Matt Grohe's Des Moines area real estate Blog

Des Moines Septemebr 2009 home sales show tax credit bump

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:49:47 -0500

Des Moines September's home sales rose to from the year earlier due in large part to the home buyer tax credit set to expire on November 30th 2009.

I noticed a lot of activity related to first time buyers both on the buying and listing sides. My feeling is that hesitant buyers who had been waiting all year finally got spooked that the tax credit would not be extended or changed substantially and so went on a buying spree.

Our association president was quoted in an October 13th Des Moines Register article as saying" "I believe there are a lot of first-time home buyers out there trying to get their deal done before the deadline for the $8,000 tax credit," said Kurt Schade, president of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors.

Some highlights from September:

475 sales, or 52% of the total unit sales were for homes priced $100,000 to $200,000
Less than 40 homes were sold last for more than $300,000.
Unit sales increased to 913, from 772 the year prior.
Average sales prices fell to $151,589 from $167,366 the year prior.
Days on market increased to 100 from 96 the year prior.

	9/2009 Total Sold	9/2008 Total Sold	Total Sold % Change	2009 YTD Sold	2008 YTD Sold	YTD Sold % Change
ALTOONA	20	26	-23.1%	166	182	-8.8%
ANKENY	120	80	+50.0%	779	779	0%
CLIVE	20	21	-4.8%	163	177	-7.9%
DES MOINES	302	264	+14.4%	1,930	2,035	-5.2%
INDIANOLA	20	14	+42.9%	139	156	-10.9%
JOHNSTON	35	26	+34.6%	251	234	+7.3%
PLEASANT HILL	13	12	+8.3%	68	127	-46.5%
URBANDALE	52	53	-1.9%	431	487	-11.5%
WAUKEE	41	26	+57.7%	242	244	-0.8%
WEST DES MOINES	102	82	+24.4%	658	660	-0.3%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	913	772	+18.3%	6,172	6,485	-4.8%

9/2009 Avg Sale Price	9/2008 Avg Sale Price	Avg Sale Price % Change	9/2009 Median Sale Price	9/2008 Median Sale Price	Median Sale Price % Change
ALTOONA	163,799	174,532	-6.1%	156,000	174,500	-10.6%
ANKENY	183,241	211,773	-13.5%	173,750	175,625	-1.1%
CLIVE	185,765	280,517	-33.8%	166,750	251,500	-33.7%
DES MOINES	112,174	125,199	-10.4%	110,950	111,250	-0.3%
INDIANOLA	172,589	155,049	+11.3%	158,450	156,995	+0.9%
JOHNSTON	201,128	233,515	-13.9%	186,150	190,000	-2.0%
PLEASANT HILL	183,566	180,960	+1.4%	180,900	152,200	+18.9%
URBANDALE	192,701	203,901	-5.5%	185,282	192,000	-3.5%
WAUKEE	194,728	199,216	-2.3%	179,900	183,250	-1.8%
WEST DES MOINES	192,482	200,596	-4.0%	182,975	172,250	+6.2%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	151,589	167,366	-9.4%	147,000	147,250	-0.2%

	9/2009 Days on Market	9/2008 Days on Market
ALTOONA	99.6	107.2	-7.1%
ANKENY	97.0	103.8	-6.6%
CLIVE	125.6	122.2	+2.8%
DES MOINES	84.7	81.5	+3.9%
INDIANOLA	148.1	164.1	-9.8%
JOHNSTON	88.2	137.8	-36.0%
PLEASANT HILL	80.3	59.8	+34.3%
URBANDALE	104.9	107.8	-2.7%
WAUKEE	122.4	125.9	-2.8%
WEST DES MOINES	108.5	80.0	+35.6%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	100.0	96.0	+4.2%

Data courtesy of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors

2009 NAMI Walk this Saturday, October 3rd at Des Moines' Water Works Park

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:38:21 -0500

This year, 2009, will mark the third year I've had the honor to volunteer to assist in the NAMI Walk sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Iowa Chapter. If you're unfamiliar with NAMI Iowa here's their mission from their website:

"NAMI IOWA is a non-profit, state-wide grass roots organization. Our mission is to raise public awareness and concern about mental illness, to foster research, to improve treatment and to upgrade the system of care for the people of Iowa. We work to support our mission through education, advocacy and support."

Many people are affected by and struggle with mental illness on a daily basis. Just in the Des Moines area this year there have been at least four incidents where police have been called to apprehend a mentally ill person and the individual has been shot and killed or accidentally maimed or injured. But aside from the high profile cases, many with mental illness are unable to stay employed, care for themselves, or become productive members of society. It is estimated that one if four families contains a memebr who suffers from a serious mental illness.

You can find this years walk in Des Moines' Water Works park by taking Park Ave south to Valley Dr. and by entering the south exit appx. 1 mile off Park, across from the Racoon Valley soccer fields. You will then go left appx. 1 mile more. The way should be clearly marked.

This year's 2009 NAMI Walk IOWA is sponsored by The Des Moines Radio Group and Polk County. All donations benefit NAMI and NAMI Iowa. The walk begins Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 - 8:00 AM Registration Starts, 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 9:30 AM Walk Begins, Vendor booths open and activities continue until 11:00 AM.

You can register yourself or a team by clicking on this link,2009 NAMI Walk IOWA , or by just showing up! Last year the walk was able to raise $109,000 from just the Des Moines walk alone. If you have the time and are able we'd love to see you there on Saturday!

Disclosing Client's First time Buyer Status is a Bad Idea

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:37:33 -0500

You have some clients or a client. They've told you they're first time buyers and they are eagerly seeking to take advantage of the up to $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Credit available at present until November 30th 2009. They are looking at homes right and left. You're calling and making appointments. You are making offers. Agents are asking you, "Are these first time buyers?" So what do you say?

NO WAY!!!!!

I've had several offers recently on my listings where this issue came up. In all cases the Buyer Agent volunteered the buyer status. I appreciated the information which I readily passed on to my seller. However, the Buyer's negotiating position was weakened as a result. Why?

Because the seller knows that the buyer, if they can get an accepted offer, will be getting up to $8000 off.
Because the seller knows the buyer is in a hurry to get something under contract.

The seller now realizes the buyer has both a big subsidy and urgency. This does not work in the buyer's favor. In fact it probably can be argued that it is better to say that the person is not a first time buyer no matter what. Because then the urgency and subsidy is off the table and the seller is back to square one.

As agents, (fiduciaries) our duties to our clients involve exercising ordinary care and diligence, and by state law we are obligated not to disclose a clients real estate needs, at least in Iowa. So if you carelessly disclose the client status you are likely violating state law and the REALTOR code of ethics. (Standard of Practice 1-9) If it was the case that the client asked me to tell, I'd want to try to educate them about the pros and cons first.

I don't ask the status of the buyer of showing agents on my listings because in my experience agents will readily provide it without me having to even ask! However, often when I'm setting up appointments, selling agents ask me if the client is a first time buyer. My standard response is "No, they're buying this home the hard way, with their own money." But that's just me.

August 2009 Sales Statistics for the Des Moines Iowa Market

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:59:52 -0500

The Iowa Association of Realtors has released complete housing stats for the month of August 2009. Iowa and Des Moines unfortunately bucked positive national trends to post declines in average prices, but posted slight gains in volume(good!), but also in days on market(not good!). Here's a summary:

Unit sales 08/08-08/09: +1.2% From 814 in 08' to 824 in 09'

Average Price 08/08-08/09: -10.1% From 179,053 in 08' to 160,918 in 09'

Days on Market 08/08-08/09: +3.0% From 101 min 08' to 104 in 09'.

With the all the activity occuring with the pending expiration of the first time home buyer tax credit I would have guessed a greater rise in unit sales but the numbers did not bear that out. I wasn't really surprised but the drop in prices however as the inventory foreclosed homes and short sales continues to be robust in the face of Iowa's continued climb in unemployment numbers to 6.8%.

Said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. ".... the state's unemployment rate is likely to remain high into 2010, despite an optimistic forecast of improving conditions in the second half of this year." Somebody should inform Elisabeth that this is the second hald of the year and we're experiencing the third consecutive month of increases in the unemployment rate (and business closures), thereby triggering the federal goverment to extend jobless benefits to Iowa's unemployed by 13 weeks.

City	8/2009 Total Sold	8/2008 Total Sold	Total Sold % Change	2009 YTD Sold	2008 YTD Sold	YTD Sold % Change
ALTOONA	20	19	+5.3%	146	156	-6.4%
ANKENY	117	106	+10.4%	657	699	-6.0%
CLIVE	11	20	-45.0%	143	156	-8.3%
DES MOINES	247	234	+5.6%	1,626	1,771	-8.2%
INDIANOLA	19	21	-9.5%	119	142	-16.2%
JOHNSTON	40	37	+8.1%	216	208	+3.8%
PLEASANT HILL	9	12	-25.0%	55	115	-52.2%
URBANDALE	61	82	-25.6%	379	434	-12.7%
WAUKEE	27	25	+8.0%	201	218	-7.8%
WEST DES MOINES	106	90	+17.8%	554	578	-4.2%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	824	814	+1.2%	5,252	5,713	-8.1%

City	8/2009 Avg Sale Price	8/2008 Avg Sale Price	Avg Sale Price % Change	8/2009 Median Sale Price	8/2008 Median Sale Price	Median Sale Price % Change
ALTOONA	178,597	185,690	-3.8%	145,000	180,000	-19.4%
ANKENY	174,054	180,340	-3.5%	161,750	164,500	-1.7%
CLIVE	221,643	324,141	-31.6%	182,000	297,450	-38.8%
DES MOINES	117,047	123,520	-5.2%	108,500	116,250	-6.7%
INDIANOLA	162,471	205,203	-20.8%	162,500	170,667	-4.8%
JOHNSTON	228,993	292,292	-21.7%	180,995	255,000	-29.0%
PLEASANT HILL	149,177	171,116	-12.8%	143,000	171,350	-16.5%
URBANDALE	230,484	262,015	-12.0%	181,000	224,500	-19.4%
WAUKEE	227,238	196,414	+15.7%	199,900	185,000	+8.1%
WEST DES MOINES	188,529	213,167	-11.6%	168,250	172,250	-2.3%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	160,918	179,053	-10.1%	149,000	155,450	-4.1%

City	8/2009 Days on Market	8/2008 Days on Market	Days on Market % Change
ALTOONA	95.6	80.0	+19.5%
ANKENY	107.6	128.5	-16.3%
CLIVE	85.5	117.9	-27.5%
DES MOINES	89.1	81.0	+10.0%
INDIANOLA	89.9	96.1	-6.5%
JOHNSTON	107.8	121.9	-11.6%
PLEASANT HILL	93.1	56.9	+63.6%
URBANDALE	106.1	86.1	+23.2%
WAUKEE	131.7	128.8	+2.3%
WEST DES MOINES	102.1	76.4	+33.6%
TOTAL - DMAAR MLS (all cities)	104.0	101.0	+3.0%

Housing data courtesy of Iowa Association of Realtors

Iowa Association of Realtors Unveils New Housing Stats System

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:25:32 -0500

Maybe we're behind the curve, or perhaps we're out in front, my suspicion is though that all agents in Iowa will enjoy the new housing stats system unveiled by the IAR in September 2009.

We've always been able to produce reports, but data such as unit sales per month, comparisons to previous years and housing price trends have not been readily available. That's all changed now with the new report system as evidenced by this August 2009 Housing Stats Report. I, like many agents I suspect, was relegated to wait until reading the numbers in the Des Moines Register the day after the figures came from the board. This new system however means I can log-in and easily get the numbers in an easy to read format that I quickly can share with clients and prospects.

Trends are valuable in that listing agents and clients don't have to just guess about what's happening in the area or market, they can have ready access to the data to readily gauge:

How aggressive to be on pricing
Ascertain number of competing listing
Determine whether prices are rising or falling
Determine whether days on market are rising or falling

Buyers can also benefit by using the stats to determine:

Price trends up or down
Declining or accelerating inventory of homes
Wheter or not homes on market are within normal ranges
Motivations of sellers

If you're looking to buy or sell and would like to analyze the trends to determine your best strategy, give me a call and we'll set up an appointment.

Memory Walk 2009 this Saturday at Des Moines Water Works Park

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:46:36 -0500

This year, 2009, will mark the third year I've had the honor to volunteer to assist in the Memory Walk sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Iowa chapter. Alzheimer's affect so many people which makes this a very important event. Just today I had a client in my office whom I invited to participate in the walk. He had to decline because the very same day, he would be attending his grandmothers funeral who was coincidentally, an Alzheimer's sufferer for many years.

The walk will commence at Des Moines Water Works Park. Walkers may enter the park by taking Park Ave south to Valley Dr. and by entering the south exit appx. 1 mile off Park, across from the Racoon Valley soccer fields. You will then go left appx. 1 mile more. The way should be clearly marked.

This year's 2009 Memory Walk is sponsored by Care Initiatives. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The walk begins Saturday, September 26, 2009 - 8:00 AM Registration Starts, 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 9:30 AM Walk Begins, Vendor booths open and activities continue until 11:00 AM.

You can register yourself or a team by clicking on this link, 2009 Memory Walk, or by just showing up! Last year Alzeimer's.org was able to raise $584,000 nationally through its Memory Walk initiatives. If you have the time and are able we'd love to see you there on Saturday!

Rate drop in September 2009 spells good news for consumers

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:28:04 -0500

Plastered all over the media this past week was news that mortage rates fell for the week ending September 7-11 2009 as a result of Fed auction results. The rates are now near historic lows. Here are a few links to stories about the drop which was announced primarily on September 10th 2009:

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/106240.aspx

http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/release.html

http://www.housingwire.com/2009/09/10/weekly-mortgage-rate-dips-to-507-freddie-mac/

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/freddie-mac-fixed-mortgage-rates-inch-lower/

From the Fox news article above: "The national average interest rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 5.07% in the week ending Thursday, down from last week's 5.08% and the year-ago 5.93%"

Some pundits are even predicting mortage rates will fall further:

http://themortgagereports.com/2009/09/mortgage-rates-cincinnati-september-10-2009.html

Comparing 5.07%, the new rate, with last years 5.93%, shows that on a $100,000 30 year fixed loan a buyer today would pay $541.11 dollars, compared to $595.06 for the same amount last year, or about 9% less. Wow! What a difference a year can make. With good rates and the $8,000 tax credit in place until November 30th 2009, buying vs. renting just make start making a whole lot more sense to some people.

Des Moines are sales statistics for August 2009

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:55:42 -0500

The stats are in! The stats are in! July 2009 was a blowout month for sales in the area with 890 homes sold* making July the best month for unit sales since August 2007. So, many were hoping that August would ride July's coat tails. Sadly, those folks were disappointed. Data released on Thursday from The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors showed:

Units sold: 775, -3.4% from 08/08

Pending sales: 988, +30% from 08/08

Active listings 5,692, -8.1% from 08/08

Average days on market: 93, -4.1% from 08/08

The economy continued to struggle in August in Iowa with more companies shedding jobs more plant closings and low dairy, corn, and soybean prices all taking their toll on Iowa's rural areas. It's no surprise then that unit sales could not get traction going into the fall. Pending sales are up however indicating most likely that buyers are rushing to get homes under contract in advance of the $8000 home buyer credit expiration on November 30th 2009. In a separate stat I read that 57% of the sales this year have been for home priced $160,000 or under, which, if accurate, means first time, entry level buyers and investors are really floating the boat in 2009.

*Source Des Moines Area Assocaition of Realtors

Foreclosures drag down home values in Des Moines, but not assessments

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:52:18 -0500

For the first two years of the real estate market slowdown our local paper, The Des Moines Register did a pretty poor job of accurately reporting on the housing crisis and its effect on the local economy. This year however it has been putting out some pretty good stories about how the Des Moines market has been affected. Two recent articles that did a great job of not glossing over the facts and showing the depth of the issue were Karen Mraceks September 4th piece Defaults, Foreclosures send bank holdings soaring, and Donelle Eller's top of the fold front page story Sunday September 6th Foreclosures Seen Hurting Home Values.

Donelle Eller's story was complete with a graphic showing foreclosed properties mapped out across the county. It added a very visual dimension to a subject that is often treated only with line type. On the map one could see huge clusters of foreclosed homes in certain areas, but one could also see that the problem really covers the entire metro area and suburbs, not just traditionally blighted inner city areas. Some key points cited in from the article from local and national sources were (quoting):

"Foreclosed houses in Iowa will reduce the value of 317,552 neighboring homes by $323 million this year"

"Foreclosed homes, mostly sold by banks after a sheriff sale, accounted for about 9.5 percent of last year's $4.5 billion in Iowa home sales. So far this year, foreclosed homes account for about 8.3 percent of Iowa home sales, compared with 3.4 percent two years ago"

"About 15 percent of all Polk County home sales from January through July were of homes owned by lenders. In Dallas County, the sales were 12 percent."

"Lender-owned homes typically were sold about 35 percent below market value in Polk County from January through July, and 22 percent below market in Dallas County."

"The gap between the market value and the sales price is the largest on properties selling for $150,000 and less - ranging from about 20 percent to 60 percent below market values, 2009 data from the Polk County assessor's office show."

"Nearly 130 lender-owned homes in Polk County and 29 in Dallas County sold for less than $50,000. The lower-priced sales made up about 30 percent of foreclosure sales in both counties"

An interesting fact that I learned from the article was that, quoting, "Distressed sales may be considered when private appraisers determine a home's market value to secure a mortgage, but excluded when the assessor considers a home's value for tax purposes."

So, foreclosures drive down market values, the price a home actually sells for, but that reduction in value does not give you a break on your property taxes! I'd call that a quadruple whammy: Lower values due to foreclosures, increased competition for buyers from foreclosed homes, less equity for homeowners from appraisals, no benefit to homeowners affected by lower values in the form of reasonable taxation. I'm sure there's a really good reason why the assessor won't consider foreclosed homes when determining your tax bill. I'm sure there is.

All rancor aside, the Register has been putting out some good information for the public this year despite massive layoffs and scathing cost cutting. It's no fun for anyone to read these things but it's better than having the reality swept under the carpet. Lets just hope the recovery we're all hoping for is on its way. Property owners in Polk County would love to see it.

Des Moines School Board Election Tuesday September 8th 2009

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:24:12 -0500

Well it's that time again. Time to close the pools and elect four new members to serve four year terms to the Des Moines school board.

Since Des Moines has a fairly large district with 30,783 students anda budget of appx. $420,650,000 funded by local residents and homeowners, it behooves the general populace to get involved by participating in the selection of school board members.

This time around three incumbents are fighting to remain in their seatson the Des Moines School Board: Connie Boesen, Patty Link, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, against 6 challengers: Margaret Buckton, Felipe Galardo, Timothy Halsted, Veola Perry, Thalia Sutton, and Zachary Toillion, whom you can read about by following the link.

The board members elected on September 8 will serve four-year terms, new for the first time since the state law recently passed requiring four-year terms. As a result, school board elections will be held every two years thereafter.

Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 8. Information for voters, including polling places, can be found here. Several other municipalities will hold elections for board members and or referendums for spending the .01 cent sales tax and various public measures. See the ballots here.

This year you can register and vote the same day at the polls. I will be serving as Precinct Chairperson at Precinct 75 in Des Moines at 2501 Park Ave. this year along with Shirley and Delores with whom I have worked several elections. One of them always brings some yummy baked goods and they are both lots of fun to work with and to talk to. Should be a great day. See you at the polls!

Sheriff says 2009 to be another record year for foreclosures

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:24:05 -0500

Recently I had the honor of being accepted into the 5th joint Polk County Sheriffs-Des Moines Police Department Citizen's Academy. Tonight, September 1st marked our first session and if tonight's any clue, it's going to be very informative and a lot of fun. Our class of 32 members came from all walks of life: cooks, retirees, counselors, salespeople, homemakers, college students, factory workers, professors, and many others.

This evening we met with the Chief of Police, Judy Bradshaw, the Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy, and several other members of the academy staff. Chief Bradshaw is very well spoken and extremely adept at handling potentially thorny and contentious questioning. Sheriff McCarthy came up through the ranks of the DSM PD and was effusive in his praise of the Chief, Des Moines, and the department in general. It was great to meet these folks and not have to be arrested, plus I learned a lot.

Of course the topic of real estate came up as it always does somehow. Tonight it came up in Sheriff McCarthy's discussion of his duties as Sheriff. He ruminated on how many of his duties do not directly involve criminal affairs and that a growing demand on his time is from civil matters such as sheriff sales and garnishments due to the struggling economy. He made the comment that last year was a record for his department in dealing with foreclosed homes and this year was set to equal or exceed last year. He made a very poignant remark in that the economy wasn't really getting that much better in his opinion but that people was just getting used to times not being as prosperous as they had been in the recent past.

The class will continue every Tuesday night for nine weeks. Unfortunately I will miss next Tuesday the 8th as I will be the chairperson for DSM Precinct 75 for the 2009 school board election. There are many good candidates so if you're in Des Moines be sure you are registered so you can vote!

When the power's off, the water can rise

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:40:26 -0500

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 be by. I met the prospect, looked at another home first, then headed over to my listing. Surprise! The seller had abandoned the home and looked to be in the process of moving everything out.

We looked around the first floor and they really liked it. They were very impressed by the upgrades and layout. The big shock came when the husband went down into the darkened basement and stepped in a half foot of water. Apparently the seller had shut off the power, to save a few bucks, and the sump pump had shut off, totally flooded the basement, swamped the furnace, and most likely ruined everything they had stored down there. A shame because the prospect had above a passing interest.

I think I'm partly to blame for not educating them about a battery back-up system which they lacked, but also for not educating them on the possibility of what can occur when the power gets shutoff and there is a sump pit.

I immediately called the seller, at about 7pm, and left several messages. When I had not heard back by the next day at 4pm I called again. This time I got an answer. I sensed regret but was so taken aback by the seller's flat affect and by not being called that I informed them I was pulling my sign and delisting the property until the situation was remedied, and the seller disclosure amended. I told them to call me when they were ready, but I'm not very optimistic that will occur.

So, in the future I hope to avoid this by being very emphatic about the need for both a battery back-up and for the power to remain on whenever I see a sump pump that lacks a proper back-up system. It's a shame to see thousands of dollars of damage occur when a basic system can be had for around $100.

The 50,000 mark, Passed!

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:42:50 -0500

Yeah! Yes I am cheering for myself. Tonight I broke the 50,000 point barrier. Here's the breakdown:

Profile Points:	3,174
Invite Points:	0
Blogging Points:	22,965
Blog Comment Points:	22,975
Linking Points:	400
Bonus Points:	0
Other Points:	550

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 across north America. It's been very rewarding and challenging as well to take the time to read other posts, research the tools and information provided and to challenge myself to produce better quality blog posts. The blog is still a work in progress, but everything always is: from me to AR to the industry to the universe itself. Thanks to everyone who has read and posted comments on my blog, I appreciate it! Yeah!

June 2009 Des Moines sales give cause for optimism

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:18:48 -0500

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 price ($168,750) down slightly from June 2008 average ($177,386)
June 2009 Average days on market (106) increased from June 2008 average days of (95)

Joanne Mangold DMAAR Vice president was quoted in the article as attributing the drop in average sales prices to increased sales of foreclosed homes. Inventory still remains low according to DMAAR, at 5,851 homes or about 90% of June 2008 levels.

From what I've seen, lower market prices are keeping many sellers from listing, and also keeping those with homes on the market from being able to move them at an acceptable price. This dynamic means that some potential move up buyers are sidelined by falling prices as they can't afford to both take a loss on their homes and come up with larger downpayments demanded by today's capital markets. A lot of the activity seems to be coming from relocating buyers, first time buyers, and sellers that have resided in their homes for long enough to have built up enough equity to be able to price for the market and get them sold.

Rising days on market and lower average sales prices aside, I see the latest trends and marketplace activity as being very postive. If prices can stabilize, that could be the key to unlocking and even greater rush of sales activity.

Supra on the phone: A great call

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:56:44 -0500

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 to a phone line which updated nightly. Forget to put it in the cradle and you could only use the key three times before it wouldn't open boxes. Then, if you were in the field, you had to call in and navigate your way through a phone tree to get a 12 digit update code. Copy it down wrong and you had to call in again. Seems like when it happened to me it was always raining and my cell phone battery was about to die. What a pain! That is if I'd even remembered to bring the thing on that occasion. Oh man!

But no more! Starting in about 2006 Supra started making its E-key application available for certain cell phones, or Smartphones. Wow! My life changed. I never forget my phone and so that made it certain that I always had my E-Key. Furthermore, Supra hasmobile listing data, an agent roster, client search manager, showing report and more helpful tools. I find it indispensable for my business. I use it every day. Supra even sent out a rep that did free training for our board, you can check their website at GE/Supra for a schedule of when they might offer the course in your area.

Now, Supra for Smartphone*Source Supra/GE is available for over 40 phones:

Blackberry: 8800 series, Bold, Curve, Pearl, Pearl Flip and Storm *Blackberrys however require the use of a fob which I wouldn't like.

Windows Mobile Smartphone Infared models: 8125, 8525, HTC Mogul, HTC p4300, iPAQ 6900 Series, MDA, PPC-6700/6800, Treo 700w/wx, Treo 750, Treo Pro (850), Treo 800w, XV 6700/6800

Palm models: Centro, Treo 600, Treo 650, Treo 680, Treo 700p, Treo 755p

Carriers: These carriers offer compatible models: Alltel, AT&T, Bell, Cellular South, Rogers, Sprint, T-Mobile, Telus, Unical, US Cellular, Verizon.

If you are still carrying around an Activekey (newer version) keypad you owe it to yourself to research whether you could get a lot more functionality over having e-key professional on your Smartphone. Although phone choices are limited, they have increased from just being offered on a few phones. Having been a keypad user and now having the application on my phone, I can tell you that next to my website, this is absolutely the last tool I would ever give up.

Iowa's new Septic Inspection Law Starts on July 1st 2009

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:38:16 -0500

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.
Inspection form will be required to be submitted with transfer.
Inspections will be good for 2 years even if property transfers again.
Property abstracts will include the inspection results.

Exceptions are:

The law only applies to transfers of property containing one to four dwelling units,
Exemptions for transfers which the consideration is $500 or less
Intra family business organization transfers
Properties which will be razed or demolished
Foreclosures, Transfer by trustee, Execution of a Judgment

This law is a benefit for the States groundwater and for buyers, but could be a burden on a seller, septic business owner, and agents. The burden on the seller is the potential liability for updating of older systems if even only one component is failing. Septic business owners will have to become certified. The burden for agents then will be in ensuring that the inspections are performed, meeting with inspectors, and making sure the documents are filled out correctly and delivered properly.

All in all I think the laws is postive for consumers and groundwater but will take a little getting used to.

Last day to file for this years Homestead Exemption in Polk County 06/30/09

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:35:06 -0500

June 30th is the last day in Polk County to file for the Homestead Exemption and have the benefit be applied to this year's taxes. Home owners may always file after July 1st, but the Homestead will only be applied then to the next years taxes.

If you're unfamiliar with the Homestead Exemption, or other home owner tax credits, you can read about them at the Polk County Assessors website, which is an excellent source of information.

Home owners in other municipalities may enjoy similar programs as well. Basically what the Homestead Tax Credit program does is reduce the taxable value of your home by $4,850 if you are an owner occupant, meaning that you live in the home as your primary residence versus renting it out to someone else or having another primary residence. This results in a savings of around $142 per year for the average taxpayer. Hey, Every little bit helps!

There are currently 45 tax credit programs available in Polk County. CLICK HERE to view the complete list.

LPS Applied Analytics Data Show We're Not Out of the Woods Yet

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:59:17 -0500

If you're not familar with LPS, you should be. LPS stands for Lender Processing Services. This company according to its website "is the nation's leading provider of mortgage processing services, settlement services, mortgage performance analytics and default solutions." In other words, these folks are a go to source for information about loans and lending in America, and what their data shows is troubling indeed.

Here are just a few disconcerting facts from LPS's Mortgage Monitor for June: total mortgage delinquencies rose to 8.49% in May (a record), the year over year foreclosure increase as of May was 88.3%, Jumbo Prime, Option ARM , and Non-Agency conforming Prime loans continue to experience the highest defaults which have been accelerating the past six months, foreclosure starts in May 4.3% to the second highest level on record, and "almost no borrowes with credit scores below 620 are being awrded loans."

A few bright points were that: Iowa was one of the states with the lowest foreclosures starts, first payment defaults have fallen significantly, loan originations have been improving.

If what LPS says is true, continued deterioration in loans and rising foreclosures will keep a tight lid on home price appreciation in many markets across the US. This is bad news for sellers, but cause for optimism among sidelined buyers working on their credit who can expect to see deals continue for the near term.

We've heard a lot in the press about "signs" of a recovery and "signs" of a bottom in some arcane report or index. But from what LPS presents in its comprehensive review of US mortgages, the bloom will likely fall of the rose before the real recovery blosoms. But again, if you're a buyer in most parts of the country you can probably rest assured that there's still a deal out there for you.

National Association of Realtors Rails against delays in Appraisals

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:01:29 -0500

The Home Valuation Code of Conduct,like most rules or codes, started with the best intentions. It identified that sometimes 3rd parties had too much influence on appraisals that affected the value and the lendor-investor's security, and by extention the wealth and stability of the nation and the world. The Code set out to fix these transgression and create an arms length environment in the selection of appraisers performance of appraisals.

Well, like with many rules and codes, the cure is sometimes worse than the illness. Now appraisals are just plain taking too long and seem to be slowing the recovery in housing that the world needs to prime the engine of recovery. NAR has identied that this is a problem and is working in Washington to rectify the situation.

Here's and excerpt of an email sent to NAR members by Charles McMillan 2009 NAR President:

"During the past two months, we have heard from many of you regarding problems with appraisals that are causing deals to be delayed or canceled altogether. I assure you that we on the NAR Leadership Team are experiencing the same problems in our businesses. In fact, VP & Liaison to Committees Steve Brown recently shared his experiences in Ohio on the Voices of Real Estate blog.
http://narblog1.realtors.org/mvtype/president/2009/06/all_is_not_quiet_on_the_midwes.html

Let me update you on what NAR is doing to resolve these problems quickly.

On Monday, June 29th, I will be in New York to meet with the Deputy Attorney General and his staff who worked directly on the Home Valuation Code of Conduct. I plan to share our concerns, as well as your stories, and ask for their assistance in resolving any problems related to the HVCC.

On Tuesday, June 30th, I will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to discuss ways we can work with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and lenders to ensure that appraisals are accurate."

Let's all keep our fingers crossed and hope Charles enjoys some success with these intitiatives. We as agents are on the frontlines of this dilemma and see the impact the Code has wrought firsthand. I applaud the government for trying to rectify the problem of shoddy appraisals but if the solution is too severe then the goverment should take a fresh look at the ultimate aim and consider whether or not there's a better way to go about it.

May home sales shine in the Des Moines Metro

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:36:09 -0500

As spring turns slowly to summer here the real estate market has begun to show some signs of an uptick. According to Des Moines Area Association of Realtors data as reported in the June 11th Des Moines Register article "Des Moines Home Sales Rise 21% in May" sales are springing back to life.

The 21% rise as reported in the headline refers to a 21% increase in May unit sales over April's abysmal performance. Sales still lagged last May by -4% according to DMAAR, but the sales prices leaped 23% from April, according to the data presented by the Register's Donnelle Eller.

The Register quoted Realtor board sources that attributed the strong showing to a combination of low interest rates and the $8,000 tax credit. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that they're right about that as job losses and business closures have continued to mount locally, which would probably have pulled sales down without some historically significant occurrences such as those mentioned. Tax refunds in late April probably added a little spice to the mix as well, as there were some pretty good tax breaks in there for lots of folks last year.

One curious note from the article was, quoting: "Homes were on the market an average of 108 days last month, six days more than May 2008 and 13 more days than in April." Although more homes sold and values were higher, homes are staying on the market longer as evidenced by the data. So if you're a listing agent and you've got some listings that seem to be getting market worn, take heart, you are not alone.

Hopefully May's strong showing will portend a good summer of sales for the area, although March was a hectic month that led to a really soft April. Sustaining a trend has been something the market seems to have been unable to do very effectively for the past eighteen months. I think were all hoping around here that sales will finally start to gain momentum, but you'll have to forgive me however if I don't jump on the bandwagon just yet. I'm still out planting as many signs as I can and not resting on any laurels, real or preceived.

Triton Home Builder Ceases Operation in Des Moines Area

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:23:38 -0500

Triton Homes a builder whose specialty was building entry level 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car, appx. 1000-1200 sq ft. town homes, and 1.5 sty, 3bd, 3ba, 2 car 1300-1400 sq ft units, announced Wednesday they would halt building in the Des Moines area due to slowing sales, according to a Des Moines Register June 4th article entitled Weak sales spur Triton to halt new projects.

Triton to date has built out six developments in: Ankeny: The Village at White Birch, Waukee: The Village at Gracewood, West Des Moines: The Village at Maple Bend, Urbandale: The Village at Walnut Gove, Grimes: The Village at North Pointe, and its latest venture in Pleasant Hill: The Village at Arbor Chase.

Triton's developments are pretty much unmistakable. Monolithic three stories, six or more to a row, upon row, upon row, some interspersed with the 1.5 sty units. The developments would often contain over a hundred units per.

In flusher times it was easy to get in with no money down, and get money for closing and other goodies. Now that the flush times have been, well, flushed, sales have slowed considerably. Resellers of these units have little choice but to sell them at a loss. The brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bath units which recently could fetch from around $112,00 to $130,000, have been listed and selling for around $90,000 to $110,000. There is a foreclosed one now listed at The Village at White Birch for $79,900. The three bedroom models which sold at around $150,00-$160,000 have resold foreclosed for as low as $129,000.

According to the article, Triton plans to finish up its Pleasant Hill project and hire employees back as contract laborers to service warranties and finish building, after having laid off its last six regular employees.

As sales have slowed in the area, Triton seems to have fallen a victim to its own earlier success in the sense that new unit sales are competing with resales of their older units at prices they are unable, or unwilling to match. While this may be good for buyers who can buy near new units in built out developments at deep discounts to retail, it will surely continue to be a drag on new construction of similar units for the near term.

June 15th tax sale in Polk County predicted to draw a huge crowd

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:26:23 -0500

Once a year and for three days, bidders come from around the country to bid on delinquent tax debt of Polk County's citizens. I have never really been able to understand why our adjoining counties of Dallas, Warren, Jasper and Madison all by state law have to have their sales on the same days, as it seems like they could get more interest if they could choose a period other than that which Polk County sells theirs, but I'm sure there's wisdom behind such things.

According to The Des Moines Register's June 3rd article Homes on Overdue Tax List Lure Buyers to Des Moines, the number of parcels on the delinquent roll is up 890% from 672 last year to 5,984 this year. But that's OK according to our Treasurer, Mary Maloney, quoted in the piece, because that's "only 3.5% of all the county's tax collections." Maloney expects "a record tax sale."

I surmise then that the corollary is then a record number of real people are struggling to pay their taxes. These taxes, when sold to investors at the sale, generate 2% interest per month,(which can be bid down to 1% interest if there are multiple bidders) and interest accrues monthly. If the taxes aren't redeemed by the defaultor, the holder, who has to buy all subsequent taxes, can force a sale of the property which wipes out all other liens. Yikes! So what happens is that banks end up buying them in a lot of cases so their security doesn't get liquidated.

Once again, The Register points out that it's worse in Florida and California, which is likely small consolation for those facing default and 2% interest here in Polk County.

Iowa and Des Moines area face loan losses, slowing sales and rising foreclosures

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:14:30 -0500

It's spring and real estate activity is picking up. From all the action one would think a lot more was going on, but the daily news reflects a different reality.

On Thursday May 28th the Des Moines Register reported in the article "Loan Troubles Smack Iowa Banks" that one third of Iowa's banks reported nonperforming loans exceeded 2 percent or more of their loan portfolios, a level not reached in more than 15 years. Apparently though we are faring better than the national average of 3.72% non performing loans. However, in the same article, Tom Gronstal Iowa's banking superintendent warned "I would expect to see further deterioration of loan performance," citing rising commercial loan defaults as the reason.

The same day NAR stats showed that Midwest home sales fell 10% in April 2009 as compared to the year before, as did median values. In comparison the local Des Moines Area Association of Realtors data showed Des Moines fared worse than the Midwest as a whole when it reported April stats that showed Des Moines unit sales fell 25% year on year and that the median home price slid 13% to $150,630.

A follow on story in Friday's Des Moines Register "Foreclosure rate in Iowa Rises as lost Jobs Take Toll" declared that the foreclosure rate has reached a one year high at 2.34 of all loans, as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The article went on to report that although Iowa's foreclosure rate puts it in 30th place nationally, foreclosures having been rising since 2006 and that what started as a sub-prime loan problem has now blossomed into a crisis that is affecting prime borrowers who have faced job losses. The article gave a statistic claiming that 5% of all prime loans in the state were delinquent, though still trailing national prime defaults of 8.02%

On Friday I overheard two veteran, 20+ year, agents talking outside my office, the conversation went like this, "How's it goin?" "Busy" "yeah me too" "Closin anything?" "Not really, you?" "Yeah me neither, $%#&@* banks" "yeah" "It's like a I get to do all the work but I just don't get the paycheck" (laughter) "yeah exactly"

The past month has also brought a huge wave of personal bankruptcies and some high profile contractors, agents and home builders going under. This is anecdotal on my part but it seems that the bankruptcies have been getting larger and affecting traditionally wealthier homes in areas with higher median home values.

I feel very fortunate for the closings and I have coming, for having been able to work with some pre-approved buyers and for having a diverse bunch of well priced listings to offer. It's tough to read the bad news about so many people having a tough time of it. It affects us all through lost tax revenues, business closings, urban blight and general social malaise.

It makes me appreciate everything I've been blessed all that much more. A weekend trip just taken to Hannibal, MO with my wife and three children was long overdue. All this stuff my brokers, veteran agents and CRS instructors and others in the know have been saying for years about making sure I take enough time for myself and give enough time to my loved ones seems more and more sagacious with each passing day, and with each days newspaper on my doorstep.

Kindness: Your intellect's best friend!

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:19:48 -0500

On Kindness: I'm posting a collection of quotes from people who should really need no introduction. These people support kindness.

When you have saints, geniuses, lumninaries, intellectuals and other assorted titans going on the record promoting kindness, I have to ask myself if it's maybe dangerous not to be kind! Please use them and share them, and your kindness, with others.

Great persons are able to do great kindnesses. --Miguel de Cervantes

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.--Washington Irving

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. --Amelia Earhart

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. --Albert Schweitzer

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. Pubilius Syrus

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Mother Theresa

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see. Mark Twain

Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most. Ashleigh Brilliant

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. Confucious

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscalia

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. Plato

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. Scott Adams

The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life. William Wordsworth

The only way to tell the truth is to speak with kindness. Only the words of a loving man can be heard. Henry David Thoreau

I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in the kindness of human beings. I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and angels. Pearl Buck

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. --Aesop

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. --Mother Teresa

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in feeling creates love. Lao Tzu

When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. Dalai Lama

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. Dalai Lama

Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits, Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds, Fill it with sunshine Kind words and kind deeds. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one's life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than 'try to be a little kinder. Aldous Huxley

Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together. Goethe

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver

The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth. The trite subjects of human efforts, possessions, outward success, luxury have always seemed to me contemptible. Albert Einstein

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers. Tennessee Williams

One of the basic points is kindness. With kindness, with love and compassion, with this feeling that is the essence of brotherhood, sisterhood, one will have inner peace. Dalai Lama

One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.
Kindness it is that brings forth kindness always. Sophocles

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? Jean Jacques Rousseau

Believe nothing merely because you have been told it...Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings -- that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide. Buddha

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King, Jr.

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. William Penn

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Plato (428 - 347 BC)

Des Moines Rebuilding Together Day a Resounding Success!

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:42:16 -0500

Saturday May 2nd 2009 was the official Rebuilding Together Day for the Greater Des Moines area. It is estimated that over 1,000 volunteers participated.

For those who are not aware, Rebuilding Together is a nationwide non-profit that helps elderly, impoverished, infirm or otherwise disenfranchised homeowners whose homes may be in various states of disrepair but the homeowners themselves lack the capacity or wherewithal to make the needed improvements. On Rebuilding Together day volunteers descend on approved homes and perform extreme makeovers with no cost or obligation on the part of the homeowners.

The project I had the honor assisting on was a home at 4010 Burnham Ave. in Des Moines. We actually had two rebuilding days because our major project, a ramp for handicap access for Jeff, the son of the homeowner Lori, required that we set concrete for post supports. Jeff, age 40, had for his whole life, (true story) thrown his wheelchair out the front door and crawled down the steps to then pull himself up into the chair so he could leave the house.

On a rainy April 18th Larry Draughn, project leader and owner of Draughn Construction Co. and I met at the home to start digging the support post holes. We were soon met by two of his eager employees, Seth and Mike. About four hours later we had the 8 holes dug down about fifty inches with deep wide bases. The next weekend Larry poured the concrete so the supports were ready for the official day.

On May 2nd the official Rebuilding Together Day Larry and I again met up at the home, this time joined also by Larry's sons Russ and Patrick and Larry's wife Patricia. As Seth got busy on the decking covering the old patio, Jeff and I tackled overgrowth and lawn debris in the backyard. With the aid of a large dumpster we were able to get the backyard cleaned up in short order. I was also happy to remove a gas grill that had not functioned for fifteen years yet remained hooked up to the home's gas system! Lori and Jeff celebrated as it was pitched into the burgeoning dumpster.

Larry, Russ, Patrick and I got busy on the deck with the late arrival of the post supports, materials courtesy of The Home Depot. By noon the deck and ramp had really started to take shape. Just in time came Patricia, Larry's wife, with pizza and beverages compliments of Sam and Gabes Italian Bistro in Clive. The pizza was fantastic and we enjoyed a much needed break.

By 3:33pm we had the ramp and deck completed enough for Jeff to make an inaugural run. We all cheered as he went first up and then down with pride and humility. He thanked us profusely. A lifetime of dragging himself out his front door so he could see the world ended in one fell swoop. It was all our little gang could do to keep from just bawling our eyes out right there, but we still had work to do. There were some smoke alarms to install in the home, some safety bars for the bath and some much needed help with household items for Jeff's mother Lori.

As the day drew down the time came to break up our merry crew. We lingered on the deck exchanging compliments and singing each others praises, no one wanting to be the first to leave. I had three children and a wife at home that I missed dearly, so I hastily bid my final goodbyes and we parted company.

As I drove home I passed several other houses swarming with crews dressed in the signature Rebuilding Together Day 2009 white T-Shirts emblazoned with black and green logos. I felt a strong sense of community and pride on seeing them. I knew that all across the city there were many thankful homeowners and many more exhausted yet fulfilled volunteers who didn't want the day to be done. I enjoyed it immensely.