REAL ESTATE
2453 Elm Dr. • Fort Dodge • $750,000
Exceptionally Spacious and Updated Three bedroom plus ranch home with 3 1/2 baths. All you need to do is turn the key. Everything is done! New ooring, trim, doors (outside and inside), countertops, bathrooms, newer windows, I could go on! Heated 3 stall garage, huge deck, and stamped concrete patio for outside entertaining. Beautifully landscaped!!! If your looking for a heated shop...look No further...this is a shop that beats all, have a man cave or be a mechanic.
2414 Poplar Avenue • Duncombe • $499,900
Nestled on 6 serene acres, this beautifully renovated farmhouse seamlessly blends charm with modern convenience.6 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, this home offers ample space for family living or hosting guests. This renovated farmhouse has been placed on a new poured walk-out basement, leading to a large stamped concrete patio. Step inside to nd a spacious light lled rooms that showcase stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The fully updated kitchen features quartz counters, new cabinetry, appliances and walk-in pantry. Lower level includes wet
full bath. Outdoors, enjoy plenty of room for gardens or recreational
Experience elegant living in this 2-bedroom condo at Fort Dodge Country Club! Vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas replace create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The updated kitchen features granite countertops and rich wood oors, while sliding doors open to one of four private decks with breathtaking golf course views. Upstairs, a loft and catwalk enhance the open feel. The exterior offers new maintenancefree siding and a new oversized 2-car garage, in addition to the attached garage, for ample storage. As part of an exclusive community,
homeowners. With its prime golf course location, this
plenty of room for outdoor activities and entertaining.
Well maintained 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Brick Ranch home in the Feelhaver School area. Large fenced backyard with patio and newer storage shed. Oak kitchen and large pantry. Spacious living room with newer carpet. 3 generous sized bedrooms. Updated main bath with additional 3/4 bath in the basement. Finished family room with replace and wet bar in the lower level. Take a look at this move in ready home.
Also, $5,000 Flooring Rebate!!
secure space for outdoor activities. Enjoy relaxing comfort in the screened porch, which adds a touch of versatility to the home. A wonderful blend of function and style, this home is ready to welcome its next owners.
the potential of this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home situated on 4.41 peaceful acres just outside of Pomeroy. Offering the charm of rural lowa living, this property is ideal for those seeking space, privacy, and the opportunity to make a home truly their own. Featuring a spacious layout with a bright living room, a functional kitchen, and cozy dining area. With a little vision and work, this property can be transformed into a beautiful and personalized country retreat. Outside, the expansive lot offers room for gardens, animals, or additional outbuildings-perfect for hobby farming, recreation, or simply enjoying the open landscape and mature trees. Don’t miss your chance to create your dream home in this serene setting.
2502 14th Ave S • Fort Dodge • $119,900
Charming and versatile, this 2-bedroom ranch is the perfect blend of comfort and functionality, offered at just $119, 900. Situated on a spacious corner lot, the home features two inviting living rooms, a partially nished basement, and main oor laundry for everyday convenience. The 2.5-car garage includes a dedicated hobby room, making it an ideal setup for a home of ce or creative workspace perfect for anyone working from home. Handicap accessibility adds thoughtful ease of living, and the exible layout provides plenty of options to suit your lifestyle. This well-maintained property is a rare nd with so much to offer at an affordable price
MLS#26194 • Heather Vandi 515-571-8212
24 4th Ave NE • Dayton • $140,000
This charming 2-bedroom, 1 and 3/4-bathroom home is nestled on a solid slab foundation, offering a sturdy and low-maintenance living space. The home features an inviting layout with ample storage options throughout, perfect for keeping everything organized. The fenced-in yard provides a private, secure outdoor space for relaxation or entertaining, with the added beauty of mature re maple trees that offer vibrant seasonal color. The large, attached garage is a standout feature, providing plenty of room for vehicles, tools, or additional storage needs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a functional space with convenient storage, this home offers both comfort and practicality in a desirable setting.
MLS#26109 • Contact 515-408-1824
515-570-8608
2625 230th St. • Rockwell City • $229,900
Discover the perfect blend of country living & modern convenience with this ranch property situated on over 6 acres of land. Whether you’re dreaming of a hobby farm, a private retreat, or simply more room to roam, this property delivers. Featuring a spacious shop with in or heat, ideal for projects, equipment, or storage, you’ll have all the space for work & play. The home is lled with lots of natural sunlight with an open concept, 3 bedrooms, large living room opened to kitchen & dining. This is your chance to own a piece of the countryside, Schedule your showing today at 515-408-2265, Jamie Lara/Legacy Realty Group.
MLS#26195 • Jamie Lara 515-408-2265
1443 21st Ave N • Fort Dodge • $223,000
Seller is offer a 2% Buyers incentive at closing!!!!
Charming 3-Bedroom SplitLevel Home! Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath split-level home featuring two spacious living areas, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The bright living room ows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an open and airy feel. Step outside to enjoy the large fenced-in backyard, complete with a partially new cedar privacy fence-ideal for outdoor gatherings, pets, or play. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to make this house your home!
• Heather Vandi 515-571-8212
Touch of
Craftsman Style 3
This home is entered through a large front porch that opens to a family room, formal dining room with original built-in’s and a large eat-in kitchen. The kitchen is tucked behind with ample amount of cabinet space, overlooking the deck area & over sized 4 car garage. The bedrooms are located on the upper level with a full bathroom & walk-up attic.
Cook
219 4TH AVENUE NORTH FORT DODGE
You will like this unique wooded setting sits this 3 bedrooms ranch with hardwood floors, with 1.5 bath, beautiful oak kitchen, dining area with slider going to the deck, nice size living room, 3 season room, full basement carport and sheds. Priced at $139,900. Call Gery Cook @ 515-570-6208.
3133 11TH AVE. NORTH FORT DODGE
Don’t miss out on this lovely split foyer in Knollcrest! This home is on a cul-de-sac near the aquatic center and middle school. You will like the oversize living room, dining room with french door leading to a deck and the fenced-in back yard, eat-in oak kitchen, main oor bath has dual entry, 3-bedroom, large family room in LL with laundry and 1/2 bath. Replacement windows, and shed. Priced at $229,900 Call Regency Realtors or Gery Cook for a private showing 515-570-6208. MLS #25940
1260 WILLIAMS DRIVE FORT DODGE
Must See to Appreciate
Quality brick home sitting on nearly 2/3 of an acre lot. This home offers an oversize living room, beautiful oak kitchen with lots of cabinets, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, family room with gas fireplace, 4th bedroom or craft room, nice size laundry room, attached double garage. Outside o ers a large yard, patio which o ers lots of privacy, and a gazebo. Priced at $244,900. Call Gery Cook @ 515-570-6208. MLS #25912
OFFER PENDING
328 2ND ST. SE, BADGER
Want small town living then Welcome to Badger! This quaint little town showcases this 2+ Bd, 1.5 bath house with sunroom on the edge of town. Watching the sunrise from the living room to seeing the sunset in the evening from the sunroom provides a peaceful way of living. Large yard for the kids to play and plenty of room to entertain. Hardwood floors throughout and a non-conforming 3rd bedroom plus rec room in the lower level make this home perfect for starting a family or for those wanting to downsize. Priced to sell at $134, 900. Call Amy Seehusen for a private showing today at 515-571-3150. MLS #26193
How to establish a peaceful backyard retreat
Backyards have undergone quite a transformation over the last decade-plus. The days when patios and decks were all a backyard living space had to offer are largely a thing of the past, as homeowners have realized just how valuable it can be to commit to a stunning backyard.
The real estate experts at Zillow estimate that homes with backyard features such as outdoor televisions, outdoor showers and outdoor kitchens command 3.1 percent more than expected upon reaching the market. If 3.1 percent doesn’t sound like a lot, it actually equates to nearly $11,000 on a typical home. But there’s more to gain than money when converting a backyard space into a relaxing respite. Such spaces can provide a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, all the while giving homeowners and residents a comfortable space to soak in the great outdoors. With that in mind, homeowners can take the following steps to establish a peaceful backyard retreat.
• Refresh the landscape. Even if your vision is centered on outdoor furniture and a space that accommodates movie nights under the stars, it’s still best to refresh the existing landscape if it needs a little upkeep. Overgrown trees, hedges and bushes can create the same cluttered vibe that dominates interior spaces overrun with items. If necessary, work with a local tree service or landscape architect to trim, or even remove, trees and hedges that are crowding the backyard and making it feel claustrophobic or giving it an unkempt look. Aim for a landscape that affords a balance of sun and shade so the space is as comfortable as possible throughout the day.
• Set up multiple gathering spaces, if possible. Once a backyard retreat is established, everyone who calls the property home might find the space hard to resist. Keep this in mind when planning the space and aim to set up multiple gathering spaces. An outdoor kitchen with a nearby dinner table can be a great space to enjoy al fresco dining, but a separate area to read a book or watch a movie or ballgame can make the space more versatile. Some may want to relax away from the noise of the grill area, and multiple gathering spaces ensures there’s always a peaceful spot to unwind out back.
• Add a water feature. Running water has a way of calming the nerves, and that’s good to keep in mind when planning a backyard retreat. Water features run the gamut from garden ponds to koi ponds to fountains to hot tubs. Homeowners can identify which feature best aligns with their idea of relaxation and then work with a landscape architect to ensure it’s installed in their backyard oasis.
• Don’t forget shade. Temperatures are rising in many areas of the globe, and that’s worth noting when planning a backyard retreat. Even the most ardent sun worshippers likely won’t want to be exposed to the sun at all times when relaxing in their backyards. Strategically chosen means of providing shade can make spaces enjoyable all day long. Consider umbrellas, gazebos, pergolas, and even retractable awnings to cover patios and decks when the sun is at its highest each afternoon. If you plan to spend ample time in the grass, make that more enjoyable by planting shade trees, which also can protect the grass from drought and make it more comfortable underfoot.
A relaxing backyard retreat can make for an ideal space to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
How to boost home value before selling
People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow.
The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers.
Get to painting
Make kitchen and bath improvements
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabinets, upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room an overhaul.
Homeowners also should look to bathroom updates as smart investments that can improve home value. Katie Severance, author of The Brilliant Home Buyer, characterizes kitchens and baths as “money rooms” that add the most value to a home.
Declutter the home
Homeowners should clean out items they no longer need. Decluttering can make a space feel bigger, which is beneficial in a market where open concept floor plans remain popular among home buyers. When buyers walk through a prospective home, they want to envision themselves living there, something that is more easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings.
Painting a home is a cost-effective renovation with a lot of oomph. Freshly painted rooms appear clean and updated, says HGTV, and that can appeal to buyers. Homeowners should choose neutral colors to accommodate the widest array of potential buyers.
Improve the landscaping
The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see as they roll up to view a property or look at a listing online. Homeowners should start by evaluating and enhancing the landscaping. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained and add plants that provide color without a lot of maintenance.
Expand usable space
Homeowners can think about adding to the usable space in a home. This translates into finishing basements or attics or even converting garages to rooms. Or it may involve adding a three-season room. Homeowners can consider a number of improvements to increase the resale value of their properties.
If you have a fireplace that burns wood, you know that it loses all of its heat up the chimney. Rick Titus has a wood burning insert that will burn with the efficiency of a wood stove and fit inside your fireplace so it keeps your fireplace look. The insert could heat up to 2,000 SQ. Ft and burn a third of the wood!
If you have a gas log in your fireplace it also sends all of its heat up the chimney. Rick has Vent Free gas logs that can burn as efficient as a gas cook stove and burn with the damper closed, thus keeping all the heat
in the house. The vent free gas logs could heat 1,000 SQ. Ft of your home
If you have one of the newer gas fireplaces that vents out the side of the home or up a chimney, Rick can convert it over to a Vent Free log and keep all the heat in the home.
So no matter what kind of fireplace you may have, Rick has an efficient solution for it. Call Rick or email him at yahtitus@gmail.com or go to his web site below. Rick even has new fireplaces and wood stoves that can heat your home even during a power outage.
- photo by Les Houser, Wright County Monitor
