Callahan Real Estate Services

Real Estate Brokerage · Creston, Iowa

1:57 PM in Creston Directions

Here is what working with Callahan Real Estate in Creston typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

For home buyers

Buyer strategy session

Clarifies budget, loan pre-approval status and the representation agreement now required in Iowa.

Showings in Creston

Scheduling private tours, previewing listings and flagging issues worth a closer look.

Writing and negotiating offers

Pricing an offer from recent nearby sales and negotiating repairs, credits and timelines.

Contract-to-close management

Tracking deadlines for inspection, appraisal and financing until the keys change hands.

Seller services

Pricing analysis (CMA)

A comparative market analysis based on recent sales near your Creston home.

Pre-listing checklist

Which repairs are worth doing, decluttering and photo-day preparation.

MLS listing and marketing

Listing on the local MLS and syndication to the major home-search sites.

Offer review and negotiation

Comparing offers on price, terms and financing strength, then negotiating to a signed contract.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under Iowa rules.

Typical costs on a Creston home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $156,116. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $156K
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$3,903–$4,683
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$3,122–$4,683
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$3,122–$7,806
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Areas around Creston

Atlantic, IA41 mi · $162K Red Oak, IA45 mi · $138K Indianola, IA47 mi · $313K West Des Moines, IA49 mi · $322K

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in Iowa?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does Callahan Real Estate work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how Callahan Real Estate handles dual agency or designated agency under Iowa law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.