• 1,960 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm duplex "Two Story, plus attic!" - $99,500 - $1200 income per month!
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - Two story plus attic "Duplex" for sale in southeast Cedar Rapids. One bedroom on first floor, three bedroom on 2nd floor (includes attic bedroom). Separate meters. Roof, A/C, and Furnace are all in good working condition. Updated electrical panel, wood flooring throughout entire duplex, updated/and/or/remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, new flooring in attic, and lots of other upgrades.
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• 2,340 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm ranch - $264,990 - Below Appraised Value!
Center Point, Linn County - Beautifully appointed ranch located halfway between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Perfect 1/2 hour commute either way. Five bedrooms, beautiful, open kitchen into living area with fireplace. Three seasons enclosed porch leading out onto maintenance free deck. Enormous, triple stall garage that is a mechanic's dream! Storage shed on a nice corner lot. Priced below appraised value and will sell fast!
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• 1,864 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - $69,976 - Priced To Sell!
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - WELL CARED FOR TWO STORY IN SOUTHEAST CEDAR RAPIDS. NEWER A/C, FURNACE, AND NEW WATER HEATER! OUTSIDE OF HOUSE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPAINTED AS OF LAST YEAR AND INSIDE OF HOUSE HAS JUST BEEN REPAINTED! ENTIRE HOME HAS NEW COPPER PLUMBING! UPSTAIRS BATH REMODELED LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AGO, AND DOWNSTAIRS BATH REMODELED LAST YEAR. KITCHEN HAS ALL STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES THAT STAY, INCLUDING MICROWAVE, AND CUSTOM OAK CABINETRY. FORMAL DINING ROOM HAS BEAUTIFUL PARQUET FLOORING AND CUSTOM OAK SHELVING. WOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE HOME. BASEMENT IS LARGE WITH CUSTOM OAK BAR AND ROOM FOR EIGHT FOOT POOL TABLE FOR ENTERTAINING!
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This just in from one of our real estate resources, potential FHA changes could affect the way we purchase houses and could potentially eliminate some people from purchasing the home of their dreams. Here is a cut and paste summation:
HUD Secretary Donovan and FHA Commissioner testified that they expect FHA to announce major changes to esure FHA’s long-term financial soundness. Some examples are as follows:
1) Increase the down payment required from 3.5% to 5%
2) Raise the upfront premium from 1.75% to as much as 3%
3) Eliminate the ability to roll in to loan that up front premium
4) Increase monthly MIP from .55%
5) Reduce seller concessions from 6% to 3%
6) Raise minimum FICO score
7) Possible LTV maximums by FICO score
8) Increase accountability of FHA Lenders for fraud
Timing: "We expect these changes to be announced soon and could be implemented within a couple months. None of these changes requires congressional approval and can be made administratively and therefore can be implemented quickly."
This is of course going to make it tougher and more expensive for borrowers to obtain FHA loans and therefore reduce the number of eligible borrowers.
One of the major items in this proposed change that bothers me the most is the potential to increase the down payment required from 3.5% to 5% (which is currently what is required of a conventional loan). I mean, let's face it, the reason why most people are using the FHA loan product is because it's good, and because there is less money required as a down payment. Plus, if you raise the minimum FICO scores, some couples might not qualify because they don't have a high enough credit score.
All of these issues could take effect in less than a month, and I will certainly keep you posted if they do. In the mean time, if you are a buyer contemplating buying, please have a "SERIOUS" discussion with your significant other about purchasing NOW versus later. Keep in mind you would also qualify for the federal tax credit of $8,000 if you have a purchased contract agreed upon by April 30th, 2010.
If you still have questions about whether it's a good time to buy or not, that's what I'm here for. Please call me and ask your questions. Thanks and have a great week!
Christopher Smith
TREGO REALTY
www.christophersmithrealtor.com
christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com
319-329-5988
Licensed Realtor in the state of IOWA
"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"
T.M. Sinclair's First Home in CR!!!
• 2,584 sq. ft., 1 bath, 5 bdrm 2 1/2 story - $189,990
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - ORAL HISTORY RECORDS STATE THIS IS T.M.SINCLAIR’S FIRST HOME BUILT IN CEDAR RAPIDS. GRAND & STATELY HISTORIC HOME! 5 OWNERS IN 120 YEARS! GRAND FOYER WITH EVEN GRANDER STAIRCASE! GORGEOUS FORMAL DINING RM AND LIVING RM WITH FIREPLACES IN EACH! GALLEY KITCHEN WITH SEPARATE BACK KITCHEN. BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT HOME. FOUR BEDROOMS ON 2ND FLR AND FIFTH BEDROOM IN THE FINISHED ATTIC. PRE-QED BUYERS ONLY AND 24 HOURS NOTICE BEFORE SHOWING.
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• 1,025 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $139,900 - Priced to Sell
Northwest Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - INCREDIBLE FIRST TIME HOME BUYER FIND! NEW CARPET AND PAINT THROUGHOUT HOME, COMPLETE NEW KITCHEN REMODEL WITH HIGH END STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, FAUX GRANITE LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS, MAPLE CABINETS, TRACK LIGHTING, TARKETT SEAGRASS 30 YEAR LAMINATE FLOORING, LARGE BEDROOMS, NEWER ROOF AND A/C, LARGE MAINTENANCE FREE DECK, FENCED IN BACKYARD, HUGE TWO STALL GARAGE AND MUCH MORE!
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Once a year, I get to thank the folks I've worked with for another outstanding year in real estate. Cedar Rapids Real Estate has never been better and it is important to let everyone in town know that my services are above and beyond what any other Realtor and/or Brokerage can promise you. Just read my testimonials and you'll see a common theme amongst them all. SERVICE, SERVICE, and oh yeah, did I mention SERVICE!!!!!!!!!! Here is what I am thankful for:
www.christophersmithrealtor.com continues to be the #1 real estate website in Cedar Rapids, AND in the state of IOWA for INTERNET TRAFFIC and EDUCATION. No other website in the state exposes your property to more potential buyers. Clients this year are ecstatic with all of the new technology tools that we've added, and it sells homes, that's the KEY! www.christophersmithrealtor.com is also the #1 EDUCATIONAL REAL ESTATE RESOURCE FOR CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA. More and more customers find that this one website provides them with EVERYTHING they need to make competent decisions and work with their favorite Realtor (that would be me of course). I'm the ONLY REALTOR OUT OF 900 in the Cedar Rapids area, that shoots his own professional REAL ESTATE VIDEO FOR EACH AND EVERY LISTING! THIS IS HUGE. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN. THIS IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buyers want to see two things when they see a listing and one of them is VIDEO.
I'm the ONLY REALTOR OUT OF 900 that shoots 36 high resolution, wide angle lens photographs for each of my listings. This translates into happy customers (you of course know who you are), and happy buyers. Remember, buyers are hungry for VIDEO and MANY PHOTOGRAPHS and The Christopher Smith Team delivers.
We're the only real estate team in town that makes the promise of SELLING YOUR HOUSE IN 39 DAYS OR LESS OR ELSE IT"S FREE. No other Realtor in town will put up their reputation for this kind of statement regarding selling your home.
BUYERS CAN NOW SAVE BETWEEN $9,000 - $12,000 by working with me to buy either your first house or if you are a repeat buyer, your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th house. When you have the top negotiator working for you, the savings continue to add up in your favor.
2010 PROMISES TO BE OUR MOST POWERFUL YEAR EVER WHILE WE CONTINUE TO DISTANCE OURSELVES FROM THE COMPETITION. A REALTOR IN ARIZONA LAST WEEK SAID THAT YOUR WEBSITE IS AND I QUOTE, "LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ANY COMPETITION, IF YOU HAVE ANY COMPETITION." THESE ARE STRONG WORDS COMING FROM A REALTOR FROM OUT OF STATE AND I APPRECIATE THIS.
BUYERS, DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT WASTE TIME! IF YOU ARE READY TO BUY A HOUSE, CONTACT ME YESTERDAY! INTEREST RATES ARE GOING TO DO NOTHING, BUT GO UP, UP, UP! THIS MEANS YOUR MONEY IS ALSO GOING TO BE GOING, GOING, GONE, IF YOU DON'T ACT RIGHT NOW. CALL ME AND LET'S GET STARTED. THERE IS PLENTY OF INVENTORY TO CHOOSE FROM IN ALL PRICE RANGES.
SELLERS, YOU ARE NOT STUPID! YOU KNOW THE VALUE OF THE STATE'S #1 MARKETER OF REAL ESTATE. YOU KNOW THAT VIDEO, MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF PHOTOGRAPHS, VIRTUAL TOURS, AND EXPOSURE WILL SELL HOMES FASTER AND FOR MORE OF THE ASKING PRICE. IF YOU ARE INTERVIEWING OTHER REALTORS FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT TRANSACTION OF YOUR LIVES, (AND I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO INTERVIEW OTHER REALTORS) I'VE GOT THE TOP TEN QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK THEM THAT WILL ELIMINATE THEM FROM YOUR CHOICE OF WHO TO GO WITH! SORRY, I'LL PUT MY MARKETING PLAN UP AGAINST ANYONES AND OUT-MARKET THEM 10-1, EVERYDAY, ALL DAY LONG!
FOR SALE BY OWNERS, WE ARE FINALLY STARTING TO WORK WITH MORE AND MORE OF YOU AS YOU REALIZE THE VALUE THAT OUR MARKETING PLAN BRINGS TO YOUR UNIQUE SITUATION. AS YOU CONTINUE TO EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT THE SELLER'S NET PROCEEDS VERSUS COMMISSION ARGUMENT, YOU NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THE CHRISTOPHER SMITH TEAM AND TRADITIONS REAL ESTATE CAN SELL YOUR HOME QUICKER AND FOR MORE OF THE ASKING PRICE THAN ANY OTHER REALTOR/BROKERAGE IN TOWN, PERIOD, END OF STORY!
PLEASE HELP ME TO HELP YOU AND HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON WITH YOUR FAMILY!
CHRISTOPHER SMITH
TRADITIONS REAL ESTATE
WWW.CHRISTOPHERSMITHREALTOR.COM
CHRISTOPHER.SMITH.REALTOR@GMAIL.COM
319-329-5988
LICENSED REALTOR IN THE GREAT STATE OF IOWA
"SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE AT THE SERVICE OF OTHERS"
Note that this information is outdated.
Great website explaining the newly revised and extended federal tax credits for first time home buyers and "repeat buyers."
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• 2,099 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - 
MLS® $184,900 - Priced to Sell!
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - AMAZING HOME FEATURING CLASSIC OLD WORLD CHARM WITH ORIGINAL PRISTINE OAK WOODWORK, FLOORS, AND CROWN MOULDINGS THROUGHOUT SO AS TO MAINTAIN ITS ORIGINAL CHARM AND BEAUTY. MAIN FLOOR FEATURES 9 FOOT CEILINGS. THERE ARE OTHER UNIQUE FEATURES SUCH AS BEVELED GLASS WINDOWS AND BEVELED GLASS FRENCH DOORS. THIS HOME IS WELL LANDSCAPED WITH A PRIVATE FENCED IN BACKYARD. MANY RECENT UPDATES INCLUDE: NEW APPLIANCES, NEW FIXTURES AND CEILING FANS, NEWLY UPDATED BATHROOMS FEATURING IN-FLOOR HEAT ON THE MAIN FLOOR, AND MANY ROOMS REPAINTED.
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• 2,156 sq. ft., 1 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $129,950
Marion, Linn County - YOU'LL SAY WOW AS YOU ENTER THE RECEPTION AREA OF THIS LOVELY TWO-STORY. YOU'LL BE MET BY A BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE FIREPLANCE, HIGH CEILINGS, OLD WORLD COLUMNS AND AMAZING WOODWORK AND CHARACTER. THIS HOME IS IMMACULATE!! FEATURES INCLUDE DOULBLE STAIRCASE WITH GREAT CRAFTSMANSHIP. FRONT PORCH PERFECT FOR HANGING OUT ON FALL DAYS, 2 STALL GARAGE, SHOP AREA, LARGE BEDROOMS. MASTER BEDROOM HAS WALK IN CLOSET AND SEPARATE VERANDA.
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Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - Announcing a price reduction on 1840 Washington Ave SE, a 1,864 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $69,976 - 5K Price Improvement!!!.
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• 2,020 sq. ft., 2 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $129,900 - Lots of Home for the $$$
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME ON THE CITIES SOUTHEAST SIDE. HARDWOOD FLOORS AND DETAILED WOODWORK THROUGHOUT, STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, COUNTER TO CEILING CABINETRY IN KITCHEN, OLD STYLE KITCHEN STOVE IS CLASSIC. FORMAL DINING ROOM HAS MASSIVE, OAK CROSS BEAMS ABOVE! BEDROOMS ARE HUGE, WITH ADEQUATE CLOSET SPACE. ATTIC IS FINISHED WITH LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE AND BUILT-IN OFFICE NOOK. LANDSCAPED BACK YARD IS FENCED IN WITH DETACHED, OVERSIZED ONE STALL GARAGE. YOU HAVE STREET PARKING, SIDE OF HOUSE CONCRETE PAD FOR SEVERAL CARS AND GARAGE! WONDERFUL NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORHOOD.
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Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - Announcing a price reduction on 363 20th Street SE, a 1,192 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $84,976 - Priced to Sell!.
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• 2,429 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm ranch - MLS® $239,900
Heritage Green, Hiawatha - STUNNING 3 BEDROOM, 3 FULL BATH, WALK-OUT RANCH TUCKED AWAY IN A COZY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH WALKING TRAIL AND POND NEARBY. HOUSE HAS ENERGY EFFICIENT 6 INCH WALLS, HARDWOOD FLOORS IN FOYER, KITCHEN, DINING AND GREAT ROOM. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, MAPLE CABINETS AND WOODWORK, GAS FIREPLACE, WORKSHOP AND GET-A-WAY DEN, MASTER SUITE WITH WHIRLPOOL TUB AND WALK-IN CLOSET. ALSO HAS, PANTRY, BREAKFAST BAR, TILT-IN WINDOWS FOR EASY CLEANING, MAINTENANCE FREE TREK DECK, ROUNDED CORNERS, VOLUME CEILINGS WITH CEILING FANS, MAIN FLOOR LAUNDRY/MUD ROOM AND WALK-OUT LOWER LEVEL. WILL BE SOLD WITH MICROWAVE, STOVE, AND DISHWASHER. HOME IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED CLOSE TO SHOPPING AND RECREATION. NEAR I380, HWY 100 AND HWY 151.
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• 1,864 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $74,976 - Great Price!
Southeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids - WELL CARED FOR TWO STORY IN SOUTHEAST CEDAR RAPIDS. NEWER A/C, FURNACE, AND NEW WATER HEATER! OUTSIDE OF HOUSE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPAINTED AS OF LAST YEAR AND INSIDE OF HOUSE HAS JUST BEEN REPAINTED! ENTIRE HOME HAS NEW COPPER PLUMBING! UPSTAIRS BATH REMODELED LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AGO, AND DOWNSTAIRS BATH REMODELED LAST YEAR. KITCHEN HAS ALL STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES THAT STAY, INCLUDING BRAND NEW MICROWAVE, AND CUSTOM OAK CABINETRY. FORMAL DINING ROOM HAS BEAUTIFUL PARQUET FLOORING AND CUSTOM OAK SHELVING. WOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE HOME. BASEMENT IS LARGE WITH CUSTOM OAK BAR AND ROOM FOR EIGHT FOOT POOL TABLE FOR ENTERTAINING!
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