Resources

A Seller's Guide to Closing Documents in Iowa

The week before closing is when the paper shows up. A payoff statement from your mortgage company. A deed you are supposed to sign in front of a notary. Something called a ...

How to Add Someone to a Deed in Iowa (Read This Before You Sign)

Every few weeks somebody calls my office with what sounds like a five-minute favor. "Jeremy, I just want to add my spouse to the deed." Or "I want to put my daughter on the house ...

Who Can Sign a Deed for an LLC in Iowa?

When property is owned by an LLC, a signature on the deed isn't enough — the person signing has to actually have authority to sign for the company. In Iowa, that one detail can ...

Moving to Iowa? A Real Estate Attorney’s Guide to Buying a Home From Out of State

Every year, thousands of people relocate to Iowa for work, family, or a lower cost of living. If you’re one of them, the real estate closing process here probably looks different ...

FinCEN Real Estate Rule

New Federal Reporting Rule Will Affect Many Iowa Real Estate Transactions Starting March 1, 2026

Hidden Dangers in Your Deed: Navigating Iowa's Abstract and Title Opinion Process

Don't let a flawed property title derail your real estate dreams. Learn how Iowa's unique system works and what you need to do to protect your investment. Have you ever wondered ...

Iowa Real Estate Security: Why Danilson Law Uses ClosingLock

At Danilson Law, our priority is ensuring every real estate transaction in Iowa is handled not just efficiently, but with the highest degree of security. The digital age has ...

Iowa Handshake Deals: Are Verbal Real Estate Agreements Enforceable?

Understanding the Statute of Frauds and the Exceptions That Could Save Your Property

Selling Your Iowa Home? What You Must Disclose Under the Law

A Guide to Iowa's Property Seller Disclosure Act and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Dorothy decided to sell her family’s century-old Grinnell farmhouse, she never imagined the ...

Smooth Sailing to Closing: How a Transaction Coordinator Can Help You Sell Your Iowa Home

Are you a seller navigating the complexities of real estate transactions in Iowa? Going it alone can be stressful, leaving you wondering what documents to prepare, whom to ...

Thinking About Splitting Off Land? Here’s What Iowa Requires

Are you considering splitting off a piece of land to sell, build on, or develop? In Iowa, the legal process for subdividing property is detailed and requires coordination with ...

Why Iowa Homebuyers Benefit from the State’s Title Guaranty Program

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial moves most Iowans will ever make. With that kind of investment, you want to be sure the property is truly yours and that no ...

The Expensive Mistakes Iowa Cash Buyers Make—And How to Avoid Them

The Hidden Legal Risks of Buying a Home with Cash in Iowa Paying cash for a home sounds simple. You skip the mortgage, avoid the bank paperwork, and can often close faster. But ...

How to Add a Spouse or Partner to a Home Title After Closing

Adding a spouse or partner to a home title after closing can provide a sense of security and shared ownership. Whether you’re newly married or simply want to formalize your ...

5 Reasons Why You as a Buyer Should Get a Home Inspection

When you begin the home buying process, you likely know very little about the property itself. You may know what the seller has told you, or information provided by his or her ...

Mortgages 101: The Basics

A mortgage is the first loan that you will obtain to purchase your house. It can be up to the full purchase price of the home, but buyers often include some type of down payment ...

The 4 Essential Parts of a Real Estate Sales Contract

What the Closing Process Looks Like in Real Estate Transactions

Closing on a home is both an exciting and nerve-wracking process. Knowing what to expect out of it can help the process run much more smoothly for everyone involved.

Separate Wills for Spouses: Three Considerations

Separate Wills for Spouses: Three Considerations. Danilson Law no longer provides estate-planning services.

Foregoing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House? No Problem! A Lawyer Can Help Guide Your Sale

Many people assume that they have to have real estate agent to sell their home in Iowa, but that simply is not true. Individuals can sell their own home and save thousands of ...

Real Estate 101: 5 Tips for a Smooth Closing Process

Real estate closings can be extremely confusing and complicated. There are a lot of unknowns and what-ifs in the process. Sometimes setbacks delay the closing for months. Several ...

The 4 Legal Implications of Getting Your Property Surveyed

A property surveyor will measure property and create a report or map that indicates where one property stops, and another begins. A property survey has a variety of uses, from ...

A Brief Overview of the Closing Process for Real Estate Transactions

For many people, buying or selling a home is the largest transaction of their life. They may only go through it a few times in their lifetime as well. Whether it is your first ...

Selling Your Home? 4 Tips to Begin the Process

If you are considering selling your home, you need to engage in some careful planning to make the process run smoothly. Selling your house involves more than just decluttering and ...

3 Types of Buyers for Your Property

Selling your home can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. However, understanding the market and the type of people who may be interested in purchasing your home ...

What Sellers Need to Know About Real Estate Disclosures in Iowa

Under Iowa law, those who are selling real estate must make certain disclosures about the property to potential buyers. Failing to make these disclosures can lead to litigation ...

Real Estate 101: The Difference Between Appraised Value and Assessed Value

Do you know the value of your home?

Selling Your Home? Here’s Why You Need a Lawyer on Your Team

Most people have bought and sold a home at some point in their life and assume that it is a pretty straightforward process. The fact is, however, that real estate transactions can ...

Property Inspections vs. Home Inspections: What You Should Know

As is the case in many states, the home inspection is a vital part of the home buying process in Iowa. Many people confuse home inspections and property inspections, but they have ...

Time to Update Your Will? 5 things to Consider

This article is retained for general educational information. Danilson Law no longer provides estate-planning services. For advice about wills, trusts or your estate plan, please ...

How Property Taxes in Iowa Work

Iowa is one of many states that has a property tax assessed to virtually all residential and commercial property. However, property taxes are not assessed merely based upon the ...

Iowa Real Estate Law: What You Need to Know About Abstracts

An “abstract” is short for “abstract of title.” This legal document is absolutely vital in real estate transactions in Iowa. It includes all of the documents that are a part of ...

What Happens If You Pass Away Without a Will?

This article is retained for general educational information. Danilson Law no longer provides estate-planning services. For advice about wills, trusts or your estate plan, please ...

5 Essential Elements of a Purchase Agreement

When you sell or purchase real estate in Iowa, you will enter a purchase agreement as part of that deal. The purchase agreement sets out all of the rights and obligations of each ...

Who Signs the Deed in a Real Estate Transaction?

“Does my spouse need to sign if I am selling my old home that I owned before we were married? She was never on title with me…”

4 Benefits of Having a Revocable Trust

4 Benefits of Having a Revocable Trust. Danilson Law no longer provides estate-planning services.

How to Execute a 1031 Exchange

Most experts generally agree that now is the best time to invest in tax-deferred exchanges. This has been largely attributed to the dramatic change in real estate prices in many ...

“As-Is” Properties in Iowa Real Estate Transactions

If you’re in the market for a new property, you may have come across the term “as-is” in property listings. While some buyers may view it as a red flag, others see it as an ...

4 Benefits of Forming an LLC to Invest in Real Estate

Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to earn a passive income, if you do it right. Like most other investments, however, real estate has its own ups and downs and a ...

Risks and Benefits of Early Possession in Real Estate Transactions

Early possession or occupancy is a request made by a homebuyer to move into a property before the closing date. While this request may seem convenient, it can pose significant ...

5 Common Residential Real Estate Title Issues

Whether you are investing in property for buying your own home, one of the most important documents to the transaction is the abstract. An abstract contains the chain of title for ...

Iowa Property Taxes: Understanding How They Are Calculated

Property taxes are an essential source of revenue for state and local governments. If you own property in Iowa, actively understanding how your property taxes are calculated is ...

Are Sellers Required to Disclose Haunted Property?

Halloween is a couple weeks away, and sellers with haunted properties already have ghosts and goblins on their minds.

Iowa Real Estate Power of Attorney: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re buying or selling residential real estate in Iowa, a power of attorney (POA) can be a useful tool. A POA allows a trusted agent to act on behalf of the principal in a ...

Which Contract is Best: Professional vs. Online Download?

We can shop, we bank, we even keep in touch with family online. The internet and smartphones have provided so many conveniences in our everyday lives, we hardly have a reason to ...

Hourly Billing vs Flat Fee Billing for Your Matter

In the legal world, attorneys typically charge a set amount for each hour of time they work on a case. This billing method is commonly known as the “billable hour.” However, ...

What is Iowa’s Homestead Tax Credit?

The financial investment required when you purchase your property doesn’t just end when you put down your deposit. In addition to mortgages and home insurance, you also need to ...

COVID-19 Recovery Options for Iowans with FHA Mortgages

This article discusses mortgage-relief measures announced in 2021. It is retained for historical information.

What Is a Basic Will Package? An Educational Overview

An educational overview of wills, healthcare directives, powers of attorney and testamentary trusts. Danilson Law no longer offers estate-planning services.

Property Survey: A Critical Step in Iowa Real Estate Transactions

A property survey is essential when buying or building a property in Iowa. They ensure the deed correctly describes and conveys all of the land in the transaction, and can prevent ...

Installment Contracts: What are they and when are they used?

Real estate installment contracts are a financing option that allows for periodic payments instead of a lump sum payment. Also known as a land contract, contract for deed, or ...

Exploring Tenants in Common and Joint Tenancy

Iowa Co-tenancy property ownership refers to the legal relationship when two or more residents own the same property. Also referred to as vesting, co-tenancy carries with it ...

Earnest Money in Iowa Real Estate: What You Need to Know

As an Iowa Real Estate Attorney, I have come across many home buyers and sellers who are unsure about earnest money. It is a basic concept that can have significant implications ...

Navigate Iowa Zoning Laws

The Importance of Zoning Laws for Home Buyers Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, particularly for first-time home buyers in Iowa. Amidst the numerous aspects to monitor ...

Iowa Tax Sale 101: Participating and Protecting Your Interests

The Annual Tax Sale in Iowa is administered by the County Treasurer, designed to collect unpaid property taxes. Property Taxes fund vital community services such as hospitals, ...

Key Considerations for Commercial Real Estate Leases: A Guide by Expert Attorneys

Entering into a commercial real estate lease is a significant decision for any business. It is crucial to approach such agreements with careful consideration and expert guidance ...

Iowa Property Tax Sales: The Ins and Outs

As an Iowa homeowner, it’s essential to keep up with your property taxes. Failure to do so can lead to a tax lien on your property and even a loss of title to your property ...

Understanding the Closing Process: A Guide for Iowa Homebuyers and Sellers

The closing process is a critical step in any real estate transaction, finalizing the sale and transfer of property ownership. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive ...

10 Common Misconceptions about Real Estate Attorneys

Introduction: The Role of Real Estate Attorneys Real estate attorneys play a crucial role in property transactions, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the ...

Groundwater Hazard Statements in Iowa

When selling a property in Iowa, you might be asked to complete a Groundwater Hazard Statement. This document discloses information about any wells, burial sites, waste disposal ...

Iowa Real Estate Mistakes: Tips on How to Avoid Them in Transactions

Navigating the real estate market in Iowa can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, real estate transactions can be riddled ...

Abstracts in Iowa: Their Role in Real Estate Transactions

Abstracts in Iowa are a critical legal document in Iowa real estate transactions. It provides a chronological record of a property’s ownership history and contains public records ...

CC&Rs: Rules and Regulations for Planned Communities”

When you purchase a home, you could be subject to rules in a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs are a recorded governing document that ...

Why Inform Your Iowa Real Estate Attorney About a Divorce

Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most challenging personal events in one’s life. It can significantly impact various aspects of your life, including your real estate dealings. ...

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Real Estate Transactions: An Iowa Perspective

Navigating the real estate market in Iowa can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, real estate transactions can be riddled ...

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: Property Ownership

Many new homeowners wonder about the two common ways to take title. In this blog, we will explore the meaning of holding title as Tenancy in Common vs. Joint Tenants and how they ...

Secure Notarization Anywhere: Remote Online Notary Service

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote online notarization in Iowa, changing the way legal documents are notarized. While many believe that Iowa notary publics ...

Iowa Quit Claim Deeds: A Guide for Property Transfers

In Iowa real estate, Quit Claim Deeds are pivotal, enabling quick property transfers with fewer formalities. This article delves into what Quit Claim Deeds are, their purpose, ...

Living in Iowa

If you’re considering moving to the Midwest, living in Iowa is an option worth considering. This state is known for its friendly communities, affordable cost of living, natural ...

Understanding Co-Tenancy Property Ownership in Iowa: Tenants in Common vs. Joint Tenancy

When two or more residents jointly own the same property, they engage in a legal relationship known as co-tenancy property ownership. Also referred to as vesting, co-tenancy ...

Local Real Estate Professionals and “The Home Court Advantage”

As we enter the month of March, basketball fans across the country are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year, March Madness. While the world of college ...

Iowa Abstracts Significance in Real Estate Transactions

If you’re navigating the intricate world of Iowa real estate transactions, you’ll inevitably encounter an “abstract.” This indispensable legal document provides a meticulous ...

Mastering the Iowa Home Purchase: Key Steps to Follow

As a real estate attorney in Des Moines, we help Iowans follow the correct home-buying steps to avoid potential consequences. Skipping them may save time or money initially, but ...

The Quirky World of Real Estate Law: Property Line Disputes

When Good Fences Make Not-So-Good Neighbors Imagine this scenario: You wake up one sunny morning, coffee in hand, ready to enjoy the tranquility of your backyard. But wait – ...

Why Choosing a Real Estate Attorney is Essential for a Hassle-Free Transaction

Are you embarking on a real estate transaction? If so, you know firsthand that these processes can be complex and overwhelming. However, you can simplify and secure your journey ...

Understanding an Iowa Quit Claim Deed: A Guide for Property Transfers

In the realm of real estate transactions in Iowa, Quit Claim Deeds play a significant role, acting as a conduit for transferring property swiftly and with fewer formalities. This ...

Real Estate Probate: Strategies to Avoid It in Iowa

This article is retained for general educational information. Danilson Law no longer provides estate-planning services. For advice about wills, trusts or your estate plan, please ...

Remote Online Notary: The Evolution of Real Estate Signatures

In the ever-evolving landscape of residential real estate, ensuring secure, legal, and efficient transaction processes is paramount. One significant development has been the ...

How to Shield Yourself From Real Estate Scams in Iowa

Navigating the real estate world can be a challenging endeavor. And while most transactions in Iowa proceed without a hitch, it’s essential to be aware of some common real estate ...

Iowa Purchase Agreement: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers in Iowa

When diving into the realm of residential real estate, one of the most critical documents that buyers and sellers will encounter is the purchase agreement. Also known as a sales ...

The Silver Tsunami: What Iowa Homeowners Need to Know

As Iowa’s population ages, a significant demographic shift known as the “Silver Tsunami” is impacting the real estate landscape. Driven by retiring baby boomers, this trend ...

Common Law Marriage and Real Estate in Iowa

Owning a home in Iowa is a significant step, and understanding how your marital status impacts your property rights is crucial. While most people associate marriage with a formal ...

Transaction Coordinators: Their Role and Importance in Your Transaction

Are you a seller navigating the complexities of real estate transactions in Iowa? Going it alone can be stressful, leaving you wondering what documents to prepare, whom to ...

Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud Prevention

You Won’t Find Title Insurance in Iowa: What That Means and Why Iowa’s Solution is Better

Iowa has the cleanest title in the country. While Iowa doesn’t have title insurance like the rest of the country, we use a state-specific solution, that works to the benefit of ...

Title Searches and the 3 Most Common Types of Encumbrances in Real Estate

An encumbrance is a restriction that is placed on the use of the property. Mortgages are by far the most common form of encumbrances on both residential and commercial property. ...

4 Key Benefits to Having a Real Estate Attorney When Buying or Selling Real Estate

Buying real estate can be a confusing process, particularly for first-time buyers. Many people do not realize that they can use a real estate attorney, and not just realtors and ...

The Five Kinds of Property Deeds: What You Need to Know About Each

A deed is a common type of legal document that is used to transfer the ownership of property (or other assets) from one party to another. There are five primary types of deeds ...