Adam's Des Moines Real Estate

What a great day for showing! How'd you do?

2007-03-27T12:27:26Z

We had another great day for showing in central Iowa. Sky was sunny and just a little breezy with a high in the upper 70's. You couldn't ask for better weather! I don't know how other agents did, but we had eight groups come through with about another 4 drivebys. That's my second best showing day yet! The record stands at 12 with a few drivebys. How'd everybody else do?

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com

7 steps to selling your home

2007-03-27T12:19:10Z

Realtor.com is great source of information for all types of transactions when buying a home or selling your home for the first time. If you've never sold a home before and need a little help with the process, THIS should help you out. If you still have more questions, give me a call or shoot me an email. I'll help with all the little things that can get confusing somtimes.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com

the 10 steps to home ownership

2007-03-27T12:11:02Z

Realtor.com is a great resource for anyone interested in buying or selling. Realtor.com can explain the pathway to owning a home. They include making sure that you're actually ready to get into the process, to how to get preapproved, to choosing a home and making an offer. Find the page including links HERE.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Thinking about Relocating to Des Moines?

2007-03-27T11:59:34Z

Here are some great links that I pulled off of Trulia! Find everything Des Moines here.

Local Maps for Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa Google Map (Area and Street Map)
Des Moines, Iowa Windows Live Local Map (Area and Street Map)
Des Moines, Iowa Windows Live Local Bird's Eye View Map
Des Moines, Iowa Mapquest Map (Area and Street Map)
Des Moines, Iowa Map (Toxic Releases/Hazardous Waste)
Des Moines, Iowa Map (Aerial Photo)

Attractions, Parks & Recreation in Des Moines

Census Data, Statistics, Facts & Figures for Des Moines

Schools & Educational Resources near Des Moines

Community Organizations in Des Moines

Entertainment in Des Moines

Environment & Science

Government information for Polk County

News & Media for Des Moines, IA

Call me when looking to buy or sell in Des Moines and central Iowa. Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 www.YourDesMoines.com Adam@YourDesMiones.com

And you think your market is bad?

2007-03-20T09:44:01Z

Obviously, I'm not an expert on the Detroit home market. I can only go off of what the national media is telling me, which can be very skewed. But it looks like there's foreclosure heaven in Detroit. Houses listed at $525,000 now auctioned off at $130,000. Here's the full story from Yahoo! news.

It makes me think, sometimes we get to feeling like things are terrible and our particular market is bad. The grass is looking greener on the other side. What you have to remember is that yes, the grass is always greener on the other side, but there's always someone else who's thinking that your grass is greener than theirs.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor 515.865.6000

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Finally a good showing day

2007-03-20T09:21:44Z

Well, can you say it was a good showing day with only 4 groups gone through? I think you can say yes. Now I'm about to attend a weekly class in about an hour in which the instructor asks every week, "How'd your opens go this week?" So I'll be able to find out a little more closely if it really was a good showing.

Either way, I have to be happy about the nice weather that's here. The only person I think that might be happier than me is my wife. It is hard for a Georgia Peach to get used to an Iowa winter. Let's take a look at the house and you tell me if you would have stopped by.

Beautiful 2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and an unfinished basement; sitting on a one-acre lot. This home is located in the SE Polk school district and is just minutes from the Hwy 5 by-pass. This home has a large kitchen; including oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal, with an eat in dining room. The large living room features a vaulted ceiling, build in surround sound speaker system, and a cozy fireplace. There is also a second family room or formal dining room located on the main floor with a bay window. You will also enjoy the convenience of the central vacuum system. You are sure to love the open foyer as you move to the upstairs . You find each room has excellent lighting, spacious closets and a great layout all together. This house features a three car attached garage with a finished floor and automatic garage door openers. You are sure to fall in love with this house when you see it! You will love seeing the stars at night. A must see - Top Condition!!!

What great weather!

2007-03-11T22:10:42Z

For the first time this year we had a good day for showing. The weather was warm and the sky was sunny. Unfortunately, I think that worked against me today. Don't get me wrong, I saw all kinds of people today during my open house. I saw couples walking, women walking their dogs, even entire families riding on bikes. I even made contact with some of them, contact by a wave that is. That seemed to be the only contact I could make today. I only had 2 visits to my open house in Urbandale. Oh well, it's supposed to stay this way for most of the week. Maybe that will be enough time for us to get adjusted to the great new weather and get us Iowans back to the business at hand. Whew, what a change from the blizzard of 2 weeks ago. I guess it is like they say here in Iowa, "If you don't like the weather, just wait, it'll change."

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor 515.865.6000

Broker's Open Tuesday, Pleasant Hill, IA

2007-03-04T23:03:13Z

I have a Broker's Open (Agent Tour, if you're in Iowa) this Tuesday, March 6th. It's for that GREAT house in Pleasant Hill. 2325 SE 68th. Take Hwy 5 to Vandalia Road and go east to 68th street, then head north on 68th street. There will be signs. Here's the official description.

"Beautiful 2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and an unfinished basement; sitting on a one-acre lot. This home is located in the SE Polk school district and is just minutes from the Hwy 5 by-pass. This home has a large kitchen; including oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal, with an eat in dining room. The large living room features a vaulted ceiling, build in surround sound speaker system, and a cozy fireplace. There is also a second family room or formal dining room located on the main floor with a bay window. You will also enjoy the convenience of the central vacuum system. You are sure to love the open foyer as you move to the upstairs . You find each room has excellent lighting, spacious closets and a great layout all together. This house features a three car attached garage with a finished floor and automatic garage door openers. You are sure to fall in love with this house when you see it! You will love seeing the stars at night. A must see - Top Condition!!!"

If you would like even more info, go to www.68th.YourDesMoines.com . Stop by if you want to see a great house!

Adam Forney, Realtor

Adam@YourDesMoines.com 515.865.6000

Network Anyone?

2007-03-04T22:41:16Z

So I have this new website that is working very well. I have alot of pages to fill. I was looking at the possibility adding a "Realtor Co-op" page. A place where I can link with other Realtors around the country to maybe get some referrals, but mainly to give both websites a little bit better ranking in Google. I'm looking at just putting cooperative links in each other's sites, also getting a better referral system.

I was wondering about anyone's thoughts on the matter. Have you tried it and it's worked well, or is it something where your link is on the other site for a few months and then disappears. Any thoughts anyone?

Adam Forney, Realtor

Adam@YourDesMoines.com 515.865.6000

Craigslist Anyone?

2007-02-26T22:40:08Z

So I've been doing a little internet advertising on Craigslist.org. I haven't been able to measure much statistics on how successful it has been. Obviously, it's not like it takes alot of time to put info in and submit it. I would justl like to know that it's working. Has anyone else had any success with Craigslist? Just curious. I'm the type that doesn't like to spend time on things that aren't working.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Open House Blizzard Blues

2007-02-25T13:58:05Z

So here I am. . . .at the open house house that I promised everyone I would be at. On my website, www.YourDesMoines.com, on my AR blog, and all my realtor blogs. Here I am. One hour into the open. My wife is so bored that she's just sitting down by the fireplace reading. Woo. The blizzard part of the storm is over. This is the glamour that I always thought being in real estate would be. No not really. Here's a pic of what the local radar looked like before we left on this journey.

Not as bad as last night, but not good either. The shoveling and knocking snow off the open house signs was fun though! I guess?!? Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, I am holding the open house, as promised.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

Adam@YourDesMoines.com 515.865.6000

Midori Again! Part 2

2007-02-25T11:13:37Z

Midori has done it again. I told you I couldn't wait until Part 2, and now it's here. She starts out by defining what a professional is. What it means to say that you're a professional. Always good stuff. Midori then talks about 3 adavanced listing tips this time. As always, great stuff. Take a read at it here.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com www.YourDesMoines.com

5709 NW 93rd, Johnston, IA Open House

2007-02-24T23:30:48Z

In case anyone's interested...here's some info about the house I'm showing tommorrow.

Better than new 3 bedroom 4 split level with over 1510 Sq Ft of living! All new hardwood floors in formal living room, kitchen, dining and entry's, great kitchen with adjoining dining area, family room with fireplace, 2.5 baths, extra large master bedroom with walk-in closet and master bath plus bonus room in lower level. Freshly painted interior, 2nd water meter and more! Great yard and all landscaped! Special Financing Incentives available. Move-in condition.

Great Home! Give me a call if you have any questions.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515. 865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com www.YourDesMoines.com

Through Rain and Sleet and Snow and Ice!!

2007-02-24T23:18:28Z

Well, it's now just past 11pm and it's been freezing rain most of the day, most of the day. Around 8pm it started to snow, and it's not suposed to stop until late tomorrow night. Ahhh. Another terrible day for showing. But, through rain and sleet and snow and ice, I deliver. My church, along with alot of churches in central Iowa, have already cancelled services for tomorrow. Here's what the radar looks like.

As you can see, my entire state is engulfed in it. Should be interesting to see how many show up for the open house. In a 24 hour period we're supposed to get 3-6 inches of snow.

What would you do? Cancel or show? Let me know what you think.

Adam Forney, Realtor

Adam@YourDesMoines.com www.YourDesMoines.com

Just Listed!!

2007-02-23T16:56:52Z

Quiet Country Living, In the City!

Beautiful 2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and an unfinished basement; sitting on a one-acre lot. This home is located in the SE Polk school district and is just minutes from the HWY 5 By-pass. This home has a large kitchen; including oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal, with an eat in dining room. The large living room features a vaulted ceiling, build in surround sound speaker system, and a cozy fireplace. There is also a second family room or formal dining room located on the main floor with a bay window. You will also enjoy the convenience of the central vacuum system. You are sure to love the open foyer as you move to the upstairs . You find each room has excellent lighting, spacious closets and a great layout all together. This house features a three car attached garage with a finished floor and automatic garage door openers. You are sure to fall in love with this house when you see it!

See it all at http://68th.yourdesmoines.com.

And then contact me!

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.8865.6000

My Answers to What's My Answers

2007-02-20T12:25:03Z

Okay, as they say in Missouri, Progress as Promised. Here are my answers to the e-mail.

If you choose to be a Realtor, you will be choosing one of the most challenging and most rewarding careers you can find. If you love dealing with people, both good and bad, real estate will be a great career path. At least give it a try, statistics say that half the people I'm working with right now won't be working with me in 2 years, but if you can make it, the rewards are great!

-Did you go to college? If so, where, and what did you major in? If you could have changed one thing about what you did in school what would it be?

I did go to college, a bible college actually. I majored in Bible and Church Leadership. Change? Definitely, I'd finish my degree, real estate is making that happen.

-How much training did you need to get your job, and how much do you need to keep your job?

I worked a lot of retail management jobs before going into real estate. That helped immensely because you are constantly dealing with the public in retail and real estate. Many times you have to find "creative" ways to please your client while still attaining your goals and getting the job done. You have to be a "people" person. As far as educational training, it's always good to have a college degree. If you get a degree in real estate, it helps but isn't necessary. You can find Pre-license classes all over the state that will usually cost around $500. You then have to pass the real estate exam ($99). Then depending on which broker you go with, they will have classes for you, or send you to classes, if they are any good. My firm has continual classes every week and 3 different managers that I can go to with questions. The state requires 36 hours of required classes every 3 years, so taking 12 a year is no big deal.

-Point by point, what is a typical day like?

Depending on what you like, get up early or late (great benefit of this field)

Check e-mails and websites statistics

Prospect for future clients

Check in with current clients

Go to lunch with clients or possible clients

Network wherever I can

Hang out in public places for easier prospecting (coffee shops, Barnes & Noble, etc.)

Actually meet with buying and selling clients in the evening, unless I'm busy with something else

-What are the positives of your job? What about negatives?

Positives: I make my own schedule, which means I also decide how much money I make (general rule: the busier you are, and smarter you work, the more money you'll make)

I can make ALOT of money!

I have a huge base of friends from clients to fellow Realtors

I have a lot of free time, to do other things that are important to me, i.e. I do a lot of work with my church, and volunteering in the community

Negatives: I have to work with clients that aren't always the nicest, but I still have to please them or else I make no money

Real Estate is strictly commission only

Sometimes the deals can get really "hairy" to make happen

Almost all advertising is paid out of my pocket (websites, training, licensing, Realtor fees, etc.)

Initially, you have to put up A LOT of money to get into a career that you don't know if you'll succeed at or not

-What physical and mental skills do you need to succeed in your job?

Physical skills: None needed, I have a Realtor friend that runs marathons to a friend of mine in south Georgia that has to be close to 400 lbs. Endurance does help though for those long meetings and days.

Mental skills: It's good be able to think on your feet and be quick. Know finances because banks and lenders today have so many loan products that you have to have at least a basic financial understanding of things. You have to be able to predict objections from everyone (clients, banks, escrow, etc.), so you know how to overcome them. And of course, sales and how to sell your product, is the single greatest skill to have.

How did I do? Let me know.

Adam Forney, 515.865.6000

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

What's Your Answers?

2007-02-17T00:25:19Z

A few days ago I got an email from a local high school student. She was looking at a career in real estate and wanted some questions answered, I believe she was also giving a speech. As I thought about it, I wondered, how would other agents answer these questions? So here's your chance. Answer these and I'll post my answer email in a few days. Have fun.

To Whom It May Concern:

I was wondering if you could help me out, in answering a few questions I had about real estate agents. I am a high school student and I am looking to become a realtor someday. These are just some general questions which I need to answer in a speech I will be giving. If you could answer these as soon as you get time that would be great.

-Did you go to college? If so, where, and what did you major in? If you could have changed one thing about what you did in school what would it be?

-How much training did you need to get your job, and how much do you need to keep your job?

-Point by point, what is a typical day like?

-What are the positives of your job? What about negatives?

-What physical and mental skills do you need to succeed in your job?

Hopefully I'll hear from you soon! Thank you very much.

Adam Forney, Realtor 515.865.6000

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Good Credit, Good Life. Bad Credit, Bad....?

2007-02-10T17:05:09Z

Hopefully you know the benefits of having good credit. If not, you need to get familiar with the credit system. It can make your life either very easy or very complex. I think it's always good to have a refresher course on credit. Obviously, so does Yahoo! News. Here's the article, reprinted with permission from Quicken Loans.

Some of the benefits mentioned in the article are lower rates and payments, less documentation and hassle, and the ability to shop around. Good credit makes one's life filled with less stress and more happiness. If you don't have it, it is something to attain for.

The article mentioned a very good credit score falling between 720 to 740. That's true, but if you're someone with a credit score less than that, there are still some good products for people with credit issues. Some of my mortgage people can still get a low monthly payment and down payment for someone with a 580 credit score, sometimes thought of as sub-prime.

Bottom line, if you're thinking of moving to, or are already in, Des Moines or central Iowa, with good or bad credit, give me a call. I can work with alot of different factors to get you into your dream home!

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000

www.YourDesMoines.com Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Happy Valentine's Virus?!?

2007-02-10T16:39:24Z

It's that time of year again. Ahhhh...Valentine's Day. The time of love, happy feelings, happy thoughts and of course....e-mail viruses. Yes, Yahoo! News is reporting that once again, hackers have been planning on preying on the heartstrings of the unassuming and lonely hearts out there. Here's the story.

As a general rule, never open e-mail that looks suspicious or from a sender that you don't recognize. Or a subject that seems a little too off. What happens when you open the e-mail is it unlocks the virus that's in it, and basically gives your permission to the computer to download the virus or program contained in it. If you're not familiar with the term malware, get familiar with it. Malware can be bad news for your computer. Take it from one who knows.

Bottom line, when you open up your email program and get a weird looking email from a Debbie at Dallas.com and you don't know a Debbie from Dallas.com, DON'T OPEN IT. Simply delete and go about your business. It will cost you less in the long run.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000

www.YourDesMoines.com Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Super Bowl Stinker

2007-02-08T17:59:30Z

Super Bowl Sunday, whew, I'm glad that one's over. Not only because my team lost the big game, but also because I lost the open house game. It's taken four days for me to blog anything about it. On my first Super Bowl Sunday in real estate I only had 3 groups come through my open house. Somewhat disappointing, but also expected. Oh well, just like everything else in real estate so far, I'm learning what to expect as I go along. On a positive note, 3 was pretty good compared to some of my colleagues opens. Next year I may just promote it a little more, nothing wrong with a little extra promotion.

How did anybody else do? Was it better or worse than you expected?

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000

Des Moines and central Iowa School Websites

2007-02-02T18:28:45Z

For anyone with children wanting to move to the paradise of central Iowa, here's a list of the school district's websites.

SCHOOL DISTRICT WEBSITES

Adel-Desoto-Minburn Community
http://515realty.net/school-info/www.adel.k12.ia.us

Ankeny Community
http://www.ankeny.k12.ia.us/

Carlisle
http://www.carlisle.k12.ia.us/

Dallas Center-Grimes Community
http://www.dc-grimes.k12.ia.us/

Des Moines Area Catholic
http://www.dmdiocese.org/

Des Moines Christian
http://www.dmcs.org/

Des Moines Public Schools
http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/

Indianola Community
http://www.indianola.k12.ia.us/

Interstate 35
http://www.i-35.k12.ia.us/

Johnston Community
http://www.johnston.k12.ia.us/

Martensdale-St. Marys
http://www.m-stmarys.k12.ia.us/

North Polk Community
http://www.n-polk.k12.ia.us/

Norwalk
http://www.norwalk.k12.ia.us/

Panora Community Schools
http://www.panorama.k12.ia.us/

Pleasantville
http://www.pleasantville.k12.ia.us/

Saydel Consolidated
http://www.saydel.k12.ia.us/

Sayre Montessori School
http://www.sayremontessorischool.org/

Southeast Polk Community
http://www.se-polk.k12.ia.us/

Southeast Warren Community
http://www.se-warren.k12.ia.us/

Urbandale Community
http://www.urbandale.k12.ia.us/

Van Meter Community
http://www.vanmeter.k12.ia.us/

Waukee
http://www.waukee.k12.ia.us/

West Central Valley Schools
http://www.studex.k12.ia.us/

West Des Moines Community
http://www.wdm.k12.ia.us/

Winterset Community Schools
http://www.winterset.k12.ia.us/

What's Your Niche Market?

2007-02-02T17:15:50Z

Here's a great example of niche marketing. Julie Upton of Houston decided that she would give away a gun if a police officer bought a home from her. She ran an ad in "Badge & Gun" offering the incentive only to police officers. See the full article here.

What a great example of niche marketing! As realtors we need to find out what our niche is and attack it with creativity like Julie's. I don't know about giving away guns, but the creativity is what made me write this time.

Until next time.

Adam Forney, Realtor 515.865.6000

Visit me at www.YourDesMoines.com

$155 Million? I'm in!

2007-02-01T16:05:52Z

Ever wondered about the most expensive house...in the world. I have. Come to find out, it's called Updown Court in Windlesham, England. It comes in at a nice $139 million. Not bad, unless you're Tim Blixseth and want to top it. Tim, you see, is building a new dream home just outside Bozeman, Montana that he's wanting to sell for $155 million. That's right $155 million! The 10 bedroom home will sit on 160 acres of land and have it's on lift to the private ski resort's slopes. Not too shabby. Find the whole article here.

Of course, all this talk got me thinking about dream homes. Obviously that's going to be someone's dream home. What about your dream home? When will you find it? How will you find it? When you're ready to find your dream home in Des Moines or central Iowa, give me a call. I'm here to give you 'Premier Service' in every aspect of finding your dream home.

Need to sell your home first? Give me a call so we can list today!

Until next time

Adam Forney, Realtor

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Mortgage Applications are UP!

2007-01-31T16:35:17Z

To agree with my earlier post, the economy is looking up! FoxNews.com is reporting that mortgage applications are up 3.2% from a decline last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The holidays are over and people are getting ready to buy, buy, buy. With people getting ready to buy, now's the time to list your house. Even though I look outside my window and see snow, April will be here before you know it.

Any good marketing plan takes at least a few months for the advertising to get circulated in the community. Now is the perfect time to list your house for sale. Call me today so I can get your "personalized marketing plan" in action now.

Why Adam?

Here's what I can do for you during each step of the listing process.

I Will...
    Listen to You
   Find out Your Needs
   Respect Your guidelines
   Keep Your Trust and Confidentiality
   Communicate with You
   Return your Calls
   Respect Your Time
   Answers Your Questions
   Give an Estimate of closing costs
   Work for You in negotiations
   Give You 'Premier Service'
   Keep You informed and include You
   Be with You at Closing

Now you know. Give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail.

Adam Forney, Realtor

515.865.6000

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Times are Bad....what??

2007-01-31T11:52:22Z

Another article in the Des Moines Business Record shows that even though some things have been declining, the economy's looking better and better for 2007 in Des Moines and central Iowa. FORECAST FOR 2007: Things are looking up. "A solid year" - Carl Tannenbaum.

"Home sales have declined steadily since 2004," he said. "But today's sales would still be all-time highs just a few years ago." -Carl Tannenbaum.

With things looking positive for 2007, what better time to buy a home? What better time to upgrade, or even find that dream home today? Need help? That's what I'm here for. Call me to list your home today!

Adam Forney 515.865.6000

Adam@YourDesMoines.com

Not sure yet? Visit me today online! www.YourDesMoines.com