Even if the groundhog did see his shadow at the beginning of February, worst case scenario: that should mean just a few more weeks of winter, right? You can feel it in the air: spring fever is going around! Whether spring is just around the corner or still weeks away, it’s time to start thinking [...]

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Check Windows and Doors for Air Leaks The U.S. Department of energy provides the following steps to check your home for air leakage: Turn off your furnace on a cool, very windy day Shut all windows and doors Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as bathroom or stove vents Light an [...]

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In a recent article, the Des Moines Register reported on several fires that have occurred as a result of lightning strikes to gas lines, causing the failure of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) feeding gas appliances in homes. CSST is a flexible gas tubing system that has been used in home construction and remodeling projects [...]

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The Iowa Department of Homeland Security has compiled an excellent list of resources for Iowans displaced by recent flooding. The list of resources includes: Property rental information and temporary housing options Health information Insurance information and much more Check the following website for the complete list of resources: www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/disasters/disaster2011.html  

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Now that warmer weather is here to stay, you can finally turn your attention to outdoor maintenance projects around your home. Here’s a few things you to add to your list. Gutters. Jammed gutters can send water in all the wrong directions and places. Water may damage landscaping and even crack your home’s foundation eventually. [...]

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Legislators in the Iowa House and Senate are still in disagreement as to what should be done to reduce commercial property taxes. Republicans in the House have suggested that commercial property taxes be cut by 40% over the next 5 years, while limiting the amount of lost revenue from property taxes that cities and counties [...]

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Unfortunately the downturn in the housing market has resulted in some attempts by unscrupulous individuals to try to make a buck off of the misfortune of homeowners. Check out the article below for tips to prevent yourself (or someone you know) from falling victim to a foreclosure scam: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/foreclosure-scam-watch-out-phantom-help/  

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The Des Moines Register published a lengthy blog post on its website today providing an overview of bills that have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature this year. According to the Register’s blog post, the following bills specific to property owners are still “alive” and active for debate in the legislature: Tax breaks for businesses [...]

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Soon our hibernation will be over and we’ll all be spending more time working and playing outdoors again! With spring just around the corner, it’s a good time to think about and plan maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape! Follow these tips including checking gutters, roof, siding, chimney, to ensure your home [...]

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We had a question recently from a visitor to the IPOA website who asked about how renting a townhouse affects the property values of other units. We were unable to find specific numbers that provided evidence of a reduction in property values when some of the owners in a condo or townhouse complex rent their [...]

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