This is a great start to the spring market.  Despite all the predictions of raising interest rates throughout 2019, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are currently at their lowest since this time last year…coming in at around 4.32%.  Just a few months ago we were at almost 5% so this is a nice change for […]

Becoming a homeowner is taking on a lot of responsibility. You’re now in charge of the safety and security of your home. This is likely one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, so you better take care of it! Houses require maintenance and up keep. Neglecting some of these basic home maintenance […]

While they have been around a while – so many people still don’t know about this awesome non-profit located in Des Moines’ East Village!!  Formerly called the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, the newly named Street Collective of Greater Des Moines is this month’s Friday Find.  The organization is dedicated to helping create stronger communities, neighborhoods […]

Buying your first home is a big deal.  There is no doubt about that. There is a lot to consider before even beginning to search for your home like neighborhood, price range, what style of home, and so much more.  And then once you find a home there is another set of considerations and checklist […]

One of the most common concerns I hear from my clients is “Sara, I really want to sell my house. We’re ready to move but there’s nowhere for me to go.” I get it. I really truly do. Nobody wants to be homeless and moving is stressful enough that adding in the unknown of having nowhere to […]

The only way to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance) is to have at least 20% for a down payment. For a long time buyers thought they needed this to move forward on a home. But in reality, when interest rates are as low as they are, sometimes it makes more sense to put less money […]

More and more sellers with their homes on the market are using surveillance cameras when it is being shown by agents to potential buyers.  Home surveillance cameras are allowing owners to monitor the activity inside and outside their home. While some agents have reported seeing them around homes, to date, multiple listing systems don’t require […]

I am not one to make resolutions but I did make one for 2019 – and that is to declutter my life.  I know I am not alone in this new craze of tidying up – thanks to the new Netflix series, Tidying Up, by Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo.  And thanks to everyone jumping […]

Friday Find – Iowa Food Cooperative You will always hear me promoting buying local and supporting local business.  This month’s Friday Find is the Iowa Food Cooperative and it is the perfect way to help support Iowa’s local food economy.   The Iowa Food Coop is a community of producers (farmers, growers, etc.) and consumers (those […]

Yes, the spring house hunting season may have more inventory, but don’t discount winter as a perfect season to find your next home!  Here are a few of the perks of pursuing your new home as the temperatures drop. Motivated to Move When home sellers list their place in the winter, it usually means their […]