What’s not to love about Iowa --- 75 degrees and snow all in the same week!

Just last weekend my daughter and I enjoyed a lovely walk around Gray’s Lake. The weather was gorgeous and the park was full of activity. We even took our binoculars to gaze at the eagles nest just on the other side of the river. A fun day indeed!

Photo Courtesy of blog.dsmhomes.com

Fast forward 4 days, and we now are at 34 degrees with a steady flow of snow. Granted it will probably be gone tomorrow, but it is May 3. Really?!?

Photo Courtesy of ncnewspress.com

Tomorrow is the first downtown famer's market of the season. I plan to be there rain, snow, or sun.
For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Downtown Des Moines Made Forbes List of 15 Emerging Districts

Des Moines' effort to revitalize its central core has won a spot on Forbes magazine's list of U.S. Cities' Emerging Downtowns. The article cited development of a master plan, expanded public transportation and increased housing. Other cities on the list include Denver, Louisville, Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Since 2000, more than $3 billion has been allocated to redevelop Des Moines' downtown. In 2008 the city enlisted urbanist and Princeton professor Mario Gandelsonas to help draw up a master plan that encompasses a skywalk system, updates to and expansion of public transit, and a public art-filled Riverwalk. From 2001 to 2011, more than 4,500 residential units were constructed in the area, boosting the local population above 8,000 residents, the largest demographic of which is young professionals ages 25 to 34 (16%). And there’s one place this desired demographic, college-educated professionals, tends to want to live: tight-knit urban neighborhoods that are close to work and have lots of entertainment and shopping options within an easy walk. This is one of the reasons city planners have been plowing money and resources into revitalizing their core business districts.

Several major projects add to the appeal of the downtown area. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, opened in September 2009, features artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists and located on a 4.4-acre park site. The Principal Riverwalk, started in 2004, was recently completed. It includes the Hub Spot on the west side of the Des Moines River near Court Avenue. It's a landscaped plaza and kiosk that will offer food and drink options. Wells Fargo Arena, opened in 2005, is part of more than $3 billion in public and private investment downtown since 2000.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com. 

*Sources: Forbes.com and The Des Moines Register


For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Des Moines…No Mountains, No Ocean, BUT a 10 Minute Commute!

Grand Avenue - Downtown Des Moines

 On vacation take me to the ocean, desert, mountains, but for everyday living, I’ll take Iowa!

Yeah, we may not have the glitz and glam, but what we do have is a high quality of life. That’s right, instead of spending an hour or more a day commuting to work, I get to spend that time with my family. Speaking of work, my commute time is 8 minutes.

I love going home for lunch.

Why?

Because I can!

Additionally, you can get most anywhere in the metro in about 20 minutes. With that said, I find it irritating if I have to travel more than 10 minutes to the places I frequent. Sounds spoiled? Nope, just Des Moines.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Photo credit  http://www.flickr.com/photos/w4nd3rl0st/ For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Real Estate bidding wars in 2013?

Hello pre-2007 real estate market, I’ve missed you! Yes that’s right, looks like we are off to a great start this year. Yesterday I listed a home, after 4 showings we had multiple offers by the evening. Last week another listing produced an accepted offer within 24 hours. So even though very different homes, what did they both have in common (other than an awesome list agent!)? Both homes had been meticulously maintained, clean, and staged well. Most importantly, they were priced at what current market conditions indicated. If you have made recent improvements to your home, it might mean you will not recoup the amount invested. Also, your home may not be worth what you paid. Remember, in the end a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, not what you owe or your perceived value.

In the event you are a buyer and interested in a home with multiple offers, if you can afford to, don’t be afraid to offer over list price. For every $1000 on a mortgage, at today’s interest rates it would equate to about $5 additional on your monthly payment. So maybe you skip that latte, or bring your lunch to work once a week. Wouldn’t it be worth it for your dream home?

This home sold this week after only 4 showings.

Perfectly staged living room.

This home sold last week in 24 hours.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.


For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Have You Seen The Little Free Library?

Not too long ago I started seeing these small houses on a post in my neighborhood. Once I realized there were books inside, I found myself drawn to them. What a great idea --- take a book, give a book. 

The mission of "Little Free Library" is to promote literacy, the love of reading, and to build a sense of community. The sign on the Little Free Library states it is a "gift from friends who wanted to PAY IT FORWARD. Take a book, return a book". Many have found this to be a great way to connect with neighbors and engage in conversation about a new and unique concept. You can purchase or build your Little Free Library. 

Is this something you are seeing in your neighborhood? Would you participate? For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Where to Spend a Beautiful Des Moines Afternoon

Nomade

Enjoying the beautiful fall day yesterday, my daughter and I had a picnic at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. What an incredible entrance to the downtown area and a true gift to the city of Des Moines. We marveled at the 27 sculptures, having a hard time deciding on a favorite.

White Ghost

Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists.

The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns’ contribution of 27 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.

~Information from Des Moines Art Center.

Living on Des Moines’ west side, we are fortunate to have such wonderful attractions within minutes of our home. Urban living is the best! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Urban Chickens!

A trend I have noticed as I drive through our westside neighborhoods are several homes with urbanized chicken coops! I find this very intriguing, as does our 9 year old daughter, and we look forward to driving by to see if the chickens are out.

Recently while visiting my friend Katie, I was surprised to learn that her 12 year old daughter, Sarah, had taken on this hobby of raising chickens. Sarah saved her babysitting money (with a contribution from mom and dad too!) and for a total investment of about $250 was able to purchase the chicks, starter kit, and a coop built out of red wood from a century old barn. 

The chicks were 1 day old when Sarah got them, they are 3 different breeds, and she has named them all. Two Buff Orpingtons named Sunshine and Dandy. Two Black Sex Links named Pepper and Star. One Rhode Island Red named Penny. So they are truly pets as much as a hobby.

The chickens, now 4 months old, will begin laying eggs later this month. Sarah anticipates between the 5 hens there will be about 70 eggs to collect each week. The coop requires cleaning about every 3 days, and Sarah lets the chickens graze around the backyard nearly everyday.

Sarah did her homework and chose the three breeds for their hardiness and their ability to thrive in their coop. Her winter plan includes a heat lamp and the moveable coop allows for portability to the garage on the colder winter days.

So, hoping that I get to buy some fresh eggs from Sarah soon, as a chicken coop is not in my future!

If you are curious to know the city ordinance governing chickens in the city of Des Moines, check out this link.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Summer Fun in the Waterbury Neighborhood

Waterbury Jazz in July information here.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Des Moines Art Center --- A Gem in Our Neighborhood!

Des Moines Art Center at Dawn

While stopping by the Des Moines Art Center the other day, I was reminded what a gem we have in our neighborhood. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the gift shop was filled with unique finds. Our daughter is excited to take art classes there this summer. I also enjoy the ever changing and fresh menu at the restaurant. If you haven't been, I recommend it highly.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Des Moines' Amazing Farmers Market

Thought this was a great post about our great downtown farmer's market. Found at Country Living Magazine online.

Des Moines, Iowa

Photo courtesy of Des Moines Farmer's Market 

Since it began in 1976, the Des Moines market has grown from 15 vendors to more than 200, and now averages 18,000 visitors each Saturday. In addition to Iowa-grown, chemical-free produce and local meats and cheeses, there are six venues for arts, crafts and entertainment, plus a weekly kids' activity to enchant the younger attendees. Spanning nine city blocks, is it any wonder people line up for the Farm Boys' breakfast burritos to help them power through? For a more uncommon taste, check out Pupusasa El Salvador, a Salvadoran-style maize-flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat.

(Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, Saturdays, May 5-October 27, 7am-12pm. There's also a smaller Wednesday market in late summer, and an occasional Winter market.)

Read more: Best Farmers Markets - Guide to Best Farmers Markets in America - Country Living

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

The Secret is Out --- Des Moines Is A Great Place To Live!

It’s official: Forbes magazine loves Des Moines.The business publication has named the metro area the No. 1 place to raise a family.This is no shocker, of course. The big news came in April, when Forbes named Des Moines the No. 1 place for businesses and careers. 

In the family category, Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pa., was second, and Rochester, N.Y., was third. East Coast cities, including Syracuse, Buffalo and Pittsburgh, dominated the list.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines

Des Moines came out on top with top 10 rankings for education, commuting times, and home ownership. Other criteria considered: cost of living, crime, household income and homeowner costs.

Last month, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine put Des Moines No. 7 on the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” 

Source: Best of Blue - Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group, Realtors For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.