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.

Ready, Set, Buy!

The Presidential election is over, holidays are over, fiscal cliff adverted, interest rates are at historic lows (today 3.375 for Conventional 30 year fixed, 2.875 for FHA 30 year fixed. Rates provided by Denny Donnelly, New Castle Home Loans, 515-421-9290). So what are you waiting for??? Now is the time to buy a home!

Data compiled from the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors MLS indicates our pricing trend for home values is currently at about what it was in 2007. As our housing market recovers prices will go up, inventory levels will continue to decrease, and the buyer’s market we have seen for several years will become a seller’s market. The Metro’s  inventory is down 13.3% from last year. Pending sales 2012 compared to pending sales 2011 was up 21%. So our market is definitely in recovery mode.

I predict 2013 will be a very active real estate market for the Des Moines area. As a buyer would you rather purchase a home in a buyer or seller’s market ~ you decide.

 

I'd love to show you your dream home. Call or text me at 515-556-0515.

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

Real Estate Help Anywhere, Any Time

Don’t live in Des Moines area, but need a Realtor? I can help connect you with a top real estate professional in any city, any state! I have a large network of agents around the country that are ready, willing, and able to assist. So relax, I’m here to help.

Call, text or email anytime! Lori@move2dsm.com, 515-789-0089.

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

Ask Your Realtor

 

Don't Sell Your House with a Dead Tree in the Yard!

So, your house is on the market and you have a dead tree (or two!) in the yard, what do you do?

Very simply, have it removed! The exterior of your home is the buyer's first impression, make it a great one.

I recommend Bennett Tree Service Inc., Des Moines, 515-276-5528. I have found their prices to be competitive and work done in a professional manner.

Do you have a real estate question I can answer? Leave a comment! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

#1 Question I Get Asked....

The question I get asked almost every day is “how’s the real estate market”?  I have seen positive signs this year, particularly the last two months. Buyers have the advantage of inventory where homes have been on the market for quite some time, combined with fresh listings, both overall seem to be priced competitively.

As of today, Denny Donnelly, loan originator with New Castle Homes Loans in Des Moines, states the 30 year conventional fixed rate is 3.625%, with 15 year at 2.875%. FHA 30 year fixed rate is 3.25%.

The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors state that April homes sales in the metro area climbed 20 percent and pending sales spiked 23 percent over April 2011.

Overall, the market seems to be moving in the right direction. One challenge we may face for the remainder of 2012 is the possibility of homes not appraising at or above the sales price. As we see our market heat up, and listings selling more quickly, prices are naturally trending up. But when it comes to the appraisal required for the buyer’s lender, the appraiser must use comparable home sales from the last 6 months when home values were lower.

So, as we look forward to brighter days in real estate, it is still one day at a time. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Mortgage Interest Rates are Still Near Record Low

Night Time Front View of Home

As spring market continues to heat up, this is the time for buyer's to take advantage of higher inventory and low interest rates. As reported by Inman News;

Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaging 3.88 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending April 26, down from 3.9 percent last week and 4.78 percent a year ago. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit an all-time low in records dating to 1971 of 3.87 percent during the first three weeks of February.

For 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, rates averaged 3.12 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from 3.13 percent last week and 3.97 percent a year ago. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages hit an all-time low in records dating to 1991 of 3.11 percent during the week ending April 12.

So what are you waiting for? Let me show you your dream home. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Realtor Resources Beyond the Sale

Lori with a power tool?

Don’t worry, I won’t be coming to your house with a power drill! But I certainly can be a resource for you in recommending professionals in regards to home repair, remodeling, design, landscaping, and beyond.

After selling real estate for 18 years I have had the pleasure to meet and or work with a wide variety of individuals. And if I don’t have the right resource for you, Cindy, Coldwell Banker’s Concierge, is here to help you with everything from utility transfer, lawn care, and just about any referral you would need.

Put my expertise to work for you. Call me at 515-789-0089, I can help! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Lori’s Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale

Beautifully staged living room

Spring market is here and we are seeing more activity in our market place than in the last several years. Typically this time of year inventory is high, so your home must stand out. By ensuring your home is as inviting as possible, you stand to substantially increase your home’s appeal, and hopefully selling price.

The first hurdle in preparing your home for sale is to take the emotion out of the equation and look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.

• Front Door.  You may never use your front door, but that is where you want the buyer to enter your home, so start there. Are there cob webs present, does the front door need a fresh coat of paint, does the door bell work, do you need to sweep, is there a nice new welcome mat at the door?
• Clean and Clean Again.  Now go room by room and clean, clean, clean. Clean until it shines. Don’t forget windows, this will make a world of difference. A buyer will many times look over the fact that a home needs redecorating (this is of course assuming that is reflected in the price), but a dirty home is a real turn off.
• De-Clutter.  Buyer’s can't see your home’s full potential if it is cluttered. While showing your home, consider renting a storage unit if necessary. Remember, selling your home involves showing the buyer the possibilities of the space. Don’t forget to remove magnets, photos, notes and other things from the front of the refrigerator. Remove most items from the kitchen and bathroom countertops. Hide your special collections, take down most family photos. You want people to look at the house, not your personal stuff.
• Freshen Up.  Adding a fresh coat of paint or neutralizing a wall can be your best investment of time and money. This can instantly turn a room into an inviting space.
• Let there be light!  When showing the house, keep curtains and shades open. Have all lights on when possible. Bright rooms appear more spacious, not to mention cheerful.
• Curb appeal is important.  Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, maybe put in some flowers. The outside of your home is the buyers first impression.

I’m happy to walk through your home and give you my ideas. Just give me a call at 515-789-0089! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.