The Best Real Estate Advice of 2019Let Your Voice Be Heard, Get Out and Vote!!!Why Use a REALTOR®? 7 Reasons to Work with a REALTOR®REALTORS® aren't just agents. They're professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers: 1.An expert guide. Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there's a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. 2.Objective information and opinions.REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORs® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. 3.Property marketing power.Property doesn't sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner's contacts with previous clients, friends, and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 4.Negotiation knowledge.There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step. 5.Up-to-date experience.Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each sale. Even if you've done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career. 6.Your rock during emotional moments.A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you. 7.Ethical treatment.Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®'s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. 
Full Guide Book For Buyers
Full Guide Book For Sellers
REALTORS Donate over $7,000 to Salvation Army Flood Relief REALTORS® donate $10,400 to Dream Playground Re-Imagined
The Soutwest Iowa Association of Realtors® donated $10,418.92 Proceeds from the association's annual golf bash - were donated to the Dream Playground Re-Imagined fund drive. See pictures of the Affiliate/REALTOR Dream Playground Re-Imagined Build Day Under the Photos Tab
Project Jack Grants for Kids to Pay-IT-ForwardThe REALTOR Foundation of Iowa provides $250 grants to classes across the state of Iowa for children to pay-it-forward in each of their communities.  Project Jack
Past Years
Housing Stats
April 2018 Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act!
 Please join in the celebration by meeting at the Tom Hanafan Pavilion area on Thursday, April 5th at 10:30 a.m. to join hands across the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. Playground project receives donation for new slideProject Jack 2018
Lewis Central 5th Graders Pay It Forward with decorated pillowcases to residents of Northcrest Living Center Project Jack - brought to you by the Realtor Foundation of Iowa and the Southwest Iowa Association of Realtors! 160 grants will be given out to 4th and 5th grade classes across the state of Iowa to participate in pay-it-forward projects. Teachers should fill out the quick application starting January 8th for a $250 grant. Spots fill quickly and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Project Jact information and link to application.
2018 Timeline Countless Lives Changed
Recap of Project Jack 2017
When major disater strikes, the REALTORS® Relief Foundation has one goal: Help families who have endured unimaginable loss. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation is currently coordinating efforts for relief in the gulf coast cities and in the greater Houston, Texas area due to unprecedented flooding left by Hurricane Harvey. Contributions The REALTORS® Relief Foundation welcomes contributions - not only in times of disaster, but at any time throughout the year, and 100% of all funds collected go to disaster relief causes. Online - via Credit Card
Use this secure online form to make a contribution. By mail - via check Make checks payable to: REALTORS® Relief Foundation 430 N. Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60611 Check Memo Description: RRF Contribution Note: The REALTOR Relief Foundation distributes 100% OF ALL FUNDS COLLEECTED TO DISASTER RELIEF CAUSES. THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED ON AN "AS-NEEDED" BASIS BY THE FOUNDATION'S DIRECTORS. THE FOUNDATION CANNOT GUARANTEE DONORS THAT DONATIONS MADE IN RESPONSE TO A PARTICULAR DISASTER WILL BE USED FOR THAT SPECIFIC DISASTER, BUT THE fOUNDATION DOES GUARANTEE ALL DONORS THAT 100% OF THEIR DONATION WILL BE USED FOR AN APPROPRIATE DISASTER RELIEF EFFOR. 
Southwest Iowa REALTORS Give Back to the CommunityFrom left, Lori Shields, Marge Leaders, Barry Cleaveland, Lynne Branigan, LuAnn Hansen, Gary Fenster, Justin Schultz and Kristi Jerkovich pose for a portrait at Lake Manawa State Park's Dream Playground on Friday, July 21st. The Southwest Iowa Association of Realtors® donated $1,400 each to the Dream Playground Re-Imagined renovation project, Make-A-Wish Iowa, and the Catholic Charitties Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, using money raised at the annual Realtor® Golf Bash held in June. More Photos under the "Photos" tab. Council Bluffs Clean Sweep, Taking Pride in our Community
The Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS earned the Travelling Plaque for Participation Leader: REALTOR Division
Council Bluffs Iowa's Annual CelebrationCelebrate CB 2017 Kicks off on May 12th, 2017 at Stir Cove with our Celebrate at the River free Concert. The celebrations run through May 20th and include the BBQ in the Bluffs, Clean Sweep, Ag Committee Spring Cookout, Bayliss Park Carnival, The Celebrate CB Parade and Children's Faire, entertainment and other activities at Bayliss Park immediately following the parade. We will also e holding the third annual Selfie Contest starting on May 1st and running through the end of the event.
Press ReleaseCollege View Elementary 5th Graders Receive Project Jack GrantSeveral area 5th Grade Classes received a Project Jack Grant in the amount $250.00 from the REALTOR Foundation of Iowa. The Grant money is to be used on a project to to pay it forward to their community. Mrs. Drake's 5th grade class and Mrs. Preston's 5th grade class were among the recipients of the Project Jack Grant Money from the REALTOR Foundation of Iowa. Both classes decided to make fleece pet blankets; which they will deliver to the Midlands Humane Society.
Mrs. Teten's 5th Grade Class Pays It Forward5th graders of Mrs. Teten's class of Underwood received a ProjectJack Grant from The Realtor Foundation of Iowa. They had $250 to Pay It Forward to their community. The class chose to hold a free skate afternoon for all Underwood 3-5 graders. They also invited local law enforcement and firefighters to socialize with their peers. "These individuals are valued members of our community and serve as role models to us," stated Koryn Trede, "We had approximately 65 students show up to skate. It was a fun and successful event. 
Mrs. Teten's 5th Grade Class with Law enforcement and Firefighters. See more photos under the photo tab. In January 2016, teachers across Iowa were encouraged to fill out an application to receive a grant through Project Jack. The money was divvied up on a first-come first-serve basis to carry out a class wide pay-it-forward project. A video was put together documenting a few of the projects which debuted September 15th at the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa annual Breakfast in Coralville, Iowa. Click on above REALTOR Foundation of Iowa Logo for a link to a short video from the 2016 Project Jack Campaign Press ReleaseHow Owning a Home Pays Off at Tax Time Reposted from the Daily Real Estate News - Tuesday, April 18, 2017Homeownership-related tax deductions can prove advantageous in lowering your tax bill. HouseLogic lists some of the ways homeownership helps at tax time: Mortgage interest deduction:Itemizing homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on their mortgage up to $1 million-or $500,000 if married but filing separately. The deductions can be made for loans issued to buy, build, or improve your home, and can apply to a house, trailer, or boat as long as it serves as your residence. A second mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity loan of credit to improve your home or buy a second home can also be included toward that $1 million limit. Property tax deduction:The real estate property taxes paid can be another chunk of a deduction. For homeowners who purchased a home this year, they'll want to check their HUD-1 settlement statement to see if they paid any property taxes when they closed on the purchase of the home. Prepaid interest deduction:The prepaid interest, or points you paid when you took out your mortgage, is also deductible in the year you paid it too. This could apply to homeowners who refinanced their mortgage and used the money for home improvements. You can also deduct the points if you refinanced to get a better mortgage rate or shortened the length of your mortgage, but the deduction of the points must be over the life of your mortgage. See an example at HouseLogic.com. PMI and FHA mortgage insurance premiums:The costs of private mortgage insurance can be deducted on loans taken out in 2007 or later. There are some stipulations, particularly if your adjusted gross income is more than $100,000, on how much you can deduct. Government insurance from the FHA, VA, and Rural Housing Service can also be deducted, but varies among agencies. Vacation-home tax deductions:If the vacation home is used only by you, you can deduct the mortgage interest and real estate taxes. That means the home is not rented out for more than 14 days a year. If the home is rented out for more than that and used by yourself for less than 15 days, the home is classified like a rental property. Expenses are then deducted on IRS form Schedule E. Energy-efficiency upgrades: Some energy-efficient upgrades may be eligible to be deducted via the Nonbusiness Energy Tax Credit. Among the upgrades that may qualify for the credit include: Biomass stoves; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; insulation; roofs (metal and asphalt); water heaters (non-solar); and windows, doors, and skylights.Source: "Are You Getting the Home Tax Deductions You're Entitled To?" HouseLogic (2017)
January 2017 Housing Stats
Home Prices Up in January
In January, home prices rose 7.4 percent, while sales dipped 3.7 percent according to the January 2017 Housing Trends Report from the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Median sale price is up 7.4 percent when compared to January 2016. The median sale price for last month was $145,000, while the median price was $135,000 in January of last year. 2016 Iowa Homes Sales Up 4.6% and Prices Up 4.2%
End of Year Stats - Reposted from Mark Gavin's Feb. 3, 2017 Article on the IAR website
The number of homes sold in November were up 14.9 percent when compared to November's totals last year according to the official Housing Trends Report from the Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR). The median sale price rose 5.7 percent last month over November 2015. The median sale price for November 2016 was $148,000 as compared to $140,000 in November of last year. 3,012 homes were sold last month, while 2,622 were sold in November 2015. The year-to-date numbers continue to show a steady increase in the Iowa real estate market. Sold properties are up 4.1 percent for 2016 when compared to the same period last year. The days on market (DOM) increased by 2 days from last year. The average days on market in November 2016 was 76 compared to 74 DOM in November 2015. "Great weather in October and November helped buyers and sellers. We are happy to see the strong numbers in November and expect our year-end stats to show Iowa's solid year in real estate," stated IAR President Cindy Miller. The information used to create the IAR November 2016 Housing Trends Report was current as of December 12, at 12:40 p.m. The information is subject to change due to the dynamic nature of the IAR's housing statistics system, which is updated hourly based on information present in local participating MLS (multiple listing service) systems. The term Realtor® is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who follow a strict Code of Ethics as members of the National Association of Realtors®. The Iowa Association of Realtors® is the state's largest real estate professional organization representing over 7,000 members and affiliates. The IAR releases a Housing Trends Report each month. Data is collected from local Realtor® boards through their multiple listing service (MLS), which tracks sales activities in the board area. IAR compiles all of the local board data into the statewide report each month. Reports are available online to IAR members and affiliates with a login and password. Anyone is eligible to become an IAR affiliate. For membership information, visit www.iowarealtors.com.
Chris Norton Tours IowaNational speaker Chris Norton inspired thousands of students in Iowa over the last couple of weeks. In 2010, Chris suffered a severe spinal injury in a college football game and doctors gave him a 3% chance of movement below his neck. Through tremendous determination and a strong faith, Chris can walk with assistance and has use of his arms. Chris shared his amazing story and inspired youth across the state. During his journey of recovery, Chris met many others that faced similar challenges. He was inspired to create the SCI CAN Foundation with the mission of providing opportunities to individuals in need of a path to recovery.Thanks to a partnership between the SCI CAN Foundation and the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa, Chris traveled to several middle, junior high and high schools in western and northern Iowa touching the lives of thousands of students and spreading his message of overcoming obstacles, adapting to change and never giving up. Chris Norton Tours Iowa
Video from Iowa Association of REALTORS More information on Chris Norton and the
SCI CAN Foundation Dream Home Drawing Contest Sponsored by the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS
The Cook Brothers - Cameron and Keegan  Cameron Cook of Neola is the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS Dream Home Drawing Contest Winner. Cameron won an outdoor playhouse and will ride on the REALTORS Celebrate CB float. The float will feature the playhouse as part of an urban setting and showcase a key to UNlock the door to your dream home.
SWIAR Public Relations
Dream Home Drawing Contest Flyer
The REALTOR Foundation of Iowa & SW Iowa Assn. of REALTORS Donate to Area Food Banks
West Central Commmunity Action - Malvern, IA Realtors Foundation of Iowa & Southwest Iowa Assoc. of Realtors donate $1000. each to nine Southwest Iowa Food Banks!! "A BIG THANK YOU to the Volunteers in each community who make it happen for those in need, EACH AND EVERY DAY!! What you do with the limited resources you have, AMAZED ME!! It was an honor to meet each and every one of you and learn about each of your organizations!! Friends - Take a look at the Volunteers from your Community who donate so much time and effort - and the next time you see them, be sure to tell them Thanks, and be sure to ask "What can I do to help?"" Words of Wisdom courtesy of Byron Menke REALTOR Foundation of Iowa & SWIAR Donate to Area Food Banks
Pictures from the nine area food pantries
Help Us Build Hope ParkBayliss West Neighborhood Association, The Refuge Bible Church, NeighborWorks Home Solutions and Community Volunteers have joined forces!We intend to create a new children's park in the vacant lot at South 8th St. and 1st Ave. We need your help to accomplish this! Please attend our next meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday February 25th at the Refuge Bible Church (634 Willow Ave.) to learn more! Can't attend the meeting, but would like to learn more about Hope Park and how you can get involved, please contact Bayliss West Neighborhood Association President Monte Wilson at montewilson@hotmail.com or (712) 435-9347 
Hope Park Ariel as it looks today. 
Hope Park - Vision Here is a link to an article in the paper
Nonpareil Article
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