New Year Update!

Happy New Year, Ames Community!

I started this blog 7 months ago. It has changed and evolved several times. It will continue to change. With the new year, I want to focus more and more on what makes Ames a great place to live. Events, neighborhoods, attractions, schools, and still of course, homes. I plan to feature a different neighborhood every other week, keep you updated on fun activities and give tips for all things "home." I am excited about this new, more structured direction.

What are changes that you're making this year? Professionally? Personally?

Ames Holiday Activities: December 13th-16th

Take a look at what the Ames community is offering this weekend to add to your holiday spirit!

Special Holiday Events:

Santa Express Train | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
On board, you will sing Christmas carols, hear the story of "Santa's Scenic Valley Ride," be served hot chocolate & a cookie and meet & receive a silver bell from Santa.
Thursday, December 13th - 6pm
Friday, December 14th - 6pm

Gifts & Decor:

Stocking Stuffer Night | Reiman Gardens Gift Shop
For special pieces to put in your family's stockings, come to Stocking Stuffer Night at Reiman Gardens Gift shop. There will be refreshments served. There is not cost for entry to the gift shop.
Thursday, December 13th - 5pm to 8pm

Floral Design Series: "Garland and Swags" | Reiman Gardens
Learn how to design and make your own Christmas garland and swags. Take home your handmade decor and save the knowledge on how to design them for years to come.
Thursday, December 13th - 2pm or 6:30pm | $30 for CoHorts Members/$38 General Public

Open House | Ciccotti Art Glass Studio
Ciccotti Art Glass will be showcasing new work while having the gift shop open for purchases. There will also be blown glass demonstrations throughout the day.
Saturday, December 15th - 10am to 4pm

Ames Holiday Actvities: November 30-December 2

The city of Ames has several holiday activities planned this month. This weekend is full of family friendly things to do to celebrate the Christmas season. I have compiled a list of the top holiday events to participate in this coming weekend.

Festival of Trees Workshop | The Octagon
The Octagon Center for the Arts is sponsoring an ornament and holiday workshop as part of the Festival of Trees. While you're there making ornaments, make sure you check out their array of beautifully adorned Christmas trees.
Saturday, December 1st - 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Free/Free Will Donations

ISU Forestry Christmas Tree Sale | Reiman Gardens Parking Lot
Haven't picked out a Christmas tree yet? Why not support Iowa State students in Forestry and get the perfect tree?  Conveniently located in the Reiman Gardens parking lot, you can do many of the  events offered at Reimans and take your tree home afterwards.
Friday, November 30th - 3pm to 8pm
Saturday, December 1st - 9am to 5pm
Sunday, December 2nd - 12pm to 5pm

Christmas Cookie Demonstration | Cooks Emporium
The annual Christmas cookie demonstration at Cooks Emporium is this Saturday. Get great recipes, ideas and tips for your holiday baking this season.
Saturday, December 1st - 10am | $5

Central Iowa Symphony Sounds of the Season Concert | Ames City Auditorium
The orchestra will be playing holiday classics all night. This would be a great date night idea to celebrate the Christmas season.
Saturday, December 1st - Doors Open 6:45pm, Performance Starts 7:30pm | $20

Snowball Drop | Tom Evans Park on Main Street
Holiday prizes, coupons, and discounts will be falling from the sky at Tom Evans Park this Saturday during the annual Snowball Drop. Stop here before going holiday shopping.
Saturday, December 1st - 1pm | Free

Altrusa Home Tour | Homes in Ames
Curious about the interior of the most beautiful homes in Ames? Here's a great opportunity to see some of those homes decorated for Christmas in the Altrusa Home Tour. There will be five homes in Ames included the tour: 3002 Sapphire Circle, 5316 Thackeray Drrive, 51552 180th Street, 1919 Polk Drive, 4317 Timber Ridge Drive.
Saturday, December 1st - 1pm to 5pm | $12 Advance/$15 At the Door
Sunday, December 2nd - 1pm to 5pm | $12 Advance/$15 At the Door

Santa Express Train | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
On board, you will sing Christmas carols, hear the story of "Santa's Scenic Valley Ride," be served hot chocolate and a cookie, meet, and receive a silver bell from, Santa.
Saturday, December 1st - 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm, & 6pm | $16

Holiday Music | Reiman Gardens
Live holiday music will be preformed at Reiman Gardens this weekend. Reiman Gardens has decked the halls and is ready for Christmas. Enjoy the scenory and the music offered at Reiman Gardens this weekend.
Saturday, December 1st - 12pm to 3pm | General Admission Rates
Sunday, December 2nd - 12pm to 3pm | General Admission Rates

Ames Children's Choirs Holiday Concert | Bethesda Lutheran Church
The talented children of Ames Children's Choirs will be performing holiday music at Bethesda Lutheran Church. There will be songs sung in several languages, including Portuguese, Hebrew, Latin & English.
Sunday, December 2nd - 3pm | $8 Adults/$5 Students & Seniors

Do you have events that you traditionally go to in Ames during the holidays? Will you be going to any of these activities listed?

The Past Week.

Sometimes the market gets a little crazy. The past few weeks things have been pretty low-key in the market. Not a lot of listings. Not a lot of pendings. Not just for me but for most of Central Iowa. Then came this week. 5 official new listings, 2 more on their way by tomorrow, and 2 new pendings on my plate this week. It's always surprising how/when things turn around. I am thankful for the new business that has come my way and I'm excited to share with you the new  listings that I get to represent.

 

2211 207th Pl. Boone, IA

Over 3300 finished SF in this sprawling ranch walk-out acreage just 10 min West of Ames. Features include: nearly 4.5 acres, fenced horse or livestock paddock, outbuilding/stable, multiple tree and bush plantings, walk-out basement, 2+ car garage, large deck, wonderful Iowa views, natural lighting, open floorplan, gas fireplace, oak hardwood floors, formal dining & breakfast nook, vaulted and trey ceilings, main floor mud/laundry room, MBR suite w/ his & hers closets, dual sinks, shower, & jetted tub, 2 additional bedrooms in LL, huge LL family room w/ gas fireplace & new carpet, quick possession available...motivated seller!

 

1803 Clark Ave. Ames, IA

Over 3000 total finished SF in this Central Ames ranch home. Features include: corner lot, newer roof, fenced-in backyard, 3-seasons porch, walk-up basement, beautiful landscaping, hardwood floors, large kit w/ center island, updated baths, family room with wood fireplace, mud room, main floor and LL laundry, main floor MBR suite, some new windows, newer mechanicals, bar in LL, and more. AV does not reflect improvements. Quick possession available.

 

327 Hartford Dr. Ames, IA

Outstanding floorplan with open features in this 2 story West Ames property. Features include: 3+ car heated and cooled garage, no maintenance siding, vaulted ceilings, new carpet 2012, large dining and kitchen with center island, all appliances included, pantry, main floor laundry, master bedroom suite on main, 2 spacious bedrooms with full bath on 2nd level & open finishable basement.

 

1535 Little Bluestem Ct. #44

Great location for this comfortable townhome just south of ISU campus. Features include: located on a cul-de-sac, private treed backyard, 1 car attached garage, new furnace and AC, open main floor, all kitchen appliances included, laundry on main floor, new washer, 3 bedrooms and large full bathroom on 2nd level, and more. Currently owned as a rental property at $1260/month, but can be owner occupied as well. Great investment opportunity!

New Elementary School Plans Unveiled

The Ames School District has revealed the preliminary designs for the new elementary school building on Miller Avenue. Miller Avenue Elementary will replace Edwards Elementary when it is completed. The initial renderings of the design plan for the new school have been released and the school looks well thought out and intuitive. What do you think of these plans?

Go here for more information.

Featured Listings: August 21st

The summer has been incredibly busy for the Van Cleave team. There are a lot of great new listings that I'm excited to share with you.

2717 White Oak Dr. Ames, IA

What a property! Over 5400 finished SF in this rare find. Features include: complete remodel in 2001, hardwood floors, maple cabinets, updated appliances, large living room w/ wood/gas fireplace and entertainment center, 6+ bedrooms, 6 baths, huge laundry room w/ 2 sets of W/D, custom built-ins, attractive lighting, massive composite deck and balcony, water feature, car port overhang perfect for covered parties, 3+ car fully finished heated/cooled garage, hot tub room w/ 3/4 bath, custom wood shop, massive studio apartment w/ kitchenette & 3/4 bath, fenced-in backyard, basketball court, play scape, firepit w/ trampoline above, dog kennel, manicured landscaping w/ smart irrigation, and much, much more! AV does not reflect the value.

2522 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA

Wow!! This updated home has over 3500 finished square fee and features: nearly a half acre park-like setting for a backyard, mature oak trees, perennials, patio, sandbox, deck, garden, basketball hoop, fenced-in, completely updated inside and out in 2008, MBR suite, maple hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, loads of natural light, large kitchen with center island, pantry, storage and more storage, 3+ car garage, rain barrels, awesome location close to schools, golf course, shopping, this is an unique find for Ames' buyers!

1027 N 2nd St

Nearly 1700 finished SF in this sharp bungalow near downtown Ames. Features include: corner lot, mature trees, metal siding, new furnace and AC, 1+ car detached garage, fenced-in yard, enclosed front porch, oak hardwood floors, custom paint colors, spacious closets, updated full bath with tile tub surround, huge living room, finished upper level as large bedroom, storage in lower level, and much more. Motivated seller!

For more great listings, click here.

Summer Activities in Ames

Ames has some really great family friendly things to do during the summer. I've compiled a list of my favorites. What are your favorite summer activities?

1. Ames Main Street Farmers Market
Whether you're looking for organic veggies, live music, or just a reason to stroll around downtown Ames, every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, the Ames Main Street Farmers Market is a great place to spend time with your family and community.
 


2. Furman Aquatic Center
This pool has it all: a lazy river, intertube slides, high boards, and an interactive small children section.



3. Downtown Thursday Night Music
Every Thursday Night there is live music at the Bandshell and Tom Evans Park at the end of Burnett Ave.




4. Live at the Vineyard
Each Sunday afternoon from 3pm-6pm, Prairie Moon Winery hosts a musical performance. The cost is $3 per person but includes sangria for all adults of age and you're invited to bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy as you listen to the music and walk around the vineyard.




5. Octagon Art Festival
Sunday, September 23rd, 10am to 5pm, the Octagon Center for the Arts and the Ames Multicultural District host the Annual Octagon Art Festival in Downtown Ames. It's completely free and has great street vendors and artist featured every year.

Market Update: Buyers Are Buying

Buyers are making their move on the Ames real estate market now that summer is here. This is definitely a unique time in the market as it is both a buyers market and a sellers market in Ames. This last week, I had 8 sales in 48 hours. Even Stephanie and I bought a new house a few weeks ago. The only problem I'm finding with so many sales all at once, is that inventory is getting low. Ames needs more sellers and it's a great time to sell your home. Buyers are out and about looking and buying, taking advantage of the historically low interest rates and great prices.  We need more listings to support the buyer demand we are seeing.


If you know anyone thinking about selling their home, I'd love to be referred to them by you. For anyone who wants to upsize, downsize, move to another state, relocate….it's a great time to find a motivated buyer. 

Featured Listings: May 1st

Happy May! Something I'd like to start doing at the beginning of every month is to feature 5 homes that I currently have listed. Enjoy!

204 Northpark Blvd. Huxley, IA

416 Thackeray Ave. Ames, IA

2909 Sheffield Ave. Ames, IA 

1516 Burnett Ave. Ames, IA

204 Cooper Ct. Ames, IA 

A Great Weekend for Curb Appeal

source

It's common knowledge that a well maintained yard increases the value of your home and your neighborhood. This Sunday is Earth Day, but that's not the only reason to work on your yard this weekend in Ames. On Saturday, April 28th, the American Professional Service Group is having a Yard Waste Free Day. All of your clippings, branches, shrubs and brush can be taken to 407 Freel Drive from 8:00am to 4:00pm and you won't have to pay to get rid of your yard waste.

 This weekend is expected to be in the mid-sixties. Let's beautify Ames without having to pay for the branches we trim!

10 Family Friendly Things to do at the VEISHEA Festival

The Iowa State VEISHEA Festival isn't just for students, it also includes several activities for families. The purpose of VEISHEA Festival is to create community between Iowa State University and Ames residents.

On Saturday, April 21, the following family events will be happening on campus:

1. Horse Rides - VEISHEA Village

2. Petting Zoo - VEISHEA Village

3. VEISHEA Parade - Perimeters of campus
4. International Food Fair - Memorial Union

5. Face Painting - VEISHEA Village

6. Smart Home Open House - VEISHEA Village

7. Taste of VEISHEA - Union Drive

8. Chainsaw Wood Sculpture Artist - Central Campus

9. Sugar Cookie Decorating - VEISHEA Village

10. Martial Arts Demonstrations - VEISHEA Village

For more information, check out the VEISHEA Village and the VEISHEA Festival websites.
These are just a few of the events happening this Saturday at VEISHEA.