Wanda's Blog

Do you every wish you could include the caveat "No Moms Allowed" to an agency agreement? Oh yeah, and add "Over Protective Dads", "Grandpas Who Bought Their First Home for $5,000", "Spoiled Sisters In Law" and "Know It All Best Friends"... Family and friends who accompany first time home buyers on their house hunt have good intentions, no doubt. But their lack of market knowledge, strong opinions and subjectivity can really kill a sale.

Well-meaning friends and relatives can offer so many conflicting opinions that it can cause confustion and frustration. First time home buyers start to second guess their instincts, become indecisive and reluctant, and rely too heavily on what everyone else thinks they should do.

It's a good idea for an agent to have a "Prep Talk" with clients before setting out on what can become an excruciating number of showings if things get out of control. Preparing your buyers for the process by giving them objective, informed and practical advice can prevent some of the common roadblocks.

One piece of advice that works well with first time buyers is to have them wait until they have narrowed their search down to three properties before bringing in the troops for a barrage of opinions. By the time they have narrowed it down, they have hopefully learned about their needs and wants, the realities of what their budget will buy, and their personal tastes. Also, at this point it may actually be helpful to hear what others think, as they may have experiences that could provide good insight.

By suggesting this method to buyers, you may also take a little pressure off of them by giving them a plan. It's hard to say "no" to Mom and Dad, but a simple statement, like the one below, can help ease any guilt and hard feelings and set the tone for the transaction:

"Jake and I are seeing properties this weekend. As soon as we have our top three, we will definitely need your help and opinion before making a decision."

First time home buyers in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area should contact Wanda Tharp for expertise, experience and trustworthiness. Contact Wanda today at WandaTharp@CBHRealty.com or 319-361-2383.

From Frontdoor.com

Read the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Foreclosure:

1. Foreclosure is a process, not a thing.
2. The foreclosure process has four phases. The terms and length of each phase vary by state.
3. A difficult financial situation doesn't have to lead to foreclosure.
4. The mortgage lender is not eager to take your house away.
5. You can sell your home immediately when foreclosure is looming.
6. All is not lost once you get a notice of default.
7. A short sale is better than going through foreclosure.
8. Foreclosure has major legal, tax and credit consequences.
9. Buying a foreclosure property doesn't always mean you'll get a bargain.
10. Understanding your mortgage can help you avoid foreclosure.

Great advice from a colleague is featured below. Take advantage of lovely spring weather and air out your home to give an appealing and fresh feeling, rather than stuffy and overpowering scents.

When you choose a home, you are not just choosing what is beneath the roof and within the walls. You are choosing, a neighborhood, and essentially, a lifestyle. The Cedar Rapids area has a wide variety of neighborhoods, all with their own unique features. This post is dedicated to highlighting a little bit about what this Northeast neighborhood has to offer.

Homes in this family-orienteted neighborhood tend to sell very quickly. Many buyers are drawn to the desirable school district, and convenient location with close proximity to Rockwell Collins, the Lindale Mall area, and easy access to 1-380. The first home was built in 1964, and the area has been continually developed since. With several different phases from Bowman Woods I, II, III, Bowman Ridge and Bowman Trail, and so on, home prices range from the mid 100,000's to half a million dollars.

Many of Bowman Woods' residents enjoy the private pool and tennis court within walking distance from home. Bowman Woods Elementary also is adjacent to a lovely park and a large hill famous for sledding! Whether you are in the older section on top of Brentwood hill or the newly developed area still underconstruction, you are certain to find friendly neighbors, happy kids, and a comforting sense of home.

 To visit homes available in the Bowman Woods neighborhood, contact Wanda Tharp today at 319-361-2383 or email WandaTharp@cbhrealty.com

Imagine at the age of 7 being unable to tie your shoes. Not because you haven't learned, but because it hurts too badly. Imagine at the age of 26 having your spouse dispense your toothpaste, squeezing out hair gel with your knees and being unable to turn the keys in your car's ignition. Imagine at 55 being unable to hold your grandchildren or plant mother's day flowers as you've always loved.

This is the daily reality of life with arthritis. My little sister has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of 20. She was an all star athlete, fitness enthusiast and as healthy as can be. Never did it occur to her that at age 26, her husband would have to carry her up and down the stairs of their townhome on her "bad days".

I hope you can find a little extra change and a little extra compassion to help support our team in the upcoming Arthritis Walk. Our family takes part every year and is committed to helping find more effective treatments and a cure.

If you cannot make a financial contribution, we also welcome you to put on your walking shoes and join our team! We also gladly accept positive vibes, prayers, etc. Thank you for your consideration!
Click Here to Donate

We all know that when it comes to real estate, it's all about "location, location, location." And for home buyers with families, school district gets particular attention. So what if you find a home you love, in a great location, but in school district with a less than stellar reputation? If you truly love the home, and plan to live in it long term, then this isn't a deal breaker. You do have options, and a little creative problem solving is all you need.

Here are some tips from a teacher with experience as a real estate agent in the Cedar Rapids area:

• Don't judge a book by its cover. Make a point to visit the school yourself and formulate your own opinion. Look at the teacher-student ratio and the visibility and interaction of administrators. What is the overall tone of the school when you walk through? Are the children happy and quietly engaged, or running wildly or acting defiantly? If you decide it is NOT the place you'd like to send your children, you still have some choices and options.
• Private/parochial schools are located conveniently throughout the area with an elementary school in every public school district. Busing is often available, as is before and after school daycare. This is helpful for families with work hours that do not coincide with school day hours. These schools do charge a tuition which varies greatly depending on parish membership, etc. Scholarships and aid are also available to those who qualify.
• Consider open-enrollment. You can choose to keep your children enrolled at their current school, regardless of what district you move to. You can also choose to enroll in any of the other area schools that are not at their maximum capacity. The application process is simple. One thing to consider is transportation. You will likely be responsible for transporting your child to and from school. Think about carpooling or arranging your work schedule to accommodate this.
• The age of your kids and grades served in your neighborhood's school should be considered. If your youngest child is in fourth grade, and the school is K-5, then the issue may not be as crucial as you thought. One year of making accommodations for open enrollment isn't a deal breaker. On the other hand, one year at that school will not make or break your child's education.

The best advice is to be realistic, creative, and informed when it comes to choosing a home and school for your family. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with resources about area schools, and each school's PTO will be an excellent source for you as well.

THIS HOME IS "OUT OF A MAGAZINE" AWESOME!   IT IS LOCATED IN THE POPULAR RIVERBEND COMMUNITY WITH A BEAUTIFUL TREED LOT.  ENJOY THE OUTDOORS IN THE GAZEBO OR ENCLOSED PRIVATE HOT TUB.  VISIT THIS HOME AND YOU WILL DISCOVER AN UPDATED KITCHEN, BATHROOMS, FLOOR COVERINGS, COUNTERTOPS AND MORE.  CLOSE TO SHOPPING, ENTERTAINMENT SCHOOLS, PARKS, GOLF, HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS, AND EASY ACCESS TO ROCKWELL COLLINS AND 380.

$240,950.00, 3 bedrooms, 2230 sq.ft., 3.5 baths, 2 stall Garage

MLS 1003085