I’m not a fan of writing about the obvious…but I’m seeing home prices in the Des Moines Real Estate market that are raising a red flag in my head. You’ve heard it before. There are dangers to overpricing your home. You know this, right?

Let me just back up and say, “I get it.” I know you paid X dollars for your home. I know you put in that dream kitchen and your location is better than your neighbor. I know that you don’t have to move. I know that the assessor’s site says your home is worth $X. I know that Zillow has you priced here. I get that.

But let me tell you. It doesn’t matter. The market matters.

Do you get value for your improvements? Absolutely. Do you get value for your location? Absolutely. But let’s remember that when we’re talking about real estate…appreciation is NOT automatic. While real estate is a great investment, your return will depend on the current market.

The MARKET sets your price. Not me. Not you.

How do I price my home?

Your real estate professional needs to complete a market analysis for your home. Using recent sales ( I try my best to use 90 days back. Up to 6 months back if I have to). After analyzing, put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Look at active homes and see where your home fits. Ask around to family and friends for their opinion.

Your home MUST appraise. Unless your buyer is walking in with cash, their lender will require an appraisal. In my opinion, you need to have 3 homes in your area that are currently PENDING or SOLD to compare to. Again…within the last 90 days. These homes must be similar to your home in size, style, and finish. If you don’t have that…you’re too high. (Appraisers/Lenders…weigh in here).

WHY is price is so important?

Missed opportunities, that’s why. If your home is overpriced, it will likely not reach your buyer. Suppose 80% of buyers are starting their home search online. If your home is overpriced, they are missing your home.

Don’t CHASE the market down?

Have you ever seen “that home” in your neighborhood? It’s been on the market forever. It’s cute. Great location…but what’s wrong? Likely nothing…but they may have priced their home too high to start. If you don’t make the adjustment soon enough, you will become “that home”. You don’t want that.

On Twitter, @clairecelsi asked me:

“Don’t you think people price their homes to try to cover their investment or perceived investment?”

My answer is yes. Not always the case, but a good example. People have the most amazing reasons for pricing their homes. I should follow this post with a post on Cost VS. Value of remodeling projects in the Midwest. Without getting too in depth, I’ll say that your return is not dollar for dollar.

BUT…”they” say this…

Other reasons people overprice?

Attachment to their home
Current competing homes in the area for sale that are overpriced
Misinformation from real estate websites
Home is assessed too high (you can fight this!!)
Overpaid for their home
Need a certain amount for downpayment
I just want to see if I can get this price…

The list goes on and on….what I want you to take away is that you’re missing opportunities. Price is probably THE most important part of your marketing, and if that’s off, you can expect to sit for awhile.

Bottom line…do your homework. I promise it will pay off in the long run!

Have more questions about Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

Location, location, location! Stately brick colonial on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking a pond, park and biking/walking trails. Can’t get any better than this! Kids can walk to the Junior High, High School and a short bike ride to the Elementary School. This four bedroom brick home features a formal dining room and large eat-in kitchen. The stove, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher all stay. The bedrooms are large with great storage space. The lower level has a family room, full bath and office/den area. Furnace and air conditioner were replaced in 2002, and a new roof was put on in 2008. A great home, an outstanding neighborhood, and a reasonable price, plus the deck offers a front row seat for Urbandale’s July 4th fireworks.

Just Gorgeous..and it can be yours! This walkout 2 story backs to a 5 acre park with trails. This home has upgrades everywhere! Gleaming white oak floors, alder woodwork and trim throughout. Gourmet kitchen with quartz counters, Bosch stainless appliances and a walk in pantry. Four large bedrooms upstairs. Master suite features vessel sinks and dual head shower with custom tiling. Finished LL features 2nd fireplace, a wet bar, 2nd family room and plenty of storage. Backyard features custom privacy fence, rain gardens, and gorgeous landcaping. So cozy…you won’t want to leave!

1517 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa   $110,000

Cute two bedroom bungalow in great area. Updates include fresh interior paint, new carpeting (hardwood floors under carpet), furnace and central air replaced in 2005 (yearly inspections), approximately one-third of driveway replaced and some sidewalk replaced in 2008, new garage roof in 2008, and new living room windows in 2009 (lifetime warranty). All appliances stay with the homes as do the existing window coverings. The yard is fenced and there is a nice storage shed. Located in the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association and close to Northwest Community (Senior) Center and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

If you know me well…then you KNOW I like home improvement projects!  A LOT!

So…what are we doing?

This winter our house has a new and improved laundry room, a shiny new lower level bathroom, and NEXT in line is the area that we consider “the dropping spot”.  This is the place where all bags, coats, and wet boots see

m to land. We do NOT have a mud room…this is a good as it gets around here. (Pictures were taken with my phone…so hang in there).  It’s not bad…but I have a handyman newly retired DAD around who happens to love woodworking, so why not put him to work?

It All Started With A Shopping Trip…imagine that!

Let me quickly say that THINGS ON DOUGLAS is the cutest store EVER! Lots of goodies that are both consignment and new.  Visit them at 7611 Douglas Avenue in Urbandale!  I love it! If you haven’t been to Things On Douglas…then you must get there! Soon! (ps…if you have a website for them, please pass it on!)

Here’s What I’m Thinking

Let’s start with this shelf:

I bought this shelf with antique hooks for inspiration….cute eh?  I wasn’t sure it was going to fit in my space, so I measured, ran home, and sure enough it fits PERFECT!  Oh…did I mention that while I was rnnning home I dropped of my new chairs below? They were a GREAT deal…and so cute. Ahh…but that’s a different story.

So, I’m thinking this project will take a week?  Depends on how much time I spend painting and sanding.  However, after adding some wainscoting, trim work, paint, shelving, and a few baskets…I hope to have a MUCH smaller version of this area.  Thoughts?

I’d love to hear your ideas? Or email if you’ve done a similar project.  I’ll be sure to share the final project pictures when I’m all done!

Have more questions? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a great, family-friendly neighborhood. Beautiful four bedroom two story in move-in condition. Main floor features a formal dining room, large kitchen with pantry, center island (all kitchen appliances stay), dinette and a large family room with fireplace and built-ins. Master suite and three other bedrooms are upstairs along with the walk-in laundry room. The lower level has a second family room. Built in 1990, the homeowners added vinyl siding in 1999, new roof in 2007, hot water heater in 2009. The two car garage has attic storage space, and there is a parking pad for a third car. The backyard has a nice storage shed. Lovingly cared for, spotless condition and great location make this house a wonderful place to call home.

Today I posted the following picture on Twitter of a home I showed in Urbandale. Great home…$269,900 and has this killer master bedroom.

Coffered Ceiling

I see home with a tray (or trey) ceiling in almost many new construction homes I see, so this was a nice surprise!

What’s the difference?

Coffered ceilings offer squares or rectangles on the ceiling and has beams that make a pattern appealing to your eye. Many elegant homes will use this ceiling to add detailing with woodwork or to blend in support beams that may be in the middle of the room.

A tray ceiling is a “drop” ceiling that can also be detailed.  They can be dressed up with crown molding, lighting, or can have more than one layer. Also very pleasing to the eye.

How about this tray ceiling…it lights up and gives a great feel to this media room!

Click to see info about this listing!

Home with the coffered ceiling is listed by David Peers of Coldwell Banker Mid-Am GR

Have more questions? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

Wow! This one is everything you have been looking for! The craftsmanship stands out in this spacious ranch home. The main level features a great room with stone fireplace, gorgeous kitchen with stainless appliances, dining area that’s perfect for entertaining, and first floor laundry room. There are three bedrooms on the main level. The master suite includes a full bath and nice walk-in closet. Head downstairs and find a HUGE family room with a custom bar, and lighted tray ceiling – a perfect place to enjoy the big game. There are two large bedrooms and another full bath in this beautifully finished lower level. Also a tandem third car stall makes storage a breeze! Just blocks from Urbandale’s Webster Elementary. Lower Level SF is 1,200 per seller. You won’t want to leave this one!