I will be holding 8352 Elk Horn St OPEN, Sunday January 10th from 12-2PM.  This 3 bedroom Ranch style home is nicely updated and has a wonderful great room addition on the back.  The great room has beautiful tile flooring, a wood burning stove and windows all around for a beautiful view.  The kitchen has nicely updated cabinets and a large eat-in area.  The basement is partially finished with another large non-conforming bedroom and office while the rest is open with plenty of room for storage or future finish work.  The home has an oversized heated 2 car garage plus a detached 2 car garage with electric for hobbyists! 

You will feel like an island on this property as it is surrounded by crops and the nearest neighbor doesn't encroach on your view.  Test the proximity to Des Moines on your way to the open house if you like.  If you start from downtown, go south on Fleur Drive, over the by-pass and turn west on Beardsley St, turn south on 80th St (R57) continue on 80th street gravel which turns into Elk Horn on the bend.  The house is on 1/2 mile of gravel.  This drive is less than 20 minutes.

I look forward to seeing you at the open house!  It is well worth the trip if you are looking for an acreage you can move right into.

Our office is hosting an open house on Thursday, December 3rd from 4-6PM.  Feel free to stop in, check out the new digs, enjoy some snacks and the company of others!  I hope to see you all!  Happy Holidays!

I am holding 8352 Elk Horn St open on Sunday November 15th from Noon - 2PM.  Please come out to see this lovely ranch home located on 2 acres of beautiful land surrounded by crops. 

This 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home is nicely updated with beautiful kitchen cabinets and a spacious great room with a wood-burning fireplace.  All appliances are included in the sale of this home and it comes with a one year HAS home warranty.  With loads of storage space in the basement, an oversized two-car attached heated garage and a 2 car detached garage with electric, you will not run out of storage space! 

This home is ideal for a family or for someone with extensive interest in hobbies looking for some space from city life.  The acreage is only 1/2 mile on gravel but close to Norwalk and Des Moines if you face a commute each morning.

I look forward to seeing and visiting with you on Sunday about how I can help you meet your home-buying needs!

Are you looking for that perfect home?  Conveniently located close to Des Moines, in a small town, already updated with a large yard and a two car attached garage?  Plus the luxury of a beach on a lake just blocks away?  Come see that perfect home this weekend!!!  I will be holding 8028 August Circle open on Sunday, October 18th from 1-4PM.

This home has maintenance-free siding, new windows, new kitchen appliances, new HVAC, newer carpet, fresh paint and a three season porch!  Come see how easy it is to move into.  This home is kept impeccably clean and has plenty of room for you and your family.  Located on the end of a cul-de-sac, it has a very large back yard with more than enough room to store your boat if needed.  Enjoy your evenings roasting marshmellows around the firepit and your weekends at the lake!  All of this for $154,900!!!!  See you Sunday!

Take the opportunity to tour 8352 Elk Horn St on Sunday, October 4th from Noon to 2PM.  This 3 bedroom ranch sits on 2 acres of land with plenty of privacy and is aggressively priced at $229,900.  The home is in good condition and boasts a beautiful great room with a wood-burning fireplace and lots of windows for the family to enjoy year-round.  Half of the downstairs is finished with an office and large non-conforming bedroom.  Laundry can be located on the first floor or in the basement!  Enjoy the convenience of the heated oversized 2 car attached garage.  Consider using the additional 2 car detached garage (with electric) for more vehicles, hobbies or for your lawn and garden maintenance needs.  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

While you are out and about enjoying this Labor Day weekend, stop by my Open House on Sunday from 1-4PM. 8028 Augusta Circle is located on a cul-de-sac in Lakewood, has maintenance-free siding and a large fully fenced backyard. Inside the home is nicely updated with fresh paint, carpet, appliances, windows and HVAC. This home also comes with a one year home warranty! Feel free to drop by and see if it's the right fit for you and your family.

The National Balloon Classic in Indianola is starting Friday night at 5:30!  There will be Night Glows, Fireworks and Mass Ascensions on various nights throughout the week and bands every evening through Saturday, August 8th.  Gene Elsasser with the RE/MAX balloon will be flying again this year so keep an eye out for us as I'll be crewing and helping with the flights.  If you want to come out to the field and enjoy the activities, send me an email or give me a call and I'll get some free passes to you!  I hope the summer is going as well for all of you as it is for me!

As always, I am never too busy for any of your referrals!!!

Today, Tuesday July 21st, RAGBRAI will be coming to Indianola for the night!  If you don't need to drive through town, I would recommend leaving your car at home.  Ride your bike or walk to enjoy the festivities!  Fortunately we have a very walk friendly town.

Wednesday, July 22nd, the County Fair starts and runs through Monday the 27th.  Come enjoy the animals, food, festivities and fun! 

On Thursday, July 23rd, from 5:30-7:30 I will be holding 1306 E Detroit Ave open!  This 4 bedroom 2 story home is in impeccable condition with hardwood floors, beautiful archway entries to rooms and designer paint colors on the walls.  You could move right into this home and not have to change a thing.  In the back yard you can get away from the summer heat by the immaculate in-ground pool surrounded by a white privacy fence and beautiful perrenial flower beds.  Lounge on the sprawling deck under the ceiling fans at the mini-bar and watch everyone else enjoying the water.  Also, the seller recently lowered the price - $202,000!  Come by and check out this amazing home Thursday night!!!

Sunday July 12th I will be holding 12877 Polk open from 1-4PM.  This is a wonderfully updated all-brick ranch home with 4 bedrooms on the main floor.  Two woodburning fireplaces, one upstairs, one below and an open basement ready to finish as you like!  This sits on 2.51 acres and has a pole barn behind.  Also a grape vinyard and lots of established trees and plants.  Take the opportunity for a short drive this weekend, find the house 7 miles south of Indianola and just 1/8th of a mile off gravel!  Hope to see you there!

I will be holding 22773 103rd Ave open on Sunday June 14th from 1-4.  Come take a look at this amazing mini-farm!  With a 5 bedroom home and the many outbuildings, you will have more space than you know what to do with.  Also, this property affords an unbelievable degree of privacy!!!  If you are looking for a chance to get away from the city bustle and enjoy the breeze and songbirds, consider moving here.  Enjoy a weekend drive and come to view it for yourself.  Enjoy a free ice cream sandwich while you're there :)

Yesterday was a very exciting afternoon for me.  I've been working toward my Green Designation and yesterday I was notified that I was accepted by the Green REsource Council!

I am now certified to help my clients with any questions or concerns they may have about making their home more economically and environmentally friendly.  Whether it's helping with tax rebates for a new furnace, guidence in remodeling a home or buying/building your next place, I can help!

Take a walk with the family on the east side of Indianola!  1306 E Detroit Ave will be held open from 5:30-7:30PM Thursday June 11th.  Come see this incredible 4 bedroom 2 story.  The location is ideal on a cul-de-sac near schools, parks and the Nature Trail.  This home also has an incredible in-ground pool that is now OPEN!!!  Imagine yourself, friends and family making the most of the summer around your own private pool on a sprawling deck with ceiling fans, television and a mini-bar.

Also open Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30PM is 1507 E 1st Ave!  This almost new 3 bedroom 2 story is ideal for any type of family whether you are a couple buying your first home, or a family with kids.  The kitchen is spacious and beautiful with natural light due to the southern sun exposure most of the day.  Well decorated and ready to move into, this home is a great deal!  Also in a terrific location on a dead-end - close to schools, multiple parks and the Nature Trail.  The price was just lowered to $159,900.  Stop by and get a free ice cream treat!!!

Have you been dreaming of moving out of the city to your own little farm stead?  Come see the place where you're dreams come true!  This 5 bedroom home sits on 3.44 acres with several outbuildings including a traditional Iowa barn!!!  Bring your family and friends with you to tour the property, you'll all love it.  I will be there from 1-4PM on Sunday May 31st.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Everyone needs to save money these days. 

If you are looking at having to spend money on your home for improvements, consider researching to see if you can qualify for a tax credit at the same time!  By purchasing energy efficient options for your home, you could end up saving in the end. 

Read this article to see what other people are doing and to learn a little about what is being offered.  http://rismedia.com/2009-04-25/energy-efficiency-tax-credits-are-you-ready-to-take-advantage/

Also, look here to see the local and state incentives available in this area!  http://dsireusa.org/

Sunday, April 19th, I will be holding an open house at 1306 E Detroit from 12-2PM.  Come by to see this beautiful 4 bedroom 2 story in it's spring time setting.  With many perrenials around the property and a lovely white vinyl fence around the backyard, you will fall in love with this home.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Each month I mail an Item of Value to my customer base.  This is the mailing for April.  As always, let me know if I can help with anything!

Today’s Homes and Appliances Are Built Smart.

Here are some ways you can integrate new technology into your home so you can both relax and increase its value.
 

The Future: Whole-House Remote Control.
With home automation, the ability to control every aspect of your home—from lighting and room temperature to entertainment center—can be held in your hand. A “smart home” uses a single centralized controller to integrate various systems, so that with the push of a button, you can turn on
lights, open or close blinds, adjust multiple rooms to your desired temperature or even activate or deactivate your security system. You can set a group of actions to happen at pre-set times or to activate when certain events occur. Just about anything you plug in can be networked into your home automation system. This makes your life easier and provides a great selling point if you decide to put your home on the market.
 

Be Smart. Save Energy and Money with Efficient Appliances.
Cut your monthly utility bills while helping the environment by purchasing appliances—refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry
machines, etc.—that are energy efficient. The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.
LOOK FOR THE ENERGY STAR® LABEL ENERGY STAR products exceed the minimum energy efficient requirements set by the federal government. In addition, utilities and state governments may offer rebates on ENERGY STAR-rated models.
Pay attention to the Energy Guide label as well. This label allows you to compare the typical annual energy consumption
and operating cost of different models of the type of appliance you're thinking of buying.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
Why buy an oversized appliance when a smaller counterpart will get the job done? When you choose the appliance that fits your needs, you’ll save money and reduce your energy bill.

CHOOSE NATURAL GAS
Look for dryers and water heaters that run on natural gas, rather than electricity.
THINK LONG TERM
Energy efficient appliances last for years and will lower your monthly utility bills over the lifetime of the appliance. The long-term savings will help offset the appliances’ higher initial
purchase price.

BATHROOMS ARE GETTING
SMARTER BY THE DAY.
Technological advancements are now available for bathrooms. An intelligent showering system allows users to store their preferred water pressure, temperature and hydro-massage
settings for each showerhead, and save the settings as a custom program. Family members can then select their personalized shower experience from the digital display. Bathroom floors can be installed with heating systems that warm themselves at pre-set times each day. Even towel bars can be heated to make your towels more soothing.
Smarter toilets are also on the horizon. One new toilet seat can sense users based on weight, and it will heat or cool the seat to their preference using in-line water flow. In Japan, one company has designed a toilet that can measure weight, body fat, blood pressure and blood sugar levels and transmit the data to your computer.

A SMART HOME IS A GREEN HOME.
One of the most important trends in modern home design is incorporating environmentally friendly amenities. A recent National Association of Realtors® survey of members showed there is increased demand among potential homebuyers for homes with green features. Nearly nine out of ten agents said their clients are very interested in energy-efficient features and their potential cost savings.
Here’s a look at the green housing trends that will not only bring an older home to the new millennium, but also attract younger buyers when it’s time to sell.
COPPER ROOFS. These roofs tolerate inclement weather and will last 100 years versus a composition roof that lasts only 30 years. Copper elements can also be completely recycled.
LOW-EMITTANCE (LOW-E) WINDOWS, DOORS AND
SKYLIGHTS. This glass lets in natural light but blocks the sun’s UV rays that heat up the inside of a home. This glass will reduce energy consumption, and its special low-E glazing also stops the sun from fading fabrics, wall coverings and artwork.
CHEMICAL-FREE LIGHTING. LED (light emitting diodes) lighting contains no hazardous chemicals, uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and can last up
to 20 years.
GREEN TOILETS. Green toilets conserve water (which can save you 30 to 50 percent on your annual water bill) in different ways: low-flow toilets use about 20 percent less water per flush, dual-flush toilets with two buttons give home owners the option of flushing with a half or full tank and pressure-assist toilets reduce water usage by half.
INDUCTION COOKTOPS. The coils of an induction cooktop
release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents.
This means less energy is diffused in the cooking process.
RECLAIMED WOOD. Fast-growing plants (e.g., bamboo) and
unused pre-cut wood find new life as gorgeous, affordable
countertops. Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood
because it is extremely durable yet inexpensive.
NONTOXIC PAINT. To keep indoor air clean and cut down on
landfill pollutants, use paints that don’t contain toxic volatile
organic components (VOCs).
 

HOW HIGH TECH IS YOUR HOME?
If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your next new home, add the following questions to your checklist:
1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hook-ups?
2. Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks?
3. Is the home prewired for a home theater or multi-room audio and video?
4. Does the home have a local area network (LAN) for linking computers?
5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or another high-speed Internet connection?
6. Does the home have multi-zoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?
7. Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls or other home automation features?
8. Is the home wired with multi-purpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfiguration to update services as technology changes?
Check out www.hightechhomemag.com for the latest high-tech products and services.

© 2009 Buffini & Company All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. LGK APRIL CAP S

 

I will be at 1306 E Detroit in Indianola for an Open House Sunday March 8th from 12-2PM.  This home is pure escape for any family or couple who enjoys entertaining.  With a luxurious lounging area around an impecable pool in the summer, this is where you will want to spend all those lazy evenings and weekends.  No need for an expensive weekend on the lake or at hotel with a waterpark - it will all be in your  back yard!  Inside, the main floor is spacious with a family and formal sitting room, a formal dining room and a breakfast bar in the kitchen.  For those cool evenings and cold winters, curl up by the gas fireplace and enjoy a book.  Four bedrooms are upstairs with an enormous master suite.  The basement is partially finished for a rec room or however you wish to use it!  Don't miss this opportunity for a chance to see it all!  I look forward to answering any questions you might have!

After attending several classes addressing the current foreclosure and short sale market, I will be getting my Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) certification as soon as possible.  Earlier this week new measures were passed to assist struggling borrowers to stay in their homes by modifying their interest rates and lengths of loans.  Please read the article below for the details.  If you have any questions about this or other opportunities, please contact me and we will work together to find a solution.

Obama foreclosure fix open for business
Federal officials release details of $75 billion loan modification and refinancing programs. Borrowers can start contacting loan servicers.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Obama administration's foreclosure prevention program is open for business.

The multipronged fix calls for companies to help as many 4 million struggling borrowers by modifying loans so monthly housing payments are no more than 31% of monthly gross income. Separately, homeowners who haven't missed a payment can refinance into lower-cost loans even if they have little or no equity. This is expected to help up to 5 million homeowners.

The $75 billion loan modification plan will provide incentives to borrowers and loan servicers and investors to spur mortgage modifications. The government will also subsidize interest rate reductions to get borrowers to affordable monthly payments.

"This plan will help make home ownership more affordable for nine million American families and in doing so, help to stop the damaging impact that declining home prices have on all Americans," said Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan.

Borrowers can now contact their servicers to see whether they are eligible for assistance. Federal officials will promote the program at homeownership events nationwide.

The administration Wednesday released additional eligibility criteria and program guidelines.

The loan modification plan focuses on people who are behind in their payments or are at risk of default.

Federal officials clarified the definition of "at risk" as those: suffering serious hardships, declines in income or increase in expenses; facing an interest rate hike; having high mortgage debt compared to income; owing more than their house is worth, or demonstrating other reasons for being close to default.

To participate in the loan modification plan, borrowers must:

• have obtained their mortgage before Jan. 1, 2009;
• have a primary mortgage of less than $729,500;
• live in the property;
• fully document their income by providing tax returns and pay stubs;
• sign a statement of financial hardship; and
• go for counseling if their total household debt - including auto loans, credit cards and alimony - totals more than 55% of their income.

The modification program will be in effect until the end of 2012, but loans can only be adjusted once.

Officials also unveiled more details on how servicers will modify the loans. First, they must reduce interest rates so that borrowers' total house payments are not more than 38% of their monthly income. The government will then subsidize servicers dollar-for-dollar to lower that ratio to 31% - but the interest rate can't go below 2%.

The new interest rate would then remain in place for five years, after which it will increase by 1 percentage point a year until it reaches either the original rate or the prevailing mortgage rate, whichever is lower.

If rate reductions aren't enough to get payments to 31% of income, a lender can extend the term up to 40 years, or shift part of the principal to the end of the loan at no interest. Servicers also have the option of reducing the loan's balance.
First Published: March 4, 2009: 9:22 AM ET

The $7500 First time homebuyer tax credit has been around for the last several months.  Now the Senate has approved a new tax credit for all home buyers!  Read the article below:

Senate OKs $15,000 Bonus for Home Buyers

Housing could get a big boost from the latest addition to the mammoth stimulus bill working its way through Congress.

 

Senate legislators unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday that would allow a tax credit for home buyers of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break but only for first-time homebuyers.

 

"It is time to fix housing first," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-G.

 

Isakson's office said the proposal would cost the government an estimated $19 billion. In all, the stimulus is now topping an estimated $920 billion.

 

In an op-ed that appears in Thursday’s Washington Post, President Barack Obama painted a dire picture if Congress fails to move quickly to pass the stimulus bill.

 

"This recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse," Obama wrote in the op-ed titled, "The Action Americans Need."

 

Source: The Associated Press, David Espo (02/05/09)
 

I am holding an OPEN HOUSE at 1306 E Detroit Ave on Sunday February 8th from 12-2PM.  This house is a beautiful 2 story with 4 bedrooms.  This house has beautifully arched entryways and incredible hardwood floors.  With several common areas and a back yard inviting lazy summer days, your family will feel right at home!  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!!!

I received several calls and was part of many conversations at the end of last year expressing concern about obtaining a home loan.  So many people were convinced by the negative news media that home loans had all but dried up for most of the country.  Rest assured this has not happened.  While there are those who still have trouble obtaining a loan, there are many people who qualify - and with a great rate!  Read the article below to see if it can help you in your efforts to buy that house you are wanting!  Then call me and we'll work together to get you there.

For Your Clients: 4 Tips to Getting a Loan
These days one of the biggest impediments to closing a real estate sale can be the buyer’s ability to get a mortgage.

Here are some tips for anyone who hopes to land a loan:
 

• Turn to the government. The biggest source of loans these days is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA). These programs accept borrowers with lower credit scores and allow them to put down as little as 3.5 percent of the purchase price.

• Document, document, document. Borrowers will need bank statements, brokerage statements, W-2 forms and tax returns.

• Boost credit scores. Borrowers should avoid having more than one-third of their maximum borrowing capacity outstanding on one credit card. If necessary, rotate the debt among several cards.

• Work your connections. Comparison shopping is easy online, but if your customer has an established relationship with a local bank, suggest they try that lender first.

Source: BusinessWeek.com, Christopher Palmeri (01/23/09)
 

That is what sources are saying, including myself.  With my industry having a sale (home prices low as ever), plenty of homes on the market to pick from and best of all, low interest rates, it is a great time to buy a home!  I just read an article about how low the interest rates are right now - incentive to talk to your favorite lending institution.  After meeting with them, be sure to contact me right away and together we'll find just what you are looking for.  Read below:

30-Year Rates Fall Below 5 Percent
Mortgage rates dropped to their 11^th straight weekly decline, reaching new record lows, according to Freddie Mac.

Interest rates on 30-year, fixed rate mortgages averaged 4.96 percent this week, down from a previous week's 5.01 percent.

The low rates have caused a spike in home refinancing loans and a welcome relief to cash-strapped home owners facing a slowing economy and rising unemployment rates.

"The fact that interest rates have dropped to a record low is an important development since more affordable home financing could help bring buyers back to the market and prevent some of these foreclosures," says Lawrence White, professor of economics at New York University's Stern School of Business.

Other rates were mixed for the week:

• 15 year fixed rates: averaged 4.65 percent, up from 4.62 percent.
• 1-year adjustable rate mortgages: fell slightly averaging 4.89 percent from 4.95 percent last week.
• 5/1 ARMs: averaged 5.25 percent compared with 5.49 percent last week.

Mortgage rates have continued to drop ever since the Federal Reserve announced a plan in December to buy up $500 billion of mortgage securities backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae—the government-sponsored enterprises.

Freddie Mac started recording mortgages in 1971.

Source: Reuters, Julie Haviv (1/15/09)
 

I don't know how many of you got to see the Tournament of Roses Parade, but I wanted to simply because I knew the National Association of Realtors was rumored to be making an amazing float for the big day.  As a member of the association I was curious to see it.  Apparently the float won an award that day!  See the article here and if you are curious to see the float and some of the details behind it, there's a link you can go to with videos.  It was a beautiful float and made me proud of what I do for my clients - assisting them on the path to homeownersip!

NAR Rose Bowl Float Wins Prestigious Award
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®' float in the popular Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif., made national TV and won a prestigious award.

The float, "Celebrating the Dream of Homeownership for 100 Years," won the Isabella Coleman Trophy for best presentation of color and color harmony through floral use.

NBC commentators Nancy O'Dell and Al Roker, in discussing the float on national TV, mentioned the 10,000 volunteers who helped mount and arrange all of the flowers.

Read commentary on the float and coverage by the news media.

Watch videos on the design and construction of the float and on the composition of the custom theme song.

Source: NAR

Sellers seem to be waiting longer these days for buyers to make up their minds.  In the meantime they wonder what can be done to make their property move faster.  I read this wonderful and very short article today that can really help the eager seller.  All of the recommendations are good and well stated.  Take a look and see if checking some of these things off your list will be what makes the difference.  Contact me and I'll help you make a plan!

10 Tips for Generating Buyer Interest
Distraught sellers who need to generate more interest in house that has been languishing on the market for months should consider 10 steps from MSNBC financial guru Laura T. Coffey
 

• Can the clutter. Pack up knickknacks, pictures, piles of paper and furniture that makes the place look crowded.
• Let the light in. Take down any heavy drapes.
• Scrub-a-dub-dub. Shampoo soiled carpets, Scrub the front door. Repaint scuffed walls. Tidy up the lawn and trim the shrubs.
• Get moving on the "honey do" list. Fix everything that is in need of repair.
• Enhance the view. Erect a fence or plant shrubbery to improve or obscure the view of unattractive nearby properties or streets.
• Try weeknights. Holding an open house on Wednesday may attract a different crowd.
• Ask for criticism. Consult with buyers’ agents for their feedback.
• Send the owners away. Ask them to vacate when potential buyers come around so they can talk freely.
• Rent to own. Give a potential buyer a little credit .Becoming a landlord may keep you from having to shoulder two mortgages.
• Drop the asking price. And figure out the lowest amount you're willing or able to accept.

Source: MSN Money, Laura T. Coffey (01/06/2009)
 

Happy New Year out there!  I hope you all had very happy holidays. 

We're leaving 2008 behind for 2009 with better gas prices, lower interest rates and sights set for an upswing in the economy.  My first full day back after the holidays has been very busy answering phone calls and getting geared up for another great year.  The Real Estate Market is moving forward and there are some great homes coming on the market.  If you are looking to buy, now is as good a time as any - if not better.  Just call and I'll get started finding you just what you need!

I wish all of my clients and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

I have so much to be thankful for this year.  I have had a very successful first year in Real Estate and I feel lucky every day that I get to spend doing this.  I love interacting with people and helping their home buying and selling dreams come true!  It's very rewarding work and I am lucky to have it.  I have a husband I love and two cats I can cuddle with at the end of the day.  I have two families, my husband's and mine, that I get to share important times with and I love them all. We are all in excellent health and wake each morning looking forward to the day.  I hope I have all the same things to be grateful for next year!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and things of your own to be grateful for.  Take care and enjoy!

As a United States Veteran, I would like to honor the other veteran's I will share tomorrow with.  The service and sacrifice you've made for our country is both appreciated and acknowledged by our country and it's citizens.  If you have the opportunity to relax tomorrow please be proud of that.  If not, please know I'll be thinking of you!  Happy Veteran's Day!

Come to see this beautiful and spacious story and a half in Carlisle.  Located in an adorable neighborhood this house is a great buy!  The price was just lowered to $129,900 and the seller is motivated.  Please take the time to stop by and see the house on Sunday, November 9th from 1-4PM.  I look forward to seeing you!

I know a lot of people are holding off buying and selling Real Estate until we know which direction our country will take following the election.  The good news is that we will know that direction after tomorrow.  Regardless of who you are voting for, our country will continue to grow and set an example for the rest of the world. 

Meanwhile, interest rates remain at an incredible low while there are still a high number of homes available on the market.  As Brian Buffini says - "My industry is having a sale!"  Whether you anticipat selling your home or buying something, there are still wonderful opportunities for everyone.  Please call and we'll schedule a time to discuss your options!!

As fall hits here in central Iowa, I look forward to the Holidays.  I love this time of the year!  Last week  Jason and I got home from our vacation to Colorado.  We spent several days at Estes Park and enjoyed going in to the Rocky Mountain National Park and seeing the Aspens with their beautiful golden leaves and the elk grazing in the valleys.  I always enjoy going to the mountains.  I love hiking up the rocks and wondering if I'll be able to get back down.  I didn't run into any mountain goats this year, but I keep hoping it will happen some day.

Now I'm back at work and excited to help people with their Real Estate needs!  If you know anyone looking to buy or sell, please feel confident sending them to me.  I provide the highest level of service and pride myself on my communication skills thorughout the transaction.  I always keep my clients informed of the latest developments of the home-buying or selling process.  Enjoy your weekend!

Here are some pictures from the Colorado vacation:

 We drove to Colorado with our friends Erin and Josh

A grove of Aspens turning color

Our friends Kacie and Phil who live in Colorado Springs

On my way down from climbing I thought I should take a picture of Jason and Phil.  I kept wondering if I'd be able to climb down or have to slide!