DES MOINES - An increase in assessed values for houses and farms has triggered growth in a property tax discount, the extent of which was announced Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Revenue. more »

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ — The American Bankers Association (ABA) and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (”Farmer Mac”) announce the renewal of the ABA/Farmer Mac Alliance. Under the exclusive agreement, ABA member banks enjoy pricing discounts for selected Farmer Mac products and AgPower(SM) customized loan packaging services. more »

AMES, Iowa – Fresh air, exercise and a safe environment for our kids – what could be better? October marks International Walk to School Month, and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is doing its part to promote healthy, safe transportation alternatives for our kids by administering the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. more »

The local real estate market should not be compared to the downward-turning national market, a local group of Realtors said Monday. more »

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), one of America’s leading media and marketing companies, announced today that it has entered into a long-term agreement to license the Better Homes and Gardens(R) brand to Realogy Corporation. Realogy, owner of brands such as CENTURY 21(R), Coldwell Banker(R) and ERA(R), will build a new residential real estate franchise system based on the Better Homes and Gardens brand. more »

MASON CITY — Cerro Gordo County Treasurer Michael J. Grandon is reminding all taxpayers that first-half fiscal year 2006 real estate taxes and fiscal year 2008 mobile home taxes are due in the treasurer’s office by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1. more »

Gary Floyd said Friday he would bring a “common sense” approach to City Hall focusing on delivering city services and lowering property taxes to what he calls the core citizenry — retail workers and small business owners. more »

The Des Moines area’s luxury housing market has blossomed in the past year, as downtown condos rise, suburban estates expand and south-of-Grand mansions get makeovers. more »

Sales of existing homes in Iowa were up 4.1 percent during the April-June quarter, the second-fastest growth rate in the country, a real estate trade group reported Wednesday. more »

Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos. US Inc., with offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, won the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties’ Developer of the Year award. more »