Tired of cold winters? Floods, tornados and a wanting to buy real estate in a down market? If you have been thinking about cashing in on the Arizona housing market... now is the time. Look, prices have not been this low in DECADES- neither have interest rates, by the way. Consider this... you can purchase a brand new- 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Gilbert, AZ for close to $150,000. These homes are renting out like hotcakes right now for a low of $1150 per month. That is a return on investment of at least 8%. If your stock market account could guarantee you 8% for the next 5 years, would you think that's a good deal? Of course you would!! Did you know that you can also purchase Arizona Real Estate with old 401K money you may have sitting around? I can help you open up a self directed IRA - a... 06/05/2011

Part of my motive for doing this is that I read somewhere that "why would anyone want to retire in the Midwest".  Coming from California, I know many, once hitting retirement could not afford to stay in that state.  I have run across more and more that are thinking of going back to the state of their parents or grandparents.  Where the cost of living is lower, which in turns stretches their dollar.  Some retiree's say that this allows them to do some traveling during the winter months.  My other reason for putting this information out there for people to read is general information.  I know before moving I do a lot of research into my future town.  I look up: cost of living, retail stores, grocery stores, hospitals, things to do, restaurants, and other information.  There are websites o... 02/27/2008

Moville, Iowa is located about 12 miles east of Sioux City on highway 20.  The quiet town is situated in the farmlands of Iowa.  The population, according to the 2000 Census was 1,583. The population in July 2006 was estimated at 1,481. There are two banks located in Moville: First National Bank, and First Trust Savings Bank.  There is one Barber shop and two Salons.  There are five churches.  Also located in town is a County Library - Woodbury County.  During the summer the Haskell Public Pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Moville is home to the County Fair and the High School Rodeo. Here is a list of some of the businesses: Peggy's Biscotti Carol's Corner Clothing Store Sunnybrook Greenhouse Moville True Value Hardware Misty's Restaurant Subway A & W Moville Medical Clinic... 01/25/2008

Bronson is about 10 miles east of Sioux City, Iowa.  Driving to Bronson, head east on Hwy 20 then south on K49.  It is quietly nestled on the edge of some hills.  The town of Bronson is a great place to rainse a family.  Bronson is home to the elementary school for the Lawton-Bronson School District.  Construction of a $9.2 million elementary school in Bronson has been approved. Bronson has a population of 269 (2000 Census) with 103 housing units; and a population density of 825.02 people per sq. mile.  It is estimated that Bronson now has a population of 288. Estimated median household income in 2005: $56,200 (it was $52,727 in 2000).  Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $92,300 (it was $80,500 in 2000).  The average price of a home that "sold" in Bronson this past year (2007):... 01/16/2008

 Lawton, Iowa is located 7 miles east of Sioux City on Hwy 20.  It is a nice quiet bedroom community located in Woodbury County.  There is very little crime of any kind.  Lawton is a good place to raise kids and has great schools.  Lawton host a street dance every summer and there is a "fireman's" breakfast held in September.  During Homecoming the kids from the school have a parade which winds through the town.  In 2007 the Lawton-Bronson football team made it to State finals for the first time in school history. According to the 2000 Census the population was 697.  Since then a number of new homes have been built within the city limits.The median income for a household in the city in 2000 was $52,917, and the median income for a family was $58,750.  In 2005 it was reported that the me... 01/09/2008

When I first moved here I complained there weren't enough good restaurants.  Sioux City is slowly bringing in good restaurants.  Though I still hope for non-chain restaurants to open here.  What we have: The Olive Garden Lucianos Red Robin Hu Hot Mongolian Grill. Red Lobster Bev's On the River. Minerva's Ruth's (Mexican food) Charlie's' Famous Dave's Sweet Fannie's Rebo's MacBehr's Carlos O'Kelly's Kahills (S Sioux City) Chili's Bar and Grill Buffalo Wild Wings Outback Steakhouse El Fredo's Pizza Ickey Nickel Bar and Grill Texas Roadhouse Golden Corral I know I am missing some but this is a nice array of places to eat.  I keep hoping for a PF Changs.  It would also be nice to get a few more Mexican restaurants and Chinese (no buffets).  I have noticed that Chinese restaurants here are m... 11/26/2007

Get To Know Sioux City, Iowa. Some of the Annual Events in Sioux City: Rock In Summer The event is usually held on Saturday in early June.  Each year Downtown Sioux City hosts the annual June Jam music festival.  . You'll hear Folk Music, Blues, Rock, Punk, and Country.  A little of everything for people to enjoy.  For more information:  http://www.downtownsiouxcity.com/. AWESOME BIKER NIGHTS This event is held in the middle of June.  This premier event in Sioux City draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the City.  Historic 4th Street is closed down letting bikers park their bikes along the street.  There is a Poker Run, Parade of Motorcycles, Swap Meet, Live Music and more. For more information:  http://www.awesomebikernights.com/ Read my article "A Guide For Women Buying Their ... 11/19/2007

Urban Revitalization and Tax Exemption in Sioux City Iowa.On October 1, 2007 the City Council of Sioux City approved a City-Wide Residential Urban Revitalization.  Anyone who improves their existing home or builds a new home can benefit from this.  Single-family, two-family or multi-family residence could qualify for a tax break.  The key is it must be an improvement that adds value to the residence.    Call the City Assessor's office at 712-279-6535 with questions regarding what adds taxable value to real estate.Go to: http://www.sioux-city.org/ and go to the Department: Planning & Neighborhood Services Division.  This will provide information and application. 10/21/2007

In Sioux City to get yourself in the mood for Halloween you need to head downtown.  There is "Nightmare on 4th Street"  and "Fear Factory".  Both are located at the same place on historic 4th Street.  Tickets are available at the door.  Admission is $8.00 per person.   Save $3.00 when you buy a combo pack which gets you into both.  I went last year and I screamed the whole time.  I went through "Nightmare on 4th" and this year I will go through "Fear Factory".  Oh!!!  don't go by yourself.www.scarecentral.com  Happy Halloween. 10/11/2007

The Real Estate market in the Sioux City area is one of opportunity for both the experienced investor or for the individual wanting to purchase that FIRST income property.  Some estimates show that in Woodbury county alone an average of 1 property a day is repossessed.  Even if this information is only half true, it indicate a lot of distressed properties coming on the market for sale on a continual bases.  What does this mean for you as an investor?  Opportunity to purchase properties that can turn into $$.  This is were experience comes in or finding an experienced Realtor that can help you look at ALL the options before making your move.  09/18/2007