Recently I had buyers close on a new home in Copper Creek, which is in Pleasant Hill.  Their home had been the model home, so it was previously furnished.  The couch hadn’t been moved for months, the chairs, tables, etc seemed to have their legs embedded in the carpets.

Upon arrival to the walk through, our builder representative told my clients to use an ice cube to bring the carpet back up.  We laughed a bit…not sure what he was thinking…

There were ice cubes in the freezer, so we decided to leave cubes on the carpet, go to closing, and then see how things were when they returned.

WHO KNEW??

It really worked! Give it a try…I love learning little tips like this!!

Do you know of any other tips just as clever?

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: stevendepolo

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.

First, it’s important to note that this is a PROPOSED tax credit. Many of us are following the new stimulus package carefully as we strain to learn the details about what this REALLY means for homebuyers.   Here’s what I’ve gotten so far (with some help from my friend Tyler Osby with Four Legacies Mortgage.)

Big takeaways from the bill:

1 ) It’s effective WHEN the bill passes. Not before.
2 ) If you bought a home last year on the $7,500 tax credit, you won’t qualify for this. Sorry, I know it sucks.
3 ) All home buyers qualify on the new bill.
4 ) There are NO income limitations.
5 ) The credit is 10% of the purchase price up to $15,000.
6 ) The credit will last for one year after the bill is signed into law.
7 ) You must occupy the home being purchased (no investors).
8 ) You must occupy the home for two years, or the tax credit is recaptured (ouch).

Again, it’s all speculation until a bill is passed. So, until things are final, things can change (and likely will). As a reminder, here’s the process of a bill becoming a law.

If you’re a home buyer that doesn’t own a home yet — the decision just got a lot easier.

Want to see the actual bill for yourself?  Here you go: http://isakson.senate.gov/Amdt_106.pdf

Photo credit: Steve Wampler

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.

asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com