Iowa Banks-First Quarter 2009

There's a very interesting article in today's Des Moines Register regarding how Iowa Banks fared in the first quarter of 2009. Basically, a higher percentage of banks are reporting more non-performing loans. Banking officials say it's a sign the recession is starting to hit Iowa a little harder now.

Read more on the Des Moines Register's Website. This article has a complete database of all Iowa Banks, so you can check out your own bank's first quarter performance and how it compares to 2008.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090527/BUSINESS/90527018

Curb Appeal Tips

Finally, spring has arrived! It's time to freshen up the look of your home. Not only on the inside, but the outside- especially if you want to sell. Curb appeal is that one opportunity to make a first impression.

From my own experience of looking at homes, here are some of the first things I notice when approaching a house.

1. How does the exterior appear? Does it need a new coat of paint? Is the siding cracked or clean? Oftentimes, mildew and cobwebs need to be removed.

2. Is the front door in need of a fresh coat of paint? New shiny hardware can do wonders! Are there any cracked windows that need replacing?

3. Is the lawn freshly manicured? Leaves, branches, sticks and weeds should be removed from the lawn, corners of the house, underneath patio furniture and window wells.

4. Are the windows and screens clean?

5. Are the rain gutters clean and installed properly?

6. Flowers will add wonders to a home's curb appeal.

7. Finally, look at the landscaping. Is your home hiding behind it? It may be time to pull out those overgrown shrubs and trees.

Here are some related articles. I like this first one on trulia.com. It has great before and after pictures that show how even a dud of a home can become a dream- with a little vision!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/margaret_oscilia/2009/04/top_ten_curb_appeal_tips

http://homebuying.about.com/cs/sellerarticles/a/curb_appeal.htm

April Home Sales-Cerro Gordo County

April home sales dropped from the month before in Cerro Gordo County, according to deeds filed at the county auditor's office. Here are the numbers for each month of 2009.

In April, 100 homes sold

In March, 108 homes sold

In February, 91 homes sold

In January, 74 homes sold

The good news is the numbers appear to be on the rise since the beginning of the year. One local builder commented to me that most of the homes selling are in the $60,000- $150,000 range.

Another good sign, bankers report there is an interest in mortgage applications.

"Our applications haven’t seemed to have dropped off yet. " said Pat Thompson, Farmers State Bank in Mason City. "They were slow to start but have been numerous for the last 30 to 45 days. Rates have ticked up a bit lately and are hovering around the 5% range this week. The big catch with the posted rates in publications is that this rate is for “well qualified borrowers”. I call it a start rate."

Those rates can rise based on several factors including a person's credit score and the LTV, or loan to value ratio.

House For Sale-Split Level

We have a super split-level home for sale by owner. Looking for a master suite? It has it! Looking for a big garage and plenty of work space? It has it! Check it out at NorthIowaForSaleByOwner.com!

Click here!

http://www.northiowafsbo.com/property_for_sale/1202_7th_avenue_sw/index.html