Mar. 30, 2006 - Spruce Up Your Home

Mar. 28, 2006 - e-Pro Certified

I've just completed an intense Realtor(R) e-Pro Certification to join one of the select few real estate professionals to earn this prestigious certification offered through the National Association of Realtors(R). Another committment to providing each of you with top level technological Real Estate Services.  To learn more about this certification click  HERE.

Mar. 27, 2006 - Lake Information

Did you know....?

West Lake Okoboji 

• Has 11 species of fish including Walleye, Perch & Northern Pike.
• is 3,847 sq. acres

East Lake Okoboji

• has 10 species of fish
• is 1,835 sq. acres

Big Spirit Lake

• has 13 species of fish
• is 5,684 sq. acres

for more information regarding area lakes

http://ia.lake-link.com/lakes/do_lakeresults.cfm?RegionID=94

Mar. 27, 2006 - Market Trends 3/27/06

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:nwiowahomes@hotmail.com

MARKET TRENDS 3/27/06

CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET

• 829 total properties
• Highest price $3,995,000
• Average price $164,194
• Average days on market 245

YEAR-TO-DATE SOLD

• 101 total properties
• Highest price $1,365,000
• Average price $223,149
• Average days on market 287

WEST LAKE SOLD (YEAR-TO-DATE)*

• 8 properties sold for a total of $6,844,800
• Average West Lake selling price $797,438

EAST LAKE SOLD (YEAR-TO-DATE)*

• 10 properties sold for a total of $3,517,910
• Average East Lake selling price $339,800

*Lake sales figures include condo sales.

Mar. 23, 2006 - 10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership

Mar. 20, 2006 - Special Condo Financing

I've just returned from a lunch meeting sponsored by one of our local banks, Northwest Federal Savings Bank - http://northwestfederal.com Condominium Financing Just Got Easier!  Exclusively available from this local bank are:

• Fixed Rate financing - up to 30 years
• No condo completion requirements (no more waiting for that 70% completion)
• Financing for Primary or Secondary Residence (Yeah - now's the time to buy that vacation condo!)
• Instant Approval or pre-approval available online

This is great news for our lakes area.  With approximately 113 condos currently on the market and many more in construction stages, buying that year-round or vacation condo couldn't be easier. 

To view a complete listing of current Active Condos, drop me an email request

mailto:nwiowahomes@hotmail.com

or visit my website to search the complete MLS listings.

http://OkobojiFever.com

This is the time of year when sales start to really pick up.  To have the best selections at the best prices, begin your look early.  Remember to give me a call for your viewing appointment.  I show all lake area properties.

*Other local bank rates can be found at

http://BankMidwest.com

http://centralbankonline.com

Dawn Lefevre

http://www.OkobojiFever.com

712.330.2221

Mar. 18, 2006 - Subscribe or Unsubscribe to Blog

To Subscribe:  please send an email  with "subscribe" in the subject line to:

mailto:nwiowahomes@hotmail.com

You will receive an automatic email notification each time a new topic is posted.

To Unsubscribe:  please send an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line to:

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Mar. 17, 2006 - 2005 FUN FACTS - PER LOCAL MLS REPORTS

A huge Thank you to all of you who attended our Decorating Seminar at Bank Midwest this past week (feel free to leave your comments below). Below are the stats I shared regarding local sales per our MLS 3/14/06.

2005 Residential (only) - 629 Sold for a total or $132,508,996

         Residential Average $210,666

2005 TOTAL - 835 Sold for a total of $151,105,703

         2005 Average $180,965

2005 - West Lake (includes Condos) - 40 Sold

            Average West Lake (includes Condos) $645,888

2005 - East Lake (includes Condos) - 88 Sold

            Average East Lake (includes Condos) $335,262

2005 - Big Spirit Lake - 24 Sold

            Average Big Spirit Lake - $289,579

2005 - In-Town (non lakefront or access) - 185 Sold

            Average in-town - $137,329

Dawn Lefevre

Broker-Associate

DOWDEN-HINN REALTORS

Hwy. 71 S., PO Box 449

Spirit Lake, IA   51360

712.330.2221

http://www.OkobojiFever.com

Mar. 15, 2006 - Historic Area Photo Collection

Greetings - I just received this link to a wonderful collection of historic photos of our lakes area.  Take a look and enjoy the trip to a time back when......

http://www.pbase.com/luckybreak/okoboji

Dawn Lefevre

Broker-Associate

DOWDEN-HINN REALTORS

Hwy 71 S., Spirit Lake, IA  51360

712.330.2221

Mar. 14, 2006 - Secrets to Selling Your Property

THE SECRETS TO SELLING YOUR PROPERTY !

There are ONLY 5 Reasons why any property does NOT sell,

and the SELLER controls 4 of them:

1. LOCATION - (The property may be located near a busy road; lack of privacy - the property may be tooclose to other homes or lack a nice yard; the property may be located on low terrain or lack of proper drainage; over-improved - the property may be located in an area where the average home price is much lower.)

2. CONDITION - (Carpeting, wallpaper, kitchen, baths, etc. may be "too dated" or "too busy" and need replacement or "neutralizing". The property may be too cluttered with furniture and other items which do not present the property in its most attractive condition. The property may be very untidy and needs a good cleaning. The property may lack "curb appeal" with lack of landscaping . . . or, the property may look like a "jungle" and with overgrown landscaping, and need pruning, trimming, etc.)

3. PRICE - (The property may be priced too high for the neighborhood, OR too high for current market conditions.)

4. TERMS - (The Seller will not move or allow occupancy for 6 months or longer, limiting prospective Buyers who may need to purchase in 30 or 45 days. The Seller may have unreasonable showing demands, i.e.1) listing agent must be present at all showings, or 2) Seller will not allow a lockbox for easy access by Realtors. If the current market interest rates are at a high level which makes it difficult for a Buyer to qualify for a loan, the Seller may need to assist with Buyer closing costs, points, or worst case, hold Seller financing).

5. MARKET - (Seller needs to be informed of the current market conditions for the area as well as what comparable homes have sold for as well as other similar homes currently listed.  A current Market Condition report is the best indicator of market. 

Which one does the SELLER NOT Control?

(Answer: Location)

What can the SELLER DO to compensate for Location:

(Answer: Make "adjustments or changes" to any one of the other 4 reasons.)

LET ME HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME… 

 712-330-2221     dlefevre@mchsi.com
OkobojiFever.com

Mar. 13, 2006 - NIGHT BOAT SPEED LIMIT

The Iowa Natural Resources Commission approved a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit for all boats on the Iowa Lakes...including all Lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. The limit would be in effect from a half-hour after sunset to sunset. The proposal must still be approved by a legislative rules panel.

The new limit will go in effect May 3rd if final approval is granted by the legislative rules committee.