amber salmon: Start Searching For Your New Home...On Your Phone! - 08/31/10 02:36 AM

As I enter the world of android on my new HTC EVO, I find myself searching for the best applications. During my search I came across more than a few real estate applications. I knew they were out there, but I started thinking about consumers and how they might really use these apps. Hmm....this has got me spinning! So...my question today is: 
Would you search for a new home on your phone? Better yet...have you already? Des Moines Local Tweeps jumped right in: @kateschneider: absolutely... I search for everything on my phone. :) @mipo777: all the time. Love the location … (0 comments)

amber salmon: You Can Do Better Than The Tax Credit! - 06/02/10 03:27 PM
Thanks to Jake Stanton for this post today! Jake is GM/COO for Prudential First Realty located in West Des Moines, Iowa. Tax Credits Are Over, But Rates Are Lower! Earlier this year, there were a couple of fairly widespread predictions regarding what would happen to the housing market right around April of 2010. First, it was predicted that the Federal Tax Credit would expire on April 30th, and not be extended. This, of course, turned out to be true. Second, it was predicted that when the US Government stopped buying mortgage backed securities in March, interest rates would begin to tick … (0 comments)

amber salmon: FAQ: How Do I Find FHA Approved Townhomes or Condos in Des Moines, Iowa? - 04/19/10 01:58 AM

As we near the end of the tax credit deadline buyers are scrambling to get their contracts written by the April 30, 2010. Buyers are pre-approved and are ready to roll. Don't waste time by looking for a home that you can't purchase because you are limited by your loan.  Be sure to take the extra time to research and be ready! Looking for an FHA approved condo or townhome? Many buyers are choosing a loan with FHA terms and therefore need a condo or townhome that is FHA approved.  You can find what you need by going to the US … (0 comments)

amber salmon: FAQ: What is a coffered ceiling? What about a tray? - 03/19/10 01:41 AM
Today I posted the following picture on Twitter of a home I showed in Urbandale. Great home...$269,900 and has this killer master bedroom.  
I see home with a tray (or trey) ceiling in almost many new construction homes I see, so this was a nice surprise!
What's the difference? Coffered ceilings offer squares or rectangles on the ceiling and has beams that make a pattern appealing to your eye. Many elegant homes will use this ceiling to add detailing with woodwork or to blend in support beams that may be in the middle of the room. A tray ceiling is … (1 comments)

amber salmon: Need Another Reason To Move To Des Moines? - 03/19/10 01:38 AM
Congratulations Des Moines, Iowa! Great News! Yet another reason to celebrate....Des Moines has been honored many times this year as a great place to live, and here's the latest:
According to MSN Real Estate, Des Moines, Iowa was just named the #1 "2009 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets" Highlights from the article:
The economy is SOLID! Median housing costs just $150,000 Well-paying jobs in the insurance, bioscience and agribusiness fields Residents report low stress levels Great outdoor recreation, culture and fine art Read the article for yourself HERE. Looking for your next Des Moines Home? Start HERE!
Thanks to … (0 comments)

amber salmon: Beggar's Night Tradition in Des Moines, Iowa - 10/27/09 12:26 AM

It's not until you move away from Iowa that you realize what we have here is special....
Beggar's Night is coming...and for those of you not in Des Moines, Beggar's Night is the night that the kids take to the streets and go trick or treating. Though the 31st is Halloween, each town in the Des Moines area picks what night will be "Beggar's Night". Around the country kids are saying "Trick or Treat!" and claiming their candy prize, but we do things a bit differently here. We do things right....
New to Des Moines? Be prepared:
1) Kids in … (0 comments)

amber salmon: FAQ: How Soon Do I Need To Write an Offer if I want the $8000 Tax Credit? - 08/29/09 11:09 AM
Thinking of using the $8000 tax credit? Time is running out! The media is pushing hard to let everyone know that the deadline for closing on a home is November 30, 2009 if you plan on using the $8000 tax incentive. But you need to know there is a PROCESS! CLOSING TAKES TIME To be sure you allow for enough time for the closing process (think processing your loan & clearing title and abstracting). Right now we are writing offers for FHA approved buyers with a minimum of 45 days for closing. If you closed November 30th, you would need to … (0 comments)

amber salmon: Does Your Home Need A Little Lipstick? - 04/30/09 03:42 PM
Yes, I said lipstick.
You know, a quick fix to look prettier? I "borrowed" that from someone a few years ago. Can't remember who, but I've used it since. It works out perfectly in the real estate world. Pretty houses sell.... I often hear the question...what does my home need to sell? The answer is easy. Really...it is. Your home must look great, be in good condition, and must be priced right. Period. Know this...a buyer is looking for a home that stands out from the rest. They want that "feeling" when they walk in the door. Shag carpet isn't going … (2 comments)

amber salmon: FAQ: What Should My Lender Know If I Buy A Condo? - 04/12/09 02:02 PM
 
Following up from yesterday's post titled FAQ: What Questions Should I Ask When Buying A Condo? Part 2 today includes what your lender might want to know.
Thanks to Tyler Osby, of Four Legacies Mortgage, for his input on buying a condo.
If you are buying a condo that is new construction or that is in a newer community you should know:
With condos, it's always important to lenders what the entire project looks like. The reasons they take consideration into the entire project is because it impacts resale value (so, it's a good thing they care about it).
Here … (0 comments)

amber salmon: FAQ: What Questions Should I Ask When Buying A Condo? - 04/09/09 02:16 PM
If you’re thinking of buying a condo you might want to check this out. PS..grab a beverage, it’s a LONG one!

You Must Know In my personal opinion, buying a condo is HARDER than buying a single family home.  The details are endless and you need to be prepared.
Let’s Dig In: The Questions How many units are in the building?
Is the building large with so many tenants coming and going that you’ll get lost in the shuffle?
Is there a building manager? What is he/she responsible for? Do they live on site?
How much are the association … (2 comments)

 
Amber Salmon (Prudential First Realty - 515-988-0638- LiveInDesMoines.com)

Amber Salmon

Des Moines, IA

More about me…

Prudential First Realty - 515-988-0638- LiveInDesMoines.com

Office: (515) 453-7635

Mobile: (515) 988-0638



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