Raylene Grose Real Estate

12/21/2025

Is the holiday season becoming one of the most strategic times to buy? This week on Real Estate Today, we take a close look at how the market is performing right now, whether home prices are still rising or starting to level out, and why buying during the holidays can come with unique advantages. Tune in now!

https://www.nar.realtor/real-estate-today?cid=sm_RET2187

10/29/2025

Open House! Sat, Nov 1, 11am - 2pm

Homes for sale: 105 Harrison ST SE, Cascade, IA 52033 (MLS #: 2508678) with 4 beds, 2.0 baths, 2715 sqft, and listed for $179000.

05/28/2025

Just listed! Check out this beautiful condo on a wooded lot in NE Cedar Rapids.

Homes for sale: 6967 Doubletree RD NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (MLS #: 2503581) with 3 beds, 2.0 baths, 1596 sqft, and listed for $210000.

01/22/2025

One year with Epique Realty! I love my brokerage and look forward to great things in the new year!

10/17/2024

Wondering why home ownership feels out of reach for many buyers today?

Here are some statistics I heard at this morning's economic update at the Iowa Association of Realtors conference. (Source is Dr. Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors)

- For over 20 years, from January 2000 to January 2021, the income required to buy a median priced home ranged from $30,000 to $60,000. By early 2023, it rose to over $100,000.
- Home prices in Iowa appreciated 41% since Covid
- Mortgage interest rates rose in 2023 and Dr. Yun predicts they will hover around 5.5-6.5% in the foreseeable future.

Even with statistics like these, it is worth moving from renting to owning in order to build wealth.
- From 2019 to 2024, the median net worth of homeowners grew from $295,500 to $415,000 while the median net worth of renters remained flat at approximately $10,000.

What do you think? Comment below.

09/20/2024

Congratulations to this lovely couple on their home purchase. I'm extra excited for them because it's my son and daughter in law and they're moving closer to me!

08/18/2024

As of August 17th, a Realtor CANNOT show you a home unless you have signed an agreement with them. This is Nationwide. 🧐

Starting August 17th a Realtor will not be able to tour a home without you first signing a Buyer Agency Agreement. This will be non negotiable for any real estate agent with a Realtor designation (one who agrees in advance to abide by the Code of Ethics). That agreement is your contract between you and your Realtor saying you will be hiring them to purchase a home and agree to the roles, duties and responsibilities owed to you by your agent and your duties to your agent. 🤝

Interviewing and coming to an agreement with the agent of your choice is an important decision and not one that should be forced upon you. Interview, and choose wisely. These agreements have been around for a long time. Agreements are and always have been negotiated, just like compensation. Remember, interview your Realtor, get referrals from your friends, and make your decision. 🤔

Purchasing a home is a HUGE step! You’ll want someone that will look out for your best interest, someone that knows the local market well, someone that understands the contracts and addenda, someone that can explain your contractual deadlines and someone that will answer your call or text! 🧠

A couple key points on the new changes:

- Seller's Agents can no longer openly advertise the commission that their seller is willing to pay in the MLS.

- Sellers can and in some cases still will pay the buyer agent commission.

- Should the seller choose not to pay the buyer's agent, the buyer is obligated to either pay their agent directly or choose a different house to purchase. Both of those options are completely negotiable and on the table.

- The length of the agreement and the specific terms within it are completely negotiable between the buyer and their buyer's agent so don't stress over being locked into some long and complex contract. Just have a great conversation with your buyer's agent and know exactly what you're signing before you start the process.

You can always call me if you’d like more details. I am happy to be your Realtor and help you navigate through all the complexities. 🏆

08/09/2024

What would you grow if you had all this space to grow your own food?

Raylene Grose
Realtor® brokered by Epique Realty

08/07/2024

This metric tells us about the middle of the market in terms of price per square foot. It makes it easy to compare homes of different sizes.

Raylene Grose
Realtor® brokered by Epique Realty

08/05/2024

Let's hear all about your dream home!

Raylene Grose
Realtor® brokered by Epique Realty