2101 32nd ST Des Moines, IA 50310

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/ARRKAC

Both units are currently rented with leases. One lease expires March 2016 and the other September 2016. Both units have rental certificates which will expire 7/17/2017. This is an all brick building and has off street parking for the tenants. The owner put in a new water line to the street and had the roof replaced n 2010. Both units have hardwood floors and a full basement. There are separate meters for the gas/electric which the tenants pay. There is one water bill that the tenants split.

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,260

Price: $107,900

For more information about this property, please contact Marlene Thatcher at (515) 770-9331 or marlenethatcher@gmail.com. You can also text 3305243 to 67299.

See more listings at: marlenethatcher.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 510696

4 approachable modern home design ideas

(BPT) - Once limited to simplistic, clean lines and cool color schemes, modern design has evolved to include sleek, minimalistic looks with gentle, warm, organic elements. The new "approachable modern" design schemes emphasize the grace of nature, respect the strength of simplicity and can be effortlessly incorporated into any home by choosing the right accents.



Incorporating metal



Metal accents often serve as the focal point of modern design. When incorporating metal into your space, start with the basics: hardware, faucets and fixtures. If you gravitate toward warm finishes like bronze tones, choose accents with clean, minimalistic silhouettes. Conversely, if you opt for modern finishes with cool blue undertones like chrome and stainless, look for hardware with organic shapes like the Delta Tesla bath faucet that boasts a gentle silhouette inspired by curves found in nature. The faucet also provides modern convenience, with optional Touch2O.xt Technology that activates the flow of water with a simple touch or via hands-free proximity sensing.



Complementary accessories



To maintain a modern feel, simplicity is the key with accessories. Look for a few small items to work within modern and organic schemes. For instance, geometric shaped mirrors work well across from windows to enhance natural light and a touch of greenery can come to life in a minimal, white pot.



Balancing color



Choose a neutral, like grey, white or beige, as the primary color in your home to enhance a minimalistic, contemporary feel. To take a next step and elevate a home's color palette, incorporate organic materials such as wood or slate in dark, rich tones to create warmth and texture.



Let there be light



Often overlooked, the right lighting is critical when creating a space that channels modern design and homeowners have a number of options to consider, such as recessed, wall mount, chandelier and pendant lighting. Remember quality of light and placement are key. If you wish to highlight certain room features, spot lighting can be incorporated, whereas skylights work well for added natural light.

Connect to color through your passions

(BPT) - Whether you love to sit on the beach or collect antiques, drawing from your personal passions can help you find the perfect colors to enhance your space.



"If a hobby or activity lifts your mood, surround yourself with things that remind you of it," says David Bromstad, HGTV star and celebrity designer. "I always look to a homeowner's passions when helping them decorate. And if you start with an established palette of coordinated colors, it's easy to follow your instincts."



Bromstad recommends the HGTV(R) HOME by Sherwin-Williams color collection, offering eight paint palettes that evoke many favorite pastimes, with colors that create room-to-room harmony throughout the home. He offers these tips for using color to express your passions.



Head-for-the-beach colors. If you are inspired by the sea and sand, use maritime blues and dune grass greens to create a fresh, breezy feeling that beckons barefoot comfort. Create an indoor seaside retreat using rattan furniture, Sea Salt (SW 6204) pale aqua walls and a table painted Rapture Blue (SW 6773), both from the Coastal Cool collection. Complete the look with accessories such as seashells and clear vases that evoke sea glass washed ashore.



Pick colors fresh from the garden. Let the colors of your favorite flowers, fruits and vegetables guide your color choices throughout the home. Evoke beautiful pink flower petals with Exuberant Pink (SW 6840) on a bathroom accent wall; paint a desk in a fresh, Frolic (SW 6703) green; or bring out citrus colors in the kitchen with orange Tango (SW 6649). Reference the Color Pizzazz collection for more bold inspiration.



Cook up some color excitement. Make your kitchen the ideal gathering place with deliciously warm and inviting colors. Spice it up with rich, saturated tones of Peppery (SW 6615) orange and Grandeur Plum (SW 6565), found in the Global Spice collection. For room-to-room harmony, use Garden Sage (SW 7736) or Edamame (SW 7729) in an adjoining dining room.



Design around your collectibles. If you are an antiques aficionado, choose colors that celebrate the retro hipness of repurposed objects. Use colors like Bold Brick (SW 6327), or Urbane Bronze from the Urban Organic collection, to add substance to kitchen cabinets. Give a mudroom an eclectic twist with Armagnac walls and a Parakeet (SW 6711) green bench.- -



For additional inspiration and information on HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, visit sherwin-williams.com/hgtv.

Bring new life to your kitchen on any budget

Kitchens are a reflection of personal style. Just as you add new pieces to your wardrobe when the seasons change, kitchen updates keep spaces fresh and current. The following three tips, inspired by fall/winter interior design trends from design duo Blazys Gerard, offer splurge versus save ideas to bring a unique flair to your kitchen and entertaining space.

1. Go glam

Splurge: Streamline your layout to evoke a sleek and sophisticated vibe. Integrating built-in appliances, such as a Jenn-Air(®) 30" single wall oven in Floating White Glass, adds polish and maximizes under-counter space. For entertainers, an open-concept living space with an over-sized island creates a central hub at parties. The addition of an under-counter beverage center is always a hit with guests and wine lovers alike. For texture and elegant contrast, select a high-gloss stone countertop and dark-stained floors.

Save: Back splashes are a blank canvas and offer the opportunity to create a big impact. Whether you embellish the space with mosaic tile, glass, or even stylish marble, a show stopping backsplash creates a feature wall that is as beautiful as it is functional. Another option is to install a statement light fixture, whether architectural or ornate, to shine new light onto the space.

2: Turn up the heat

Splurge: Take inspiration from a modern gastropub and incorporate a fireplace into your kitchen. While this is a significant design commitment, a fireplace is a modern addition to the kitchen and unites living spaces, particularly in open concept homes. Richly stained cabinets exude further warmth and provide a restaurant-at-home feel. Keep the lines of the cabinets and countertops slick and you'll have a contemporary, eclectic space.

Save: If you live in a condo where the addition of a fireplace isn't an option, bring in warmth through accessories. Cookbooks, cozy throw pillows, and banquette seating will soften the space and create a relaxed atmosphere. A vintage settee in place of two chairs at the table is another way to add a touch of luxury and comfort.

3. Add rustic charm

Splurge: Create a chic space with rustic touches: butcher-block countertops, a reclaimed wood dining table, and wide wood plank floors. Clean cabinetry with built-in stainless steel appliances provide the ultimate base and maintain the focus on your overall design.

Save: Adore the look of a built-in fridge but not ready to splurge? Jenn-Air(®) offers cabinet depth refrigerators that appear built-in and are mounted flush with the cabinets; custom overlay panels can even be added to further blend with surrounding cabinetry. Bring in additional rustic elements through thoughtful accessories: a reclaimed wood plank is a beautiful table runner, especially when stained to compliment your kitchen, and a vintage milk jug doubles as a statement vase.

As a final tip (and the quickest and most simple of all), stop by your local farmer's market or flower shop-fresh blooms add visual interest and bring instant life to any space.

So whether you choose to do a major renovation or some quick revitalizing, keep these design trends in mind as you update your kitchen this fall to bring new energy, warmth, and style to your home.

Simple ways older drivers can save money on auto insurance

* Comparison shop. You don't need to stay with the same insurance company forever. Prices vary from company to company. Just be sure you discuss the identical coverage with each company representative. Also, don't go by price alone. Consider the company's reputation, customer service and available discounts. Look online at customer reviews to get a better picture.



* Combine policies with one carrier. You may save money if you insure all your vehicles on a single policy. Your premium may also go down if you have life or homeowners' insurance with that company, too.



* Consider asking about higher deductibles. In some cases, if you increase your deductible, you could lower your premiums. Of course, that means you'll have to pay more money out-of-pocket if you're in an accident.



* Take an AARP Driver Safety course. Available both online and in the classroom - in English and Spanish - this course teaches valuable defensive driving techniques and provides a refresher about the rules of the road. When you complete the course, you could qualify for a multi-year discount from your auto insurance company (check with your insurance agent for more details). Visit www.aarp.org/drive to find a course in your area.



* Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage. It may not make financial sense to pay premiums over many years to maintain collision and comprehensive coverage. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). But don't drop your liability coverage, which can help cover expenses for property or bodily damage you cause while driving your car.



* Take advantage of low-mileage discounts. Some carriers offer discounts to drivers who put less than a predetermined number of miles on their vehicles each year. If you're only using your car to drive to your kids' houses, the grocery store, the mall and the gym, this could be a money-saving opportunity.



* Ask about car-safety discounts. Some insurers give discounts for having certain safety devices in your car, such as air bags, automatic safety belts, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, or even an approved alarm system. In addition to lowering your premium, these features will help keep you safe on the road.



* If you're in the market for a new car, consider purchasing a low-profile vehicle. It's more expensive to insure a vehicle that's expensive to repair, popular with thieves or known for not having a good safety record. To find out vehicles' risk levels, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website.



Everyone's trying to save money these days. By following these tips, you'll be in the driver's seat when it comes to auto insurance premiums.

Ideas for small bathroom remodeling

Basic Design



While you plan to re-work the bathroom space, the first thing you need to consider is its design. While working on bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms, try not to change the existing layout and plumbing. You can either add or reduce the elements, but avoid shifting the major elements. If you have a bathtub then you can consider adding a shower enclosure. With the required shower fixtures and a classic shower curtain, you can enjoy the soothing shower as well as the relaxing bathtub. Apart from this, add a wall hung vanity to the basin. Corner, wall hung basin is best to be added instead of pedestal basins that occupy a lot of space. Utilize the corner space as much as you can. If you are adding a shower stall consider using glass as this will not give a blocking effect.



Add Storage



Once the basic design is worked over, you need to add some extra storage here. Remember that lack of storage is sure to make your small bathroom look cluttered and messy. As mentioned above, add wall hung bathroom vanity that will not occupy the floor space. Make arrangements to place your towels, bathrobes, etc. Have a vertical mirror over the basin and add small shelves on either sides of the mirror. These shelves will help you place the toiletries. One of the best small bathroom remodeling ideas is to add more shelves and closed cabinets on a side wall where you can keep grooming essentials and other bathroom accessories.



Color it Fresh



Giving a fresh coat to your bathroom needs no mention while you remodel it. Browse through the remodeling ideas for small bathrooms and you will find a lot of lively colors covering the bathroom walls. While it is best to paint small spaces in lighter shades like white, peach, lemon yellow, you can consider adding spicy element with a hint of flashy shade. Go for wall texturing or add a dark shade between the light colors. If bathroom walls are covered with tiles, make sure you clean them and the grout thoroughly and make them anew.



Spice it Up



Once you have finished implementing the basic bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms, it is time to spruce up the area. Add decorative accent pieces like potted plants near the entrance and empty shelves. You can use decorative show pieces, wall hangings and frames to play up the bathing area. Use colorful, scented candles and decorative candle holders to further brighten up the small bathroom remodeling designs.



With the aforementioned bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms, get ready to have a great looking bathing space. Make sure you maintain uniformity in terms of colors to get the best effect while bathroom remodeling for small bathrooms. With latest bathroom fixtures that area available in classy finishes and designs, you can give a grand touch to the area. Fresh and bright colors will help give a lively look to the bathroom designs for small spaces. So when are you remodeling your small bathroom?



by: Mamta Mule

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7148.shtml

The Sign of a RE/MAX Agent

It's what you don't see that makes the Sign of a RE/MAX agent. Every day, we do more to help buyers and sellers realize their dreams. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

2015 DMAAR Circle of Excellence Award Winners!

We would like to congratulate our Realtors® who were honored last night with the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors® "Circle of Excellence Award" for 2015!

Tips on making smart tire choices

The questions may seem never-ending, but being able to pick and choose is a good thing and really important in getting the right result. A good example is tires: Lots and lots of brands to choose from, but getting the right type of tire is vital because it impacts your vehicle's ride, handling, comfort and even fuel efficiency.



Tires certainly look simple - black and round - but they are highly-engineered technical wonders designed to work in concert with a vehicle's braking and steering systems. However, knowing which type of tire to get can be kind of tricky. For instance, there are high-performance (HP) tires, as well as ultra high-performance (UHP). How different are they and how can you tell which one will work better for you?



"It's a good question and one I get all the time," says Andrew Briggs, director of marketing and product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, maker of a variety of truck and car tires. "Consumers are smart to ask because they want to know what's best for their driving and their vehicle."



Briggs says both UHP and HP tires provide excellent traction and control for sporty sedans like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, as well as sleek sports cars like Porsches. Performance tires can also be categorized into summer and all-season types. Summer tires provide great handling in dry and wet conditions, while all-season tires are designed to perform in a wide range of weather, including moderate winter conditions and cold temperatures.



"We make an AVID ENVigor that's classified as an HP tire and two new UHP tires, the ADVAN Sport V105 and the ADVAN Neova AD08 R," says Briggs. "The difference between the two types of tires is significant to meet the demands they fulfill."



UHP tires typically give drivers a firmer, sportier, and more responsive feel, aided by their tread designs and compounds, which are designed to provide increased levels of grip. In addition, higher speed ratings distinguish a UHP from an HP tire. "When consumers shop for tires, it's important that they match the tire speed rating and load index required by their car or truck," says Briggs. "Buying lower speed-rated tires could negatively affect the vehicle's overall performance and handling."



Once a consumer selects the tire that best meets their need, Briggs contends that keeping the tires properly maintained and being a smart driver can make a great choice even better. Here are some of his tips:



* Keep your tires properly inflated. You can lower your gasoline bill and get additional miles out of your tires by maintaining correct tire inflation pressure. To maintain proper inflation, check your tire pressure regularly and with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage. Be sure to check also when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven).



* Tire alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can reduce tread life and fuel economy.



* Taking off from a stoplight like a rocket and then slamming on the brakes to stop uses gas at a much faster rate. Accelerating less and slowing moderately can increase fuel efficiency by more than 30 percent. Also, many traffic lights are timed for efficient traffic flow, so you'll hit more green lights in a row by maintaining the speed limit.



* Slow down. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph. Driving 55 mph instead of 75 mph can reduce fuel costs by up to 25 percent. Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can save up to 13 percent



* Turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than a couple of minutes. Fuel efficiency savings of up to 19 percent are possible by not letting your engine idle too long while stationary.



For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com or www.rma.org.

201 NE Mandy LN Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/767M49

This is a great Ankeny location! The 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms this home offers is very spacious and comfortable. The kitchen is very large with cabinets and countertops with an updated finish and updated appliances. The colors are warm and inviting. The carpet is recently new. Also all newer windows in the lower level. The master bedroom is huge. The 2nd family room in the lower level has a wood burning fireplace to make those cold nights cozy and warm. The garage is oversized for all of the bikes and toys the growing family collects. Be sure to put this home on your list!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 976

Price: $174,900

For more information about this property, please contact Bonnie Christensen at 515-971-9973 or bonniechristensen@remax.net. You can also text 3286926 to 67299.

See more listings at: bonniechristensen.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 510245

132 2nd ST West Des Moines, IA 50265

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UE2LHA

This is a first time home buyers dream. You will enjoy this cute 2 story home located in the heart of Valley Junction. The home features a great front porch, large family room and 2 bedrooms and bath on the upper level. Great for a small family. The kitchen is done in oak and galley like. The back yard is very large and partially fenced. The storage shed stays and had ability to add a detached garage. Nice laminate flooring, great closet space, and all appliances are included. Move in ready.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 856

Price: $109,000

For more information about this property, please contact Sue Sutton at 515-250-3126 or suesutton@remax.net. You can also text 3280226 to 67299.

See more listings at: suesutton.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 510048

403 SE Delaware AVE # 307 Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/PGBS5J

Maplewood Village Condo. One bedroom unit within two steps of the elevator. Move in ready with all appliances staying, including washer and dryer. Enjoy your morning coffee on the private deck. The building has security, elevator, rec room with pool table and lounge area. The lodge features a pool, spa, exercise room, large gathering room and kitchen. The association dues include snow removal, lawn care, exterior maintenance, trash, care of lodge and grounds, water and sewer, insurance and hot water. Pet restrictions, no dogs.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 713

Price: $70,000

For more information about this property, please contact Lois Lundgren at or loislundgren@remax.net. You can also text 3280218 to 67299.

See more listings at: loislundgren.com

MLS ID: 509710

Uses of wall tiles in your bathroom

Obviously the bathroom is the most popular room in the home for wall tiles because not only do they look great but they are also impenetrable to water, meaning that they can be used in showers and on the wall between the top of your bath tub and the ceiling to provide a waterproof barrier.They can also be used as a splash-back behind wash basins as this area can often get wet and wall tiles are better for dealing with this than painted walls, even if bathroom specific paint has been used. As these three areas are usually covered with wall tiles in a lot of homes, people decorating will often tile all remaining walls in a bathroom to give continuity and also because wall tiles are so easy to clean, are hard wearing and long lasting.



Showers have become increasingly popular in modern homes over the past 20 to 30 years, with more and more people seeing them as a quick and convenient alternative to a bath. A lot of homes now have a shower that is combined with the bath tub as this is cheaper than having a separate shower cubicle installed. It is also a space saver in a room which is normally the smallest room in the house. If you have a shower in your bathroom, then it is essential that you completely waterproof the area that will be in contact with water. Failing to do this can have disastrous consequences.



Flooding into downstairs rooms is common in homes where bathrooms haven't been properly insulated and leaks can also affect wooden joists causing them to rot and making the structure of your home unsafe. Ceramic wall tiles combined with waterproof grout and waterproof sealant specifically made for baths and showers is the most cost effective way of making this area completely waterproof.



by: Xander Palmer

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6535.shtml

Inspirational Quote of the day by C Joybell

"The day I understood everything, was the day I stopped trying to figure everything out. The day I knew peace was the day I let everything go."

― C. JoyBell C.

1412 SE Michael DR Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/LRFAUZ

Two story with much to offer, including great location close to shopping and quick access to interstate. Check out the new hardwood floors thru out the main floor, The finished basement, and all appliances stay, fresh paint, new cordless blinds living and dining rooms, Call to see this one!!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 1,484

Price: $174,900

For more information about this property, please contact Virgil Hochstetler at 515-208-4825 or virgilh@remax.net. You can also text 3269861 to 67299.

See more listings at: virgilh.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 509335

116 Carter ST SW Mitchellville, IA 50169

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UFM2L2

Located a short drive from Metro area attractions, comfort and convenience are yours with this spacious ranch home situated on a large corner lot. Features include beautiful hardwood floors, oak kitchen cabinets, open dining area with cove ceiling, ceiling fans and a warmly inviting family room, two large bedrooms with his / her closets, two first floor bathrooms with high seat stools; one with 5 low threshold walk-in shower for enhanced safety and convenience. Central vacuum system, all window treatments and appliances are included. The 3 vehicle garage is set up with a heated shop area for your special projects. The lower level includes a third bedroom with egress window, half bath, open recreational area and storage room.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 1,566

Price: $226,900

For more information about this property, please contact Sherman Ploeger at 515 967 2903 or shermploeger@gmail.com. You can also text 3264645 to 67299.

See more listings at: shermploeger.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 509812

2505 E 38th CT Des Moines, IA 50317

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/TH4KNK

Come check out this beautifully remodeled home. It has 2 bedrooms on the main floor and a finished attic space (non-conforming bedroom). Fenced in yard with a deck on the front of the house and a large 2 car garage. Large unfinished basement with lots of storage space. Would be great for a first time home buyer or pet owner! Come take a look!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 1,064

Price: $117,900

For more information about this property, please contact Angie Robinson at 515-230-3683 or angie.robinson@remax.net. You can also text 3262287 to 67299.

See more listings at: angie.robinson.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 503999

How to design posters with the help of Adobe Photoshop

This goes for all amateur and professional designers, anyone who is making business marketing materials such as stickers, postcards and especially posters can now make use of the steps in this article to cut down on printing cost and especially on wasted materials.



You will also save plenty of time when it comes to correcting mistakes with the aid of these programs. To further improve your know how about these things, here are some of the fundamental steps that you can follow every time you are designing your print materials with the aid of the Adobe Photoshop.



The sketching in Photoshop

Most professional designers believe that the process of sketching is similar when it comes to traditional and digital art. The palette graphics of this program almost replicates the feeling of the drawing on paper materials. However, the drawing process in this program is not really as fast as the drawing process in paper materials. On the other side of the work sheet, you can make effects such as the halftones that cannot be drawn with the use of pencils and papers.



Preparing layers after you have finished with the sketching process

It is now the time for you to convert all the images in your print materials into sepia tones before you work on the color elements. The process of converting the images into sepia tones is a very easy task that you can do on your own. After that, you can utilize the sliders to colorize the lines into yellow or some other colors that you want. In sepia, the sketch lines usually yield halftones that are subtle, which makes it easier for you to view the image but retain its given form while in the coloring process.



Working with the lower layer

Always select a dominant dark type color that the secondary aspect can relate to without losing or decreasing the contrast in your print materials. It is a must for you to do this process so that you will not be lost in the details of all the given colors and images that are floating around your print materials.



Working with the top layer

Finally, the top layer is usually where you can work with the lines of the drawing in your poster printing by adjusting, refining and correcting them. This is also where you can work with the lighter colors to aid you smooth out uneven shapes. Once you are done coloring your poster design, the top layer is also, where you can get rid of the lines that will negatively affect your print materials.

7507 SW 14th ST Des Moines, IA 50315

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UTWNVN

Sellers are very motivated to sell, house is listed $20,000 below assessed value. Great investment opportunity as well or for someone who is looking to have a fixer upper project. Potential 5th bedroom upstairs, electric and drywall need to be finished. Foundation was completely replaced August 1995 and brand new water and sewer lines April 2014. All brand new appliances, washer, dryer and water heater within the last year staying with the property. Great man cave in partially finished basement, aquarium built into the wall, fireplace that is not attached are all staying with the property as well. Working pool in the backyard, chicken coop, carport, shed, privacy fence, big deck on the back with a barzebo and much more. This home has a lot to offer at this price, dont miss out on this opportunity!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,404

Price: $90,000

For more information about this property, please contact Angie Robinson at 515-230-3683 or angie.robinson@remax.net. You can also text 3251712 to 67299.

See more listings at: angie.robinson.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 509631