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!

October 2nd and 3rd I was in Chicago attending a training conference with Buffini & Company.  I spent two days focusing on understanding the market we are in and what my clients need from me to feel confident in the home they are purchasing.  I am re-energized and concentrating on continuing my excellent level of service to all my clients and their family and friends.  I look forward to receiving many referrals for future clients and assisting them the best way possible!  Please remember, I am never to busy for any of your referrals!!!

In this photo you can see Brian Buffini the premeir presenter!

I went to my first Iowa Association of Realtors annual Conference last week in Des Moines.  I have always enjoyed listening to instructors and learning new things.  One of my favorite classes was Marketing Across Multiple Generations.  Having grown up with Grandparents from the GI and Silent Generation, parents from the Boomer Generation, being a part of the Generation X and having a husband who is technically competitive with Generation Y, I feel uniquely qualified to communicate and sastisfy all of clients in a way that makes them comfortable.

Next week I will be in Chicago taking a class from Brian Buffini.  He is a powerful speaker who will focus on adjusting to the trends in the market in order to directly benefit your clients.

The Economic and Housing Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7500 tax credit for first time homebuyers who purchase a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.  This means that of all times to purchase a home, this is optimal!  Interests rates are still incredibly low, there is plenty of inventory on the market to choose from and you have an added advantage as a first time buyer with this tax credit.  Why wait?  Contact me right away and we'll find the home that works for you and have you in it pronto!
 
Find some questions and answers attached that may help you decide if now is the time to buy.
 

Fall seems to be making it's way to Iowa earlier this year than usual.  This is the perfect time of year to complete those outdoor projects that have been bothering you all summer when it's been too hot to go out and do them.  Take a day this weekend to clear the flower beds of summer weeds and wash spider webs from the outside of the house.  Maybe spend a couple of hours sweeping out and reorganizing the garage before the cold weather sets in.  You have plenty of time but why not make the most of these dry cool days while you have them?

This is also a great time of year to list or find your new home!  You'll see the landscaping in full force and enjoy the change of season as it comes on.  I am never too busy for any of your referrals and look forward to helping you and anyone you think I can help with my services!

Hello!  I will be holding two open houses Sunday, August 24th.  From 12-2PM I will be at 708 W Ashland in Indianola.  This home is so unique you will never find another like it.  Plus it is deceptively large, with over 2400 square feet of living space on the main floor.

From 2:30-4:30 I will be at my new listing 308 N 3rd Street in Milo.  This is a beautiful old 2 story with all of the original woodwork but with the advantage of many updates!  Come see this beautiful property and determine if this is the house for you.  I will have snacks at both open houses and look forward to seeing you there!

I will be out of the office from Thursday August 14th through Sunday August 17h.  Please contact Misty Soldwisch in my absence.  Her phone is 515-229-9764 or email at misty@mistySOLD.com.  Thank you!

I will be back and ready to assist you with all of your needs on Monday morning!

With the Balloon Classic over now, the State Fair is starting tomorrow on the east side of Des Moines.  It's one of the biggest attractions in Iowa and pulls people from all over the state and country.  I've read that the new food on a stick this year is pineapple.  It is of course battered, deep-fat-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Sounds delicious!  If you make time for this family-fun event you won't be disappointed.

As usual the Real Estate Market is buzzing along here in Iowa and you'll find active, pending and sold signs up along the road as you drive.  Please contact me if you are thinking of selling your home and/or if you are looking for something new.  I am excited and available to help with your Real Estate needs!

The first night of balloons is tomorrow evening!  If you enjoy a realxing evening with music and people, come out to the balloon field and look for me, I'll be crewing with the RE/MAX balloon. 

Be sure to come to the Balloon Parade Saturday at 11.  You'll see me there as well handing out fans and tossing candy.  Enjoy your weekend - hopefully it will be a dry one with favorable winds!

And not in just the temperature!  Tomorrow the Warren County Fair will start and run until Monday.  Be sure to stop out and see all there is to see.  There will be livestock shows, food vendors, and buildings with displays and information.  Also, the grandstand features various events throughout the fair.

Also, the Balloon Classic begins with the first flight and Nite-Glow this Friday!  The Classic will run until Saturday, August 2nd and will have different performers and events each evening.  There will be at least four Nite-Glows and two nights with fireworks.  This Saturday sets the tone for the week with a mass ascension at 6:30 and fireworks at 9:00.  The RE/MAX balloon will be here this week and you may see me out there crewing for it.  If you are a current or past client of mine and would like to come see the balloons some morning or evening, call me and I will do what I can to get tickets for you!

We are officially halfway through 2008!  As a little bit of advice you can take or leave - I would recommend getting your tax work caught up on a lazy Sunday sometime soon.  That way you will have an easier time of it when the end of the year rolls around. 

Time seems to go by more and more quickly as I get older.  I once heard it is because as adults, we take less time to notice the world around us.  Maybe take some time over this holiday weekend to relax and notice how beautiful Iowa is!  I noticed last week how lovely our wildflowers are as I was driving to Des Moines.  Happy 4th of July!!!

My Mom is coming home from the hospital today!  I will be in the office as usual from now on.  I appologize for any inconvenience my occasional absence may have caused.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!  It was beautiful and people were out enjoying it.  Please continue enjoying the outdoors this week and stop by my Open House Thursday night from 5:30 to 7:30 at 205 South E Street.  I look forward to seeing you and having the opportunity to chat!  Until then, take care!

Hello everyone!  I will be in and out of the office this week.  My mom was trampled by a cow Sunday evening.  Yes, a cow. 

Here is my understanding of the events that followed:

My parents live near the county fair grounds and on Sunday evening a cow ran loose through their backyard.  My mom was asked to help in catching her so she followed in pursuit of the cow.   At some point the cow turned and charged my mother knocking her to the ground and stepping on her.  My mom was lifeflighted to Methodist hospital and has been there ever since.  I believe she has 3 broken ribs each with multiple breaks, a punctured lung, a nasty bruise on her forehead/hairline and lots of pain.  They moved her out of the CCU yesterday afternoon to a regular hospital room.  This afternoon they removed the IV.  We haven't heard anything as to when she will come home.  Everything will be alright, she's just in alot of pain and will take some time to heal.

Consequently, I am spending a lot of time between the office and the hospital.  If you have any trouble contacting me, please leave a message or email and I will get back to you as soon as I have the opportunity.  Thank you!

Hello!  I will be out of the office tomorrow and Friday.  I will return some time in the afternoon on Saturday.  If you need anything you can reach me by phone or email.  I may take a little longer to resond than usual, but I will get back to you as soon as I can!  I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a very enjoyable weekend! 

Spring in Iowa!  One day it is 79 degrees with horrible humidity and the next it is 55 degrees and raining.  I wouldn't want to live anywhere else though!

Open Houses are picking up lately with everyone out looking at what is on the market.  If you are curious and looking to make a switch give me a call and I will give you a free market analysis of what your home can list for in this market.  Then we can go find the home you are meant to move to! 

Enjoy the cool evenings while they last, summer is on it's way!

The evenings are so wonderful after such a dreary winter!  Pack up the family and walk or bike over to my Open House at 1521 W Clinton this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30.  With three bedrooms and 2 baths, this home is ideal for a family.  The walk-out basement leads to a beautiful deep back yard where you can grill while the kids play hide-and-seek!  I look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening!!

A new listing is on the market!  Come see this amazing home in a prime location in Indianola.  The original part of this home was built in 1879 and has been added onto and updated over the years to make it a very unique and accomodating property.  Some of the highlight features include over 2400 square feet of living space on one floor, 17 feet of counter space, oak hardwood throughout the home and an incredible amount of storage!  Plus there is a two car detatched garage with electric and insulation behind the house.  Please come by to view the home from 5:30-7:30 on Thursday, May 1st.  Feel free to see more of the particulars about this home by looking for it in the listings on this website!  I look forward to seeing you there!!

We've started our summer open houses at RE/MAX Innovations! They will be held every Thursday evening from 5:30p to 7:30p - giving you the perfect opportunity to stop by after work. The first of these open houses will be Thursday, April 24th at 2200 Hart Ave #7, a beautiful like-new town home on the south-east side of Des Moines. This is a prime location with easy access to both the bypass and downtown Des Moines.

Are you or someone you know curious about homeownership?  Do you have questions about how a person buys a home?  Do you know how to find out how much home you can afford?  Are you aware of the tax advantages you gain as a home owner?  Come learn the answers to all of your questions at the RE/MAX Innovations office Monday, April 21st from 6:30-7:30.  I've partnered with Rick Wilson from Global State Mortgage along with a few other professionals and we look forward to helping you understand and maybe even start the home buyer process!

The RE/MAX Innovations office is on the North end of the Wells Fargo Building, Suite G.  It's free, so come with some questions and invite a friend or two to come with you!

This Sunday I will hold an open house for one of my new listings!  An exciting property for an excellent price, $128,000 for a home in Indianola.  This home is in amazing condition and has so many updates it's incredible!  With a beautifully updated kitchen and new windows throughout this is a great opportunity if you are looking for your first home or something a little smaller to move to.  The yard is mature with beautiful perenials popping up and soon the trees with provide ample amounts of shade.  A smaller yard means less to mow!  But it is large enough should you want a swingset for your kids or to build a deck to relax on.  Please stop by 205 S E Street this Sunday between 1 and 4 and say hi while your looking at an excellent property!

I woke up to snow this morning as I am sure most of you did as well.  I am certainly hoping it was Winter's final attempt at keeping it's grasp on us in the midwest, and that Spring will ultimately prevail!  Things are picking up with good weather on the way and several beautiful weekends behind us.  Now is a great time to be looking to buy and to be putting your home on the market with spring fever in the air.  Call me today and we'll get you moving on the process to get you into the home that is perfect for you!

I will be out of the office through Monday, 10 March 2008.  I am going to Tampa, Florida to visit my Grandmother and family.  If you need anything in my absence please contact Misty Soldwisch in my office, she will be handling things for me while I am gone.  I will also be checking my email and cell phone if you need to speak with me directly.  Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!!

Congratulations Terry Jackel!  You won the $10 Casey's Gift Card at the Open House at 1521 W Clinton this weekend!  You will receive it in the mail soon.  Thank you to everyone who came to tour the house, it was a beautiful day to be out.  Please call me with any questions you may think of!

Congratulations Bill and Holly!!!!  They are now proud owners of a beautiful two story home in Norwalk!!  I wish you both the best of luck and the happiest of days in your new home!

Hello!  The open house this last weekend went well.  I will be hosting another one this coming Sunday from 1-4 at 1521 W Clinton.  Please stop by and say hi!  Also, mention the open house to anyone you think might be interested!  You can find information about the house on my listings page.  There will be a drawing for a $10 Casey's gift card at the end of the day so stop by to get your chance to win!  Have a wonderful week!!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am ready for spring! 

 I am gearing up to have a great Open House this coming Sunday, February 24th at 1415 Avery Court in Norwalk.  Please feel free to stop by and view it from 1-4pm.  I will have treats for you to enjoy and a beautiful home to view in case you or any of your family or friends are looking.  Please come by and say hi!

Welcome to the first blog entry of my new website.  I can't wait to get started!

I'm new, I'm enthusiastic and I've got the time to devote to you in your search or sale of a home.  If you are looking to buy or sell a home, call me.  I will work hard on your behalf, and I am never too busy for your referrals!