No Pouting Allowed! - 03/29/11 09:38 PM
The cause of many a seller's worries....that first showing.  Will it happen in the first few days?  Or will a week go by and they will start to think that it was a big mistake to put their home on the market?
After all, it is like putting yourself on the dating website...the prettiest homes that are priced right are the first ones picked right?  Once the listing agreement is signed, it is difficult for sellers to get their home show ready as they leave every morning, only to come home to no business cards on the kitchen table.

 
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$1500 Buyer Incentive! 1500 N Avenue NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405 - 03/29/11 02:36 PM
Seller is offering $1500 towards the buyers' closing costs with an acceptable offer made by April 30, 2011!

This unique stone home is located in a quiet neighborhod that is walking distance to the elementary school and park.  Convenient to downtown, shopping and the interstate as well.  Updates include newer furnace and central air that was added in 2006, newer vinyl windows, dishwasher added and fenced backyard.  Nice patio area that has the wiring to accommodate a hot tub! There is currently a storage shed available to store your lawn equipment, but there is room to build a larger 1 car garage! There … (2 comments)

New Listing in Hiawatha! 202 9th Avenue $107,500 - 03/25/11 01:38 PM
Neat and clean ranch in desirable Hiawatha neighborhood, walking distance to the elementary school and convenient to shopping and the interstate.  Open kitchen with eat in area with all appliances, bright living room with coved ceilings, 3 bedrooms and bath, main floor laundry too!  The oversized 2 car garage has room for a workshop and lots of extra outlets for tools!  Nice fenced yard and patio area, yard loaded with perennials and hostas. Orangeburg replaced in 2009!  Move in ready!  Call for your private showing today on this new listing!  See more photos at www.KarenFeltman.com today!
 
202 9th Avenue  Hiawatha, … (3 comments)

Open House Sunday March 27, 2011 3:00-4:30 at 650 30th Street Dr. SE! - 03/24/11 03:54 PM
Beautiful tri-level home nestled on the top of the hill feels like you are in a treehouse.  Floor to ceiling windows in the living room and family room with lots of natural light.  Hardwood floors on top two floors and new carpeting just installed in the family room!  All appliances will remain in the home along with a HSA home warranty to be included for one year!  The large master suite features a private entrance into the main bath that is updated with furniture quality vanity and sink, whirlpool tub and shower and large linen closet.  There is a large deck … (1 comments)

Open Sunday March 27, 2011 from 1:00-2:30 pm at 1716 12th Avenue SW - 03/24/11 03:45 PM
Open Sunday from 1:00-2:30 pm 1716 12th Avenue SW for $105,000  MLS#1101260
This updated ranch home is ready for a new owner. There is a new roof, updated paint, and a nice fenced yard with a patio and storage shed. All the kitchen appliances and washer/dryer are included and covered with a one year home warranty! Located on a corner lot, close to downtown and easy access to schools and shopping. Immediate possession is available!  See more photos and information at www.KarenFeltman.com!
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Open House Sunday March 27, 2010 at 406 Limerock Drive NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405 3:00-4:30 pm! - 03/24/11 02:49 PM
First time open this Sunday March 27th 3:00-4:30!
Beautiful Norwick floor plan built by Skogman Homes with many updates throughout.  Gorgeous hardwood floors in the great room and kitchen, ceramic tile flooring in the front entryway and the bathrooms, fenced yard with mature landscaping and oversized patio, and spacious lower level family room with several spaces for entertaining.  All the appliances including the washer and dryer will stay for the new buyer and there is still 4 years left of the home warranty through Skogman Homes.  Great neighborhood that is walking distance to schools and Cherry Hill Park and Aquatic Center.  … (0 comments)

New Listing at 900 Magnolia Lane #1 Marion, Iowa! - 03/22/11 11:36 PM
This wonderful ground level condo features a walk out patio, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, an open family room, kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area too!  Conveniently located in Marion in the Linn Mar School District, also close to shopping and area employers.  Ready to move right in with all the appliances including the washer and dryer.  Secure building and the association allows 2 dogs!  See more photos and information at www.KarenFeltman.com! 
900 Magnolia Lane #1 Marion, Iowa 52302   MLS#1101467  Priced at $77,500


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keep smiling!
Karen
 
 
 
 
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FAQ #8 to Sellers: Don't Let Facebook Cost you a Buyer! - 03/22/11 08:56 PM
In this world of social networking, you would think that all exposure is good exposure right?  Not so fast!  I will add photos and links to your home on my Facebook business page.  And I will update that page for open houses and price reductions.  It does not hurt to let your friends and family know that you are selling your home.  I will even send you a link that you can post on your page!
But don't let Facebook cost you a buyer!
I have seen the following happen firsthand:
You post on your wall that you are putting your … (11 comments)

Time is Running Out for the Seller Incentive of $2000 at 2305 Geode Street Marion! - 03/22/11 05:40 PM
Beautiful 2 story home with a vaulted family room, formal living and dining room space, fenced yard, vaulted master bedroom with huge walk in closet and a finished lower level too!  Located in walking distance from the new Novak Elementary school and conveniently located to shopping, parks and area employers, this home is a find!  Hail damage replaced the roof and siding in September of 2010, the seller repainted almost the entire house and all the appliances are included in this move in ready home.  In addition, the seller is offering $2000 in closing costs assistance to the buyer with an … (0 comments)

The Power of a Smile - 03/22/11 05:19 PM
Let's just say that today has not been a good day.  Too many surprise fixes on a house that is trying to close this week...unreasonable sellers that won't listen to the market...and of course the gloomy rainy, sleeting day that makes Spring not LOOK LIKE Spring at all!
I am working at the model home today for Skogman Homes and a couple came in with their grown grandson.  I was on the phone when they came in, so I just waved and then caught up with them a few minutes later.  They told me that they had visited over the weekend … (9 comments)

FAQ #7 for Sellers: How Will You Negotiate Offers for My Home? - 03/21/11 07:53 PM
I think that my negotiating skills are my most powerful tool.  Negotiating to protect your bottom line is just as important to me as protecting my own!  Remember when you asked me to cut my commission at the listing consultation and I told you no?  Well, sometimes buyers need to be told no, and I will work very hard to make sure that you get the best terms and price for your home.  I obtained the CNE-Certified Negotiation Expert designation a few years ago and I think that it was one of the best courses to help me to excel in … (3 comments)

The Accidental Showing - 03/21/11 12:04 PM
The accidental showing tends to happen for a couple of reasons in our market.  Sometimes the agent is not paying attention...sometimes the buyer's agent assumes that when the showing instructions state to call listing agent to confirm, that it must be vacant and the listing agent is a control freak... 

In this case, there are 3 condos for sale in the same building, two with my brokerage and one with another.  Since it is a secure building with a code to get inside the entryway, the lockboxes are located inside with the units....well, maybe.  The lockbox for MY unit for sale is … (2 comments)

The New Definition of "Fair Market Value" - 03/15/11 04:12 PM
Every buyer and seller have a perception of what "fair market value" is...to THEM!  It is usually not the same value, of course.  I was sitting in a training class this week and I started to think about how the current market has changed what fair market value means to me and how it is best explained to my current clients.  This is what I came up with:
FAIR MARKET VALUE IS:
1.  What an able and willing buyer will PAY
2.   What a motivated seller will ACCEPT
3.   What an appraiser can PROVE
 Simple enough, right?  Of course the most … (11 comments)

Working with Relocating Buyers...A Testimonial - 03/08/11 10:38 AM
I love working with relocation buyers.  They come here bright eyed and bushy tailed, sometimes prepared with spreadsheets or notes, other times completing trusting me to show them the houses that I think will best suit them.  It is interesting getting to know these buyers over a series of emails, phone calls and then ultimately the housefinding trips.
One buyer in particular last week caught me off guard during our showings.  With her friend in the car, she remarked that I often would "talk them out of" the more expensive properties on their list.  When her friend asked what she meant, … (7 comments)

New Listing at 1716 12th Avenue SW! - 03/02/11 03:00 PM
This great one level home is ready for a new owner.  There is no creepy basement, but an attached garage and plenty of storage!  New roof in 2010, newer garbage disposal and microwave, fresh paint, and all appliances will remain including a one year home warranty!  Step into the front door and the family room is neutrally painted and welcoming with built in shelves and a view into the kitchen.  The laundry is off the kitchen along with the mechanicals.  There is a finished breezeway area that is perfect for a dining area and additional TV room and it includes a … (0 comments)

FAQ #6 for Sellers: How Will You Let Me Know What is Going On with My House? - 03/02/11 11:13 AM
During the initial home selling consultation, we will discuss your preferred method of communication.  Whether it be through a phone call, an email, or US mail, one way or another, you will hear about what is going on with your home every week that you are on the market. 
How will you let me know what is going on with my house?
There is so much going on in the market at any given time.  There are so many ways to tell you how your house stands in the competition.  I find that using email is an effective way of getting … (5 comments)

New Listing in Lexington Green! - 03/01/11 03:58 PM
Great first level condo in Lexington Green!  Convenient to shopping, golf, and restaurants, this condo is priced below tax assessed value and offers immediate possession.  Over floor plan with formal dining room, eat in kitchen, large master suite and walk in shower in the bath for easy access.  There is an attached one car garage, additional storage space inside the building, and secure entrance with intercom system.  There are no pets allowed and the association dues are only $89 per month.  Easy to show, call for your private showing today!  MLS #1101154  See more photos at www.KarenFeltman.com!
3801 Foxborough Terrace NE, … (3 comments)

FAQ #5 for Sellers: Why Do I Need to Leave for Showings? - 03/01/11 03:25 PM
You know, I am still surprised every time that I hear this question, and it comes up about 10% of the time during the listing process.  Usually it is brought up by the seller because they had listed it for sale by owner first prior to calling me.  And that is okay....but understand that despite the showings and fabulous feedback that you received during that time, you had no offers.  Why?  Because potential buyers are afraid to show you their motivations and they do not want to upset or offend you.  After all, it is your personal home and by your … (3 comments)

 
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Karen Feltman, Relocation Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA

More about me…

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA Skogman Realty

Address: 411 First Avenue SE, Suite 500, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401

Office Phone: (319) 366-6427 x 161

Cell Phone: (319) 521-0701

Email Me

Whether you are relocating from another state or you are moving within the market area, there is always some adjustments to be made! My focus is on the well-being and safety of your family. A house is very important, but making the Cedar Rapids area your home takes a little more effort. My clients call me long after the closing for advice on a veternarian for their new puppy or the best daycares in the area. Meeting new people is always fun for me and I love my job! Call me if you would like to know what your home is worth in the current market or if you think that you might want to move up to another home somewhere else. We will miss you, but I will happy to get you on your way to your next adventure as quickly as possible!


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