Update on the Farm Bill and Its Impact on Section 1031 - Dec 19 04:59 PM
A little over a month ago, I wrote a blog about Section 12504 of the Farm Bill that was under consideration by the Senate at the time. (You can read it here.) The focus of the blog was the general impact on Section 1031 that a particular subsection of the bill might have. The gist of the whole thing was that the proposal sought to redefine the concept of "like-kind" property, which until now has had ...
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New Miss Iowa Crowned!!! - Jun 10 12:29 PM
The new Miss Iowa 2007 was crowned on Saturday night at North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa.
Her name is Diana Reed, Miss Capital City, who is 23 years old and a student at the University of Iowa where she received the Highest Distinction, a 4.0, and has been the Golden Girl from 2002-2006! Diana is also a Ten Time National Show Twirl Champ, the 2004 Iowa State Fair Talent Search Champ! Her career ambition is to perform on Broadway ...
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Iowa Goes Hog Wild Over Exotic Pets!!! - Apr 18 06:21 AM
The Iowa House voted Tuesday to banning exotic animals as pets. Lions, tigers, and bears......oh my! Can you imagine that one Iowan actually has a pet alligator? Yes, this is Iowa.....not Florida. One Sioux City home actually had 30 exotic animals, including this alligator!
The Animal Rescue League has been pushing this through claiming in the past three years there have been 14 cases where wild and exotic animals (including monkeys, cougars, and yes.....lions, and tigers, and ...
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Banner Year for Real Estate Company!!! - Jan 25 08:41 PM
MEL FOSTER CO. CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL 2007 BUSINESS YEAR
2007 was a very good year for the Mel Foster Co. Real Estate Division, despite the continuing national headlines, radio and TV talk shows heralding the doom and gloom of the disastrous housing industry. We've grown to realize that housing is local, and Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have maintained a positive market for real estate sales.
In fact, "revenues were up 1% over those of 2006 - which ...
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John McCain is only candidate that can beat Hillary - Dec 26 09:32 AM
I know I know, Active Rain is about real estate not politics. Well frankly, I think we've all learned that real estate is greatly affected by politics both local and national. I have decided to venture beyond market stats and pretty photos of houses.
On my local politics site Porter County Politics I have been very strong in my support for John McCain for the Presidential primaries which start in two weeks. You can head there for ...
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Radon Awareness in Des Moines, Iowa - Jan 18 10:42 AM
Radon Testing Becoming More Popular in Iowaby: 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 ...
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IDX - universal usage of listings - Sep 20 09:42 AM
What are your experiences with the universal usage of IDX?. In our Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area market the MLS is now accessable to the public and all the major brokerage firms are now using IDX. So essentially, the public can go to one company's website and see all of the MLS listings - one stop shopping. Do clients like it and why and do agents like it and why?
...
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What State Is Number one for Foreclosures In 2006. - Mar 01 12:59 PM
My partner was in a closing a few day ago and the closing agent mentioned that Des Moines had the highest %
increase in the nation followed by Colarado. Searching Google new didn't give me any results. I know realty trac
provides some number on this But I really would like to find a news source for this data. Here is a link
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-19529.html.
The article states that foreclosures are up 64% but does not give ...
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Valentine's Day - Singing Valentines!!! - Jan 22 03:23 PM
Chordbuster Barbershop Chorus Presents
Singing Valentines
Delivered by a BARBERSHOP QUARTET in full black tux attire
Thursday, February 14th, 2008 only
8am - 8pm
Say "I Love You" with a Singing Valentine and leave your sweetheart speechless
Quartet will serenade your special Valentine with two timeless love songs in classic four-part, a cappella harmony
Plus, single long-stemmed red rose & souvenir photo
Can be delivered at home, office, restaurant - anywhere within immediate QC area (20 mile radius)!
Proceeds benefit QC ...
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Iowa Football "News" Story - Dec 15 12:04 PM
Ferentz House Egged Last Night The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is reporting that Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz's house was the target of some minor vandalism last night. Johnson county Sheriff's Deputies found an empty carton of eggs outside the Ferentz house early this morning. Two of the eggs had apparently hit the house... three were apparently dropped retrieving them from the carton... four were thrown clear over the house and landed in the back yard... and ...
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Midwest Farmland Prices Spike Higher During 2007 - Jan 22 09:52 AM
Midwest Farmland Prices soared during 2007, according to the Des Moines Register today. According to the appraisers at Farm Credit Services of America, farmland prices increased 20% or more in three of the four states covered by the organization (Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming) during 2007, with the fourth (Nebraska) close behind at 19.6%. Kirk Manker, chief appraiser, credits profitable commodity prices, increasing yields, relatively low interest rates, and ethanol production for the increase in ...
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John Sweeney, CPA - Senior Tax Manager, LWBJ - Speaks at Two Rivers REIA - Oct 13 08:56 AM
The Real Estate Investor Association, Two Rivers REIA of Central Iowa, hosted John Sweeney for a presentation to our REIA meeting on Oct. 6th, at 8:00-10:00AM.
Sweeny offered tips and insight into tax issues that specifically affect RE investors for buy & hold, flips, 1031 issues, with emphasis on cost segregation. But as we all know, just knowing how to do something, while important, is not enough. We have to DO it in order to really ...
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Homes in Des Moines, Iowa: Credit Score Secrets for 2008 Revealed - Jan 19 03:31 PM
New changes in the way credit bureau's look at your credit score.by: Brian Wentz, Realtor
Fair Isaac, home of the well known "FICO" scoring method, has announced some changes that will impact consumers credit scores in 2008. Dubbed "FICO '08", the new guidelines put heavier emphasis on several key areas which received less focus in the past, such as having higher balances on credit accounts and keeping a mix of both revolving and installment accounts.
The new scoring system may also ...
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Secrets of Foreclosed Homes in Central Iowa and Des Moines - Jan 12 07:38 PM
Finding hidden information on investment homes to flip, rehab, rent or resell in Iowa.by Brian Wentz, Realtor
Many of our investor clients ask us to locate bank owned and government foreclosed properties for them. These properties can have considerable investment value, as lenders prefer to get foreclosures off their books quickly. Especially these days.
Knowing where to look, and what information is available can certainly give you a head start . So I wanted to take a moment to share ...
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Largest house in Marion, IA for $165,000! - May 01 06:57 PM
Please don't miss this awesome opportunity at a home with over 2200 sq ft., built in 2000. This home is in great condition and has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. You and your family will enjoy the large yard with a privacy fence.
See all 16 photos at http://149048thst.garywolter.com
See all the Cedar Rapids area listings at www.garywolter.com
Gary & Melynda Wolter
Skogman Realty
319-350-7901
Wolterteam@aol.com
Licensed in Iowa since 2001
...
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Luxuron Group and the NAA's Code of Ethics - Apr 26 05:06 PM
Every Member of the National Auctioneers Association Pledges to Abide by the Following Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice: MISSION To promote, increase and build the trustworthiness of the competitive bidding method of marketing, including: live, Internet and sealed bid auctions, and enhance the professionalism of its practitioners.VISION Competitive bidding will be increasingly utilized as a method to sell all types of goods in all segments of the economy. The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) will ...
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I'm Dreaming of a White Easter? - Mar 22 10:54 PM
It's not suppose to snow on Easter!!! Oh, I forgot, I live in Davenport, Iowa!!!
Our weather is anything but predictable!
There is one nice benefit:
I guess it would make it easier to find the colored Easter eggs!
It does make a beautiful picture though, doesn't it?
Have a Blessed Easter.......wherever you live........snow or no snow!
Lucky :)
...
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VOTE Today: SILO Tax - Mar 04 02:50 PM
Attention: Davenport, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and North Scott Residents!!!
VOTE TODAY - March 4 SILO (School Infrastructure Local Option) Tax
Polls open 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
What is SILO?
SILO (School Infrastructure Local Option) is a local one-cent sales and service tax that provides Scott County school districts a revenue-producing alternative to property taxes for infrastructure and technology needs. Voters are being asked to renew the existing SILO tax, which expires June 30, 2009.
SILO revenue may be used to: build and ...
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Iowa Deer Classic Weekend February 29 - March 2 - Feb 28 08:11 PM
This is the weekend of the annual Iowa Deer Classic in Des Moines and I wanted to post a reminder to the folks that read my blog here. Come on out to Des Moines and visit the Land And Game Team at our new exhibit booth. We will have information on all of our hunting properties for sale, upcoming auctions in Iowa and a drawing for 3 cool prizes. Ken Tharp of Iowa Equity Exchange will also ...
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Home Improvement Contest - Get your clients entered! - Oct 30 05:34 PM
Hey everyone, I just came across a great contest if you have do-it-yourselfers for clients as I do. The contest is sponsored by the Home Depot, Grand Prize is $25,000, WOW! That would make you a very favorite person with some client. Go to www.BHG.com/challenge for all the info. They'll need photos and receipts but if they're DIYers they probably have all that info.
If you teach a class for first time rehabbers or flippers, or ...
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The 2007 Harrison County Fall Parade of Homes - Oct 18 09:33 PM
Its that time of year when we hold the Harrison County Fall Parade of Homes. This Saturday October 20th 11 open houses will all be going at the same time from 1pm to 5pm so you'll have time to get around and take a look at any of them. My home in the Parade of Homes is 1940 193rd Lane at Mondamin Iowa. Listed at $215,000 this remarkable acreage has over 9 acres of pasture and timber. This 4 bedroom ...
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RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts opening in Altoona! - Aug 31 09:36 PM
We are excited to announce we are opening an Altoona office September 10th.Tracy Adams who is the owner of RE/MAX Qualities has decided to sellher franchise to Real Estate Concepts & Nigel Chapman. Nigel haspartnered with Real Estate Concepts with our Managing Partnershipprogram. The Managing Partner has an initial investment with anownership stake and shares in the profit or loss of that office.The Altoona office now enables our agents to meet their clients in theWest Des Moines, Beaverdale, Southside ...
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RE/MAX has Premier Market Presence in Des Moines - Aug 28 08:47 PM
Way to go RE/MAX Agents! Another town where we have a lot less agents than the largest local company and yet again we have premiere market presence!
Based on Listing and Selling Units
32.3% - RE/MAX - 1523 Units
31.3% - Iowa Realty - 1476
11.3% - Coldwell Banker - 530
10.7% - First Realty - 505
14.4% - Others - 678
Data from the DMAAR MLS.
DATE RANGE: 1/1/2007 to 7/31/2007
Property Types: Commercial, Multi-Family, ...
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"Diverse Paths Shared Destinies - Jul 16 04:47 PM
What: A Diversity Leadership Conference for Professionals
When: September 19, 2007. Conference is from 7am - 12pm and the Luncheon is from 12pm - 2pm.
Where: Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350-1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Cost: $79 for the conference & luncheon or $29 for the luncheon only
An important and very exciting opportunity for professionals working in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.
The conference will address a range of critically important themes relating to the ever-changing cultural ...
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Building your BNI Referral Chapter - How I recruit new members. - Jul 08 05:44 PM
I was invited to a chapter's "Visitor's Day" in late 2006. It was quite a drive to this chapter's meeting location, so I vasilated as to whether I should join this chapter. There had been 4 Realtors at the meeting that day, so my being hesitant cost me the slot -- someone jumped in ahead of me. That same day, I made the decision that I'd try to start a chapter, closer to my home. (After consulting with God, ...
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Balloon Glow - Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival - Jun 23 02:24 PM
Brucemore Mansion, 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids will once again be the site for the Annual Freedom Festival "Balloon Glow" held on Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 7pm - 10pm. Admission is free with a Freedom Festival button.Watch a kaleidoscope of color unfold during Balloon Glow. Relax and enjoy the warm summer evening as balloonists inflate their tethered, lighted hot air balloons on the beautiful lawns of historic Brucemore.Faculty Lounge, Des Moines' premium 8-piece, teacher-friendly, horn-driven, ...
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Get Ready for Smart Money Week Iowa! - Apr 08 09:27 AM
**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
That's right! Starting April 5th, Money Smart Week begins. Money Smart Week is a week long event focused on educating consumers on how to more effectively manage their money. We like to say teaching consumers how to keep more of what they make!At Four Legacies Mortgage, we're huge advocates of financial literacy. This is why we have decided to sponsor this exciting week of financial education. As ...
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Forbes Ranks Des Moines #4 - Apr 08 09:24 AM
**Click Here for the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**In case you missed it - Forbes published the 10 Best Cities for Business and Careers. Des Moines ended up being ranked #4 in the nation for best metros!
It's not that surprising when you consider the numbers. We've had huge job growth (26,000 in the last five years), a low unemployment rate of 3.4% and our business costs are 10% below the national average! Take these numbers and ...
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53rd Iowa Power Farming Show Des Moines Iowa - Jan 27 08:44 AM
Its that week again in Iowa, the week when the Iowa Power Farming Showbrings thousands of farmers and exhibitors together in Des Moines to see the latest and greatest in power farm equipment along with some great seminars. The show will begin on Tuesday Jan 29 and run through Thursday Jan 31.
This years event promises to be bigger than ever with 55 new exhibitors for a total of 555 this year. The event has even ...
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Iowa Home Buyers and Sellers... Your Safety is Important! - Dec 30 11:10 AM
As 2008 rolls in, it is a good time to take a moment for a quick "Home Safety Check".
Des Moines Iowa Home Buyers and Sellers... Your Safety is Important!by: Brian Wentz, Relator
Smoke DetectorsThose little doo-dads have been going about keeping you safe all year now. So FEED THEM! They need a fresh 9-volt battery to keep them happily working for another year. And if the detector is more than 5 years old, it may be a ...
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Alta Real Estate Stats - Show It is a Strong Seller's Market - Dec 12 12:01 PM
Since January 2007 there have been 20 residential sales, of the 20 sales Real Estate Specialists had 14 of the listings and 13 of the buyers. Both the Storm Lake market and the Alta market are in need of fresh properties, we are down to 47 active in Storm Lake and 5 in Alta.
In Alta there is 1 property that has an accepted offer and 7 in Storm Lake. All the Realtors have Buyers that ...
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Alta 4 Plex Progress and PEX Plumbing System - Nov 06 12:17 PM
Demo is done upstairs, what's left: a little floor repair, lots of wiring and plumbing. THe plumbing won't be bad - I use to hate that part - you ended up in a space big enough for Spike our Chihuahua and upside down at that trying to not burn your self or the building down. My frame of mind improvement comes from a system called PEX - stands for Cross-Linked Polyethylene Water Supply Piping, a high ...
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AWAYSIS Project - Nearing Completion in Storm Lake - Nov 06 11:25 AM
The AWAYSIS Project is full steam ahead, the water park is open both inside and outside as are the conference center, restaurant and hotel.The outdoor water park is awesome - if you haven't been there you are missing out. Young and young at heart are trying out the slides. If you are feeling more sedate (chicken) they have provided an area just for swimming both inside and out, but WHY not try the slides just once, you'll ...
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Two Rivers REIA hosts Blue Moon Capital Webinar - Wed., Oct 17th - 6:00PM - Oct 13 09:02 AM
The Two Rivers REIA offers presentations on a variety of topics of interest to RE investors. This coming Wednesday, Oct 17th, we'll be meeting for networking, education, and mentoring but we'll be offering a different kind of a presentation, from Blue Moon Capital.
Check out the Two Rivers REIA website for more details but meeting are open to guests for a nominal fee of $10, or $20 to join for a quarter (6 meetings in the ...
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Shane Sauer, Flatirons Financial - to speak Aug. 4th, 2007 at Two Rivers REIA of Central IA - Jul 24 12:27 PM
"Real Estate Investing in Physically Distressed Properties" - As President of Flatirons Financial (Kansas City) and as a Professional, Civil Engineer with many years of construction experience, Shane and his associates will help us continue our indepth look at investing in REO's, foreclosures and distressed properties. Focus will be on developing the construction narrative and developing a detailed plan for project success.
The Two Rivers REIA of Central Iowa exists to promote education, networking, and mentoring for Real Estate investors with all levels of experience. As ...
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Mt Vernon Heritage Days 2007 - Jul 14 01:24 AM
ARE YOU STILL TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT YOUR FAMILY CAN DO THIS WEEKEND?
Visit Mt Vernon, Iowa and see what the fuss is all about! There are many events scheduled throughout the weekend, but bring the family Saturday to enjoy some of these things:
8am: 5K Run/Walk
10am: Bike Ride to Springville, Waubeek back to Mt Vernon
10am - 5pm: Over 20 artists will display their work in Memorial Park and many children's art activities will be offered
11am: Heritage Days ...
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Legion Arts Summer Stage -- BLUEGRASS - May 29 02:01 AM
If you like Bluegrass, you can't miss this performance on June 21st at 7:30:DRUHA TRAVA, one of the most successful international bluegrass bands of all time. Formed in 1991, the Czech ensemble (translated, the name means "Second Grass") quickly went on to become multiple award winners in their homeland. Band leader Robert Krestan has been called the Bill Monroe of Prague. His bandmates are accomplished instrumentalists whose influences include jazz, rock and country. The result is ...
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Take the Family to TRAIN DAY at Ushers Ferry on June 3, 2007 - May 29 01:43 AM
Ushers Ferry's Annual Trains Day will be held on Sunday, June 3rd from 11:00am to 5:00pmIf you have never been out to visit Ushers Ferry, this is a great opportunity for your family to see all that they have to offer! A visit to Ushers Ferry Historic Village, located on the outskirts of northeast Cedar Rapids, is a step back in time 100 years to experience how Iowans lived before the modern day conveniences were made ...
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Tanner Guy - Wells Fargo (Commercial RE) to speak June 2, 2007 - 8:00AM - May 26 07:41 AM
The Two Rivers REIA , a Central Iowa-based, Real Estate Investors Association, will host Tanner Guy from Wells Fargo Commercial RE Lending on Saturday, June 2nd, at 8:00AM. Our Saturday meetings continue throughout the summer. Tanner is a newer member of the Commercial RE lending team at the Downtown Wells Fargo branch, but has all of the access to resources that comes from being on a team at Wells Fargo. He will be presenting on the topic, "How to get ...
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Iowa Winters - Feb 13 04:52 PM
Yes, it's snowing in Iowa again!
It's 18 degrees with a total of 5"-7" of the fluffy stuff expected by tonight. Schools are closed, office is closed with the 20 mph winds great drifting is expected. Just the kind of weather people want to go look at houses in! :) Actually, back in 1979, we had a 17" blizzard during which I sold a nice piece of real estate in Davenport to some people that had to buy that weekend. ...
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Seeking a Rehab Loan? - Jo Swain to Speak, Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - May 14 12:03 PM
The Two Rivers REIA , a Central Iowa-based, Real Estate Investors Association, will host Jo Swain from Wells Fargo Rehab Lending on Wednesday, May 16th, at 6:00PM. This will be our last Wednesday night meeting until September. (Saturday meetings continue throughout the summer).
Mr. Swaim has over 9 years experience with rehab lending and is responsible for the Iowa and Nebraska territories. While a high percentage of the loans her department originates are for owner-occupants, investors may seek and obtain loans as well. ...
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Corridor Business Workshop - May 13 10:52 PM
SIGN UP TODAY! The first of three Workshops will be held Tuesday, May 15th.
The Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, Diversity Focus along with several other organizations have teamed up to present three workshops with diversity as the overarching themes.
The Business Workshop will examine the distinction between management and leadership and also what the characteristics of a transformational leader should look like. Trainers will be Jude West, UI Professor of Business ...
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Iowa Land Investment Expo - Feb 13 10:56 AM
The first Iowa Land Investment Expo will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, this Friday, February 15, 2008, at the West Des Moines Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. IOWA EQUITY EXCHANGE is pleased to be an Exhibitor at this great event. Ken Tharp will be present all day to answer your questions about Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges and how they might be utilized in your situation. Take-home materials will be available, ...
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Davenport, Iowa is a GREAT PLACE!!! - Nov 10 03:40 PM
Davenport, Iowa was recently confirmed as a GREAT PLACE by the Governor of the state of Iowa, Chet Culver!Our biggest asset, the Mississippi River, was instrumental in playing a part of this recognition as we all work together to improve our Riverfront, LeClaire Park, and Centennial Park shown above and below.This means that Davenport, Iowa will receive state grant money to help with the continuation of improvements!To see the full new story, go to the article ...
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Iowa Finance Authority Lowers Interest Rates on First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Iowa. - Jan 25 01:41 PM
Iowa Finance Authority Lowers Interest Rates on First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Iowa.
Iowa Finance Authority Lowers Interest Rates on Popular First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Iowa.
The Iowa Finance Authority announced Tuesday January 15, 2008 that it has lowered the interest rates on its two very popular Iowa first-time homebuyer programs: First Home, and First-Home Plus.
Effective immediately, the following interest rates will apply:
Current Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Interest Rates (As Of January 15, 2008)
First Homes, 5.875%, Fixed Rate, ...
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Hard Money Lending - Wosmansky to Speak at Two River REIA - May 5th - Apr 28 06:04 PM
The Two Rivers Real Estate Investors Association would like to welcome RE investors to hear Kevin Wosmansky speak on May 5th, 2007, at 8:00AM, the next scheduled meeting of the group.
Wosmansky is the General Manager of the Heartland Mortgage Group's Des Moines office. An avid investor himself, Kevin has found Hard Money Lending to be of benefit for short term, investor/rehabber financing. If the property is expected to be owned for only 6-8 months, or less, it ...
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Two Rivers REIA hosts Chad Molde - Summit Construction & Development April 5, 2008 - 8:00AM - Mar 26 02:56 PM
We will meet at 900 Des Moines Street, as usual, and then quickly head out to the "field workshop" property, in Ankeny. If you live in Ankeny, let me know and we might save you the trip to Des Moines. I want folks to meet at the AAI offices because I'll have handouts ready for each team.
The Two Rivers REIA offers presentations on a variety of topics of interest to RE investorsm, through education, networking ...
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Woman's Walking Workshop - April 28, 2007 - Apr 24 01:19 PM
On Saturday, April 28th, the Indian Creek Nature Center will be inviting women to make walking their adventure and to kick off their walking season at the annual WOMAN'S WALKING WORKSHOP.
Included at the workshop:
Karen McCaa, color commentator and life coach, will give an inspirational talk.Jim Dwyer, Running Wild, will help participants know their feet and learn how to select the perfect fitting shoe.Jan Temple, ISU Extension, will show how whole grains and legumes can be crafted ...
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A Fun Family Event - Friday, April 27, 2007 - Apr 24 01:07 PM
A FROG WALK
Beginning at 7pm on April 27, 2007 Indian Creek Nature Center will be playing host to A FROG WALK for kids and families. The group will learn about Iowa's frogs from a naturalist and go an a guided walk to seek spring peepers, chorus frogs, tree frogs and others.
Admission: free under age 3 / $1 for kids 3 - 12 / $4 for adults (members=$3)
Location: Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd SE, ...
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Two Rivers REIA hosts Ken Tharp - Iowa Equity Exchange, Wed., March 19, 2008 - 6:00PM - Mar 13 03:57 PM
The Two Rivers REIA offers presentations on a variety of topics of interest to RE investors. This coming Wednesday, March 19th, we'll be meeting for networking, education, and mentoring and we'll be offering a timely presentation from Ken Tharp, of Iowa Equity Exchange.
Check out the Two Rivers REIA website for more details but meetings are open to guests for a nominal fee of $10, or $20 to join for a quarter (6 meetings in the winter ...
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Diversity Focus Brown Bag Event - EDUCATION - Apr 10 10:04 PM
The second session of the Diversity Focus Brown Bag series will be held on Monday, May 7, 2007 from 12-1pm with a focus on Education:Claire Cardwell, International Advisor at the University of Iowa's International Programs office will speak on her experiences working in Kosovo. Her first 6 months were spent working with children and the last 6 months were spent working with Albanian, Serbian, and Roma youth. She also worked on women's issues on the side ...
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Cultural Express -- April 11th - Apr 10 09:54 PM
Diversity Focus, Legion Arts and the Iowa Arts Council will be hosting the next Cultural Express event held to celebrate Iowa's diverse cultural arts on Thursday, April 11, 2007 starting at 6:30pm. This is the second of ten public programs and accompanying exhibits.Tomorrow nights program is Polka! with Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen. This is a fabulous group that has been around for years and great entertainment for you and your family to enjoy.This event will be held ...
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Autumn in Scott County, Iowa: Harvest Time In Farm Country! A Photo Journey: - Nov 04 11:19 PM
Autumn in Scott County, Iowa: Harvest Time In Farm Country! A Photo Journey:Autumn in Iowa provides a wonderful opportunity to take some fantastic, colorful photos of the Iowa countryside, its many rural settings, and all too quickly disappearing small-town way of life.All of the following photos were taken within the last four weeks, in and around Scott County, Iowa and its surrounding areas. An old, long-abandoned, farm homestead outside of Long Grove, Iowa:Cornfields......Ready for the Fall Harvest:Freshly Harvested ...
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Des Moines and central Iowa School Websites - Feb 02 06:28 PM
For anyone with children wanting to move to the paradise of central Iowa, here's a list of the school district's websites.
SCHOOL DISTRICT WEBSITES
Adel-Desoto-Minburn Communityhttp://515realty.net/school-info/www.adel.k12.ia.us
Ankeny Communityhttp://www.ankeny.k12.ia.us/
Carlislehttp://www.carlisle.k12.ia.us/
Dallas Center-Grimes Communityhttp://www.dc-grimes.k12.ia.us/
Des Moines Area Catholichttp://www.dmdiocese.org/
Des Moines Christianhttp://www.dmcs.org/
Des Moines Public Schoolshttp://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/
Indianola Communityhttp://www.indianola.k12.ia.us/
Interstate 35http://www.i-35.k12.ia.us/
Johnston Communityhttp://www.johnston.k12.ia.us/
Martensdale-St. Maryshttp://www.m-stmarys.k12.ia.us/
North Polk Communityhttp://www.n-polk.k12.ia.us/
Norwalkhttp://www.norwalk.k12.ia.us/
Panora Community Schoolshttp://www.panorama.k12.ia.us/
Pleasantvillehttp://www.pleasantville.k12.ia.us/
Saydel Consolidatedhttp://www.saydel.k12.ia.us/
Sayre Montessori Schoolhttp://www.sayremontessorischool.org/
Southeast Polk Communityhttp://www.se-polk.k12.ia.us/
Southeast Warren Communityhttp://www.se-warren.k12.ia.us/
Urbandale Communityhttp://www.urbandale.k12.ia.us/
Van Meter Communityhttp://www.vanmeter.k12.ia.us/
Waukeehttp://www.waukee.k12.ia.us/
West Central Valley Schoolshttp://www.studex.k12.ia.us/
West Des ...
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Website's Up - Jan 30 02:11 PM
The new website's up finally. E-mail's still down, my mistake. If you need to email me, Adam@YourDesMoines.com, which brings me to the subject matter of the post. My new website, YourDesMoines.com is up and running. I think the system with this site is a little better than my old one. My first site was one that I put up before realizing some of the in and outs of the industry. This site is more focused on getting ...
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Two Rivers REIA hosts Attorney - Kristine Corcoran Frye - Dec 1, 2007 - 8:00AM - Nov 23 09:22 PM
Check out Two Rivers REIA for more a map to the location, and more info.
The Two Rivers REIA meets on the 1st Saturday and 3rd Wednesday of each month. We are an affiliate of the National Real Estate Investors Association, offering programs for a wide variety of RE investors.
Kristine Corcoran Frye is an Attorney-at-Law, specializing in corporate and RE law. If you're an investor located in or near Central Iowa, come join us for an ...
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County Assessor's Records are often incorrect! - May 04 09:53 PM
Mary Pope-Handy gave me the idea for this post when she wrote about Tip for the Day to Make Your Clients Money. I have a listing right now at 6855 Little Cabin Road in Bettendorf Iowa that the court house records had listed at .74 acre. The previous listing (when it was new) had it at .84 acre. I took the dimensions, did some simple geometry, and came up with an exact amount of .822 acre. When ...
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Announcing RE/MAX Innovations! - Nov 13 10:30 PM
I am pleased to announce that the newest RE/MAX office in Central Iowa has launched in Indianola!
RE/MAX Innovations, owned and managed by Misty Soldwisch and Kim Layland, is located in the Wells Fargo Financial Center at 515 North Jefferson, Suite G, Indianola.
...
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Questionable Financing - Oct 19 06:48 PM
I have a client who has been turned down for regular financing and he has been turned down for a number of high interest loans (none I am comfortable with). He is now wanting me to work with a company that I believe is not on the level. In fact, I reminded them of what mortgage fraud is today when they asked me to agree to adjust the loan amount. Storm Lake Iowa is a small rural area ...
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Real Estate Blog Written Specifically for Storm Lake and Alta Iowa - Oct 10 05:13 PM
Interested in information on the real estate market in northwest Iowa; go to for a blog dedicated to just that!http://wwwstormlakerealestate.blogspot.com/ is the address for some great pictures and lots of local information! ...
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Volunteer Hours Are Many At Cedar Rapids Public Schools - Sep 15 10:27 AM
The Cedar Rapids Community School District's Volunteer Services Program brings the community into the classroom in an organized manner to enrich the learning environment for students and supports the efforts of staff. During the 2005-06 school year, the district added more than 6,700 part time staff without adding a dime to the budget. Those volunteers reported 135,774 hours of service! Parents make up the bulk of the volunteer workforce, with non-parents, high school and college students, ...
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Cedar Rapids School Spirit Is All About Community - Sep 15 10:14 AM
School spirit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is about more than cheers, songs, and wins. It is about cultivating a sense of school pride and community. As teams and clubs begin a new season, examples of positive school spirit abound. The Jefferson High School Pom and Dance Squad showed off its team spirit and outstanding ability recently at Westdale Mall Cheerleading and Dance Competition. The team earned top honors in the large school dance category.The 12 member squad ...
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Small Town Near Cedar Rapids Gets Visit From Extreme Makeover, Home Edition! - Sep 14 05:44 PM
Dan Mohlis is taking a week of vacation from his job at a lumberyard to help "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" rebuild a northwest Tama County family's house.
However, the Reinbeck Fire Rescue assistant chief isn't just offering his time to help a family in need. Or because he was on the scene of the 2005 electrical fire that destroyed their house. Mohlis said he's also a big fan of the ABC show. "My whole family watches the show," ...
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa Appoints New Chamber of Commerce Chair - Sep 14 05:29 PM
Bruce Anderson, Eastern Iowa regional manager and Cedar Rapids market president of Liberty Bank was installed Wednesday as 2006-2007 chairman of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Anderson has been with West Des Moines based Liberty Bank since 2002. He was formerly Eastern Iowa market president for Commercial Federal Bank, now Bank of the West.
Anderson succeeds Monica Vernon, president of the Vernon Research Group. He has been chairman of the chamber's downtown task force.
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Twilight Open Houses Debut in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Sep 13 03:30 PM
When real estate gets slow, it's time to be innovative and creative. An agency in town is the first to host Twilight Open Houses. They are held every Wednesday evening in Cedar Rapids. They have just begun, so I haven't had time to talk with any of the agents holding these Open Houses. I'm curious as to whether or not they are very well received, given the fact that the traffic on Sunday for Open Houses ...
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa Calls Brucemore Mansion "Home." - Sep 13 03:24 PM
Margaret Douglas Hall envisioned her home as a public historic site and a place for a broad range of community activity. To insure local control, Mrs. Hall required a separate non-profit organization to operate the site in co-stewardship with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Brucemore Inc., was established in 1981 and is governed by a 15 member Board of Trustees. Brucemore's mission is to engage the public in the history, traditions, resources and on going ...
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa School Board Welcomes New Member - Sep 13 03:05 PM
There's a new Cedar Rapids school board member in town. Judy Goldberg, 42 of 2930 Q Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, and two others will be sticking around for at least another three years. Goldberg received 1,406 votes for one at-large seat on the school board, vacated by Jeff Ilten.
Nicholas Duffy, 20, of 119 13th St. NW received 297 votes and Leland Freie, 55, of 2052 Linn Blvd. SE, received 274.
Voters re-elected Ken Childress, 52, of 435 ...
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Logos and Branding: Are They In Your Marketing Tool Belt??? - Sep 12 02:09 PM
In our training classes we spoke a lot about logos and branding and how important they are for sheer recognition. The more people see a logo and branding, the more they come to know and more importantly TRUST this brand. In my town, there is only one Realtor who uses a logo and brand and her name has come to be known with quality and service. People know that when they call this Realtor, they will ...
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa. What a Great Place to Live! - Sep 12 08:39 AM
The folks in Cedar Rapids enjoy a sense of security, a sense of hope, and possibility and a sense of belonging. The feelings are shared by residents of all great communities. Here, we call ourselves the City of Five Seasons. The fifth season is a time to enjoy life, to enjoy the other four seasons.
We work hard to create a quality of life that is often coveted and rarely duplicated in other parts of the country. ...
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa Education K-12 and Higher Education - Sep 11 10:26 PM
Iowa has long enjoyed a reputation of having one of the finest educational systems in America. When it comes to education, Iowans strive to be at or near the very top. The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is no exception.Commendations from the U.S. Department of Education and awards from all over the state and nation give Cedar Rapids fair bragging rights as being among the best of the best.The Iowa Test of Basic Skills place Iowa ...
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Ethics - Sep 08 08:52 PM
Well, today I finished my continuing education requirements for my first time license renewal. The last class was two days long and it was "Ethics." Hard to believe we need a two day class to teach us how we should already be acting...ethically. They start teaching this in elementary schools these days....sometimes called "Character Counts." What has our society come to? Why aren't adults learning this as children, and children learning this from their parents? Luckily ...
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Skogman Realty - Family Owned Realty At Its Best! - Sep 06 08:46 PM
I know about all the big boys out there in the real estate world. The presence, marketing, and clout these companies hold in most of our communities is impressive and I'm sure that the Realtors that work for these companies are well taken care of, and love being part of a powerful company.
This is a blog for the little guy. The family owned realty companies out there. The mom and pop shops that get the job ...
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Services I Can Offer My Clients - Sep 04 10:16 AM
It's important in this competitive business to offer value added services to our clients. What separates you from the rest of the agents in your town? Are you able to give your clients the services they need to keep them coming back? In addition to my customer friendly website: www.christophersmithrealtor.com , the following is a list of services I offer my clients in the hopes that they will be my customers forever!
Analyze your needs and wantsQualify you ...
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Skogman Realty and Cedar Rapids Real Estate - Sep 01 04:50 PM
Skogman Realty is the dominant player in the Cedar Rapids Real Estate market. in a town of roughly 170,000 people, Skogman Realty employs as of last week 192 full time Cedar Rapids Realtors. Through August of this year, we have a 35% market share of all business relating to real estate. Our primary means of marketing in a town of this size are of course through our local newspaper, the Cedar Rapids Gazette. We write our adds ...
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Referral Strategies, Take Three - Aug 23 01:57 PM
John Jantsch and Barrett Niehus have commented recently on referral strategies being used or thought of by real estate agents. This got my melon to thinkin' as I was playing golf this morning (it's for my mental and physical therapy, don't you know). I asked the owner if he would donate a round of golf to anyone who had a closing with me in the near future. He said, "Sure." In exchange, I would advertise his ...
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Tools of the Trade That Make Our Job Easier - Aug 22 09:29 PM
There have been recent posts regarding items or services that make the job of the real estate agent easier. There is Craig Schiller with Real Estaging (What an awesome name for a company), someone had mentioned earlier about using PODS to store unnecessary items in a house to make it appear roomier and "less cluttered." I have used a product made by an international company to remove odors permanently in my listings and have had great ...
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Introducing Yourself to a "Farm Area." - Aug 21 12:01 PM
I have an area of about 150 homes that I would like to have as one of my farm areas. It is an area where I grew up as a boy, in fact, my parents still live in this area. I want to be sure and capitalize on the fact that I grew up in this area and attended the local schools,etc... Can anyone offer me any suggestions regarding the most bang for your buck (i.e., ...
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Giving The Customer What They Want - Aug 21 11:51 AM
Since becoming a Realtor and adding a website to my arsenal of tools for attracting clients, I am continually tweaking my site to appeal to my customers. I am constantly thinking, what does my customer want or need in a website. I've been to so many agent websites, they are all rolling together in my mind. These are some of the items that I feel are necessary for a successful Realtor website:
1. A link to the ...
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Iowa Deer Hunting - Recreational Land and Hunting Leases - Mar 21 10:56 PM
Iowa Deer Hunting
One of the reason I decided to become a real estate agent in Iowa was because of my interest in Iowa Deer Hunting. What does Iowa have to do with deer hunting and what does any of that have to do with being a real estate agent? Iowa is to Whitetail Deer Hunting what Bethlehem is to Christians. The Boone and Crockett Club which scores Whitetail Deer ranks Iowa as the #1 state of all ...
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Foreclosure Prevention Tips #6 through #10 (Part 2 of a 4 Part Series) - Apr 17 10:09 PM
Part 2 of a 4-Part Series.
PLEASE NOTE: Homeowners in mortgage foreclosure are STRONGLY encouraged to retain the help of a competent real estate attorney.
Tip # 6) Don't attempt to qualify for a "Mortgage Loan Workout Program" if you no longer wish to live in your home. Or, if your home is going to cause additional/increasing financial burdens for you in the years to come. Work-Out programs are designed for short-term financial difficulties that will be cured ...
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SEO FOR DUMMIES! - Aug 07 06:19 PM
I thought I was fairly computer literature until I had to optomize my website so it could be seen or high enough in the search engine rankings. Can someone provide me with a link to STEP BY STEP instructions to perform some tasks to optomize my website. Remember, it has to be SEO FOR DUMMIES! Thank you for all your help! ...
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Postcards, Mailings, Flyers to Sphere of Influence - Aug 05 05:18 PM
I'm looking for any information on Realtor related websites or magazines that sell postcards, mailers, magnets, etc... for good prices to mail out to my sphere of influence. Anyone out there had any success with one particular website or magazine? Also, has anyone used the service to mail out your mailings (exporting your mailing list to the actual company) Looking for any information, and/or good resources. Thanks and have a great weekend! ...
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To Take The Listing or Not! - Aug 15 04:39 PM
I had this wonderful agent call me today and discuss the possibility of listing or not listing a property. It was with a friend of hers, but here's the lowdown. The house is in shambles, the mechanicals are 20 years and out, and the house is on one of the busiest streets in Cedar Rapids. The owner does not plan any remedies to the situation. Here's the other side: another agent she talked to said that even ...
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