The Iowa property tax is primarily a tax on “real property,” which is mostly land, buildings, structures, and other improvements that are constructed on or in the land, attached to the land, or placed upon a foundation. The following five classes of real property are evaluated: residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and utilities/railroad. All real property [...]

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While national legislative proposals to change the mortgage interest deduction (MID) are still being debated in Washington, D.C., many home owners are wondering how possible changes may impact them. Here’s a few myths and the facts regarding each. Myth #1: The mortgage deduction is just for rich people. Facts: The mortgage interest deduction helps mostly [...]

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Home owners whose mortgage payments are unaffordable and who are interested in transitioning to more affordable housing may be eligible for a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program. HAFA is offered through MakingHomeAffordable.gov, a program of the Departments of the Treasury & Housing and Urban Development. A [...]

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The qualified residential mortgage (QRM) proposed rule is currently being debated in the U.S. Congress. If passed, the rule will require a minimum of 20 percent down on all residential home sale transactions. Although people may be able to put slightly less down then 20 percent, they will have to pay a huge premium for [...]

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June is National Homeownership Month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture kicked off the month on June 1, highlighting the important role housing plays in creating jobs, maintaining viable rural communities, and contributing to the economy. Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said this year’s Homeownership Month theme is “Rural Housing/Rural Jobs.” Communities across the nation [...]

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Despite their current situtation, Americans are optimistic about homeownership. View full article here: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2011060301?OpenDocument

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Despite the housing slump, Americans of all political persuasions have a visceral desire to own their own home. View full article here: http://www.nationaljournal.com/columns/cook-report/the-cook-report-homeownership-still-a-cherished-value-20110602

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Despite all of the news reports about how bad the housing market is, it is actually a great time to buy. Interest rates are low, house prices are more affordable, and many more reasons that make it a great time to buy. Here is the link to the full article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Why-Its-Time-To-wallstreet-3012977435.html

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U.S. News ranked the 10 highest and lowest real income cities in the United States. Des Moines came in at #1 for the Highest Real Income. Here is the link to the full article: http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/06/01/10-cities-with-the-highest-and-lowest-real-incomes

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Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the Best Affordable Places in America. Story County, Iowa ranked in at number 4. Here is the link for the full article: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/americas-best-affordable-places-2011.html

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