Overall, buyers are looking for a home that looks clean, neat and well maintained. By taking care of issues on the exterior, you will be giving your buyers a positive first impression.Let's take a look first impression items:1. Next time you drive up to your house look at it like a buyer. Notice what your first impression is? Is the landscaping look good? How does the garage door, driveway and curbs look? Do the bushes and trees block the view of the home? Is the roof in good condition?2. Paint your front door and mailbox.3. Wash the exterior of your house. You can get a pressure washer or hire it done. Pressure washing can remove dirt, grime, peeling paint and mildew.4. Mow your lawn and plant some new fresh flowers.5. Clean the gutters.6. Clean oil stains from your garage floor and dr... 03/06/2008

Visit http://www.adamstradt.com/ for all of your needs. Search thousands of local listings free, find out information on how to buy or sell a home, relocate, mortgages/financing, community links and business, my serivces, references, etc. 02/17/2008

When it comes to the bare neccessities, buyers are looking for these basics when purchasing a home. As a Cedar Rapids Realtor, I advise sellers to check to see if you have the "basics" to insure a quick sale for top dollar.What buyers need:1. Central air conditioning2. An oversized garage3. Walk in closet off the master4. Technology access: cable, satelitte, internet.5,Energy effiecient*NAR 2007To learn more about how to make your house more sellable, go to www.GaryWolter.comCedar Rapids Realtor-Gary WolterSkogman Reallty319-350-7901  12/12/2007

Many people really believe that you have to sell your house in the spring to get the best price in the Cedar Rapids real estate market. After all it's when everything "comes alive" in Iowa, so why not wait until it's nice out for your potential buyers to look at your house, right?We have been Cedar Rapids Realtors for 7 winters now and have seen many of our clients get full price offers as sellers. The fact is that people who are looking for Cedar Rapids real estate Nov. -Feb are very serious and motivated. Inventory is low during the winter so you will have less competition.Don't fall into the emotional trap of focusing on what your home was worth two years ago and how much you have sunk into it. Sometimes sellers do have to bring a check to closing and aren't left with any equity. Thi... 12/12/2007

Got a bad case of "cabin fever" already? Do you have relatives coming for the holidays and are wondering how you are going to handle it, trying to entertain them?Here are some ideas of coming events to the Cedar Rapids area for fun and entertainment:FOR KIDS:Children's Story Hour: Every Thursday 9:30-10AM Cornell College Mt. VernonHiawatha Public Library Story Time Every Wed, 10:30-11AM 150 W. Willman St.Wed. Dec. 26th, Film Program "Akeelah and the Bee" 1:30PM Cedar Rapids Library (1st St. SE)Friday, Dec. 28th Film Program: Clifford:"Doghouse Adventures" Cedar Rapids LibraryENTERTAINMENT:Wed. Dec. 12-"My Fair Lady" 7:30PM Hancher Auditorium (Iowa City)Friday Dec. 14-Christmas at L:ars 8PM Liars Theatre ,MarionSat. Dec. 15th Holidays Pops Extravaganza Sat. & Sun. 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM Par... 12/12/2007

Everyone needs to feel comfortable in their home. The reality is that winter can really cost you. Here is some helpful ideas on how to keep your energy costs down:1. Think about your "comfort zone" for your home. Every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer it will save you 3% on your monthly bill. This is not the case for heating, but by keeping your temp  around 68 degrees you'll see a nice savings as opposed to a few degrees higher.2. Have all of your windows either treated and or caulked. Have your attic checked for proper insulation.3. Watch those appliances. Running a dishwasher everyday costs about $11 a month. Doing 20 loads of laundry per month cost $10-$16 per month.4. Open your shades in the morning and get solar heat into your house.Keep warm this winter! For more gr... 11/09/2007

Here in the Cedar Rapids real estate market your house will sell in less than 60 days. (33% sell this fast!) or it will take more than 4 months. (32% take this long) In other words, roughly 65% of all houses will sell either in the first 60 days or not until after 4 months! After being a Cedar Rapids Realtor going into our 7th year, my wife and I know how a seller can NOT sell their house in 60 days or less!If you dont want to sell your house until after four months of it being on the market, here is your recipe:1. Set your price it too high. In other words don't listen to your Realtor. 2. Don't clean very well. You're too busy right?3. Don't make minor repairs. They cost too much right?4. Give your Realtor a short term listing agreement.5. Try selling it yourself. It's easy to sell a h... 10/31/2007

Cedar Rapids real estate offers a three bedroom, two bath gem on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids with over 1900 square feet of liveable space.  This property has an oversized two stall garage that is heated, with a work bench the entire width.  Two living areas, with a custom bar and a fourth non-comforming bedroom downstairs.  The master suite is upstairs with a private sitting area.  All appliances stay including refrigerator and washer/dryer.  Please contact me to see this wonderful property and schedule your private showing.Christopher Smith3190-329-5988christopher@skogman.comwww.christophersmithrealtor.comLicensed Realtor in the state of Iowa  10/29/2007

A few comments have been made over the last few days at Active Rain by smaller communities telling their prospective buyers and sellers to not listing to the national news regarding real estate.They (being the national news) paints such a gloomy, depressing picture that who would want to buy or sell real estate, after hearing those dreaded stories.  Certain "pockets" of the country are experiencing growth in the real estate field and according to the NAR, Iowa is one of five states in the country experiencing positive growth from last year's sales.  The fact of the matter is that Cedar Rapids is doing great in today's real estate market.Cedar Rapids, Iowa, being one of the major cities in Iowa is experiencing small but cautious growth from last year's totals.  Real estate inventory is p... 10/23/2007

In 2004, my family and I had the opportunity to move back to Cedar Rapids/Marion area where I grew up and 90% of my family still resides.  Nine months before I actually moved, I met Gary and Melynda Wolter and my life has never been the same since.  People don't just come into your life by accident; as I've always believed that God puts us into the paths of other's in order for us to grow and grow we did!In Texas, I had two unfortunate experiences with Realtors.  To put it mildly, they were awful.  These people just put a sign into the ground and I never heard from them again until we had an offer.  No communication, no personal touch, no nothing.  Would I recommend these Realtors to anyone else in the Austin area.  I mean, how would I since I would soon be moving to the midwest.  Belie... 10/21/2007

It was My 4th, 1977. I was in the 5th grade in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It's hard to believe that something 30 years ago still lingers in my mind.It was a cold Wednesday night. A cold downpour pounded the earth. The rain added excitement to shooting baskets for two boys. As my friend and I continued to play, we soon noticed the rain had quickly stopped only to leave the sky filled with fast moving, dark clouds. We both noticed a fierce wind high in the sky in which the clouds seemed to fight one another.Sudddenly, sirens blared across the neighborhood, as if the signal to end our game. This wasn't an ending, but the beginning of a storm that I will never forget. Even though we were only 12 years old, my friend and I felt the danger from the loud sound and its seriousness. Back then it was a li... 10/18/2007

Everyone was something else before getting their real estate license and becoming a Realtor.  I held many positions in sales and marketing prior to passing my exam in 2001 and becoming a Cedar Rapids Realtor.  Four major things had to happen for me to succeed at this profession before I became "Newcomer of the Year" after my first year: 1. I had to have success in sales in general. I sold radio, newspaper, directory advertising, and communications equipment before my real estate career. I was a marketing rep and worked out of my home when I was 30 years old. This gave me confidence of being a self motivated worker. 2. I had to polish my communication skills and successfully use "word economy." This is a skill that I learned in radio. I was a radio dj for 12 years, 5 of them doing a high... 10/18/2007

Do you know that as of this date: Iowa ranks #2 in the country in total real estate sales volume.  Forty five of the fifty states have a negative sales volume.  In a tough market, sometimes the turtle outpaces the hare.  With our slow rate of appreciation and steady economy, Iowa and Cedar Rapids are set to continue growth and earnings into the fourth quarter and first part of next year.Skogman Realty has long been the leader in real estate sales and volume since it's evolution begun in 1974.  Is it our big red sign that attracts business, is it our dedicated Realtors, is it our marketing?  Fingers can be pointed in any direction you choose but here are the facts:Skogman Realty's volume for YTD is up 61.8 million dollars.  That's a 13.8% increase from last year.Skogman Realty's average ... 10/01/2007

 Priced at $135,000Almost 1900 square feet of living space!Three bedrooms, two full baths.Oversized two stall, heated garage, with workbench the entire width of garage.Private Master Suite upstairs, with sitting area and loads of storage.Gorgeous kitchen, well lit with canned lighting and beautiful colors.1st floor living area has gleeming hardwood floors and plenty of room for a dining tableBasement has 2nd living area with custom built bar, and 4th non-conforming bedroom.ALL APPLIANCES STAY including refrigerator and washer/dryer.Brand new storage shed just off of the garage also stays.Beautiful porch for those lazy afternoons.For more information on this beautiful property and more Cedar Rapids Real Estate, contact Christopher Smith  or go to his website:  www.christophersmithrealtor... 09/04/2007

Earlier today I received a call from someone working for an SEO Company.  We set up a time to talk over the phone latter in the afternoon.  When 3:00 rolled around just like clockwork my phone range.  After a few pleasantries and stroking of my ego on what a "decent" (not good or great) but decent web site my I had he went on to tell me about how services. The story went something like this- two years ago I set out to become the very best SEO company available.  I spent 6- months looking for the two very best techs that could guarantee top placement in 90 days or less.  I found my two guys and we can offer our 90 day guarantee or you will get your money back.  I was interested because I am always looking for ways to improve my organic search results with key words like Cedar Rapids Ia R... 07/12/2007

Play in the first-ever Freedom Festival All-Ages Wiffle Ball Tournament produced by the Oakland Church of the Nazarene.  It is located at:  3000-42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA.Each 5-player team requires one child (age 12 or under), one teen (age 13-19) and one adult (age 20+).  Round-robin play June 29 from 5am - 9pm, and the morning of June 30th.  The championship rounds will be held in the afternoon on June 30th.Top teams receive prizes and food will be available for purchase on-site.  Registration fee is $10 per team.For more information, or to register visit:  www.oaklandnaz.org/wiffle or call (319)393-7399 06/23/2007

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend?A kid-friendly, playful exhibition is on display at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, located at 410-3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA.  Take the family to the museum on Saturday, May 12th and you will be able to explore the galleries featuring Original Children's Book Illustrations including nearly 120 illustrations of the following classic characters:  Curious George, Madeline, Charlie Brown, Babar, Little Toot and many more!Kids of all ages can also enjoy story time, greet storybook characters, participate in an illustration workshop and meet local authors and illustrators.  The first kids to arrive will receive a copy of the original Curious George story and FREE museum highlight tours.Kids can go on a Treasure Hunt through th... 05/06/2007

Starting on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 and continuing through October, 2007, Diversity Focus (www.DiversityFocus.org) will sponsor a forum for individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences to meet and discuss a myriad of issues.Paul Shultz, of the Iowa City Wesley Foundation (www.uiowa.edu/~wesley/wesley/welcome.html), will present on Faith with the topic: "The Meaning of Diversity:  Spirituality, Religion and People"The Brown Bag series will take place from 12-1 at the Diversity Focus office (located at 205-2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids).  The theme for the series is "Our Stories" and will focus on giving participants insights on diversity, human rights and international experiences of individuals from the following seven sectors:  education, community, business, government, faith, health... 03/28/2007

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival committee announced last night (Tuesday, March 27) that Finger Eleven and .38 Special will headline the annual festival which will last from June 19 - July 4th.  The yearly event features many attractions that take place throughout the Cedar Rapids area and draws thousands of people to the community. Finger Eleven will play June 26th at the US Cellular Center..38 Special will play June 30th at the Kirkwood Community College campus.Ticket sales and price information have not yet been released, but you can check back at their website:  http://www.freedomfestival.com to get updated information or a complete up-to-date schedule.If you will be visiting the area, please give me a call at 319-329-6471 or email me at Heather@VoyagerRealty.com  and I will provid... 03/28/2007

On Saturday, March 31st 2007 from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the Jane Boyd Community Center (located at 943-14th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids) will host the Cedar Rapids Community-Wide Health & Wellness Fair in which over 80% of the major health problems that are highlighted in Healthy Iowans 2010 will be addressed.  Some features of this event will include:Blood Drive (10am to 2pm)Blood Pressure checkBlood Cholesterol (a 12-hr fast is recommended prior to this screening)Blood Glucose screeningBone density checkDentalGlaucoma (18yrs & older)SpinalHearingVision (6mo - 4 yrs)HIV/AIDS testing (COMPLETE CONFIDENTIALITY)Diabetics can upgrade their meter at NO CHARGEThere will be lots of door prizes, free food, activities for children (including face-painting).  Participants who visit at least 5 health screen... 03/28/2007