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

Disaster or Oppotunity?

The Business Record ( Dec. 09) show that bankruptcy filings in the Southern District of Iowa have increased 20% from 2008 to 2009. In Polk county there were 944 bankruptcies filed in 2006. In Dec. of 09, 1,862 were filed in Polk County.

The website realtytrac says there were 7,284 new foreclosure filings in 2009. The newest Business Record has the latest statistics for Des Moines area foreclosures. Mortgages that were 90+ days delinquent in Dec. 09 - 5.04%. In Dec. 08, 3.35% were 90+ days delinquent. The foreclosure rate in the Des Moines area ( 1.71%) is higher than for the state of Iowa (2.04%), but lower than the national average (3.16%). Those figures are for Dec. 09.

These are startling statistics. But as Winston Churchill has been quoted - A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. We need to put on the rose-colored glasses and identify the opportunities. Mortgage companies and banks do NOT want to be landlords. These properties will get sold. Could one of them be your dream house? It might be a good time to investigate. You could qualify for an $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit. You could get a new mortgage with still low interest rates. You could shorten your mortgage to 15 years and gain equity quicker.

If you are in one of these dire situations, don't hide your head in the sand. Talk to professionals and see what solutions are available. Repeat, mortgage companies do NOT want to be landlords. Short sales can be worked out, deed in leau of foreclosure, loans retructured. Lets look for the Opportunities.

Whatever your situation is, The Eisenlauer Team is ready to assist. Give either Bill (770-2455) or Bob (979-2883) a call.

Snow Sights Around Des Moines

We live in Iowa, so we expect snow. But none of us expected the amount we've received this winter! But certainly you've found some ways to enjoy it. Here's some pictures I took as I traveled about the past week or two.

The good news - winter won't last.

Not as good news - the low mortgage interest rates and the tax credit won't last either. You have a limited time to take advantage of the expanded and extended tax credits for home purchases. The interest rates...who knows how long that will last. Don't wait too long.

The Eisenlauer Team is ready to help you with your real estate needs.

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

Your Next Assignment...

Your next assignment if you decide to accept it...Go to WHO radio website, there is a horizontal row of links toward the top. Click on Contests, then click on Best Realty Agent. Or you can just click here. This will take you to the first page of the contest. You enter your email address, then it gives you 10 choices of Realtors. Of course you choose Bob Eisenlauer. Then it will ask for name, blood type, fingerprints etc and eventually accept your vote. What do we win if Bob is selected? Nothing but recognition and free press - which is something we covet! So please follow the instructions and help us out.