Victoria 's Blog

I love Minnesota! Ice Fishing and boating, all at the same time!

2008-11-22T14:41:11Z

I love Minnesota! As the owner of the local bait shop, I get daily reports from the lake, even if I don't get a chance to get out on it. A large portion of West Rush is visible out of my window, and this morning as I was working, I watched boats traversing the lake with Eskimos piloting around the newly formed ice packs. Well, maybe not packs, more like skims..but hard water none the less! At our store, the past week has seen excitement build from some of our favorite (albeit crazy) fishermen, as the north end of the lake has frozen over. Todays report ranges from 3-5 inches, with ice fisherpeople already set up with tip ups, heaters, and more expectations than common sense! Eagles are feeding on the edges of the newly formed ice, and gulls. The spot to the right in the ice to water picture is the boat!

North Branch rocks during the Christmas season!

2008-11-21T08:32:15Z

A tradition in my family is going to be altered this year. My kids and I have made a yearly trip to the Arts Fest annual Christmas sale, which takes over two full schools with over 200 crafters from around the area. It is an awesome, crowded affair, with items from the $1.00 to $1,000.00 range..something definetly for everyone! Or, there is, of course, the ideas...the flash of inspiration when you know you can make this exact item..then go back next year if you can buy it from the maker who does it right! My first child has gone off to college, leaving us with less pairs hands to point out the creative masterpieces packed into the buildings. The event is large enough to warrant shuttles from the local malls, and in between schools.

North Branch has so much to offer at any season. Not quite a bedroom community, not quite stand alone, its 10,000+ residents are a mix of commuters to the metro (about 45 minutes south), Forest Lake, Cambridge or the myriad small businesses which have popped up. North Branch Outlet Mall is a mecca for Minneapolis and St. Paul shoppers, whose ranks swell the closer we get to the holidays. Anderson Windows, relatively new to the area provides well paying local assembly jobs, while Shopko has just opened as the anchor for another retail center for the area.

Both Cambrdge and North Branch appear poised to become members of the mass transit system in the near future. Both cities struggle with the question of re-routing local traffic to accomodate the economy of mass transportation. Both cities maintain strong, community based populations, which bodes well for keeping the rural flavor and welcoming atmosphere alive and well as it adapts to the future needs of it's people.

Cambridge, MN..My adopted city!

2008-11-16T17:07:17Z

What a wild summer it has been! Welcome to Cambridge, Mn! (edit/delete)

This summer proved to be one of the busiest times of my life. I have had the good fortune to work with a local lender in clearing their inventory of new construction homes, at a hugely reduced price. The REO and short sale market can be a rough one, and if you are one of the first contacts with a homeowner who will be losing their home, or take over inspecting a home just after the owner has vacated, it can be gut wrenching. New construction homes are a wonderful breath of fresh air emotionally for this agent, and putting a young family or single homeowner into one of these sparkling units is very exciting.

The city of Cambridge is thriving, with new infrastructure, new shopping, thriving industry..and now it looks like the Rush Line Corridor may be providing mass transit to the metro area sooner than later. I love it here, just enough city in the country, surrounded by lakes, within an hour of the metro.

Cambridge has an awesome school system, performance arts program that lets us enjoy big city acts (Leo Kottke, Tony Sandler, Lori Line), in our local high school! Talk about spoiled! A new community center promises to help those of us who are putting on the weight with the age, and walking trails grow by the year.

Cambridge has something for everyone. My dad, at 93, still drives the ladies to Wal-Mart, and my kids enjoy the opportunity to explore theatre performance, music, hunting or fishing, all within minutes of their front door. It is indeed a home for the ages, I'm sure glad it has adopted me!

Minnesota: Equity Stripping and Baby Boomers

2008-02-14T20:59:08Z

Many baby boomers have considerable equity built into their homes. An acquaintance called me last week, very embarrassed, but looking for somewhere to get answers. A single woman with 20 years into her home, she was a perfect target for the low life form of human being called the Equity Stripper. Her call was too late, but I have hopefully given her the resources she can use to report her experience, and possibly recover some of her losses.

Frequently, people who have hit hard times for any of a multitude of reasons, are embarrassed to ask for help. We call it burying your head in the sand. They look outside of their sphere of friends and advisors for help in settling their financial problems, hoping to remain anonymous. Please, IF IT SOUND TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS.

Boomers are perfect targets. Many, such as my friend, have not bought or sold their primary residence in many years. When a job lay off, medical situation, or just plain hard luck hit, the first place they look is to their home for the cash to make it through. In her case, getting behind in payments, an unscrupulous company scanning for pre-foreclosure properties found her, approached her, wooe'd her and won her house.

The company (now under investigation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce) promised to buy her home, pay her late payments, and sell it back to her on a CD until she could get back on her feet. What did they get? All of the equity built in between her current mortgage, and the new value they put on the home today, plus a home occupied by the person who loved it, making the payment at the higher rate. At 18 months that initial rate balloons, the owner cannot make it, and voila, the stripper not only got cash out, but gets the house back when she can't make the new payment.

The Minnesota Attorney Generals Office has a great site on Equity Stripping. The information included on the site are ways to spot a scammer, and a couple of alternatives for people faced with foreclosure. If you or someone you know is faced with foreclosure, talk to someone you trust. Many local realtors, mortgage loan officers and credit union professionals can help. A couple of non-profit agencies can help direct you:

Home Ownership Center http://www.hocmn.org/ 866-462-6466

HUD Housing Counseling www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm

800-569-4287

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

http://www.mhfa.state.mn.us/

800-657-3769

If you think you have been a victim of equity stripping, you can contact the Attorney Generals Office at 1-800-657-3787

TTY 1-800-366-4812 http://www.ag.state.mn.us/

You can also contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 1-800-657-3602 http://www.commerce.state.mn.us/

We contacted the Attorney Generals Office, found out that the company is already being investigated and are waiting further instructions. We were also able to contact an amazing group of attorneys and law students willing to help at

http://www. volunteerlawyersnetwork.org/volunteer/full/realestate

If someone you know tells you about some angel who will be helping them out of a tight spot, let them know about equity stripping. There is a place for this type of angel, but it is not in heaven!

Golf Course Living at It's Finest!

2007-09-11T17:02:56Z

The buzz is on statewide, Bulrush Golf Course in Rush City is one of the premier spots to spend the day chasing your passion! Located just 45 minutes north of the metro, 15 minutes from Grand Casino, and minutes from championship fishing on both Rush Lakes, this course offers challenges, beauty and a golf pro to help your game improve. Designed by George Shotridge, the course opened under the name Brookside in 2002. After a rocky beginning, new owners have taken over the course, improved it immensely, and added a great eating establishment and club house, the Rush Hour Bar and Grill. With Senior discount days, friendly down home service, and beautiful scenery, the course is a must for golfers of all levels and ages.

Rush Point Realty LLC is proud to represent Sherco Builders, an Exclusive Brookside Builder, in marketing of 4 lots right on the course! Choose from single level living, to larger, split levels..the options are limited only by your imagination! Begin a Legacy of outdoor living, with fishing on East and West Rush Lake only 5 minutes away, Grand Casino Hinckley 15 minutes north, the cultural centers of Minneapolis and St. Paul 45 minutes south..Hunt, Fish, Golf, then celebrate the day by walking over to the club house! Vicky Frieberg, broker for Rush Point Realty LLC can be reached at 612-369-3746. Have your home built over the winter and be ready to Tee off at springs first greening!

New Golfing Community in Rush City, Bulrush Golf Course

2007-09-11T16:39:33Z

Rush Lake, Chisago County, Minnesota,

2007-07-06T08:07:26Z

West Rush Lake is my home, and a large part of my livelihood! I have lived on the lake for the past 18 years, and have watched it cycle through high and low water levels, great and lousy fishing, and huge pressure, low pressure. This year we seem to be experiencing some of all of the above! The fishing for walleye and sunfish is holding at levels I have not seen in at lease 5 years, and as co-owner of the local bait store, my sources are not just in my family! The lake, unfortunately, is dropping like a spilled bowl, with it impossible to get boats off the lifts far to early in the season. Last year by August, my 18 foot jet boat would not come off, and watching my neighbor yesterday getting their pontoon on, would guess without a monsoon, they are done for as well. Funny how the two seem to dovetail, low water, good fishing. Just an uneducated observation. With temps expected to be in the 90s again for the next 4 days, we can expect lots of recreational water sports, personal watercraft and fisherpeople with umbrellas and bimini tops. As for this girl, I will be out with the buyers who seem to be also searching the lake for some long term relief from the heat, their own cabin or lakehome near the water!

Great newspaper ads for animals!

2007-06-11T14:51:19Z

Received this from a friend a minute ago..had to share!

FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER.
8 years old. Hateful little dog. Bites.

FREE PUPPIES:
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.

FREE PUPPIES...
Mother, AKC German Shepherd.
Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.

FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat ... been out a while.
Better be a reward.

COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.

Fishing Opener in Minnesota, or Teach Your Wife to Drive the Boat!!!

2007-05-14T08:24:30Z

As well as owning Rush Point Realty LLC, my husband and I own the Rush Point Store LLC, a local convenience store, bait and tackle shop located on the southern side of West Rush Lake. We have owned the store for eleven years now, and for some reason, fishing opener still brings us some of the best laughs, groans, and new stories to share through the year. This year we heard one to top the list! A friend and customer who has been in the water patrol for over 20 years stopped in and we were comparing opener mishaps. Another deputy had been on local Lindstrom Lake a couple of years back, doing his thing at the public access, when he sights a boat coming in way to low in the water, full of guys. He's thinking there must be trouble, leaking, something wrong, when the tongue of the trailer begins to appear as they approach the landing! Seems the missed the important detail of unstrapping the boat from the trailer when launching, and proceeded on their way!!!! The bouyancy of the tires must have been on their side, or they would have never made it back!

Each year we have someone dump their boat onto the concrete when in their haste to hit water, they loosen the boat from the trailer, and let it slide off before backing to the lake. Some let it gently glide as the tilt is engaged, some just unceremoniously dump it. For some reason, people think boating is a genetically programmed skill if you are from this area! One poor lady was seated in the hubbies boat as he pushed it off the trailer. Sad thing when she was set adrift not knowing how to turn it on! As he screamed and yelled for her to drive it back, she finally engaged it, only to speed back at shore at full throttle! Not pretty for that prop!

Another co-worker (who shall remain unnamed!) brought his beautiful baby schnauzer out for the first time. Excited the dog jumped in chasing waves. Afraid the puppy might drown, the gentleman jumped in to save him, leaving the wife, who had never driven the boat, in charge. After a couple of close calls with her husbands body and a couple of boats, she managed to turn it off and wait while he swam with the clawing and biting dog back to relative safety!

Crane Island, West Rush Lake, Chisago County

2007-05-11T08:35:28Z

West Rush Lake in Chisago County is known for some of the best fishing in proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. About 1 hour north of both cities, Rush Lake is comprised of two large bodies of water, with hugely varied structures. East Rush Lake is the least structured of the two, but West Rush Lake boasts several islands, on of which is a national Scientific and Natural Area. The island was the first in the nation to be named as such in 1974, because of its active Great Blue Heron rookery. There can be as many as 500 nests each year, one of the largest rookeries of its' kind. Black crowned herons can also be found on the island, which is off limits to foot traffic from April 15 through July 15 in order to protect the young herons. Air traffic is also forbidden over the island, and is noted on all maps as such. A trip to the island in the winter is eery, as the abandoned nests, dead fledglings hanging from trees and an old truck abandoned in the 1950s cast a spell over the winter shadows....

It is said only intelligent people can be really funny, glad these guys are!!

2007-05-07T19:36:19Z

UPS ..just in case you need a laugh:
Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high
school diploma to fix one. Reassurance for those of us who fly routinely in our
jobs.

After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS ' pil ots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

By the way, UPS is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit
S: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny. (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to: straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

And the best one for last..................

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

author unknown! and yes, I do agree to the rules of this group!!!!! just read the rules, can you tell!

Rush City, Minnesota

2007-05-07T14:37:45Z

About an hour north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the small town of Rush City sits between North Branch and Hinckly on your way to Duluth. A sleepy little town yet, it boasts two gas stations, one on the freeway, and one in town! Rush City has managed to change little in the past 20 years, with the exception of new housing, and a great addition of a new golf course with homes on the grounds. A city owned aquatics center gives the local kids great activitiy in the hot months, and nearby East and West Rush Lake provide boating, fishing and other recreational opportunities.

East Rush Lake, Just out of Rush City, Minnesota

2007-05-07T14:32:23Z

If you fish at all in the Central Minnesota area, you are probably already familiar with East and West Rush Lakes. Situated just a few miles east of the Rush City exit on County Road 1, East Rush Lake is the first large body of water you will come upon. With a large population of northern, muskie, bass, sunfish and crappies on both lakes, East Rush Lake is much more preferred by the trophy fish hunters! Near state record muskies have been taken each year, with the annual DNR lake evaluation going on this week. Some fish in those nets looked like paddle boats!

The East Rush Lake Access has posted a shallow water warning, but in a very odd, and amusing to some, spot! East Rush is much less structured than West Rush Lake, but both are joined through a very navigable channel, which also provides great panfish in the day time bite. Two docks and a porta pod are left in the access the summer fishing period. Local bait can be purchased just off the lake at Petersons Rush Lake Resort, and on the West Rush Lake side at Rush Point Store. More about West Rush later!

The Treasure that is Rush Lake, Chisago County, Minnesota!

2007-04-24T09:25:03Z

With spring arriving at a gallop, fisherpeople are swarming to enjoy the yearly panfish shore fishing extravaganza! Every year the crappies and sunnies spawn in the north end of West Rush Lake, creating almost as many fisherpeople as fish! Local businessman, Dennis Frandsen, donated the acreage to create the Frandsen County Park at the north end of West Rush Lake. With fishing piers, great parking, trails, picnic shelter and soon to be horse shoe pits, this spot has seen increases yearly for recreational use by not only locals, but a steady influx of metro patrons looking for a close (within and hour) trip to the country. Both East and West Rush Lake have public boating accesses, complete with docks for launching boats. Parking can be somewhat of an issue on a sunny day, with limited availability pushing trucks and trailers onto the County roads adjoining them. Best to be extremely early if you want a spot, remember, fisherpeople think 5:30 a.m. is late! Of the two lakes, West Rush Lake has more structure, islands and incoming streams and water sources. With it's varied shoreline, it is the more popular of the two adjoined lakes for a days pontoon journey. East Rush Lake commands the early morning muskie attention, with fish close to the state record being caught and released. Both lakes have plentiful muskie, tiger muskie, bass, walleye, northern, crappies, sunnies, and my personal favorite, sheephead! If you are looking for a wonderful days excursion, try either East or West Rush Lake during the week, when traffic is minimal, and the pace lazy. Local Rush Point Store carries a fine selection of bait and tackle, coffee and snacks to bring out for your day, and can give you the up to date on where to go!

Chisago County Senior Health Expo

2007-04-22T08:43:05Z

Exhibits, resources and dinner, what more can you ask for! On Wednesday, April 25th the annual Senior Health and Wellness Expo will be held at the North Branch Chisago Senior Center on 6th Avenue and Maple Street. A presentation featuring Future Technologies for Staying in Your Home will be helf from 1:30 to 2:00, with exhibits from 2-4. Food will be available, with raffles every half hour, and a bake sale. For more information, call 651-674-8658. The Senior Center has become an integral part of the North Branch community, providing space for many community events.

West Rush Lake Pelican and Tick Migration!

2007-04-17T08:52:04Z

After a long, hard day Sunday, I dragged home just to have the cell phone ringing. I was bone tired, but new ads are out and my clients deserve my best. It was a friend who I had sold a lakehome to a couple of years ago, someone who I so appreciate having come into my life through this real estate profession! He and his wife have been a gift well after the papers have been signed, as have many of my former clients, now friends. Anyway, he was out on the pontoon (already), and in a northern bay on West Rush Lake. The white pelicans were in the bay by the hundreds! I scooped up the kids and husband, re-energized, grabbed the camera and sped up in the truck. We drove to the farthest point in Frandsen County Park (just west of Rush City), and could see the flocks, just out of camera range. They are incredible when soaring in, huge white and black masses...my favorite to see migrating through the area. Usually there are hundreds in front of my house, not one yet as of today, they are sticking close to the smaller inlets at the north end. Joining the mergansers, buffleheads, mallards and commorants, East and West Rush Lake see an enormous diversity of wildlife passing through in spring and fall. After attemtping to get a photo (birthday next month..can anyone say telephoto!)..we straggled reluctantly home, and spent the evening picking off the ticks which had hitched a ride...Gotta love it...time for the repellant and sunscreen, spring has sprung in Minnesota!

Rush Lake Real Estate Prize Property!

2007-04-15T22:09:40Z

Rush Lake in Northern Chisago County is one of the areas premier sports fishing lakes. Located on 8 acres with lake access, this 4 bedroom home has more space then most other lakeshore properties can possibly offer, inside and out! For more information contact Rush Point Realty LLC, Victoria Frieberg rushhome@ecenet.com..

Need a Snoring Room?

2007-04-15T09:20:43Z

I had to laugh at a recent CNN report that 60% of new, upscale homes will include a second master suite, to let the spouse of a snoring person, or restless leg, tv addict etc. get some sleep! I currently have listed a home with Rush Lake access which has just such an accomodating second master! A beautiful, warm and open floor plan invites people into it's great entertaining spaces. 8 acres of land leave room for a pool, tennis court, vintage auto collection..whatever the heart desires! This property comes with deeded lake access to put your dock out, picnic and enjoy all this incredible recreational lake has to offer. At $459,000 this 4 bedroom home is below appraisal, the death of a spouse has made it availabe at this time. Our client has said we may disclose this fact to explain the more than reasonable asking price. It is time to move on, and for some lucky person to move in....call for your private showing, represented by Victoria Frieberg, Rush Point Realty LLC 763-689-5343 rushpointrealty.com

Goose Lake

2007-04-14T21:42:39Z

One of the best kept secrets of Chisago County is Goose Lake. About 1000 acres of combined North and South lakes, the southern most empties into a chain comprised of Rabour, Mandall and Horseshoe. Pretty much land locked, this lakes secrets are guarded by the homeowners, and rightly so! Walleye abound, as do panfish..which have been heavily fished during the ice fishing season. A new law now limits the crappie limit to 5 each..slowing the incredible pressure on the lake, a move approved and welcomed by the lake association. Goose is not a lake for fast rides on the jet ski, but more for slow rides on the pontoon. Less developed than Rush, it has a quieter, slower paced feel, which is just fine for those who enjoy it's views and peacefulness.

Rush Lake, East and West

2007-04-14T21:37:07Z

Just west of Rush City the joined lakes of East and West Rush combine to give uncounted anglers access to some of the finest fishing in the state! No brag, just fact! With crappies, sunnies, walleye, bass, northern, muskie at the top of the list, perch and our famous sheepheads are right behind! With almost 3000 acres of water, several islands, a bird sanctuary, Rush Lake is easily enjoyed for a full days pontoon ride without seeing the same spot twice. A new resort provides food and drink with welcoming docks, the local country store provides bait, tackle and libations for the day on the lake. Many people come and decide to stay, and with the hour commute to both downtowns, Rush Lake is a wonderful haven from the cities pace. Letting the commute wash away the day, homeowners return to watching eagles, loons and hawks..deer, bear and the kids swimming...Life is good!

Rush City, small town on the brink of something big!

2007-04-14T21:25:09Z

As the next city north of North Branch, Rush City sits on the Minneapolis/St. Paul corridor to Duluth. A tiny downtown, one strip mall which houses the movie rental, thrift shop and grocery store, and not a lot more! A fledgling golf course sits on the road to Rush City's most popular spot, not in the city, but west...Rush Lake. Channels connect East and West Rush Lakes for approximately 3000 acres of great fishing. Trophy muskie, northern, panfish,walleye and bass...you name it, Rush has it. Popular Goose Lake also provides about 1000 acres of fishing quiet..with walleye and panfish plentiful, and only one public access! Several smaller lakes get the little kids going from shore, bringing them up to be tomorrows sports fisherpeople. Poised in it's sleepy location, ready for a burst of expansion, this town reminds me of my son, a "tween'! Not quite sure if it wants to grow, but beginning to get the idea that it might not be all bad! I can't wait to watch them both, and am fully confident that an investment now of time, planning and patience will make all of our futures brighter!

The lakes are open, loons (both human and fowl) are back!

2007-04-10T08:50:57Z

With activity picking up early this year, the tentative market we saw last year seems to be relaxing. Buyers are driving the area, choosing which home to call on, and calling the listing agent from yard signs in growing numbers. At least that would be the experience in my circle of agents. Spring has sprung, and those who sat out last year waiting for their dream home or lake place are sick of waiting and ready to jump on the band wagon. For the first time in a couple of years, I have several buyers waiting for lakeshore properties to pop on the market, in all price ranges.

On the flip side of the good news, I have seen two examples of interest gouging attempts on my clients, with loan officers quoting some ridiculous interest rates...fortunately the client called and we were able to give them a couple of references for bankers with better programs. The experience just proves that you must keep the lines of communication open on all levels of the transaction, educate the buyer, they are not, in most cases, buying on a yearly basis!

An interesting vehicle has been driving around the rural countryside lately, very funny...Very old little pick up truck trailering a load of wood. Huge steam engine(?) in the pick up box, chimney pipes running into the engine compartment...Alternative energy powered vehicle?!!! Very odd, we have yet to jump out in the street to stop him for questions! Spring does indeed bring the 'theatre' alive!

Lakeshore coming back alive?

2007-04-07T22:31:49Z

Maybe it's just me, but the lakeshore property market seemed to go under about two years ahead of the regular "correction" occurred. So I see it as hopeful that it has picked up drastically this spring already. With two purchase agreements closed, one pending, and three buyers waiting for a property to spring up, I see a bright light at the end of this tunnel! Now if we can get this beauty sold soon, my seller will bel