Last Decade Iowa / US comparison

The Gazette reported in the Wednesday 12-30-2009 addition that basically, prices are higher and incomes are lower than they were 10 years ago.  Median income is down $2,000, public debt is double and gas is 30% higher.  At least the Iowa City housing market is stable.  This is good news if you're a real estate broker, or a home owner!  I believe it also shows the stable influence of the U of I on hte market, too.

Let's hope for, no, let's work for a better decade.  Our kids deserve it!

Iowa City area 2009 home sales

It's close enough to the end of the year to have a peek at 2009 home sales for the area. There were 2,331 homes sold for an average $182,708 that sold in an average of 102 days. In 2007 there were 2600 sales and 2300 in 2008. I'd day we're pretty stable!

Tax Credits for home buyers

Two tax credtis for home buyers: $8,000 for first time and $6,500 for existig home owners! This is serious stimulus! Details here: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

Commercial Leasing Floor Relief

There is an Iowa program to help flooded commercial properties. The Iowa The Disaster Recovery Business Rental Assistance Program will reimburse 6 months of rent up to $50,000 for properties that have been flooded. Check: http://www.iowacityarea.com/News/Detail/Commercial_Rental_Assistance_Program_applications_available_now.aspx