roof is 30 years old…you might expect an increase in dues.

Are there any current or pending special assessments on the property?

Are pets allowed and are there limits?

Without a doubt, this is the number 1 question I get at a condo open house. Kudos..if Fifi or Sparky can’t stay, then you should go.

There is also info that your lender will need to know when you buy a condo. Tomorrow will be part two featuring advice for condo buyers from Tyler Osby of Four Legacies Mortgage.

Wow…a lot of info. As always, we welcome your input in the comments below…

Have more questions about Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via my website, Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

photo credit: romanlilly