Radon Testing Becoming More Popular in Iowa
by: Brian Wentz
January is Radon Awareness month! Not more than a few years ago no one was talking about this colorless odorless gas that seems to emit from the soil. But more and more I am receiving request from home owners and consumers who want buy a home in Des Moines, and are tuned into the issue.
The Iowa Department of public health reports that 7 out of 10 homes in Iowa show elevated levels of radon, above the "action level" of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
If radon is somethingyou have a concern about, you can hire one of a number of inspectors to set a recording device that will track indoor radon levels over a 24 to 72 hour period. If you plan to buy a home in Des Moines, or anywhere in Iowa, you may want to include a radon test as part of your home inspection. Costs range in the neighborhood of $150.00.
Here, Kevin Nelson of Pillar To Post is seen setting a radon level recorder in a home for sale in Urbandale Iowa. Kevin can be reached at 515-331-0787 or 515-559-4712.
Other inspectors can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book, and more information is available at the Iowa Department of Health's Radon Information Page, or Radon.Org.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
Mortgage rates falling to near historic lows for Des Moines lenders.
by Brian Wentz, Realtor
Cetntral Iowa Lending, our in house mortgage lender here at Burnett Realty, announced on Friday that rates were at an amazing low rate of 5.375% with around 1% origination fees.
Over the past 20 months, rates have been as high as 6.5% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
Below is a chart of recent mortgage rates. As you can see, it is a great time to buy a new home, or refinance a home loan in Iowa!
If you have an interest rate above 6%, you may want to look at the benefits of refinancing to take advantage of today's great rates.
For a free review of your current mortgage, contact Bryan Byrnes at 515-334-4982 or Mick Hayes at 515-334-4981, or visit Central Iowa Lending.
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
New Construction and homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee
A weekly update of Homes for Sale and Homes Sold in Des Moines, Iowa.
by: Brian Wentz, Realtor
The year got off to a strong start in 2008! Interest rates remain low (around 5.5% or better) and buyers seem to be returning to the market in good numbers.
The first week of activity in the Des Moines Real Estate market resulted in 337 new listings, 113 homes that received offers, 121 closed sales. 256 homes expired unsold during the same time.
See also:
Des Moines Real Estate: New Construction Homes For Sale, January 1st, 2007
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Homes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
A look at inventory levels of new construction compared with existing homes for sale in Des Moines.
Des Moines Real Estate: New Construction Homes For Sale, January 1st, 2007
by: Brian Wentz, Realtor
Des Moines home builder inventory levels remain high at the start of 2008. New construction currently accounts for around 33% of the homes for sale in our area. Proposed construction levels are down substantially from last year, standing at just around 4% of homes available in Des Moines. Existing homes account for the bulk of our market, at just over 63% of total inventory.
There are currently4,612 pre-owned homes for sale in the Des Moines area and 2,382 new homes for sale. Home builders in Des Moines have proposed building another 303 homes.
In this current environment, new homes for sale in Des Moines present potantial buyers with the opportunity to negotiate with builders for upgrades and even reductions in price. This has not been the case in recent years as new homes sold quickly, and builders did not need to negotiate prices to keep sales moving.
If you plan to build a home in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area, having a REALTOR who stays on top of the ever changing market can be a valuable asset to you! Contact us today to discuss your plans!
Also See:
Des Moines Real Estate: Foreclosure Homes For Sale, January 1st, 2007
Des Moines Iowa Real Estate Sales Activity: December 07: 9.9 Months of Inventory
Des Moines Iowa Real Estate, Homes for Sale, 2007 vs. 2006
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Helping you buy or sell your Des Moines area home, including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
A look at the number of foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes for sale in the Des Moines Iowa MLS.
Des Moines Real Estate: Foreclosure Stats, January 1st, 2007
by: Brian Wentz, Realtor
As of January 1st, 2007 there are currently a total of 7,297 homes both for sale, and under contract in the Des Moines Area Multiple Listing Service.
Of these listings, 243 homes are being sold by lenders, after being foreclosed on. Another 179 homes are noted as being in a pre-foreclosure (short sale) status, meaning the seller mortgage amount exceeds the amount the seller expect to receive, after selling their home. Short sales can indicate a homeowner who is in financial distress.
Foreclosure and pre-forclosure homes for sale
account for nearly 6% of the total homes for sale in our area.
If you plan to sell or buy a home in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area, having a REALTOR who stays on top of the ever changing market can be a valuable asset to you! Contact us today to discuss your plans!
Also See:
Des Moines Iowa Real Estate Sales Activity: December 07: 9.9 Months of Inventory
Des Moines Iowa Real Estate: Average Time to Sell a Home in 2007 vs. 2006
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Helping you buy and sell Des Moines Iowa Real Estate, including Urbandale, Clive, Beaverdale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
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Brian and Beth serve the Des Moines, Iowa Real Estate markets including the suburbs of Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes and Clive, among others.
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