You Know You Want It . . .

Admit It, You Want New.

And Not Just "New to You" 

You're going to LOVE moving up to this home.

6001 Sanden Road NE, Cedar Rapids

Listing presented by Chad Gloede, REMAX Concepts 

Take a tour of this beautiful NE Cedar Rapids ranch,

 it'll have you dreaming.  

Not only is the craftsmanship amazing,
it has one of the neatest floor plans available.

Details:
1849 sf above grade and 1098 sf finished in the lower level
5 bedrooms, 3 full baths

Split bedroom floor plan
Lot size: 135' x 125'
Schools: Viola Gibson, Harding, Kennedy
Builder: Heath Construction
Irrigation System
Security System
Pre-wired for Audio System
Pre-plumbed for central vac

There are so many features of this home that evoke the sense of an older, classic "character" home - when the emphasis was on craftsmanship and materials that would last.

What's more reminiscent of that era than a front porch?

A welcoming porch, shake shingles, stonework and rich
 millwork add up to GREAT curb appeal.

Board and batten wainscoting elevates the foyer to a grand entry.

Gorgeous details usher you into the home.

A floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace continues the authentic "character" feel.

A view emphasizing the open concept living space.

Throughout the house you'll notice the layers of texture, which create a rich background: 

the paneled focal wall, wooden barn door, glossy subway tile, 

stunning quartz counter tops and shiplap.

Beautiful red oak hardwood floors compliment the white and black cabinetry.  

Can you imagine your family gathered here, enjoying this bright, lovely kitchen?

Special unique touches "make" a home, such as the 

barn door, the mudroom drop zone, and the floor plan itself, 

boasting a wall of windows, which fill the house with light.

Steps lead to the patio and lower level family room, 

imbuing the main living areas with natural light.

This definitely isn't the boring garage access you might expect.  
Not only does it add elegance, but it's functional.

The main bathroom blends rustic touches with a modern twist.

On to the Master Bedroom.

The Master bath is pretty sensational.  There's a melding of textures that is so visually satisfying: shiplap over the double vanity, round mirrors and a luxurious counter top.  That doesn't factor in the tile floor and the sparkling glass shower and stone-textured shower base.

You may just lose part of your family in the lower level - 

it's huge, plus there's everything they need!

A spacious family room complete with an eye-catching wet bar, 

2 bedrooms and a bath and still tons of storage space.

The view from the deck off the kitchen.

There's even a cute neighbor to flirt with . . . 

The final step?  

Have a look in person to see how much you'll love living here.

Call Judy at 319.551.3170 or Steve at 319.551.3375 today.  

A Special Place & A Remarkable Coincidence

A New Season For A Special Acreage

Sometimes circumstances bring people together, each helping the other.

Diana, the seller, reached out to me this spring about selling her 

little acreage outside of town. 

She was recovering from surgery and dealing with a renter who had left 

a huge mess in her long-time family home. 

Soon thereafter she was coping with the death of her daughter.

Through all of this, it took some time to have the house ready to list.

This 1886 property had been Diana's home for 55 years.  

It was in her husband's family for years before that.

She raised her children and lived happily with her husband there.

The photos are post-clean up after the renter left.

Eventually it was time for her to move to a home with less work and upkeep 

so she decided to rent out the house.  

Diana had great renters initially, but unfortunately not at the end, prompting her to sell.

She wanted to let the house have a new life.

Just west of the house, on the gravel road, is the  cemetery.  

The very one where Diana's husband Frank, a well-known local musician, 

was laid to rest nine years ago.  

While we were visiting in the kitchen, she and her daughter recollected how when the kids were little their Dad insisted they stay inside when there was a funeral, to be respectful, as the procession went right past the house and up the road.

There are people we encounter that we really connect with, and Diana is one of those for me.  She felt like a relative I had never met.  Selling the home, though emotional for her, 

was something she was ready to do.  I was looking forward to helping her through the process, thinking it may take a while to find just the right buyer

Old homes tug at me emotionally; they've witnessed so much living - joy, sadness, sickness. Real life. 

I always hope it's love that they've sheltered inside the most.  

People have come and gone - for 133 years - in this house.
Maybe that's another part of what made this special.

As fate would have it, just as she was ready to list

there was a buyer who was suddenly looking for a home.

Alaina, a young Mom, had just lost her husband in an accident. Her husband was laid to rest at the cemetery on a Friday - at the cemetery just past Diana's house.  

In so many ways, the timing was uncanny.  I put the yard sign out by the road on Thursday and the very next day, Alaina saw it driving to the cemetery following her husband's funeral.

Early Friday evening I received a call from Alaina's Dad, asking a few questions about the house.  We made an appointment so they could look the following week.
Alaina was interested from the start and wrote an offer the next day.  Two days later the offer was accepted, on the anniversary date of Diana's husband's death.

The seller, negotiating perhaps more than she might ordinarily have, wanted to have a family as happy to live in the house as she had been.  Diana also wanted to extend a kindness to this young woman, who not only was coping with the unexpected loss of her husband, but also is mother to a special-needs daughter.  Alaina has had an exceptionally difficult summer, losing her husband, then an uncle just 2 days after her husband's death, and her Grandfather recently.

As a Realtor, it's rare for me have both sides of a sale - representing both the seller and buyer.  I explained the process and how it works, that as a "dual agent" I was working with them both if that was acceptable to them.  We moved forward, walking through the process.  As is common, there were a couple of wrinkles to iron out but both Alaina and Diana graciously cooperated.  

Alaina closed on the house Tuesday.  It's a bittersweet celebration - I know it's something she dreamed to have shared with her husband.  She's planning the changes she'll make to the house to best suit her and her daughter, and to put their personal touch on this long-loved home.  

A new chapter for the house.

We've each mentioned as we've progressed through this that the sale seemed "meant to be" - 

the timing was so coincidental.

After the closing, when I asked Alaina if it was okay that I share their story, she let me 

in on some additional details that make it seem even more like fate.
Alaina explained that her sister's name is also Diana (like the seller).

Her uncle's nickname was essentially the same as the seller's last name.

Plus, Alaina's late Grandma and her mother-in-law, share the name of Judy.  

Somehow even I factored in.

Most all real estate sales are momentous - representing life changes for both the sellers and buyers.  I'm so blessed to work with great clients and friends.  This was extra special, however, and will stay with me for a long time.

Congratulations to both Diana and Alaina as they continue  down their new paths.

Along with a hydrangea bush to plant to commemorate their new home, 

I also found a lovely "Rose of Sharon" hibiscus that made me think of 

Alaina's daughter the moment I saw it.

If you're looking to buy or sell, I'd love to help you. 

Call, text or email me -

319.551.3170 or judyavenson@remax.net

-

Back on the Market - 2.08 Acres, Hard Surface Road . . .

NW Cedar Rapids Ranch
Back on the Market!

Don't miss this sprawling home with 2193 sf on the main level!

Tucked among the trees, there is plenty of outdoor space with 3 decks to enjoy your oasis.
New flooring, open concept, formal dining room, enormous
unfinished lower level to expand with walk-out.  

3 Bedrooms, 3 baths
John Deere Riding mower with attachments included!

Labor Day Weekend Give Away!

$25 Gift Card to 

The Farmers Daughter's Market
Visit our Facebook page to enter - good luck!

A Special Place - A Remarkable Coincidence

A New Season For A Special Acreage

Sometimes circumstances bring people together, each helping the other.

Diana, the seller, reached out to me this spring about selling her 

little acreage outside of town. 

She was recovering from surgery and dealing with a renter who had left 

a huge mess in her long-time family home. 

Soon thereafter she was coping with the death of her daughter.

Through all of this, it took some time to have the house ready to list.

This 1886 property had been Diana's home for 55 years.  

It was in her husband's family for years before that.

She raised her children and lived happily with her husband there.

The photos are post-clean up after the renter left.

Eventually it was time for her to move to a home with less work and upkeep 

so she decided to rent out the house.  

Diana had great renters initially, but unfortunately not at the end, prompting her to sell.

She wanted to let the house have a new life.

Just west of the house, on the gravel road, is the  cemetery.  

The very one where Diana's husband Frank, a well-known local musician, 

was laid to rest nine years ago.  

While we were visiting in the kitchen, she and her daughter recollected how when the kids were little their Dad insisted they stay inside when there was a funeral, to be respectful, as the procession went right past the house and up the road.

There are people we encounter that we really connect with, and Diana is one of those for me.  She felt like a relative I had never met.  Selling the home, though emotional for her, 

was something she was ready to do.  I was looking forward to helping her through the process, thinking it may take a while to find just the right buyer

Old homes tug at me emotionally; they've witnessed so much living - joy, sadness, sickness. Real life. 

I always hope it's love that they've sheltered inside the most.  

People have come and gone - for 133 years - in this house.
Maybe that's another part of what made this special.

As fate would have it, just as she was ready to list

there was a buyer who was suddenly looking for a home.

Alaina, a young Mom, had just lost her husband in an accident. Her husband was laid to rest at the cemetery on a Friday - at the cemetery just past Diana's house.  

In so many ways, the timing was uncanny.  I put the yard sign out by the road on Thursday and the very next day, Alaina saw it driving to the cemetery following her husband's funeral.

Early Friday evening I received a call from Alaina's Dad, asking a few questions about the house.  We made an appointment so they could look the following week.
Alaina was interested from the start and wrote an offer the next day.  Two days later the offer was accepted, on the anniversary date of Diana's husband's death.

The seller, negotiating perhaps more than she might ordinarily have, wanted to have a family as happy to live in the house as she had been.  Diana also wanted to extend a kindness to this young woman, who not only was coping with the unexpected loss of her husband, but also is mother to a special-needs daughter.  Alaina has had an exceptionally difficult summer, losing her husband, then an uncle just 2 days after her husband's death, and her Grandfather recently.

As a Realtor, it's rare for me have both sides of a sale - representing both the seller and buyer.  I explained the process and how it works, that as a "dual agent" I was working with them both if that was acceptable to them.  We moved forward, walking through the process.  As is common, there were a couple of wrinkles to iron out but both Alaina and Diana graciously cooperated.  

Alaina closed on the house Tuesday.  It's a bittersweet celebration - I know it's something she dreamed to have shared with her husband.  She's planning the changes she'll make to the house to best suit her and her daughter, and to put their personal touch on this long-loved home.  

A new chapter for the house.

We've each mentioned as we've progressed through this that the sale seemed "meant to be" - 

the timing was so coincidental.

After the closing, when I asked Alaina if it was okay that I share their story, she let me 

in on some additional details that make it seem even more like fate.
Alaina explained that her sister's name is also Diana (like the seller).

Her uncle's nickname was essentially the same as the seller's last name.

Plus, Alaina's late Grandma and her mother-in-law, share the name of Judy.  

Somehow even I factored in.

Most all real estate sales are momentous - representing life changes for both the sellers and buyers.  I'm so blessed to work with great clients and friends.  This was extra special, however, and will stay with me for a long time.

Congratulations to both Diana and Alaina as they continue  down their new paths.

Along with a hydrangea bush to plant to commemorate their new home, 

I also found a lovely "Rose of Sharon" hibiscus that made me think of 

Alaina's daughter the moment I saw it.

If you're looking to buy or sell, I'd love to help you. 

Call, text or email me -

319.551.3170 or judyavenson@remax.net

-

Home Staging Secrets - Yes, the Effort Is Worth It!

Secrets of a Home Stager

By Cathy Hobbs, Tribune News Service
The Gazette - Secrets of a Home Stager

Staging is the art of preparing and styling a home for sale. Unlike decorating and interior design, the intent and purpose of home staging is to use “lifestyle” selling techniques in order to allow a potential buyer to be able to envision themselves in a home. Gone should be personal photographs and unique color schemes, instead the approach should be one of neutrality in order to ensure your property appeals to the largest amount of potential buyers.

Want some insider tips? Here are some staging secrets.

• Research. One of the biggest mistakes home sellers make is underestimating their competition. Ask yourself “Who will buy this house?” From here, it is important to present your home in its best possible light. Remember once a property is placed on the market it is no longer your home, but a product on the market for sale that will be compared with other products.Want some insider tips? Here are some staging secrets.

• Paint! If you do nothing to your home to prepare it for sale, be sure to paint. From painting walls a neutral color to covering up marks and scuffs, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way.

• Do minor repairs. From re-caulking a bathroom to repairing a broken railing or step. Even small repairs may trigger a potential buyer to believe that your home is in poor condition.

• Purge! The first aspect relating to preparing a property for sale relates to the removal of all excess, from extra furniture to clothing, now is the time to make your home feel as spacious as possible.

• Create a basic marketing plan. A seller may need their real estate agents help with this one. The goal of this step is to simply decide who your target buyer is, as in some cases this may influence the staging process.

• De-personalize. When a potential buyer walks into a property it is important for them to feel that it could be their home. Everything from personal photos to religious references should be removed.

• Neutralize. Even something as simple as repainting or replacing carpeting can be a deterrent for potential buyers. Taupes and grays are ideal colors to create a neutral, soothing color palette.

This bedroom becomes so much more inviting . . . 

• Return a room to its intended use. For example, a bedroom currently used as a home office, must be staged and styled as a bedroom.

Look at the difference!  Wow!

And look how this Rec Room suddenly becomes a welcoming, sophisticated space.

This transforms into this . . .

• Create a timeline. When you place your property on the market can be critical in capturing the most amount of potential buyers. Earlier in the selling season is best.

• Hire a professional stager. When it comes to what is for most Americans their single biggest asset you are going to want to trust the staging of your home to a professional. One can begin by researching local staging companies, some may specialize in a specific style or geographic area. Additionally, The Real Estate Stagers Association (RESA) is a great place to start when looking to hire a professional stager or staging company. Concerned about cost? Most professional stagers are able to work within various budgets.

Call Steve and Judy - a staging consultation is part of our Seller's Service Package!  

See how this free benefit can help you.

C