As a home buyer, there are several common contingencies that you can include in your offer, but that doesn’t mean the seller is going to accept them. If a property has been on the market for several weeks, an anxious seller may accept multiple restrictive contingencies. On the other hand, the seller of a hot property that is newly listed and has already received multiple offers, is unlikely to accept many (if any) contingencies. Here are the most common contingencies: 1. Inspection Contingency An inspection period is often known as a “due diligence” period in most states. Home inspection conti ..read more

No matter which city in the Des Moines metro you’re house hunting in, you should have no problem finding a split-level house. But what is a split-level house? Simply put, a split-level house is one with staggered levels and an entryway or front door that opens in the center of the two levels.Typically, this means that, upon entering through the front door, you’ll be greeted by a staircase that goes up to the bedroom level and another that will take you to the basement area. Another easy way to think about split-level homes is that there’s no one floor that covers the house’s entire footprint ..read more

A will, formally known as a last will, is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after your death. It serves as a roadmap for how your property, possessions, and finances should be distributed among your beneficiaries. Here are some key characteristics of a will:  Asset Distribution: A will specify who will receive your assets, such as real estate, personal belongings, investments, and cash, and in what proportions. Executor Appointment: In your will, you can appoint an executor responsible for carrying out your wishes as stated in the will. T ..read more

Like most significant life events, moving to a new home is both exciting and stressful. The big question is — should you do it yourself? Should you hire professional movers? Which is the best course, and what should you even consider before making this decision? DIY Move Pros More affordable: usually, DIY move is cheaper, even though not entirely without expenses. For example, you may still need to hire a truck if you have to move a lot of belongings that cannot fit in your own vehicle. Full control: independent moving gives owners full control over their schedules and packing process. Besides ..read more

"Fantastic group of realtors!!!! We are so thankful for their flexibility, knowledge and help! Trying to buy a home while living in another state is not an easy task, but Amanda and team made it a fantastic experience!! Thank you!" - Tamara Holmes ..read more

An estate plan is a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond a simple will. It encompasses various legal documents and tools to manage your financial affairs and health care decisions during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transition of your assets after your passing. Here are 6 key components of an estate plan:  1. Will: An estate plan often includes a will as a fundamental document to address the distribution of your assets.  2. Trusts: Trusts are essential to an estate plan and offer more control over asset distribution. They can help minimize estate taxes, avoid Probate, and pro ..read more

Metal roofing delivers on both form and function. Selecting the right style allows you to protect your most valuable asset with beauty and durability to enhance your home for generations. Here are some popular ones: Standing Seam With architectural ribs raised vertically along the roofing panels, standing seam creates clean lines and dimension. The look is subtle or bold, depending on spacing and heights of the seams, which range from one to three inches. Standing seam roofing lends well to modern homes as well as farmhouses. Deep shadow lines and varied panel widths also enhance the aesthetic ..read more

Taxes are due this year on April 15 - just a week from today! And if you're late with your tax return and owe money to the IRS, serious penalties could apply. Both the failure-to-file and late payment penalties have the potential to cost you a lot. The former will cost you 5% of your unpaid tax debt for each month or partial month your return is late, up to 25% of that total. Meanwhile, the late payment penalty will cost you 0.5% per month or partial month your payment is late, up to 25%. The good news is, if it's your first time incurring one of these penalties, the IRS may be willing to go e ..read more

Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting and rewarding process as it allows you to transform a functional space into a luxurious retreat. Whether you're looking to increase the resale value of your home or simply want to enhance your daily living experience, a well-executed bathroom remodel can make a significant impact. Define Your Goals and Budget: Before diving into the remodeling process, it's crucial to clearly define your goals. Are you looking to create a spa-like oasis, maximize storage space, or update outdated fixtures? Additionally, establishing a realistic budget is essential to ..read more

"Angela at Real Advantage Partners is incredible — her expertise, her commitment, the personal touch. She communicates. She has helped us through both a sale and a purchase, with another sale likely soon, and in a very short period of time. It has all been virtually effortless and hassle-free. She feels more like a business partner than anything else, and with our needs and desires always at the foremost." - Chris Moeller ..read more