CHASE. Collective

Home
United States
Johnston, IA
CHASE. Collective

We believe the most important part of real estate is people. Our mission is to bring clarity, compassion, & satisfaction to every step. You'll be proud you did!

If you're navigating a big change, we listen, act with integrity, & guide you like family. Meet Liz Keller:

Buying your first property is an exhilarating experience. Whether you are looking to buy your first home or launch your career as a real estate investor, the hunt for the perfect property will fill you with excitement, anticipation, and hope. However, if you aren't careful about who you hi

re as your Des Moines Realtor, all of that hope and excitement will give way to frustration and disappointment. If you are anything like most people, you only want to work with a real estate agent that has the local knowledge to find the best properties, the professional knowledge to save you time, and the connections to save you money. Just like not all properties in Des Moines are created equally, you must understand that every Des Moines real estate agent is different and you are better off by hiring one that listens to you, prioritizes your goals, and has the experience working with people in your shoes. Any real estate agent in Des Moines can claim to be the best. But to truly understand what makes my clients say that about me, you must first understand what I bring to the table. Here are some cold, hard facts that prove I am driven by results:

Named RE/MAX's #1 Commercial Agent for the entire Midwest Region

Ranked top 5 Individual Agents for RE/MAX

Voted Top Agent for customer satisfaction and customer service on Trulia & Zillow

I understand that as you prepare to purchase your first property in Des Moines, you are likely filled with as many questions as you are dreams about taking this step. I promise to listen to every concern, answer every question, and resolve every challenge you have to get you the property you deserve. If you don't want to wait another minute to begin your journey as a homeowner or real estate investor, give me a call. Meet Chase Keller:

Would you trust your investments to a Realtor that knows more about running an open house than they do developing a diversification strategy? Do you feel comfortable hiring an agent that looks at you like a walking commission check? Are you satisfied with agents that simply go through the motions without any real drive or motivation? Of course not! Your real estate investments are massively important to your family's financial health, future, and quality of life. If you are anything like most successful people, you treat your investment portfolio as a business and only want to align yourself with the people that have as much respect for your business as they do their own. Here in Des Moines, any real estate agent can help you buy or sell a property. However, few if any agents have what it takes to help you go from novice investor to real estate mogul. When you decide to partner with me as your Realtor, you will benefit from:

Helping you wanting some direction in how to start your investment portfolio or if you already have some investing but need more of an understanding or education on how to make the investments work for you. If you know you aren't realizing your full potential as an investor but are ready to take that first step, schedule a free strategy session with me. I will sit down with you to get to the root of your goals, challenges, personality, preferences, and resources to build a customized strategy that gets you from where you are now to where you want to go.

06/17/2026

Selling a home as a senior in Iowa is not the same process as a standard home sale. And it should not be treated that way.

There are layers most agents are simply not trained to handle. How deferred maintenance affects pricing and negotiation. How to time a sale around a senior living transition. How to protect an older adult when family dynamics are complicated. How to move efficiently without moving carelessly.

This is exactly the work we do at Chase Collective.

We hold SRES certification and we have built our approach specifically around the needs of senior homeowners and their families in Des Moines. That means you are not getting a generalist. You are getting someone who has done this before and knows what to watch for.

If you or someone in your family owns a home in Iowa and is thinking about what comes next, this is the conversation to start.

Reach out anytime. We are glad to help.

06/16/2026

20 things every homebuyer in Iowa should know before they buy.

1. You do not need 20% down to buy a home.

2. Get pre-approved before you start touring homes.

3. Keep your credit card utilization under 10% while you are in the buying process.

4. Ask about down payment assistance programs available in Iowa. Several exist that most buyers never hear about.

5. Focus on the monthly payment and what it does to your budget, not just the purchase price.

6. Sellers can contribute toward your closing costs. It is negotiable and very common.

7. Never skip the home inspection. Ever.

8. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day before you commit.

9. Your first mortgage payment is typically not due immediately after closing. You usually get a 30 to 45 day window.

10. You can shop multiple lenders and compare rates without significant damage to your credit score if done within a short window.

11. USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible properties in certain Iowa zip codes. More areas qualify than most people think.

12. Property taxes and homeowner's insurance are part of your monthly payment. Factor them in from the start.

13. Just because you are approved for a certain amount does not mean you should spend it all.

14. New construction homes still need independent inspections. The builder's inspector works for the builder.

15. Always ask about the age of the roof, HVAC system, and water heater before falling in love with a house.

16. Budget for moving costs, utility deposits, and the inevitable furniture and repairs once you move in.

17. PMI is not forever. Once you reach enough equity in your home you can request to have it removed.

18. Buying with a partner means both of your credit profiles and finances are part of the equation.

19. No home is perfect. Know your priorities and focus on what actually matters for your life.

20. The right agent and lender working together can save you real money, real time, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

Thinking about buying a home in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa? Send us a message and let us build a game plan with you.

06/15/2026

Some real estate decisions are simple. Others come with a lot riding on them.

Selling a long time family home. Buying for the first time. Navigating a move that involves more than just a transaction. These moments matter, and the guidance behind them matters just as much.

We work with families across Des Moines through all of it. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or already in the middle of a decision that feels bigger than expected, we are here to help you think it through.

Real estate done right is not about speed. It is about getting it right for your situation.

If your family is facing a decision like this in Iowa, reach out. We would be glad to help.

06/14/2026

Want to hold onto your savings and still buy a home in Des Moines? This is worth knowing.

FHA loans allow up to 6% in seller credits. That means you can negotiate for the seller to cover a portion of your upfront costs including closing costs, prepaids, and even a rate buydown to lower your monthly payment.

More of your cash stays in your pocket. Less goes out the door on closing day.

Not every situation is the same but if stretching your savings further is the goal, an FHA loan with seller credits is one of the smartest ways to get into a home sooner than you think.

Iowa buyers leave this option on the table all the time simply because nobody told them it existed.

Now you know. Send us a message and let us run through what this could look like for you.

06/13/2026

Most agents disappear after closing. That has never been how we operate.

For seniors and families navigating a home sale in Des Moines, the transaction is often just one part of a much bigger transition. There are questions that come up after the sale. Connections needed to senior living communities, estate attorneys, or move managers. Situations that do not fit neatly into a standard real estate timeline.

We stay involved because the people we work with deserve more than a handshake at closing and a phone that stops getting answered.

If your family is going through this in Iowa, we are the team that stays in your corner long after the paperwork is signed.

Reach out anytime.

06/12/2026

You are under contract. Exciting. Now is exactly when you need to stay disciplined.

Here are 7 things not to do before you get to closing day.

1. Assume it is over. You are not done until you have keys in hand. Final walkthroughs, lender checks, insurance, and utilities all still need to happen. Stay engaged until the very end.

2. Make any big purchases. No new car. No furniture on financing. No appliances on a payment plan. New debt changes your debt to income ratio and can put your approval at risk days before closing.

3. Open or close any credit accounts. Even small credit activity can shift your score or raise flags during final underwriting. Keep everything exactly as it is.

4. Change jobs without telling your lender first. Even a higher paying position can complicate how your income gets verified. Always loop in your lender before making any career moves during this window.

5. Go quiet on paperwork requests. Lenders and title companies work on tight timelines. A slow response from you can push your closing date or add conditions you did not expect.

6. Waive contingencies without fully understanding them. Your financing, inspection, and review periods exist to protect you. Never waive anything under pressure without knowing exactly what you are giving up.

7. Let emotions drive decisions. This stage can feel stressful and fast moving. That is exactly when clear communication and a steady team make all the difference.

The right guidance through this part of the process protects everything you worked for to get here.

Buying in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa? We are here to walk you through every step. Send us a message anytime.

06/11/2026

Owning a home is not just about building equity. It comes with tax advantages that renters never see.

Here are 5 write-offs homeowners in Iowa should know about.

1. Mortgage interest. For most homeowners this is the biggest deduction. The interest you pay on your mortgage each year is generally tax deductible, especially significant in the early years of your loan when interest makes up most of your payment.

2. Property taxes. Your annual property taxes are typically deductible up to IRS limits. Depending on your home value in Des Moines this can add up to real savings every year.

3. Home improvements. Certain upgrades increase your cost basis, which reduces your taxable profit when you eventually sell. Energy efficient improvements may also qualify for federal tax credits on top of that.

4. Home office expenses. If you are self employed and have a dedicated workspace at home you may be able to deduct a portion of your mortgage, utilities, and internet based on the square footage used.

5. PMI deductions. If you pay private mortgage insurance you may be able to deduct those premiums and lower your taxable income, particularly helpful in the early years of your loan.

This is part of why homeownership is one of the most reliable wealth building tools available. You are not just paying for a place to live. You are unlocking financial advantages renters do not have access to.

Ready to stop renting and start owning in Iowa? Send us a message and let us show you what is possible.

06/10/2026

There comes a point where the home that served you so well starts to feel like a lot to manage.

The maintenance. The space you no longer need. The nagging thought that maybe it is time to make a change but not knowing what that change actually looks like.

That feeling is more common than most people admit. And it is usually the sign that a simpler next chapter is worth exploring.

We help seniors across Des Moines figure out what that looks like in real terms. What the home is worth today, what the options are, and how to move forward in a way that feels right for the whole family.

Simple does not mean small. It means intentional.

If you or someone you love is ready to have this conversation, we are here.

06/09/2026

Most people think the down payment is the only big number when buying a home. Then closing day arrives and they are surprised by thousands of dollars they did not plan for.

Here is what actually goes into buying a house in Iowa.

Closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of the purchase price and cover things like lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and prepaid property taxes. On a $250,000 home that is anywhere from $5,000 to $12,500 on top of your down payment.

Then there is the home inspection, usually $300 to $500. The appraisal, typically $400 to $600. Moving costs. Utility deposits. And the repairs or furniture you will want once you actually move in.

None of this means buying is out of reach. It just means planning for the full picture instead of just the down payment.

The buyers who get caught off guard are almost always the ones who never had someone walk them through the real numbers before they started.

That is exactly what we do.

Send us a message and we will make sure you know exactly what to expect before you are ever sitting at a closing table.

06/08/2026

Selling a home later in life comes with questions most real estate agents are not equipped to answer.

What happens to the proceeds if Medicaid is involved. How do you sell a home that has not been updated in 20 years. What if the family cannot agree on the timeline. How do you coordinate a sale around a move into senior living when the waitlist is unpredictable.

These are not edge cases. They are the reality for most of the families we work with in Des Moines.

We understand the Iowa real estate market and we understand what seniors and their families are actually navigating behind the scenes. That combination is what makes the difference between a stressful process and one that feels managed.

If your family has questions you have not been able to get straight answers on, start here.

Address

Johnston, IA
50131

Telephone

+15154235607

Website

http://www.chasecollective.net/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CHASE. Collective posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to CHASE. Collective:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Law Practice in Johnston?