Central Iowa Real Estate Podcast with Misty Soldwisch

Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report   Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale The SOLDwisch Team has teamed up with the University of Iowa Credit Union because there are some really great features they offer that we think would benefit our clients. There are many advantages to getting a mortgage through them. They're business plan focuses on becoming the leader when it comes to having the lowest available rates and the lowest fees. Additionally, they offer zero down payment programs, which is fairly uncommon in today's lending environment. Based on the sheer volume of clientele that they work with, the level of expertise they have to have as loan originators helps them put together some pretty incredible financing options for the people they work with.  One thing the SOLDwisch Team has noticed is the fact that the University of Iowa Credit Union offers some opportunities for people that other banks don't. They handle their loans on a more case-by-case basis than most other lending institutions. They see it in two ways: secondary market loans where applicants need to fit into a predefined box of characteristics and in-house products that allow them to grant loans in situations where it simply makes sense. They simply want to help people accomplish their goals. They work out of a leased office space in West Des Moines and are currently working on building their own location. They started out as a credit union for the employees of the University of Iowa hospital back in 1938. The rules and regulations have since changed and progressed so that as long as you live and work in a community they serve, you can join! They cover a huge area in the state and are currently the largest credit union in the state of Iowa! Additionally, they are number two nationally in total return to member. This means that they were voted the most competitive when it comes to giving the best rates on mortgages, the lowest fees, and the highest rates on their deposit accountants. They are very proud of this distinction, and would love to help you benefit from their services! If you have any questions or comments about today's topic, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!

Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report   Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale   Today we are excited to be joined by Patrick St. John from the University of Iowa Community Credit Union. As we launch into 2016, you might be thinking about what kind of home you’ll want this year, and what kind of mortgage you can get in order to pay for that home. First, let’s talk about some of the key points to remember when preparing to get a mortgage. The first thing you need to figure out is who to talk to. As soon as you’re thinking about buying, you should talk with a lender. It’s smart to know what you can or can’t qualify for before you start looking. There are some changes that have taken place recently in the mortgage world that you should be aware of. These changes have to do with the changing of regulations in the industry, and there have been some added requirements to the process. Typically, it takes between 30-60 days to get through the entire process, but now it will take a little longer, probably at least 45 days. If you’ve been worrying about saving up for a down payment, you might not need to. There are plenty of mortgage products available at 0% down, with a pretty attractive rate. Even with traditional financing methods, like FHA, you should be able to get any product with 5% down. The days of needing 20% down are over which is opening the door for a lot of buyers. The time to buy in 2016 is now. If you have any questions about the mortgage process or want to get qualified for a home, give Patrick a call at 319-551-1180. If you have any other questions about real estate or you’re looking to buy or sell in Central Iowa, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you!

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report   Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale A lot of sellers have been asking me, "What keeps a home from selling?"There are a few things that you as the seller can take care of in order to make the process successful.First of all, you need to prepare your home properly. Buyers today are extremely visual. They want to buy a move-in ready home. One of our listing programs includes a certified pre-owned home program, where one of our home inspection partners does a pre-inspection on the home. That way, you know what repairs you need to address before showing the home.We also provide you with a home staging checklist, which is the key to a smooth process and getting the top range of market value. Second of all, you need to price the home correctly. The strategy of where you position your home in the market is a key part of our marketing.We'll go through the market range and your competition to determine the price. Ultimately, the listing price is your decision, because we're working with your money, not ours. Paying attention to what the market tells us is a key part of that success.Finally, keep the home available for showings. I know it can be difficult when you have kids or pets, but making it easier for buyers to view your home exposes it to more of the market and makes the process more successful.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Today I'm joined by Eddie Hatfield from the Hatfield and McCoy Morning Show on 92.5 Nash Icon, and we're going to discuss my "SOLD or I'll Buy It" program. This is a unique option that I offer as a potential listing program for my clients. Eddie says it's the greatest thing around, and we're the only place that guarantees that your house will sell. Some people need their home to sell quickly because they have to move due to a job transfer, or their dream home has just come onto the market. When my team and I visit your home, we make some suggestions on things you can do to maximize your value, because everyone wants to get the most they can out of their home. If you choose the "SOLD or I'll Buy It" program, we decide on a pricing strategy and a time frame up front. If the home hasn't sold by the end of that time frame, I step in and buy it from you. Just last week, we closed on a home for a couple who had a critical time need. They did have a contract at one point, but it fell through, so we stepped in and bought it. We do own some rental properties, but our goal is to get your property sold.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Today, we want to talk about our favorite summer activities here in Iowa! Central Iowa is a great place to be in the summer. We have the #2 farmers market in the country and one of the best art festivals in the country just wrapped up a couple weeks ago! Garage sales, grilling out, and going swimming are just a few of the simple things anyone in the area can do. One event that's great for the whole family is the Iowa State Fair! People get together for food, drinks, and entertainment of all kinds. It takes place at State Fair Park in Des Moines from August 13-23. If you're going for the first time, here are the top 3 things to check out:Big BoarVaried Industries BuildingSky GliderThat's only one person's opinion. The Butter Cow, the Ugly Cake Contest, and the poultry building are other very fun things to do! There's really so much to see that it can't be covered here! Another favorite event of ours is the National Balloon Classic. This year it takes place June 24-August 2! Take a ride in a hot air balloon to take a look at Iowa from above. It's worth noting that the RE/MAX balloon is back in action this year! If you have any questions about other fun things to do in Central Iowa, or if you're planning on making your move this summer, don't hesitate to reach out to us! We would love to hear from you! 

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Inventory is quite low in Central Iowa right now, and this means that you'll be facing stiff competition if you're looking to buy a home. You may be placing offers on homes that already have two or three willing buyers, and this means that your offer will need to stand out above them all. Negotiating on homes becomes different and more strategic when inventory is low. However, there are three keys to success that we've found when negotiating in this market.Be prepared to act quickly. This involves knowing what you want and being able to pull the trigger when you see a home that suits your needs. Homes are selling in less than a week, so act on your impulses.Make a strong offer from the beginning. Now is not the time to quibble with sellers. You need to prove to them that you're very serious about buying a home. Make a strong offer to set yourself apart as a willing buyer, and if it is passed over or rejected, find comfort in the fact that you did everything you could to try and win that home.Write a letter to the seller. Let them know a little about you and why you love their home. A little personal touch can go a long way in a deeply emotional transaction like this, and sometimes sellers will surprise you with how they respond to heartfelt communication.These three simple things have been key to buyers in our local market, so we hope that they can help you to find good homes. If you're having trouble buying in Central Iowa, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We would be more than happy to help you find a good home!

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Today I would like to speak about the benefits of using a buyer specialist from our team. It's already a wonderful time to buy a home with ultra-low interest rates right now, but using our buyer specialist will make your transaction run even smoother! Our home buying specialist only works with buyers, so they know all there is to know about buying a home. They will have a consultation with you in order to determine exactly what you need out of a home in order to narrow your home search. When you work with a buyer specialist, you will be able to look at any home that's available in the Central Iowa market, even if it's not listed on the MLS. We also want you to know that our home buying specialists are experts on all levels of the process. They know how to negotiate, and they know how to find you good financing, as well as a good home warranty. You're in great hands when you use our buyer specialists. If you have any questions about this service, please don't hesitate to contact us. Now is an absolutely wonderful time to buy a home in Central Iowa!  

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Today, a special guest joins us to demystify the mortgage process. Eric Bokker, a mortgage professional with Lincoln Savings Bank, will share some tips that will help you prepare for getting a mortgage! If you're planning on moving within the next year or so, it's never too early to talk to a mortgage banker. When you do, you'll learn how the entire process will play out; the mortgage professional will pull your credit and make sure you're in good financial standing before you begin looking for homes. If there are problems with your credit, coming in early will give you plenty of time to address them. If you come in early and your finances are in good order, it's simply a matter of waiting for your lender to get you prepared with the right documentation. They will explain the funds you'll need in order to close, what kind of loan you are eligible for, and other minutiae of the process. Your lender will need two years of full tax returns, two years of W2s, your last 30 days of pay stubs, and also two months of bank statements. Lincoln Savings Bank is a small community bank that started in 1902 in the Waterloo area. In 2011, they moved to the Des Moines Metro area, and are here in Central Iowa to serve the community. They pride themselves on providing more personalized service than the national banks, so be sure to check out what they're all about! If you have any additional questions about the mortgage process, or if you need real estate help of any kind, give us a call or shoot us a quick email. We are always available to help you!

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa Home? Get a free home value report Buying a Central Iowa Home? Search all homes for sale  Today, we want to introduce an exciting new program we've launched for 2015, the Misty SOLDwisch Certified Pre-Owned Program!  How does this new program work? First, a seller will have their home pre-inspected and include a 13-month HWA Platinum home warranty with the sale of their home. If you're a buyer in the market, when you see one of our certified pre-owned homes, you're looking at a home that's move-in ready! You will be able to close on the home quickly, and with the piece of mind that all questions and concerns about the property have been addressed.  This program is also advantageous for sellers. In an overcrowded spring market, when a buyer sees a home that's been certified, it immediately stands out among the competition. Not only will it get your home more exposure, it will likely enable you to get top dollar as well! Certifying your home will strengthen your position when you head into negotiations with a buyer, and the process won't be as lengthy because all problems with the property will have been addressed.  Also, be sure to check out our Coming Soon page, so you can be ahead of the game when it comes to home hunting this spring! If you have any questions about our new program, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, we're always here to help. Give us a call or shoot us an email for the help you deserve!

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Selling your Central Iowa home? Get a free home value report Buying a Central Iowa home? Search all homes for sale Surely you've noticed the extremely low gas prices here in Central Iowa. Today, we'll explain why rock-bottom gas prices are affecting more than just your wallet! Obviously, the amount of money we spend on gas is a large part of our monthly budget. In fact, here at the Misty SOLDwisch Team, we've found that low gas prices have had a positive effect on the Central Iowa market as a whole. Despite the fact that it's 0 degrees and snowy outside, we're already seeing spring market conditions because of the increased buying power of people in the area!  Doing a little bit of research online, we found that a 23% decrease in gas prices creates about $100 a month in extra buying power for the average consumer. This has caused people in our area to be able to afford more expensive homes or to act sooner than they had originally intended to. So, if you're on the fence about entering the market or thinking about waiting until the spring market to make your move, we want to tell you the spring market is already here!  If you have any questions about how these conditions affect your ability to buy or sell in our market, please give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to help you out!