Since my slogan has always been "Service With a Smith," I would be remiss if I didn't expound upon my service attitude that has always been a part of who I am as a person, not necessarily as a Realtor. If you have lived in Cedar Rapids for any length of time, then you know my father Al Smith.  My father has worked with children for almost 50 years in this town.  First, he was the Recreation Director for the Cedar Rapids Recreation Commission.  If you grew up in the sixties, seventies, and even into the eighties, many of you participated in the goal shooting contests and punt, pass, and kick contests at your local Cedar Rapids Community Schools.As a former professional baseball player with the Cleveland Indians organization, my father could have pursued a major league baseball career and... 03/25/2007

Real estate sales and buyers are heating up the market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Sales are up by a small percentage over last year.  More and more inventory continues to become available on the market.  It's kind of like the weather in Iowa.  If you don't like the weather now, wait five or ten minutes.  Similar to real estate: if you don't like what's on the market now, wait five or ten days.Buyers, you can request a Buyer's Packet from Christopher Smith at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com, your Cedar Rapid's Realtor.  In this packet, I discuss the buying process from start to finish.  I give you a checklist of things to do, a financing checklist of items you'll need to prequalify for a mortgage loan.  I also outline how I work for you the buyer, for absolutely free!  Email Christopher@sko... 03/25/2007

If you're an artist (or just want to be), the 2X2XU is an event that you don't want to miss:If you aren't familiar, The New Bohemia group's mission is "to create and promote an environment that attracts, encourages and rewards creativity, innovative works of art, and applied arts and sciences" and they sponsor this event.All you have to do is go to CSPS (from now until April 15th) at 1103 Third Street SE from 11:00am to 6:00pm on Wed through Sun and for $15 (or $12 for students) you will get a 2' X 2' board.  Keeping the theme "MY DREAM" in mind, you can paint it however you choose.  It will be displayed outdoors in the New Bohemia Arts and Entertainment District from April 21 to August 26, with an opening reception for all artists and supporters on April 28th.This is a GREAT event that... 03/22/2007

Hello from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Welcome to the IowaMortgageGuy Blog!  Glad to have you as a guest and hope to see you back again soon.  Hope you find the information useful and informative. A little About Cedar Rapids, Iowa Named after the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the second largest city behind Des Moines, Iowa.  It is located in the eastern portion of Iowa and is known as "The City of Five Seasons."  The "fifth season" being time to enjoy the other four.  Cedar Rapids is the County seat of Linn County, Iowa.  It is considered a safe place to raise a family and it has short commute times from most surrounding communities.  Interstate 380 runs right through Cedar Rapids and is also a part of the Avenue of Saints from St. Paul, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri.  Cedar Rapids sha... 03/11/2007

830 GreenField St NE- Cedar Rapids, IA- New Construction, 1700 plus square feet, 3 stall garage, and brick accents. 200 feet from Super Target and centrally located to all shopping strip, malls, parks, and schools. 5 Minutes or less to I 380 and Walking distance to most Rockwell Plants. Listing will be with in the next week or so with ground breaking soon to folllow. Call me  at 431-2578 or email me at Derrick@Ogert.com for the awesome floor plan. Act now and still allow your buyers time to customize!!!! listing to be around $260k. This is a savings of nearly $30,000 for similiar marketed homes!!!!! 03/09/2007

When you are looking for a company to sell your home, you don't just close your eyes and pick a company in the phone book.  That would be foolish!  You choose a company based on it's merits, it's long standing history in the community, and it's ability to get the job done.  Skogman Realty has consistently demonstrated their work ethic since it's humble beginnings 34 years ago.  All realty companies have their "game plan" on how to sell your house the quickest and for most of the asking price.  However, I think the company who networks the most and actively pursues the "ears" of other Realtors in town, is the company that will always succeed.  For five years leading up to 2007, Skogman Realty has consistently been at the top of the heap in terms of Sold Listings.Of 4,280 Transactions in ... 02/28/2007

Whether you are a buyer or seller, it's comforting to know that one real estate company can accommodate your needs and carry you through a successful transaction.  With a family run business since 1973, Skogman Realty offers it's own closing department, insurance company, and mortgage lenders.  Skogman's real estate agents go through extensive training at it's state of the art Training and Development Center in Hiawatha, IA.  For ten intensive weeks, Skogman agents, learn the ins and outs of real estate and how to provide "out of the ordinary" customer service to all of it's clients.  For five years leading up to 2007, Skogman Realty has brought more buyers to the transaction than any other company in the area.Buyers Brought To TransactionOf 4,280 Transactions in 2002:Skogman        1,3... 02/28/2007

The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Choose Christopher Smith as Your Cedar Rapids Realtor:As a former elementary school teacher, I am certifiably an expert in dealing with families.  Doesn't your family deserve the very best attention to detail, including all members of the family.I have my priorities straight.  I'm not afraid to say that I put my faith first, my family and friends second, and my job third.  I think you know that when a person is morally and ethically sound, he/she is going to represent your very best interests.If you list your house with me, I go the extra, extra mile to sell your home.  I canvas "feeder neighborhoods" that might move up into your neighborhood.  I advertise through local, regional, and national marketing avenues.  I brag about your property every chance... 12/30/2006

I have spoken to hundreds of people in Cedar Rapids and asked them if they were to search for information on a real estate website, what would they want to see.  Based on these surveys, I have put together a website with the user in mind and not the Realtor.  Every Realtor can probably brag about their accomplishments but when it comes right down to it, knowone needs to know that information.What you do need to know is how can I get listings delivered to my email address without being "stalked" day and night by a Realtor? How can I find out about daily interest rates in the Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas by clicking on one website?How can I find out what a seller needs to know months in advance before listing his/her house in this area?If I'm a buyer, what preparations do I need to ... 12/28/2006

As of December 23, 2006, inventory continues to be plentiful in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, and surrounding areas.  The most houses for sale are located in Northeast Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa.  The most condos for sale however are on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids.Interest rates for a 30 year Fixed Rate are at 5.75% and holding over the holidays.  This interest rate is fantastic and allows a homeowner to afford more home for less money.  The buyers that are shopping right now in this area are serious and have to buy, so if you are a seller and have an A or B home, your chances are good that you'll be packing up soon.Skogman Realty continues to provide outstanding service to its customers and participate in up to 50% of all transactions in the Cedar Rapids area, whether they be on ... 12/23/2006

Skogman Realty is Cedar Rapid's Iowa's premiere realty agency.  Started in 1973 as a family owned business, Skogman continues the tradition today as the only family run realty company in Cedar Rapids.  Participating in up to 50% of all buying/selling transactions in the Cedar Rapids area, Skogman is your only choice for real estate.  Christopher Smith is a Cedar Rapid's Realtor working for Skogman Realty.  Being a local Cedar Rapidian, Christopher knows the neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas.  A former elementary school teacher for twelve years, Christopher is experienced working with families and is honored to be working with you.  Visit his highly ranked website at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com or call him today for a one of a kind customer satisfaction experien... 11/23/2006

Sales in Cedar Rapids, Iowa continue to rise, at least for one realty company; Skogman Realty.  October Sales Report figures are in and Skogman Realty participated in 35% on the seller side, and 38% on the buyer side.  Rarely does any one company reach the elusive 40% number of sales volume, but on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids, we participated in 42% of sales, and in Marion, Iowa, 41% of sales.  The market is strong and there's a lot of inventory of houses in all price categories.  Should you have a need for a Realtor with the number one realty company in Cedar Rapids, please contact Christopher Smith at 319-329-5988 or visit his website at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com  11/01/2006

          It's Wednesday morning, not unlike any other Wednesday morning in the beautiful state of Iowa.  I make sure my little boy has his bottle, gets dressed and off to daycare with my lovely wife.  As I kiss both of them goodbye, I climb into my car to head to the office, downtown Cedar Rapids by way of Marion, Iowa.            As I fumble through the radio dials on my car, I come across my favorite talk radio station, AM 600, WMT, which has served Eastern Iowa for over 75 years.  I've tuned in just in time for the farm report.   Soybeans are down, corn is up on speculation of a new ethanol plant being built in Eastern Iowa (Iowa is one of the leading states in the nation in ethanol production).  Hogs and cattle are holding steady.  A notice is given out on all radio stations to wat... 10/26/2006

I was visiting my old school today where I taught, Grant Wood Elementary, on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids.  The purpose of my visit was to visit some of my old teacher friends and administration and to drop off some newsletters and magnets.  On my way out to the car, I gave one of my newsletters to one of my former students.  The introductory letter has a picture of this very cartoon on it.  The student looked at the cartoon and said,"Mr. Smith, this is so cooool!  You must be the only person selling houses, that has been made into a cartoon."  It's always good to get 'atta boys' from your former students.  Cartoon compliments of http://www.realtoonads.com   10/05/2006

Only in Iowa would you get something like this.  Just outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, there's a corn maze on the property of Dave and Karen Petersens like no other.  It's located on Bloomsbury Farm.  The history of this place is amazing!A penniless Joseph Hagan came over from Ireland to the US in 1856.  He and his wife Margaret established what is now known as Bloomsbury Farm.  The farm was widely diversified with livestock and land.  Joseph worked the land until his death in 1907, leaving the 400 acres of prime Iowa real estate to his family.  Joseph Hagan Jr. took over the land, and it has passed from generation to generation.Dave Petersen, a fifth generation farmer, has taken over the responsibilities of the land from his grandfather Chester and his brother Kenneth.  Keeping with the ... 10/05/2006

Cedar Rapids real estate would not be the same without family owned and operated Skogman Realty of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Sales for this past September are up around 10% from last year at this time.  It has been a pleasure to work for such a people friendly organization that values it's employees and most of all the community with which it shares.  Skogman Realty gives you the tools to succeed and the training is the best in the state of Iowa.  Cedar Rapids Realtors have a choice to work for several large and small realty operations in Cedar Rapids, but most know that Skogman Realty offers the atmosphere and climate with which to be successful and to form strong ties within the community.  Skogman Realty just launched it's United Way campaign this morning and is attempting to have 100% pa... 10/03/2006

It's October, and although the weather might be cooling off, the housing market is still nice and toasty!  If you're wanting to buy a home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, now is the time.  Skogman Realty has lots of inventory to choose from.  Whether you are looking in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest Cedar Rapids, or Marion, Iowa, buyers will have plenty of styles, price ranges, and financing options to choose from.  I welcome First Time Home Buyers to my website: http://www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com to receive free information, sign up for my monthly newsletter, and hear about wonderful financing options for YOU!Please visit my website or call me now at 319-329-5988.  I want to earn your business! 10/02/2006

It's amazing what this little card has done for my confidence.  I'm normally not one for self-promotion (sure your not Chris) but when I got these business cards, I really felt like a professional.  My first set of business cards were disposed of when the last shuttle went up to space, and they are now floating around as space debris.  Jill Maybanks from JillChristinePhotography.com took my picture and designed my business cards.  Care to share your punkin's in the form of a business card???  I was looking for something completely different and out of the norm from everyone else's cards, and I got it! 09/30/2006

 Does anyone have tips on how to educate and reassure your clients when entering into a dual agency relationship where you represent both sides of the transaction?  Also, any public members, what were your experiences in dual agency... Did you like it, dislike it? Any advice from your prespective would be valuable, too.I am in a medium sized Iowa market (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) where my company Skogman Realty is the largest listing, selling and builder in the area so we run into dual agency situations quite often.  09/06/2006

In 1974, when I was a wee lad at the age of 12, I was asked to play on a little league baseball team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The name of the team was Skogman Realty.  I played for two seasons with Skogman and then went on to the bigger and better things on the high school level and beyond!  Thirty two years later, two college degrees, and three career changes later, I am back with Skogman Realty as a Realtor, ready to serve the city where I grew up in!  I am very excited about this career, because I have always loved working with families, and making friends.  I know that the success of my career will never be determined by the amount of money I make but by the honesty and integrity by which I practice my business.  I tip my hat to each and every one of you that lives by these principle... 08/25/2006