There’s football, and then college, and don’t forget about unemployment and how that’s working out, and life changing disasters, but on an upbeat springbreak is coming up.

A small list of places in Iowa to visit
http://500nations.com/Iowa_Places.asp

100 places to visit in iowa… BEFORE YOU DIE! OMG! And you’ll need to scroll down a little bit on this site to see the list.
http://robertgraef.blogspot.com/2007/01/100-places-to-visit-in-iowa-before-you.html

And if you’re bored or stuck in Iowa, here are some things to keep you busy
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Iowa/Things_To_Do-Iowa-BR-1.html

Awesome Iowa Tailgating

This site is pretty awesome looking
http://www.iowa.gov/

I’m unsure of the fine though. According to the lacrossetribune you’re going to get bitch slapped with a $30 fine. Watch out! But wowt.com reports “In Iowa, the first year will result in a warning, followed next year by a $100 fine.”

If using the cell phone and texting is causing deaths, then why not follow Nebraska with their more strict enforcement of this law ”

In Nebraska, there is no grace period. First offense drivers face a $200 fine, second offense $300 and third offense a $500 fine. Three points are also taken off a driver’s license in Nebraska.

And wear a seat belt.

Maybe you’re buying your first home in Iowa, or perhaps you’re relocating to Iowa from another state. Either way, it’s important that you educate yourself on Iowa home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you’ll need to know before buying a home in Iowa:

The median home value in the state of Iowa is $82,500. Current interest rates in Iowa are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average.

In the state of Iowa, purchase transactions on sub-prime loans are subject to a $30,000 minimum. Additionally, if you live in Iowa and file bankruptcy, you do not necessarily have to forfeit your home. If you have been current on your payments and continue to be, state law does not require you to surrender your home.

If you’re buying a home in southern Iowa, you qualify for state FHA loans through the Southern Iowa Home Ownership Program. First-time home buyers qualify for loans with below-market interest rates and down payment assistance. Borrowers must meet certain income requirements and specific guidelines, and must purchase a home in a southern Iowa county: Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren Wapello, or Wayne.

These loans are revolving, so there are only a specific number that can be given out at any period of time. When a person with a FHA loan through this program sells their home or refinances it, then their loan is made available to another qualified applicant.

About the Author

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about on the mortgage lending process. http://www.mortgage-lenders-plus.com/

The rules of the game are simple. If you get all six Iowa Power Ball numbers correct, you win the jackpot. This is a really big deal, considering that it has been more than six hundred million dollars in the past! Jackpots can get so large because Power ball lottery game tickets are sold in twenty-seven different states, making it the largest multi-state lottery in the country. The Iowa Powerball lottery jackpot builds from one drawing to the next, and if there is no winner of a drawing, the jackpot amount rolls over. This means that a single winner could win more money from the Iowa Power Ball lottery than he or she could ever imagine.

Even if you do not win the big grand prize, there are still quite a few smaller prizes that are awarded for having less than the needed six numbers. For instance, if you match all five of the one to fifty-five numbers but do not match the Power Ball, you will still win two hundred thousand dollars from the Iowa Powerball lottery.

You can find the Iowa Power Ball lottery result on the official Iowa Powerball website or on powerball.com. You can also watch the drawings live on television on a variety of local Iowa television stations. Powerball drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 in the evening.

The Iowa lottery offers more games than powerball. Hot Lotto is a game with better odds than the powerball. You pick 5 numbers from 1 through 36 and pick numbers from 1 to 19 for the hot ball. This game can be played in several Midwestern states and New Hampshire and Washington D.C. Iowa also has the Pic 3 game where you can win $3,000.00 or the Pic 4 game where you may win $100,000.00 You may view results online, on television, or in newspapers. The Iowa Lottery has a website with clear easy instructions and offers many games most with better odds than powerball.

About the Author

Jeffrey Davis is a Expert on Online Lotteries and a marketing executive at Triumph Marketing, you can find more of Jeff’s lottery articles and buy real lottery tickets at http://www.luckylotto

Department of Revenue Income Tax Division Hoover State Office Bldg. P.O. Box 10457 Des Moines, IA 50306-0457 (515) 281-3114 (800) 367-3388 (in state) www.state.ia.us/tax

Iowa requires that you use Iowa form “IA W-4, Centralized Employee Registry Reporting Form/Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate” instead of a Federal W-4 Form for Iowa State Income Tax Withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated in the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Iowa cafeteria plans are not taxable for income tax calculation; taxable for unemployment insurance purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Iowa supplemental wages are taxed at a 6% flat rate.

State W-2s are not applicable in the state of Iowa.

The Iowa State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Department of Workforce Development 1000 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0209 (515) 281-5387 http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/index.html

The State of Iowa taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $19,700.00.

Iowa has optional reporting of quarterly wages on magnetic media.

Unemployment records must be retained in Iowa for a minimum period of five years. This information generally includes: name; social security number; dates of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Iowa State Agency charged with enforcing the state wage and hour laws is:

Iowa Workforce Development Labor Services Division 1000 East Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0209 (515) 281-5387 www.iowaworkforce.org//labor/index.html

The minimum wage in Iowa is $5.15 per hour.

There is also no general provision in Iowa State Law covering paying overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer. Iowa State new hire reporting requirements are that every employer must report every new hire and rehire; independent contractors over $600. The employer must report the federally required elements of:

Employee’s name Employee’s date of birth. Employee’s health insurance. Employee’s address Start date of contract.

Employee’s social security number Employer’s name Employers address Employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 15 days of the hiring or rehiring. The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent by mail, fax or electronically. There is a penalty contempt of court for a late report in Iowa.

The Iowa new hire-reporting agency can be reached at 515-281-533 or on the web at http://icer.dhs.state.ia.us/.

Iowa does not allow compulsory direct deposit.

Iowa requires the following information on an employee’s pay stub:

Gross and Net Earnings straight time and overtime pay hours worked itemized deductions

The State Wage and Hour Law provisions concerning pay stub information in Iowa is that it must be provided within 10 days of employee’s request, only once a year unless earnings, hours, or deductions are changed.

Iowa requires that employee be paid no less often than monthly, semimonthly, or biweekly.

Iowa requires that the lag time between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages to the employee not exceed twelve days after pay period; excluding Sundays and holidays.

Iowa payroll law requires that involuntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by their next regular payday; 30 days for commissions and that voluntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by the next regular payday; 30 days for commissions or by mail if employee requests it.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning paying deceased employees.

Escheat laws in Iowa require that unclaimed wages be paid over to the state after one year.

The employer is further required in Iowa to keep a record of the wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 4 years.

Iowa payroll law mandates no more than 40% of minimum wage may be used as a tip credit.

In the Iowa payroll law there is no provision covering required rest or meal periods.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning record retention of wage and hour records therefor it is probably wise to follow FLSA guidelines.

The Iowa agency charged with enforcing Child Support Orders and laws is: Child Support Recovery Unit Department of Human Services Hoover Bldg., 5th Fl. Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 242-3237 (888) 229-9223 http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/dhs2005/dhs_homepage/financial_support/child_support/index.html

Iowa has the following provisions for child support deductions:

When to start Withholding? 10 days after receipt of order. When to send Payment? Within 7 days of Payday. When to send Termination Notice? “Promptly.” Maximum Administrative Fee? $2 per payment. Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.

Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business.”

To find professional payroll service at a budget price go to www.PayrollonaBudget.com a paperless payroll company.

For a full service payroll bureau with CPA’s on staff visit www.CustomPayroll.com .

See an excerpt of Mr. Read’s interviews from William Shatners “Heartbeat of America” television show on the web sites linked above.

About the Author

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business.”

To find professional payroll service at a budget price go to www.PayrollonaBudget.com a paperless payroll company.

For a full service payroll bureau with CPA’s on staff visit www.CustomPayroll.com .

Romantic Destinations in Iowa

The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company – romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!

Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion – you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.

This b & b has just two rooms, which means you will get a level of service that you might not find in larger inns or hotels. The Prairie Room is perfect for couples, with a comfortable queen size bed and its own shower. The Pine Loft is larger (it can accommodate up to six people), but it also includes a claw foot tub as well as other amenities that complete this spacious room. Lovely green plants and a library’s worth of books make this nook of a room one of the most perfect places for romantic destinations in Iowa.

Potter’s Mill bed and breakfast is lodged in Iowa’s oldest grist mill (from 1843). This beautiful inn and restaurant is also a great place to have your next romantic retreat. Located in Bellvue, Iowa, Potter’s Mill offers guests five rooms to choose from, with different themes and motifs in each. Gourmet breakfasts are also included. The atmosphere in this inn is like no other, with the mill theme including exposed beams and other subtle hints to the building’s original purpose. The Potter’s Mill’s restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

Spending some quality time with the one you love in picturesque Iowa can be just the thing for any special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, you can be sure romantic destinations in Iowa will be just the thing.

About the Author

Richard Rspad is with Resort Spa Destinations – reviews and articles on romantic getaways. http://www.resortspadestinations.com/romantic-getaways

Iowa RV Facilities

A trip to Iowa can bring many unexpected pleasures. The great outdoors are found in abundance here, with activities ranging from hiking and skiing to fishing and bike trails galore. If you enjoy spending time in the woods, or just seeing nature’s beauty, you will find it all here in Iowa. Easily reachable from much of the Midwest, Iowa is a perfect place to take your recreational vehicle for a family trip. Hop on one of the historic routes and byways designated by the state, and find the area you want to visit.

There are many different Iowa RV facilities available for your stay in the state, ranging from small private parks to facilities that are attached to several of the State Park areas. Depending on the region in the state you are going to visit (Iowa is generally broken into ten regions for tourism purposes) – you can enjoy different activities year round. One area that is great year round (although the amenities are limited in winter) is the Skip-a-Way Resort, RV Park – located in Clermont, Iowa.

The Skip-a-Way Resort offers RV campers many different activities and amenities – making it a perfect choice among Iowa RV facilities in the Northeast area. The sites for your RV include both grassy and shady spots, with pull throughs available. Electric, water and sewer are included with your hookup, and cable TV, Internet and telephone services are also available. The resort has a full service restaurant on the premises, along with a store, camping and fishing supplies, a laundry room and dumping stations. Activities here include wagon rides, basketball courts, swimming pools, fishing and hiking.

Another of the Iowa RV facilities located in the Northeast region is the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Camping Park, located in Cresco, Iowa. This site is placed among the “Chimney Rocks” of the area, along the Upper Iowa River. A perfect spot for families that enjoy water sports and canoeing or kayaking, this facility offers boat rentals as well as tube rentals and fishing supplies. Here, you have your choice of a “primitive” campsite, or one that includes electric hookups. This is a great place for families who enjoy adventure.

Iowa RV facilities have much to offer travelers looking for a different sort of family trip. With the many extremes of terrain and natural formations, a trip here is a camper’s paradise – as well as a hiking treasure.

About the Author

Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com – information on where and how to rent an RV. http://www.rvrentalsforyou.com/rent_an_rv

The first Europeans to reach Iowa were the French explorers, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette in 1673. They recorded in their journals that the land was lush, green and fertile.

The United States gained control of the area from France in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The first official American settlement began in 1833, and statehood was achieved in 1846.

During the American Civil War (1861 to 1865), Iowa contributed greatly to the Union war effort, including more 60% of its eligible males serving (the highest proportion of any state).

Iowa was a popular destination for immigrants, and the state encouraged immigration with a booklet printed in 1869 in English, German, Dutch, Swedish and Danish. Additionally, immigrants also arrived, particularly in coal mining areas from Italy and Croatia, and beginning in the 1880s, a significant number of African-Americans moved to the state, also to work in the mining industry. The coming of the railroads, also helped to encourage immigration, and, eventually, the establishment of the beginnings of a manufacturing sector.

World War One brought a brief agricultural boom to the state, but the 1920s and 1930s were a time of hardship after the elimination of the wartime agricultural subsidies. The state did not in fact fully recover until the 1940s.

After World War Two, Iowa’s business and manufacturing sectors have continued to grow, and the state now produces a wide variety of manufactured products, as well the agricultural goods for which it is most famous.

About the Author

First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa_history.php

For more information about Iowa, please visit http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa.php

Vacation rental in Iowa is regarded as home in the holidaying town. It provides all the amenities present in a home such as washer, dyer, refrigerator etc. It also embraces of fully furnished kitchen, in which the vacationer can cook for his family and friends.

Iowa vacation rental can be in the form of condo, cottage, villa, homes and cabins. While choosing the vacation rental in Iowa, the factors which are needed to be considered are number of people (that will stay in rental while holidaying) and budget. Vacation rental in Iowa suits to every pocket. In other words, each of the vacation rentals carries different rent, so he the person can choose as per his budget. They are regarded as an affordable means of lodging as it involves reasonable cost. It can be used for weddings, spending vacations, honeymoons, family reunions etc.

On staying in the vacation rental, vacationer has to pay for the services and amenities present in rental. Staying at vacation rental is a cheap mode as it involves low rent as compared to the rent involved in hotels. Thus, he can save an amount which he can utilize for other purposes while holidaying.

In present scenario majority of the traveling agencies arrange vacation rental at the desired destination. Through internet, locating traveling agency is easier as the person is only needed to write vacation rental on any of the search engine. Thus as a result, numerous agencies arranging vacation rental will be displayed on the screen. In addition to traveling agencies, the person can also book his vacation rental directly through owners of the vacation rental.

Nowadays, it is also seen that many traveling agencies provide a package, in which the person is obliged to making a single payment which includes all the expenses such as accommodation, air tickets etc. By this means, he can save large sum of money which can be utilized while enjoying other activities at Iowa.

About the Author

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Iowa vacation rental, Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com

As you travel through Iowa you will begin to see the meaning behind the terms, “Corn State” or “Hawkeye State” as the state has been phrased. Bordered by Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Missouri, the state of Iowa has produced some celebrities to make not of. Former present of the United States Herber Hoover called Iowa his home. The state also is birthplace of the jazz musician and swing bandleader Glenn Miller. Anyone who loves cowboy movies would be thrilled to find out that John Wayne is also a native to the state. There are many historic events that Iowa has claim to. It’s also here that the Lewis and Clark expedition has been connected to.

If you are looking to create baskets that show off the cultural, historical, and creative side of Iowa, you may turn to some of the state symbols and wildlife creates for inspiration. The state flower is the wild rose. This flower has a wonderfully soothing fragrance when applied to lotions, body creams, and body sprays. A gift basket full of bath & body items that contain the state flower scent would be a very appropriate gift. Add in loofas, scrubs, and facial masks and you just might create a new love of the state flower.

As for some of the statewide activities that take place in the region, Indianaola, Iowa is home to the National Balloon Classic, which allows gift basket business owners to truly explore the colorful possibilities and unique wrapping arrangements that can come from such a theme. For example, elaborate measures might be taken to construct gift baskets that resemble hot air balloons. Inside, an assortment of tasty edibles await, including common picnic items or sweet treats.

To prepare a Discover Iowa gift basket, you may entertain the thought of exploring some of the historical and celebrity aspects of the state. Well-known buffalo hunter, entertainer, and Pony Express rider, Buffalo Bill (William Frederick Cody) was born near Le Claire in 1846. A skilled gift basket creator can look beyond the buffalos and horses to create an entertaining sideshow basket for all ages.

Former legendary late-night talk show host, Johnny Carson was born in Corning. A commemorative gift basket featuring DVD’s of past shows and appearances would bring delight to any diehard fan. To tap into the younger generation, a preteen might go bananas over an Aston Kutcher-inspired gift basket with DVD’s showcasing his popular, Punk’d reality show or the contagious That 70s Show reruns, accompanied by common movie theater snacks. Kutcher is a Cedar Rapids native. Another Cedar Rapids hometown hero is Elijah Wood, who could inspire an endless promotional gift basket selection for Lord of the Rings fans.

Additional ideas include a Superman-inspired gift basket to pay homage to the 1950s actor, George Reeves who first took on the role, and a super-clean arrangement of detergents, fabric softeners, lint brushes, and a iron (perfect for an incoming college freshman) in honor of former Laurel, Iowa resident, Frederick Maytag, who had a hand in some of the most well-known home appliances in the world.

About the Author

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory. For more information on gift baskets Iowa visit Iowa Gift Baskets http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Iowa/

The top college with the most football players graduation was Notre Dame with 94% while Arizona came in last at a weak 41%.

The data for the University of Iowa is pretty interesting. From the PDF I read, here are the GSR details for the University of Iowa:

Baseball: 95%
Basketball: 46%
CC/Track: 86%
Football: 75%
Golf: 56%
Gymnastics: 83%
Swimming: 85%
Tennis: 100%
Wrestling: 70%

See all of the data yourself at the NCAA site. See how all the college football programs match up at fanblog.com

Iowa is a strongly agricultural state, and also has historically and still to some extent presently, the production of farm implements, washing machines, refrigerators and processed foods. Its industrial outputs are food processing, machinery, electric equipment, chemical products, nd primary metals. Iowa produces the nation’s largest amount of ethanol for gasoline. Des Moines also serves as a center for the insurance industry.

Council Bluffs Iowa is across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska, and is part of the Omaha metropolitan area, with a population of over 800,000 in the two states. Council Bluff has become a major center of gambling casinos. Casinos in the city include Harrah’s and Horseshoes. Davenport in the eastern part of the state is on the Mississippi River across from the city of Moline, Illinois and is also known for its casinos. It is one of the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois. John Deere Corporation has for a long time made tractors, lawnmowers and other machinery in the area, first with a plant in Davenport, and more recently in a plant across the river in Moline, Illinois. John Deere has become a multi-national corporation but still produces much of its equipment in the United States, including in Waterloo, Davenport and Dubuque, Iowa, and in Moline in Illinois. Davenport has had a certain amount of problems due to its lack of levees to protect it from floods from the Mississippi River. An interesting nearby site is the Quad City Botanical Center, across the river in Rock Island, Illinois. These large gardens contain both local plants and tropical plants in large hothouses.

Many insurance companies are headquartered in Des Moines, including the Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, Aviva, and American Republic Insurance Company. Principal is a Fortune 500 company that has its headquarters in Des Moines. As a center of financial and insurance services, other major corporations headquartered outside of Iowa have established a presence in Des Moines such as Wells Fargo, ING Group, and Electronic Data Systems.

Cedar Rapids is home to several large businesses and industries, including in food processing, General Mills, Cargill, Quaker Oats, and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). Hi-tech and computer companies have also moved into Cedar Rapids and other towns in Iowa. At the center of the city is a famous large modern art metal sculpture known as the Tree of the Five Seasons, which is a three-dimensional form of the city’s logo. Near the center of the city is the Czech Village, and area that has maintained the identity of ethnic Czech businesses. There is also the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in the area.

About the Author

Howard Giske writes about how to get your Iowa Incorporation and other business info at http://www.incparadise.com

Here is some more information about the area:

- Some of the major companies headquartered in Cedar Rapids include McLeodUSA and Rockwell Collins.

- The main airport serving Cedar Rapids is The Eastern Iowa Airport.

- The main professional sports team in Cedar Rapids is the baseball team, the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

- Cedar Rapids is only one of a handful of cities in the world with its municipal buildings located on island in the river. In the case of Cedar Rapids, city hall and the county courthouse are located on Mays Island, an island in the middle of the Cedar River.

- Cedar Rapids is sometimes known as the “City of Five Seasons” – these are supposed to be the traditional four seasons as well as fifth season as a time to enjoy the other four. This nickname is commemorated by a sculpture in the downtown area (known as the “Five Seasons” sculpture), as well as in various local jokes such as the “city of five smells”, referring to the smells from factories around the city.

- According to the manufacturers’ information, the fictional character, WindChill (a GI Joe action-figure toy) is supposedly from Cedar Rapids.

About the Author

By S. Tanna. First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa_cities_cedar_rapids.php – Visit this link for more details, pictures, attractions, towns and cities and more!

Discover all 50 states at http://www.vacation2usa.com

Drop Extra Coverages You Don’t Need

You may be paying for insurance coverage you never or rarely need, such as towing and rental coverage. Consider dropping these extra coverages to lower your insurance rate.

Depending on the age of your auto, you may also want to drop your comprehensive and collision coverage. Most insurance companies recommend dropping these coverages if your auto is more than five years old.

Get All the Discounts You Qualify For

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that will lower your auto insurance rate. Ask your insurer if you qualify for any of these discounts:

* Multi-policy discount

* Multi-car discount

* Good student discount

* Good driver discount

* Anti-theft discount

* Safety features discount

* Low mileage discount

Also ask your insurer if there are any other discounts you might qualify for.

Shop Around for the Cheapest Dubuque Insurance

You comparison shop for other major purchases, and at upwards of hundreds of dollars a year, auto insurance certainly qualifies as a major purchase. If you don’t shop for the cheapest insurance rate, you’re probably paying too much.

To make your comparison shopping easier, visit an insurance comparison website. Once you submit your insurance information, multiple A-rated insurance companies will give you insurance quotes and you can then choose the cheapest rate. On the best of these websites, you can even talk online or by phone with insurance professionals to get answers to your questions. (See link below.)

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get Dubuque auto insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.

About the Author

The authors, Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker, have spent 30 years in the insurance and finance industries, and have written a number of articles on Dubuque auto insurance.

Unfortunately doing that will not necessarily get you the cheapest homeowner’s insurance that you can find online in Iowa.

The good news is, the steps you need to take before getting online to look for your cheap homeowner’s policy are all relatively easy to take.

Let’s start with smoking. If you smoke you are going to pay more for your homeowner’s insurance. It’s that simple. You need to stop smoking if you want to get the best possible rates. If you already have a homeowner’s insurance policy and you were a smoker at the time you took out the policy but you have since quit, you need to let your agent know as you will be in line for a rather nice reduction in your monthly premiums.

Do you have other insurance policies – auto insurance or health insurance for instance – with the same insurance company? If so you should be getting a multi-policy discount.

Similarly, if you have had your policy with the same company for 5 or 6 years you need to ask your agent if you qualify for a Long-Term Discount.

Keep your credit rating good. Many people are not aware that the monthly premium you pay for your homeowner’s insurance is based, in part, on your credit score. The better your credit score the less you will pay each month for your homeowner’s insurance.

If your home is more than 10 years old talk to your agent about the savings you could receive if you were to up-grade the plumbing or the electrical system.

Fire danger is a big part of the monthly premium you pay for your policy, so clearing all brush and weeds ten feet away from all structures on your property can often lower your premium.

If you can afford to install a sprinkler system or a monitored home protection system that reports fire and burglaries to the authorities 24/7 you could be entitled to as much as a 30% reduction in your monthly homeowner’s premium, but talk to your agent before installing such a system as not all systems receive the same discount.

Install motion-sensitive outdoor floodlights to discourage burglars, and trim bushes away from all windows to further discourage home break-ins.

Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and make certain that all windows, even those on upper stories, have a working lock.

Install the proper number of fire and smoke detectors for the size and layout of your home and make certain that all of them are in working order. Change batteries twice yearly at the same time that clocks are set forward or backward an hour.

Buy a fire extinguisher that is specially designed for kitchen fires and keep it handy in your kitchen.

When setting the value of your policy make certain that it is enough to rebuild your home from the foundation up and that it is sufficient to replace all of your belongings – but don’t make the mistake of insuring the land under your home.

Can you afford a bigger deductible on your policy? Consider this question carefully as you will be asked to come up with the cash to cover your deductible if you ever have a claim. Doubling your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can greatly reduce your monthly premium payment.

O.K., now that you know what you are looking for in a policy – how you can structure a policy to save you the most money each month – it’s time for you to get online and start making comparisons on at least 3 of the websites that allow you to compare homeowner’s insurance policies and prices here in Iowa.

Be sure to take the extra time to make your comparisons on multiple sites (at least 3 different websites) if you really and truly want to get cheap homeowner’s insurance online here in Iowa, since no one website compares all of the different insurance companies operating in the state.

About the Author

http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/

http://www.saveitmonthly.com/

Des Moines also serves as the seat of Polk County, and is the center of a growing metropolitan area. With an estimated 196,857 residents in 2006, Des Moines has experienced marginal growth since 1990. The core population peaked at 208,982 in 1960. Since then, outlying suburbs have boosted the overall metro population to over 534,230. While Des Moines has successfully annexed bordering areas, a plan to merge governments with Polk County was soundly rejected by voters. The median age of city residents was 35.6 years in 2006 with 76% of the population being White non-Hispanic. Another 8% were African American, 10% Hispanic and 4% Asian. The African American and Hispanic populations are significantly higher than the Iowa average. About 10% of residents were foreign born, significantly higher than the state average. Over 25% of residents claimed German ancestry. Families made up 62% of Des Moines households. The 2006 median income for households in Des Moines was $41,651, slightly under the state average. It was somewhat below the national average of $46,242. Unemployment in 2006, at 6.8% among the civilian workforce, was greater than the national trend. About 15% of the population lived in poverty, equal in percentage to the number of dropouts in Des Moines.

In 2007, Forbes magazine ranked the Des Moines metropolitan area 4th on its list of “Best Places For Business And Careers.” They based it on factors such as the cost of doing business, cost of living, educational attainment and crime rate. The city has been nicknamed “The Hartford of the West”, as the economy relies heavily on financial service and insurance industries. Des Moines’ largest employer with 7,900 jobs is Principal Financial Group, the only Fortune 500 Company to have its headquarters in Iowa. The insurance industry brings over 150 company headquarters and regional offices to the metro area. Anchored by a strong health care sector, about one fourth of all jobs in Des Moines are attributed to the service industry. Some of the area’s best-known manufacturers are Pella Windows, Maytag, Amana, and Rockwell Collins Avionics. Fiber optics is also an emerging industry. If you are moving to Des Moines, it boasts a well-educated workforce. However, wages are somewhat lower than average. The most popular jobs for men was in construction at 12% of the workforce, followed by finance and insurance at 7%. For women, finance and insurance accounted for 16% of their jobs, followed by health care at 14%.

Des Moines and surrounding areas are attractive for housing values and a favorable cost of living. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners in 2006 was $1,114, while renters were paying $631 monthly. About 54% of renters reported spending 30% of their income on housing, only 32% for mortgaged homeowners. Estimated median home value in 2005 was $106,300, on par with the state average. The housing market in Des Moines is incredibly affordable when compared with a national figure of $167,500. Even state and local taxes are lower than the U.S. average. In the third quarter of 2004, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index was just 94.9, about five points under average. While experiencing suburban growth, Des Moines has eye-catching upscale buildings and a rising skyline. Some of the tallest buildings are 30-45 stories high. Skyscrapers took over downtown during the 1970s and 1980s. Life in Des Moines was brought to a halt in 1993 when the city was declared a national disaster area. Flooding of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers caused over $250 million in damages. The resulting construction projects helped renovate and update the city, bringing it into the 21st century by changing the downtown appearance. Several existing downtown buildings are being converted to loft apartments and condominiums. By retaining its small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities that lend to its quality of life, Des Moines was renamed an All-America City in 2003. Hoping to increase tourism and conventions, the area has undergone $1.5 billion in development projects. Among these is a shopping complex, IMAX theater, state science center, riverfront amphitheater, and central library.

If you are moving to Des Moines, there many colleges in its midst. The most significant is Iowa State University, about 33 miles away, with its full-time enrollment of over 24,000 students. Crime in Des Moines took a sharp turn upward in 2005, rising 200 points above the national crime index of 325.2. However, serious offenses like murder have steadily declined in recent years to 2.6 murders per 100,000 residents in 2005, making it one of the safest big cities. On the banks of the Des Moines River, farmers in the Des Moines area enjoy fertile farmland. During the heart of the growing season (early May to early October), about 60% of the 33 inches of annual rainfall is recorded. Harvest time is met with conditions favorable for drying and harvesting crops. However, the weather can become harsh and drastically change. Summer heat peaks at highs averaging 86 degrees in July and plummet to about 12 for the low in January. During winter, subzero temperatures and drifting snow can impede transportation with over 30 inches of snowfall annually. The area is a tornado zone with a 118% higher risk of a twister than the rest of the country. The city has notable natives like actress Cloris Leachman, members of the rock group Slipknot, famed fashion designer Halston, a female NASCAR driver, an NFL quarterback, a PGA Masters Champion and a former U.S. President, who was a local radio personality, Ronald Reagan.

About the Author

Lou Ross writes articles about moving issues and moving companies for http://www.movingcompaniesforyou.com/

There’s a new tornado in the news which had a bad outcome.

A tornado slammed a Boy Scout camp in the remote hills of western Iowa on Wednesday, killing at least four people and injuring 40, most of whom were on a hike when the twister struck.

All of the children had been accounted for late Wednesday, after rescuers cut their way through downed trees and debris to reach them, said Russ Lewrenson of the Mondamin Fire Department

You can read the full article about this devistating event here.

photo by pingnews

Home sellers can list their home below market value, offer open houses and even advertise their property only to find that their home remains on the market month after month. Mortgage approvals are following stricter guidelines thanks to a wealth of subprime foreclosures and buyers are feeling the weight of this crunch. If a seller wants to sell their home, they will need to show why the home is a great deal.

Sellers can start with researching the home values in the Des Moines real estate market. If homes have steadily increased in value, home buyers will see the home as more of an investment with guaranteed returns. Map out the home values in the area and offer this information during open houses. Do not try to wine and dine your guests, give them the facts they really want. The same facts they think you are withholding.

Sellers can also have the home inspected before the home goes up for sale. These reports with all of the problems and verifications that these problems have been taken care of, is proof to the home buyer that the property is ready for sale. This step may cost the home seller in the beginning, but a quicker sale will help in the longer run.

Des Moines Homebuyers also want to know about the area the homes are located in. Do not make them take their time to research crimes and school. Do the research for them, and offer handouts to the guests at your open house. If a home buyer can walk in to an open house and have more questions answered than they entered with, they will know you, the seller, have nothing to hide.

Selling a home in Des Moines Iowa amidst a tough mortgage market is going to take more than juice and cheese. Even great home staging will not tell a buyer what they really want to know. They want to know how well the value of the home will stand over the test of time. They want to know about the schools and the crime in the area. And, they want to know whether the home is really as good as it seems from the foundation to the roof. Give the buyer all of these answers up front and you will sell that home.

About the Author

Robb Spearman, CRS, ABR is founder and owner of RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts which he started in October 2000 from his home as an independent brokerage. Spearman, the 2005 RE/MAX Broker-Owner of the year for Iowa and Nebraska, and more recently.