When the power's off, the water can rise - 07/18/09 11:40 PM
With the rise in foreclosed and abandoned homes in this area we are beginning to see many homes with water damage in the basement. Sometimes you also see it on normal resale homes. The culprit is often an overflowing sump pump pit caused by a power loss. The damage can be extensive and costly, but can be easily avoided but installing a battery backup in case of power loss.
I have had a listing that I was very excited to get my first showing on this week. I called the seller, got voice mail and informed them of the time I would … (13 comments)

The 50,000 mark, Passed! - 07/16/09 11:42 PM
Yeah! Yes I am cheering for myself. Tonight I broke the 50,000 point barrier. Here's the breakdown:

I was surprised to see that my blogging points and blog comment point are within 10 points of each other. That was totally unplanned.  I've tried inviting new members but I haven't been successful as of yet. For the next 50,000 I plan to do more linking and work more aggressively to attract new members by invitation.
Most importantly however I've learned much that is helpful and relevant to my business. I've also been able to connect with others in my profession all … (25 comments)

June 2009 Des Moines sales give cause for optimism - 07/16/09 12:18 AM
After a bumpy ride this year, Des Moines area home sales are showing some signs of stabilization according to the July 14th article in the Des Moines Register "Home sales even with '08; prices dip" by Donelle Eller. Despite the somewhat ominous headline, the article and data paint a fairly rosy picture of home sales in the area. Some data from the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors highlighted in the article:
June 2009 unit sales (782) almost even with June 2008 unit sales (779) June 2009 pending sales (924) soared over June 2008 pending sales (798) June 2009 average sale … (1 comments)

Supra on the phone: A great call - 07/13/09 01:56 AM
Our MLS has been on Supra since I joined in 2003. At that time we all had our little black E-key keypads that we entered codes into and plugged into a gray lock box to get key access.
Beginning in 2004 in what seemed like a huge technological advance, our board, The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors started switching out our gray electronic lock boxes for infra red models. The E-key keypads could do both lock boxes so we continued to fumble along with them however.
If you're familiar with the devices, they had to be put in a cradle hooked … (9 comments)

Iowa's new Septic Inspection Law Starts on July 1st 2009 - 07/01/09 12:38 PM
Well, it happened. In spite of a lot of REALTOR lobbying against the proposed mandatory septic inspection requirement  at transfer, it passed as has now become law. Unless your transfer was recorded prior to July 1st 2009 you will be required to submit to a certified inspection process to record your deed in many cases where you have a residence with a septic system.
Some important points:
The new law requires pumping at transfer, unless it has been "properly" completed within 3 years prior. Failing systems will be required to meet new code specifications. Inspections must be conducted by an inspection certified by the DNR. … (1 comments)