Today is my last day of being an "active" realtor here in Sioux City.  I do not want to discourage anyone from this profession.  But I do pledge to inform others of the positive and negatives of choosing this as a profession.  I would not recommend this career path to someone that is a single parent.  Unless you are well prepared to go months of spending money before you make any.  Even though I had 6 months of money saved to give this 110% it still was not enough.  Before the 6 months I did this part time with another job that I did about 30 hours a week.  I will be keeping myself current on my continuing education.  There are great people in this profession.  I am still going to keep up with AR.  Now I just need to find a regular paying job.  :)

 August 3, 2009

Thanks again to everyone.

Here are some more thought on this.

My stats are close.  There is 1 Realtor for every 298 people, (this isn't households) here in the Sioux City.  If you take the surrounding area the stats do change.  I do know, that not everyone with a license is active at this 100% but it is an interesting statistic. 

Another thing for Newbies.  It is tough if you are fairly new to an area because you are competing against those that have lived their whole life in the area.  This was another big obstacle.  If I were to do this over again as a single parent?  I would make sure I had $ to support myself for at least 6 months, a year would be better.  Sioux City (personal feelings) lacks good paying part time jobs.  This could be the way to go if you can work part time with a good hourly wage and tackle RE the rest of the time.  Another thing is I would do it back home were I have loads of contacts.  We all know this makes a good foundation for farming.  I was very aggressive when it came to marketing myself because I greatly lacked personal/business contacts.  I used everything I could think of. 

Good Luck to all and thanks again for the comments.  AR is loaded with great people.

I know many of you keep updated on all aspects of being a Realtor but here is some information that may have slipped by you.  The mortgage industry is going through some changes especially those that impact time-lines.

HVCC has already went into effect May 2009.  Home Valuation Code of Conduct main goal is to boost the overall sincerity of the valuation process.  A stipulation worth mentioning is that borrowers receive a copy of their appraisal reports no less than 3 days prior to the closing absent a borrower waiver of this condition. 

HERA effective date is July 30, 2009 and amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA).  Changes the requirement surrounding early and final disclosures to home-buyers.  Also addresses the timing of when fees can be charged.

For Realtors that have been around a few years this will be like the days of old when a 30+ day closing was the norm.  I have found that some banks are trying very hard to know all the particulars.  I have received some great information from Wells Fargo.  Also if you "google" it use the words such as "Housing and Economic Recovery Act.  Using the acronym turns up some weird results.

I have only touched the tip of the iceburg.  I am still reading up on this so I am informed and not caught with my knickers down. 

Thanks for reading.

Visit my website, click here.

With Fourth of July weekend here I want to give a shout out to the dogs that serve this country.  I know handlers out there that depend on these partners to do a very dangerous job.  They are sent into mind fields sniffing for bombs.  We also have bomb sniffing dogs here in the states that work airports and other points of entry.  I know of a dog (Rex) that has sniffed the President's motorcade to make sure it is safe.  He has also done this for other dignitaries. 

My other reason for bringing this up now is that some of these dogs when retired or disabled from active service are euthanized.  I think this is a shame.  The men and woman that serve with these dogs ask for our help.  They get very emotional when they tell you that a dog that served with them was euthanized because the dog got hurt doing their job and was put down.  Many of these dogs can be placed with homes. 

Many people do not realize that these wonderful courageous dogs need homes.  So I am putting the word out.

Here is a Youtube video worth watching.  Click here to watch "War Dog".

Here is a site that helps place these dogs.  Click here.

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside, in the proverbial sense, you are hit with something new.  Purchase agreement is all initialed, dated and signed.  The seller has agreed to include in the sale his riding lawnmower and a few other items.  Then behold a call comes saying, sorry but that cannot be included in the purchase agreement.  Needs to be off of there.  Okay, so we are trying to do things above board and now this.  Now you have to go back and explain this to your clients that this needs to be done over, and need to exclude the personal items.  Now we need to do a separate bill of sale for these items.  No explanation other than the underwriters do not want this. 

Make sure it is in writing somewhere, if you are asked not to include this in the purchase agreement. 

This is going on here in Iowa and is being perpetrated by a large bank.  Is anyone having these issues where they are at? 

I just got back from visiting family and friends on the west coast.  I was in Reno, Nevada and southern California for a 3 week stay.  It was just reported that Nevada has their highest unemployment rate since 1976.  While driving around middle to high end homes I noticed many all closed up and un-kept yards.  Very beautiful homes just sitting there, no sign out in the yard, nothing going on.   The grass would be dead but the weeds two feet tall.  Some homes looked like they had been neglected for some time.  Reno resides in Washoe County and one statistic I found said that there were over 4,000 homes that were either pre-foreclosure or where in foreclosure.  While in California I noticed the same but also a more urgent need to get the State back on track.  Everyone was talking about the economic situation they face personally and that of California. 

For those in Iowa and other states in the mid-west, remember that we are doing pretty darn good compared to other states.  Even though they are having a tough time in some states I did see people determined to get through this.  We as a nation have survived tough times.  We will get through this.  BUT I have noticed a lot of finger pointing and laying the blame on someone else's shoulder.  We live in a country that is diverse in many ways.  I don't care if you are a Republican, Democrat, Buddhist, Christian, Muslin, Liberal, Conservative, Moderate, Young, Old or any other classification you can think of, we need to work together.  Agree that we don't always agree but work together to help this country and it's people get back on track. 

Be proactive, instead of reactive. 

One last thing is that in many areas it still is a good time to sell a home and it is definitely a very good time to buy.  Even in Reno, if you are a first time home-buyer there are some great buys.  There is always a positive if you look for it. 

Please stop by and read my article "The Art of Traveling.  Tips for a travel virgin."

Thanks for reading.

The Governor of Iowa has vetoed to postpone the start date of legislation passed earlier for inspection of septic tanks at time of transfer from a sale.  The new law requires that every home/building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer for the home/building.  Some where hoping for the postponement so things could be better organized and getting people certified to do the inspections.  Some counties in Iowa already have this in their laws, so the transition will be nil.  Many Realtors in the state are well aware of this new law but I find that many homeowners out in rural Iowa no nothing about this.  So spread the word.  Goes into effect July 1, 2009.

There are many websites out there with information.  One site that has some information is the DNR site, click here to visit.

Thanks for reading.

Stop by my website by clicking here.

I am doing another blog post on Cherokee Iowa.  I received a very nice e-mail from Penny Pingrey who is with the Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation on my earlier blog on the town of Cherokee.  Penny asked if I would be interested in doing another blog with this year's events.  Cherokee's Chamber of Commerce also has a new director Julie Hering-Kent.

As I stated in my earlier blog Cherokee Iowa is one of my favorite towns.  It lies east of Sioux City about 65 miles.  The first time I drove through Cherokee heading north I though it a quaint little town.  The downtown is done nicely and reminds me of a time gone by.  There are nice little shops up and down the main street. 

One event coming up this month is the Cherokee Rodeo being held May 28, 29, and 30^th.  Some of the events during the Rodeo are a parade, train robbery, western bbq and Chamber coffee.  In June some of the events include, tractor ride, Music Festival, and Cherokee Chamber Street dance.  There are many more events during the summer and throughout the years.  One event that music lovers will like is the Jazz and Blues Festival usually held in January.  To view the Chamber of Commerce website for these events and others, click here.

There are many activities to keep you busy in Cherokee, such as: Country Club Golf Course, Little League, Municipal Pool, Cherokee Clippers Swim Team, Hershey Youth Track and Field Meet, Outdoor Fun Fair, Indoor Volleyball, Basketball league, Future Braves Flag Football, Adult Slow Pitch Softball, Bowling, and Archery.

There is something for everyone in Cherokee, a great town in a great state. Cherokee is a town where it is safe to let your children run around, and a great place to raise a family. 

Earlier blog on Cherokee, click here.

Cherokee Area Economic Development website, click here.

Please stop by and read my article "The Art of Traveling.  Tips for a travel virgin."

Stop by my website by clicking here.

Ever heard the saying "first impression makes a lasting impression".  If your home lacks curb appeal the first impression may mean they keep on going and don't even get out of their car.  Your home maybe pristine and beautiful on the inside but the outside curb appeal is what draws that buyer into your home.  Homeowners end up so concerned with the appearance of the inside of the house they neglect the outside of the house.  Lets start with a "wow" factor on the outside of your home so buyers are waiting with anticipation to see the rest of the property.  Drive through your neighborhood and check out the homes.  Which one's stand out for the right reason's?  Is it the paint job, nice walkway, flowers, well-manicured lawn, and nice front door?  If you are strapped for money!  Try painting the front door and/or paint the trim of the house.  Flowers can bring color to your yard for a small price and getting a little dirty pays off in a big way.  There are ways to make your house shine without breaking the bank.  Make the effort to spruce up the outside so the buyers will come inside.  The payback value will be worth the time, effort and money you put into giving your home curb appeal.

Thanks for reading.

Actually we do need to have ethical standards.  It would be nice if everyone could play by the rules.  But, not everyone plays nice in the sandbox.  If you look at surveys or statistic's on where real estate agents fall on the list of honest professionals we are just above lawyers and used car salesman.  I know we will never rank at the top, which is usually reserved for nurses, pharmacist, policeman and doctors.  If you look at the Gallup Poll of 2008 you will see that real estate agents are just above lawyers and union leaders.  After the year the bankers had in 2008, they ranked above real estate agents.  So what does that say about our profession?  That we may have an image problem and that we have some work to do.  I hope that the days of advertising that we are "million dollar producer" are behind us.  The public misunderstood that statement into thinking we made that much money.  The perception was all we thought about were the big bucks we were pulling in.  Not only do we need to make sure we are honest but what about other agents?  Do you look the other way when an agent has crossed the line?  When an agent is dishonest it make's the rest of us look bad.  It then makes our job tougher in letting the public know that they small minority does not represent all of us.  It is a dilemma that we face when dealing within the ranks of taking care of the bad apples.  Do you go to their Broker?  What if it is a Broker?  Do you go to the commission?  Me personally!  I am at the age where I speak my mind.  I got to the point; if you can't play fair I will let you know.  Actually I was like this in my younger days sitting in my criminal justice class during the mess with LAPD and Rodney King.  We were watching the tape of the officers beating King while he lay on the ground.  Up to a point I was okay with how they, the officers were handling it.  Then when I felt they had crossed the line but kept going I made the comment, "fire em all, starting with the Sergeant on the scene".  Boy, did that cause a very big discussion.  My point is, once something happens that draws negative attention it then takes twice as much work to overcome it.  Though there is more attention paid to law enforcement when they cross that ethical line than there is to real estate agents.  It is still something that we have to work doubly hard to get that negative image out of the public's eye. 

Always put the interest of the client first.  Use honesty and integrity when dealing with the wishes and desires of your client.  If the agent pulls there weight in doing this, then the work of overcoming negative obstacles will be few.  Energy used for helping customers/clients is better than wasting it on fixing problems others created.  For those that continually cannot play nice in the sandbox!  Play nice or find your own sandbox to play in. 

Sioux City Iowa is located on the Missouri River and resides in the county of Woodbury.  Sioux City has a population of about 85,000 with over 33,000 housing units, with land area of 54.8 miles. 

Here is a little Sioux City history.

Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the Missouri in 1804 and set up camp near what would become Sioux City. 

The first Steamboat arrived from St Louis in June 1856, loaded with ready-framed houses and provisions.  The railroad followed 12 years later in 1868, which led the way for the livestock yards (stockyards) in 1884. 

Something that happened in modern times and remembered by many because of the film footage was the crash of United Flight 232 in July 19, 1989.  Coming from an Airline family I remember this well and was a miracle anyone survived.

Sioux City is a very affordable city to live in.  We were not hit hard by the mortgage crisis and have faired well during the tough economic times.  Sioux City has a very low crime rate and a good place to raise a family.  The schools here are very good and outlying towns have very good schools too.  There is also a Catholic High School for those that wish their children to attain a parochial education. 

An earlier blog I wrote about the cost of housing and gave readers an idea of what you can get for your dollar.  To read this blog, Click Here.

Another earlier blog I wrote about some of the events that take place in Sioux City.  To read about these events, Click Here.

Here are some links that may be useful.

City Website.

Sioux City Newspaper.

Tourism.

Stop by my website by clicking here.  Thanks for reading.