Peggy S.'s Blog

Challenging your property tax in Polk County Iowa - You have 10 More days!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:40:33 -0700

In Iowa the assessments (except for Agriculture) are based on Market Value see Iowa Reference: Iowa Code 441.21 , Actual, assessed and taxable value the property should be assessed near the likely selling price.

The assessed value is what would be protested not the tax payment and the protest can be filed between April 16^th and May 5^th. The protest must be mailed and postmarked by May 5^th unless May 5^th falls on the weekend an appeal will be accepted the following business day. Make sure that the appeal is signed and based on one or more of the grounds listed on the protest form and the board of review meets the month of May. The session may be extended to July 15. Reference: Iowa Code 441.33 , Sessions of board of review and Action of the board may be appealed to district court within twenty days after its adjournment or May 31, whichever date is later.

Grounds for challenging your property tax could be one of the following:

1. That said assessment is not equitable as compared with the assessments of other like property.

This is the grounds to use if you think your assessment is out of line with your neighbors. You should list the neighbor's address and their assessment on the protest form. Using this reason may upset your neighbors. If you are successful in convincing the Board of Review your neighbors are under assessed compared to your assessment, the Board may resolve the inequity by raising their assessments, not lowering yours. Remember, they must set assessments at market value.

2. That said property is assessed for more than the value authorized by law; that amount of said over assessment is $________________; that $__________________ is its actual value and is a fair assessment

This is by far the most frequently used ground. It is claiming your property is not worth as much as the assessor says it is. All you have to do is fill in the two blanks, the amount of the over assessment and its actual value.

However, you should do more than just claim what its worth; you should be prepared to offer evidence that persuades the Board of Review you are right.

Good support for this choice would be any of the following:

· An appraisal; attach or provide a copy to the Board as soon as possible.

· A copy of a recent listing of your property. (If it's less than the assessment.)

· A copy of a sales agreement or evidence of a recent sale.

· A list of from three to five sales of properties comparable to yours that indicate your property would not sell for the assessment. (Ask for your local REALTOR®s help with this.

· Pictures or inspection reports showing deficiencies that may not be obvious from an outside inspection, such as termite damage or a problem basement wall.

3. That there is an error in the assessment as follows: ______________________

If the assessor's office has made a mistake in describing your property, use these grounds. If for example you have removed your garage and it is still assessed, file on grounds #4. Minor corrections may not reduce your value.

Here is the link for your protest form Petition to the Board of Review Form:

http://www.assess.co.polk.ia.us/web/forms/petition.pdf

The information provided here was acquired mostly through The Polk county Iowa assessors page at http://www.assess.co.polk.ia.us/web/forms/suggest_04.html

Remember that your REALTOR® may be able to help you with the market value of your home.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Helpful Questions to Ask the Seller Before Moving In!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:10:51 -0700

Buying a new home is a very exciting time. There are many things to do and to get done and many things to remember. Sometimes you can hardly wait until the seller moves out so that you can have the house all to yourself. But wait just a minute -I would be willing to bet that the seller has loads of information that could make your life a whole lot easier once the house is yours. It is to your advantage to gather a list of important questions and talk to the seller if possible.

It is generally not considered appropriate for the buyer to just knock on the seller’s door or call them directly and start asking questions. However, talk to your realtor about helping you get your questions answered before the seller has moved and is no longer available.

Here is a list of important questions that in all of the excitement you may not have thought to ask.

1. Do you have any information about the repair history of the house

2. Do you have any warranty paperwork and owners manuals for anything that is staying with the house

3. Do you have paint colors available so that they can be matched for touch ups etc.

4. Do you have the phone numbers for any contractors you have used for repairs and landscaping on the house. You may want a contractor that is familiar with the house or perhaps you like the way the lawn looks and would like to keep the landscaping service

5. Where are the best restaurants, dry cleaners, daycare centers etc. located

6. Is there a neighborhood watch program and how do you get in touch with the organizer

7. Is there a Homeowners Association and where is the clubhouse - if applicable

8. What are the trash days and what are the requirements. Is there a trash bag limit and what do you do with bulk items

9. What is the history of the house. Things that are not disclosed on the disclosure form - such as an interesting story, the prior uses of the house, do they have a set maintenance schedule in place. Is there anything that works but is a bit quirky when operating it. This could save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs when you find out something works but is just a bit quirky

10. Don't forget to leave the garage door openers

11. Where are the emergency cut offs, the breaker box and utility meters and any tools needed to use them. What about that wrench that is needed to operate the fireplace - is it available

12. Don't forget to ask about the sprinkler system, landscape lighting, septic tank, basement pumps, pool pumps, well pumps, hot tubs operating systems. All of these items may be things you know how to operate or possibly not. So it is best to ask.

Hopefully, these questions will help make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. Don't forget to talk to your realtor, they may have additional questions that would be pertinent to ask about the home you are going to be moving into. Your realtor is there to help you in any way they can so don't hesitate to ask if you need help with something. That is what they are there for.

================================================

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Getting to Great Curb appeal could get you to a Sold sign quicker!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:54:19 -0700

Freshen Your Front Door

The Front door says a lot about a home. Paint the front door and casing and notice how the white door casing makes a door pop! Dress up your front door by cleaning off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home's interior, so choose a wreath that reflects your personal style. Set the tone for the rest of your home with a welcoming entry featuring a clear path to your front door, an attractive porch, a fresh welcome mat and well-tended greenery.

Add new lighting or spruce up what you have

Walkway lights and garage sconces will illuminate the walk and driveway, and cast a glow on your home. If you’re trying to sell your home, many home buyers drive through neighborhoods at night to check safety and traffic patterns. Ensure your home won’t be hidden in the shadows.

Add shutters or accent trim

Shutters and trim add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home's exterior and they can give a new look to any home.

Dress up the driveway and sidewalks

Freshen up the driveway by making sure weeds are not peeking through the cracks and repairing what you can on the driveway. The sidewalk should be clean and fresh plants, flowers and bushes in the flower beds.

Fresh coat of paint on the front porch

It is amazing how much the front of the home will glow with a fresh coat of paint and a pot or two of flowering plants.

If you follow these tips you will have a better chance of getting more buyers through the front door and therefore a better chance of getting a better offer.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Shouldn’t the question be why wouldn’t you use a REALTOR®?

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:22:42 -0800

When researching the question why would you use a REALTOR® I came across more reasons to use a REALTOR® and Very few reasons not to use a REALTOR® here a couple of the most common reasons.

1. I had a bad experience with a REALTOR®/REALTORS®.

2. I need to make more money on the sell of our home.

3. I don’t have enough equity in our home and cannot write a check for commission.

So with that being said let me say this.

1. Bad experience with a REALTOR®? - Interview your next agent and get referrals from people you trust.

2. I Need to make more money on the sell of our home. – Yes, we would all like to make more money but, remember there are many variables to how much money you really make. Do you really know what the market value of your home is? Do you know how to negotiate as well as a professional REALTOR®? Are you motivated to sell your home in the least amount of time for the most money? A REALTOR® can help you !

3. I don’t have enough equity in our home and cannot write a check. - Do you need to sell your home? Why are you wanting to move? Can you afford to live in your home longer to get equity in the home? An Agent can help you see what is best for you at this time and it could be stay in your home a little longer.

Did you know according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.

Here is a short list of what to expect from your REALTOR®

· Completing a Market analysis and Market Value assessment

· Listing your property on the MLS (Multiple Listing System)

· Advertising your property not only to buyers but to other REALTORS®

· Assisting in the preparations to sell your home

· Interior Assessments

· Exterior Assessment

· Community Information

· Preparing the contracts and any additional information needed

· Negotiate any counter offers and other ters of the sale

· Buyers qualification

· Following the loan process

· Opening escrow and depositing Earnest Money

· Coordinating Home inspections and termite inspections

· Obtaining Home Warranty policies

· Coordinating Home stager or tips how to stage your home

· Meeting deadlines and timelines to get to closing on time

· Communicating with all parties throughout the transaction

· Reviewing Inspections and determining issues

· Set up and attend Walk-through’s

· Making sure that all negotiated items have been completed

· Reviewing the Settlement Statement prior to closing

· Confirming receipt of Title Insurance and Commitment

· Coordinating the closing process

· Providing exceptional service throughout the transaction

·Isn't it time to make an intelligent choice and move with toward your home with the help of a Professional REALTOR

So my question is to you? Why wouldn’t you use a REALTOR®? In the end you are the Winner!

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

This could be the home you are looking for.

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:30:35 -0800

612 28th St SE
Altoona, Ia 50009
Drop Your Keys

Peggy Harmeyer

Licensed in the State of Iowa

Office:	(515) 208-8132
Mobile:	(515) 208-8132
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$199,000
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	1,898
Lot Size	:	9,017
County	:	Polk
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2010
MLS Number	:	393942

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

On the breakfast bar in this 4-bedroom/2.5-bath home built by Ron's Homes in Altoona. Features include a living room, master suite with dual sinks, whirlpool tub for soaking, first-floor laundry, efficient kitchen with dishwasher, hardwood floors, electric range, garbage disposal. Altoona Tax abatement

Equal Housing Opportunity.

RE/MAX Real Estate Group : 932 Shadyview Blvd - Pleasant Hill IA 50327 : (515) 208-8132

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Popular Trends in building a new home!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:39:12 -0700

According to the National Association of Home Builders the Median size of new homes in the U.S. has fell from 2277 sq ft to 2135 sq ft in 2009.

The Buyer's are looking for a more modest Home but, they are also looking for nice touches as in Granite countertops, Quality Faucets and Stainless appliances. Buyer's are look for a home that fit's their style. And the single story home still remains to be popular.

Buyers are looking for a functional home that may include a pantry or lot's of cabinet space and Work Islands in the kitchens. Mud Rooms with Lockers (Often called Cubbies) are becoming more popular because, they have a Shelves to organize your shoes, hats, your coat and bag storage. Homes run more efficiently when everything has a place and custom lockers offer function, enhance pride in ownership with beauty and organization for the mud room or garage.

We are seeing more requests for Front or side porches and Covered Decks as outdoor living space has grown in popularity to many.

Making a house "Green" is becoming more popular and one of the Hottest trends is Energy effiency.

Effective Insulation Systems
High-Performance Windows
Tight Construction and Ducts
Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting and Appliances

Making a home healthier by using healthier materials during th construction process and HBAC systmes with top notch filteratons systems and the use of low VOC materials are two that are sure to be popular in 2011.

What features are popular in your area?

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

10 Tips to Create the Illusion of More Space for Small Homes

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:41:27 -0700

We all know by now we should de-clutter to make rooms appear larger but who wants to pack away that treasured antique furniture that dear ole grandmother gave you?

It might be time to try some decorating tips that will help you make rooms look larger and use your space wiser.

1.Go Vertical

Extend cabinets, wall units and bookshelves to the ceiling; especially the kitchen cabinets.

2.Go Lighter

Paint walls light or use pale colors which make the rooms look wider.

3.Go Brighter

Use recessed lighting, inexpensive wall sconces and standard tube-like skylights instead of table or floor lamps; light closer to the ceilings also widens a room.

4.Add a Splash of Wow! Don't Be Boring

Adding bold accents with varying patterns, prints and colors can deflect thoughts that a space is small. This is an area which you'll want to experiment. And separating the walls of a small room into blocks of color can also add visual depth.

5.Utilize Wall Space

Place hooks and magnetic strips on walls in the kitchen and elsewhere and use them to hang pots, pans and other objects to off tables and counters. This emphasizes focus from smaller units to the walls.

6.Size Matters

Measure your space and furniture before any purchase. Couches designed to hug walls are a great way to open up a room, and armless couches and chairs can create the illusion of space. Floor cushions are a good alternative to create seating without adding more furniture and can be easily stored when not in use.

7.Watch Your Angles

Furniture that sticks out at the wrong angle in a small room can draw the eye and make it appear even smaller.

8.Make a Small Bathroom Appear Larger

Small bathroom design can be made to look larger with a few fast easy decorating tips. Enhance small bathroom space using pale, cool colors that reflect light; whites, pastels, and neutral colors to make the bathroom appear larger than it really is.

9.Small Dining Rooms

The easiest way to create more space in a small dining room is to downsize the table. A small dining room table, or one with removable leaves that can be stored away when not in use, will go a long way in making the room look more open and spacious.

10.Decorating for a Small Living/Family Room

It is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, especially for purposes of entertaining and relaxing, so decorating a small living room to be warm and inviting yet still appear spacious is very important. Sometimes the most effective way to increase usable space is to simply reorganize the furniture. Get as many items off the floor as possible by repositioning them on shelves if possible.

================================================

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

5 tips to prepare you home to Sale!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:31:08 -0700

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Be more aware and stay safe!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:21:08 -0700

Since it has been short while that we had a tragedy hit our Real Estate world in Des Moines, Iowa I wanted to remind to Be safe and don't forget it wasn't so long ago that we Lost a young agent that was murdered while working her open house at what most people would consider as a "Safe" neighborhood. We are still deeply saddened by her loss and she is be missed by many. Even though I hadn't mean't her I felt some connection when her since this tragedy happenws so close to home. As REALTORS® this has opened up our eyes to what is safe and not so safe. Many reactions have been described as anger, fear and tears but, this tragedy has made many of us more aware. So now I am on a mission..... A mission to find what idea's and comments from agent's on what they do to make what they do Safe or at least as safe as it can be. I think fear is a normal reaction but, shouldn't we move away from the fear and move on to doing what we can to be safer? So Tell me your idea's and thoughts and see if we can make this a safer profession after all this could happen anywhere. I posted this within weeks of this tragedy but, wanted to post this again as a reminder not to forget to work safe and smart and don't ever let your guard down. If you have thoughts or even Idea's that are working to make a REALTOR Work Safer and Smarter Please respond to my blog. Stay Safe and here are a few Idea's I have found along the way.

Some of the things we will be doing:

•1. Never have a first-time meeting with a potential client alone. Conduct all first-time meetings in the office or other public location.

•2. Do not have the people ride with you to a property; have them follow you in their vehicle.

•3. Require identification at the front door of all open houses and upon first meeting with a client.

•4. Park in the street, so you cannot be blocked in.

•5. Always tell someone where you are going, with whom, and when you should return. Let that person know when you are done with the appointment or if it is extended beyond the expected time. If possible, have the client with you when you relay this information and introduce him or her.

•6. Make a photo copy of the person's driver's license.

•7. Maintain a visitors log at all open houses and insist all visitors sign in.

•8. Be familiar with the property and plan escape routes.

•9. Don't go into confined spaces when showing property, stay at the door way.

•10. When showing properties, for the peace of mind of the seller, always leave your business card.

We strongly encourage and recommend our sales associates do the following to protect themselves:

•1. Make sure your phone is fully charged before showings and open houses.

•2. When showing a home and at open houses, have your phone in your hand at all times with 911 on speed dial.

•3. When holding an open house, let the neighbors know and ask them to be aware of anything out of the ordinary.

•4. Leave your handbag locked in your trunk.

•5. Try to make all showing appointments during daylight hours, unless you know the client well.

•6. Avoid provocative photos in your marketing.

•7. When you are uncomfortable, take a buddy with you.

•8. When possible, use a web cam on your lap top to record the entry.

•9. At open houses, greet the visitor at the door, tell them about the house, allow them to go through the house alone, meet them at the door to answer any questions and say good-bye. If you are uncomfortable, this will allow you an opportunity to take a photo of their car and/or license plate.

These are some great idea's for safety do you have any to add?

Let me know.

Have a safe weekend.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Factors To Help Sell Your Home Quicker

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:43:40 -0700

The ideal home means different things to different people; but the most appealing home always will possess a clear and clean sense of style. Yet many of us allow our personal style to get in the way and that can interfere with selling your home. A few fixes can help you sell your home quicker.

Clutter Control

Every room of the house should be organized so that potential buyers can easily walk through. It can be a headache and an extra burden but think about placing items in storage, especially out-of-season items.

Take a walk around your kitchen and ask yourself, what do you really need? Start by storing bulky appliances that you rarely use. They quickly take up lots of counter space that you want to render useful to buyers.

The bedroom should reveal an oasis however it often becomes a repository for heaps of clothing and portable tech gadgets. Everything has a place so if it doesn't fit or it's in the wrong room, move it or lose it.

What's in a Room

Did you know the number two reason people select a particular house is because of kitchen space? Eight out of ten home buyers who walk through a house remember what the kitchen looks like and what its benefits verses faults were. This leads to the question -- what is the most significant part of the kitchen? Choices include floors, appliances, lighting, but the part that stands out the most are the kitchen cabinets. It is the most dominant aspect of the kitchen, and the easiest way to create a "wow" factor. Everyone remembers the kitchen cabinets; it could be because of the color or stain, the design of the cabinet, or mostly because of the clean feel that a new kitchen cabinet provides.

Does Your Front Door say "Welcome"?

And finally, Curb Appeal really sells the house. Exterior features for new or existing homes will make your house say "welcome" when you return after work or when guests come to call.

Think of your home's façade, lighting, landscaping, and exterior elevation to name a few; these items can easily customize a home when everyone else on the block seems a bit standard.

Give your home a different feel and stand out from the crowd.

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

How the Front Yard Can Make or Break a Sale

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 09:54:26 -0700

The realtor called and they have someone who is really interested in your home. They want to see it this afternoon. So you get the house ready, and you clean up the bathroom and kitchen, and you see a few people pull up into your driveway.

These must be the people who are interested in the home. But wait, where are they going? Are these just strangers making a U-turn in my driveway, or did my front yard just scare them off? No, they were your potential buyers.

When you're selling a home, it's true that staging the inside of your home for interested buyers is important. However, first impressions are even more important. That's why you should pay close attention to sprucing up your front yard. You won't have a chance to make another first impression.

Any real estate agent will tell you when you sell a home, curb appeal and landscaping is key; it can attract the eye of a buyer, or send them back to the internet to continue their search. With so many homes available, there are plenty of homes with impressive yards.

Keep your front yard, and your porch neat, clean and tidy. Here are some easy ways to get your front yard up to speed:

1) Edge your flower beds, and your grass. By fixing many little things, you can improve the overall look of your home.
2) Mow your lawn and remove all the leaves.
3) Prune your overgrown shrubs and trees.
4) Use a weed killer like Roundup to kill the weeds growing through the cracks in your driveway.
6) Mulch is inexpensive. If you need to add mulch to your gardens or around trees, do it. It always looks messy when there are an enormous amount of weeds popping up around mulch that looks 10 years old. The color of the new mulch will also revitalize your yard.
8) Put a $50 bag of fertilizer on your yard. Scott's with weed and crabgrass control comes highly recommended. It won't take long to turn a healthy green color.

Don't leave your yard looking disorderly. Never assume that even if you're selling your house at a bargain price, that the new owners will want to tackle the task.

When the time comes to sell your home, you should always start with your front yard, and work your way in. As one realtor told me, "When your front yard catches their eye, they're always intrigued by what's inside." Get them in the door to see what else you have to offer in amentities.

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Staging your home to sell!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:41:48 -0700

7 Tips for Staging Your Home

Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

The Pitfalls of For Sale by Owner

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:50:13 -0700

======================================================================= Many homeowners think that selling their home alone without the help of a real estate agent will help save them money in the end. The fact of the matter is that selling your home on your own isn't easy work. In fact, you may actually lose a substantial amount of money when you try to swell your pockets you aren't formerly trained in the business of real estate. A Realtor can not only save you money, they can save you time and stress so that you can make the transition from one house to the other as smoothly as possible. Putting Your Home on the Market Did you think you could erect a “for sale by owner” sign and everything else would be smooth sailing? While this is a start, there is a lot more to it. Many homeowners learn about multiple listing services, which is basically an index of homes that are on the market and then pay about a few hundred dollars to have their home listed. When calls don't start flooding in inquiring about the home many sellers wonder what the problem is. The problem is that it takes more than a listing to get Realtors to visit your home with their clients. Realtors are loyal to other Realtors--that's just the way it works. Also, when you work with a Realtor he or she may be able to network with others to be sure that your home is getting as much exposure as possible, all for the price of the sales commission. A Realtor will also have other avenues to explore with listing your home on the Internet and locally. The Value of Your Home Sellers lose money when they attempt to sell their home on their own because they don’t know the true market value. A Realtor knows all of the current market values and trends and can help you get the most for your home no matter what the market situation is. Reputation The majority of people in the market for a home go with a Realtor; in fact 80% of buyers work with a Realtor because the Realtor has a good reputation and they need help maneuvering the real estate market. If you put a sign in your yard, in the newspaper, or on bulletin boards in various areas buyers have no idea who they are dealing with. Though a buyer may be able to get a good deal on a home that is for sale by owner, they are leery of working with someone that they don't know and may or may not have real estate experience. Final Thought As you can see, there are many reasons to work with a real estate agent instead of trying to sell your home on your own. While a Realtor may take as much as 7% of the selling price, this is peanuts for all of the work and stress that they are saving you from. Just think; the legal paper work, home inspections, showing your home, and marketing with other Realtors to sell your home as quickly as possible for a reasonable price is what a Realtor does and simply stated what you cannot accomplish.

=========================================================================== Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only. Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Downsize Your Lifestyle To Upgrade Your Life

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:35:38 -0800

DowMany people are responding to our economic downfall by spending less money by downsizing in every which way they can. Less has really become More; in fact, Less is the new trend.

Cutting back on your spending can easily leave you feeling deprived if you view it in a negative light. But focusing on the fact that you can't afford the lifestyle right now will only lead to a worse quality of life. The question is what are you willing to change in your life to achieve your goals?

Shifting your focus away from what you wish you had though, frees you to take a closer look at what you actually do have right now. It is then that you can discover hidden treasures in your situation. Could it be that living with less money could lead to more satisfaction? That is what our family has found. Downsizing our lifestyle has led to a richer life than we ever could have experienced if we had spent lots of money.

Here are some ways you can downsize your lifestyle to upgrade your life:

Move to a less expensive home. Freedom from the pressures of a large mortgage payment is priceless. The monthly mortgage payment is generally the largest single expense a consumer can face. It routinely accounts for 30% or more of your gross income. A small home also means less space to have to clean, lower utility bills and property taxes, and fewer repairs to handle. How many of your resources are tied up in your house? If you make the right move, you might be able to trade in your house and use the profit from the sale to purchase your next home in cash.

Eat out less. But the benefits of eating at home aren't just financial. when you make your own meals you can control what ingredients go into them and prepare food in healthier ways than you would typically find at restaurants. If restaurant meals are breaking your budget, try eating all your meals at home for a certain period of time and see how much money you have saved.

Eliminate extras. Unnecessary indulgences like manicures, fancy coffee shop drinks, and high tech gadgets that do what you can do yourself can waste a lot of your hard-earned money. When you let go of them, you learn how to separate what you truly need from what you merely want.

And finally, change the way you think about life and money.

Think about these mind set changes: if it cost money then do not buy it. Find it for free or do without. Ask yourself, do I really need it and can I really live without it?

Remember, life is not over when you eliminate a few material possessions.

================================================

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Home Energy Use: Where does it go and how can I save?

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:48:28 -0800

Did you ever wonder where does your electric consumption go? And did you ever wonder how are you going to save on your electric bill? Well, you need not to ask these questions without getting the right answers anymore. This article will tell you the answers to these 2 questions.

The largest portion of your electric consumption goes to space heating, 47% to be exact. This is almost half of the cost of our electric bill. The other half is shared by lighting and appliance with 24%, water heating with 17%, air conditioning with 6%, and refrigeration with 5%.

With this information at hand, we can easily determine when to start our move to keep the our electric consumption low.

Since the largest part of our electric consumption goes to space heating, we will start here.

Insulating the parts of your home particularly the ceiling and walls save you as much as 30% on heating expenses that equates to 15% savings on total electric cost. Doing this will of course require you to invest on materials that will be placed around your home but it is worth the money. Imagine a $150 savings per year just by insulating your home.

Also, you can further save on heating expenses if you superinsulate your home if you are living in cooler environment.

Doing some changes around your home will certainly make a difference on your electric bill. If you live on warm climate, a shade of a deciduous tree will cool down your area that will save you on air conditioning. An appropriate roof and wall painting will further give you extra savings.

Covering your window with plastic coating will provide extra insulation. This will help to keep the heat from going outside as well as the cold air from going inside the house.

Sealing all the leaks around your home will ensure that the heat will stay inside. Leaks will often come from windows, doors, sills, joints and walls.

A regular maintenance check on the furnace will keep it running efficiently, thus, ensuring you get space heat equals the electricity consumed. A clean air filter will also ensure that you get efficient air recycling as well as clean air. Leaking ducts will make your heating system work 30% more, thus, you are using power and spending more on wasted energy.

A quarter of our electric bill goes to the lighting and appliances. Here, we would concentrate on the control and responsible use of lights and electronic devices.

Make sure that you turn the lights off when not in use. Turn off the lights when you leave the room even for a few minutes. Turn off the stereo and television if you are not using them.

Reduce the thermostat of your refrigerator. It constitutes 20% of your household electric consumption.

Wash your clothes with cold water. You can save as much as 90% on washing machine's electric consumption if you will not use the heating. You do not need warn water so kill the germs on your clothes. The detergent will do.

Only use the dishwasher if you intend a full load dishwashing. Dishwasher uses the same amount of power and water whether you full load them or not. Also, prefer air-drying your dishes instead of heating them inside the dishwasher.

Reducing the temperature of your water heater will also help you to further reduce the cost of your home energy bill. If the thermostat of your water heater is set on 140 degrees Fahrenheit, lower it down to 120. It will be enough to give you warn water. Invest on water heater jacket. It is cheap but will certainly yield to bigger savings.

If you are going to replace your appliance, make sure you select energy efficient ones. Energy guide details can be seen on the label of each new appliance.

Compact energy bulbs are cheaper and more energy efficient than incandescent lights. Compact lights also last 8-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs so you will also save yourself from buying incandescent bulbs 8-10 times.

Replace your regular showerheads with low-flow ones. This will reduce your water consumption by as much as 40%.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Radiant Heat: 5 Reason's to Love it!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:46:03 -0800

Radiant Heat: 5 Hot Reasons to Love It

Radiant heat warms the body, not the air, producing a toasty feeling that takes the chill out of winter. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Key points to Lead Follow up.

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:49:14 -0800

1. The purpose of lead follow up is getting an appointment so don't forget to ask for the appointment after all what the worst thing that can happen is? They Say no and you can move on to the next lead. Meeting in your office or a neutral place like a coffee shop can be more controlled but, if it is a listing appointment you would want to meet them in the home that you would be potentially listing so that you can see the details of the home and go over what needs to be done on the home to make it ready to list.

•2. For leads from people who have come through open houses, websites, direct mail ECT. Make sure you ask the right questions to see if they are qualified buyers and if they are interested in the home or if they are just window shopping. You don't want to spend the majority of your time on people who are not ready to buy in the near future since you need to keep your focus on the buyers and sellers ready to take the next step. If they seem interested to sell or buy within 1 Year put them in as a follow up lead in a few months or a set time.

•3. Remember if you don't reach a prospect to look for another way to contact them like email, text, face to face. You have to be flexible and don't just give up if they don't answer their phone.

•4. Lead generation comes from so many areas that we need to keep track of where you get your leads from and what leads are working and which leads are junk. If you find that a Lead source is providing lots of junk leads dump it and spend your time on what works.

Do you have lead generation that is working for you?

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Roland Iowa -Back to the home I lived in when I was a child.

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:58:22 -0800

I was showing a property in Story City Iowa last week and decided to talk a short drive across the intestate and check out where I went to school in Roland Iowa and then venture to see a home I lived in for 3 years of my childhood. I found my way to the countryside and found the home, the creek we used to swim and fish in and the home I lived in.

It was kind of fun going by and remembering the fun we had in the barns and fields the creative ways we made fun out of just about anything. It is funny what I thought was a big hill wasn't has big as I thought or the long bike rides we road were not half as long as I remembered. I guess when you are young things seem larger than they are. As far as the home? Still there they added on a garage and painted the home. The buildings? Looks like most of them are there but, in poor condition and they no longer have a lane/drive just the front drive to the front of the home to the garage. Glad to see that someone was still living in the home and I sure hope they make memories as I did. If you need a home to make those memories in a home in the Des Moines Metro let me know as I can certainly help you find your home.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Getting a running start to 2011!

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:27:36 -0800

As I look back on the year 2010 things were a bit bizarre. What do I mean by that? Well interesting enough I had a year that really didn't get me where I wanted to go so this year I will be implementing systems and using tools to focus on the direction I will be going with my Real Estate this year.

This year's goal is to keep focused and strive to be more productive by using the systems I put in place and not just writing them down. As I was working on my business plan for 2011 and reviewing 2010 I discovered I wasn't completely clear on what my goals were and how I was going to achieve them.

So now I will be not only working on my system's but, also working on exactly what my goals are and how I intend to get there. By being Clear about what the purpose is and putting the systems in place and just doing it I will have a successful 2011.

I have some systems I can use to make it a successful year in Real Estate but, I would like to hear from you about what system and tools have helped you grow your business especially in this economy.

Make it a great year!

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Paulette Franklin Altoona Iowa

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 15:45:45 -0800

Someone that has given alot not only to the City of Altoona but, Dollars for Scholars. Paulette was very active in the Altoona Chamber for many years and as a matter of fact many of us thought of Paulette when you talked about the Altoona Chamber. Paulette gave many hours to our city and was always focused on making our community better place. While Paulette was part of the Chamber it grew into a great organization and still will go strong because of all she gave. The community was very important to Paulette as was her family and friends. She will be remembered by all. You will be missed Paulette.

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Making a home more Green friendly.

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:50:55 -0800

The green revolution is slowly making its home in the construction industry. With Global warming and environmental issues becoming common knowledge it is important to adapt good"Green Habits" in our home as well. It is important to become more aware of what we can do to build a Green Home from the ground up. Here are a few ideas to make your new home more green Friendly.

Increase energy efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the foundation of any green building project.

To create a greener home you can start with your heating and cooling and make sure you are using a High SEER/EER air conditioning unit and high efficient furnace or heating system.

Try using Fluorescent light bulbs and make sure that there is advanced sealing and caulking to reduce drafts. If you add 2 x 6 wall framing with increased insulation with an insulated foundation your home will have an excellent start to being Greener friendly.

Consider using some of these products

• Engineered lumber - OSB, wood I-joists

• Recycled newsprint cellulose insulation

• Water-conserving plumbing fixtures

• Fiber-cement siding and trim

• Recycled-content decking

• Recycled-content carpet

• Treated wood that does not contain arsenic or chromium

Consider offering some or all of the following as part of an Indoor Air Quality Package:

• Formaldehyde-free insulation

• No or Low-VOC paints

• Solvent-free wood finishes

• Less-toxic adhesives

• Natural linoleum instead of vinyl flooring

• FSC-certified wood or bamboo flooring

Instead of carpet

• Sealed particle board in cabinets and counter tops

Install On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump

An on-demand hot water circulation pump can send hot water to fixtures in seconds; without wasting water while waiting for it to get hot. It uses a pump to rapidly move water from a water heater to fixtures. It stops when water reaches a pre-set temperature.

Install Water Filtration Units at Faucets

Insulate Hot and Cold Water Pipes

By Insulating water pipes you can reduce heat loss or gain in the pipes while the water is standing.

Install Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets

New high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush) or less. Some manufacturers offer dual flush toilets.

Install Flow Reducers in Faucets and Showers

Flow reducers fit into the aerator at the tip of the faucet and reduce the rate of water flow through the

faucet. Low-flow showerheads replace standard showerheads.

Install Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters (flash or on demand heaters) heat water as needed rather than having a tank in which hot water is stored. Their capacity to provide hot water is virtually unlimited. Tankless heaters use energy only for immediate hot water needs. Tankless water heaters often are quicker and more reliable.

Energy savers can be as simple as installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, to installing lighting controls that use dimmers, sensors and timers to turn lights off in unused areas when lighting is not needed, making sure you use energy star appliances or using Energy-Efficient Windows.

These are only some of the things to do when you build or remodel a home to make the home more Green and help our environment to become healthier.

Let's make 2011 a greener and healthier year

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Plan ahead before you are ready to buy.

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:45:57 -0800

Here are a few planning steps to prepare you before buying a home.

•1. Talk to a lender

•2. Get your free credit report to make sure that there isn't anything on your report that shouldn't be there.

•3. If you have any credit issues to work through make sure to talk to your Lender to see which way would be the best way to get through them so you are ready when you want to buy.

•4. Start saving a little extra for your down payment when you can.

•5. Take the time to visit a few open house's or look at homes online and get a feel for what type and style of home will fit your budget and your needs.

•6. Get to know a few REALTORS and find one you can trust. Don't wait until you are ready to buy and just pick one out of the book. (Would you pick your doctor or lawyer by just picking them out of the yellow pages?).

•7. If you want to build a home than ask your REALTOR if he/she can recommend a few builders for you to interview.

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Day 9 of the 31 days challenge

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:06:17 -0800

Today I spent the afternoon in a blogging class and it was interesting and I learned some great blogging tips. Les was an awesome teacher and if you haven't been to his classes make it a point to go to at least one of his classes in 2011. Check out his website at http://www.simplydesmoines.com/?page_id=820

Blogging can be a challengefor us less than creative creatures but, it is do-able. If you are afraid that your spelling or grammar skills are less than perfect than do the basic and have an assistant proof and get it ready to go. It needs to be interesting but, true to you. This is not to say you couldn't use someone's ideas or blog occasionally but, with permission and giving the credit to where credit is due!

After my after noon in class I was excited and regenerated to get busy on the new ideas for my 2011 blogs so that next year will be a turning point to better blogging - one you just may want to read more often than not.

See you at one of Les's classes in 2011 I hear he is going to have some great MLS classes the first part of the year. See you there.

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

What do you want to hear on my Blog in 2011?

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:51:37 -0800

What topics would you like to hear about on my blogs in 2011? You will be seeing more of me in the blogging world and thought I would give you the reader an opportunity to make requests of what you want to see here. Some of the news I will be covering here will be not only be in my community but, news from all over the nation. I will be excited to share with you what is going on, what I have learned or what I will be learning over the next year. Get ready 2011 Here I come.

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

31 days-"Better Late than Never"

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa (RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:09:22 -0800

I am 7 days behind and tomorow I will have alot ahead of me to get caught up with the 31 days. Tomorow starts with tonights planning. Contact 15 people tomorow and see what it will bring. Do the 13 listing updates I didn't get too yet and a closing. Office meeting, agent tour, make flyers for new lisitng, Two virtual listings and upload pictures could be a busy day but, productive has it's benefits. Work hard, Work strong go far.

See you later with my 31 days updates.

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

Peggy S.'s Blog

Challenging your property tax in Polk County Iowa - You have 10 More days!

Helpful Questions to Ask the Seller Before Moving In!

Getting to Great Curb appeal could get you to a Sold sign quicker!

Shouldn’t the question be why wouldn’t you use a REALTOR®?

This could be the home you are looking for.

Popular Trends in building a new home!

10 Tips to Create the Illusion of More Space for Small Homes

5 tips to prepare you home to Sale!

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Be more aware and stay safe!

Factors To Help Sell Your Home Quicker

How the Front Yard Can Make or Break a Sale

Staging your home to sell!

7 Tips for Staging Your Home

The Pitfalls of For Sale by Owner

Downsize Your Lifestyle To Upgrade Your Life

Home Energy Use: Where does it go and how can I save?

Radiant Heat: 5 Reason's to Love it!

Radiant Heat: 5 Hot Reasons to Love It

Key points to Lead Follow up.

Roland Iowa -Back to the home I lived in when I was a child.

Getting a running start to 2011!

Paulette Franklin Altoona Iowa

Making a home more Green friendly.

Plan ahead before you are ready to buy.

Day 9 of the 31 days challenge

What do you want to hear on my Blog in 2011?

31 days-"Better Late than Never"