Michele Ott

My recent visit to the Capital of my state too visit with IAR lobbyist and our state representatives has me wondering how many out there in the real estate world really pay attention. I blogged about the visit and I am surprised at the number of comments made, actually the lack of comments. I have had some readers and I am thankful that they stopped by. Some of the issues we face in my state of Iowa is in my opinion poorly written or absurd. Last year was the ‘Septic Tank Certification' when selling. This goes into effect July 1, 2009. The cost to have this done by a certified person can run about $5000, unless you can find others in your area that need it done too, it knocks the price down. The main reason for the high price is there is really no one certified to test the septic tanks. One issue being discussed on the "hill" is lead paint. We all agree this is a health issue and should not be ignored. Here in Iowa there is an estimate of 1,000,000 homes that were built before 1978. The way the bill/file is written requires testing and abatement of lead hazards in residential dwellings. Also, a health care provider can test your child and if that child has elevated levels your home address will be put in a registry with the county assessors office.

These are some of the issues that have come before our legislators and it does not stop here. It is so easy to just go about your business everyday as a Realtor but don't we owe it to our past, present, and future clients to at least have a general idea of what the issues are that have an impact on homeowners. I have been reading up on the septic tank issue since it does go into affect here soon just so I am aware of what my sellers will need to do.

To be informed is to have power and knowledge. It is just a "Google" away to see what is going on with your state legislatures.

Thanks for reading.

Yesterday, March 25, 2009 was bus-in day for Iowa Realtors. It was a long day but worth the trip. I went representing Sioux City and we had 18 that attended. We boarded a bus at 7:15 and got on the road about 7:30. We stopped and picked up 4 more in Webster City. Arrived in Des Moines about noon and dropped off at the convention center for lunch and speakers.

The key speaker was John Tuccillo the former Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors. He is considered one of the foremost real estate economists in the nation. It was a good speech with a reality check but backed up with optimism. We also were briefed on the issues by Jennifer Kingland and she answered a few questions before we headed out to the Hill.

The Issues:

Private Cause of Action:

The IAR supports amending H712 and S178 file - There are several groups that are exempt from being sued as written, such as, lawyers, insurance companies, doctors and many others. Real estate licenses are not currently exempt and the IAR is working on an amendment to include real estate licenses to be exempt. Talking with Representative Chris Rants said why not just get rid of this legislation altogether.

Lead Base Paint:

The IAR opposes S213 and H448 file - this requires testing and abatement of lead hazards in residential dwellings constructed prior to 1978. There is an estimate that there are 1,000,000 residential dwellings built before 1978 that would fall into this required inspection and abatement before selling. This will create a significant burden on Iowan homeowners. There was a mutual agreement that this is a health issue and a concern but feel this is not the answer to solve this problem.

Local Option Taxes and Impact Fees:

The IAR opposes Senate Study Bill 1308 - this allows new taxes and fees from entertainment tax, cigarette tax and income tax. Not all of the tax revenue will go toward property tax relief. The IAR feels this will not solve the problems with escalating property taxes.

Other issues - Property Assessment Appeals Board, Homestead Property Tax Credit and Real Estate Transfer Taxes.

To get more information, click here. Check out Hill Notes.

Another good website for Realtors and homeowners is Iowa Property Owners Alliance. This will keep you informed on issues affecting your Iowa property ownership rights, and gives you a voice to contact your local and state policymakers. Become a member and let your clients know about this site.

For the Iowa Property Owners Alliance website, click here.

For those that did not attend you missed a great day. I plan on going next year and I encourage others to do the same. For those in other states that do a function like this go! If your state Realtor association does not do this maybe it's time to get organized and plan a visit to your Capital.

Thanks for reading.

Tomorrow I will be going on the Legislative Bus-In day. Iowa Association of Realtors does an annual trip to the Capital to meet with the legislative delegation. This is a great opportunity to discuss the issues and let the legislative body know we are following what they do on the Hill.

This is free for Realtors and if you aren't going, plan on attending in 2010. For those going, hope to see you there.

Stop by my website by clicking here. Thanks for reading.

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota has beautiful homes in a gorgeous setting. Dakota Dunes is a planned community where careful attention is taken when designing homes. Homes are designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the area. The Dunes has something for everyone when it comes to housing, such as, building sites, homes, townhomes and upscale apartments. During the last ten years the Dunes has become home to 75 businesses. With the Missouri river close by and other recreation activities in the area this is a great place to live.

Dakota Dunes has the Dakota Dunes Country Club and the Two Rivers Golf Course. With Sioux City nearby there are plenty of things to do. Weekly summer concerts, the Art Center, Tyson Events Center to catch a concert or watching a Minor League Baseball game. To the north is Sioux Falls and south lies Omaha Nebraska.

Dakota Valley Elementary School

Dakota Valley Middle School
With low student to teacher ratios, students are well prepared for their high school years.

Dakota Valley High School
Dakota Valley High School has a student centered staff and a comprehensive curriculum.

To find out more about the public schools in Dakota Dunes South Dakota, click here.

There are also economic advantages:

No local sales tax
No corporate income tax
No personal property tax
No business inventory tax
No inheritance tax
No personal income tax

If Hyperion Resources get the final approval to build in Elk Point South Dakota, the Dunes are within a few minutes' drive. Here is another great area to raise a family in South Dakota.

Visit me by clicking here.

Vermillion South Dakota is located in the south east comer of the state. It is within a short drive of where Hyperion Resources has decided to build an oil refinery. Vermillion is located on the Missouri River. It was visited by Lewis and Clark in August 1804. This are for many years had been home to the Yankton Sioux Indians. In 1843 John J Audubon stopped here to view the abundance of bird life. Settlers and Homesteaders started arriving in 1859. Today Vermillion offers a University, golf course's, recreation and a great place to live.

Area Attractions:

Oscar Howe Gallery, Austin-Whittemore Museum, W. H. Over Museum, and the Dakota Dome.

Lodging:

Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8, Home Towne Inn, Travelodge, and Valiant Vineyards B&B. Yes, there is a winery.

Retail:

Walmart, True Value Hardware, Slumberland, Hy- Vee Grocery Store, and Dakota PC Warehouse just to name a few.

Restuarants, Pubs and fast food:

Burger King, Taco John's, Dominos Pizza, Varsity Pub, and Coffee Shop Gallery to name a few.

The Population of Vermillion is just over 10,000.

Estimated median household income is around: $28,000.

Estimated median house is around: $88,200. For information on homes currently on the market, click here.

Vermillion is 40 miles north of Sioux City Iowa.

For information on University of South Dakota, Vermillion:

http://www.usd.edu/

For information on the Clay County Fair:

http://www.claycountyfair.net/

For information on the Vermillion school district:

http://www.vermillion.k12.sd.us/

Vermillion Chamber of Commerce. This site has a lot of information

http://www.vermillionchamber.com/

City of Vermillion website:

http://www.vermillion.us/