I will also have a cooperating lender with me to help with any financing questions.  Jenny Green is an experienced lender with Lincoln Savings Bank.  We look forward to seeing you!

Scott's Thoughts: The Right Kind of Dent

“We're here to put a dent in the universe.”
Steve Jobs, entrepreneur and inventor (1955-2011)

There's not a lot we can say about Steve Jobs that hasn't been said in the past week. But I would like to share a few thoughts inspired by Jobs, specifically on the nature of our influence on the world.

Jobs connected people. He was uncompromising. By all accounts, he wasn't always a nice guy. Subordinates and journalists received more than a few angry tirades or chilly brush-offs from Jobs. But when it came to the type of "dent" he left in the universe, I think you would be hard pressed to say he didn't leave the world a better place.

We might feel like our own ability to influence the universe is limited. "I can't be a Steve Jobs," you might think. But you don't have to revolutionize personal computing and communication to make a mark. The collective actions of people leave dents in the universe all of the time.

Consider the unscrupulous mortgage originators who, under the direction of greed and irrational exuberance, pushed loans when they knew the people across the table weren't going to be able to pay their mortgage. Consider the legion of so called "robo-signers," who sold their integrity for a few bucks an hour and dashed off false signatures as bank officers on thousands of forged foreclosure documents.

Those acts left dents in the universe, too. Collectively, those little dents just about totaled the country! We're all dealing with the economic fall-out from people who decided that they didn't care what kind of dent they left as long as they were taken care of in the short term.

Steve Jobs died at 56, and we'll never know what he might have done with an extra thirty years. But today, let's ask ourselves whether or not we're leaving the right kind of dent in the universe. Carry it with you and take measure of the way you move through the world.

Finally, if you haven't watched it yet, here is Steve Jobs' famous commencement address at Stanford. Don't miss these truly inspiring words:

Steve Jobs' Commencement Speech @ Stanford University www.youtube.com/watch

I'm still busy helping my clients buy and sell homes.  Business is really picking up with spring coming on strong.  The grass is greening up and plants are poking out of the ground!

I will be holding an Open House on Sunday from 1-4PM at 100 S 20th Street in Indianola.  This home is listed at $225,900 - an incredible value for the space and finish!  This is a beautifully finished new construction home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and lovely hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining areas.  There is also a delightful covered porch off of the kitchen. The basement is studded with an additional bath, family room and 4th bedroom.  However, if you wish for a different configuration, the builders will happily stud the layout you prefer.  You might also consider the benefits of the storm shelter in the basement, especially with the spring storms already starting.  Something additional to consider in these economic times is that this home is a 5 Star Home!  It is built with energy savings in mind with low flow toilets, shower heads and faucets, energy efficient mechanicals and windows - even the insulation.  This home will cost you less to live in.  I hope to see you on Sunday!

This 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath ranch has been extensively updated with laminant wood flooring, new carpet, stove and dishwasher, remodeled full bath, water heater and driveway and sidewalk paving.  The downstairs floor has been freshly painted and you will find a bar set-up ideal for your entertaining needs.  There is a third non-conforming bedroom as well, you could use it as a bedroom or make it an at-home office space.  The laundry room has ample room for storage and laundry needs as well as a half bath for when one just isn't enough!  The two car detached garage is oversize and has a workbench built-in for all your handman needs.  Come by on Sunday and see how easy it would be for you to move right in! 

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.

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!

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!

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

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!!!