Rachel Knutsen Real Estate - IA

06/20/2026

For the love of all things holy, if you're remodeling your home and care even a little about resale value, please consult your favorite Realtor first. (Ahem... me.)

Not every renovation adds value.

Some renovations become the reason your house sits on the market for six months while buyers ask, "But... why?"

These people clearly did not seek professional guidance.

06/19/2026

Myth: You need to be wealthy to become a real estate investor.

Truth: Many investors get started by purchasing a multi-unit property, living in one unit, and renting out the others.

I have something exciting on the horizon that might be perfect for someone looking to take that first step. More details coming soon!

If you've ever wondered whether owning an investment property is actually within reach, let's talk. I have some great lending connections who can help you explore your financing options and see what might be possible.

06/11/2026

What could possibly be better than driving through a tornado warning to get to hold a little baby while her parents sign papers for their very first house?? I'll wait...

Congratulations to Rachel and CJ Muir on their new home! It took a while to find the right fit, but I think this one was worth the wait. Wishing your sweet family many happy memories here!

06/05/2026

This Woodward home is officially closed!

We went under contract after just 34 days on the market and made it to the closing table with no issues. HGTV may thrive on plot twists, but not every real estate transaction gets put through the ringer. Sometimes things actually do go as planned.

Congratulations to my sellers! Thank you for trusting me to help guide you through the process. It was a pleasure working with you.

And if anyone else is thinking about buying or selling and wondering what the process actually looks like when things go right, I'd love to help!

05/30/2026

You guys!!!! 🥹

I hit 400 followers today and I’m honestly a little emotional about it.

It might seem like ‘just a number,’ but it’s 400 of you who’ve decided to let me take up a little space in your scrolling and your day, and that means more than I can explain.

This business isn’t easy. Every follow, every comment, every share, every time you send my name to a friend or family member… that’s what actually helps me grow and find the next person I can help.

So I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me help other people like you.

And if you’re here supporting me, you’re not just following a realtor, you’re supporting my little family, not some big corporation’s fourth vacation home in the Bahamas.

I appreciate you more than you know! 💛💛💛💛

05/29/2026

OPEN HOUSE — SUNDAY 1–3
5119 NE Jan Rose Pkwy, Ankeny

Now offered at $650,000!

This house feels BIG in all the right ways. The bedrooms are actually spacious, the basement is finished, and the backyard gives you room to breathe without feeling like you’re on top of your neighbors.

If you’ve been looking for more space in Ankeny without sacrificing style or location, come take a look Sunday.

What’s your non-negotiable in a house right now?
Big kitchen, finished basement, huge closet, office space, big yard…?

05/19/2026

Iowa passed a major property tax reform bill this session.

The good: Property taxes should stop climbing quite as aggressively over time.

The bad: Cities and counties are probably going to start leaning more on fees, permits, assessments, etc. to help offset the change.

The realistic: Most of the changes don’t really hit until 2028 because Iowa property taxes uniquely run on a delayed cycle, so it's not like your taxes are going to drop over night.

Also, in case you need clarification: The 2% part does NOT mean homeowners will only pay 2% of their home’s value in taxes. It’s referring to limits on how much overall property tax revenue local governments can increase year to year.

Information pertaining to the Iowa Legislature as well as the Executive and Judicial branch in as much as they relate to the legislative branch

05/14/2026

Yesterday’s closing came with plenty of moving parts, timeline changes, and a few last minute hurdles along the way. But in the end, my buyer walked away with what he wanted, and that is always the goal.

Having a good realtor in your corner means honest, timely, and clear communication, finding solutions when problems pop up, and advocating for your best interests every step of the way. Sometimes that means slowing things down long enough to make sure the details are truly right instead of just rushing to the finish line. I will always advocate for my clients’ best interests, even when that means pushing back when agreements do not line up.

This one tested everyone’s patience a little, but seeing my buyer happy and confident in the end made it all worth it.

Realtors do so much more than unlock doors and hand over keys.

05/13/2026

I got to tour a beautiful multimillion dollar house today. It was stunning, but I really am a details person, so my pictures were of the things that caught my eye. Which one of these is your favorite feature?

05/12/2026

Can you hear the birds? 😍🐦🎶

Some people want a house.
Some people want space to finally breathe.
Some people want to be away from most people.

🌿 Just under 3 acres in Splendid Acres, south of Indianola
🏡 Bring your own builder
#🐟 Pond access
⚡ Utilities already at the road
🦌 Wildlife, peaceful views, and actual stars at night*
🚗 About 30 minutes to Des Moines
🛣 Just a short stretch of gravel off pavement
📍 Outside city limits, 0 Quincy Trail, Indianola, IA
💲 123,500

AND... the lot next door is also for sale. So if you’ve ever joked about building next to your best friend, favorite sibling, or the neighbors you actually like... this might be your shot.

Small HOA helps protect property values without the packed-in neighborhood feel.
If your dream home includes quiet mornings, room to spread out, and no city noise ruining your morning coffee... you should probably come look at this one.

*obviously can't guarantee you can see the stars every night, I don't control the clouds or your eyesight. 😉

If you want a tour of the development, let me know. I also have a personal connection to the beautiful soul who started Splendid Acres, and I’d love to share why people fall in love with this area!

Listed by Rachel Knutsen | Licensed to sell in Iowa.
Brokered by Boutique Real Estate | Johnston, IA.
**Agent is related to seller.