• Key Renovations and Updates to Maximize Your Home's Value,Keith Soldwisch

    Key Renovations and Updates to Maximize Your Home's Value

    When it comes to selling your home, not all renovations are created equal. To get the best return on your investment, it's important to focus on updates that will increase your home's value and appeal to potential buyers. In this article, we'll explore some key renovations and updates that are proven to pay off in the long run.   Kitchen upgrades Modernize cabinets, countertops, and appliances.   Bathroom renovations Refresh fixtures, tiles, and adding luxury touches.     Curb appeal enhancements Add landscaping, exterior painting, and entryway upgrades.     Energy-efficient improvements Install new windows, doors, and HVAC systems.     Basement finishing Add livable square footage with a finished basement or bonus room.     Smart home technology integration Incorporate smart thermostats, security systems, and lighting.     Fresh paint and flooring Update paint colors and replacing worn-out flooring materials.     Conclusion By investing in the right renovations and updates, you can significantly increase your home's value and appeal to potential buyers. If you’re considering making upgrades to your home but want to prioritize one or two to start with, reach out to us at (515) 329-4667 and we’d be happy to share with you what features we’ve seen in properties that have been selling recently that sold for more because of its amenities.

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  • How Heroes Can Save Thousands on their Next Home Purchase,Keith Soldwisch

    How Heroes Can Save Thousands on their Next Home Purchase

    Register here to Get Your Hero Rewards® Homes for Heroes® is committed to providing Heroes an easy way to save money on a home. If you're a Firefighter, EMS, Law Enforcement Officer, Military Member (Active, Reserve, or Veteran), Health Care Professional, or a Teacher, Homes for Heroes provides you significant savings when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. To register as a Hero, all you need to do is provide your name, email, phone number, Hero experience, and if you are looking to buy, sell, or refinance.   Register here to Get Your Hero Rewards®   As your local real estate professionals, we’ve teamed up with ProLending Home Finance and joined Homes for Heroes because we are committed to serving you and saving you money throughout every step of the real estate process. When you buy, sell or refinance a home, you get a reward check just like in the video.   If you are a Hero or know someone that is, share this video with them so they can save thousands on their next real estate transaction.   Have any questions about the the process? Give us a call at (515) 329-4667 or email us at zelda@zealtynow.com and we’d be happy to answer them for you.

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  • Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?,Keith Soldwisch

    Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?

      When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you?   In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains:   “Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes. Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their existing mortgage.”   A recent study from Bank of America sheds light on some of the things homeowners say would make them sell, even with rates where they are right now (see visual below):   What Would Motivate You To Move? Now that you know why other people would move, take a minute to think about what would make a move worth it for you. Is it time to take a chance and go for your dream job, even though it’s not local? Are you looking for a neighborhood that has more to offer and a close-knit sense of community? Maybe you just need more space, you’re looking for your next great adventure, or you want a house that opens up rental opportunities to pad your income.   And here’s something else to consider. Mortgage rates are still expected to go down over the course of the year. And once that happens, there’s going to be a big rush of buyers jumping back into the market. While you could delay your plans until rates drop, you’ll only have more competition with those buyers if you do.   So, does that mean it’s worth it to move now, even with rates where they are? The answer is: that it depends.   You'll want to consider today’s mortgage rates, where they’re expected to go from here, and what would prompt you to want to make a change as you decide on your next steps. An expert can help with that.   Bottom Line Other homeowners are getting used to rates and deciding to move. Let’s chat to go over what matters most to you and if it’s time for you to jump back into the market too. Give us a call at (515) 329-4667 and we’d be happy to map out the best plan for you and your family.

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