The Week of April 16, 2012: Real Estate, Rotary and Community

Windy weather and plenty of work ahead for the Week of April 16th ...
Our local association of REALTORS meets ever third Wednesday of the month for lunch. Various programs on a variety of real estate related topics are discussed monthly. This month's spotlight should be very interesting.

CRAAR April Real Estate Today Show

Agenda: Working with Physical Disabilities: Become aware of how to work with hearing and visually impaired clients

Featured Speakers: Babs Haggin, Iowa Realty and Jonathan Ice, Rehabilitation Teacher, Iowa Department for the Blind

Monday morning: Government Affairs meeting with members of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors looking at local, statewide and national issues.

Attending my weekly Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting. This week's program is on Linn County Conservation efforts.

April 17Th is Federal Tax Day

April 18Th will attend CRAAR monthly luncheon and at 5:30 pm, the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission holds its monthly meeting.

April 19Th is Patriots' Day in America.

A system of signals and word-of-mouth communication set up by
the colonists was effective in forewarning American volunteer militia men of the
approach of the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's
Ride" tells how a lantern was displayed in the steeple of Christ Church on the
night of April 18, 1775 as a signal to Paul Revere and others.

One if by land, and two if by sea;

And I on the opposite shore will be,

Ready to ride and spread the alarm

Through every Middlesex, village and farm,

For the country folk to be up and to arm.

If we can be of help to you for your real estate buying or selling needs, please let us know.

Tommy Tucker Realty Realty Co. has been licensed in the practice of real estate in Iowa, since 1958. We provide services in property management and general brokerage.

The Week of Monday, September 12, 2011

On Monday, we opened the morning with two City inspections on the NE side of Cedar Rapids. Nice discussion with the inspector this morning on Chapter 29 and Chapter 22, along with the inspection of two 2 bedroom one story houses that are tenant occupied.

At Noon on Monday, scheduled to attend the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.

• September 12 : Tom Aller, President, Interstate Power & Light is the program

The Iowa Association of Realtors conducts its State Convention this week.

We are marketing some executive houses for rent. These are new listings, as seen in The Gazette over the weekend. We have a four bedroom in NW Cedar Rapids for rent, along with a newer three bedroom in Marion for rent. Both properties are ranch style homes.


On Tuesday, school board elections will be conducted in Cedar Rapids and across the State of Iowa. There are races for all four positions in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. The polls in Linn County will be open Noon to 8 p.m. Don't forget to vote.

If you have any questions on the school board election in Cedar Rapids, please give me a call or contact the Linn County Auditor's Office.

ttrco

April 26, 2011: Easter Monday

It is back to the office, after enjoying the past Easter weekend with family and friends.

We learned today that 226 31St Street NE will be coming on the market July 1St for rental. The current tenants will be moving out at the end of June.

Do you have a property underutilized that would be good for a person or family to rent in the greater Cedar Rapids area? We may be able to help match you with customers in the area.

The property at 830 14Th Street NE is pending. We expect new tenants to move in at the end of the week. The two bedroom house at 1625 12Th Avenue SE will be available June 1St. The tenants have given notice to vacate.

At my Rotary luncheon at Noon, Mayor Ron Corbett spoke on the May 3Rd L.O.S.T.T. [PDF], an extension of the local option sales tax for infrastructure purposes. Four tenths of each cent will go for existing roads in the City of Cedar Rapids. The breakdown is as follows:

• Property tax relief (10 percent),


• Flood protection systems for the east and west side of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids (50 percent) and


• Existing road infrastructure (40 percent)

The Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors have endorsed the tax for Cedar Rapids. For more information on the local sales tax in Linn County, you can visit the County Auditor's site. For more information on the "yes" side of the vote, you can visit the following web site.

Talked to a prospect for a house for sale on the west side. We do anticipate some Executive Houses coming this Summer for Rent.

ttrco

Happy First Monday in April to Everyone!

Happy Monday, April 4, 2011...

We have a couple of two bedroom houses for rent in SE and NE Cedar Rapids. There are plenty of properties for sale in the Cedar Rapids area, as well. Are you interesting in an in-fill lot in a residential neighborhood in NE Cedar Rapids, near Daniels Park?

We had a visit from the local steering committee today on the MedQuarter Regional Medical District, which is proposing a second SSMID for Downtown Cedar Rapids. They are proposing a $3.75 per $1,000 of valuation tax for roughly 50 blocks East of the current Downtown SSMID. The petition requires at least 25 percent of all owners of the property within the proposed Cedar Rapids Medical SSMID.

At Noon today, attended our weekly Rotary Meeting. This month's theme is Transportation and we heard today from our local representative on the state's transportation commission, along with the Director of the Iowa DOT.

ttrco

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to everyone this Holiday Week

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will celebrate our Club Holiday Party today during our regular meeting.

This year's program will feature the Washington High School Madrigal Singers. We caught them at the Cocoa and Carols concert that Washington High put on earlier this month, so it should be an entertaining Rotary Club celebration this year. The Madrigal Singers also performed at this year's Fire & Ice Festival in Cedar Rapids earlier this month.

Here's a taste of The Madrigal Singers performing at Rotary West's program earlier this year.

ttrco

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids welcomes Christopher Blake as its program for Monday, December 6Th

Rotary Monday

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is the 33Rd largest Rotary Club in the world. Robin and Tommy Tucker are both members of Rotary International. Robin's grandfather, Tommy's father, was also a member of Rotary. Robin's daughter enjoyed her Rotary experience in high school, as a member of Interact, which is Rotary experienced at the high school level.

Robin is looking forward to attending Monday's meeting where:

Rotary Program:

Christopher Blake, President of the newly named Mount Mercy University

The Four-year Catholic liberal arts university in Cedar Rapids officially became an university in 2010, after it's rich history as Mt. Mercy College.

Robin attended a Jesuit Catholic university out of state, after growing up in the Cedar Rapids community, graduating from George Washington High School. After college, he worked in public accounting. He returned to Cedar Rapids at the end of 1987 and began his career at Tommy Tucker Realty Co. in 1988. Robin has a variety of work experience and enjoys his service to the community as a Realtor and as a Rotarian.

ttrco

Happy Thanksgiving Week from all of Us at Tommy Tucker Realty Co. of Cedar Rapids, IA USA

Last week, we enjoyed the 2010 CRAAR Realtor® Inaugural on Thursday night. It was a disappointing weekend of College Football in Iowa with all three regent institutions going down. Congratulations to the University of Northern Iowa making the 2010 FCS Playoffs.

Congratulations to our new Association President ...

Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS®
Congratulations to Kevin Heinbuch, Why USA Eastern Iowa Realty, on his
Inauguration as 2011 CRAAR President.

Our local association is now on Facebook: Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS® fan page. You can follow Tommy Tucker Realty Co., as well on Facebook and on Twitter.

Monday, the week of Thanksgiving, Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend his Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.

Downtown Rotary will host our Rotary District Governor Roger Kuetter, District 5970. The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is Club 2185 and is the 33rd largest club in Rotary International.

Iowa Hawkeye basketball fans on Monday can catch online or on radio the final game of the Paradise Jam Tournament when the Hawks face the Long Beach State 49ers, who are coached by former Gonzaga/Minnesota coach Dan Monson. Tip off is 2:30 p.m. Iowa time.

On Tuesday, we begin organizing for the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration held at St. Paul's UMC in Cedar Rapids. Robin has participated with the event for many years.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 is Thanksgiving. Our offices are scheduled to be closed November 25-29, 2010 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Realtors will be working via appointment. Service calls will be followed up by calling 319.365.6956 x 102.

We are getting closer to the end of the 11Th month of 2010. The year is passing by quickly.

Please contact Tommy Tucker Realty Co., if we can assist in your real estate needs. You can reach our offices at 319.365.6956 or by e-mail.

ttrco

'Building Communities -- Bridging Continents' is 2010-11 RI theme

'Building Communities -- Bridging Continents' is the 2010-11 RI theme for Rotary International. Robin Tucker is a third generational member of Rotary International, following his grandfather, I.L. 'Irv' Tucker and his father, I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker as a member of Rotary. We have all been affiliated with the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, which will celebrate 100 years in Rotary in 2014, at one time or another.

As Rotarians, we work to meet The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do...

• FIRST: Is it the TRUTH?
• SECOND: Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• THIRD: Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIP?
• FOURTH: Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The 2010-11 RI Theme feels appropriate is fitting for Realtors®, when you look at the Preamble of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®.

Preamble

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated
ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our
civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and
its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest
distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,
the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and
farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They
impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS®
should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing
themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the
standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common
responsibility for its integrity and honor...

ttrco

Attended Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting today at Noon, Monday, June 28Th

As a member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, I attended my weekly meeting on Monday, which featured the 'Passing of the Gavel' between outgoing President Paul Morf and our 98Th incoming President Doug Baird.

Last week at Rotary:

RIPPLES FROM THE RAPIDS
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010

Congratulations to our two more Club Appreciation Award recipients today ...

• SCORE
• Families Helping Families

Last week, John M. Smith was named 2010 Community Service Award Recipient and Clint Twedt-Ball received a Club Appreciation Award. Link

Our Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, is the 48Th largest Rotary Club in size and is in its 96Th year of existence. We have 351 members, with 321 active members. A record 41 new members this year.

ttrco

Rotary meeting today focused on PCI's Medical Mall concept and closing of part of Second Avenue SE

As a member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, I attended my weekly meeting, which this week featured PCI and the Medical Mall planned for the 1000 through 1200 block of Second Avenue SE, in Cedar Rapids, which could include the closing of this portion of Second Avenue SE.

There are some concerns about closing Second Avenue SE and it was interesting to listen to the dialogue during the meeting. We were expecting to hear Mike Sundall, PCI Project - The Medical Corridor. but a couple of other doctors from PCI spoke instead. Sundall comments in the past, per the Corridor Business Journal.

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is located at 613 Second Avenue SE, on the southern edge of the new Medical District in Downtown Cedar Rapids. The closing of Second Avenue would certainly change traffic patterns to and from our business location.

ttrco

April 19, 2010, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will have Breakout Meetings at Member Businesses

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is

one of seven Metro Cedar Rapids Rotary Clubs ...

Robin Tucker and Tommy Tucker ...

are members of Rotary International and both are Paul Harris Fellows ...
Celebrate Rotary's 105 years of service by contributing to The Rotary Foundation

April 19, Breakout Meetings at Member Businesses

at Noon

ttrco

Robin Tucker presented a Paul Harris Fellow at his Rotary club meeting

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids presented Robin Tucker with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Monday, March 22, 2010 meeting. It was an interesting meeting as Brian Connors presented a program titled "Experiences Living and Starting a Small Business in Beijing" as shared about the good, the bad, and the ugly of opening The Bridge Cafe in Beijing.

ttrco

Flood Recovery is moving forward this week with the Grand Reopening of Theatre Cedar Rapids and Other Local News

Theatre Cedar Rapids will re-open on Friday, February 26Th with the Grand Reopening Gala, which is sold out. There may still be tickets available for The Producers for other show dates. The Producers is the Tony-award winning musical by Mel Brooks. The show which marks TCR’s return to its home in the Iowa Theater Building, which has been closed due to the Flood of 2008.

Rotarian Robin Tucker is looking forward to The Producers on March 3Rd with fellow Rotarians and guests enjoying the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids fundraiser and social event at TCR. The Metro High School scholarship program will benefit from this Rotary fundraiser.

The new marquee has the ability to play video and it has a wonderful LED format for marketing of events being held at the Iowa Theater Building. Here's a recent story in our local paper on the TCR recovery efforts ...

TCR renovations render me speechless so hear what others have to say

- The Gazette
Feb. 11 tour of renovations at Theatre Cedar Rapids left me speechless. And that ain’t easy to do!The theater came to its new home in the Iowa Theatre Building in downtown Cedar Rapids in 1983, and after the initial renovation, it basically just had some cosmetic tweakings before the Floods of 2008 ...

Other exciting local news on Flood Recovery ...

The City of Cedar Rapids determined in a vote by the City Council on Wednesday night where the new Library will be built. The TrueNorth property, which was the site of the original Washington High School in Cedar Rapids was selected for the new Library to replace the Library flooded in 2008.

• Council Chooses TrueNorth for New Library Site - KCRG-TV9
  Feb 24, 2010 ... They voted for Emerald Knights location because of reservations about ... Replay Live Coverage: Cedar Rapids city council debates library site ...
• FEMA awards $15.7 million to Cedar Rapids for flood recovery - The Gazette
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $15.7 million to Cedar Rapids to pay for flood recovery work and demolition of the Sinclair meatpacking plant. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said FEMA obligates the funding to the state, which then reimburses the city for eligible expenses. The work qualifying for the public assistance grants are: $5.5 million for the demolition of 11 buildings on the city-owned Sinclair meatpacking plant site, which flooded and then burned. It is being removed as an immediate threat to ...
• Corbett says HUD approves 107-percent of pre-flood value - The Gazette
  Mayor Ron Corbett announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has agreed to pay owners of flood-damaged properties 107 percent of the pre-flood value of their properties. This is a change: Owners had expected to receive 100 percent of pre-flood value. Corbett also said the city would use local-option sales tax revenue to assure that those who purchase homes to replace ones lost in the June 2008 flood will get credit for up to $25,000 in down payment ...

The challenges in Flood Recovery have been hard on the Cedar Rapids area. While there is some good news with Theatre Cedar Rapids re-opening this week, news that the Library site has been determined and HUD increases on pre-flood value; there are plenty of challenges ahead with flood mitigation, taxation and sustainability for small business and individuals post flood.

ttrco