Author: GRL Law

Appeal Your 2023 Property Tax Assessment

Iowa Property Tax Assessments are up by record amounts across the Des Moines Metro area and the entire state.  KCCI is reporting that assessed values are going up by approximately 22% in Polk County and surrounding counties.  These record increases are being justified by the delay in valuations caused by COVID as well as the previously hot housing market.  While it is great to have property increase in value, the corresponding tax bill can really put a dent in your budget. Property owners do not have to take this budget surprise sitting down.  There is an appeal process.  GRL Law’s […]

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Flat Fee For Sale by Owner Program

Thinking about listing your home for sale? What if we told you that by hiring an attorney you could save tens of thousands of dollars on the sale of your home? GRL is excited to announce our Flat Fee For-Sale by Owner program. Most of us do not think twice about having our friend or family member who is a real estate agent, list and sell our homes.  After all, that’s how it is done right?  We sign a listing agreement without reading it, they put a sign in the yard, we take the pets for a drive when an interested […]

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Professional, Knowledgeable and Caring

I can’t thank attorney James Sayre enough for his help during a very overdue need in my life. James’s knowledge and experience of the law eased my stress and anxiety throughout the entire process. His personal and approachable demeanor made me feel comfortable and not so overwhelmed. He took a genuine interest in my well-being. Throughout the entire process I was always well informed, my phone calls promptly returned and all my questions and concerns were addressed. Thank you James for your outstanding job in representing me in my divorce. It was truly a pleasure working with you! Posted by BarbJuly […]

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Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System

As May comes to an end, we want to continue the conversation surrounding mental health and behavioral issues to help to reduce the stigma. Even for people that do not suffer, mental wellbeing is an important factor in each and everyone’s lives. If you or a loved one have made a journey through the dreaded criminal justice system, you may have first-hand knowledge of the effects that the criminal justice system can have on an individual’s mental health. If you have not, it is likely not difficult to imagine the stress and anxiety that follow an accusation of committing a […]

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Do I Have To Pay 7% To A Realtor To Sell My Home? For Sale by Owner – a Walkthrough

No, no, and no.  To be very clear, the answer is NO. We will start off by issuing a quick apology to our clients, family members, friends and fellow professionals working in the real estate profession.  This blog is by no means an attempt to diminish their work.  They are a very important and integral part of the real estate system.  There are still many situations where a realtor is necessary, but there is no requirement to employ or involve a realtor to buy or sell a home.  If you have a unique home or a difficult property to sell, […]

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Protecting Your Legacy – An Introduction

You built it, shouldn’t you protect it?  Should the government get the final say on how your assets are treated in the event of your death?  Should the government get the final say on the care your children receive if  you pass away unexpectedly? It is your legacy, you should ensure that you have the final say! Legal tools have been created that allow a person to retain control of their own decision-making, even when they are in a legally or medically incapable of verbalizing their desires at the present moment.  These tools, properly implemented and utilized, prevent the government […]

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Effective July 15, 2020, Fines for Criminal Offenses Change

Effectively July 15, 2020, the financial penalties for all criminal offenses undergo significant changes. Maximum and minimum fines for five separate categories of offenses will change to the following: Simple Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $105.  Maximum Fine – $855 Serious Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $430.  Maximum Fine – $2,560 Aggravated Misdemeanors: Minimum Fine – $855.  Maximum Fine – $8,540 Class D Felony:  Minimum Fine – $1,025.  Maximum Fine – $10,245 Class C Felony:  Minimum Fine – $1,370.  Maximum Fine – $13,660. The changes do not alter the otherwise mandatory minimum fines applicable to offenses such as operating while intoxicated. The new law […]

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