Apr. 10, 2006 - Market Trends 4/10/06

Here is where you will find current information on recent sales in the Iowa Great Lakes Area.  I will update this information several times per month so be sure to stop back often.  If you'd like more detailed information on specific properties or would like to know the current estimated market value of your property, please email me directly at:

mailto:dlefevre@mchsi.com

MARKET TRENDS 4/10/06

CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET

• 928 total properties
• Highest price $3,995,000
• Average price $176,728
• Average days on market 228

YEAR-TO-DATE SOLD

• 122 total properties
• Highest price $1,365,000
• Average price $216,543
• Average days on market 308

WEST LAKE SOLD (YEAR-TO-DATE)*

• 10 properties sold for a total of $7,324,000
• Average West Lake selling price $732,400

EAST LAKE SOLD (YEAR-TO-DATE)*

• 12 properties sold for a total of $4,377,000
• Average East Lake selling price $364,750

BIG SPIRIT LAKE (YEAR-TO-DATE)*

• 3 properties sold for a total of $777,900
• Average Big Spirit selling price $259,300

*Lake sales figures include condo sales & properties on

Leased Land.

(Figures based on MLS statistics on above date.)

Apr. 6, 2006 - Garage Sale Success

The following is from an article found at http://www.homestore.com

The Secret to Garage Sale Success
How to clean out your junk and make a profit

A garage sale is a beautiful thing. You not only clear out stuff you consider junk, but recycle it and give it a second life for somebody else's use. And you can make some significant coin while you're at it.

Pre-sale Preparation
Someone should be present to staff your sale at all times—preferably two people, to discourage shoplifters. (Some people come to garage sales to find out what's worth burglarizing later.) Kids of any age can help with straightening items and bagging and toting purchases. You'll need a stock of startup cash in various denominations for making change, but keep as little as possible at the sale site and keep it secured.

Presentation is Key
The better shape things are in, the more likely they'll sell. Check the condition of the merchandise in your for-sale pile: a minor repair or a few stitches can make the difference between a sale and a leftover. Consider bundling items that go together, such as pots and potholders. If clothing is for sale, clean and hang or fold it.

Determine prices for each item. Make them appealing, and allow room for dickering. Small self-stick labels or snippets of masking tape make dandy price tags. Remember, it's called a garage sale for a reason: People are here for bargains, you're trying to clear space, so price things to move!

Similar to a retailer's approach to merchandising, presentation cannot be underestimated at your sale. Make your wares appealing to shoppers, starting with these display tips:

• Whether you use folding tables or lumber over sawhorses, allow room in between for browsers.
• A clothesline works well for hanging clothes.
• Display books so their titles are easily read.
• If selling electrical appliances, be sure there's an accessible power supply for testing.
• Use boxes or baskets for smaller items.

Reduce prices toward the end of your sale. Remember: making a few dollars is secondary to getting rid of the stuff.

Apr. 3, 2006 - Tech Misc.

From the "you learn something new every day" department

A friend sent me this useful tip I did not know.

If you hold down the control (Ctrl) key on the your keyboard and then turn the small wheel in the middle of your mouse either away from you or towards you the print size will get larger or smaller depending on which direction you turn the wheel.