Tight on your budget and still want to have a high-end kitchen look? Here are suggestions by industry experts on how to get the high-end look without breaking the bank. 

Simply updating your appliances is one way to achieve that high-end kitchen look.  Keep an eye out for sales while checking out appliances from reputable brands. With proper consideration, you can go about finding what you are looking for at the price that will meet your budget. 

Interior designer Nate Berkus, who also happens to be the artistic advisor of LG Studio’s high-end appliances range indicates, "The right appliance can make the space feel much more finished and expensive. Plus, they involve almost no construction, but change the functionality 100-fold." If you're forced to…

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For many, their home is the single-most important purchase they have ever made. A lot of time and effort goes into locating the right property. But, when it comes to finding the best mortgage, why do most people take what is being offered rather than research and secure the best mortgage available for their situation?

Considering that you will pay the bank more in interest over the life of the loan than the home is worth, why wouldn’t you invest the same time and effort in finding a mortgage that will reduce the amount of interest you are  paying, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars?

There are various types of mortgages available to home buyers.  Each type has their advantages and disadvantages.  Lenders will offer specific mortgage…

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Customers are the lifeblood of any business.  Advertising is the lifeblood to attracting customers.  Real estate agents, just as with any other business out there, need to continuously find new buyers, sellers, and properties.  To do this, the real estate agent deploys a variety of marketing strategies in order to keep a steady flow of business coming their way.

Gone are the days of the “spray and pray” technique of newspapers, bus stops, and direct mailers.  The market has changed. There is more competition for everyone’s attention, and the age of being the “knowledge bearer” given way to the information age. Below are some comparisons of how the real estate business has evolved over the years.

Ease of selling properties

Selling real estate in…

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Why is the Cedar Valley is the Future Business Center in the U.S?

The Cedar Valley region in Iowa recorded the second-highest percentage of GDP gain in the region. According to a Forbes Magazine report of 2015 the Cedar Valley ranked at the 49th position out of the 201 metros battling it out to become The Best Small Cities for Business and Careers. In fact, the State of Iowa ranked as America’s Top State for Business in 2015 by CNBC.

The Cedar Valley is a few hours from some of the major markets around Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and the Twin Cities. Having said that, there are over 5000+ companies located in the Cedar Valley region, including Fortune 100 companies, as well as startups across various industries including, but not limited to,…

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Money is not the only thing that helps keep charities afloat, volunteer hours pay big dividends and  provide the much needed support to many. If you are looking to contribute to a local charity, ask what is needed more at that time; money, volunteer hours or both?

Supporting your favorite charitable organization takes many forms.  Some groups require financial assistance, other volunteer hours.  Some, like Iowa Habitat for Humanity require sweat equity for their volunteers through help with painting, landscaping, or restoration of living spaces, and building homes for the community.  Iowa Habitat for Humanity advocates for fair and just housing policies by providing the training and improved shelter to help families.

“No matter who we are or where…

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The single most important and perhaps significant factor that every residential or commercial real estate buyer or seller has in mind is to have a smooth and trouble-free experience during the process.

Consider a perfect scenario: To sell your property at the best price, you will need to have it listed in as many outlets as possible. So, you do that and potential buyers keep pouring in to check out your property. There is no binding contract, hidden charges and commission fees involved. The real estate professional that you’ve hired is extremely cooperative and takes care to connect you with the right experts – marketers, architects, photographers, and lawyers, which speeds up the selling. Buyers are satisfied dealing with professionals knowing that…

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Misinformation is the greatest hindrance for both buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate, especially when engaging the industry for the very first time. There is so much misinformation revolving around out there that first time buyers and sellers have a difficult time navigating truth from fiction.  Here are some myths debunked by industry experts Dave Kruse and Steve Knapp of Lockardrealty.com

Myth #1: The gift of foresight

“My experience in the market and gut tell me that XYZ opportunity is the way to go,” sasy a bad realtor, frequently.  Certainly, successful residential and commercial real estate professionals do have an industry knowledge that would help them predict future market conditions. But that alone won’t get you…

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Buying and or selling real estate is one of those things that most of us will engage in at some point of time in our lives. Both the buyer and the seller are looking to maximize their value and often attempt to do this by avoiding the services of the real estate professional.  What looks like the easiest way to save a few thousand up-front sometimes turns into a sure-fire way to tens of thousands more than you expected in the long run.

Here are 5 reasons why you should utilize a real estate professional to help you buy, sell, or rent your next real estate transaction:

  1. Real Estate Professionals Know the Market

Real estate professionals are able to price the property correctly. Current industry pricing for business and home sales in specific…

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Buy, sell, rent, or lease, LockardRealty.com has the Cedar Valley’s friendliest user interface and is a handy site for all your real estate needs.

Just a few taps and swipes on these real estate websites or apps and you could be well on your way to buying your next dream home or renting  that local commercial property, right from where you are sitting. Finding a home to live in or a rental property has never been easier thanks to these great tools:   

LockardRealty.com LockardRealty.com is the easiest search tool for commercial and residential real estate in the Cedar Valley.  With just one click you are on your way to searching for your dream home or commercial property. LockardRealty.com’s clean interface and always free search keeps your searches…

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By: Brandon Turner
Source: BiggerPockets.com

In 2006, NASA admitted they had accidentally taped over the original recording of the first lunar landing.

In 1962, Decca Records had a choice to sign one of two bands. They chose Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. The band they rejected? The Beatles.

In 1788 the Austrian army accidentally attacked itself and lost 10,000 men.

Clearly, mistakes happen. The same will be true for your real estate business, though hopefully to a lesser extent than the examples mentioned above.

However, one mistake that can be deadly to your real estate business is this: choosing the wrong property.

Making the mistake of picking the wrong property is a lot like picking the wrong spouse. It can be incredibly…

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