Midwest Family Lending Blog

DES MOINES, Iowa – Easterseals Iowa is Midwest Family Lending’s December charity and has received a $1500 donation through MFLCares.

“We are honored to be selected by Midwest Family Lending Corporation as their December MLFCares charity”, says Sherri Nielsen, President & CEO, Easterseals Iowa. “Easterseals Iowa serves the entire state of Iowa and our mission simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. This gift will make it possible for us to continue our work towards 100% equity, inclusion, and access for persons with disability, families, and communities. Thank you.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending teammates have the opportunity to nominate a charity they’d like to support. Hannah Vande Weerd, Loan Processor with Midwest Family Lending nominated Easterseals because of her ties with Camp Sunnyside.

“Throughout high school I was involved with Special Olympics and Best Buddies”, says Hannah. “Some of the people I met through those organizations were also campers at Easterseals Camp Sunnyside. My summers throughout high school were spent volunteering at camp. I just loved hanging out with those campers! Those memories are held very close to my heart.”

Their Mission:

Easterseals Iowa provides exceptional services to ensure all people with disabilities or special needs, and their families, have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

“Easterseals Iowa serves over 3,000 individuals every single year through 19 unique program lines. Our services make it possible for individuals with disabilities or special needs to live with independence and hope in the communities of their choice. Programs provided through Easterseals make it possible for clients to find and maintain meaningful employment, learn alongside their peers, have a fun and enriching summer camp experience, and fully access and enjoy their community.” – Cecily Robinson, Easterseals Iowa

How YOU can help!

Donate

Become a volunteer

From prepping or cleaning cabins, to landscaping, to providing weekend respite care or being volunteer “grandparents”, there IS a volunteer opportunity that is a perfect match for you! Please visit link above to see how you can make other lives better by providing your gift of… you!

Attend any of these 2023 events

• January 18th – Legislative Reception – At the Iowa Capital to advocate with legislators about issues affecting individuals with disabilities.
• April 8th – Pony Express Ride Day – Members of the Pony Express Riders of Iowa trot into camp delivering donations they’ve collected throughout the year. This is typically Easter weekend and we have an Easter egg hunt for children before the horses arrive.
• July 13th – Sunnyside Regatta – Business leaders paddle around Lake Cheerio racing in paddleboats for the Admiral’s Cup while teams cheer them on.
• October 7th – Fall Festival and Walk – Family-friendly walk around Lake Cheerio includes fun camp activities such as horseback riding, face painting, and more.
• November 2nd –Annual Celebration – An evening to celebrate clients, staff, and community partners and all the success over the past year.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

The Easterseals Iowa mission simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of community. Let us all join in supporting individuals with disabilities!

Giving gifts is one of the joys of the holidays. There’s nothing like that feeling you get when you share a present with a loved one and see their face light up with excitement and gratitude. And let’s face it, we all love to be on the receiving end of a gift, too. As a homeowner, the perfect gift may already be right under your nose … or, more accurately, right under your roof.

It Came Without Ribbons, It Came Without Tags

If you’ve owned your home for the past few years, you’ve likely benefited from significant home-price appreciation. Home prices have risen continuously since 2012, providing homeowners with large amounts of home equity. When the pandemic began, equity growth skyrocketed, as the below chart illustrates.

While the rate of appreciation varies by local market and your specific property, the national averages could give you an idea of how much your equity has grown.

In the second quarter of 2022, average home equity grew 27.8% from the previous year, with the typical homeowner seeing a $60,200 annual gain. In coastal markets like California and Florida, average equity grew by $117,000 and $100,000, respectively. Meanwhile, closer to home, Iowa homes appreciated 13.35% while surrounding states like Nebraska (14.49%) and Missouri (15.78%) were a little higher.  Somewhat surprisingly, South Dakota homes appreciated at a rate of 19.23% YOY for that same timeframe. 

Although appreciation rates have slowed significantly over the past few months, they remain positive which keeps homeowner’s available equity at historically high levels.

Silver and Gold … Or Just Cold, Hard Cash

Do you already have visions of sugarplums (or dollar signs) dancing in your head? If you have home equity available to tap into, it could be a great way to achieve your financial goals. The best part is, you can use it however you like.

Perhaps a kitchen or bathroom remodel has been on your holiday wish list for far too long. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to pay off high-interest debt, cover college tuition, or have an emergency fund to pull from in case of the unexpected. Your home equity could make it happen.

Never before in history have home values risen so high and so quickly. Today’s homeowners can use this to their advantage by unlocking their equity and putting it to work. Why not give yourself that gift this year?

How Much Home Equity Do You Have?

To calculate your home equity, subtract your outstanding mortgage debt from your home’s market value. Suppose your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $175,000 on your mortgage. That would equal $125,00 in home equity.

If you need help figuring out how much equity you have, Midwest Family Lending can help you run the numbers. Contact us today! 515-252-7107

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Single Parent Provision is Midwest Family Lending’s November charity and has received a $1500 donation through the MFLCares program.

“We are grateful to Midwest Family Lending for their partnership with Single Parent Provision in supporting the single parents in our community. This relationship confirms the name Midwest Family Lending and validates the care they have for the families in our community,” says Jayme Ward, Communications & Development Manager with Single Parent Provision. “It also helps single parents know their unique needs are seen and heard by the community around them.

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending teammates have the opportunity to nominate a charity they’d like to support.

“I nominated Single Parent Provisions because every superhero needs a side kick,” says Zach Smith, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Midwest Family Lending. “Single parents are basically superheroes, but even superheroes don’t fight alone,” continues Zach. “Single Parent Provision has a variety of programs to assist single parents in their everyday lives. These programs help by giving parents a break, helping with home provisions, creating friendships, and much more!”

About Single Parent Provision

Did you know that 30% of families across the state of Iowa are single parent families? That number is 42% for Des Moines, and sadly, as high as 48% in some central Iowa communities. Single Parent Provision is a non-profit organization providing a trusted partner to single parents and their families by offering programs and services to help single parent families strengthen and thrive.

Raising a family in a single parent household can be very challenging and extremely lonely. Through the work of Single Parent Provision, single parent families can get support, encouragement, and resources to help them on their journey. Programs such as Break Time provide parents an opportunity for self-care while their children enjoy a safe evening with volunteers. The Home Provision program provides single parents additional hands to accomplish projects/repairs around the house. Single Parent Groups builds networks of support and community with others going through similar challenges.

Upcoming Events

• Single Moms Christmas Dinner
  • December 10, 5:00 PM, Iowa Events Center
  • Number of moms and children expected: 2000+
  • Volunteers needed: 500+
• Family Gift Market
  • December 17
  • Registration opens Tuesday, 12/13

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations we’ve recently supported that are making a positive impact in our communities!

“Most single parents don’t expect to become one. Whether through the unexpected loss of a spouse, unexpected pregnancy, or an unexpected divorce. At Single Parent Provision, we recognize the unique needs of single parent families and the heavy loads they carry, and exist to shoulder that weight and walk with them on the journey. We offer relevant programs, services, and events to help strengthen their lives and the lives of their family.”
-Jayme Ward, Communication & Development Manager, Single Parent Provision

Relationships are hard. You think you’ve found “The One” you’ll spend the rest of your life with, but then as time goes on, your wants and needs change. You think it might be time to move on, but you’re willing to offer one more chance … to your house.

After all, if you love where you live, it may make more sense to add on to your property than to buy a bigger house, especially if you need to accommodate changing family dynamics, like an adult child moving back home or aged parents needing a nearby (but independent) living space. This is where an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can make all the difference.

An ADU is more than just an addition to a house … it’s a fully functioning living area built on an existing home’s property. And as housing costs and property values rise, ADUs can provide an affordable and convenient way to house more people without developing more land.

Intrigued? Then check out these five things you’ll want to know to see if an ADU is right for you.

1. ADUs can be created by repurposing existing space (like converting a basement or garage) or built as a new construction, but however they are made, they share certain characteristics. By definition, ADUs are:

• Additional units on the property of a primary home
• Smaller than the primary home
• Usually created after the main house has been built and occupied

There are several different ways to create an ADU, and each has its own regulations and requirements. Your options will be largely driven by the constraints of your property and your local zoning ordinances.

2. ADUs are living units that function independently of the main home, which means an ADU typically includes:

1. A kitchen and bathroom
2. Living space
3. Its own entrance

Converted interior spaces like basements and attics may or may not have all these features, depending on local ADU requirements.

3. ADUs are growing in popularity across the country, especially in western states.

California is now one of the most ADU-friendly states thanks to laws that substantially streamline building requirements and permitting processes. But in most locations, homeowners looking to build ADUs have to navigate a patchwork of state, county, and city regulations, and the permitting process can be daunting. Common restrictions include:

• Zoning laws
• Size limits on lots and dwellings
• Homeowner association (HOA) rules
• Occupancy, setback, and parking requirements
• Additional regulations if the space is to be rented out rather than owner-occupied

4. Construction costs for ADUs vary tremendously based on the type and size of the structure, your geographic location, building materials used, labor costs, and permit costs.

One firm specializing in ADUs estimates that costs can range from $30,000 (for a garage remodel) to as high as $360,000 (for a brand-new backyard cottage).* When factored against the increased value of your property, however, ADUs may pay off in the long run.

5. For some people, ADUs are the perfect way to maximize the livability of their property, but the cost and complexity of ADU construction mean they’re not for everyone.

Before jumping on the ADU bandwagon, you’ll have to consider all the factors involved and decide if this is an option that makes logistical and financial sense for you.

*“How Much Value Does an ADU Add?” January 27, 2021, Architectsla.com

Thinking about going all in on an ADU? Reach out to Midwest Family Lending Corp to discuss tapping your home’s equity to finance your new living arrangement!

DES MOINES, Iowa – Volunteer Iowa is a state agency charged with connecting Iowans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to use service as a means for addressing pressing community challenges.

With a vision to create an Iowa where all citizens are empowered through service to meet community challenges and make lives better, Volunteer Iowa connects agencies in need with programming that addresses those needs.

“Being selected as the MFLCares charity was an amazing surprise for Volunteer Iowa.” said Jamie Nagel, Program Development Director.  “We will use the funding to support our AmeriCorps Member Emergency/Financial Assistance Fund.  This is a new initiative of our organization, and it means a lot that Midwest Family Lending recognizes the importance of our efforts.  With the assistance that is being provided, we’ll be able to open the Emergency/Financial Assistance Fund up to a new group of AmeriCorps members.  This support will have a direct, positive impact on the financial wellbeing of Iowa AmeriCorps members.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending team members nominate a charity or cause that is meaningful to them. Molly Maguire, CVLS, CRMS, CCS licensed home loan originator, nominated Volunteer Iowa’s AmeriCorp Member Emergency/Financial Assistance Fund because of the help it provides those serving our communities.

“AmeriCorp members are serving our communities and making a big impact,” says Molly. “They do so on a small monthly stipend. If someone has an unexpected expense (such as flat tire, brake replacement, etc.) they can apply to this emergency fund for reimbursement. This financial help enables them to continue serving our communities without having to go into debt or leave the program.”

What’s it all about?

One of the primary functions of Volunteer Iowa is to work with organizations and communities to help them use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions by engaging Iowans in addressing pressing community challenges. This is accomplished by connecting those in need with appropriate programming or providing technical assistance on how to better utilize community volunteers. Programs include AmeriCorps, Disaster Volunteers, Future Ready Iowa Mentoring, Iowa MENTOR, Volunteer Generation Fund, State Volunteer Recognition Programs, and RSVP.

More about the programs

AmeriCorps

Disaster Volunteers

When disaster strikes, help is needed! This is an opportunity for spontaneous volunteers to jump in and help during disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Future Ready Iowa Mentoring

This statewide networking and professional development opportunity connects students with professionals in the workforce.

Iowa MENTOR

This program provides certification, recognition, training, marketing, and technical assistance for local youth mentoring programs.

Volunteer Generation Fund

Grants from this fund strengthen the infrastructure for effective local volunteering through Service Enterprise Initiative (SEI) and Volunteer Centers of Iowa (VCI).

State Volunteer Recognition Programs

Governor’s Volunteer Awards and Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame

RSVP

Volunteer Iowa coordinates state funding for the RSVP program serving Iowa. One of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and older, this program utilizes the competence, wisdom, and experience of older volunteers.

How can you help? We’re glad you asked!

Most Iowa AmeriCorps programs are recruiting members right now.  You can find out more about AmeriCorps programs at Join AmeriCorps

Volunteer Iowa also coordinates the Give Back Iowa Challenge each spring to encourage employer-supported volunteering.  Find out more at Give Back Iowa Challenge

MFLCares about Volunteer Iowa!

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations we’ve recently supported that are making a positive impact in our communities!

Saving the planet is a good reason to make your home more environmentally friendly, and so is lowering your energy and water bills. Now you can add a third benefit: A faster home sale and higher asking price when it’s time to move on.

A recent survey by Zillow* highlights the impact of eco-friendly home enhancements. Topping the list of features on buyers’ wish lists are electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and drought-resistant landscaping, both of which can help a home sell more than 9 days faster than similar homes. Next up are double-pane windows, which can speed up selling time by nearly a week. Smart technology shapes other in-demand features, including programmable thermostats (6 days faster), smart sprinkler systems (nearly 5 days faster), and smart lights (more than 3 days faster). Since many of these are projects you can do yourself and for a reasonable price, they’re a great way to speed your house from “listed” to “sold” without breaking the bank.

Other improvements that can help you save on energy costs may have less of an impact on selling time but may yield a better return on your sales price. Solar panels can help your home sell for 1.4% more than similar homes, and tankless water heaters can add a 1.2% premium. When combined with savings you’ll get on water and energy bills, that can add up to a solid return on investment for these enhancements.

Beyond eco-friendly measures, today’s buyers are looking for features that help protect against climate-related events. If you live in an area at risk of hurricanes, for example, storm shutters could add 1.4% to your sales price, and having a low-lying property on piers or stilts adds more than 1%. The biggest potential impact, however, is for homeowners in earthquake-prone areas: Houses that have undergone seismic retrofitting (or are built according to earthquake-resistant standards) price for 2.4% more and sell a whopping 19 days sooner!

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of environmentally friendly home options. From sustainable flooring materials to water-conserving plumbing fixtures, your appliance and décor choices can become huge selling points for your home. Just remember to tout those features in your home listing so eco-minded buyers can beat a path to your perfectly weather-stripped door!

Are you looking to help your home go green without tipping your finances into the red? Let’s talk about whether tapping your home equity makes sense for you!

Give us a call (515)252-7107 or shoot us a message Midwest Family Lending Corp.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Bryce’s Warriors Inc. is our featured charity for the month of September and has received a $1500 donation through Midwest Family Lending’s MFLCares program.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to MFLCares for their generosity in donating to our small foundation,” says Michelle Draisey, mother of Bryce and co-founder of Bryce’s Warriors Inc. “We know there are so many deserving charities in the community doing good in so many ways. It makes us so proud to be able to take this donation and give it to those families who may be going through some of the challenges our family went through.”

Bryce’s Warriors Inc. holds a special significance to the Midwest Family Lending Family. Bryce is the son of loan officer Derek Draisey, and nephew of branch manager Mike Draisey. Bryce’s memory and impact lives on through Bryce’s Warriors, Inc.

About Bryce’s Warriors

The money raised by Bryce’s Warriors goes to seniors graduating from Southeast Polk High School through Dollars for Scholars (Bryce Draisey Memorial Scholarship). Bryce’s Warriors Inc. also gives back to the foundations that were so helpful to Bryce and his family, such as Iowa Donor Network, Children’s Miracle Network, and others. In addition, they cater Thanksgiving dinner every year at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. They also provide gas and food cards to families of children who have received or are waiting for a heart transplant.

Remembering Bryce

Bryce Draisey was a happy and presumably healthy 11-year-old boy when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Over the next 2+ years, he endured several surgeries, including a heart transplant, rejection of his new heart, many hospital stays and many other health complications that arose during that time. Bryce endured all of this believing that each day is a new one and the trials, sadness, or anger that may have happened yesterday no longer matter today. He took his health problems seriously and complied with all of his doctors’ instructions, but he also took all of it in stride most of the time. Bryce just wanted to be a normal teenager who went to school and had fun with friends.

Bryce was proud to spread his story to as many people as he could to create awareness for organ donation. In doing this, he also spread a story of love, courage, and forgiveness that all who knew him will remember.

“Derek and I started Bryce’s Warriors, Inc in memory of our son,” said Michelle. “Bryce and our family received so much support during his journey not only from his healthcare providers but from our families, our community, and sometimes even perfect strangers. We wanted to pay it forward in hopes of keeping Bryce’s memory alive and helping others.”

How You Can Help

The majority of Bryce’s Warrior’s funds are raised through its annual golf tournament held in August. If you’d like to support Bryce’s Warriors and make an impact on families in the midst of a medical crisis you can still donate!

To donate, you can Venmo or send a check!

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations we’ve recently supported that are making a positive impact in our communities!

“Bryce continues to live through us, through Bryce’s Warriors, through all who donate, and through those who benefit from the donations.”

MICHELLE DRAISEY, MOTHER OF BRYCE, AND CO-FOUNDER OF BRYCE’S WARRIORS.

The home improvement shows make it look SO easy. Shiplap. Barn doors. Bamboo floors. More shiplap. And who wouldn’t want to take a sledgehammer to the kitchen cabinets that haven’t been fashionable since before disco died?

But take a deep breath before you hit the lumber yard. Some projects can be easily tackled on your own, while others should be left to the professionals. How do you know when to call in the experts? Here’s a handy chart to help you choose the right option, no matter the project.

The Case for DIY

A lot of projects that add value and livability to a home just require time and effort, not a particular expertise. And with the proliferation of DIY videos on social media, odds are good you can find step-by-step instructions to change out a bathroom faucet or install window treatments. The most reasonable approach is to ask yourself a simple question before diving in: “What’s the worst that can happen?”

If the answer is, “That curtain rod won’t be perfectly level” or “It will take multiple tries to balance this ceiling fan,” you’re probably safe to proceed. In some cases, the worst-case scenario is that you’ll eventually have to bring in a pro to fix something you did incorrectly.

But if the worst-case scenario is “Faulty wiring could burn the house down” or “Breaking a pipe could mean damaged drywall, carpet, and floorboards,” you’re better off hiring a professional right off the bat.

The Case for Hiring a Pro

Plumbers and electricians go through years of specialized training, apprenticeship, and licensing exams. They are experienced in navigating permitting processes (if required), and they are equipped with the staffing and equipment to handle complex jobs. They should also carry insurance to compensate you if a job goes wrong. (Check before you hire!) Roofers are similarly licensed and insured, and they likely have more experience maneuvering on rooftops than you do.

Which brings up another point: If the worst-case scenario ends in a trip to the emergency room and possibly a lengthy physical recovery, you’re better off trusting a pro.

Of course, sometimes it makes sense to hire a professional regardless of your ability to complete a project. Some projects are messy, time consuming, or both, or they may require you to buy tools you’ll never use again. Bottom line: Don’t feel bad about bringing in outside expertise so you can spend time on things you enjoy more.

Give us a call (515)252-7107 or shoot us a message Midwest Family Lending Corp.