Real Estate Rundown • January 8, 2025

Siouxland Strong!

by Lisa Croston

The summer of 2024 will forever be etched in my memory as the summer of the flood.

Much like the devastating events of 2011, we Siouxlanders once again faced the challenge of sandbagging, coming together as a community to help those affected dig out from the aftermath. The floodwaters of the Big and Little Sioux Rivers and Rock River overflowed their banks, inundating homes and businesses with mud and debris, leaving many in our communities reeling from the impact.

Hawarden, Rock Valley, Spencer, Le Mars, Sioux City in Iowa, and McCook Lake in South Dakota bore the brunt of the flooding. These rivers—the very reason settlers chose to homestead in this area—have shaped the landscape of Northwest Iowa. As “River Rats,” we are well-acquainted with the beauty these waters provide, but we also understand the devastation they can unleash.

Without hesitation, community volunteers rallied together, stepping forward with determination and compassion. From the heartbreaking loss of possessions and homes, new friendships formed, and everyday heroes emerged.

I will forever be changed by the hours spent peeling soggy sheetrock from basement walls and hauling it to curbside dumpsters. I recall the quiet rhythm of a fellow volunteer, standing calf-deep in water beside me, methodically pulling and scraping away the remnants of destruction. Amid the muck, we shared a moment of joy when we uncovered a framed family photo—intact and salvageable, a small victory amid the chaos.

The homeowners, tearfully grateful and overwhelmed, have now become dear friends. Our local food trucks and businesses played a vital role, providing nourishment for all those in need, while countless organizations offered their time and talents to comfort and support the affected families. That’s the essence of our Siouxland community.

Many came together to lend a hand, but I want to take a moment to recognize two unsung heroes who made significant contributions during this difficult time.

Hannah Koerselman, a fellow Realtor with Keller Williams, founded the “Siouxland Flood Relief” group on Facebook. This group has become an invaluable source of communication and information for everyone affected, and it continues to serve that purpose even now. Well done, Hannah!

Then there’s Jolene Vasquez, truly a warrior on the front lines. Along with her crew, Jolene dedicated hours and days to clean out damaged homes, far surpassing the efforts of many others. She became the go-to resource for identifying which addresses needed help and how to assist. Her unwavering passion for aiding others deserves a medal!

On what I believe was day four or five of the cleanup, a family member of one of the flood victims arrived from out of state to lend a hand. As he stood on his parents’ muddy lawn, surveying the street filled with dumpsters, debris, and volunteers, he asked me, “Who are all these people?”

I told him, “This is our community, your neighbors.”

In the face of adversity, we have shown what it means to stand together. The summer of 2024 may be marked by hardship, but it has also reinforced the bonds within our community, reminding us of the strength and resilience we share.

For many the recover and repair is ongoing. Some lost a little and some lost all. I ask that our big hearted community take a drive to the areas that were affected and find out what else needs to be done. How you help? What else needs to be done yet today?

Real Estate Rundown • November 15, 2024

D. Y. I

by Lisa Croston

Do it yourself can encompass a variety of meanings. For some, it represents
the fulfillment that comes from finishing a project independently. It may be the
pride in installing a new toilet flapper or the satisfaction of adding fresh paint to
the living room, the sense of accomplishment is unmistakable.

Whether the DIY completion saved money will depend on the duration of the fix.
Did your DIY save time? Probably not. The quality of the finished product…that
will remain with the eye of the beholder.

Almost anything can be a DIY these days with the help of a good Youtube video
and the ability to follow instructions. From the common household repairs, to
making soap, a few searches on Pinterest will get you the directions you need.
Did anyone make their own sanitizer and hand wipes in 2020?

DIY sounds great but one should consider, (and be honest), ones ability to do the
job well or if your project, repair or job is better done by a professional. Three
toilet repair attempts can add up to be expensive and perhaps a replacement
would have been more efficient and about the same cost. Do not forget your
time spent and the cost of frustration.

As a Realtor, I encounter a fair amount of DIY.

I can usually spot a DIY flooring installation from a mile away. Vinyl plank flooring
is currently a popular upgrade, but it requires a keen eye for detail to install
correctly, especially around corners and trim. Even the slightest gap between the
plank and trim can reveal an amateur touch.

The freedom to do it yourself applies to many aspects of our lives, including:

Filing taxes on your own

Representing yourself in a lawsuit

Selling your property

Growing your own food

Changing the oil in your car

Cutting your bangs

There are many services that can be tackled on your own or you can choose to
hire a trusted professional. Before you decide to save a few bucks weigh all the
pros and cons carefully. Consider your own profession, can someone complete
your field of expertise themselves or in the long run, should they give you a call?

Real Estate Rundown • November 1, 2024

The Cost of Comfort

by Lisa Croston

Does the purchase of that shiny new object excite you?

The new car or a pair of new shoes? Yes!

A brand new water heater? NO!

Spending our well earned cash (or credit) is fun when the benefit seems like a treat, but spending on the necessities of life is not so joyous, yet, when we are out of hot water, we have drop everything…we have an EMERGENCY!

Have you experienced this? You discover the hot is running cold. You run the water for another five minutes. Nope, it is only getting colder. It occurs to you to find the water heater. You discover a large puddle of water surrounding your water heater. It is Friday afternoon at 4:30 and the soonest a replacement can be installed is Monday, unless you want to pay the weekend rate, which is double the cost. You pay it. You’re desperate.

And then you’re annoyed, especially after you get the invoice. But…how old was that water heater?

Let’s be honest; hot water plays a critical role in our daily lives, and for many, it’s considered essential. We want a water heater that offers longevity, efficiency, and comes with a reliable 5-10 year warranty.

The average life of a gas water heater is 8-20 years…depending on regular inspection that includes draining and flushing it. Electric water heaters may last 10-15 years with regular maintenance. The average cost of a water heater is $500-$2500 depending size, brand and design.

Perhaps you could have waited until Monday for the water heater, but if this was the furnace and it was January in Iowa, there would be no option of waiting.

Neglecting maintenance or repairs is an all-too-common occurrence. A furnace might still provide heat even when the filter desperately needs changing. While the efficiency may decrease, you’ll still feel some warmth.

According to a recent report from insurance firm Hippo, CNBC reveals that homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs last year. A separate study from home services website Angi indicates that in 2022, maintenance costs averaged $2,467, with unexpected emergency repairs totaling an average of $1,953 ($4,420 combined).

Owning a home is a significant part of adulting. The reality is that the essentials for a comfortable shelter come with a considerable price tag. As a homeowner, if you wish to avoid major expenses, investing time and money in routine upkeep is essential.

As you luxuriate in your bath with bubbles and ample hot water, that once bothersome water heater expense will undoubtedly seem well worth it in the end!

Real Estate Rundown • September 5, 2024

Four-Legged Friendly Rentals

by Lisa Croston

Pets are an important part of many peoples lives. Whether you own your home or rent, it is
reasonable to want a pet in your life.

For a Landlord, pets can be concerning. Pet damage to a property could cost well beyond the
amount of a security deposit. There is also an increase in liability if the pet injures someone.
Owning a pet requires much the same care and discipline as having a child. Responsible pet
owners keep their pets healthy and happy, just like they would their infant.

Can there be a happy medium?

As a Landlord myself, I ask for a pet resume. “Tell me about Smokey, your loving labrador”…

A pet resume can be helpful to the Landlord much like the tenant’s application.

On the resume include the following:
● Photo
● Age
● Breed
● Training information
● Vaccination history
● Veterinarian references
● Former Landlord references
● Letter of Recommendation from you as a testimony of your pets temperament and
qualities

A pet resume provides background information the same as is requested with a Tenant
application. It is important for a Landlord to know who, both human and animal, may be living in
the property. Every Landlord has their own screening process, some more stringent than others,
and they must abide by Fair Housing rules.

Pets should not be confused with service or emotional support animals. These animals can not
be excluded from a lease if they are registered with the state. There are specific laws regarding
service animals that Landlords and Tenants should know and understand.

However, a Landlord does have the option to exclude pets from their properties, but four-legged
friendly communities and rentals are becoming more common. According to the Human Society
of the United States, 72% of renters own a pet, creating a higher demand for a more welcoming
pet policy.

Property owners should consider opting for tile flooring over carpet to better accommodate
indoor pets. Striking a balance that satisfies both tenants and landlords is essential.
But hey, it’s not just about the floors. Finding a happy medium between tenants and
landlords is key. As a property owner, I dream of tenants who cherish my property as if it
were their own. And for tenants with pets, a pet-welcoming home is the jackpot! It is a match
made in heaven for Smokey and his human companions.

So, let’s make a pact to create pet-friendly spaces that make everyone wag their tails with
joy. Remember, happy pets make for happy tenants, and happy tenants make for happy
landlords! It’s a win-win for all involved. Let’s keep those paws and floors in harmony!

Real Estate Rundown • July 13, 2024

Out With the Old

by Lisa Croston

With every year, decade and era, trends and fads come and go. Nothing is more true than in home decor. What was the rage in the 1990’s, we did away with by the new millennium. Anyone paint over honey oak?

The same is true with items in a home that were once the ‘top of the line’ or cutting edge of convenience. I took a walk down memory lane and made a note of what no longer serves a purpose in today’s modern households.

Here are my top five Almost obsolete home features:

The Home Intercom System

The 60’s and 70’s were really the heyday of the home intercom system, though intercoms in the office existed far before then. Now for sale on eBay and described as “vintage” a speaker set with radio may be worth up to $400.

I have seen these systems in homes in the Sioux City Northside area, most often a large sprawling ranch home. The speakers are on the wall, now a dingy yellow color with push button options, typically in the kitchen and in the lower level.

This was a convenience for mom to announce that dinner was ready rather than yelling from the top of the stairs. Some I’ve seen still work, a bit crackly sounding but regarded as a “cool” feature with the kids who have never seen one.

The Wall Mount Phone

The dependency on telephone use has exploded, the mobile phone that is. According to News-Press Now, in 2019, just over 31% of American households still had a landline.

In my childhood home, our telephone hung on the wall in the kitchen, a black, rotary dial with an exceptionally long cord. The long cord was an important feature to be able to stretch around the wall to the living room for conversation privacy. The ring tone was the classic ring that could be heard clear to the barn!

Today these phones are a decor item, also sold on eBay and described as nostalgic. The exact replica of our old phone now sells for $69.99; Western Bell dated 1974.

The Clothes Chute

Considering the designs in current new construction, a clothes chute is no longer a part of the average household. Homes now built with main floor laundry rooms have reduced the need to conveniently toss dirty socks down the hatch.

I grew up with a very small laundry chute in our family home. It was a time saver and probably one of the most convenient features of our old farmhouse. Located in the one bathroom we had, it was an easy throw down to the washer. This saved the dreaded trip to the basement with a basket full of laundry.

Central Vac

Central Vacuums are still in use, however they were at their height of popularity in the 1990’s. This vacuum cleaner was a semi permanent fixture with specialized duct work in the walls. It was a slick trick to hook up a hose to the inlet that collected your dust bunnies to a container located in the garage or basement.

The emergence of the robotic vacuums have become a game changer for the busy lifestyle with the time-saving convenience of not having to actually operate the system. Automatic products such a Roomba will scurry across the floor and bump along the edges to satisfy even the pickiest of cleaners. The added bonus is the ability to schedule a floor sweep from your phone while you are at the gym.

It may be a debate of convenience versus cleanliness as the Central Vac may win a white glove test over a robotic cleaner. This one is not obsolete but it is no longer as common as it once was.

Analog Thermostats

The days of turning up the heat are becoming scarce. Manual analog thermostats are being replaced by programmable and smart thermostats. The push for better energy efficiency and control have taken over the temperature market.

Who does not like the ease of making temp changes from your phone? The new technology gives peace of mind or can alert a potential problem.

I spotted a gold Honeywell thermostat that was just like the one I grew up with on eBay for $17.99. Definitely a blast from the past.

This list is a start. What other devices are fading into the sunset as technology influences our lifestyles? Look for this article at

https://www.facebook.com/SiouxlandWoman and add to the list.

Real Estate Rundown • June 18, 2024

Deep Roots. Tall Corn. Iowa!

by Lisa Croston

There are many things I love about Iowa. I love the land, stunning sunsets and the overall quality of life that is enjoyed here.

It is not uncommon for someone to tell you they grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere here. That little town most likely has a post office and grain elevator as the local hubs. The town cafe opens by 7:00 a.m. and the horizon includes a massive church steeple built at the turn of the century when the town forefathers settled into the community.

In this small town, everyone knows everyone.

The school is a K-12 with under 50 kids in a graduating class. Your kindergarten mates are most likely with you at your graduation ceremony.

My mom talks about Libertyville, a rural school she attended in Plymouth County, Iowa. Many of our neighbors were her former classmates. With a limited number of students, it took everyone to participate in school activities. My little mom of 5’1” played on the basketball team, was a cheerleader and the accompanist on the piano. It was literally all hands on deck at Libertyville.

Traveling to remote dive bars and hole-in-the wall eateries located in a small Iowa town offers some of the best broasted chicken and burgers you can find. Gas up and take the back roads to enjoy the scenery and ‘check the crops.’ Road trips make a great weekend date night.

Iowa is riddled with these communities across the state with approximately 940 towns; 75 percent of which have populations of less than 750 people, according to the Iowa Department of Management report from August 2023. All were founded in the 19th Century when there was a need to serve the small farms that surrounded the town. But over the last three decades, farms have consolidated and agricultural production has shifted to larger farms. Some towns have seen growth throughout the years but the trend in many of these towns has seen a reduction in population.

Although we’ve been conditioned to think that growth is positive and population loss is bad, the size of these communities are truly what makes them a great place to live and if asked, many residents will say they are satisfied with their community and there is no need to change.

Personally, I think that is what makes Iowa great. There is a sense of roots everywhere you go, from the corn in the field to the generations of families who have lived here and nowhere else.

Deep roots. Tall Corn. Iowa.

Real Estate Rundown • May 17, 2024

Giving Up the Lawnmower

by Lisa Croston

I was working with a home buyer who was wanting to “downsize” from her current property to a smaller, more manageable home. To her, the change also meant a downgrade from the lifestyle she was accustomed to.

When I asked her why she felt this way, it was really about the change in her capability rather than the change of property. Due to challenged physical abilities, she could no longer personally care for the upkeep of her single family home, therefore, she felt doomed to move to a townhome. She was envisioning a cramped three room communal living space with a postage stamp sized lawn. I knew I had my work cut out for me as she embarked on her home finding journey.

A few important details about my client, she was a single woman, not much older than me, (which can’t be that old), full time job and as mentioned, now had a physical challenge that prompted her need to make a lifestyle change.

A home purchase typically means a change in one’s life journey. I’ve seen all stages from the first time home buyer, to the “we-need-more-room” buyer, the second home buyer, and in this case, the “need-less” buyer. Whatever stage a buyer is at, it is an important journey that takes time, thought and money.

Fortunately, my client was pleasantly surprised with her options. In today’s real estate market, inventory is low so finding options can be a challenge, however all it takes is one to be “the one.”

She found that in her local community there were many newly built townhomes that offered a convenient sized living room, quality kitchen cabinetry with granite countertops, main floor laundry and master bath, all features that she enjoyed in her larger, single family home.

When she was able to mentally visualize her personal belongings in each room, the property continually began to fit her needs. Even the unfinished basement was not a negative. This space allowed her the option to store furniture that she may not yet be ready to part with, not necessarily livable space, but usable space.

Her one hesitation was the garage. Two cars and not much space for storage. This townhouse development was part of a HomeOwners Association and part of the fees paid were the lawn care and snow removal. There was not a need for the space to store shovels and a mower.

As I saw this as a perk, she viewed this differently. I discovered, it was not about the loss of the chore, she was feeling the loss of control. She explained to me that this move felt like she was losing independence. Mowing the lawn was not a highlight of her life, but having a lawn to mow gave her stability. I understood. Knowing when to hand over the reins and enjoy the ride can be difficult.

This story has a happy ending. One year later, she happily gives a wave of thanks to the lawn care service as she heads for the Pickle Ball court. She held a substantial rummage sale prior to her move and no longer owns a weed eater and other small tools. She has compensated for the loss of flower beds to a colorful array of potted plants on the back patio and a few tomato plants.

Her life is now manageable. She recognized her needs and was able to transition to a lifestyle that created a healthy and happy home.

Real Estate Rundown • April 22, 2024

Walkability in Siouxland

by Lisa Croston

Walkability: The measured ease of walking to an amenity in a community.

The National Association of REALTORS® recently released the latest edition of its Community & Transportation Preferences Survey, a poll taken every two to three years of residents in the 50-largest metropolitan areas to gauge partialities regarding their home’s type and location, in addition to community attributes they find desirable. The survey found that coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for living in a “walkable” community remains robust.

Siouxland may not be included in the top 50 metros, but our communities and neighborhoods do have “walk scores.”

The website Walkscore.com measures the walkability, transit, and bike scores of any address. For each address, Walk Score analyzes hundreds of walking routes to nearby amenities such as grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and schools using a numerical score between 0-100.

Walk Scores of 90-100 are awarded to destinations deemed “Walker’s Paradise” where daily errands don’t require a car. Scores of 70-89 are given to “Very Walkable” places where most errands can be accomplished without a car.

According to walkscore.com, Sioux City has an average Walk Score of 40; Sioux City has minimal public transportation and does not have many bike lanes. The most walkable Sioux City neighborhoods are Downtown, Rose Hill and Prospect Hill.

51106 is considered “car dependent.”

Dakota Dunes is described as “somewhat” bike-able.

South Sioux City, Nebraska scored a 78 and is described as “very walkable,” most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Le Mars, Iowa: Walk score 84; Bike score 50.

I first heard of the walk score measurement almost 10 years ago. Back then, it did not seem important to community growth. However, today according to the same NAR survey,

People living in walkable communities are more likely to be very satisfied with their quality of life.

35% of Gen Z and 33% of Millennial respondents who indicated that they are very or somewhat interested in living in a walkable community said that they are willing to “pay a lot more” to live in a walkable community versus 24% of overall respondents favoring walkable communities.

As our communities grow, new developments may want to consider walkability as well as bike-ability. To find out the Walk Score for your neighborhood, go to walkscore.com.

 https://www.nar.realtor/reports/nar-community-and-transportation-preference-surveys.

Real Estate Rundown • March 8, 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month. Barbie Salute!

by Lisa Croston

Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month? Not only is Women’s History Month a time of reflection, but it’s also a moment to recognize how the efforts and bravery of past generations continues to pave the way for females today.

March has been dubbed International Women’s Month and Women’s History Month with the intent to honor women.

Why March?

March is monumental to women with March 13, 1913, marking the Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., which took place, where more than 8,000 women gathered to demand a constitutional amendment guaranteeing their right to vote. And on March 22, 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate.

Women have championed their role to expand into becoming whomever and what ever they want to be. According to the November 6, 2023, US National Defense report, the percent of women in military service increased to 17.5%.

Take time to salute the brave and loving women you know. The women business owners, employees, co-workers, moms, sisters, friends and all females who have and still take down the walls of conformity.

I was skeptical of the Barbie movie when I first saw the trailer, but was encouraged to watch it. It may be one of the surprise hits of 2023 not by the popularity of it, but by the message. Although some criticized the feminist speech by America Ferrera in the movie, for some it hit home.

“You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean, you have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas.”

Barbie, as a cultural icon, has indeed evolved over the years to become more than just a body figure. The brand has embraced diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, showcasing Barbie dolls with different body types, skin tones, hairstyles, and careers.

This shift in representation reflects a broader movement towards celebrating women’s achievements, promoting positive body image, and encouraging girls to dream big. It encourages them to see themselves in a variety of roles and opportunities beyond traditional stereotypes.

Barbie is technically 83 years old, (she does not age according to Mattel), so she too has gracefully weathered the many changes for women, to date she has had over 250 careers and has run for president.

I admire the women in my personal world that touch the lives of so many. I am lucky to observe their show of resilience, strength, and just plain good common sense. They make me a better woman.

Here’s to sending my high-five to the women of the past, present and the future. Keep owning your ideas and never let anyone tell you that you can’t…you absolutely can!

Side note: pizza month is October, so plan ahead.

Real Estate Rundown • February 9, 2024

Clearing Out the Stuff

by Lisa Croston

Cleaning out a property is a daunting task. Not cleaning it, clearing it. Ridding the property of all the furniture, the closets, cabinet contents, the dishes, the linens, the bedding, storage rooms, garage and sheds. Leaving only the real property…the real estate.

Several years ago I assisted a family who had two estate homes to clear out. These homes had been owned and occupied for over forty years. Yes, that is forty years of accumulation .

There are options to consider when faced with a whole property clean out depending on proximity of family members and the time that one is willing to dedicate. A good old rummage sale can make a dent, but as you sort through the items, do your research to determine if anything is collectable or valuable.

You may want to have a local antique dealer give an opinion of value. They may even make you an offer on individual pieces. Some companies can be hired for a “Tag Sale” in which they sort and price all the personal items and host a two or three day sale inside the property. This may be one step up from the average rummage. These companies typically have a following of buyers to attract to each sale.

Facebook Marketplace is a good source to sell items or even post “FREE,” however, you must deal with meeting the buyer for pickup and hauling away. As the saying goes, “one person’s junk is another’s treasure.” Furniture repurposing is at an all time high, so Gram’s old hutch may be worth more than you think.

An auction could attract many bidders to push items to their highest price. An auctioneer may advise that the inventory needs to bring a certain amount to make it worth anyone’s time. Advertising costs and the auctioneer fee will eat up a good chunk of the profit. Research auction houses that hold consignment sales regularly. These companies need inventory and may agree to take all your contents and sell them for a percentage of the proceeds. This could be a one and done route if that fits your needs.

If you are willing to donate, there are many non-profit organizations that are willing to accept your items and some will pick up. Clothes and household items are always in need. You can collect a donation receipt for tax purposes.

No one wants to be wasteful but some items will need to be tossed. Recycle the empty margarine tubs and throw out the musty-dusty silk roses. A dumpster for some may be a necessity.

The amount of time from sort to sale will most likely be more than you estimate. Start with organizing to like-kind groups of items and then execute your best clearing plan. And don’t forget to appreciate the memories these items may stir up or the lives that held these treasures for so many years.

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