Well, it was a great day yesterday to spend some time with an old friend.

We had not seen each other in a while and because I had an appointment not far from him, I called.

When his wife answered the phone and said he was not home I asked where did he go.

There was a moment of silence..."Bill, do you really need to ask?"

That was all I needed.  After my appointment I drove to the frozen water near his home.  I am still a bit chicken about the ice, so I walked out to his house about a quarter of a mile off shore.

We drowned a few minnows and a sorrow or two.

The two hour break was a good change of pace for both of us.

  This is not his house but for those of you who live in the warmer climates...Yes, we do put houses on the ice.

I am getting a head start on this Hallmark/Hershey's Holiday that was made strictly to punish us men and make huge profits for the makers.

If you want to stay married or want to keep your girl friend, I would suggest you stay away from a few of these when she is around!

It doesn't matter how many times a man changes jobs, is still has the same Boss!

They call our language the Mother tongue, because the father seldom gets a chance to speak.

One woman's hobby is another woman's hubby.

I recently read that Love is entirely chemistry, that is why my wife treats me like toxic waste.

A man is incomplete until he marries.  After that he is FINISHED!

Marriage is when a man and woman become one.  The trouble starts when they try to figure out which one.

Marriage is made in heaven, but, then again so are lightening and thunder.

If you want your wife to pay strict attention to every word you-say...just talk in your sleep.

Marriage is where one person is always right and the other one is the Husband.

My wife and I always compromise.  I admit I am wrong and she agrees with me!

I am an Excellent Housekeeper.  Every time I get divorced, I keep the house.

When  a man opens the door of his car for his wife, one thing is for sure...Either the car is new or the wife!

OK, now I know I will catch Hell, but hey...I did last time and the Ladies here were great about defending themselves.

Let the fun begin!   I am Ducking and Weaving!

Happy Valentines Ladies!!!!

3 clients, 11 homes shown, one 2nd show set for tomorrow...it has been a great day.

I even had time to do a bit on the 'honey do' list.

But now it is time to settle in for the night.

I know that a bag of something that will harden my arteries is step one and then something to wash it down.

My buddy here has the right idea...

  I like his approach.

Had a call from a recent buyer today...

Bill, we are having sewer issues.   .

"There was a septic inspection done and it came back good.  Any ideas?"

"Yes...The neighbor said they have been having issues with backups for several years."

ON the disclosures the seller said they had had no problems with the septic, but we are finding out that is not true.   The septic inspection is not fool proof especially when the issue is the drain field.

I have had sellers say, "Well, how would they find out?" 

This is how.  Neighbors, same pumper, I even had a relative that told a client that his nephew lied.

Thinking of lying on your disclosures?   Think twice.  You never know who will rat you out!

I heat my home with an outdoor wood furnace.  Last night I went out to load the furnace before hitting the sack for the night.

Walking across the yard I saw a larger black colored figure.  I thought it was a cat.  I yelled, but it didnt' move.  So...I walked a bit closer.

I was careful because I had no idea what it was and many animals hibernate at this time of the year.   Those that should be asleep  but are up and around are usually sick with Rabies being one of the reasons.

Upon closer examination of this critter I ran to the house to get my camera.

Here is what I saw...

  It was a young Beaver.  So why was he in my yard?  I believe he was just looking over the Real Estate and was being a friendly neighbor.   There is a small river and some back water area behind my property.

This is just a youngster, most likely last springs pup.  I don't know if mom and dad were kicking him out of house and home or not, but he was not real scared.  It could also be that some predator was able to invade his domain and he was looking for a new place to live.

At any rate, this is one of the reasons I live in the rural area that I do.  Nature is all around if you just take the time to look once in a while.

Looking for a home in the country...Call me. 

Ok, I did forget to say that this is a Senior thing.

Most Insurance companies will give Seniors 10% off their car insurance, In Minnesota anyway, for taking a 55 and Alive class.

Tomorrow at the Senior Center in North Branch you can take the first part of the course or the 4 hour refresher.

This is great information and just a great refresher on the current rules of the road.

$15 for the refresher and $16 for the full first time course.

Call 651-674-8658 to register.

Nope, not the bird...OWLS stands for...

Older Wiser Laughing Souls

I am proud to be a member of the OWLS!  Here is some of the things we believe in..

Whether a man winds up with a nest egg or a goose egg, depends a lot on the chick he marries.

Trouble in a marriage many times starts when a man is so busy earning his salt that he forgets his sugar.

To many couples marry for better, or for worse but not for good.

When a man marries a woman, they become one.  The problems start when the try to decide which one.

On anniversaries a man always forgets the past but never the present.

Many girls like to marry military men.  he can cook, he can sew, and make beds and are in great health.  Plus he is already used to taking orders!

Now, if you are not at least chuckling right now...you are can't be a member of the OWLS!

That is a question every seller needs to clear in their minds and deal with it accordingly.

After selling, are you buying a different home.  If so, are you buying similar, upgrading or downsizing.  The market is down and if you downsize, you will most likely be getting less in the deal because of the lower prices.  If you are upgrading...you will be coming out on top.  If you stay with the same home just in a different area it will most likely be a wash.

When you buy the next home, is your new bank loan a better interest than what you were paying.  It should be close to the same or better.  For the most part, again this is a win.

Are you selling and not buying.  This is the worst scenario.  You are selling in a depressed market and you are not making up any of that in your new living arrangements.

not everyone who is selling today is losing money compared to the hay days.  Those that are getting more house and better interest may be coming out ahead. 

You need to look at what YOU are doing and make the decision that is right for you.

It has been a long week with little that has gone well or as planned.   So, I am starting the weekend with a smile...

Mary walked up to the Minister after church service on Sunday...

"Pastor, I have some bad news..."

Seeing she was in tears, "What is so terrible Mary?" he asked.

Sobbing she replied..."Fred died last night."

"That's terrible, was he ill, did he have any last requests?"

"Yes he did, Pastor...he said...Please Mary, put down that gun!"

Have a great weekend everyone.

For the sun will come out tomorrow...At least in my neck of the woods!

If you are looking for a steal...Ask you agent where you may be able to find one.    North Branch Mn. is not a good place to look for a steal.

Why?

Because, our inventory is low.  Many homes that are in good shape are selling near or above list. 

Now to qualify that just a bit.  If you find a home price 25% over current market and can get it for near market...that may be the steel you keep hearing about.

North Branch, Mn is on two major highway arteries and is an easy commute to the twin cities. 

North Branch, Mn is a Bedroom community that still has some great living.  So if you are looking to move here, be prepared.  the local Real Estate market is heating up and prices are following.

Nicely maintained homes will ask for a good price.   But, If you compare today's prices with 5 years ago...All of the homes in North Branch,MN are a steal today!