Contact Amber


asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com
515-988-0638

Start Your Home Search…on Your Phone!

As I enter the world of android on my new HTC EVO, I find myself searching for the best applications.  During my search I came across more than a few real estate applications.  I knew they were out there, but I started thinking about consumers and how they might really use these apps.  Hmm….this has got me spinning!

So…my question today is:

Would you search for a new home on your phone? Better yet…have you already?

Des Moines Local Tweeps jumped right in:

@kateschneider: absolutely… I search for everything on my phone. :)

@mipo777: all the time. Love the location feature on realtor app. Makes it fun to look at lake properties :)

@ksteinkamp: definitely would on my phone

@ketelson: I would search on my phone

@edmoran77: if you can search for a love interest… Why not a home?! LOL

So…what apps are out there?

Here’s a test drive of a few that I went through…

SMARTER AGENT REAL ESTATE BROWSER

  • This app is very user friendly and easy to look at.
  • It shows homes for sale, for rent, and even homes that have recently sold (Sold homes are a bit behind…maybe a year out?)
  • You can use GPS to search for homes close to your location (might work well for that lake search!)
  • You can email the homes to yourself or a friend
  • You can limit search to a city, neighborhood, or even school
  • You can SAVE your favorites!

REAL ESTATE DROID

  • Font is a bit small, but functions very well
  • Acts like an internet search, plug in your criteria…and you’re off
  • You can add a home manually
  • Includes a loan calculator
  • Includes live neighborhood info with nearest property for sale, and comparable homes in the area

This is a start…there are so many more apps out there.  Here is a great blog post about the Top 10 Real Estate Apps for Droid Phones.  Most of these apps, if not all, are available for the iPhone as well!

Do you have another favorite? I’d love to hear about it!

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.

*Photo Credit: wenzday01

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

For Those Cracks In Your Life…

As I walked through my neighborhood this morning I couldn’t help but notice the cracks in the cement. Driveways and sidewalks are showing their wear from tremendous weather we’ve had this year.

It’s that time of year…again.

Time to seal them up!

I’m no cement expert, but I do know that cement hardens constantly.  It never stops. It moves, shifts, cracks, and sinks.  When it cracks, the weather can cause your sidewalk to change…so sealing it will slow the process.  (Anyone a cement expert out there? Feel free to chime in!)

With What?

So…are you asking yourself “What do I use to seal the driveway?”  When clients have home inspections I constantly rely on a favorite inspector here in the Des Moines area.  If you are looking for a Des Moines Home Inspector…connect with me and I’ll pass his name on.  He always recommends Vulkem sealent, which you can purchase at the local hardware store.

So get out there, get your sealant, and delay your cement from moving further…

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.

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

Photo Credit: Lee Coursey

Home Remodeling: Water Damage 101

EVER HAD WATER DAMAGE?

It all started with a dripping sound at 2:30 in the morning. My husband woke up to water coming from the ceiling. We had NO idea where it was coming from. We turned off the water to the house, soaked every towel in the house to clean the floors, and patiently waited until the morning for the plumber to come.

Fast forward 12 hours…and YES, the water was still coming down….take a look:

Verdict?

Hole in a pipe in the 2nd floor laundry room…which was replaced, water turned back on, and life began again. Damage was done to hardwood floors in the kitchen, kitchen ceiling, walls and lower level.  The water traveled through the walls and also had poured out through the recessed lights in the lower level.  Half of the ceiling, carpets, etc were torn out…

So now, we move on…

It’s now been a few months, and the work is almost complete.  Welcome to the journey…house overhaul! Stay Tuned!

By the way…need a referral for an excellent plumber here in town?

Roberts Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 515-202-0851 .

Tell ‘em Amber sent ya!

Pottery Barn Cute! 1701 94th Street #49, West Des Moines,IA

Bring your cat and your dog (20 pound weight limit each) and enjoy this gorgeous two bedroom townhome. Soaring vaulted ceiling in the Great Room accents the open staircase to the second level. Great Room is spacious and features a fireplace and access to the patio. Spotless oak kitchen and half bath complete the main level. Stove, microwave, and refrigerator stay with the home. Upstairs are the Master Bedroom and Bath, second Bedroom, hall Bath and laundry facilities. Unfinished lower level offers plenty of storage space. Located close to shopping malls and specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment and affords easy access to Metro Des Moines.

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

400 9th Street, Valley Junction, West Des Moines, Iowa

If you’re looking for character, look no more. This charming bungalow in historic Valley Junction is close to schools, parks, shops and the farmer’s market. Located on a corner lot, this home features 9′ ceilings and numerous updates including siding, furnace, most windows, dishwasher, refrigerator, and interior paint. The rooms are large, bright and cheery. Must see this one! Seller is offering a $2000 carpet allowance. Great location and priced to sell.

To see price and virtual tour, visit: http://firstrealtyhomes.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?SearchFilter=8&list_numb=365482

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

Great Clive Location! 1410 Legend Drive, Clive, Iowa

ATTENTION WEST DES MOINES PROFESSIONALS. Outstanding Townhome -Outstanding Location! Country Club in Clive is the setting for this very nice two bedroom townhome. Features include a two story entry, vaulted living room with beautiful brick fireplace and hearth, formal dining room, first floor laundry, and spacious kitchen with beautiful white-washed oak cabinets and large breakfast nook leading to a private deck. Upstairs is the master suite and guest bedroom. The master includes a vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet and full bath. The Assessor shows the lower level as unfinished. But, the large family room is complete except the ceiling. Gain instant equity -finish the ceiling. Location couldn’t be better – if you enjoy being right in the middle of the shopping, entertainment and restaurant district, you’ll love this townhome. Great condition, wonderful plan and design, and priced to sell!

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

Beautiful Home! 4623 148th Street, Urbandale, Iowa

Located in Urbandale but a part of the Waukee School District, this home is in a very family-friendly neighborhood. Wonderful four bedroom two story on a professionally landscaped yard. Main floor features new flooring, spacious Great Room with dining area and fireplace, large eat-in oak kitchen with black appliances, granite counters, built-in desk, center island, and great cupboard space, first floor laundry with folding table and half bath. Drink your morning coffee on the large maintenance free deck located off the dinette. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a full bath in the hallway. The master suite includes huge walk-in closet, double vanity, separate shower and whirlpool bath. The professionally finished lower level has a second family room and wet bar, fourth bedroom and 3/4 bath. Owners are leaving the flat screen TV, all wood blinds, and all kitchen appliances. The entire home interior has been freshly painted. Beautiful home in great location and priced to sell.

To see price and virtual tour, please visit: http://firstrealtyhomes.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=365790

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below! We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

Amazing Adel Acreage: 33103 Timber Hills Drive

Over 3000SF of gorgeous home, your own fully stocked fishing pond, a winding creek, five acres of peace and quiet, horse trails, an abundance of wildlife, plus easy access to Metro Des Moines. Main floor includes vaulted living room, fireplace, formal dining room, master suite with two huge closets, soaking tub and separate shower, and laundry area in the mud room entry from the garage. The kitchen and dinette are open, bright and cheery and feature granite counters, stainless steel appliances, center island & access to the three-level deck overlooking the magnificent oaks. Two large bedrooms & full bath are upstairs. The finished walk-out lower level has a large family room, full bath, fourth bedroom or office. Many updates including deck, fencing, concrete driveway and walkway, landscaping, new carpet main/upper levels, freshly painted interior walls. The large yard is fully fenced with four gates (one extra large). Outstanding property, beautiful setting and priced to sell.

To see price and virtual tour, please visit http://firstrealtyhomes.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=368209.

Are you looking for a Des Moines area Realtor who puts your needs on top? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business! Give us a call, shoot us an email, use our contact page, or comment below!  We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.

Amber Salmon and Jan Page, Realtors 515-453-7635

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