How to Find Your Dream Home in the Lakes’ Area
How to Find Your Dream Home in the Lakes’ Area
Stauss Realty is The Gold Standard with over 60 years of living in the area and a deep understanding of the region. Explore these pages, see what fires up your imagination, and then contact us to begin tracking down your dream home.
We’ll ask all the right questions so we completely understand your vision, and then we do all the homework for you. We won’t waste your time looking at homes that won’t suit you, and we won't sell you any property that we're not comfortable with or don't believe is right for you. We can arrange a showing of anything on the market, and we make sure you see all properties that fit your criteria, no matter who has them listed. We want you to do business with us again and refer us to your friends!
How long does it take?
Our schedule is your schedule. Some of our clients find homes they love in a matter of days, others take a more leisurely approach. Our objective is to quickly direct you to property you'll love, but if it takes days and miles, that's not a problem.
What's the market going to do?
Prices for lake real estate are generally firm, with most properties selling within 10% or less, of their list price. While there are always exceptions, it's unrealistic to expect to find many "steals." Demand continues to be strong, giving sellers a fair amount of leverage.
Here are a few of our current predictions
- Appreciation will continue in any higher quality properties on the water. Prices remain stable in lesser quality properties or developments that are dated, due to the increased inventory.
- West Lake properties are still strong. East Lake and Big Spirit Lake have remained firm. Prices of condominiums on East Lake have softened due to the inventory.
What happens when we fall in love with a particular property?
Smile and let Stauss Realty help you prepare an offer. We use official forms with additional provisions tailored to your needs.
What about earnest money?
Your offer to purchase is normally presented with a 5%-10% deposit by check or wired-transferred to an attorney's/closing agent's trust account within days of agreement.
When can we close?
If the seller accepts your offer, you can expect the closing to take place within 30-60 days, depending on your due diligence requirements and financing.
Can we negotiate?
Of course. If the seller counter-offers or rejects your offer, we will help you figure out the next step to take.
How do we arrange financing?
The majority of buyers secure financing through either local banks or banks they have relationships with back home. Most homes and condominiums valued under $1 million can be financed up to 80% of the purchase price. Terms for loans over $1 million are negotiated individually. With local banks, processing can take just a matter of days. Be prepared to provide three years of tax returns and thorough financial information.
What about closing costs?
In Iowa, buyers pay for a Title Opinion. This will guarantee the seller can convey clear title to you. (In Iowa we have Abstracts, which is a history of the property. The sellers update and pay for the Abstract. The seller also has prepared and pays for the Deed).
Can we do this long distance?
Yes. These days, we handle most closings long distance thanks to FedEx and the wire-transfer system. We will handle all the details of the transaction.
What else will you do for us?
Our culture values loyalty, professionalism, and friendship. In addition to helping you track and find your dream home, we handle all the details, such as:
- Ordering the appropriate inspections• Working with your lender and the appraiser to make sure your loan is approved in time
- Conferring with the attorney/closing agent about hundreds of closing details and the preparation of your settlement statement
- Providing a list of utility numbers for you to call to transfer into your name
- Making sure you receive a Deed• Remaining your primary source of information and assistance even after closing