For Unto you a Child is born

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.... So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...

Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

"Glory to god in the highest,

And on earth, peace goodwill to men!"

Spoken by God, recorded by Luke.

Dec 18 in Des Moines

Three things for Sat. Dec. 18.

International Answer the phone like Buddy the Elf. Spread a little cheer and answer your phone "Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?" I wish this was on a weekday so we could answer our business phones this way too!

Downtown Farmers Market is this Friday from 11:00-2:00 and Sat. from 9:00AM- 1:00 PM at 400 Locust St. More than 120 vendors will gave you a last minute opportunity to buy locally made items for gift giving.

Free concert at the Orange Planet in Pleasant Hill. Jordan & Jessa Anderson will be giving a Christmas concert Sat. evening at 7:00 PM. Jordan & Jessa are musicians based out of Nashville. Jordan is a native of Altoona. You can hear a sample of Jessa's music on her website.

If real estate is on your Christmas list, the Eisenlauer Team will help you shop.

Bill -770-244 Bob 979-2883

Pleasant Hill - Hill of Lights Celebration

This weekend is the 24th annual Hill of Lights celebration in Pleasant Hill. It starts Sat. morning, Dec. 4, with Breakfast with Santa at the Youth Center at Doanes Park. Now this is THE most authentic looking Mr. & Mrs. Santa that you will have the opportunity to have a picture taken with. Don't miss it. Bring your camera. 8:00-11:00 A.M.

Family Fun Night from 5:00 - 7:30. Free Bingo with lots of prizes, reasonably priced food and refeshments.

Sunday from 1:00-4:00, come back to the Youth Center at Doanes Park for Make and Take Christmas ornaments. Fun for the whole family.

Bus Tours - the city bus has a capacity for 24 people and can be reserved for groups of 10 persons or more. Call Rick at 208-8214. This is available any weekend in December.

There is also a Giving Tree set up in the lobby of the library. Anyone can bring slightly used winter clothing, canned goods, new or knitted hats, mittens and more under the tree. Donations will be accepted through Christmas and till the first of the year.

They're not Santa Claus, but they can help you with your housing wish list.

Bill 770-2455 or Bob 979-2883

What to do this weekend? Plenty!

East Village Promenade is from 5-9:00. You can shop, ice skate, carol, eat. Santa will light the tree at the Brenton Plaza, fireworks over the river at 6:15.

The largest craft show in the state will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds this weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday - at the Varied Industries Building.

Four Mile Elementary has their annual Craft Show this Sat. Nov. 20 from 9:00-3:00 am.

One of the two winter Downtown Farmers Market is today from 11:00-2:00 and Sat. from 9:00 - 1:00 at Nollen Plaza.

Where and when is your favorite craft show or hoiday event? We'd love to know.

Tell Bill or Bob so we can attend your fave.

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

Update on Foreclosure Notices in Iowa

Cara Heiden, co-president of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage of West Des Moines talked about foreclosures last week in the Des Moines Register. She says foreclosures need to move forward. "In general, no one is being foreclosed on who shouldn't be." She says that Wells Fargo borrowers who lose their homes have not paid mortgages an average of 16 months. Does that make you think the process needs to be streamlined? Can you imagine living in your home for over a year and not making a payment? You could, conceivable, save up a good chunk of cash and buy the next house on contract. Or you could be irresponsible, neglect maintenance, tear up the property, put tenants in and collect rent, be your neighbor's worst nightmare..for well over a year.

The Business Record reports that one in every 896 housing units in Iowa received a foreclosure filing in October, compared with one in 79 housing units in Nevada, the national leader. See how fortunate we are! Polk County had 428 foreclosures in October. Realty Trac vice-president, Rick Sharga, says "The numbers probably would have been higher except for the fallout from the recent 'robo-signing' controversy."

As always, we can take the lemons and make lemonade. Those foreclosed houses are going to make someone a good home. Maybe you?

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

Real Estate and Trust

A headline in Sunday's Register read "mortgage fallout erodes lifetime of trust and confidence." It lists several areas of blame. I think I could make my own list, just citing common sense. No document loans? Drive-by appraisals? Nothing down? Why did any of these things ever seem like a good idea? And now the latest debacle - robo-signing foreclosures. The register article calls it "the most blatant abuse of trust yet. But it is also the easiest to fix. All the banks have to do is go back and actually do the work."

Another Register article from Nov. 3 quotes co-president of Wells Fargo Mortgage in Des Moines, Cara Heiden, "Home ownership is still valued by American families. When families own their own home, they feel rooted, they're safer, children do better in school, with higher rates of high school and college graduations. Housing is critical to the U.S. economy, contributing 15-20 percent of our country's (gross domestic product).

That's a lot of good reasons why home ownership will continue to be the American dream. Despite the "bumps in the road", it's a good time to buy real estate. The interest rates are still at all-time lows. There are plenty of homes to choose from. The prices are right. Mortgage interest is still deductible. AND the Eisenlauer Team are Realtors you can trust.

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

I think that I shall never see...

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer

This pin oak tree is in my front yard, and as I left home today I thought of this poem. When I look at this oak tree, I see our family's history at this address. The tree was about 5' tall when we moved in. John was 5 years old. As you can tell - we've been here for awhile - about 12 years. I'm amazed at how strong that tree has grown in 12 years. Inside the leafy branches is a hoola hoop that has grown taller than we can reach. John and Dillon got it stuck there about 7 years ago. A year or two later 2 golf balls on a cord got tossed up there and are now part of the time capsule. Two summers ago, I asked John to trim the small tree in our front yard. This wasn't the tree I had in mind. He trimmed it anyhow, all the lower branches he could reach with the step ladder. So it's a litle misshapen. The next chapter in our family story is a grandaughter. So now the lower branch holds a swing that she enjoys. The tree is just changing from green to red. The pin oak does not loose its leaves till spring, a unique characteristic. It's started producing acorns now, so squirrels are plentiful. The tree itself is lovely, but my memories that grow with it are even more precious.

Pleasant Hill Iowa video

Check out this video that was produced to promote Pleasant Hill community. It gives you a taste of the town just east of Des Moines. It's home to the acclaimed South East Polk School system. It is a short distance to commute to a job in the metro - with 2 entrances to the 65/69 bypass that loops you around to the south of Des Moines, or connects with I-80 or I-35 going north, east or west. There is shopping, recreation, health care, resturants - all minutes away. Pleasant Hill has one real estate office - Re/Max Real Estate Group - home of the Eisenlauer Team. Call with any questions pertaining to real estate.

Bill 770-2455 or Bob 979-2883

What does Freeze on Foreclosures Mean?

There is a new freeze on the foreclosure process for many residential lenders. In light of the possible (probable) fraud in the backlog of foreclosures, many banking institutions are putting a freeze on their proceedings. How could this affect the market? Some home owners could sigh a small breath of relief. It could buy them a bit more time to save themselves financially or it could leave them in an uncomfortable limbo. It will defiantly put a lot of vacant houses in a precarious position where the former owners are no longer taking care of it and the banks are not able to take control of the upkeep.

The Bloomburg article states that foreclosure properties accounted for 24% of all the home transactions in the second quarter of 2010. The Des Moines Business Record quotes Bill Knapp as saying "he has seen little evidence that the foreclosure freeze is affecting sales" in Des Moines.

On the bright side, the interest rates are still at an all-time low, and there is large inventory of homes for sale. Pick up the phone with any questions about the local real estate market.

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

First October Weekend - What to do?

What to do?

1.Family Faith & Freedom Fest, tonite from 5:30-9:00 at the Orange Planet in Pleasant Hill. Richie Lee playing at 5:30, Sarah Darling at 6:30 and more.

2. Go to a high school football game. The weather is perfect.

3. Downtown Farmers Market, this is the last month. The perfect time of year to get the fresh ingredients for ratatouille.

4. Varsity Theatre - showing a sing-a-long version of Grease. You know you love to sing those songs, why not join in the fun?

5. Sunday Bazaar in the East Village. You'll certainly find something you can't live without. If not, you'll enjoy the music and the ambience.

6. Call the Eisenlauer Team to buy or sell real estate.

Bill @ 770-2455 Bob @ 979-2883

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

It was a beautiful day in the East Village neighborhood yesterday. It was the third week of the Sunday Bazaar. The weather was perfect, clear and crisp with a nice breeze. The vendors were plentiful and varied. There were vendors with jewelry, clothing, art, vintage furnishings. A live band was keeping the atmosphere lively. Food vendors also had varied offerings. It was good to see so many people out enjoying the day and the East Village. Check it out next week!

East High Victory

Friday night was a perfect night for football, even for someone who does not like football! The weather was clear, cool, perfect for all the things that go with high school football; cheerleaders, dance team (i.e. Steppers), marching band, and of course the football team. East took an early lead, then Sioux City North came back. But the last few minutes of the game made it a nailbiter to the last play. Congratulations East High Scarlets! Do it again this Friday for Homecoming.

For your real estate needs; support an East High Supporter.

Bill Eisenlauer 770-2455

What to do in Des Moines? September 18-19

Saturday Downtown Farmers Markets - the season is drawing to a close, so don't miss it. Always a fun time- people watching, unique foods, fresh produce and handmade masterpieces.

Doors to the Past - Tour of Historic Sherman Hills. Every year there are different house, but one thing never changes, you'll be impressed at the details in these homes. This event is this weekend and next.

Sunday afternoon at the East Village is a new event - Sunday Bazaar. Come and enjoy the eclectic offering of handmade items from local people.

Tonite, Football Friday! Support your favorite local high school team!

If it's real estate you like, call Bill or Bob to discuss your options for buying or selling real estate here in the Des Moines metro area.

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

Consider Battery Sump Pump as Back-up Insurance

Now that we've survived the floods of 2010, give this a thought. Often basements flood because the electricity is off and the sump pump fails to run. It's a common occurrence that electricity goes off during summer storms. There is a simple, reasonable, economic solution. A battery back-up sump pump system. In a normal sump pump pit, the float is set to start the pump and empty the water in the pit. In a back-up system, there is a second pump with the float set a little higher. If the first one fails, the second one kicks on and protects your basement. The back-up pump is powered by a marine battery. It is water-proof, it's continuously being charged while the electricity is on, but works when the electricity is off. It's cheap insurance and assurance. It you need more information give the Eisenlauer Team a phone call.

Bill @ 770-2455 Bob @ 979-2883

Pleasant Hill Summerfest 2010

The Pleasant Hill Summerfest 2010 has come and gone - and was a fun time for all involved. Bill Eisenlauer, a.k.a. the Parade Man, did a wonderful job. Our parade had over 150 entries. (As a point of reference, we participated in Prairie Meadows 3rd Annual Classic Parade the following weekend. They had 30 entries.) So Kudos to the Parade Man - Way to Go Bill!

He's also an excellent Realtor - call with any

real estate needs or questions.

Bill 770-2455 Bob 979-2883

Pleasant Hill Summerfest July 31, 2010

This Saturday is Pleasant Hill's annual celebration - Summerfest. Bill is Parade Man again- and he has, with the hard -working help of others, lined up a extravaganza of a parade. It will start at Doan's park at 10:00 AM, go north on Pleasant Hill Blvd, turn east at Pleasant Hill Elementary. The parade will follow Oakwood to Shadyview where it turns north, then west on Maple, where it ends at City Hall. Be sure to "holler" at us, so we can wave and throw candy to you.

The parade is only one of the many things to enjoy that day. The full schedule is on Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce website. There's a pet show at noon, talent show at 1:00. The ski show at 5:00 is a great time to relax and enjoy Copper Creek Lake. Top off the night with fireworks. There's more- so check the schedule. Or call your favorite Realtors

Bill Eisenlauer 770-2455 or Bob at 979-2883.

West Des Moines Campus of DMACC

I took a class last week at the West Des Moines campus of DMACC. I had never been there, was not familiar with the area or the building, but was definately impressed. When you drive up to the building, it's street appeal is striking. It looks futuristic. The inside is equally impressive. It seems to have all the lastest technology in all the classrooms. It even has a Cyber-Cafe! I always enjoy learing something new and this was a great environment for that.

If you need some schooling on any matters of real estate, pick up the phone and call Bill or Bob. They'd love to be of assistance.

Bill 770-2455 or Bob 979-2883

Art Festival 2010

We went to the downtown Art Festival Friday evening - the coolest night. No rain, easy crowds, lots of fun and excitement. Here are some of the pictures we took.

Art in Des Moines this weekend

Other cities wish for a festival this grand. Don't whine about "nothing to do" in Des Moines. One of the country's finest art festivals is going on NOW. Today, Friday, enjoy from 4:00-10:00 PM. Saturday, 6/26, 10:00AM to 10:00 PM, Sunday 6/27 - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. If you don't have a budget to buy art - don't stay home. There are interactive art activities, live entertainment, performing arts, street theatre, food vendors (not free). In conjunction with the art fair there is a film festival competition. It is called Interobang Film Festival - that's where you go when you are ready to rest in air conditioning. The festival is centered around the Sculpture Park at Gateway West, downtown Des Moines.
If this mostly outdoor venue does not appeal to you, there is another art fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds - ArtFest Midwest. There has been a controversy about the artists accepted at the downtown art fair - too many were from out of town, out of state, and more local artists should be featured. Hence a second art fair. This one too, is juried. You will see many more Iowa artists at this one. Again, many free and interactive activities. The big plus - Climate Controlled Building! With the forecast for temps in the 90's - this is a giant plus. Also lots of parking close to the expo building.
The Eisenlauer Team can't do pottery, paint, sculpture or sketch. What they can do - assist their clients in buying and selling real estate - they do as skilled artists. So looking for the artistic Realtor - call Bob @ 979-2883 or Bill @ 770-2455.

New Ice Cream Store in Pleasant Hill - Over the Top

How fun is it that Pleasant Hill is the home of a new ice cream/chocolate shop? Over The Top. The building is new - colors are pale yellow and purple. The owners keep the patio and inside area spic and span, the servers are courteous and helpful. All reasons why the parking lot seems to be packed every night when we drive by (and that's often since their location is 2 blocks from home).

For John's high school graduation party, we ordered the chocolate coins with his photo reproduced on top. Each one is wrapped in cellophane. They were a big hit.

Our neighbors hosted a child's birthday party there and said the kids loved it. Each one got to make a custom ice cream sundae.

The ice cream is all made on location, unique flavors - all Fabulicious! You must stop by and see for yourself - all the things offered and how irresistible it is. Right now there is a coupon for Father's Day gifts.

Two ice cream connoisseurs/Realtors on the Eisenlauer Team - so if you need advice about an ice cream flavor or real estate, please give them a call.

Bill Eisenlauer 770-2455 Bob Eisenlauer 979-2883

John Joseph Eisenlauer Graduates

Friday, May 21 was graduation ceremonies for 30 students from Grandview Park Baptist School. There are pros and cons of being in a small school - but Friday we heard the good things from the students that spoke. They reminisced about their classmates, their teaches and looked forward to their futures. The Des Moines Register caught some great candid photos and talked to the top 2 academic students in the class. Sam Walter was quoted, "These are memories I'd never replace...We're really tight, almost like family." Another high point for me, seeing the 8 kids that I did daycare for when they were toddlers - have become young men and women. My hope is that these will be lasting friendships that will continue to grow as they spread out into different avenues in their lives. Good Job Grads!