Newton, Iowa Real Estate

Posted: Jul 16, 2009, 9:56am PDT

Remodeled And Updated Four Bedroom!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:31:13 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

921 N. 4th Ave. W., Newton, IA

Four bedroom two story with Chef's Dream kitchen, beautiful woodwork, fenced yard and two car garage!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	1920
Sq Footage	2,892
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	9,480 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Remodeled and updated this four bedroom home features beautiful original woodwork, formal dining room, Chef's Dream Kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a Jenn-Air convection oven with grill and downdraft. Spacious living room connects to an awesome wraparound, sun filled, tile floored porch with sink, your plants will love it! Full bath, office or possible bedroom with 3/4 bath on main level. Four large bedrooms with full bath on upper level, walk up attic is great for storage or could be finished for living space. Full basement, harwood floors under new carpet and no wallpaper! Beautifully landscaped yard has 7' privacy fence. Two car garage. Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central heat	• Family room	• Living room
• Dining room	• Refrigerator	• Stove/Oven
• Stainless steel appliances	• Basement	• Laundry area - inside
• Balcony, Deck, or Patio	• Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Bedroom 1
Dream Kitchen	Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3	Open Living Room

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jul 9, 2009, 5:50am PDT

BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE WITH GREAT VIEWS!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:56:50 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

10714 S. 36th Ave. W., Colfax, IA

Meticulously maintained, newer construction home!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $329,000

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,344
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	130,680 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful 1 1/2 Story home with great views. Open floor plan with sunporch and 2 sided fireplace. Large lower level family room and walkout porch. Large back yard with patio and firepit. Also features a 40' x 72' outbuilding with heated shop and 900 sq. ft. apartment. Call the Doyle & DeVoe team for your personal showing today!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

900 sq. ft. apartment, Central Vacuum

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Gorgeous Ranch w/ Walkout	Open Kitchen
Large Living Room	Sunporch
Large Lower Level	Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 25, 2009, 10:45am PDT

Four Bedroom Three Bath Four Car Garage!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:41:49 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

830 E. 17th St. N., Newton, IA

Four bedroom home with vaulted ceiling family room and 2- 2 car garages.

4BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $179,000

Year Built	1975
Sq Footage	1,809
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	1 full, 2 partial
Floors	2
Parking	4 Car garage
Lot Size	8,280 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Perfectly maintained brick front Berg area home! Tile floor entryway, kitchen and dining area. Cooks Delight kitchen features lots of counter space, pantry, dining bar and desk area. Vaulted ceiling and wonderful built in entertainment center in family room. Three bedrooms and full bath on upper level plus master suite with half bath. Bonus or family room on lower level, storage, sump pump, split water meters, one for outdoor use. Brick patio, two car attached garage and 24'x28' heated & air conditioned detached garage. Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

2 Car Attached and 2 Car Detached Garages!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful Brick 2 Story!	Nice Family Room
Large Kitchen	Living Room
Master Bedroom	Lovely Patio

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 25, 2009, 10:26am PDT

GORGEOUS 2 STORY, 3 BEDROOM HOME!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:18:48 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

1411 W. 13th St. S., Newton, IA

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $207,000

Year Built	1959
Sq Footage	2,706
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 2 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	17,374 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Spacious SW home with screened in porch. Has large family room and large dining room with 2 furnaces and 2 central air units.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Flat, Wooded Lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful 2 Story Home!	Large Family Room
Spacious Dining Room	Kitchen
Cozy Master Bedroom	3 Seasons Room

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 25, 2009, 10:04am PDT

The "Highs" and "Lows" of Craigslist Ads

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:40:05 -0500

Great post and it's so true. Thank You. A good read.

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):

I have just been having so much fun selling my stuff on Craigslist. I almost thought I had a new part-time job - just answering to inquiries on my items. However, the more I had "fun" thinking about all this extra money I could earn, I began to fear the inevitable. What if these so-called buyers did not have intentions of purchasing my items and instead looking for "trouble"?

I have people whose emails do not describe themselves. I have no idea whom they are and where they will come from. Some of these emails are not very friendly per se.... I am interested in your dining table. What time can I come by to look at it??? Before I know it, I'd be giving out my address. I could meet people who would purchase small stuff, but the big dining tables, furniture - that's almost impossible. The next safest strategy is for them to show up when my husband is around. Not just alone by myself.

I know I have to watch out for some scary people out there. That's also the reason why I would never go buy anything off Craigslist without my husband accompanying me. If the time does not work out and the item is sold, just too bad for me. Safety comes first in the grand scheme of things.

These "fears" are real. The Craigslist murder made me much more aware of crazies out there. If you do not know about the Craigslist murder, let me just tell you that 22-year old Philip Markoff is on trial accussed of murdering a woman whom he supposedly met through Craigslist.

Then, at the same time, you google my name, I have many pages of me all over the Internet. Good thing if it's meant for good marketing of my business. Bad thing if someone wants to harm me. (That's also a reason I never tweet or Facebook about where I'm at exactly for this fear).

At the same time, we as Realtors(R) answer emails and meet people on the houses we sell. Our goal is to sell the houses and make a sale. You'd never know where your prospects connect with you. I've sold homes because of my Craigslist and VFlyer ads so I know they work. One thing I learnt, I never do immediate appointments. I also at least try to google the person's name to find out more information, or at least how they look - if I could find it.

Here are some tips when selling on Craiglist:

For smaller items, plan to meet in a public area.

For larger items, make sure someone can be with you during the sale.

In real estate, do not meet anyone whom you do not know. Meet at a public area or in your office with other co-workers around.

In the public area, text the vehicle license plate to your friend and spouse. You should have a discussion with them prior to the meeting about your whereabouts.

In the Frisco TX area, all my showings are logged in with the Showing system. My husband knows the route I would take (as planned on the showing appointments).

Program 911 on your speed dial. Use it if you have to.

When you are meeting a "questionable" prospect, ask someone to call you 10 minutes into your appointment to check on you.

This world has turned into a scary place. Social media has drawn us closer. But at the same time, we have opened ourselves for lots of vulnerability that hasnt happened prior to Facebook and Twitter.

I'd just say, Go with your gut feeling.

*************************************************************

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Systematic market approach to selling your home - an intentionally unique proposal that most real estate agents do not use. Find out why it is our differentiator and how past clients are on their way to the closing table with this proposition to home selling.

Contact:
Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY).
The "Highs" and "Lows" of Craigslist Ads.

Open Floor Plan 3 Bedroom with Walkout!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:06:12 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

1448 S. 20th Ave. W., Newton, IA

Open family, dining and kitchen makes great entertaining area in this three bedroom walkout.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $264,000

Year Built	1994
Sq Footage	2,466
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	27,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

If you like to entertain you'll love the floor plan here! Open area features a gas fired wood burning fireplace in the family room, breakfast room with French doors to the deck, kitchen has double wall ovens, island, pantry, desk area and lots of counterspace. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout and plenty of windows for light and wonderful views. Main level master suite with whirlpool and walk in closet. Two large bedrooms, one with double closets, full bath with double sink vanity and loft sitting area on upper level. Walkout lower level has abundant storage, 3/4 bath, French doors to the patio and a workshop. Located on a beautifully landscaped over half acre lot with easy Interstate access. Two car attached garage Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Wooded Lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Family Room
Living Room	Large Kitchen
Dining Room	Beautiful Master Suite

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 22, 2009, 5:43am PDT

Four bedroom walkout ranch with three car attached garage on 1.88 acres!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:48:13 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

944-6 Meadowbrook Ave., Newton, IA

IMPRESSIVE SETTING! 4 Bedroom Walkout!

5BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $280,000

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	1,928
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	1.88 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Located on 1.88 wooded acres this walkout ranch features a spacious maple kitchen with stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and dining area with sliders to the deck. Main floor laundry and mudroom with sink. Cozy gas fired stone fireplace in living room. Lots of windows for light and to enjoy the views. Master suite boasts a walk in closet, double sink vanity, separate shower and jet tub. Two more bedrooms and full bath on main level with two bedrooms, huge family/ game room with sliders to patio area, lots of storage and garden garage on lower level. Large deck is perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. Circle driveway with basketball hoop. Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Stainless steel appliances
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Wooded Lot, Private Street

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Gorgeous Ranch Home!	Spacious Family Room
Living Room	Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom	Back Patio

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 18, 2009, 6:13am PDT

LARGE RANCH HOME WITH LOWER LEVEL WALKOUT AND HUGE YARD!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:11:43 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

4857 Legion St., Newton, IA

Newly constructed five bedroom, 3 bath, walkout ranch on 2.6 acres!

5BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $284,000

Year Built	2008
Sq Footage	2,100
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	2.6 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful finished new home by Jim Rader Construction! Open living room, dining and kitchen area. Spacious kitchen features oak cabinetry and island countertop, sunroom has lots of windows overlooking large back yard and access to the deck. Full bath,laundry room, two big bedrooms and master suite with full bath and walk in closet on main level with two more bedrooms and full bath on finished lower level. Huge family room with access to patio, lots of storage and game room just waiting for that wet bar also on lower level. Quality 2x6 construction, all electric forced air heat with supplemental baseboard heating on lower level, Argon filled windows, 26x26 oversized attached garage with 8x18 overhead door. Located on a paved road road just 5 miles from town on 2.6 acres. Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Microwave	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Walkout, Large Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful Ranch Home!	Large Yard and Walkout
Large Kitchen and Dining	Spacious LL Family Room
Master Bedroom	Living Room

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 18, 2009, 5:48am PDT

Gorgeous Split Level Home with Yard!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:40:32 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

133 Emerson Hough Dr., Newton, IA

Beautiful Home with Finished Lower Level!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $219,000

Year Built	1959
Sq Footage	1,928
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	4 Car garage
Lot Size	1.15 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Amazing four bedroom home on 1.15 secluded acres with mature trees. Open living, dining and kitchen area with vaulted ceiling. Wood burning fireplace in living room, beautiful oak cabinetry and new flooring in spacious kitchen. Four bedrooms and two full bathrooms on upper level inlcuding two with walk in closets and huge master with separate deck access. Fully finished walk out lower level features large family living area, half bath and access to a covered patio area. Two car attached garage and two car heated detached garage with window A/C. End of the road location with lots of trees. Call The Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Basement
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Cul-de-sac

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful Split Level!	Kitchen
Living Room	Cozy Family Room
Large Master Suite	Nice Yard and Deck

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 18, 2009, 5:22am PDT

3 BR, 3 BA Home on 5+ Acres!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:44:20 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

11980 N. 4th Ave. W., Colfax, IA

Three bedroom three bath home with two sided fireplace, breakfast room, 24'x24' outbuilding on 5+ acres!

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $269,000

Year Built	1993
Sq Footage	2,466
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5.7 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great location. Easy access to I-80 no matter where you work. Acreage north of Interstate 80 Colfax Exit. See-thru fireplace (2-sided) Family room/Dining room and Living room. Bonus room upstairs. High-tensel fence around property (5 acres fenced). Detached 1 car garage for car or storage. Finish basement the way you want it! Uses about 1,000 gallons of Propane per winter/so 1,500 average.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Tile floor	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Pond, Wooded Lot, Corner Lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful Home	Large Back Yard
Large Master Suite	Nice Breakfast Room
Cozy Living Room	Nice Pond

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 17, 2009, 12:40pm PDT

IMMACULATE CUSTOM HOME OVERLOOKING POND!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:50:00 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

1084 W. 28th St. S., Newton, IA

SPECTACULAR HOME OVERLOOKING POND!

5BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $374,000

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	3,214
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	1 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

You'll be amazed when you step inside this Custom Built BEAUTY! Over 5,500 sq. ft., 4-5 BR, 3.5 BA, 2x6 construction, open floor plan with master suite this is the suite your friends will envy. With a sunken whirlpool tub, a sit down shower and a dream of a walk-in closet, this will surely pamper you. A great room w/vaulted ceiling & gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen w/solid surface countertops, walk-in pantry, double wall oven, & custom built lighted cabinets. Upper level features office, library, 2 bedrooms, computer room & full bath & a loft overlooking great room. Lighted stairway leads down to walkout lower level. Lower level features family room w/gas fireplace, bar area, office, .75 BA, guest bedroom, ample storage and walks out to breathtaking wooded lot complete with pond, professionally landscaped yard, & lots of perennials. In very private setting full of wildlife! A nature lovers dream! Hard surface, west side of Newton, easy access to I-80, short commute to the Des Moines area. Call Geri Doyle to see at 641-521-5678 for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Stocked Pond

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Custom Built Home!	Large Yard with Pond!
The Great Room	Large Family Room on LL
Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 16, 2009, 11:20am PDT

IMMACULATE 4 BEDROOM HOME WITH GREAT VIEWS!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:19:10 -0500

Geri Doyle | Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty | 641-792-5678

4501 W. 4th St. S., Newton, IA

Beautiful one story home with immaculate views!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $345,000

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	2,240
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	8 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Walls of glass bring the views right into this four bedroom Contemporary Styled home. An open flowing floor plan features a great room with floor to ceiling windows, living area with gas fireplace, sun drenched gourmet kitchen has custom maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, dining counters and room for multiple cooks. Spacious master suite, master bath with walk in shower, double vanity and jet tub. Full finished walk out lower level has lots of family space, three bedrooms, full bath and weight room. Maintenance free deck is perfect for entertaining outdoors, two car attatched garage, 30'x50'outbuilding with water and electric to store all the toys. Call the Doyle & DeVoe Team Today for your personal showing!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dishwasher	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

30' x 50' Outbuilding

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

IMMACULATE 4 BEDROOM HOME	The Great Room
HUGE KITCHEN	Large Master Bedroom
AMAZING BACK DECK	Great Living Space

Contact info:

Geri Doyle

Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty

641-792-5678

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 16, 2009, 9:58am PDT

The other side of a foreclosure

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:42:18 -0500

Sad Sad situation makes you sick. How about the foreclosed homes where the family ups and leaves everything. I don't get it?

www.newtoniowarealty.com

Via Andrew Monaghan CRS, GRI, EPro Associate Broker (Keller Williams Professional Partners):

Foreclosure is hard on everybody involved, the person facing it, their families, the neighborhood the home is in, the bank tha is loosing the loan and the loss associated and so on.

I was going through the tax records in my area and noticed a home for sale in my subdivision,

it was purchased in 2007 for $539,000 and is now slated to be foreclosed on in June.

the person tha towns this home has put in a huge amount of landscaping and of course the pool,

has a newer Dodge Viper

A ford 650 truck that is lifted and has been customized

A twin hulled 25 foot plus speed boat

all the other toys and much more

Should this person be allowed the same consideration on foreclosure, forgiveness of debt and so on that a truly deserving family needs, a bread winner loosing their job that caused the foreclosure.

This persons lack of thought and fiscial restraint will cause all the homes in the area to be devalued.

And teh bank is wrong to take this home?????

I've had it with these foreclosure companies!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:30:01 -0500

Well I'm trying to be positive here but here is a good one. I've been searching for my daughter and her boyfriend a home for he is a first time home buyer. We looked for 6 weeks we finally find a home that he fell in love with. But guess what, a foreclosure full of mold, leaking roof and a few other things. Home is 4 years old and a heck of a deal. I've sold Real Estate for 10 years so I knew this would not pass for a first time home buyer loan and there were multiple offers.My husband and I decided to put a cash offer on it. we really wanted them to get this home. We put a full price on it 120,000.00. Offer was accepted 2 weeks ago. I'm closing on it next week and in turn will sell it to them for the price I paid so they can take advantage of the tax credits. Today I get an email from the listing agent. The company is assetlink's a gal says that works there says I will not recieve any commission because I'm the buyer.

I told the listing agent which it's not her fault I was using that money to buy them appliances. They are first time home buyers they have no money! And why am I just finding out now! I told Sharon the listing agent, are they going to reduce the price now since their not paying me commission?

So does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Geri

What is a C...D...Whaaaah Whhhaaaat???

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:37:33 -0500

I'm going to check this out. We have a few short sales listed, the more I know the better I will be able to help that consumer.

www.newtoniowarealty.com

Via Christianne Gordon, Realtor®, e-PRO Carson Valley Nevada Real Estate (Northern Nevada Real Estate - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates):

The proper designation is CDPE...And no, it's not an incurable disease and it's not some weird workout program....it is the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, and you not only want it, you NEED it - whether you know it or not.

This designation is a MUST HAVE and the course is a MUST TAKE! I can't say it any simpler.

One of the greatest tragedies in America today is the fact that there are so many bank-owned properties on the market that could have been successfully divested as short sales. The damage a foreclosure does to a homeowner is life-long, as opposed to the temporary setback of a short sale. And that's not even mentioning the damage a foreclosure does to the neighborhood property values, or the period of time it sits vacant with a dead lawn and weird signs in the windows...

Did you know:

2.75% of all mortgages are in foreclosure, but 6.41% are in default?

9.61% are distressed?

In this course, I learned that a homeowner in distress doesn't necessarily mean they are a foreclosure or a short sale...A family in distress may still be making their payments - for the time being...but it is only a matter of time before the situation becomes uncontrollable.

This course teaches you to not address the property, but the people. These people need help. And who better to help them - and control the values in your area. If you let a property go to foreclosure in your farm, that sets a new price floor for the market. If you can avoid that, you can help maintain values in your area and be the neighborhood champion.

Did I mention the portfolio of forms and short sale package process they have is incredibly thorough and well organized? CDPE agents close 8 out of every 10 short sales they attempt. Wouldn't you love to have that success rate? I know I would.

Did you realize by representing sellers in a short sale situation you could be opening yourself up to serious legal exposure? Do you currently complete a hold harmless agreement when you list a short sale? I wasn't before, but I understand now the importance of completing one...and that is just ONE form in the set.

Did you know that those sellers who have careers in the military, TSA, law enforcement, or any other sensitive position that uses a security clearance could lose their job if they are foreclosed upon? Again, I didn't either. And I had forgotten that when these people go to buy a home 10 years from now, they will dread completing Form 1003, the mortgage application, when it comes to the last question that asks: Have you ever been a party to a foreclosure? Those foreclosures may leave a credit report, but they will never leave the public record, and they will haunt their victims for decades to come.

The National Association of Realtors has projected that 4.9 million homes will sell in 2009. And the Mortgage Banker's Association has stated that 7.9 million homeowners will receive Default Notices, and have foreclosure proceedings started against them.

We are REALTORS - We should be doing everything we can to prevent foreclosures. I did subscribe to many of the myths that were clearly debunked in this class. And if we are armed with the knowledge to effectively complete short sales, we can stop the bleeding - one agent at a time in one neighborhood at a time - and collectively as a group, change the direction of the real estate market in our nation.

I want to be part of the solution. Do you? If you do, get educated. Get your CDPE designation. Go to http://www.cdpenow.com to find a course near you.

I am proud to say that I completed my designation, passed my test, and am officially a Certified Distressed Property Expert. I am ready to go to work for Northern Nevada families in distress. I am happy to take on referrals from other agents, mortgage brokers and lenders, and any other professionals that don't want to do all the hard work required to help someone facing a short sale. If you know someone who needs help, please ask them to call me. You can reach me anytime at (775) 881-8223.

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Showing up is half the battle!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:24:24 -0500

What a great post. We all need reminded. A positive attitude is a must.

Thank You

Geri Doyle

www.newtoniowarealty.com

Via Lara O'Keefe (Hunter's Creek, Melissa) (DR Horton Homes):

We all struggle with being motivated at times. My mentor told me that showing up was half the battle.

Get up, get out, and start doing income producing activities!

What counts as an income producing activity? Lots of stuff!

Prospecting

Marketing

Following Up

Updating databases

Taking updated photos

Posting listings

Open houses

Listing appointments

Blogging

Networking

Anything that is Real Estate related and will one day contribute to your income is and income generating activity!

The most important tool in your arsenal is your attitude!

Always show up with a positive and upbeat attitude. Put on your rose colored glasses and look at the world with fresh eyes.

Your outlook and income will improve with time.

For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe at 972.838.9156 or visit Hunter's Creek.

Well, that wasn’t the results I was expecting!

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:43:03 -0500

First Time Buyers are out there looking now. Which is great. It is the best time to buy either buy in 2009 or your going to miss out!

Via Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach), GRI (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Palazzo Realty Group):

On Friday evening I wrote a post, “Why and how I think the $8,000 tax credit could be better spent”. This post came about because of a footer that I was putting on a post that I put up tonight called, “Beaverton First Time Home Buyers can realize a $8,000 tax credit if they buy before December 1, 2009”

Now, when I wrote that, I certainly didn’t expect to get it featured. It was just my opinion that I wanted to put as a footer… that turned into a post of all its own by the time I was down with it.

But, here is what happened on Saturday that I didn’t expect from that article. I got many comments from agents saying how they loved the “1^st time home buyer credit” as it was getting people off the fence and buying. I wasn’t getting this from my buyers, I wasn’t sure why, but I wasn’t.

Then I posted that article last night and “BAM!” I got thirteen leads in one day for first time home buyers because of that post. Thirteen off an idea that was saying it was a bad idea and that I thought it should change.

Now, I specialize in first time home buyers, and first time buyer properties, but I guess I wasn’t telling them enough about the $8,000 tax credit, because it was like I opened the flood gates once I mentioned that I thought it should go away.

So, sometimes, even when you write something for one reason, it can benefit you in others. So if you have an idea for a post, even if you don’t think it is intended for the public, post it and you may see some amazing results from it as well.

Todd Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
Palazzo Realty Group
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

©2009 Todd Clark - Well, that wasn’t the results I was expecting!

Appraising your home on a refinance -- The Sales Comparison Approach

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:34:32 -0500

Khash,

Very good post. It is very hard to explain this to our sellers. Especially when they tell you they have a refinance appraisal for 20,000 more, then what you are telling them their home is actually worth. This is very good information and explained very well! Kudos to you!

Via Khash Saghafi Mortgage Loan Officer Cleveland Ohio Mortgages (Cardinal Banc&Mortgage Corporation):

Are you thinking about refinancing? One of the most important things that it takes to get a new mortgage loan is getting your home appraised. Now before you say that your neighborhood has not experienced a decline in value and you just put $20,000 into upgrades of your home, you must first understand how the 'value' of your home is determined for your transaction. How a Bank perceives the 'value' of your home is SIGNIFICANTLY different than how you perceive the 'value' of your home.

There are 3 approaches which an appraiser can use to determine your property value (I am sure the appraisers on Active Rain can add more specifics to these approaches, but these are the basic, eeeeeeeasy to follow ones):

1) The cost approach -- how much does it cost to re-build or replace the house? This is where your fancy windows, countertops and other indulgences will help you out. Unfortunately, Fannie Mae does not use this approach when determining value, so throw this one out the window.

2) The income approach -- This approach is used to determine the value of a home using market rent and some other fancy schmancy words. Again, Fannie Mae does not use this approach (so do not waste your time telling me that this would be a great "income" property). Toss this one out the window.

3) THE SALES COMPARISON APPROACH -- ding ding ding. This is the approach used by Fannie Mae to determine the 'value' of the home.

The guts of the Sales Comparison Approach are these 4 key factors. Here is my disclaimer -- there are definitely other factors involved also, but these are the most important, blah blah blah.

a) Comparables 'should' be within 20% of the square footage of your home

b) Comparables 'should' be the same style as your home

c) Comparables 'should' be within a reasonable distance of your home relative to where you live (urban, suburban, rural)

d) Comparables 'should' have SOLD within the last 90 days even though it is possible to use sales from 6-12 months back. Due to the sharp decline in home values, sales from 90-180 days ago are not considered accurate sales relative to today's 'values'.

Notice that I keep using the words "should". There are no absolutes and every single person can always find an exception to the rule. As for 99% of America, those are the 4 main criteria to help an appraiser determine your property "value". On refinances, everything pretty much rides on the appraisal. Understanding the basics of appraising can help you better understand the refinancing process.

If you have questions or are wondering how home improvements help the 'value' of your home, feel free to call me anytime at 1-440-838-5291!

What Any Smart Realtor Will Tell You... On Pricing The Listings:

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:11:17 -0500

You are so right! It's better to be honest up front and you'll gain more respect in the long run! The best of luck to you.

Geri Doyle

www.doyledevoe.com

Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:

Smart Realtor Series: Pricing The Listings:

Tim Moncrief, Co-Owner-Bartlett RE Group (Keller Williams Realty )

We are doing a disservice to clients if we are not firm with them on the reality of the situation. I tell my prospects that this is gut check time and you may want to throw me out the window, but my job is to tell you the reality of the market, not to gain a listing. My last three listings this month were $80,000, $60,000 and $40,000 under my competitors; yet I won the listings. Your sellers will appreciate the honesty. Either hurt them now, or let them be hurt by foreclosure should you not tell them. How can any agent not have the heart to tell people the reality and allow them to go to foreclosure?

Bruce & Sandy Soli (Intero Real Estate Services)

This conversation seems to be easier and easier these days. We are finding that our sellers are truly getting it and starting to price right if they really want to sell. If they don't they are wasting everyone's time even considering being on the market. More professionals need to stand up and cut to the chase!

Sandy Childs

It is not easy to tell a seller that they have lost money on their house, but we are going to have to do it. None of us, who are dedicated to professionalism and to being the best of the best, should ever allow a seller to drastically overprice their home. The results are devastating for the seller and frustrating for the agent. The house will stay on the market longer and most probably end up selling for less or worst not selling and going into foreclosure.

Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)

The CRS listing class highly emphasizes absorption rate pricing and presenting it in your listing presentations. I've been using it now for about 6 months since taking that class. Very few other agents use this so sellers aren't familiar with it, but once you explain it to them in simple terms, it makes a lot of sense and makes you stand out from the crowd.

Christina Asad Edwards @ www.DaytonOhioHouse.com (Real Living Realty Services - #1 in Ohio!)

I do a Highest Price Analysis; it is a combination of a Comparative Market Analysis and a Trends Analysis Report, showing the months of inventory versus sold, etc. It works very well with clients since it encompasses MORE than most would show.

Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)

There isn't a listing presentation or an even a contract presentation to sellers that I don't have an absorption rate prepared and ready.

Most the time the listing agent has no skills to show their seller that there is nine years of inventory in their neighborhood and they'd be wise to consider any offer they get. You can bet I let them know when I hand them a contract.

What are some of your thoughts on the subject? Impart the right advice and run the risk of becoming part of this blog!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection Join The Optimist Group!

Have Iowa Farm Land Values Peaked?

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:31:09 -0500

Very interesting Ken. Farmland even thou declined this past quarter is still a good investment.

Geri Doyle

Via Ken Tharp - Section 1031 Exchanges, Iowa/U.S. (Iowa Equity Exchange):

In what could hardly be termed a surprise, the Des Moines Register reported on February 21, 2009 that farm land values in Iowa declined 6% during the final quarter of 2008 according to the Federal Reserve Board of Chicago. This is the first such drop in a decade. The primary contrbuting factor is the sharp decline in commodity values since the summer, in many cases as much as a 50% drop.

The 6% drop in Iowa was discovered during a survey of 209 banks in the upper Midwest, including not only Iowa, but Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan as well. Iowa's decline was the sharpest of the five states surveyed.

Mike Duffy, the often-quoted economist at Iowa State University, pointed out that approximately 80% of farm sales in the past year or so have been to neighboring farmers. He said "Up to now, farmers have probably kept farmland prices up simply because when a good piece of land they've had their eyes on for a long time comes up for sale, they'll bid for it even if the price is high. They may start backing off and maybe we'll see some more outside investors come in, particularly since farmland did better than just about anything else as an investment last year."

Randy Hertz of Hertz Real Estate Services, offered this on farm land values: "What has happened is that we're probably about even with a year ago in farm values," indicating that the decline comes after an increase during the previous nine months, leaving values about flat during 2008. "We had a big boost in midyear when commodity prices shot up and then we've probably seen about a 10 percent decrease since then," Hertz said.

Mr. Hertz also noted that there are still some farmland that commands high prices. Specifically, Hertz cited two parcels near Prairie City that sold in the previous week for $7,050 and $6,850 per acre for top-quality land.

Most longtime observers of Iowa agriculture doubt that what is to come will be anything like the farm crisis of the 1980s, when land prices dropped over 60% over a seven-year period. Most believe that the high leverage many farmers used back in those times was the cause of many of the problems, and for the most part that leverage does not exist today. Hertz said. "Today they're in a much better cash position compared to 25 years ago. They have more equity in the land, and their loans are less likely to go upside-down on them."

****

Please consider IOWA EQUITY EXCHANGE as your trusted source for answers to your questions about Section 1031 like-kind tax-deferred exchanges. Contact us at your convenience for prompt, accurate information. Please think of us for your next exchange.

Ken Tharp

800-805-1031 toll free

Providing Qualified Intermediary services for Section 1031 tax deferred exchanges all over the United States. Headquartered in Iowa, our services are available in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and all other states.

INTEGRITY. PRECISION. SECURITY.

Copyright © 2009 By Ken Tharp, All Rights Reserved. * Have Iowa Farm Land Values Peaked? * Contact Ken Tharp for information on Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges anywhere in the United States.

Coffee For The Troops

Geri Doyle (Doyle & DeVoe Iowa Realty) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:46:37 -0500

What a great story. Even in tough economic times people are still willing to give.

Geri Doyle