The worst winter in the last 30 years here in Iowa can't stop the activity on the west side of town. With residents starting out @ the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the University of Iowa graduate programs-including the Law & Dental Schools and undergraduate activity (Mom and Dad finding the right investment for the little Hawkeyes)-the activity on the west side for this time of year has been outstanding!

 

The key elements that make Iowa City (like most college towns) a sound investment opportunity for housing are:

1. The University itself.

2. The Hospital (operated by the University with emphasis on education).

3. The Iowa City area is always ranked among the top smaller communities to live in the US.

  

 

2007 Gold Star Award Winner for Outstanding Professional Cooperation presented by the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors

My clients generally enjoy my enthusiasm for Real Estate. It is my goal as your full service real estate agent specializing in the Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty & Surrounding areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. My dedication and 10 years of Iowa City business experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources I offer.

"Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty...Assisting You with All of Your Real Estate Needs"

-Michael J. McEleney

www.michaelmceleney.com

-28 degree wind chill = great time to look for Buyers. I fully understand that the weather here in Iowa is not really conducive to the enjoyment of your house hunt. However, we should factor in the higher inventory (you will have more selection), low interest rates (you could have a lower payment and more disposable $) & most importantly-A smaller, less brave pool of potential Buyers looking right now.

 

I know, I know... 'Mike, there is going to be so many new listings available in the coming months! We should wait and see if the perfect property comes up.' True. But, you have nothing to lose by looking earlier & your Realtor© will know exactly what your looking for when the perfect property does pop upon the MLS. You will be better informed to make the right decision when you are ready, you will have seen the competition... YOU will be battle-tested! And, you just might find the property you like right away; before the Spring Buyers start searching. Preparation is essential.

Whether your looking in Iowa City, Coralville or North Liberty-essentially anywhere in the Iowa City/Johnson County area-it is a great time to begin your search.

 -Mike

OK. This is getting ridiculous. Another 8-10 inches of snow in Iowa City. Obviously Old Man Winter is mad. I don't know what we did to provoke such action here in the Midwest. Maybe the old guy is getting tired of all the 'global warming' banter. Maybe the old guy decided to make up for 5 years plus of mild winters. Maybe he wanted to see just how much he could overextend the winter budget of every city in Iowa. OK. You got me Old Man Winter...You got me. Now go back to the South Pole & resume your feasting with Claus.... or wherever you do. You have won your battle here my friend.

-Mike

So this client and I were looking at older homes in the Goosetown area of Iowa City and the listing agency didn't let me know about a certain cat in the house. We opened up the door and this black cat scurried right out the front door across minor traffic to the other side of the street. Now, I'm not a great cat person-I don't know how to handle them & don't understand how they operate. My pet experience comes from from two rather obese pugs which require little exercise and extremely easy to catch while on the loose.

 I looked at my client-thinking to myself-how the hell am I going to catch this thing? We went across the street and started calling out to the cat to come back to the property. I finally came close enough to the escapee...close enough to grab it's tail and attempt to real it in for the rescue. Cats don't like the tail-grabbing I soon found out & Blackjack turned it's head and gave me the old showing of the teeth. Release the cat! I did and it walked further & further away from me. Finally, my client lured Blackjack in with the charm of a seasoned cat owner and after 25 minutes or so, we finally had the cat back in the home. Alright.

We went through the house and I thanked my client for the rescue mission. We finished up the showing and as we were leaving-and I breathing a huge sigh of relief-we noticed the cat door attached to another door...a door that the fuzzball could have been using the entire time for escape. I am an idiot.

Buyers Beware:

 Not all agents are created equal. Although the previous statement should not be held in the same esteem as the discovery of electricity, it certainly needs to be said. Just like every profession, real estate has it's share of bad apples. I'm fortunate to work in a community that promotes ethical behavior and don't often run into trouble with other agents in that area, but rest assured-there are people out there that will be less than honest to get a deal done. Make sure that your agent is treating you with the respect you deserve and keeping your interests in mind at all times. February is now here...and it's still cold & snowing in Iowa. Old Man Winter needs to get a hobby.

-Mike

Heads up Everyone! This upcoming Saturday is Groundhog Day (and Iowa plays theOSU @ Carver). Harold Ramis directed the movie starring Chicago Cub/Bear fan Bill Murray in 1993. For some odd reason, we own the movie-but my wife refuses to watch it with me because it is 'dumb'. Be prepared for Groundhog Day.

-Mike

The first two steps in the process include getting in contact with a good loan officer & setting up a meeting with me at a time most convenient for you. I have several ethical loan officers to refer you to-name YOUR bank and I will send you a quality contact. Prior to actually looking, you will want to get the financial picture sorted out. We want to look at homes that are well within your comfort zone. A good lender will lead you down the right path and help you figure out how much house is too much house-for lack of a better phrase. You will want to calculate your monthly bills and figure out what is comfortable for YOU-disregard what the bank will pre-approve you for. You are the one paying the bills, right? Finally, sit down with all decision makers and your loan officer and start the pre-approval process, so we are fully prepared with sufficient ammo when it comes time to write an offer :)

FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS Notice: Most first time buyers don't know that YOU pay no commission for my services-the seller does! JOY!

I'm happy to work with you whether you are buying in the next few months or up to a year away :) THANKS for considering making me your Realtor~Stay Warm!

-Mike

We are rapidly approaching the 2nd month of 2008-February;aka month for lovers. Well, take a break from your hibernation Iowans and get out there and start looking for the perfect property. I'm encouraging all buyers to start searching on-line right now. Sellers are motivated to move their property & want the 'peace of mind' that their home is sold. I would like to get an idea of what your looking for so I can keep my eyes open to new listings that will be showing up on the MLS each day.