The Real Estate Store

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Discover the Possibilities at 802 7th Ave N - Your Next Chapter
Looking for an opportunity to make a property your own? 802 7th Ave N offers the chance to bring your vision and create a home that fits your needs and style. Whether you're looking for a place to call home or an investment opportunity, this property is ready for its next owner. PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS Bring your ideas and make it your own! Convenient Fort Dodge location Great opportunity for the right buyer Please note: This is an AS-IS sale. NO RENT and NO RENT-TO-OWN options are available. Seller does not pay for closing cost which include bur are not limited to buyer attorney fees, title insurance premiums, transfer taxes, other title company mics.chargers, property taxes ect. Seller does not prorate taxes or pay any delinquent taxes or liens. title is transferred with a quit claim deed, however buyer is welcome to a full title closing and we will issue a special or limited warranty deed if the buyer obtains title insurance. Buyer assumes all closing costs ( buyer and seller side). Seller paying buyer agent. compensation
The Real Estate Store 701 W Townline Ste B Creston IA 50801 Ruth M. Bolinger Broker IA Licensed 641-782-4935

09/04/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/03/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

09/02/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

09/01/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

09/01/2026

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08/31/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

08/31/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.



Ruth Bolinger Broker IA Licensed
The Real Estate Store
Creston IA
641-782-4935

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/31/2026

At The Real Estate Store, we believe a home is more than just a place to live. It's where memories are made, like taking first-day-of-school photos on the same front steps or enjoying the smell of breakfast on a Sunday morning. We want you to find a community where you can borrow sugar from neighbors and a yard where your dog can play every day.

Ready to find your dream home in Creston, IA, or the surrounding area? Reach out to Ruth Bolinger, Broker, at 641-782-4935. Let's turn an address into a home together. 🤍