I went to a foreign country this past weekend. We had a nice time! - 10/31/11 08:19 PM
Yes, we were gone for the weekend.  We visited a foreign country and saw the grand kids and celebrated my step-sons birthday.
Other than the cheese hat he wears, he is a good guy!
WE went on a Nature walk that had cartoon characters along the 1 1/2 mile path.  The kids dressed in their Halloween costumes and collected candy as they met the different characters.
  It started out as a frosty morning...
The Nature walk was beautiful...Not to warm and no wind at all.

Shame on me, but I do not know my princesses.  I was just glad … (7 comments)

Home inspections are needed even for outbuildings. - 10/29/11 09:42 AM
During a recent home inspection I told the buyer to have the inspector check out the screen gazebo.
"Nah, I don't see a need."
"Well, I see a lot of black ants around and I think it would be worth doing it.  Ask the inspector how much extra."
The inspector told my client he would do it for the same fee.   He did tell my client that there is some damage, but unable to tell how much until the siding was off.
My client did buy the house.   Here are the pictures he has sent me of the damage he DIDN'T … (6 comments)

Why I live in Minnesota! - 10/28/11 03:51 PM
One reason I was born here, but have never been anywhere else I would want to be.
I take that back...The wilds of Alaska.  But my wife says she will not MOVE up there.  HMMM, I am sure going to miss her!
Anyway, for the time being...here are a few examples...
  A fawn peeking between the blades of grass.
Momma duck hugging the shoreline to avoid predators both above and below the water.
Where else could you get mooned by a wild turkey.
The fishing!
The peaceful sunsets.
There just is not more than this that I need to be … (6 comments)

But...I can't save money for a down payment. - 10/27/11 09:23 AM
I again heard this from a client.  We have him qualified, and all he needs to do is save $2000.  He has $1000. 
He cliams he and his wife have no extra money to save.
"How bad do you want to buy a house?"  I asked them both.
"WE would do most anything," they both said. So we started.
Week day for work.  Both have office jobs.   Both buy all their drinks and meals from work or another restaurant.  When I explained that they did not NEED 5 latte's in a day.  Bring candy bars and chips from home. They … (13 comments)

Sights of the fall season....Part Two of Minnesota Fall. - 10/26/11 09:10 PM
There is a second part to this season that most find 'untasteful'
That would be...Mushrooms.  There are many varieties that are edible, but you had better know for sure which ones are which. 
I know the only spring mushroom that is edible, but not for sure the fall ones.
But, I do find that that fall ones have a lot more color and shapes then the spring mushrooms!
These pink and purplish ones are the size of a quarter.
These orange ones make me think I should be looking for that Leprechaun and his Pot-O' Gold.
I think this is … (5 comments)

Sights of the fall season... - 10/25/11 04:12 PM
The big push in the fall is the color!  LEAVES, LEAVES, LEAVES!
That is almost all we hear about. 
But, there is a lot more if you get out of your car and walk...
This bird's nest right along the trail was totally hidden when the 'LEAVES' were still on the trees.
  This grey squirrel, waiting for us to pass so he can continue collecting is winter forage.
My cell phone sits next to a mammoth puff ball.
This doe could sneak through the brush without being seen when the 'LEAVES' were still on.
  And the moon … (8 comments)

Minnesota Deer Hunters....Wake up!!! - 10/24/11 09:26 PM
The Minnesota Firearms Deer season is nearly upon us.
Below is what many of us are looking for, (Although, this is a bit small in my book and he is just a young deer)

But, you had better be ready.  90% of you have not shot your rifle or shotgun since last year.
Most have no idea where all their gear is.
Over 1/2 only have an idea of where they will hunt and most of the others have not even stepped into the woods to check out the stand s that they use every year.
All of this leads … (5 comments)

Minnesota...This is One time you SHOULD keep up with the Jones's. - 10/23/11 08:26 PM
I am not going to burden you with all kinds of information.
The writing IS on the wall.
Interest Rates are at an all time low.   Most renters can purchase a home for about half of what they are paying for rent.
Homes prices are at levels that are unlikely to be seen again!
If you are sitting on the fence...then you need to think about keeping up with the Jones's!!!
It will not happen over night.  It may not happen in 2-3 years, but values of homes are going to go up.  They are already in many local's.  No, not … (4 comments)

It started like this... - 10/22/11 09:00 PM

My neighbor called and asked if I had a big chain saw.
"Yea, you know I do, why?" I asked him.
"Just come on over and bring it with!"
Well, I knew there would be some home made wine involved, so I went over.   He had trimmed the tree as much as he could with is little saw.  The base was just over 48 inches at the smallest spot.
Less than 2 hours later...

The log looked like this!
He wanted to pay me, but what are neighbors for if we can't help each other out.
But, I did … (9 comments)

That extreme lowball offer can ruin your chances. - 10/21/11 08:27 PM
The offer came in at 40% of list price.  I Laughed and called my seller.  He DIDN'T laugh.  He said he would not even counter. 
10 days later, we get an upgraded offer from the same person...51% of list. 
Now my seller is furious..."I don't care if the buyer comes back at 10% above list...He can go to,"  well let's leave that part out.
The funny part is that the buyer wanted the seller to hold the note and also didn't want to put down any money.
We have others that are serious about purchasing the property.  My seller … (10 comments)

Friday's funny! - 10/21/11 01:05 PM
Just in one of those moods.  It is Friday Ya Know!
A blind man is sitting at the bar.  "You want to hear a blonde joke?" he asks the Bar tender.
The bar tender quietly says to the blind man...
"Sir, there is something you should know.  The guy sitting next to you is 6' 6" and weighs about 235.  He's blonde.  The guy on the other side of you is blonde and is a football player.   Our 6'  lady bar tender is blonde.  There is a guy behind you that is blonde and weighs nearly 300 pounds.  He is a … (10 comments)

It was a beautiful fall day! - 10/20/11 10:16 PM
I was all caught up by noon today, so I went up to the cabin and did some fall work.
Leaves were pilling up and the more I get done in the fall, the less I have to do when I want to fish.
The birds and small animals were flittering around eating and working at their winter food supply.
  This site alone was worth the couple of hours of work.  It cleared my mind and I am refreshed and ready to hit it hard tomorrow!
… (12 comments)

North Branch, Minnesota Homes selling quickley. - 10/17/11 08:00 PM
If you are looking to buy a NICE home in North Branch, you need to hurry.  Nice homes come on the market and leave the market just as fast.
Paint and carpet fixers are moving also, not as fast, but don't blink or you may be in a multiple offer situation.
My client knowing this has been offering more than list and he is still getting beat out of the deal.  The last one he offered 9% over and we came in 3rd.
If you are thinking are buying, now is still a great time.  But be prepared to find less … (5 comments)

Someone always has it worse! - 10/16/11 07:47 PM
For some, they should not be allowed to do their 'thing'.  And for others they think they have it bad, but someone always has it worse...

This one should be required proper attire!!!!!

So you think the storm with Baseball sized hail was bad!

So that snow storm with 3 feet of snow was really bad...huh?!
  Look close...see the tree in the road.  And you thought your road planners were stupid!!!
I now feel much better about my life!!!
… (7 comments)

Minnesota home Sales are up. - 10/16/11 05:58 PM
When looking at the state as a whole....Homes sales are up including NEW home starts.
Again, that is a STATE wide calculation.  Some areas are still very slow.  Bravo for the LOCAL media for reporting information that is relative to our state.
Now I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop!  One good news story is usually followed by a week or 10 days of bad news that is so general by is enough to scare the pants off buyers.
If you are planning on buying anytime soon, get on it!   Interest is still low, but the selection is … (4 comments)

Ole turned 21!!! - 10/15/11 08:30 PM
Common sense is a great quality to have.  Unfortunately, my buddy Ole just doesn't have it...
For all of his life, Ole had heard of the great tradition.  On their 21st birthdays, his father, his grand father and his great grandfather before him all walked on water.  On their 21st birthdays' they all walked across the lake to the pub on the other side. 
On Ole's 21st birthday, he and his buddy Lars took a boat out onto the lake and then Ole got out to walk on the water to the bub just like his many forefathers before him.
… (6 comments)

So...what is the difference? - 10/15/11 10:32 AM
It is a beautiful crisp morning up here in the Northland.  This sunrise caught my eye...
As the sun has just risen over the horizon I think back to this photo from a few weeks before...
This one is from the same place.  The sun isn't over the horizon yet, but it has moved over to the right (south) a good distance.
The big difference is that this morning is 35 degrees cooler than when the the 2nd photo was taken.  Both are beautiful in their own right, but the best part is that temperature doesn't play a big part in … (8 comments)

Have you slivers in your tush? - 10/14/11 04:19 PM
Are you sitting on the proverbial fence n buying a home.
Sit no longer!  North Branch Minnesota is starting to hop.  The number of homes for sale is way down and new construction is starting to be the in thing.
Even home sales in much of the state are taking off. 
Prices are the lowest in 10-15 years depending on local.  Interest rates are the lowest in current record keeping. 
House payments are far less than renting, as much as 50% at times.
If you are sitting on the fence, get off, pull out your splinters and call me.  … (4 comments)

Do you have special plans for your new Home? - 10/12/11 09:26 PM
What I mean by that, is how do you plan to enjoy your home?
Are you doing a home office or full business from your home?  Does the city allow it or will it allow signage.
Are you thinking of adding on? Is there room and what are the setbacks for your area or town.
Are you thinking of raising dogs?  Most towns and many rural areas have limits on the number and require permits and variances.
 
Just buying a home and then doing as you want may not happen and you could end up with a property that you … (4 comments)

A bit of a Nature Blog. - 10/12/11 03:36 PM
I received this a short time ago and just had to share....
The importance of bats.
Bats do a lot of good.  On bat can eat 300 mosquitos' and other insects in one night.  Some bats are responsible for spreading the majority of the seeds in a region.
Our planet has a wide range of odd creatures, but here are 3 from the bat family...
 
The Sucker Footed Bat.

Red Fruit Bat

And the not so Popular...Ding Bat!
So, 2 out of 3 have a useful purpose.  If we could only teach this one to eat mosquito's … (12 comments)

John Q. Public...stop listening to the Media!!!! - 10/11/11 08:20 PM
Now I realize that this does not pertain to every local, but here in North Branch, Mn the market is heating up.  At least for myself.
My client is a great buyer, and understands the market and how the offers work.
Today we found out that we were beat out (for the 3rd time) on a house he offered more than 8% above the list price.  The previous two homes were also above the list price.
I get calls locally from people who want to buy but are scared because the media said something stupid!!!
This has happened in other locals … (6 comments)

Sorry, I could not help it. Although a great idea! - 10/10/11 07:40 PM
Sometimes a good idea comes around and you wonder...now why didn't I think of that.
2 blonde's were sitting in Starbucks.  B semi drove by the window and the first one said...
"That's what I'm going to do when I win the lottery."
The second blonde looked at her and said..."Do what?"

"Send my lawn out to be mowed!" Chimed the first!
I told you it was a great idea!!!

… (12 comments)

Is this possibly the first Polictician? - 10/09/11 09:16 PM
Archaeologist have uncovered bones dating back many thousands of years.

The unique structure of the bones seam to lead them to believe that the person was Political in nature.

Now when I view them...I would say that they are no different from what they would look like from today's Politicians.

I know, some will say I am cynical, but I am also realistic.

So take a gander and you tell me!









… (9 comments)

It is Harvest time in Minnesota. - 10/08/11 08:34 PM
Actually it is harvest time in most of America.  But here in Minnesota, the farmers are in full gear.

Soy beans are the top priority right now.  With the beans at peak ripeness it is time to get them off the field before he start dropping on the ground.
The big green machines are working overtime right now.  It is extremely dry right now which makes for a lot of dust.  But it also makes for easy access for the marginal grounds that sometimes get planted.
So for today, the farmers are working fast before the next rain comes.  It … (9 comments)

Once again, the beauty is not always up in the tree tops. - 10/07/11 06:03 PM
Now, don't get me wrong. I love looking at the leaves, especially in a panoramic view. 
But once those leaves hit the ground, many people think that the color is done!
Here is one of my favorite fall leaf photo...

With the sun casting shadows a few of the leaves still hang onto their color even after they have hit the ground.
There is beauty all around us...we just need to stop and look!

… (4 comments)

A lot can be done when you enlist the help of others. - 10/06/11 08:40 PM
I was approached by a friend for help and advice.  It seams that someone he knew had an accident was was off work.  Money was very tight as he had no disability insurance. 
I also seams that a circle of friends that wanted to help didn't have any extra cash either.
After a brief brain storming session I came up with a great idea.
Recycling.
This is a rural community and everyone seams to have a pile of old scrap metal.   With the price around $180 a ton, it sounded like a great idea.  The word was put out and over … (7 comments)

Some times you need to clean house! - 10/05/11 10:00 PM
This reminds me of a neighbor from several years ago. 
Ole ran into his buddy Sven...
"Ole", Sven chirps, "I hear that you and Lena went your separate ways."
"Yes, we did."
"So what happened?" asked Sven.
"Well, I read in a self improvement magazine that in order to feel better I should get rid of anything that is not useful, not beautiful or isn't joyful." 
Well, now I understand!
… (8 comments)

It is the Dawn of another day! - 10/02/11 09:25 AM
Our Lord has put upon us another day of life.  At least in my area It is starting with a bright morning.
It is a new beginning and a new day.  Much can become of it, but, it is up to us to make the most of what we have been given.
Some of us will seek out Nature.  Some will enjoy sports and other will go for a walk.
A few will have to work and for them I am grateful.  But what ever you do...make it a great day!

… (9 comments)

An old friend is gone...but soon to reserected. - 10/01/11 10:23 PM
WE went to close up the cabin to day.  We decided on the way up to stop by the Oak Inn in Sturgeon Lake, mn for lunch.  When we arrived this is what we saw...

We stopped by the local gas station but the young guy had no idea of what happened.
After talking to a couple of the locals, It appears to be an electrical fire.
Rebuilding is set for end of November if all goes OK.
The current owners of about two years have built this failing business into a flourishing one.
I wish them well.
… (9 comments)

 
Bill_4 Rainmaker_large

William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN

Whispering Pines Realty

North Branch, MN

More about me…

WHISPERING PINES REALTY

Address: PO box 610, 29995 Julliard Street, North Branch, MN, 55056

Office Phone: (651) 674-7449

Cell Phone: (651) 674-5999

Email Me

Buying Real Estate should be fun...if you are looking in Chisago and Pine counties or anywhere in Minnesota, call me and let me show you that Buying a home is not all pain.


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