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 contact, and…
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Resources
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 ceremony,…
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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 presents unique challenges and…
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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…
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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…
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In the ever-evolving landscape of residential real estate, ensuring secure, legal, and efficient transaction processes is paramount. One significant development has been the emergence of virtual signing, facilitated by Remote…
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Navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions can be challenging, especially when considering the long-term implications of asset transfers and probate. For many families in Iowa, the probate process can…
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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 article…
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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 – there's…
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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 summary of all public records connected to…
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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 carries with it…
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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, limitations, and why…
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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 with potential…
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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. Keep your real…
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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 with potential…
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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 rights and interests…
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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 guide to…
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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 to protect your…
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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 by…
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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 it…
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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…
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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 beauty, and…
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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 must notarize real estate…
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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…
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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 state the specific…
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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 from the County…
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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 sites, storage tanks,…
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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…
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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, schools, law enforcement,…
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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…
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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 contract…
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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…
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The COVID-19 pandemic has led many Iowa homeowners to seek mortgage relief, which results in HUD filing subordinate partial claim mortgages against the property. Therefore, with approximately 850,000 homeowners exiting…
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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.”…
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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…
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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 essential. Contrary…
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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…
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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,…
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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 and manage,…
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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 several options for…
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Estate planning is one of those tasks that is easy to ignore. Like balancing your checkbook, going to the dentist, or cleaning out the garage, estate planning is an “I…
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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 factor…
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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…
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Halloween is a couple weeks away, and sellers with haunted properties already have ghosts and goblins on their minds. If you have a property that’s considered haunted, do you need…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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A revocable trust is a separate legal entity that names another person or entity to administer trust assets, called the trustee. It is developed by creating a trust agreement or…
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“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…” If the selling…
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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…
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A Will sets out what you would like to do with your debts and property, and addresses other aspects of your after-death plans. However, many people die without a Will.…
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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 value…
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Many people make the mistake of assuming that once they create their will, the hard work is over and they do not need to revisit their estate plan again. Unfortunately,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 moving parts…
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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…
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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…
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Do you know the value of your home? That’s actually a trick question. The value of a residential property actually depends upon who is asking. That is why the appraised…
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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 and legal…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Did you know that around the holidays is the perfect time for you to start or update your estate plans? It’s true! While you think back on the past year…
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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. Before…
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When you purchase any real property, you will read and sign many contracts. Learning and understanding the essential parts of a real estate sales contract will help you know what…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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