Determining Where To Live
TIP:
Talk to at least one neighbor before you make an offer. Ask what they like best and least about living there. In many cases, it's better to buy the smallest house on the most desirable block than the biggest house on the least desirable one. Buy location over house.
If you're unfamiliar with the area where you’re moving, your agent can be an invaluable resource. He/she can offer insider knowledge on neighborhoods, schools, access to recreation and shopping districts, and the many other details on local neighborhoods and subdivisions.
It’s important to have a clear picture on the features that matter most to you in a home or location. Creating a list of “must haves” and flexible "nice-to-haves" from the start will make things a lot easier for you.
Factors to consider:
1. Size of home – square footage, number of bathrooms, rooms, etc.
2. Home features – updated fixtures/appliances, property size, garage, storage, etc.
3. Location – proximity to schools, open space, entertainment, work, etc.
4. Neighborhood – older or newer homes? Families, retirees or singles?
5. Room to grow – planning to have more children?
6. Condition – move-in ready or a less expensive home in need of improvements?
We'd be happy to offer advice on the countless items you should consider according to your lifestyle, budget and particulars.
Get In Touch
share
Local Expert Updates
Greg Sheeler
Cell: 712.330.1573
Janie Eick
Cell: 712.339.0574
Aaron Jones
Cell: 712.320.9442
Brooke Jones
Cell: 641.420.2172Community Updates
The Family Diner
The Family Diner is Spirit Lake, IA is a local favorite! They offer up a large portion for small money, but whether you come early or late you may be in for a wait. With homemade bread and the largest sausage patty you have seen, The Family Diner is consistently delicious. They are open only for breakfast and lunch and closed two days a week. In my former career at Stylecraft, the family diner was definately a favorite when our friends would visit from North Carolina. They were always inpressed with the bread and rolls and corn beef hash.
Emerald Hills
Emerald Hills Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Golfers throughout Okoboji will tell you that compared to the rest of the golf courses around, Emerald Hills is probably the most challenging. When I grew up as a kid, we lived just a half block from the back side of the course. We would sneak on with a couple short little clubs and balls we found walking the course and sometimes spent more time being chased by the sprinklers than trying to hit golf balls. Emerald Hills was owned by Gordy and Bette Benit many years ago and they can be credited with growing this course into the masterpiece it has become. Later purchased by Randy Rohlfsen and a few others, Emerald has flourished as one of the best courses around. If memory serves me right, Randy has been there since the early 1990's and has always had a strong conviction to help young golfers. He has taught and coached numerous high school teams, and they also put on a 5 day junior camp every year which has been a tremendous hit. I grew up on this course and can honestly say, you better be hitting the ball straight!
Vintage Block Inn and Suites
Conveniently located near all the great Okoboji attractions, Vintage Block is a great hotel for your stay in Okoboji. The hotel offers 54 guest rooms, including 14 large family suites that can lodge up to 10 guests. Jump start your day with our complimentary breakfast including Belgium waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal and beverages and more! On-site have fun and relax with our outdoor swimming pool and gazebo, surrey bikes and green space with fire-pits, grills and games.The hotel has recently been renovated and includes a Lake Okoboji feel with the use of reclaimed dock wood. Rated as the #1 hotel in Okoboji on Trip Advisor, you can't go wrong when choosing to stay at Vintage Block Inn and Suites.