Real estate auctions have increased in popularity—and there’s a reason why. Most have offered amazing deals, and they’ve facilitated consumer-friendly environments for those interested in housing markets.

Unfortunately, a variety of myths surround the industry, and many are less than true. When going to a real estate auction, understanding misconceptions and debunking popular theory is important. You do want to get a great offer, become well-informed and make well-rounded decisions, don’t you? Check out the following real estate myths, and find out why they’re not true.

10. Homes Purchased at Auctions Can’t be Inspected

A popular starter, this myth is labored over by many accessing real estate auctions. Buyers are, however, granted numerous

In today's market, luxury is often in the eye of the beholder and depends on the locale. A luxury waterfront home has very different characteristics from a mountain chalet. Both differ substantially from a secluded country estate with acreage.

A primary concern for anyone in the market for luxury property is what is considered luxury in any particular locale.

Most buyers think in terms of square footage and amenities. These offer a starting point for the high-end buyer. In general terms, more expensive properties have more total space, more bedrooms and bathrooms, better equipped kitchens, secure garage space for at least two automobiles, and high quality materials and workmanship. Most luxury properties also include the latest in time-saving and

Interested in the market stats for Ankeny for the month of September?  Check out this short video and get up to speed.  For stats on your local market, visit our Market Update Page which features 30+ local communities.

We believe that buying a residential Real Estate property should always be considered an investment. As with any investment, there are certain risks and rewards that come from purchasing specific types of properties. In any Real Estate market purchasing a house at auction can come with a potentially large reward. However, before you consider buying a home at auction, it is important that you understand the intricate balance of risks and rewards.

Why are some houses sold at auction?
The first step towards knowing if you should purchase a house at auction stems from an understanding of why the home is currently listed on the auction block. There are two typical types of Real Estate home auction.

1. Foreclosure auctions: This type of auction occurs when

There are many ways to get into the real estate business, and one of the most popular is through buying foreclosure homes. People who buy foreclosures can do so for their own living accommodations, but they often buy them to either fix up and flip, or rent out. Both of those options can be highly profitable, but they have to be done right. That means getting the right home at the right price, and doing that takes a competent real estate professional who knows the market.

You don't want to just pick a Realtor at random, since you don't really know what you're getting when you do that. Instead, choose someone who not only has experience in the local area, but who also has experience in the foreclosure market. Foreclosures are different than regular homes

Last week, CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate held its 9th Annual OFFICE OLYMPICS!  Every year, we like to take the afternoon off and have a little fun as a team.  This year, we joined up with our partner companies- Real Property Management and The Building Company.

We had over 40 people competing in the games at Big Creek State Park, and afterwards we celebrated with Hickory Park Catering. Click on the image below for more pictures of the annual event!

Click HERE to meet the rest of our team!

To my fellow Brokers, Managers, and Colleagues...

In the wake of the recent abduction and subsequent murder of yet another member of our real estate community (this time in Arkansas), I feel it is incumbent upon us as leaders in our local marketplace to take action on behalf of the many agents in our respective teams who could very well be the next victim of another heinous and tragic crime.

Some of you know that Ashley Okland (whose life was also tragically taken) was initially hired and trained by me when she first entered the real estate industry. Ashley was also a personal friend, who held my firstborn baby, babysat my kids, and attended bible study in my home. As I look back on the time that we spent with Ashley, I recognize that there is a