-

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

SL Council Adopts New Building Codes

(Spirit Lake)-- Almost as quickly as it got rid of the old ones, the Spirit Lake city council Tuesday adopted a new set of building codes which will go into effect April 15th.

City Administrator Mark Stevens told the council it now puts the state's building codes into effect in the city and identifies a person in the Public Works Department to enforce it.

Stevens says it also contains a schedule of "plan review fees" that are considerably less than those under the former codes. It also carries over requirements for contractors to be bonded and insured.

In addition to voting to adopt the new codes, the council also Tuesday adopted the new plan review fees.

They stopped short, though, of approving fees for electrical permits. They wanted language added that would provide for another level of fees in the event a certified inspector is needed for a project.

The council also adopted a resolution requesting state approval to discontinue electrical inspections. Stevens said it's his understanding the state will be providing that service beginning in 2009.

Information from www.exploreokoboji.com

- How long will it last?

Feb. 26, 2007 - Improving your Credit Score

---

Take a "Click" into the article below for some useful information...

7 Habits of People with Great Credit Scores

Feb. 1, 2007 - First Time Home Buyers

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable.

1) Before You Begin, Ask Yourself One Question

Will you live in your next home for at least 3 years? If the answer is "Yes," you should probably purchase, rather than continue renting. With average appreciation, you'll break even on your closing costs after 2 years, and start making money at year three. Every year after that will put more money in your pocket! The most expensive aspect of real estate is buying & selling, so the longer you can live in the home the better. However, purchasing makes sense if you can make as little as a 36 month commitment.

2) You Don't Need a Down Payment!

It always surprises me how many people want to purchase a home, but don't because they believe that a hefty down payment is required. Zero down programs are very common, and are quickly becoming the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. Because your new home is collateral for the loan, there are many banks that will jump at the chance to loan you 100% of its value. Perfect credit isn't a requirement, either. Because real estate typically appreciates in value, it's often easier to be approved for a 100% mortgage than it is to borrow 100% for a car!

3) Get Pre-Qualified

Pre-qualification is a very important step, and the step that first time home buyers dread the most. Qualifying to buy a home is pretty easy and requires relatively little work for you. Pre-qualification is what gives you buying power and allows you to make an offer on your dream home when you've found it. More importantly, pre-qualification will let you know how much your new home will REALLY cost - in monthly payments. A $150,000 or $300,000 home doesn't mean a lot to most buyers - but $1200 per month and $2500 per month are tangibles that everyone can understand. After your lender pre-qualifies you, ask them for a "payment table" that shows you a rough estimate of TOTAL monthly payment based on purchase price. Pick your payment, and you know the price range to shop in.

4) Consult a Real Estate Professional ASAP

Many first time home buyers avoid contacting a Real Estate Agent because they dislike high pressure sales. However, Real Estate Agents have an advantage over traditional salespeople because they have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which is a database that lists roughly 99% of the homes for sale in a given market. This means that your Real Estate Agent doesn't have to sell - he/she merely presents your options. The most important qualities to look for in your Real Estate Agent are his/her knowledge of your specific market and their willingness to help. Interview a few agents and choose one that will help guide you through the process. You'll find the help & insight will be invaluable - and you'll be glad you contacted your Real Estate Agent sooner, rather than later.

5) Make a List of "Must Haves" & "Wants"

Many new home buyers mistakenly think that they will "just know" when they "walk into the one." While some buyers DO fall instantly in love with a home, this is not the norm. You'll find your search is easier, and you will be more confident in your decision, if you take a systematic approach to your search. The best way to organize your search is to make two lists: Your "must haves" and your "wants." Your "must haves" are the absolute necessities in your new home - in fact, you don't even need to view a home if it doesn't have every "must have." Great examples of your "must haves" are price, school district, size, etc... Your "wants" are the qualities that you would like for your new home to have, but it's not a necessity. Great examples of "wants" are color, flooring, kitchen appliances, surround sound, and type of exterior. By taking the time to articulate what you need and want in your new home, you will know exactly what to look for when viewing prospective homes.

6) Pick Your Favorite Neighborhoods

You can always make changes to your house, but you can never change its location. Most home buyers already have a good idea of where they would like to live because of school districts, work, or other factors. However, neighborhoods can be pretty different, even in the same area of the city. Ask your Real Estate Agent to email you a list of homes in the specific area of town you're interested in. Take a drive through the different neighborhoods on the list your Real Estate Agent sends you, and choose your favorites. Pay attention to area amenities, how well the yards & common areas are kept, and if you see a lot of "for lease" signs - which can be an indication of a heavy rental area, and lacking in "pride of ownership." After you have picked your favorite neighborhoods, and you know your "must haves" and "wants," you can literally make a list of EVERY home available that meets your criteria, and view those homes.

7) Make Your Decision!!!

Homebuyers often hesitate after they've found the right home because they're not confident about their decision, or their decision-making process. Your home is probably the largest investment of your life, and it's normal to feel butterflies in your stomach before putting your first home under contract. However, if you do your due diligence - and you have if you followed the steps above - then you will have your bases covered. If you've found a home that meets all of your "must haves," most of your "wants," is in the right neighborhood, and in your budget - it's the home for you! Don't wait and let another buyer take YOUR home!

Buying your first home can seem very intimidating, but can be extremely exciting. If you think that buying a home is right for you, it probably is. Make sure and follow these important tips and you'll know you made the right decision when you find your first home.

About the Author: Eric Bramlett is the Broker and co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin Texas. Visit Eric's Austin Texas Real Estate Guide, visit his Austin Texas Real Estate company's website, & his Austin Condos & Lofts Guide. He has seen considerable success in real estate, and looks forward to many more years in the business. Eric currently invests, renovates, and develops real estate in the Greater Austin Texas Market. He spends his time working with select clients, helps his new agents get started in their real estate careers, helps his experienced agents progress their careers to the next level, & when he has time...he takes his dogs to the lake.

© Copyright Since 1999 - Broker Agent News, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

- Interest Rates

Aug. 3, 2006 - Packing Like a Pro

1.      Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical.

2.      Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3.      Don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it.

4.      Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.

5.      Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move, should probably stay with you.

6.      Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.

7.      Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.

8.      Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.

9.      Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.

10.  Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.

11.  Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

12.  Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver’s name, and van number. Also keep your address book handy.

13.  Back up your computer files before moving your computer.

14.  Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.

15.  Remember, most movers won’t take plants.

 Reprinted from REALTOR(R) magazine online by permission of the National Association of Realtors.  Copywrite 2005.  All rights reserved.

Jul. 10, 2006 - High Tech Your Home

---

How High Tech Is Your Home?

Jun. 2, 2006 - Before Buying a Condo

To view my complete online newsletter please visit

http://Dlefevre.realtownblogs.com

Ten Questions to Ask Your Condo Board

Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive—and organized—its members are.

1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.

2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for you.

3. How much does the association keep in reserve? How is that money being invested?

4. Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs. To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.

5. What does and doesn’t the assessment cover—common area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, snow removal?

6. What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.

7. How much turnover occurs in the building?

8. Is the project in litigation? If the builders or homeowners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.

9. Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.

10. Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.

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