des moines: Up to $24,500 FREE money when you buy a home in Des Moines! - 11/22/09 11:05 PM
Did you hear our Internet Radio show on Saturday? WOW!!! The lightbulb suddenly came on! Holly Olson, the Executive Director of Neighborhood Finance Corporation was on our show discussing how NFC can help your home ownership dreams come true. NFC are targeting areas of Des Moines to maintain or raise the quality of homes in the neighborhoods. They are giving foregivable grants to repair your newly purchased home and even rehab your existing home!  While on the show, we realised that $24,500 in tax credits and FREE money are available when you buy a home in selected areas of Des Moines. Almost … (1 comments)

des moines: Countdown to the end of the $8000 tax credit - 08/13/09 07:06 AM
We are counting down to the end of the $8000 first time homebuyers tax credit. Now the question is : Would the Federal Government end this program just as we are coming into Winter? Would this not kill the economy? Or am I being biased as a Realtor®?
Will they extend it? Will they increase it? Will they offer it to all of us?? :)
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des moines: My home is listed, but is not selling! What can I do? - 04/11/09 05:14 AM
If you are a home seller and your property remains unsold for a long period of time, there are a lot of possible causes. Here are some of the possible reasons why your home has not sold.
 
You're selling your property at too high a price
Homes that are not sold immediately are priced too high. Even if buyers love your neighborhood, think your house has awesome curb appeal, they will walk away if they find out the price and it is too high . If you really want your property to be sold immediately, then it would be better … (1 comments)

des moines: Radon: An Important Consideration Prior to Purchasing a home? - 04/07/09 04:19 AM
Homes may contain cracks in walls and floors, though these may not be a serious problem to the home's stability, other problems may be present. Something that can't be easily noticed and observed, especially by the naked eye could be working its way through the cracks and crevices. Actually, what people do not realize is that this invisible threat is possibly already present at their home. This threat is so harmful that it can cause lung cancer and is even ranked as the second leading cause in the United States.
The culprit is called Radon Gas. Just the fact it is … (2 comments)

des moines: How Loan Modifications will help ease the problems of the Housing Industry - 04/06/09 03:42 AM
Due to the overabundance of homes for sale and declining economy, a lot of homeowners are facing problems when trying to sell their homes. The competition of resale homes on the market, along with the increasing number of distressed properties, are causing prices to be driven downwards. Many people are finding that if they were to sell their homes, the money received would not be enough to pay the mortgage debts.
Recent years saw lenders giving "exotic" loans to people that perhaps should not have qualified for a loan. We are all familiar with 100% financing, 80/20 loans, even 105% Loan … (1 comments)

des moines: Are you ready to purchase a bank owned property? - 04/06/09 03:12 AM
Purchasing Properties Owned by the Bank
More people are becoming interested in purchasing properties owned by the bank. We often see information advertised promising to make us lot of money without having to put much effort - once we know the secret how to do it. In reality, there is no such thing as a secret method and in order to earn money, hard work is required.
What is REO?
REO means Real Estate Owned. This term is used for properties that are now owned by a financial institute, after being foreclosed upon due to inability of the owners to pay … (1 comments)

des moines: Latest Mortgage Default Statistics - These numbers will amaze you! - 04/02/09 02:02 PM
This is amazing. The Mortgage Bankers Association keep statistics on foreclosures, payment defaults etc. As a Certified Distressed Properties Expert, I get regular updates on this information. When I received these numbers, I just had to share them!
First, I would like to explain the definitions these numbers use. FORECLOSURE - Papers have been filed, sherrifs sale is probably scheduled. DEFAULT - payments are 30 days or more late. DEFAULTED - The combined total of mortgages already in foreclosure PLUS those that are now in default.
As of March 5th 2009. . . . . . . . . . . … (1 comments)

des moines: Five Common Errors that Sellers Should Avoid - 03/27/09 04:33 AM
Avoid pricing your property too high
Although you would like to maximize profit when selling your property, this could actually hinder you. When your property is listed too high, potential buyers will not look. Once you realize this and reduce the price, buyers start thinking it is an old listing or you are desperate to sell. Make sure you and your agent price your home at the right price for the market and your circumstances.
 
Re-finance Appraisals Should Not be Mistaken for the Market Value of Your Property
Many people believe that the refinance appraisal they recently received is the … (0 comments)

des moines: Things You Need to Know Before Offering on a Short Sale - 03/26/09 03:30 AM
Do you plan to buy a new home? Are you eyeing houses that are on short sale to fit your tight budget? Prior to deciding to offer on a short sale, you need to carefully assess the sellers' situation.
When a home is in short sale, it is being sold at price usually lower than the amount owed to the lender. The seller also does not have other means to pay for the borrowed money; hence, the short sale. A lot of factors can be associated to this situation and these would include: getting laid off from work, divorce, unexpected medical … (1 comments)

des moines: Understanding the Short sale Process - 03/25/09 05:07 AM
Definition of Short Sale: A home that is being sold at a price where the net proceeds to the lender are less than the amount owed. For the lender to accept this, an owner has to have a genuine hardship that may result in the home being foreclosed upon. Before the lender would agree, the homeowner should first complete a hardship package to prove their current financial status. Completing this package can be quite difficult because there are a lot of things needed for submission. Some of these things are W2s, bank statements, hardship letter, and itemized expenses. However, before declaring … (0 comments)

des moines: But, My House is Worth More Than Those Foreclosures and Short Sales - 03/24/09 09:53 AM
Our market is not as bad as Sacremento, but the sellers can be the same :)
If I could only find an agent who sees things my way," whined a wanna-be seller. First he tried to refinance, but the mortgage broker ran the comps and couldn't justify the value. Then he considered selling, but only if he could find an agent who truly understood the value of his home.
Harry, we'll call him, bought a home in Sacramento two years ago for around $300,000. Part of his problem was the ZIP code -- that area was, and still is, depressed. Harry, … (0 comments)

des moines: Great ways to find a short sale listing expert - 03/24/09 03:52 AM
If you are financially distressed and need to sell your home short, do not go to your local "listing specialist"! In this situation, you need a short sale expert - someone who understands the process and knows what will help your lender co-operate. A short sale listing expertdoes a lot more than fill out some forms, place your home on the MLS and stick a sign in your front yard. This expert understands the short sale process, what documentation to send the 1st mortgage, how to clear the 2nd mortgage, who the loss mitigators are, etc etc. A short sale is a … (0 comments)

des moines: Are you financially distressed in your home? - 03/21/09 07:01 AM
Behind on payments?   Heading toward foreclosure?   Think you are on your own?   Need help, but don't know where to turn? Feeling embarrassed?
STOP WORRYING! HELP IS AT HAND!
We have all seen the little signs on the roadside "Sell your home now - for cash", "Facing foreclosure, call us". Yeah right. Most of the people that call end up in a foreclosure situation when they didn't need to! If the investor cannot negotiate the price he wants from your lender, he will often walk away! Leaving you against a wall!
Did you also know that a foreclosure affects your credit FOREVER! You … (0 comments)

des moines: Still so many questions about the 1st time homeowner tax credit - 03/21/09 06:28 AM
The recent $8000 federal tax credit announced by the government is causing quite a stir here in Iowa. This is REAL money for you to spend! As long as you do not owe the IRS any money (and subject to a few exceptions) you can get an $8000 check back after you buy your first home. As a real estate broker, I specialize in the Des Moines Metro are and would love to tell you more about this great program. In fact, you can get a no obligation Q&A on the tax credit at http://www.8000dollars.com
A few questions we are regularly asked … (0 comments)

des moines: Nigel Runs for President - 07/23/08 03:21 PM
After continuous pestering from friends, family and past clients, I finally agreed to run for president of the United States of America. Click link to see my latest news report.
Nigel runs for President
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des moines: We now have 5 offices in Des Moines Metro! - 09/14/07 08:54 AM
To better serve our clients, we now have 5 offices in the Des Moines Metro!
West Des Moines - Mills Civic ParkwayBeaverdale - Douglas AvenueSouthside - Fleur DriveDowntown - Kaleidescope / HubAND OUR NEW BRANCH
Altoona - West of Wal-MartCall me at (515) 321-8094 for all your real estate needs.
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des moines: RE/MAX has Premier Market Presence in Des Moines - 08/28/07 01:47 PM
Way to go RE/MAX Agents! Another town where we have a lot less agents than the largest local company and yet again we have premiere market presence!
Based on Listing and Selling Units
32.3% - RE/MAX - 1523 Units 31.3% - Iowa Realty - 1476 11.3% - Coldwell Banker - 530 10.7% - First Realty - 505 14.4% - Others - 678
Data from the DMAAR MLS.  DATE RANGE:  1/1/2007 to 7/31/2007
Property Types: Commercial, Multi-Family, Land, Residential Both Number of Sold Listing and Selling Transactions
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des moines: Citi Mortgage 80/20 loans - 08/28/07 01:46 PM
So, it seems the screw tightened a little more last week! If you want a full doc 80/20 loan and have a 720 or higher credit score, then your 2nd mortgage rate will be AT LEAST 10.5%!! HELOCS are not allowed. If your credit score is less than 720, you will only get a mortgage for 95% Loan to Value (LTV).
The Feds lowered interest rates last week - whoopeee! I am still trying to decide if that has actually helped us???  The rate could be 0%, but if the criteria  keeps  getting tougher, no-one will qualify. Imagine next month, … (1 comments)

des moines: Realtors, Lenders, Investors, Loan Officers - You may not get a loan! - 08/28/07 01:44 PM
If you are a Realtor, Lender, Builder or investor - read this! This is an excerpt from Citi Mortgage Wholesale Division's recent bulletin. As always, I am sure other lenders will follow suit!

Real Estate Professionals - Applies to InterFirst CES Only
Loans to Real Estate Professionals are subject to the following:
The maximum CLTV permitted is 90%. Stated income and/or stated assets are not permitted. The borrower’s income, assets and employment must be verified. Real Estate Professionals, as used in this policy, include:  Real Estate Brokers, Real Estate Agents, and employees of Real Estate Brokers or Agents … (7 comments)

des moines: Thinking about joining RE/MAX in Des Moines Area? - 01/23/07 11:08 PM
About Us: At RE/MAX REAL ESTATE CONCEPTS we are focused on providing you with the best results and service in the industry. We listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, we have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.
Search over 3,300 homes for sale in the Central Iowa area at www.NigelSellsIowa.com
Take an Inside Look at RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts - Online at www.InsideREC.com
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Nigel Chapman (RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts)

Nigel Chapman

Altoona, IA

More about me…

RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

Address: 550 36th Ave SW, Suite BB, Altoona, IA, 50009

Office: (515) 321-8094

Mobile: (515) 321-8094



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