07-22-2020 Real Estate Weekly

JULY 22, 2020 • Volume 15 • Issue 30

RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 Volume 11 • Issue 36

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• AREA DEVELOPMENT • FARM • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE 317 5th Street, Ames State of Iowa 515-233-3299 • ® licensed in the ® are REALTORS All REALTOR ads within

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 Volume 11 • Issue 39

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 Volume 11 • Issue 37

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RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL 515-233-3299 • AREA DEVELOPMENT • 317

5th Street, Ames All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa

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Page RE2 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The tree fee Who pays the cost of tree removal?

By Laura Firszt More Content Now

Y

ou might be surprised at the cost to remove a tree. Why is it so pricey? Because tree removal is a complex, potentially dangerous operation, which requires specialized training and equipment.

The good news is that in certain cases, you may not be obliged to pay the cost to remove that tree. Find out why.

Cost to remove a tree

Before we start haggling about who pays what, let’s look at the cost to remove a tree these days.

Depending on size and condition, having a tree cut down will average somewhere between $400 and $2,000.

By contrast, the cost to haul away a fallen tree is substantially lower, averaging $75-$150.

Why the difference? In the case of a fallen tree, there is much less work — and less danger — involved. However, if you want to have the stump removed, that will run to an additional $150 or so.

Know when tree removal is necessary That lovely tree you enjoy so much can turn into a hazard if it: • Dies • Becomes diseased or pest-infested • Is damaged by a storm or collision • Grows roots that threaten underground utility lines and piping • Hangs over your roof or power lines Consult a tree removal specialist to find out whether the tree must go. In some cases, careful professional pruning can save your tree.

Who pays the cost to remove a tree?

When the problematic tree stands close to your property line, a question (or maybe an argument) comes up. Who is responsible for paying to have it removed — you or your neighbor?

Generally, the tree is considered as belonging to the homeowner on whose property the trunk is located. If the tree is judged hazardous and must be chopped down, that homeowner should pay for removal.

Is the dangerous tree on your neighbor’s side of the fence? Start by politely requesting (in writing, just in case you need a paper trail later) that they take care of it.

If there’s no response, contact your

municipality — or local utility company when the tree is encroaching on their lines or pipes. These official bodies may order your neighbor to pay the cost of tree removal; alternatively, they may remove it themselves.

When the tree is on the other foot (so to speak), meaning your side of the property line, you know what to do. Start searching for “arborist near me” and call a professional promptly.

Can you get free tree removal?

The thought of getting rid of your nolonger-wanted tree for free is tempting, but there are three definite downsides, namely: 1. Amateur tree removal tends to be dangerous, not to mention messy. There’s a reason why guys (or gals) with chainsaws feature in so many horror films. An inexperienced, uninsured arborist-wannabe can do a huge amount of harm. Besides, they likely don’t own the necessary specialized equipment — a crane, rigging sling, etc., etc.

2. Rotten trees make lousy firewood.

Even for someone who knows their way around a chainsaw, your tree is useless if it happens to be rotten.

What’s more, many cities are banning wood-burning fireplaces these days.

3. Logging companies don’t want to bother with single trees. Never mind all the online advice blithely telling you to

just contact a logging company. Commercial loggers won’t find it worthwhile to haul their equipment over to your place to harvest just one tree.

Will your insurance pay to remove your tree?

Read your homeowners insurance policy carefully before having that tree cut down. Usually, you will not be covered for costs associated with normal property maintenance, whether it’s routine care like cleaning your gutters or a one-off expense such as the cost to remove a tree that is diseased or damaged.

Even worse, should you neglect said maintenance, your insurer could well refuse to pay any future claims which result from your neglect. (Ouch!)

However, if a formerly healthy tree falls due to a storm or similar disaster, the insurance company may reimburse you for damage to your home — minus the deductible, of course.

DISCLAIMER: This article was written for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • Page RE3

Page RE4 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • Page RE5 TOWNHOME

PENDING

TOWNHOME TOWNHOME

TOWNHOME

TOWNHOME NEW PRICE

STORY CITY

PENDING

2437 LAKESIDE DRIVE

905 HENRYSON STREET

2515 EISENHOWER AVENUE

1510 LITTLE BLUESTEM COURT

Spacious 4 BR, 3 BA home w/ amazing kitchen!

A MUST SEE 2 BR, 2 BA, 1365 finished sq ft townhome.

4 BR, 2.5 BA in wonderful established neighborhood

Exceptional Ranch style townhome, treed backyard Must see!

$289,000 Mike Purcell 231-6083

$262,500

$257,900

$254,900

Alicia Panyard 957-1070

Karlai Thornburg 290-7264

709 CLARK AVENUE Ames Old Town. 5 BR, 2 BA, main floor BR, over 2300 finished sq ft

4228 EISENHOWER COURT Very nice 3 BR, 3 BA walkout in North Ames

$249,900

$252,000

Jeff Eagan 290-7963

Lilith Dorr 231-2981

Luke Jensen 290-3487

PENDING

SO

4106 BRICKMAN AVENUE

ROLAND

LD 3516 OAKLAND STREET

Great North Ames location, 3 BR, 3 BA, hardwood floors, open concept & sunroom

Original fabulous design in this 4 BR, 3 BA home built in 1957.

$249,000

Alicia Panyard 957-1070

$239,900

PENDING STORY CITY

OPEN SAT., 7/25 11:00-1:00 PM NEW PRICE NEVADA

TOWNHOME

14308 610TH AVENUE

1111 CHEYENNE DRIVE

621 LAFAYETTE AVENUE

1904 BEL AIR DRIVE

Beautiful 4 BR, 2 BA acreage.

3 BR, 2.5 BA new construction home

Stunning 2 story home. $235,000 Tyler Frederiksen 231-9430 Norsemen Realty Team

4 BR, 2 BA ranch, with large fenced in backyard

$239,500

$238,700

Bi Ayers 441-9144

Alicia Panyard 957-1070

$224,900 446-2888

Mike Purcell 231-6083

101 S.VINE STREET Newly renovated 5 BR home & move in ready.

Safe clean showings. $220,000 Tyler Frederiksen 231-9430 Norsemen Realty Team

PENDING

OGDEN

SO

STORY CITY

ROLAND

LD

TOWNHOME PENDING

ZEARING

NEW PRICE

2228 228TH PLACE

313 CEDAR STREET

3715 FARNHAM DRIVE

501 W ELM STREET

108 E MAIN STREET

3 BR, 3 BA move in ready home!

3 BR, 2 BA twin home w/ great yard.

Northridge Heights neighborhood, 2 bed, 2.5 bath home has several green spaces as well as a courtyard gazebo next door.

Charm filled 4 BR, 1.5 BA home.

4000 sf Investment Opportunity, 2 Business spaces & 2 Residential spaces

$199,900

Linda Keenan 230-5322

$224,900

$203,000

446-2888

Tyler Frederiksen 231-9430 Norsemen Realty Team

$198,900

$190,000 Sandy Perisho 291-2467

446-2888

RADCLIFFE

BOONE

STORY CITY

PENDING

914 WASHINGTON STREET

2435 ASPEN DRIVE #201

1421 PRAIRIE AVENUE

302 CATHERINE STREET

305 N. PEARL STREET

1 ½ story home w/ 4 BR, 3 BA & extra cool huge garage. It’s a must see!

Grey cabinets, granite countertops, new fixtures & paint, washer/dryer. $169,000 Linda Sornsen 451-1059

2 bedrooms, 2 baths, handicap assessable ranch.

4 BR, 2 BA, 2 story home.

3 BR, 1 ¾ BA

$147,000

$139,000

$128,000

Linda Sornsen 515-451-1059

Jason Jennings 450-4404

Sandy Perisho 291-2467

$185,000 Tyler Frederiksen 231-9430 Norsemen Realty Team

Extremely well cared for 1 BR, 1 BA condo – move in ready!

$127,000 Kelsey Bolte-Carper 203-1968 Ro Smith 309-635-8004

PENDING RADCLIFFE

STORY CITY

PENDING RADCLIFFE

OGDEN

BOONE

PENDING

4511 TWAIN CIRCLE 10

307 S.E. 4TH STREET

622 MEADOW PLACE

109 14TH STREET

605 CATHERINE STREET

522 STORY STREET #306

28231 E AVENUE

3 BR ranch on large lot

Nice 2 story, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, end unit.

3 BR, 1 BA w/ large fenced in backyard

Great duplex, DBL garage, sunroom, full basement

2 BR, 2 BA condo in downtown Story City.

Convenient living at its best!

Great building site. 2.93 arces. CALL SOON!

$70,000

Deb Stolee 689-2407 Norsemen Realty Team

$126,000

$119,900

$99,000

$92,500

Linda Keenan 230-5322

Karlai Thornburg 290-7264

Debby Johnson 291-5070

Deb Stolee 689-2407 Norsemen Realty Team

Go to our website

Megan Rasmussen 822-4899 Norsemen Realty Team

FriedrichRealty.com to view all Ames area listings!

$45,000

Page RE6 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020

HOME HELP TIP OF THE WEEK

D E C O R AT I N G T I P

CLEANING

MAKING A MOVE LESS STRESSFUL

SELECTING DOOR TRIM COLOR

THE EASY WAY TO CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE

Moving can be stressful, especially in the heat of summer. Here are some tips inspired by professional movers from BobVila.com:

When painting a door, consider the trim color.

Here are some things to keep in mind: “If your door will be painted white or another light neutral, do the surrounding trim in the same color,” according to BobVila.com.

“If you choose a darker shade, pair with a complementary off-white or neutral tone trim.

If painting the door in a darker color, paint trim first, allow it fully dry for at least 24 hours, protect it with painter’s tape, then paint the main portion of the door.”

After hundreds of mini-food explosions in your microwave, the inside is probably due for a cleaning. Though the prospect of scraping all the hardened grime off the walls of the microwave might seem daunting, there is a method to make the take easier. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon juice and microwave it on high for two minutes.

The resulting steam will loosen the baked and dehydrated grime. Then simply wipe away the crud.

• Before the big move, arrange and categorize as much as you can. Everything you do leading up to the move will make the day go smoother.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to hire help. As soon as you know when your new home will be ready, schedule the movers and a truck. Aim for at least two weeks in advance.

• Use moving as an opportunity to reduce the amount of stuff you have. Take inventory of everything and only move what you really want or need.

More Content Now

• Take pictures of the back of your TV and other electronics to reference when it’s time to hook them up in your new home.

• Use clear bins for important items such as tax information, insurance documents, wills, passports and other vital paperwork to locate them quickly in case you need to access them soon after the move.

• Load and label your boxes by individual rooms.

This will make moving day smoother as you can just bring the boxes directly to the right place. It also speeds up unpacking so you can settle in faster.

• Put heavier objects in small boxes and lighter objects in large boxes. Pack heavier objects at the bottom to avoid a top-heavy box that’s awkward to carry. Also avoid leaving space in a box to prevent breaking or damaging items inside. Stuff soft materials like T-shirts, towels, newspapers, or pillows in boxes with empty space.

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REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • Page RE7

Page RE8 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, July 22, 2020

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