This year, 2009, will mark the third year I've had the honor to volunteer to assist in the NAMI Walk sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Iowa Chapter. If you're unfamiliar with NAMI Iowa here's their mission from their website:
"NAMI IOWA is a non-profit, state-wide grass roots organization. Our mission is to raise public awareness and concern about mental illness, to foster research, to improve treatment and to upgrade the system of care for the people of Iowa. We work to support our mission through education, advocacy and support."
Many people are affected by and struggle with mental illness on a daily basis. Just in the Des Moines area this year there have been at least four incidents where police have been called to apprehend a mentally ill person and the individual has been shot and killed or accidentally maimed or injured. But aside from the high profile cases, many with mental illness are unable to stay employed, care for themselves, or become productive members of society. It is estimated that one if four families contains a memebr who suffers from a serious mental illness.
You can find this years walk in Des Moines' Water Works park by taking Park Ave south to Valley Dr. and by entering the south exit appx. 1 mile off Park, across from the Racoon Valley soccer fields. You will then go left appx. 1 mile more. The way should be clearly marked.
This year's 2009 NAMI Walk IOWA is sponsored by The Des Moines Radio Group and Polk County. All donations benefit NAMI and NAMI Iowa. The walk begins Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 - 8:00 AM Registration Starts, 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 9:30 AM Walk Begins, Vendor booths open and activities continue until 11:00 AM.
You can register yourself or a team by clicking on this link,2009 NAMI Walk IOWA , or by just showing up! Last year the walk was able to raise $109,000 from just the Des Moines walk alone. If you have the time and are able we'd love to see you there on Saturday!
Maybe we're behind the curve, or perhaps we're out in front, my suspicion is though that all agents in Iowa will enjoy the new housing stats system unveiled by the IAR in September 2009.
We've always been able to produce reports, but data such as unit sales per month, comparisons to previous years and housing price trends have not been readily available. That's all changed now with the new report system as evidenced by this August 2009 Housing Stats Report. I, like many agents I suspect, was relegated to wait until reading the numbers in the Des Moines Register the day after the figures came from the board. This new system however means I can log-in and easily get the numbers in an easy to read format that I quickly can share with clients and prospects.
Trends are valuable in that listing agents and clients don't have to just guess about what's happening in the area or market, they can have ready access to the data to readily gauge:
Buyers can also benefit by using the stats to determine:
If you're looking to buy or sell and would like to analyze the trends to determine your best strategy, give me a call and we'll set up an appointment.
This year, 2009, will mark the third year I've had the honor to volunteer to assist in the Memory Walk sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Iowa chapter. Alzheimer's affect so many people which makes this a very important event. Just today I had a client in my office whom I invited to participate in the walk. He had to decline because the very same day, he would be attending his grandmothers funeral who was coincidentally, an Alzheimer's sufferer for many years.
The walk will commence at Des Moines Water Works Park. Walkers may enter the park by taking Park Ave south to Valley Dr. and by entering the south exit appx. 1 mile off Park, across from the Racoon Valley soccer fields. You will then go left appx. 1 mile more. The way should be clearly marked.
This year's 2009 Memory Walk is sponsored by Care Initiatives. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The walk begins Saturday, September 26, 2009 - 8:00 AM Registration Starts, 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 9:30 AM Walk Begins, Vendor booths open and activities continue until 11:00 AM.
You can register yourself or a team by clicking on this link, 2009 Memory Walk, or by just showing up! Last year Alzeimer's.org was able to raise $584,000 nationally through its Memory Walk initiatives. If you have the time and are able we'd love to see you there on Saturday!
Plastered all over the media this past week was news that mortage rates fell for the week ending September 7-11 2009 as a result of Fed auction results. The rates are now near historic lows. Here are a few links to stories about the drop which was announced primarily on September 10th 2009:
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/106240.aspx
http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/release.html
http://www.housingwire.com/2009/09/10/weekly-mortgage-rate-dips-to-507-freddie-mac/
From the Fox news article above: "The national average interest rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 5.07% in the week ending Thursday, down from last week's 5.08% and the year-ago 5.93%"
Some pundits are even predicting mortage rates will fall further:
http://themortgagereports.com/2009/09/mortgage-rates-cincinnati-september-10-2009.html
Comparing 5.07%, the new rate, with last years 5.93%, shows that on a $100,000 30 year fixed loan a buyer today would pay $541.11 dollars, compared to $595.06 for the same amount last year, or about 9% less. Wow! What a difference a year can make. With good rates and the $8,000 tax credit in place until November 30th 2009, buying vs. renting just make start making a whole lot more sense to some people.
The stats are in! The stats are in! July 2009 was a blowout month for sales in the area with 890 homes sold* making July the best month for unit sales since August 2007. So, many were hoping that August would ride July's coat tails. Sadly, those folks were disappointed. Data released on Thursday from The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors showed:
Units sold: 775, -3.4% from 08/08
Pending sales: 988, +30% from 08/08
Active listings 5,692, -8.1% from 08/08
Average days on market: 93, -4.1% from 08/08
The economy continued to struggle in August in Iowa with more companies shedding jobs more plant closings and low dairy, corn, and soybean prices all taking their toll on Iowa's rural areas. It's no surprise then that unit sales could not get traction going into the fall. Pending sales are up however indicating most likely that buyers are rushing to get homes under contract in advance of the $8000 home buyer credit expiration on November 30th 2009. In a separate stat I read that 57% of the sales this year have been for home priced $160,000 or under, which, if accurate, means first time, entry level buyers and investors are really floating the boat in 2009.
*Source Des Moines Area Assocaition of Realtors
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Matt has the expertise you need and goes the extra mile for each and every client, day in and day out. Make Matt Grohe Remax your choice for your West Des Moines and Des Moines area real estate needs.
Welcome to my profile page. I'm a proactive and accessible RE/MAX agent serving the five county region around greater Des Moines. Client goals come first with me and I have many satisfied past clients who have become almost like family to me. If you have real estate needs, give me a call. Let me put my dedication and know how to work for you today.
BIO:
My family first moved to the Des Moines area in 1967. My two brothers and I were raised in the Western-most section of the city in an area bounded by West Des Moines, Des Moines, and Windsor Heights known as Janets Woods. I have been many places since, but am still proud to call Des Moines home.
After graduating from the University of Iowa with a BA in Communications, I spent nearly six years abroad. I now have a family of my own in Des Moines with my wife Jeanette, son Esden, daughter Lena and new baby boy Nolden. I am fortunate that my parents are still living in the city, as well as many people I have known or met through the years.
It's exciting to see all the changes happening with new businesses coming in, the downtown area being developed, new malls and stores cropping up all over, new roads and trails being built, and the steady development of all the satellite communities. Des Moines is also enjoying greater diversity in culture, housing and populations that helps to keep the area vibrant and sophisticated.
Pay us a visit and see why we are so upbeat about life here with our diverse economy and steady housing market. If you need any assistance with your relocation or real estate decisions in Polk, Dallas, Madison, Jasper or Warren County, please call or e-mail, Matt Grohe (515) 271-8999.
MATT GROHE REALTOR® INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION, REAL RESULTS.
Matt Grohe has been a Sterling RPAC contributor every year since 2004.
Matt specializes in homes, town homes, condos, land, acreages and investment property in Polk, Dallas, Madison, Jasper and Warren counties. Matt's full service listing program guarantees home sellers advertising in or on: TV, print, newspaper and many places on the internet, not just his brokers website. Don't wonder if you're getting the best, call Matt first!
Mark had seen other homes I had listed and sold and decided to give me a call:
"Matt worked very hard to get my home sold in a difficult real estate market. Matt kept in touch with me and kept me informed at all times. I have no problem recommending Matt to anyone needing a hardworking, accessible agent to sell their home."
Mark Pueschel 06/12/09
Goron used my services to sell his home and continued working with me to find and purchase a new home:
"I was able to locate a good home in the area I wanted at a price I could afford. Matt was also able to help me receive $13,000 in grants and credits (not tax credits) that I could use to improve my new home. The closing process was a little bit complicated but we were able to close on time and to my satisfaction. Since Matt has helped me both buy and sell a home I can tell you honestly that he does a great job at both."
Goron Skeledzic 02/23/09
Sonya and Hector called me after seeing me on Mediacom Channel 4:
"Matt didn't push us to make decisions but instead helped us to weigh our alternatives carefully before making the best choice. My fiancee Hector and I were both really happy with Matt and how helpful, available and knowledgeable he was. Hector has already recommended him to two family members. Matt made buying our first home easy."
Sonya and Hector 12/09/08
Goron called me when he needed to sell his home because he saw my ads everywhere:
"Matt did a lot of advertising of my home and got it sold pretty quickly. I was very happy with Matt and would recommend him to other people who need to sell a home in any market."
Goron Skeledzic 11/21/08
Gary and Cheryl called because they needed an agent with energy and enthusiasm. I delivered:
"Matt worked cheerfully to help us find the best home among the nearly 40 properties we toured. Matt didn't push us to make a decision too soon or back talk us when we made requests of the seller on the home we finally chose. Our experience with Matt was positive and we would recommend him to anyone who needs a dedicated buyer agent to work agressively and skillfully on their behalf."
Gary and Cheryl Goldstein 09/12/08
Dan and Kathy of West Des Moines found me through a Remax agent in San Diego:
"Throughout the close Matt and Remax handled everything smoothly so we closed on time. We were very happy with Matt's services and would recommend him to anyone selling a home in West Des Moines."
Dan and Kathy Widelski 06/27/08
Nat and Molly's real estate agent acquaintance found me after a search and interview of Des Moines area agents in order to help his friends relocate to Clive, Urbandale or Johnston:
"Matt was knowledgeable about the area and was able to find us good prospects and create good tours..Matt was available when we needed him. We'd be happy to recommend Matt to anyone that needs a friendly agent to work hard for them."
Nat and Molly Kongtahworn 06/10/08
The Velnoskys of Johnston, Iowa called when Todd got relocated to another state. Me and Daryl B. got their home sold so they could move on:
"We called several agetns to give us quotes.....we chose Matt because he was knowledgeable about the industry, had a clear system for selling homes, was very responsive, and had a competitive program....Matt..consistently provided excellent service...and went the extra mile to get the deal put together. We are glad we chose Matt to get our home sold and would recommend him to anyone considering selling a home in Johnston."
Todd Velnosky 04/28/08
Edin and Fajka called me when another agent couldn't sell their home:
Doug and Annette called Matt when they needed to sell their Des Moines home and find a new home in Ankeny. They were suceesful at both: "Whatever came up, Matt was able to help....from our experience we know you can count on Matt." Doug and Annette Buchman 07/03/07 "We had a lot of agent showings and got an accepted offer within about three weeks. Matt was always easy to get a hold of, and returned calls promptly......I can recommend Matt to anyone selling a home." Greg Snow 05/24/07 "Matt represented me exclusively througout the sale. I recommend using Matt if you are buying a new home." Bok Piper 06/11/07 Robert and Elizabeth's hometown REALTOR found Matt online: "Matt contacted us by phone right away. He asked a lot of questions to make sure he understood what we were looking for....Matt was an invaluable resource in every way and our first friend in Des Moines." Robert and Elizabeth Rose 06/08/07
"Matt's energy and marketing never slowed down. He worked really hard to sell our home...We Were very satisfied."
The Rekanovics 08/14/07
Shor-will Properties Llc has used Matt to purchase and sell various properties for three years now:
Matt came out on Christmas Eve at 9pm to show us the property and help us write an offer....After we closed, Matt took photos of the unit so we could put it on Craig's list and get it rented right away...We would use Matt again and have recommended him to family and friends.
J. Willier President, Shor-Will Properties 03/09/08
Justin, Amber and Matt worked together for months to find a great deal on a condo:
Matt sent us many listings until we eventually located a unit that was priced right and located in our area of interest. Matt came out late in the evening to show us the property because that was often the only time we could meet.....We never felt neglected by Matt.
Justin and Amber, 03/05/09
Isaac utilized Matt's services to sell his home when he needed to leave the country:
"Matt Grohe of REMAX Des Moines provided me with first class service in selling my house in Windsor Heights at a time when the housing market was in crisis....Matt kept me informed of all the details before, during and at the closing of the sale. Thank you Matt for all your efforts in providing me quality service in selling my house under tough circumstances...."
Isaac Shishani 01/22/08
Brad Hicks is the President and CEO of a company that publishes 6% of Iowa's county seat newspapers:
"...Matt was always just a phone call or e-mail away, and kept in touch regarding important dates in the agreement. Our corporation was very satisfied with Matt's exhaustive efforts and availability....and the employees are very happy with the new building as well. We will use Matt again when we need to purchase or sell.."
Brad Hicks, CEO Mid-America Publishing 01/21/08
David Banning has used Matt to buy and sell several properties:
"Matt gave me good advice on how to frame and present my offer, and in the end we beat out the other folks. With two weeks to close, Matt wasted no time in getting all of the documents where they needed to be...I was very impressed with Matt's diligence and dedication and would use him again to purchase or sell property."
David Banning 01/02/08
Laura found Matt in the Yellow Pages.
"Throughout the whole process, Matt was easy to get ahold of and was able to completely answer any questions that I had..... Matt got the home sold and we got what we wanted from the sale. Matt did a good job and I could recommend him to others who might be selling a home."
Laura Williams 12/28/2007
Josh is VP of Town Financial in Des Moines and one of Matt's loan referral sources. He called Matt to sell his home:
"Matt hand delivered our proceeds the day after Christmas...... We were thoroughly satisfied with Matt's services and have no problem recommending him to anyone selling a home in West Des Moines, or anywhere else."
Josh Luksetich 12/26/07
Osman and Edita called Matt to help them find a home because they heard he did good work:
"Matt was always in contact and did everything you'd expect an agent to do, and then some."
Osman and Edita Ajdimovski 12/21/07Dawn and Jason called Matt after a corporate broker had their home listed for 131 days:
"We received a number of showing and had an offer in about three weeks. Matt did everything he said he would and more. We were...thoroughly impressed."
Dawn and Jason Kountze 10/12/07
Mark had seen other homes I had listed and sold and decided to give me a call: "Matt worked very hard to get my home sold in a difficult real estate market. Matt kept in touch with me and kept me informed at all times. I have no problem recommending Matt to anyone needing a hardworking, accessible agent to sell their home." Mark Pueschel 06/12/09 Goron used my services to sell his home and continued working with me to find and purchase a new home: "I was able to locate a good home in the area I wanted at a price I could afford. Matt was also able to help me receive $13,000 in grants and credits (not tax credits) that I could use to improve my new home. The closing process was a little bit complicated but we were able to close on time and to my satisfaction. Since Matt has helped me both buy and sell a home I can tell you honestly that he does a great job at both." Goron Skeledzic 02/23/09
"I was able to locate a good home in the area I wanted at a price I could afford. Matt was also able to help me receive $13,000 in grants and credits (not tax credits) that I could use to improve my new home. The closing process was a little bit complicated but we were able to close on time and to my satisfaction. Since Matt has helped me both buy and sell a home I can tell you honestly that he does a great job at both."
Goron Skeledzic 02/23/09
Carolyn called Matt to sell her home, and if things went alright, to find a new one. She almost wasn't ready to move so fast!:
Matt was a reliable resource from beginning to end. If he didn't answer his phone directly, he quickly returned my calls and those of my son. I would emphatically recommend him to anyone.
Carolyn Hoffman 01/19/07
Ron and Amy called Matt to sell their home and find a new one. They accomplished both:
"We enjoyed working with Matt...(Matt)..really knew his stuff. We would recommend Matt to anyone buying or selling a home."
Ron and Amy Johnston 12/05/06
Steve worked with Matt to sell two investment properties. The properties were sold:
"I used Matt to sell two investment properties I had listed with other agents, one for about a year and one for more than a year.... In less than two months both properties were sold. Matt marketed the homes in the newspaper weekly, on TV and on many places on the internet.... Matt did far more than the other agents who had tried to sell the properties before him and got results where others had not... Based on my results I would say Matt does more for his client than most other agents."
Steve Caseley, Hawkeye Home Inspection 11/22/06
Eshaq met Matt at a house for sale and worked with him to find a more suitable property. An exceptional home was found:
"Matt provided honest assistance, was available when I needed him, responded quickly to calls and e-mail, and helped me through tough negotiations. I highly recommend Matt to anyone wanting a buyer agent to work solely on their behalf."
Eshaq Shishani 11/18/06
Matt Grohe Remax Real Estate Concepts 3125 Douglas Ave. #205 Des Moines, Iowa 50310
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