sioux city: Iowa Septic Tank Law postponement is vetoed. - 05/27/09 01:56 PM
The Governor of Iowa has vetoed to postpone the start date of legislation passed earlier for inspection of septic tanks at time of transfer from a sale.  The new law requires that every home/building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer for the home/building.  Some where hoping for the postponement so things could be better organized and getting people certified to do the inspections.  Some counties in Iowa already have this in their laws, so the transition will be nil.  Many Realtors in the state are well aware of this new … (2 comments)

sioux city: Ethics! We don’t need no stinking ethics. - 04/20/09 04:51 AM
Actually we do need to have ethical standards.  It would be nice if everyone could play by the rules.  But, not everyone plays nice in the sandbox.  If you look at surveys or statistic's on where real estate agents fall on the list of honest professionals we are just above lawyers and used car salesman.  I know we will never rank at the top, which is usually reserved for nurses, pharmacist, policeman and doctors.  If you look at the Gallup Poll of 2008 you will see that real estate agents are just above lawyers and union leaders.  After the year the … (1 comments)

sioux city: Issues, Politics, and Real Estate. The Joy of Politic's - not. - 03/27/09 07:05 AM
My recent visit to the Capital of my state too visit with IAR lobbyist and our state representatives has me wondering how many out there in the real estate world really pay attention. I blogged about the visit and I am surprised at the number of comments made, actually the lack of comments. I have had some readers and I am thankful that they stopped by. Some of the issues we face in my state of Iowa is in my opinion poorly written or absurd. Last year was the ‘Septic Tank Certification' when selling. This goes into effect July 1, 2009. … (2 comments)

sioux city: A day at the "Hill" with Realtors from around Iowa. - 03/25/09 04:00 AM
Yesterday, March 25, 2009 was bus-in day for Iowa Realtors.  It was a long day but worth the trip.  I went representing Sioux City and we had 18 that attended.  We boarded a bus at 7:15 and got on the road about 7:30.  We stopped and picked up 4 more in Webster City.  Arrived in Des Moines about noon and dropped off at the convention center for lunch and speakers.
The key speaker was John Tuccillo the former Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors.  He is considered one of the foremost real estate economists in the nation.  It was … (2 comments)

sioux city: Optimism for a weary soul is hard to come by, but I will keep putting one foot in front of the other. - 06/19/08 10:25 AM
I finally had to do it.  Being a single parent and trying to stay in Real Estate has been a challange.  I had a part time job which is now my full time job.  My dream is on the back burner but I am not done.  For those in this situation I will be optimistic that things will get better and hang in there.  It is tough and the way things are wtih the economy I do not think it will be an easy road for some time. 
Some bloggers on AR have said there areas have picked up, which is … (14 comments)

sioux city: What you get for your dollar in Sioux City real estate. - 02/27/08 02:00 AM
Part of my motive for doing this is that I read somewhere that "why would anyone want to retire in the Midwest".  Coming from California, I know many, once hitting retirement could not afford to stay in that state.  I have run across more and more that are thinking of going back to the state of their parents or grandparents.  Where the cost of living is lower, which in turns stretches their dollar.  Some retiree's say that this allows them to do some traveling during the winter months. 
My other reason for putting this information out there for people to read … (5 comments)

sioux city: I have been neglecting AR. Here's to a great '08. - 01/01/08 12:17 PM
Can't believe it is January 01, 2008.  Hope everyone had a great Christmas or Holiday.  I have been absent from AR for a few weeks.  I am glad the holiday's are over.  I work part time in retail but the part time goes out the window this time of year.  The day after Thanksgiving was something.  I had to be at work at 5 am and I will say this.  For those of you that go shopping that early, shame on you.  It is uncivilized.  I could not believe that here in Sioux City stores were opening at 4 am.  Yuck.  … (8 comments)

sioux city: Places to eat in Sioux City. - 11/26/07 09:37 AM
When I first moved here I complained there weren't enough good restaurants.  Sioux City is slowly bringing in good restaurants.  Though I still hope for non-chain restaurants to open here. 
What we have:
The Olive Garden Lucianos Red Robin Hu Hot Mongolian Grill. Red Lobster Bev's On the River. Minerva's Ruth's (Mexican food) Charlie's' Famous Dave's Sweet Fannie's Rebo's MacBehr's Carlos O'Kelly's Kahills (S Sioux City) Chili's Bar and Grill Buffalo Wild Wings Outback Steakhouse El Fredo's Pizza Ickey Nickel Bar and Grill Texas Roadhouse Golden Corral I know I am missing some but this is a nice array of places … (0 comments)

sioux city: Things To Do Sioux City, Iowa. - 11/19/07 07:30 AM
Get To Know Sioux City, Iowa.
Some of the Annual Events in Sioux City:
Rock In Summer
The event is usually held on Saturday in early June.  Each year Downtown Sioux City hosts the annual June Jam music festival.  . You'll hear Folk Music, Blues, Rock, Punk, and Country.  A little of everything for people to enjoy. 
For more information:  http://www.downtownsiouxcity.com/.
AWESOME BIKER NIGHTS
This event is held in the middle of June.  This premier event in Sioux City draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the City.  Historic 4th Street is closed down letting bikers park their bikes along the street.  … (0 comments)

sioux city: URBAN REVITALIZATION IN SIOUX CITY, IOWA. - 10/21/07 09:16 AM
Urban Revitalization and Tax Exemption in Sioux City Iowa.
On October 1, 2007 the City Council of Sioux City approved a City-Wide Residential Urban Revitalization.  Anyone who improves their existing home or builds a new home can benefit from this.  Single-family, two-family or multi-family residence could qualify for a tax break.  The key is it must be an improvement that adds value to the residence.    Call the City Assessor's office at 712-279-6535 with questions regarding what adds taxable value to real estate.
Go to: http://www.sioux-city.org/ and go to the Department: Planning & Neighborhood Services Division.  This will provide information and application.
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sioux city: Real Estate is alive and well in Sioux City (Siouxland). - 10/20/07 11:19 AM
Since the big scare with foreclosures I have had many friends and acquaintance's question my desire to go into real estate at this time.  I have famliy in states where they were hit hard.  A cousin who has been busy doing appraisals, not for buying but for foreclosures.  Friends that bought high dollar homes in California and can't get out of them.  Some areas the housing prices rose and rose.  At some time this had to stop and the prices dropped.  They had too. 
What I try to emphasize to people in the Sioux City area (we are a tri-state city) is that this … (0 comments)

 

Michele Ott

Reno, NV

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