Ames Iowa Real Estate Bloghttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/blogAmes IA real estate market news provided by Tom Randall Real Estate TeamFri, 18 Feb 2011 09:24:00 GMTYour LifestyleIf you are looking for a new home, it is important to communicate with your real estate agent about any special aspects of your lifestyle that will influence your choice. This information will help your agent to locate the perfect home for you and your family.

Are you a gourmet cook who loves giving lots of parties? Do you want space to accommodate hobbies such as painting, photography, or woodworking? Will your decision be influenced by the accessibility of a gym, a golf course or how close to work? Do you need a home office or an media room? Are you planning to enlarge your family?


Knowing important factors that will influence your housing decision helps the agent to narrow the selection of homes on the market.  They can show you specific parts of town or just certain types of home.  Communication is key-find an agent that is easy to talk to and is a great listener. 

Here at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team we have great buyer specialist that will focus solely on your needs and wants. 

Click on the link below to read about our buyer specialists: K'Lynn Lynn and Haley Pick.

http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/About

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Your-Lifestylehttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Your-LifestyleFri, 18 Feb 2011 09:24:00 GMTSoldSold
Some things are hard to measure, and others are easy. Success in a real estate sale is easy. It occurs when the "SOLD" sign is in your front yard. And having that occur as quickly as possible is the goal of every seller and The Tom Randall Real Estate Team.

You have undoubtedly heard that old saying about the "hard way" and the "easy way" to do something. The hard way to get the "SOLD" sign up is to try and sell it yourself. The easy way is to use the services or our Team that has proven ways to get your home sold for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.

Remember, our team doesn't get paid until your home is "SOLD". And the amount we earn in commission is dependent upon the amount of the sale. That's a lot of genuine motivation to do the job right. Save yourself headaches and frustration and call the Tom Randall Real Estate Team today!!!

We also have a great page of Radon in Iowa.  Please click the link below to find out more...

http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Radon-a-Health-Risk

 

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Soldhttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/SoldFri, 21 Jan 2011 11:38:00 GMTThings are looking good for 2011!Things are really starting to look very encouraging for the Ames real estate market in Ames, Iowa.  Reliable sources have indicated that Iowa State University is going to be hiring numerous faculty positions again after a real slowdown in 2009 and 2010.  Last Friday, Web Filings announced they will be filling 250 jobs in high tech jobs over the next four years.  According to Bankrate.com Iowa ranked as the third least expensive state for obtaining a home mortgage.  Coupled with interest rates that are near a fifty year low, indicator are looking good for a more robust 2011!

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Things-are-looking-good-for-2011http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Things-are-looking-good-for-2011Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:37:00 GMTAmes 5th fastest growing small town in America.An interesting article by Forbes.com came out last week naming the top 5 fastest growing small towns in America.  Ames, Iowa came in at #5.  We're holding our own and looking forward to an even better 2011.  Check it out!

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/fastest-growing-small-towns.html

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-5th-fastest-growing-small-town-in-Americahttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-5th-fastest-growing-small-town-in-AmericaTue, 14 Dec 2010 02:00:00 GMTPricing your Home is Key, great article! 

I ran across this article in Yahoo Finance today(written by CNNMoney.com).  What a great article to sum up the market not only in Ames but across the nation.  Good news is they agree the market will turn around.  Bad news is they do not know when. 

They have a great quote in this article that I use everyday when I am working with someone to sell thier home.  "Wherever you are, pricing your home right is key." 

Through my 30 years of selling real estate that has never been so true. 

Please click here to see the whole article!

 

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Pricing-your-Home-is-Key-great-articlehttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Pricing-your-Home-is-Key-great-articleTue, 16 Nov 2010 02:00:00 GMTKitchen, Does it really help sell your house?There's no doubt about it!

--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.

Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The first step toward enhancing your kitchen's appeal is a thorough cleaning. This includes the walls, cabinets (inside and out), floors, and appliances. Keep the counter tops as clear as possible of small appliances and gadgets. Consider low-cost improvements which can make a big difference, such as a coat of paint, fresh wallpaper, or new floor covering. Be sure to keep the kitchen sparkling when the house is being shown. This means no dirty dishes in the sink or moldy cucumbers in the refrigerator. This extra effort will pay great dividends!

For more great tips call the Tom Randall Real Estate Team today!

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Kitchen-Does-it-really-help-sell-your-househttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Kitchen-Does-it-really-help-sell-your-houseWed, 03 Nov 2010 10:08:00 GMTA Good Agent is ImportantReal estate sales are complex transactions in which snags can occur. Professional real estate agents are trained to handle the many facets of buying a home. A good real estate agent is an invaluable asset to you in largest purchase you might ever make.

When you find a real estate agent with whom you feel confident, it is important to enter into a committed working relationship with that person. Concentrating your search with one real estate professional will allow the agent to become totally familiar with your housing needs, desires, and financial capacities.

Here at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team we have great agents that can focus on you and your specific needs and find you a home of your dreams.  Call today! 515-232-5700.

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/A-Good-Agent-is-Importanthttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/A-Good-Agent-is-ImportantTue, 26 Oct 2010 02:00:00 GMTInspection RepairsWhen you sell a house, the buyers will probably have a home inspection before they sign a contract to purchase the home. The inspector may turn up something that needs attention or repair, and after the inspection, the buyers may produce a list of items they want repaired as a condition for moving forward on the sale.

When you get the buyers' list, remember that some of the items may be negotiable. Sales contracts usually require that all the systems be in working condition. Some buyers may make requests that go beyond the normal obligations of the seller. They may ask for a new roof or certain structural repairs that you may not want to make. I can help you to assess the risks of just saying "no" to buyers who are making demands you consider to be unreasonable. You may decide to decline the requests, but the buyers may also decide to back out of the deal as a result.

When you agree to make repairs, hire licensed professionals who will guarantee their work, and give copies of the reports to the buyers. Arrange to have the repairs made as far ahead of time to avoid last-minute complications which could compromise the transaction.

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Inspection-Repairshttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Inspection-RepairsFri, 22 Oct 2010 09:38:00 GMTCurb AppealCurb Appeal

 

 

Reminders and hints to keeping your home attractive to grab a potential buyer’s attention to your home and set it apart from all the rest!

 

 

KEEP LAWN & YARD LOOKING SHARP

  • Mow regularly
  • Weed
  • Put away unused hoses, yard equipment, children’s toys, bikes, etc.
  • Rake leaves, pine needles, etc.
  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed
  • Colored plants & shrubs are a plus!
  • Keep sidewalks and outside entryway swept
  • Try to find a place for boats/campers/extra vehicles not being used
  • If you have a backyard patio with furniture, you could put a nice plant on the table & stage it with a table cover or placemats, magazines, coffee cup, etc.

 

                               

 

 

FOR THE SNOWY SEASON

  • Keep entryway, sidewalks & driveway clear of snow and ice.
  • Again, you will want to keep the yard free of unused yard equipment and children’s toys, etc.
  • To show what the backyard or patio offers in the spring and summer seasons, you may want to keep the patio and deck clear of snow and ice.  You could also have photos available of how it looks in the spring/summer.
]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Curb-Appealhttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Curb-AppealWed, 20 Oct 2010 12:37:00 GMTAmes Make 100 Best Places to Live in AmericaAmes Makes the 100 Best Places to Live in America.  Check out the link below and see why you would should buy a home in Ames, Iowa.  Our agents are always available to show!!!

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/100-best-places-to-live-in-america-2010-edition

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Make-100-Best-Places-to-Live-in-Americahttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Make-100-Best-Places-to-Live-in-AmericaThu, 22 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMTTom Randall Real Estate Team Buyer Specialist are always learningOne of our Buyer Specialists, Haley Pick, has been hard at work earning her GRI & CRS designations to better serve her clients here in Ames Iowa.

CRS stands for Certified Residential Specialist, which is the highest designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field.  The CRS designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

GRI stands for the Graduate REALTOR Institute, which is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.  REALTORS with the GRI designation are highly trained in many area of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Tom-Randall-Real-Estate-Team-Buyer-Specialist-are-always-learninghttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Tom-Randall-Real-Estate-Team-Buyer-Specialist-are-always-learningFri, 15 Jan 2010 15:46:00 GMTAmes - Live The Simple LifeAARP has ranked Ames, Iowa as one of the top 5 cities to "Live The Simple Life".

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/the_simple_life.html?generalStatus=Thanks%21%20Your%20email%20has%20been%20sent.

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Live-The-Simple-Lifehttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Live-The-Simple-LifeWed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - Our Pledge to Our CustomersHere at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team in Ames Iowa we are comitted to providing our clients with the necessary information they need to get them their new home in the time frame and price range they desire with the fewest hassles. 

OUR PLEDGE TO OUR CUSTOMERS

To provide unsurpassed service to help you buy your home in the shortest time, with the least inconvenience to you, we will...

  • Explain real estate agency relationships
  • Initiate and maintain constant and continuous communication with you
  • Carefully analyze your needs, being sensitive to your special requirements
  • Orient you to current market conditions
  • Provide helpful community data
  • Explain local real estate practices and procedures
  • Provide information on lenders and financing alternatives
  • Thoroughly analyze the entire inventory of homes on the market
  • Coordinate appointments & professionally show all properties of interest that meet your needs
  • Provide relevant market data as to fair market value of homes
  • Disclose all material defects of the property that are known
  • Carefully explain and prepare offer to purchase forms
  • Arrange to present all offers to seller in a timely manner
  • Conscientiously facilitate the negotiations for the best possible price and terms
  • Explain post-purchase activities and responsibilities
  • Follow up on post-purchase activities
  • Keep in touch with you after moving day

If this sounds like the kind of service you're interested in don't hesitate to contact one of our Buyer Specialists below.

Haley Pick                                                                                                                                       K'Lynn Lynn

515-232-5700                                                                                                                              515-232-5700

haley@tomrandall.com                                                                                               klynn@tomrandall.com

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Our-Pledge-to-Our-Customershttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Our-Pledge-to-Our-CustomersMon, 11 May 2009 15:07:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - Let us help you!Here at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team in Ames Iowa we are committed to providing the information  you need to buy or sell your home.  There are some great homes in Iowa and we are here to get you in them at the best price, with the fewest hassles, in the time frame that works best for you.

LET US HELP YOU!

Buying a house can be confusing at times.  There are many different directions and options.  But no matter where you find a home you may be interested in seeing, you need only call the Tom Randall Real Estate Team for help.  Because we share a cooperating relationship with all real estate offices within our community, it means we can show you properties that are listed with us or any broker in our area.  We can also assist you in "For Sale By Owner" transactions.  Just call the Tom Randall Real Estate Team at 515-232-1685 for all the information you need!

  • Hear about a property for sale? Give us a call and we'll search out the details for you!
  • See a sign? We can show you properties that are listed with us or any broker in our area.  We can also assist you in "For Sale By Owner" transactions.
  • Want to visit an open house? If we cannot accompany you, please either do not sign in, or sign in & put "The Tom Randall Real Estate Team" after your name! We can also provide you with an Open House Guest Pass.
  • Want to tour a new construction project?The Tom Randall Real Estate Team will need to accompany you to the property on the initial visit.  By letting us help you with builders, you get all the services offered we offer, as well as those offered by the builder...with out paying more for it!

If you would like any additional information about buying or selling your home do not hesitate to call the Tom Randall Real Estate Team at 515-232-5700. If you are looking into buying you can also call one of our exceptional Buyer Specialists below:

                Haley Pick                                                     K'Lynn Lynn

                (515)232-5700                                             (515)232-5700

               haley@tomrandall.com                                   klynn@tomrandall.com

 

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Let-us-help-youhttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Let-us-help-youThu, 07 May 2009 02:00:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - Steps to prepare for HomeownershipHere at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team in Ames Iowa we are committed to providing all the information buyers need to find the right home, at the right price, in the time frame they desire.

Steps to prepare for home ownership

1.  Don't start looking at homes before you know how much home you can afford.  Select a lender and determine how large a mortgage you can afford.  Also explore different loan options and decide what's best for you.

2.  Determine if you have enough saved to cover your down payment and closing costs.  Calculate the costs of home ownership including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable.

3. Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have.  Then prioritize the features on your list.  Be picky, but don't be unrealistic.

4. How long do you hope to stay in this home? This decision may indicate what type of home you'll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best.

If you have any questions about buying a home, or need any assistance in finding the perfect home for you contact our buyer specialists at the numbers or email addresses below.

                         Haley Pick                                        K'Lynn Lynn

                         (515)232-5700                               (515)232-5700

                         haley@tomrandall.com                  klynn@tomrandall.com

 

 

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Steps-to-prepare-for-Homeownershiphttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Steps-to-prepare-for-HomeownershipWed, 06 May 2009 02:00:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - Common Closing Costs for BuyersHere at the Tom Randall Real Estate Team in Ames, Iowa we believe in providing as much information to our clients as necessary. 

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs.  A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check.  The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

  • Down payment
  • Loan Origination fees
  • Points, or loan discount fees you pay to recieve a lower interest rate
  • Appraisal fee
  • Credit report
  • Private mortgage insurance premium
  • Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage
  • Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
  • Deed recording fees.
  • Title insurance policy premiums
  • Survey
  • Inspection Fees - builiding inspction, termites, radon etc.
  • Notary fees
  • Prorations for your share of costs such as utility bills and property taxes

If you have any questions about this or any thing else related to buying or selling real estate don't hesitate to contact the Tom Randall Real Estate Team at (515)232-5700, or email a Buyer Specialist at haley@tomrandall.com or klylnn@tomrandall.com.

 

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Common-Closing-Costs-for-Buyershttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Common-Closing-Costs-for-BuyersMon, 04 May 2009 02:00:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - $8,000 Home Buyer Tax CreditThere is a great program out there for First Time Home Buyers that gives them an $8,000 tax credit.  You have to purchase a home in the 2009 calender year so please click on the link below to get more information.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-8000-Home-Buyer-Tax-Credithttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-8000-Home-Buyer-Tax-CreditThu, 23 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMTAmes Iowa Real Estate - Should I Buy a Home Now?I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home. Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they have already. They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy. The problem with this approach is that you don't know where the bottom is until you see it in the rear view mirror, meaning until you've missed it!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates go up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.

]]>http://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Should-I-Buy-a-Home-Nowhttp://www.tomrandallrealestateteam.com/Blog/Ames-Iowa-Real-Estate-Should-I-Buy-a-Home-NowFri, 19 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT