Residential Real Estate has been my primary source of income for the last 40 years.  I have been a Broker/Owner for most of that time. Prior to my career in real estate I worked for John Deere.

I believe that everyone has a “gift” or talent for a certain career. Usually it’s something they enjoy doing, are passionate about, or is just plain fun.  If you don dread going to work but instead you see it as an adventure/challenge then you have most likely found your “gift”. That’s the way I feel about residential real estate.

Being in real estate is like being in business for your self but with a great support structure.  If you start out surrounded by professionals at a successful real estate company that encourages rookies then you will learn the basics much quicker.  Having a personal mentor is the best method to break in to real estate.  Feel free to ask me about our program.

If you like making your own destiny happen, setting your own salary, and the very best part, providing a service that results in shelter for families then a career in real estate could be for you.

Please come back soon for my next post on “5 Qualities of Successful REALTORS”.

@DonGodwin

When people think of the state of Iowa they think of pigs, cows and corn fields. Although we do have our fair share of those things, there is a lot more beauty to the landscape of Iowa that can simply take your breath away. From the bluff-lined rivers to the rolling prairies, the variety of typography in our state parks offers a lot to the recreational person.

One state park in particular, Ledges State Park, just about an hour drive from Des Moines, is a haven for bikers and hikers. Boasting thirteen miles of trails, Ledges surprises even the most seasoned of hikers with steep inclines, winding paths and majestic views like the one here, courtesy of Gary D. Tonhouse of Reflective Images.

Photo by Gary D. Tonhouse

Although we are quite proud of our farming heritage in Iowa the Department of Natural Resources works hard to care for and develop our state parks so that the millions of people that enjoy visiting our parks remember our state as having more beauty than just the Midwest farm view that you see from the highways.

@dsmhomes

Ryne Sandberg

With more than a foot of snow on the ground it’s hard to think about Springtime and baseball is certainly not top of mind but recent news from the Cubs organization has baseball fans all abuzz. Earlier this month the Chicago Cubs announced that former Cubs infielder and hall-of-famer Ryne Sandberg will be the next manager for the Iowa Cubs (AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) starting with the 2010 season.
Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs, has proven to be a favorite summertime venue of both Des Moines locals and visitors. The team, posting a winning record over the last 4 seasons, has played incubator for some of the MLB greats. Players like 2008 National League Rookie of the Year award winner, Geovany Soto, and pitcher Kerry Wood, famous for his record 20 strikeout game, have helped fill the stands.
For more information on the Iowa Cubs visit their site HERE.

@dsmhomes