Iowa winter: How much more can we take? - 01/31/11 02:50 PM
Here in Iowa its 24 degrees with 16 inches of snow expected over the next 2 days. Overall this winter hasn't been too bad but this could be the biggest storm we have had for a long time.
Winter is the hardest time for us. Mentally its just tough. We try to leave for the beach in December when we make our goal and we enjoyed ourselves already in December in Maui for two full weeks. Dang that feels like a long time ago! My tan is already gone!
Now is when we have to remind ourselves why we live here … (2 comments)

Presenting the people, not the Cedar Rapids Realtors: Gary & Melynda Wolter - 01/31/11 12:08 PM
We thought it would be fun to share with our blog readers who the Wolter Team is. We have been Realtors for 10 years and often give you the facts on Cedar Rapids real estate.
This time we wanted to share with you who we really are. What we have done and what our personalities are like. We believe that the more in common we have with our clients the more fun we ALL will have selling your home or helping you buy one.
                                                
            
Fun facts about Gary:
Went to Linn-Mar High School and graduated from Northern … (1 comments)

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: January sales exactly the same as last year - 01/31/11 10:23 AM
Last year the Cedar Rapids real estate market was selling a lot of first time home buyers their first home taking advanage of the tsx credit.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I noticed that January 2011 is virually exactly the same as 2010.
Last year in January, the Cedar Rapids metro area sold 106 homes, this year with one more day left we are at 99 homes.
The Cedar Rapids market is still strong with home prices staying steady and rates are sill low. However, the rates are beginning to move upward and buyers should take a strong look at … (1 comments)

Your real competition is yourself...not your fellow agent - 01/31/11 10:01 AM
We all know them. Agents that compare themselves to others almost everyday. How they dress, what their marketing brochure looks like or even their business card. We check out how many blogs they write on active rain and check their numbers on the MLS.
Competition is good. Its what makes all of us better. People who say they aren't competitive always make me wonder what they do for not only a living but I wonder how they apply for the job in the first place. The truth is we are all in competition. However who are you really in competitioin with?
I learned playing … (3 comments)

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: Market report for NE Cedar Rapids - 01/30/11 04:06 PM
Currently, their are 274 homes on the market in the NE side of Cedar Rapids, which is the most of any quadrant.
Marion has 280 homes for sale!
Their are 132 homes on the market on the NE side priced 99-200K
The average 3 bedroom home with 2 full baths is priced at $137,000 and the is listed at $110 per sq feet )above the ground.

Over the last 6 months 125 homes have been sold on the NE side. 60% had at least one price reduction before getting an offer.
They sold on average 97% of the asking price in … (0 comments)

Cedar Rapids real estate: Selling a house above $300k? Here what you need to know... - 01/27/11 07:36 PM
Currently their are 82 homes priced $299-$400K on the market in the Cedar Rapids metro area.
(Jan. 27th, 2011)
56 of these homes are ranches
9 houses are in escrow and are "sale pending."
The average number of days on the market was 95 before they received an acceptable offer.
117 homes have sold in this price range during the last 12 months
The average home was 2248 sq feet above the ground and had 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.
They sold at an average of 97% of the asking price in 138 days.
51 had at lease one … (0 comments)

Cedar Rapids/Marion real estate: Largest ranch in Marion for under 350K! - 01/27/11 05:22 PM
Largest ranch in Marion under $350k...new listing at 330K!  This home has a lot of upgrades and sits on a corner lot. A second lot in back of home can be added for an additional $25K. This home has a new roof and is ready for your showing today!
See photos at www.garywolter.com

… (0 comments)

Neighbor Found Lost Key in Snow – We SOLD the house! - 01/21/11 12:29 PM
It was 9 degrees and dark on the front porch of the house. Two keys plopped into my frozen hand to open up the door. Before I could get a grip on them, one key dropped beneath me, bounced to the left & ended up in a snow pile. With no mark in the snow, we started to dig into the snow hoping for the best. After 10 minutes of freezing the hands, we decided to part for the evening due to the frigid temperatures

I decided to shed some light on the situation and pulled my car forward with … (4 comments)

A must read for Cedar Rapids "First Time Home Buyers." - 01/19/11 10:46 AM
Don't get inflicted with "First Time Home Buyer-itis."
This is our 10th year of helping home buyers purchase their first home in the Cedar Rapids real estate market, almost everytime the buyer will get 'the disease." It is a form of buyers remorse based on fear. (False Evidence  Appearing Real)
Sometimes the reluctance to go ahead with the purchase comes during or after the deal is being negotiated. Sometimes it comes after the home inspection, when the buyer finds out that the house isn't "perfect." Because first time home buyers look at lower end homes the houses need a little work. This … (1 comments)

Seller's agent cliche' statement.... - 01/17/11 02:28 PM
Over the past 6 months or so when ever we have an interested buyer in a property the conversation between us and the seller's agent goes something like this...
US -"Hello Mr. (Mrs) seller's agent, we have a buyer that saw the house last night and we will be writing an offer tomorrow."
SELLERS AGENT-Great! Now I want you to know that we have had a lot of interest in the house. You aren't in competition yet but may be, so don't delay your offer."
The conversation is almost always a variation of this, with the selling agent stating the time … (5 comments)

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: We not only sell Bowman Woods but we have lived there in three different homes! - 01/13/11 09:38 PM
After 50 plus years Bowman Woods still remains one of the most popular neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids. Close to trails, Linn-Mar schools, and having a neighborhood private pool and tennis courts, Bowman Woods has a lot of advantages.
This NE Cedar Rapids neighborhood is close to Rockwell Collins and 10 minutes from I-380.

Homes prices range from 120K to 400K, and in a variety of styles. Skogman Realty started this neighborhood in the 1960's and it continues to grow.
We have lived in 3 different homes in this neighborhood and know it very well. 

Please call us anytime if you have questions about any homes … (0 comments)

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: First Time Home Buyers, A Must Read! - 01/11/11 08:16 PM
Don't get inflicted with "First Time Home Buyer-itis."
This is our 10th year of helping home buyers purchase their first home in the Cedar Rapids real estate market, almost everytime the buyer will get 'the disease." It is a form of buyers remorse based on fear. (False Evidence  Appearing Real)
Sometimes the reluctance to go ahead with the purchase comes during or after the deal is being negotiated. Sometimes it comes after the home inspection, when the buyer finds out that the house isn't "perfect." Because first time home buyers look at lower end homes the houses need a little work. This should … (0 comments)

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: Attention Sellers, you must have the basics that Buyer's want - 01/11/11 02:55 PM
When it comes to the bare neccessities, buyers are looking for these basics when purchasing a home. As Cedar Rapids Realtors, we advise sellers to check to see if you have the "basics" to insure a quick sale for top dollar.
What buyers need:*
1. Central air conditioning
2. An oversized garage
3. Walk in closet off the master
4. Technology access: cable, satelitte, internet.
5. Energy efficient
*National Association of Realtors
Price, condition, location will always get you an offer. The agent you select is vital for marketing the home to the most potiential buyers.
To learn more about how to … (1 comments)

Cedar Rapids real estate: How we get top dollar for your house... - 01/11/11 12:31 PM
Cedar Rapids Real Estate-Newest, best way to market your house to sell for top dollar!
In the Cedar Rapids real estate market many for sale by owners and even discount broderages find that marketing a house and getting the largest possilbe exposure is getting more and more difficult. Now more than ever it is taking longer to find a buyer for your house.
One way the Wolter Real Estate Team is marketing it's new listings is by giving each of it's houses its own URL!
An example currently is a listing at http://4526pineviewdrne.garywolter.com
This is a direct link that not … (0 comments)

New price at $117,500 for Marion ranch near park & trails - 01/09/11 04:24 PM
Price Reduced to $117,500 for 515 West 9th Ave. Marion  Totally updated with new furnace/ac, water heater, kitchen, bath, new paint throughout and two car garage. This is priced right!
"Beautiful Makeover" on this ranch in Marion! This home is clean, fresh and conveniently located just across the street from Donnelly Park & trails. The transformation of this home includes: a fully remodeled kitchen with all new appliances, new oak cabinets, new ceramic tiled floors, and new sink with disposal. New light fixtures throughout with updated electrical. The bathroom is also remodeled with a new shower/tub surround, toilet, vanity and new … (0 comments)

Cedar Rapids real estate:$135,000 for updated NE side home near Twin Pines Golf - 01/04/11 06:16 PM
$135,000 for updated NE side home near Twin Pines Golf  
Close to Schools and Golfing
• 1,506 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm other "Split Foyer" - $135,000 - Great Value!
Northeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids  -  Close to Kennedy high school and Twin Pines golf course this update split level has a massive over sized 2 car garage and has easy access to I-380. Large fenced in back yard with updated kitchen and bathrooms.
Property information
… (0 comments)