ABOUT ME

WHY WORK WITH ME?

I give you a personalized, boutique experience, with complete access to all the comprehensive resources Iowa Realty® has to offer. I'm able to fully utilize those immense resources while taking the time to completely understand your individual goals and provide the personal attention and immediate communication you need during your real estate transaction. 

WHAT AREAS DO I REPRESENT?

I am licensed to buy and sell real estate anywhere in Iowa. My main focus is in Central Iowa dealing with:

West Des Moines

Des Moines

Waukee

Clive

Urbandale

Ankeny

Adel

Norwalk

Grimes

Cumming

Johnston

Bondurant

Van Meter

South of Grand

and many more! To see more detailed information about acreages for sale in Iowa or other areas simply visit my COMMUNITIES page for all the latest homes for sale in Central Iowa.

ABOUT SELLING

WHY DO I NEED AN AGENT?

Seller’s agents represent all the interests of the seller. With a selling agent, you get someone who is experienced in how to market your property, find potential buyers and get you the maximum amount for your home. 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SELL MY HOUSE?

Factors that will determine how much time your home is on the market are, how much you're willing to sell your home for and what the market is like during that time. In a high-demand market, a correctly-priced home will sell much faster than an overpriced home.

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?

You can determine your home value by using an online valuation, hiring an appraiser or checking comparable homes in your area, but you'll receive the most accurate results by hiring an appraiser or going through a REALTOR. For the most accurate, free, no obligation home valuation visit my Home Valuation Request Page.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE TOO HIGH OF A PRICE POINT?

When a home is overpriced, important opportunities are missed. Buyer interest is at its highest when a property initially hits the market. If the property is priced above current market value, the number of potential buyers is reduced significantly and the chance for a solid offer or multiple offer situation rapidly declines. 

WILL YOU PROVIDE ME WITH THE FEEDBACK AFTER SHOWINGS?

Yes! You will be informed about the level of interest from all showings and receive all comments (both positive and negative) if you would like them.

WHAT IS STAGING?

Home staging is a tried and true marketing strategy (with a dash of psychology.)  Simply put, staging is decorating. It is designed to impress potential buyers, showcase your home's best assets, and help sell it quickly and for the highest possible price. Here are some great home staging tips to start with. 

ABOUT BUYING

WHY DO I NEED AN AGENT?

With a buyer’s agent, you have someone who is solely dedicated to your interests, as well as a direct point of contact to work with you throughout your entire search to achieve your goals and look out for your best interests. There is no cost to you to work with a buyer’s agent since the seller pays the broker fee.

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE PREPARED PRIOR TO LOOKING FOR A HOME?

The first step is to get pre-approved by a lender. To learn more or to apply, visit my page on mortgages.

WHEN BUYING A HOME WILL I NEED A CREDIT CHECK?

A credit check will usually be performed by the lender during your pre-approval process.

ARE THERE PROGRAMS THAT HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

There are numerous programs to help first time homebuyers with down payment assistance. Your lender can give you more information.

WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION AND SHOULD I HAVE ONE?

Home inspections provide the buyer an opportunity to identify any major issues with a home before closing. Following a home inspection, the buyer has the option to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if any major issues arise.

WHO PAYS FOR A HOME INSPECTION AND HOW MUCH IS IT?

The buyer pays for the home inspection (should they choose to have one.) The cost is generally between $300-500 depending on the size of the property and the inspector used. You are free to choose any inspector you would like. If you're looking for a recommendation, Bode Home Inspections is always a client favorite.

WHAT KIND OF CREDIT SCORE DO I NEED TO BUY A HOUSE?

The minimum credit score required to buy a house will vary depending on the type of loan and the lender's standards. Generally, a higher credit score will give you access to more favorable loan terms and interest rates.

For conventional loans, which are not backed by the government, most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 or higher. For FHA loans, which are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, the minimum credit score is often 580, although some lenders may require a higher score.

For VA loans, which are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the minimum credit score requirements are typically much more relaxed and can be as low as 620, although the specific requirements can vary based on the lender.

It's important to note that while these are the minimum credit score requirements, having a higher credit score can improve your chances of being approved for a loan and getting better loan terms. It is always a good idea to work on improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage, and to get pre-approved by a lender to understand what loan options are available to you. I can point you in the right direction or answer any questions you have.


WHAT IS A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

A septic inspection is an examination of a septic system to evaluate its condition and determine if it is functioning properly. This typically involves a visual inspection of the system components such as the septic tank, drain field, and other components, as well as a review of maintenance records by a licensed inspector. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any potential problems or issues that need to be addressed during a Time of Transfer (ToT) to ensure the system is functioning as designed and to prevent future problems.