Home mortgage rates are nearing 5% in two recent bank surveys as mortgage rates have continued to inch up since early November. A housing industry economist says that a slight rise in mortgage rates may actually help the housing market by giving buyers who have thus far been hesitant to purchase a renewed sense of [...]

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Newly released figures from the 2010 U.S. Census show that Iowa’s population grew to 3,046,355 (up 4.1% from the last census in 2000). Census data is important because it determines how the 435 U.S. House of Representatives seats are allocated among the states. Because Iowa’s population did not grow as quickly as some other states, Iowa [...]

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Iowa farmland values have increased in 2010 due to low interest rates and high commodity prices. This compares with 2008 and 2009 when values stabilized. A recent article provides additional details into the Iowa’s rising farmland prices… Click here to read the article from the Associated Press

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The 2011 Iowa Legislature gavels in on Monday, January 10.  Each year there are several bills introduced that impact Iowa homeowners.  The following are just a few of the bills the legislators may consider during this legislative session: Property tax legislation Many legislators want to change Iowa’s property tax system this year in order to [...]

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Recent economic and market challenges have many people wondering about homeownership. However, IPOA believes that owning a home is still a great way to give your family shelter, stability, and safety. Owning a home has proven to be a smart long-term investment over the years, and continues to offer benefits such as tax breaks; equity, [...]

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Now there’s more ways to be informed, be involved, and be protected through IPOA! Visit our web site for timely resources and information on property ownership.  Sign up to become a member of IPOA. It’s quick and easy, and more important than ever with the Legislative Session coming up soon! It’s a great way to [...]

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One of the responsibilities of owning property is paying property taxes. Real property is assessed every two years in odd-numbered years, which means assessments will occur next year in 2011. Assessments are scheduled to be sent out in April 2011. If your assessed value of your property doesn’t change, you won’t receive an assessment role. [...]

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A bill is a proposal for a law. Have you ever wondered how a bill actually becomes a law? Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock song? “I’m just a bill…sitting here on Capitol Hill. Well, it’s a long, long journey to the capital city…it’s a long, long wait
while I’m sitting in committee…” Seu browser [...]

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Is your water safe to drink? If you live within city limits, you probably receive your water from the city public water supply, which is regularly tested by experts for a variety of contaminants. However, if you are a private well owner, you must test your water yourself. Experts recommend that private well owners test [...]

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Now that the winter weather is officially underway in Iowa, ‘tis the season for frozen, cracked pipes. Even the tiniest crack can shoot out dozens of gallons of water a day, causing quite a mess, damage to your home, and a big pain in your neck. Here’s a few tips to protect yourself and your [...]

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