June Home Maintenance - How to Love on Your Home for a Great Summer

Summer is finally here in the Cedar Valley and we are ready for all the time outside in our community. If you are looking to spend more time outside and less time on your home here are a few times to tackle right away to allow for a great summer with friends and family!

1. Change HVAC Filters & Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
2. Power Wash Siding
3. Check & Service Lawnmower
4. Inspect Outdoor Play Equipment
5. Reorganize the Kitchen
6. Maintain Yard Growth & Weeds

The Updated Ranch Home in Waverly Iowa that Everyone is Loving - 13167 NW Hillcrest Dr., Waverly

4 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 2,270 Square Feet | .29 Acres | 2 Stall Garage | $279,900

Listed by Bethany Benner, 319.551.4010

SALE PENDING - Looking for a ranch home with an updated kitchen, gorgeous fenced in back yard and over 2200 finished square feet? You’ll want to take a look at this one! This 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has an open feel and with a loads of light and updates galore. When you walk into the front door you’ll see the bright white kitchen, with updated flooring, white cabinets and countertops. The main living room has original hardwood floors and has an amazing window to look out to your deck and large fenced in backyard. To round

Market Value Vs. Appraised Value

Market value and appraised value are both important factors to consider when buying or selling a home. The market value is the estimated price that a buyer would be willing to pay for the property, based on current market conditions. The appraised value is the estimated value of the property as determined by a licensed appraiser. Lenders use the appraised value to determine how much they are willing to lend for the purchase of the home. Both values can impact the price negotiations during a home sale, and it's important to take both into consideration when making a decision.

Market Value: The price a buyer is will to pay for a property.

Appraised Value: The professional opinion of an appraiser on

Summer in the Cedar Valley - Live Music & Fun Events to Enjoy All Summer Long

Summer is here and we are ready for all the fun in the sun around our community! With over 100 miles of bike trails, a Top 10 Best Waterpark in the US, live music, parks, arts and more there is so much to enjoy this summer in the Cedar Valley. Take a look at some of the activities and events we have put together in our blog post! All information was pulled from CedarValley365.com.

June

Live Music

• Live to 9: Select Fridays from 6PM - 9PM at 2nd St. & State St., Cedar FAlls

• SingleSpeed Brewing Live Music Series: Select Thursdays at 7PM - SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 128 N Main St., Cedar Falls

• FridayLoo Summer Concert Series: Select Friday's at

Love at First Sight. Instantly Fall in Love With this Stunning Two-Story Home in Parkersburg Iowa. 170 Palmer Ct., Parkersburg

Listed by Whitney Kohlmeyer, 319.240.2611

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3,678 Square Feet | .41 Acres | 3 Stall Garage | $439,900

Welcome home! This stunning 2 story home is situated on nearly a half acre lot in the highly desired Legend Trail neighborhood. Once you step inside you will FALL IN LOVE. The great room offers soaring, vaulted ceilings and is anchored by a gas fireplace as one of its main focal points. This beautiful space is expansive and flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen areas. The chef in the family will love the functional kitchen space that features newer appliances, granite

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

Article from Keeping Current Matters

The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes.

Navigating all of this can be daunting if you’re trying to do it alone. That’s why having a skilled expert to guide you through the homebuying process is essential, especially today. Bankrate shares this perspective: 

“Advice and guidance from a professional real estate agent can be invaluable, particularly amid a hot or unpredictable housing

Why You Should be Timing Your Life & Not the Housing Marketing 

When it comes to buying or selling a home, it's easy to get caught up in the fluctuations of the housing market. But it's important to remember that the most valuable commodity in life is time. Time spent with loved ones, pursuing passions, and making memories is priceless.

When making decisions about buying or selling a home, it's important to consider how the transaction will impact your time and overall quality of life. For example, if you're selling a home, consider whether the process will be stressful and time-consuming, taking away from other important aspects of your life. On the other hand, if you're buying a home, think about whether the location and size of

Why Downsizing is Not Just for Those Looking to Retire

Article from Keep Current Matters

Downsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing worthwhile. Homeowners who have experienced a change in their lives or no longer feel like their house fits their needs may benefit from downsizing too. U.S. News explains:

“Downsizing is somewhat common among older people and retirees who no longer have children living at home. But these days, younger people are also looking to downsize to save money on housing . . .”

And when inflation has made most things significantly more expensive, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. So, if you’re

You Will Find Plenty of Space in this Peaceful Home in Waverly Iowa - 1211 Country Meadows Dr., Waverly

Listed by Allie Hirschauer, 319.464.6621 & Carter Christensen, 319.939.9305

4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,278 Square Feet | .27 Acres | 2 Stall Garage | $315,000

You will be impressed with this 2-story home located on a corner lot in a very peaceful neighborhood, a mile from Wartburg College! Upon entering the home, you will be greeted with plenty of storage for your belongings and a large living room featuring well-kept hardwood floors and large windows. The spacious galley kitchen is complete with a fully functioning floating island and a few spots for dining. The dining room is open to the kitchen and will comfortably fit 6-8 people,

Updated from Head to Toe, This Home In Oelwein is Ready for It's New Owners! 16 NW 5th Ave., Oelwein

Listed by Jordan Tranbarger, 319530.9189

2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,150 Square Feet | .26 Acres | 1 Stall Garage | $105,000

Take a look at this beautifully updated, move-in ready home! The seller has taken pride in updating this home for the next owner. The home is now freshly painted inside, new flooring throughout, new windows, updated bathrooms, and a brand new kitchen! Stepping inside the front door, you will find the living or dining room space with tall ceilings and plenty of natural light. There is also a space on the main floor for a main floor bedroom if desired. You will also find a main floor laundry room and half bathroom. The