Chris Petersen, Realtor
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Chris Petersen, Realtor, Construction Company, .
03/08/2022
Got next-home dreams? What feature is at the top of your list? Drop your must-have in the comments below.
Some popular picks:
–Large, private lot, walk-in master spa shower
–Enormous island for entertaining
–Dedicated office space
Maybe, just maybe, your next home is out there right now!
29/07/2022
💯💯💯💯💯
28/07/2022
When you buy a house with a pool or decide to put one in yourself, it’s nerve-racking and super exciting at the same time. Maintenance is an important part (obviously)!
Four Tips:
1. You’ve gotta clean it regularly. Want no funk and all fun? Use your skimmer, pool vacuum, and scrub brush to clean the water and walls of your pool. Vacuum daily, skim every few days, and scrub weekly.
2. You’ve gotta check your chemicals. Every two weeks, use your water testing kit to check the chemical levels in your water. Pay close attention to ph, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Sound complicated? It's not—promise! Still not sure? You can always give an automated pool chemical system a try.
3. You’ve gotta keep the water moving. To get the most from your elbow grease and chemicals, you've got to keep the water moving. Make a habit of checking for movement in the water every time you pass by the pool—movement is a good indicator your pump is running just as it should.
4. You’ve gotta know when to call for help. Befriend a local pool company and when you see green water, cloudy water, excessive water loss, or a dirty filter, give them a call. Finding a pool guy you trust can help you get the answers you need and outfit all your chemical needs.
Are you a backyard pool boss? Is there anything you would add to this list? Share below!
27/07/2022
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so you wanna get it right—especially when selling your home. With 97% of buyers beginning their search online, those listing photos matter, folks!
So here’s what I’ll say: You need to hire a professional photographer to shoot your home. Why? It’s pretty simple—your home will sell faster. And with more inventory hitting the market this summer and fall, you want every advantage to stand out from the competition.
Now, here’s how to get ready for your home’s photoshoot:
- Clean and declutter everywhere.
- Clear kitchen countertops, tabletops, and nightstands.
- Turn lights and lamps on and ceiling fans off.
- Make beds, open all window treatments, and remove all evidence of pets.
- Clean and clear sinks, tub, and showers (no bottles or tubes laying around).
- Pick up floor mats and runners. Large area rugs are okay.
- Remove all personal items and photos.
Alright, friends, can we talk for a sec about FSBO (For Sale by Owner)? There are lots of misconceptions out there, and I want to set the record straight.
SELLERS:
Here’s the deal: Selling your home without the help of an agent isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The paperwork, liability, scams, profit loss, and limited marketing make it a path filled with potential pitfalls at every turn. And it’s not just me; the data backs me up.
Ninety percent of sellers who try to sell by owner fail to do so. And those who “succeed” often leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table. Don’t let that be you! The truth is an FSBO only makes sense if you know your buyer in advance — and even then, it can get tricky without an agent’s help.
BUYERS:
You know as well as anyone that the market this summer is fast and furious. You know you’ve got to be ready to bring your highest and best in just a matter of hours. That said, if you see a home listed by the owner and it checks all your boxes, don’t hesitate to go for it!
And remember, just because it’s listed by the owner doesn’t mean you have to buy it without an agent’s guidance! As an agent, I can show you FSBOs 99% of the time, and I’d love to represent you to ensure your journey to homeownership as smooth, easy, and error-free!
Want to talk more? Feel free to comment or shoot me a DM; I’d love to chat!
22/07/2022
Accurate!! 😂🛻
18/07/2022
So you want to buy a house? YESSS! This post is for you!
What to Expect in the Housing Market for the Rest of 2022
1. Homes available for sale are likely to grow. 🔺
BUYERS: You’ll have more options, just be ready to act fast and put in your best offer upfront.
SELLERS: You may soon face more competition as other sellers list their homes. BUT, if you’re also in the market to buy, you’ll benefit from the boost in inventory.
2. Mortgage rates will continue to respond to inflation. 💵
BUYERS: Find a trusted agent and reputable lender, so you’ll know exactly how rising rates will impact your purchasing power.
SELLERS: Selling and then buying? Work with an agent to time your move so you, too, can take advantage of rates before they tick higher.
3. Home prices will continue to climb 🧗♀️
BUYERS: Good news! In some markets, home prices are beginning to stabilize or moderately grow compared to earlier this year. Competition is decreasing, especially as some leave the market due to interest rate rise.
SELLERS: Current home prices are still great news for the value of your home and your bottom line. Just be sure to work with an agent who knows how to get you top dollar while staying on top of market conditions.
If you’re diving into the market this summer or fall, DM me to chat — I’d love to help and tell you what I'm seeing in your neighborhood!
15/07/2022
Weekly reminder 😁
13/07/2022
“You’ve got to have squeaky clean credit to buy a house.” Hands up if you've heard this. Want to know the real talk?
The credit score you need really depends on the type of loan you're after. While a fixed-rate loan will require a score of at least 620, you may qualify for an FHA loan with a score as low as 500. And if you’re active-duty military, you'll be glad to know there’s no minimum credit score requirement at all for VA loans.
The takeaway for all my followers? Don’t throw in the towel on homeownership because you have a less-than-perfect credit score. Send me a DM to chat, and let’s look at your options together!
11/07/2022
🖍 ATTENTION PARENTS::
✏️ Go to the Walmart’s website: https://www.walmart.com/lists/back-to-school
✏️ Enter your schools zip, name & then choose grade!
Walmart has all school supplies already bunched and ready to add to your cart!
It tells you everything needed per grade and allows you to select individual items OR select all and supply shopping is literally a ☝🏼 click “add to cart” activity 👏🏼
08/07/2022
We all have our favorite things about summer, here are mine: ☀️
1. FRESH VEGGIES
2. ICE CREAM on a hot day 🍦
3. Vacations 🌴
What are your favorite things about summer?
07/07/2022
3 hot tips first-time investors can't afford to ignore:
1. Do your homework. As lucrative as landlording can be, it can devastate and consume if you sink funds in the wrong property.
2. Choose a prime location. Location to schools, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping, and green spaces should be thought through. Enlist an agent's help to identify hot zip codes and neighborhoods.
3. Know the law. Sure, you’re about to rake in some cash, but you’ll also rake in some headaches if you don’t know your legal responsibilities as a landlord. Study our state's laws and consult with an attorney to ensure you understand.
05/07/2022
Real Estate FAQs:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN AGENT?
Not much and not long, really. Application fees, coursework fees, and testing fees vary by state, but most agents spend anywhere around $1000 and can complete their training in about four to six months.
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU GET PAID?
Here’s how it works: Agents get paid on commission. So when one of my buyers or sellers closes on a home, a percentage of the sales price—typically 6%—gets split between me and the other agent. These funds make a pit stop by an agent's broker before being passed along.
Which brings up another question…
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A BROKERAGE?
Carefully and methodically! My biggest tip for agents looking to pick the perfect brokerage? Ask other agents - and ask lots of them! You’ll need to think through commission split (brokers get a slice of that 6%), culture, reputation, niche, and whether you want to go franchise or independent. Other agents will be your best source of info!
Freedom rings true, under the red, white and blue. Happy 4th of July!
01/07/2022
No matter what you hear there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free home. What there is? A home that’s totally manageable to maintain when you break it down month by month.
To help, here’s your July Home Maintenance Checklist.
1. Wipe down porch lights, replace blown-out bulbs, and use glass cleaner to freshen up your home’s exterior entryway.
2. Get rid of washer build-up with a cup of diluted bleach or white vinegar in the drum. For the dryer, remove and wash the lint screen—especially if you use dryer sheets.
3. Wipe down and clean baseboards, doors, and light switches.
4. Clean garbage disposal by sprinkling a half-cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar in the disposal. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before flushing it down the drain.
5. Drain your water heater to flush out any sediment that could be affecting your heater’s performance.
6. Wash pet beds, pet toys, travel carriers, etc.
7. Replace worn-out or dirty entry rugs.
8. Inspect fencing and gates around your home and make repairs as needed.
9. Plan your fall vegetable garden. Such as: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and kale.
Remember, home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Just do a little bit each month, be proud of yourself, then move on to bigger and better things!
29/06/2022
It’s one of our toxic traits. 😂
28/06/2022
You know how they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Well, when it comes to pools, their value is in the eye of the beholder.
For some it's a must and they would be willing to pay more for a home that has a pool than a similar home that does not. For others, they see it as nothing more than a whole in the ground filled with water they have to pay to maintain.
It's not always a matter of whether or not a pool is valuable. It's more about whether or not a buyer finds a pool desirable.
If you're considering putting a pool in your current home but you know you're probably going to sell in a few years, don't do it because you think it is a good investment and will add value (because it doesn't always!)
If you're going to put a pool in, do it because you love it and want to enjoy it and make memories out there with the people you love.
Need to sell your house fast? Not a problem, I've helped many clients sell their home quickly (and for top dollar, of course!)
Here are some tips I give my clients to speed up the selling process:
-Major repairs are out but do what you can. Clean, declutter, and focus on curb appeal.
-Price your home just below market value to stir up buyer buzz.
-Choose the all-cash offer to ensure a quick and easy closing.
-Be flexible on terms and price. Hold firm to your request for a quick closing.
-Hire an agent who has the capacity and know-how to get the deal done.
Need to sell quickly? I’m ready to help. DM me, and let’s get it done!
23/06/2022
YES! Who else is excited for this? ⛳️
Topgolf announces it is coming to West Des Moines WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — A third golf entertainment complex is coming to the metro, and this time it is the biggest name in the industry. On Thursday, Topgolf announced it will bring a high-te…
My client: "Should we price it way high to see what happens?"
My answer: I can already tell you what's going to happen...
You’ve got 3 options when it comes to pricing your home for the market: above, at, or under market value.
I know pricing it high can be tempting, but keep in mind these pros and cons for each option:
Above market value:
+ If you have to receive a certain amount for the home
- It will take longer to sell
- The more days it's on the market, the worse it looks to prospects
- The home may not appraise by the buyer's lender, back to negotiations
At market value:
+ No appraisal issues
+ Buyers and agents will recognize a fair price
+ Will appear on more relevant buyer searches
Under market value:
+ The home will receive high interest and a quick sale
+ You may get a multiple offer scenario, which may include offers higher than asking price
- Risk of having to sell at a lower price than market value
If you'd like to see recent stats on homes like yours, just say the word. Pretty sure you'll come to the same conclusion as I did — pricing just under market is the way to go!
16/06/2022
It’s easy to forget what a beautiful city we live in ☀️🌆
15/06/2022
My response: What show? 😂
13/06/2022
If I had to choose my top 3 best tips to give someone wanting to sell their home, here's what I'd go with:
Number one: Prioritize repairs over upgrades.
Upgrades look nice, but prioritize repairs first. The roof, HVAC, electric, and plumbing should be in good condition.
Number two: Professional photography is a must.
Don't let anyone convince you that photos taken on your phone will do the trick, the photos marketing your home are the first impression buyers have of your home.
Number three: Don't wait! Get started now - Summer 2022 is the time to list!
Have you sold a home in this crazy market?
09/06/2022
Wow! Waukee is still booming! 💥
Waukee reports rapid population growth in last 12 months Another city in Iowa is booming in terms of increasing population.
Oh, I love it when I'm asked this question—especially in this sizzling market! So sellers, grab a pen and paper, your smartphone, or just your noggin, and let’s crunch some numbers.
Take your selling price and subtract:
1. Mortgage payoff amount (Heads up! This isn’t the same as your last statement balance.)
2. Real estate commissions (Typically 6%; 3% for buyers agent and 3% for your agent.)
3. Costs to stage and prep your home (Budget 1% of selling price.)
4. Seller concessions (Costs you agree to pay to help close a deal; usually 1.5-2% of selling price.)
5. Moving expenses (Plan for 1% of selling price.)
06/06/2022
The appraisal came in low. Now what?
First, don’t stress. There are lots of things you can control in the buying process, but one you can’t? Where that appraisal comes in. Take a deep breath and remember, an appraisal is good — it’s there to keep you from overpaying on a home.
So what to do when the number is punier than your purchase price? Here are your options:
- Appeal it.
- Ask for a second appraisal.
- Negotiate the purchase price with the seller.
- Find more cash to bring to the table.
Now, sellers, listen up; unless you’ve got a cash offer, a low appraisal could be a full stop to your selling plans. Help your home appraise for top dollar by:
- Provide the appraiser a list of your offers (if you receive multiple ones) to prove the price was right.
- Cleaning and decluttering to have your home looking its best.
- Being present at the appraisal to point out your home’s features (subtly, of course!).
Save this post for later, and let me know if you want to talk more about buying or selling this summer. I’d love to connect!
02/06/2022
Confession time 😂
You'll hear that you should interview at least three agents before choosing the ONE you want to work with. I say interview as many as you need until you find the RIGHT agent for you. And don’t worry, when you know, you'll just know!
Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood this May? Share in the comments, and I’ll be in touch.
30/05/2022
Happy Memorial Day, all! 🇺🇸
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