With flood season just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you and your home are prepared. Here is some information from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH). … [Read more...]
What a difference 6 months makes
July 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I have a bunch of different ideas rolling around in my head and am just looking for the time and inspiration to reduce them to writing however it has been a little while since I've posted and wanted to get a few thoughts out: At the start of the year the agents, brokers, managers, loan officers and title closers were are optimistic that 2012 would be better than 2011. The general consensus was that prices might dip just a little further but that the number of homes sold would increase, though I was a little more … [Read more...]
Some Agents Piss Me Off
March 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
This weekend I was out with a client showing a few homes when I came across an agent that had put out 19 signs and a set of balloons on a single intersection. When I do open houses I have put out 2-3 signs on a corner to catch people's eyes but this agent had the gall to litter the entire intersection with these obnoxious signs, many of which actually made it hard to see oncoming cross traffic. Communities regularly create and modify their sign ordinances to prevent sign pollution and agents like piss off the … [Read more...]
Minnesota Purchase Agreements 101: Specific Performance
February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There is a clause on Page 4 of the standard Minnesota Association of REALTORS Purchase Agreement titled "DEFAULT:" 171. DEFAULT: If Buyer defaults in any of the agreements hereunder, Seller may terminate this Purchase Agreement 172. under the provisions of MN Statute 559.21. If either Buyer or Seller defaults in any of the agreements hereunder or 173. there exists an unfulfilled condition after the date specified for fulfillment, either party may cancel this Purchase 174. Agreement under MN Statute 559.217, Subd. … [Read more...]
3 Home Buyer Financing Lies
September 21, 2011 by 1 Comment
#1 - Buyers need 20% cash down to buy a home Did you know that some buyers can still buy a home with NO DOWN PAYMENT? The USDA Rural Development and Department of Veterans Affairs loan programs both offer 0% down payment options. In the case of the USDA, it is income and location restricted. For VA loans, active military and veterans are often eligible based on their time, type and years of service. There can also be some smaller local programs with very specific criteria that can get you close to no down … [Read more...]
Hwy 610 in Maple Grove, Osseo & Brooklyn Park Opens August 19th!
August 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Message from MN/DOT: We're nearing the completion of the Hwy 610 extension project, and the roadway is currently scheduled to open to traffic on Aug. 19. Thank you for your patience during all of the construction work. We're holding a public ribbon cutting ceremony next week. We'd love for you to join us! Here are the details: Hwy 610 Ribbon Cutting Wednesday, Aug. 17 On the new freeway, below the Zachary Lane Bridge Event begins at 2 p.m. (program begins at approximately 2:30 p.m.) The … [Read more...]
I'm Hiring a Licensed Assistant – Interested?
April 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I am looking for a licensed assistant to handle client communications, lead management and some backoffice support. Skills required: Current active real estate license or ability to re-activate license Experience with Word and Outlook (Excel experience preferred) Great customer service skills - phone calls and emails with clients and vendors will be a primary part of the job Ability to stay organized and handle long-term projects as well as last-second emergencies Android or iPhone for access to email when … [Read more...]
Twin Cities 2011 Housing Market Prediction: Party Like It's 2009
April 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment
At this time last year the housing market was heating up as the first time home buyer tax credit was nearing its expiration. Just as soon as that tax credit expired, the Twin Cities housing market went into the meat locker for the rest of the year. Now that we're finally past both the tax credit's boost and its bust, what does 2011 hold for us? One of the key housing metrics we look at is new Pending Home Sales. These are homes for sale that have accepted offers and are on their way to closing. Here are … [Read more...]
Interactive Market Analytics Unveiled in Twin Cities Housing Market
July 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
THE THING Interactive Market Analytics Unveiled in Twin Cities Housing Market MAAR is making housing market data easier than ever to explore and dissect. Welcome to "The Thing," a new interactive market analytics tool for local real estate. The new tool, available at thething.mplsrealtor.com, was developed to simplify the sometimes-arduous task of interpreting housing market statistics. Users can combine metrics like median sales price, months supply and days on market with breakouts like home … [Read more...]
Twin Cities July 17 2010 Storm Photos/Video
July 17, 2010 by 1 Comment
I took a few photos of the weather after the storms had passed. I will hopefully be adding to this list in the next day or two. These photos were not retouched. (more photos on the post page) … [Read more...]
