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With RE/MAX, we have contacts all over the US and the world.  If you are looking for real estate assistance outside the Iowa Great Lakes, give me a call.  I'd be happy to assist you in finding a qualified Realtor

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Local Expert Updates

Aaron Jones

Cell: 454.545.6565

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Community Updates

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones

RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Lifetime Achievement

454.545.6565

aaron@bojihomes.com

TestAlgona

Algona

TestAlgona

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones

RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Lifetime Achievement

454.545.6565

aaron@bojihomes.com

Cheap vs high end quality. A buyer's perspective.

The "Real" Estate Blog

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

Janie Eick

Janie Eick

Real Estate Professional

712.339.0574

janie@sellboji.com

Main Street Bar & Grill

Terril

Main Street Bar and Grill is a longstanding bar/pub/lounge that also has a great selection of food. Wednesday nights they offer a wonderful steak menu. Great cocktails and great food in small-town Terril, Iowa.

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