Holiday Traditions from Des Moines Area Friends and Family
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa (or all of them, or none of the above!), this time of year can be magical. If you’re celebrating with kids, furbabies, in-laws,…
Find out real estate market trends, local family friendly events, tips on home maintenance and of course buying and selling a home information. All the info is both unique to Des Moines and surrounding communities. Nora will make sure you are at home.
Here are some of our favorite charities in the Des Moines area
Giving Back – Charities in Des Moines
It’s that time of year when we all start to count our blessings and try to give back to those with less. On the Homes with Nora team, we love…
Myths and Misconceptions in Real Estate
When it comes to real estate, everyone has bits of information that they've heard over the years. But what's really true and current? We're clearing up some common myths and…
Location, Location, Location!
You’ve heard this before when it comes to real estate: Location, Location, Location! Why is Location so important? Two reasons: you can’t change it, and it matters to potential buyers. Read…
Tips for selling a home in Des Moines this Fall
Should I sell my house in the fall?
Are you questioning whether it’s time to sell your home, even though school is starting soon and it’s getting close to fall? Don’t worry – fall is a GREAT time…
How is the Real Estate Market doing in 2018?
Do you remember the analysis I put together in January of this year, looking at 2017 and comparing it to previous years? We’re now halfway through 2018; how is the market doing?…
Reminder: Lower your Property Taxes!
If you purchased a home in 2017 or this year 2018. Please make sure to sign up for the homestead exemption for your property taxes. This can save a few…
Costs of Buying a Home
Last month we shared all the costs that home owners should be prepared for when selling a home. This month we are looking at all the expenses for which you…
Costs of Selling a Home – Don’t be Surprised!
In the current Des Moines seller market, home prices are on the rise. It can be a great time to sell, but be ready for what the hidden costs of…
Why should I worry about interest rates?
Why should I worry about interest rates? If you are thinking about buying a home in the next 6 to 12 months, you've probably heard that interest rates are really…
How to Stay Sane while Moving with Dogs
Moving is stressful for everyone, including your family dog(s). This month, my technology assistant Jeannie Crosby is taking the reins to tell us about her move to Des Moines from…
What is so special about new construction?
As we get into springtime, more and more buyers and houses will be coming out of the woodwork. You may be wondering if you should be looking at new construction…
Des Moines Housing Market: 2017 Update
Last January, I reported that the number of home sales annually continued to increase year-over-year (see full report for 2016 here). This past year, the number of home sales continued to…
Tax Reform – Times Are Changing
For this post, we have Stephanie Majeran, a CPA and owner of WellRun Results, LLC, explaining some of the provisions of the tax bill being considered. I’ve then added some potential…
Urbandale
Urbandale Urbandale is located in the northwest part of the Des Moines Metro Area at the intersections of Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and Iowa 141. Urbandale is in both Polk…
Best Home Improvement Returns
Now that you’ve bought a house and moved in, naturally you want to begin making the house your “home”. And, you’ve heard that remodeling bathrooms and kitchens can add value…
West Des Moines
YES! WEST DES MOINES When clients ask – I say “Yes! West Des Moines!” West Des Moines is the largest suburb just west of Des Moines, straddling the junction…
Waukee
Waukee Waukee, the western most suburbs of Des Moines is one of the areas fastest growing communities. Located west of Interstate 35 and straddling Interstate 80. Waukee is a great…
Ankeny
AnkenyAnkeny is north of the metropolitan area it has one of the areas fastest growing housing markets. Many successful businesses have settled in Ankeny, attracted by its highly skilled and…
Fall Events and Pumpkin Patches 2017
Fall is a great time to get out with the whole family, young and old alike. Here are some sites to check out for good ole fall fun in and…
Timing a Sale and Purchase
If you're like most people, you're probably concerned about selling your house before having one lined up to buy. You don't want to sell your house first, not having somewhere…
Des Moines Real Estate Market: First Half of 2017
How is the Real Estate Market doing in 2017? Do you remember the analysis I put together in January of this year, looking at 2016 and comparing it to previous…
Farmer’s Markets
Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to start sampling the various farmers’ markets all over the Des Moines area. Which one is your favorite? Let me know! Downtown…
How do I make sure my home stays in tip-top shape?
Springtime is here, and it has brought its normal swarm of home sales. Even if you're not looking to sell your home, now is a great time to check these…
Selling Your Home, Part 3
In Selling Your Home, Part 2, I reviewed how to show your home, and how to receive and negotiate offers. The final part of selling your home will cover inspections, appraisals,…
Selling Your Home, Part 2
In Selling Your Home, Part 1, I reviewed how to recruit your REALTOR®, prepare your home for sale, and list your home. Once it’s been listed, now it’s time…
Selling Your Home, Part 1
So you’ve decided now is the time to sell your home. What should you do? How do you get from “For Sale” to “SOLD”? Recruit Your REALTOR® One of the…
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners in 2017
2016 is coming to a close, and with the new year just around the corner, people across the world are gearing up to set their intentions for the upcoming year…
Getting ready for the holidays in Des Moines. Get some help and great finds.
Ideas for the Holidays
Hello Fall! Holiday Ideas for You We’re all starting to feel a little nip in the air, and the holidays are drawing near. Are you starting to think about gifts…
How is the Real Estate Market doing in 2016?
How is the Real Estate Market doing in 2016? Now that we are six months into 2016, it's time to see how we're doing so far this year! Here are…