1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.

Each year the National Association of Realtors report the average cost recouped for 30 home improvement projects.  Once again exterior remodeling and kitchen updates lead the way for recovery on dollars spent.  Replacement projects that boost curb appeal (siding, roof, windows & decks) give you the greatest return of your dollars....

Now that farm land prices have been higher than ever in Southeast Iowa, many property owners have decided to take advantage of the market and sell their farms.  The current federal capital gains tax rate is only 15%.  In Iowa, if you have owned the property for 10 years you are exempt from state capital gain taxes.  This means if you can sell your property for a $1500/acre gain (which is very realistic based on the last 10 years increase), you would still net $1275/acre after taxes.  If the capital gains rate goes up to 35% you would only net $975/acre! 

Consult your tax advisor to see if taking advantage of the low capital gains tax rates is right for you.