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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/absolutely-stunning-ranch-home-located-in-hudson-iowa.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/absolutely-stunning-ranch-home-located-in-hudson-iowa.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>Absolutely Stunning Ranch Home Located in Hudson Iowa</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Absolutely Stunning Ranch Home Located in Hudson Iowa


229 Willow Oak Dr., Hudson | 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3,474 Square Feet | .71 Acres | 3 Garages


Listed by Carl Ericson, 319.504.3640


Absolutely stunning Look at this breathtaking ranch home conveniently located on a cul-de-sac and situated on nearly three quarters of an acre of land. This custom floor plan was designed with modern living in mind. As you enter this home you are greeted by a wonderful open design with a vaulted and beamed ceiling carrying through the living room and kitchen. The spacious kitchen features GE Café appliances, painted cabinetry with quartz counters and an 11 foot long island that is perfect for eating and entertaining around. The cabinetry features pull out drawers on the lower cabinets as well as the spacious pantry cabinetry. Vinyl plank flooring flows from the kitchen to the large dining area off the kitchen and through to living room and main areas of the home. Relax in the spacious living room with gorgeous electric fireplace with stone surround that is the focal point of the living space and gives you great views of your backyard. Just off the living room is a light and bright office or playroom located on the front of the home. The split bedroom floor plan with oversized doorways allows you to escape and relax in your primary suite. Enjoy an incredibly spacious primary bedroom which has a beautiful primary bathroom attached. The bathroom features a large dual bowl vanity, separate tub and custom tiled shower. In addition, a large walk-in closet is located just off the bathroom. You will find two additional spacious bedrooms and a full main floor bathroom on the opposite side of the home. Enjoy the large mudroom with storage and laundry area that is located just off the expansive 3 stall attached garage. This home also features a beautiful finished lower level that gives you plenty of space to relax or entertain. The family room gives you multiple areas for tv and rec. The basement is wired for surround sound. Just off the family area is a dry bar or display area. A playroom or office are behind beautiful barn doors just off the main family room area. The basement also features 2 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom and plenty of storage. While the inside provides many amenities the outside gives you even more Take advantage of the 2022 built detached 768 sf garage with it 100 amp electrical service. It would make a perfect workshop or additional storage space. The composite lighted deck and stairs lead to the concrete patio that overlooks the nearly three quarters of an acre yard which features an above ground salt water pool, an irrigation system and also prepaid lawn care through this fall. This home also features a solar panel system to help reduce your electric bill, a security system, battery backup on the sump pump and much more. Look at this custom floor plan today





 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/escape-the-ordinary-with-this-hard-to-find-cedar-falls-acreage.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/escape-the-ordinary-with-this-hard-to-find-cedar-falls-acreage.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>Escape the Ordinary with This Hard-to-Find Cedar Falls Acreage</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Escape the Ordinary with This Hard-to-Find Cedar Falls Acreage - 4205 W Cedar Wapsi Rd., Cedar Falls


5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3,398 Square Feet | 3.03 Acres | 2 Stall Garage | $415,000


Listed by Dan Berregaard, 319.269.1549


Escape the ordinary with this hard-to-find Cedar Falls acreage on paved road, with Janesville Schools Nestled on the country side, just a short drive to town, this picturesque property provides over 3 acres to roam, nearly 3400 square feet of finished living space, and a 32x54 steel outbuilding for all your toys and hobbies The main floor of this split-level home has plenty of space for the whole family. As you walk in, you'll be greeted by a good-sized living room that opens up to the dining room and kitchen. This great kitchen has been nicely updated with corian countertops, a tile backsplash, quality cabinetry and breakfast bar seating while the connected dining room provides ample space for a table and convenient back deck access. Just off the dining room and through a pair of French doors is a huge family room addition with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace that provides a nice centerpiece for the space. This addition also includes a 3-season porch with gorgeous views of the back yard. The combination of these great main-floor spaces makes entertaining friends and family easy On the other wing of the main floor you'll find two good sized bedrooms and a full bathroom with double vanity. Also on this side of the main, is a third bedroom or potential office space that opens up to the amazing master suite that offers a walk-in closet, and an updated ensuite bathroom with double vanity, tile floors, and separate shower. The lower level of this home offers even more great living space with an open family room, a 5th bedroom, 3/4 bathroom with laundry, a non-conforming bedroom/office space, storage and access to the two-stall garage. The exterior of this property is special. From the 3 acres of well taken care of land, steel outbuilding with pristine concrete floors and workshop, nice landscaping, composite back deck, fire pit and garden areas with beautiful views in all directions, this property is set up perfectly to enjoy all the country side has to offer. Opportunities to own an acreage like this don't come along often Schedule your private showing today



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    <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:51:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/take-a-second-look-this-traditional-ranch-home-is-more-than-meets-the-eye.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/take-a-second-look-this-traditional-ranch-home-is-more-than-meets-the-eye.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>Take a Second Look This Traditional Ranch Home is More than Meets the Eye.</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Take a Second Look This Traditional Ranch Home is More than Meets the Eye - 2107 Touchae St., Waterloo


3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms  | 2,239 Square Feet | .27 Acres | 2 Stall Garage | $329,900


Listed by Bob Delveau, 319.290.5437


Welcome to your dream home This stunning listing boasts everything you've been searching for and more. Located in a highly sought-after and desirable neighborhood, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury. As you step inside, you'll immediately be impressed by the spacious and inviting main floor, which features original hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, lending a touch of timeless elegance to the space. The main level encompasses three generously sized bedrooms, providing ample space for a growing family or accommodating guests. Working from home will be a breeze with the large office located in the mostly finished basement. This private sanctuary ensures productivity and focus, allowing you to seamlessly balance work and leisure. 


With three bathrooms in the home, morning routines will be a breeze, and everyone can enjoy their own space and privacy. The heart of this home is the modern and stylish main floor, which exudes luxury from every corner. The well-appointed kitchen boasts sleek quartz countertops, providing a perfect space for preparing meals and entertaining guests. The spacious living area is adorned with an electric fireplace, creating a cozy ambiance for relaxing evenings and gatherings with loved ones. 


With Iowa winters you will appreciate the two-car attached garage, making parking and storage a breeze. The corner lot location enhances curb appeal and provides a sense of space and privacy. Perfectly situated in a desirable location, this home is within close proximity to schools, making morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups a breeze. Additionally, shopping and other essential amenities are just a stone's throw away, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. This remarkable home is an opportunity not to be missed. Whether you're a growing family or seeking a luxurious retreat, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Come and experience the lifestyle you've always dreamed of - schedule a showing today





 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/june-2023-recap-at-oakridge-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/june-2023-recap-at-oakridge-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>June 2023 Recap at Oakridge Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



June 2023 Recap at Oakridge Real Estate


What a wild thing to believe that we are officially half way through the year June's recap is filled with our Oakridge stats, Best of the Best Voting, credit score education from our friends at Greenstate Credit Union, June top performers, quarter two top performers, June listing of the month and a market misconceptions that our team wants you to know about. Here's to another month of doing what we love in the Cedar Valley


Oakridge Monthly Recap


The summer market is here in the Cedar Valley. With 120 transactions completed by our team we are seeing more activity in the Cedar Valley and happy to be helping those that are buying and selling. When it comes to getting your home sold you can rely on our team of trusted Realtors. In June homes listed by an Oakridge Agent sold for an average 104 of their list price and sold in an average of 17 days. That is 4 MORE and 12 days faster than the MLS average. Our MLS is the Northeast Iowa region consisting of 107 offices and 800+ Realtors.





Vote Oakridge Best of the Best Real Estate Agency


We are excited to share that Oakridge is a finalist for Best Real Estate Agency AND 3 of the 5 finalists for Realtor are our very own Oakies Congrats to our Oakies, Luke &amp; Becky Bartlett, Dan Berregaard, and Josh &amp; Sarah Bey for making it as a finalist Voting is open Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, July 30th with the ability to vote daily. You can text 820 to 319-316-8951 to vote for Oakridge or view this link to vote our Oakies. Thank you Cedar Valley for your support


 


5 Things that Contribute to Your Credit Score - From Greenstate Credit Union


When it comes to buying a home, your mortgage is an integral step in the process. Your credit score has a direct impact on the interest rate you can obtain, which then determines your monthly payment. Are you curious what impacts your credit score? 


There are 5 categories that make up your score, with some weighted more heavily than others.


1. Payment History: Your account payment information, including delinquencies and public records


2. Credit Usage: How much you own on your accounts


3. Credit Age: How long your credit accounts have been established


4. Account Mix: What types of credit accounts do you have, such as revolving and installment debt


5. Inquiries: The number of recently opened credit accounts and credit inquiries





 


June Top Performers


Congrats to our June top performers Top performers include; Bethany Benner, Brad Page, Bob Delveau, Carl Ericson, Jordan Tranbarger, Justin Reuter, Lauren Duahime, Linda Curran, Luke &amp; Becky Bartlett, Sara Junaid, Sara Wegmann, Troy Olson and Whitney Kohlmeyer.


           


2023 Quarter 2 Top Performers


Congrats to our 2023 quarter 2 top performers Q2 top performers include; Paige Peyton, Luke &amp; Becky Bartlett, Lauren Deuahime, Jane Obermeier, Bethany Benner, Carl Ericson, Justin Reuter, Sara Junaid, Sara Wegmann, Gale Bonsall and Bob Delveau.





June Listing of the Month: This 1950's Sprawling Ranch Home is a True Gem You Won't Want to Miss





Each month we pick a listing from our team to highlight. June's Listing of the Month is this beautifully updated sprawling ranch home in Cedar Falls This home features timeless charm and tasteful renovations throughout, offering the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern convenience. The spacious main level offers plenty of room for family, friends and floods with natural light. You can see the full tour of this beautiful home here


Sale Pending - Listed by Lauren Duahime


Market Misconceptions: New Construction


When it comes to the real estate market, especially in the Cedar Valley, there are few misconceptions that our Oakies are hearing Throughout July we are going to shed a little light on those misconceptions and let you in on what is really going on in the Cedar Valley housing market This week Bethany Benner is talking about new construction in the Cedar Valley





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    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/here-is-what-your-realtors-wants-you-to-know-if-you-are-searching-for-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/here-is-what-your-realtors-wants-you-to-know-if-you-are-searching-for-a-home.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>5 Things Your Realtors Wants You to Know if You are Searching for a Home. </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



5 Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know if You are Searching for a Home.


For the past three years the inventory levels in the Cedar Valley have not been able to support the demands of buyers. Our team meetings have been focused on how to support our buyers in this time where there is a feeling of losing. From these conversations, we decided to make a post to help all the buyers in the Cedar Valley. Here is what your Realtor wants you to know if you are searching for a home.






We See That You are Tired - Some buyers have been looking for a week, a month or even a year. We see that you are tired of looking at house after house with disappointment, but as your Realtor® we will not stop working until we find the perfect house for you.






We Feel the Disappointment Too - The worst part of our job is having to deliver the news, &quot;Your offer was not accepted&quot;. Delivering bad news (sometimes over and over again) is the hardest call for us to make. We LOVE getting to serve our clients. We LOVE helping our clients become homeowners. Please know that we feel the disappointment too as we go through this competitive market together.






We are Seeing a Wild West Market Right Now - This year's market is different from what we were seeing a year ago. Last spring it was almost always guaranteed that sellers would accept the highest offer. That is not the same this year. Not every seller is looking for the highest bid. This year sellers are taking into consideration all factors of an offer; earnest money, type of loan, closing date, inspections, escalation cause and more. We are doing our best to put together an offer that we believe is going to set you apart and result in an accepted offer. If you find &quot;the&quot; house please know that the market is very competitive with other buyers, this is going to mean putting your best foot forward if you really want an accepted offer.






Everything Happens For a Reason - As cliche as it sounds it is 100 true. We have seen our clients &quot;miss out&quot; on what once was the dream home only to have an accepted offer on a better home a few weeks later. Many closed doors will bring an opportunity you never expected.






Stick With Us - As tiring as this process is, please stick with us. We are working all hours of the day constantly looking for the home you will truly enjoy and love. 






Check out our other blog posts below for additional buying education


  
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    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/check-out-this-darling-derbyshire-home-in-waterloo-iowa.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/check-out-this-darling-derbyshire-home-in-waterloo-iowa.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>Check out this Darling Derbyshire Home in Waterloo Iowa</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Check out this Darling Derbyshire Home in Waterloo Iowa - 335 Derbyshire Rd., Waterloo


3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,579 Sq.ft | .23 Acres | 2 Stall Garage | $214,900


Listed by Laurie Lynch, 319.310.8374 - Sale Pending


Check out this listing in this highly desired neighborhood of Waterloo This updated 1 1/2 story home is a must see The living room lets in a lot of daylight with the large picture window and settles in by a gas fireplace. On the main floor sits 2 bedrooms and a 3/4 bath along with the updated kitchen featuring new appliances, quartz countertops and new flooring. Off the kitchen is the dining room leading out into the 3 seasons porch that is nice and cozy place to relax and hang all year long Heading upstairs is the master suite This darling master features 2 closet areas along with a bathroom featuring a claw foot tub and shower combo with dual vanity sinks. In the basement you will find lots of storage space, washer and dryer along with another shower and sink. With beautiful hardwood floors throughout, character around every corner, a 2 stall garage and beautiful back yard.



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    <pubDate>Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:57:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/balancing-your-wants-needs-as-a-homebuyer-this-spring.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/balancing-your-wants-needs-as-a-homebuyer-this-spring.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>Balancing Your Wants &amp; Needs as a Homebuyer </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Balancing Your Wants &amp; Needs as a Homebuyer


Article from Keep Current Matters


Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: 


“While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2 lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”


The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options on the market, buyers who consider what’s a necessity versus what’s a nice-to-have will be more successful in their home search.


The first step? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you better understand what you can borrow for your home loan, and that plays an important role in how you’ll put your list together. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of reach. Once you have a good grasp on your budget, the best way to prioritize all the features you want and need in a home is to put together a list.


Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:




Must-Haves: If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle.


Nice-To-Haves: These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender.


Dream State: This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner.




Finally, once you’ve created your list and categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss it with your real estate agent. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best ways to stick to it and find a home in your area that meets your needs.


 


Bottom Line


Prioritizing what you need in a home is a critical first step the buying process. This will allow for you to stay focused and on track for the home you want


 


Check out our other blog posts below for additional buying education


  
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    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/the-homebuyer-checklist-everything-from-choosing-your-agent-to-closing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/the-homebuyer-checklist-everything-from-choosing-your-agent-to-closing.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>The Homebuyer Checklist: Everything From Choosing Your Agent to Closing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


The Homebuyer Checklist: Everything From Choosing Your Agent to Closing


When it comes to buying a home it can be easy to get overwhelmed. We are here to help Today we put together a checklist for all homebuyers. This is an eight-step checklist that covers everything from choosing your agent to closing on your home 




Meet with a Realtor - You'll decide what type of home you're looking for, including the style, price range, neighborhood, and more.


Get Pre-Approved - Your Oakridge agent can assist in getting you connected with a local lender. Getting pre-approved will determine what your price range is on the home you can afford.


Look a Properties - The fun part You will view properties that match your search criteria. Be sure to take notes - which properties meet most/or all of the items. on your wish list. 


Submit an Offer - Your Oakridge Agent will help you make an offer on the home base on comparable properties. When you are comfortable with the price and the terms of the offer, your agent will submit it to the seller/seller's agent. Your agent will guide you through the negotiations process. You'll need to provide earnest money, and it will be deposited into a trust account. 


Negotiate &amp; Accept an Offer - Your agent will guide you through the negotiations process. When the offer is accepted you will need to provide earnest money. The earnest money will be deposited into a trust account until closing.


Conduct/Schedule Inspection - 


Finalize Loan Details with Your Lender - At this time you will connect with the lender you were pre-approved with. 


Remove Contingencies - You and your agent will work together to remove any contingencies by the agreed upon date. Some common contingencies include home sale, inspection, appraisal, and financing.


Final Walkthrough - The day before closing you and your Oakridge agent will do a final walkthrough of the home. The final walkthrough is to ensure everything is completed and the home is ready to move in


Closing - Happy Dance On closing day you will meet with your agent, you lender, and the seller to sign closing documents. This is when you will officially get key to your new home


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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:59:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/6-ways-to-show-your-home-some-love-this-holiday-season.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.oakridge.net/blog/6-ways-to-show-your-home-some-love-this-holiday-season.html</link>
        <author>carl.ericson@oakridge.realestate (Oakridge Real Estate)</author>
        <title>6 Ways to Show Your Home Some Love this Holiday Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


6 Ways to Show Your Home Some Love this Holiday Season


December is here  With the holiday season just a few weeks away it is easy for items around the house to get pushed to the side. Here is this month's home maintenance checklist. Six common items that are easy to forget but important to the health and longevity of your home. 




Change HVAC filters &amp; test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors


Test electrical outlets


Check attic insulation


Run water in unused areas


Inspect fire extinguisher


Stay on top of snow removal







 
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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2022 12:06:00 -0600</pubDate>
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