Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS

SWIAR Ep. 38

Keeping Pests Out! Feat. Pete Christina at Bug-Z Termite & Pest Control

Bug-Z is a long-time affiliate and friend of the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS and while you may know of them as your local termite inspection company during a real estate transaction, that is just the beginning! Bug-Z helps control a wide variety of pests and, in this epsiode, offers up some tricks of the trade to prevent and control pests like wood-destroying insects, bees, spiders, mice, etc, and how Bug-Z can help. Bug-Z can be reached by calling 402-991-4005 or by visiting http://b...

The In's & Out's of Title Insurance Feat. Lindsey Bogardus with Ambassador Title Services

Lindsey Bogardus is the branch manager and an escrow officer at Ambassador Title Services in Council Bluffs, Iowa! In this episode, Lindsey talks about the importance of title insurance, who needs it and why, exceptions to title policies, what they're seeing in terms of number of closings in the existing marketplace, & more! Lindsey can be contacted by email at lbogardus@atsomaha.com or by phone at 402-884-4513.

Using Your FREE Forewarn App with Robert Gazda, Forewarn

Rob Gazda is an experienced real estate broker and was offered a position with Forewarn over 5 years ago. The SWIAR safety committee hosts this episode to raise awareness for REALTOR Safety Month and to discuss the history and success of Forewarn, why you should use it, and what it offers to keep you safe. Rob shares all of this plus a few personal stories.

New Iowa Legislation with Greta Haas, IAR Governtment Affairs Director

Greta Haas is our guest on this week's epsiode and is the Government Affairs Director for the Iowa REALTOR Association (IAR). Greta and Amy discuss legislation that the Iowa Association of REALTORS have helped lobby to pass this year, including new laws regarding HOA's, consumer protection, and licensee liability - specifically an agent's duty of care to a property, as well as what you can expect when it comes to legislation. Greta can be reached at greta@iowarealtors.com

Navigating Changes in the Insurance Industry with John Dresher

John Dresher is not only a real estate agent at Heartland Properties and a member of the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS, but also an American Family Insurance agent, and an expert in both fields. On this episode, John discusses recent changes in the insurance industry, tips for saving money or improving your insurance, risks to watch out for, how inflation is impacting the industry, and more. John is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, KS, MN, MO, and NE, and can be reached at 712-325-4910 or https:...

Educating Borrowers on Rates Feat. Dylan Dravland, NEO Home Loans

Dylan Dravland, NMLS #2062433, is a Mortgage Advisor with NEO Home Loans and is part of the Montelongo Team located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In this episode, Dylan talks to SWIAR members about coaching buyers on rates, when it's the right time to buy, and what he predicts the market will do over the next 12-18 months. Dylan can be reached at https://dylandravland.neohomeloans.com/

Self Defense with Dave Nelson of C.O.B.R.A! Save the Date - Sept. 19th

Thanks to the SWIAR Safety Committee, Dave Nelson with C.O.B.R.A, a self defense training academy out of Des Moines, IA, is coming to Council Bluffs on Sept. 19th! Listen to what is in store for the course on this episode and be sure to register for the course on www.IowaRealtors.com. The course will be held at Rivers Edge Pavillion from 11am-1pm on Sept. 19th. Learn more about C.O.B.R.A. at https://cobradesmoinesia.com/

Selling Your Home Free & Clear Featuring Nate Jaeger with Green Title

Nate Jaeger, manager at Green Title & Escrow, tells us how title insurance works & why it is so important during a real estate transaction. Nate can be contacted by visited www.greentitleomaha.com!

Important Updates From the MLS Committee

Amy Svoboda, Jesse Skudler, and Drew Rowe, discuss common questions and concerns agents have in regards to MLS rules and regulations, including a friendly reminder regarding a recent change when it comes to your listing photos!

Building Relationships Feat. Rachel Pierce, Benchmark Mortgage Omaha

Rachel Pierce, Mortgage Loan Specialist & Loan Officer with Benchmark Mortgage Omaha (NMLS #623836) has built her career based upon building genuine, authentic, and meaningful relationships with her clients and business partners. Rachel offers up a lot of golden nuggets to that will help you stay top of mind and deepen relationships with your clients and lender partners as a REALTOR. Rachel can be reached at 402-933-1527!

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Feat. Rebecca Castle of SWINT

This episode features Rebecca Castle, who is part of SWINT (Southwest Iowa Nature Trails), which oversees the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. The Trace runs 63 miles and over 72 bridges through scenic Southwest Iowa and is the beneficiary of our 36th annual SWIAR golf bash! Learn more about the trail at https://www.wabashtrace.org/ and sponsor a hole or register your team for the golf bash taking place on Sept. 14th at www.SWIARgolfbash.com!

2023 REALTOR Legislative Meeting in Washington, DC RECAP!

This month, Amy Haggstrom, 2023 SWIAR President, & Amy Svoboda, SWIAR Executive Director attended the annual REALTOR Legislative Meetings in Washington, DC. On this episode the SWIAR Podcast, Amy & Amy discuss what they learned, what the experts had to say, a recap of the current law suits that affect all REALTORS, how Aritificial Intelligence is affecting our industry, & more.

Lending Mythbusters with Erin Trescott at Guild Mortgage

Erin Trescott is a Senior Loan Officer with Guild Mortgage and can be reached at 402.315.4549. Erin busts current myths in the mortgage world that she is hearing from REALTORS & clients, including debates regarding down payments, rates, bridge loans, & more!

Stories About Short Sales With Kim Stephens, REALTOR

Kim Stephens, Managing Broker and NE & IA REALTOR at kwELITE in Omaha, NE, is a self-made short sale expert! Kim tells us her personal story, as well as what a short sale is, how the short sale process works, and how she has helped her clients avoid foreclosure! Kim can be reached at 402-203-9106!

SWIAR Podcast Ep 23 Owen Dashner

YOUR Professional Network Feat. SWIAR's YPN Committee!

Klaire Cross with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Ambassador Real Estate, and Rachelle Edwards with Heartland Properties, invite you to join them at the Your Professional Network event May 3, 2023 at The Porch. Klaire and Rachelle expain what YPN is, what the committee does, and how to get involved!

Selling Foreclosures Feat. Jay Kathol, REALTOR

Jay Kathol of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Ambassador Real Estate, has a lot of experience in foreclosures - selling, managing & even investing himself. Listen in this week as Jay discusses how he got into the business, what goes into selling foreclosures, how to find them, and what he predicts the market will do in the near future. Jay has had some crazy experiences selling foreclosures, including but not limited to a frozen cat... you won't want to miss this tell-all episode!

Fair Housing Month Feat. Shawn Lake & Alicia Frieze

This week, Shawn Lake and Alicia Frieze are in the studio to discuss fair housing, fair housing month, and an upcoming event featuring a FREE event for SWIAR members on April 26, 2023 at the Council Bluffs Public Library from 9:30-11. Angel Starks will be giving a presentation, "Everyone Wins", and discussing best practices for fair housing.

Starting a Podcast Feat. Todd Studer with The Studios on South 4th

This week we turn the tables and SWIAR interviews our weekly host, Todd Studer. Todd is the owner of the Studios on South 4th, Todd Studer Productions, and is the manager and voice of the new Council Bluffs radio station, Bluffs Country 106.5. Learn more about Todd, his studio, and how audio recording, video, podcasting, and more can help you with your real estate business! Visit https://www.studioson4th.com/ to contact Todd Studer.

Protecting Homeowners' Rights & Why RPAC Should Matter to You

Byron Menke, owner & broker of Menke Auction & Realty, has been involved with REALTOR Associations on local, state, & national levels, serving on several committees, and as the 2022 Iowa Association of REALTORS 2022 President, and is currently a member of the REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) President's Circle. On this episode, Byron talks about what RPAC is, how RPAC helps protect homeowners' rights and, most importantly, why you should care and how you can get involved....

Keeping You & Your Clients Safe Feat. Sgt. Jim Doty

Jim Doty is a Sergeant with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Department joins Chris Harter, who is a member of SWIAR's safety committee on this podcast episode full of tips and tricks to keep yourself safe, as well as your clients and their homes, and discuss what free resources SWIAR offers its members to help stay safe on the job.

What is the Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund? Feat. Courtney Harter

Courtney Harter, the Director of Community Development for City of Council Bluffs, talks about the Pottawattamie Housing Trust Fund, how it is funded, who it can help and support, and other important parts of it that SWIAR members Should know! Visit http://pottcohtf.org/ or contact Courtney at (712) 890-5354.

Talk With an Appraiser! Feat. Michelle Sandin & Erin Butler

Michelle Sandin is a Consumer Lending Officer with Farm Credit Services of America & Rural 1st and joins us with appraiser, Erin Butler, for this episode. They discuss important aspects of appraisals and how their process is unique from others. Contact Michelle at michelle.sandin@fcsamerica.com or (712) 621-1676!

DEI... It's Not What You Think!

SWIAR is one of 18 boards across the state that has taken the initiative to form a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee. DEI expands well beyond just the protected classes required by the Fair Housing Act. Nikki Woods (Menke Auction & Realty & DEI committee chair) and Alicia Frieze (Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Ambassador Real Estate & Workforce Development Director at the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce) go above and beyond in explaining what this new committee...

The 712 Initiative Feat. Lindsey Rodgers & Lynn Dittmer

Lindsey Rodgers & Lynn Dittmer of The 712 Initiative discuss what The 712 Initiative is all about, as well as what is new at the Cohen Building, upcoming projects & events, the housing renovation program, & how SWIAR members can get involved! Visit https://the712initiative.org/ for more information.

Effective Networking Feat. Blake Hunter, REALTOR

Blake Hunter, REALTOR with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Ambassador Real Estate, gives us a few pointers on how to better network to help build your business and enhance your relationships. Blake is active with the Southwest Iowa Assoc. of REALTORS, as well as other community organizations, and participates in a networking group for businesses. Blake can be reached at 402-681-8280 or blake.hunter@bhhsamb.com!

Termite Inspections: What Buyer & Agents Need to Know Feat. Pete Christina & Joshua Vogel

Pete & Josh from Bug-Z fill us in on how the termite inspection process works, what to look for, what is and isn't covered under warranty, and how they are proactive when it comes to working with real estate agents during a real estate transaction. Bug-Z can be contacted for all of your pest control needs at (402) 991-4005!

Lender Update with Benchmark Mortgage Feat. Rachel Pierce & Meggan Jensen

Benchmark Mortage welcomes Meggan Jensen to their team, who teams up with Rachel Pierce, another Mortgage Loan Specialist, to give you an update on what is happening at Benchmark Mortgage, their ability to do IFA loans, and what their predictions are for the year.

The Importance of Home Inspections Feat. Jon Vacha, Home Standards Inspection Services

Jon Vacha Home Standards Inspection Services and tells us about what goes into an inspection...even new construction. Jon can be reached at 402-392-2020.