Baseball Season Starts Today - Finally - 03/31/11 08:48 AM
After a brutal couple of seasons for Minnesota sports fans the Major League Baseball season starts today with 6 games scattered throughout different times slots during the day.  The Minnesota Twins don't take the field until tomorrow but its nice to have a sports team to be excited about ready to get going.
We suffered this fall through a dreadful Minnesota Vikings season, and now we are not sure that there will be NFL football come next fall.  The Timberwolves, yes we still have an NBA team, have the 2nd worst record in the league.  The Minnesota Wild were flirting with … (7 comments)

11 Short Notes about Short Sales - 03/31/11 08:01 AM
I wanted to share this well organized blog by Judy Chapman about short sales.  A lot of buyers and potential sellers don't understand what goes into the process and this post seems to really give you the point by point details.
 
 
Via Judy Chapman (Koenig & Strey Real Living):
1 Reason Short Sales are Difficult Because the payback of the loan will be ‘shorted’ by a significant amount and the lender will have to take a loss, your lender must approve the Short Sale before the house can close. 2 Reasons to Consider a Short Sale Helps you avoid foreclosure. Allows … (5 comments)

Big Lake, MN Real Estate Market Report for March (RE/MAX Results) - 03/30/11 10:21 AM
The Big Lake, MN Real Estate Market is really heating up as of late! As March draws to a close there have ben 48 closed homes in Big Lake so far this year. More impressive is the fact that there are 33 pending sales currently in Big Lake. Those numbers are really better then that because of the 98 active listings right now nearly 20 of them are about to go pending with accepted offers!!
Contact me if you have more questions about buying or selling a home in Big Lake, MN! Full details in this video:

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Business People Continue To Enter The Social Media and Blogging World - 03/29/11 11:58 PM
I have been blogging for over 3 years now and "playing around" on social media now for longer.  When I started blogging it was because I had some passion to write little motivation articles (blogs).  I really had no clue what to do. I just started writing and learned as I went.
I notice that more and more Realtors and other Business people are getting into blogging as well.  My encouragement to you is to just get started! Write what your passionate about!  I am on Active Rain as a Realtor but often I write about other subjects!  I am passionate … (2 comments)

Minnesota Buyers Looking For Contract For Deeds (RE/MAX Results) - 03/29/11 11:36 PM
With the Spring Real Estate market upon us in Minnesota one growing need is open to be fulfilled.  I have been blogging and doing video's on this for months and I am writing again as a reminder.  
MINNESOTA HOME BUYERS NEED CONTRACT FOR DEED FINANCING OPTIONS!
With the economy and the job market the way it has been several people have experiences some bruising to the credit.  Many people have had several late payments or even have had to sell their home on a short sale or been foreclosed on.
When you boil it down there are several buyers out … (0 comments)

Post #1000...Blogging Fun and Work! - 03/28/11 08:35 AM
This is post #1000 for me here on Active Rain!  I started on here a little over 3 years ago which means I have posted a blog about 5-6 times a week.  
What comes to mind for me is FIRST it takes a lot of work to write 1000 blogs.  The truth is that not all my post over the years have been that good, but they still took time and that time is work.  
NEXT what comes to mind is that blogging is FUN. If it was not FUN or if I was not addicted to it then … (12 comments)

Thanks for All The Happy Birthday Wishes! - 03/27/11 05:14 PM
Thanks mostly to social media I had over 200 Happy Birthday wishes yesterday on my birthday!  Many of those through facebook, a few on Active Rain and a couple on Twitter.  We had a small combined Birthday Party yesterday at my parents. I spent most of yesterday at a Fantasy Baseball draft which I blogged about part way through while sitting at the draft.
Below is a picture of the Birthday Cake I had at the office this week.  Ron's birthday is today so we celebrated together!  Thanks again for all the birthday wishes!

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March Madness For Buyers (#RE/MAX Results) - 03/25/11 11:22 AM
I am not talking about the NCAA Tournament in this post other then after last night my bracket is dead.  The March Madness  I am talking about is the ANGER and FRUSTRATION buyers and their agents feel this time of year because there are more buyers then GOOD houses out there.
When a good house at a good price comes up it sells right away.  It often gets multiple offers.  Buyers who started their online research this winter when prices were down a bit and the houses were sitting out there longer thought buying would be easy.
Now we are in … (0 comments)

Say It Isn't So - Snow - 03/23/11 09:04 AM
Last night we went to bed to the sound of freezing rain and today we woke up to several inches of snow.  We opened the garage door and there was a snow drift knee high to me. 
There is no school today for the kids so they are super excited to stay home with daddy.  I have a couple afternoon appts. that should work if the snow calms down but the morning was flexible enough were I can just work from home. 
My son and I shoveled part of the driveway out and then gave up. My wife got stuck in … (7 comments)

Tithing by Douglas Leblanc (A Book Review) - 03/22/11 09:27 AM
Tithing:Test Me In This by Douglas Leblanc
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze.com a great source for books if you are a reader like me. Today I am doing a review for the book.
First, I picked up the book because I am always interested in the subject of Tithing.  I had some financial struggles a few years ago and that's when I started to look to the Lord for guidance. Tithing was one of the answers to my struggles. Starting out and giving 10% or more of your income when you are struggling is not easy, … (4 comments)

Minnesota School of Business DECA Garage Sale - Elk River - 03/21/11 04:07 PM
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What Will The Spring Real Estate Market Bring - 03/20/11 02:50 PM
Spring is officially here!  Typically Minnesota home buyers come out in bunches during the Spring months as they look for their ideal first home or look to move up into a nicer home.  The Spring Parade of Homes has been going on for almost 3 complete weekends now and it sounds like traffic is up!
Good Things About The Current Market for Buyers:
1. Prices are Affordable.  You can find a home for close to what you pay for rent if your willing to travel out of the Twin Cities or put some sweat equity into a home.
2. Interest rates are around … (2 comments)

NCAA Picks - 03/19/11 11:25 PM
This year I let me 7 year old son pick my bracket because I just don't take the time to watch college basketball. I had veto power over his picks and used it 3 or 5 times but for the most part he made some picks that looked good so I went with it.
As it stands I am 3rd out of 55 in the pool but we had Pittsburgh in the finals. (Against my better judgment). I told him, "I don't know about Pittsburgh" because they seem to always lose out early, but I did not change the pick. We … (4 comments)

Anoka County Contract for Deeds - 03/18/11 01:13 AM
Are looking to buy a home but your credit or job situation keeps you from qualifying for a traditional mortgage?  You are not alone.  Many buyers now are looking for homes for sale on contract for deed financing in Minnesota.  The challenge is there are not too many options available on the Twins Cities MLS.
You can find private sellers that have homes available contract for deed. Some people search Craigslist, but trust for that website has gone way done over the last several months. How about finding a family member who has cash that will buy a home for you … (5 comments)

Home Improvement & Design Expo, Blaine MN April 9-10 (Free Tickets) - 03/17/11 05:25 PM
Coming up on April 9-10, 2011 (Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 5pm) at the National Sports Center  in Blaine is the Home Improvement & Design Expo.
National Sports Center Location: 1700 105th Avenue, Blaine MN 55449
There will be up to 150 Unique Exhibitors and two stages of FREE non-stop speakers, presentations & demos. Come and see everything A-Z that will make your home a masterpiece!
This is the SMART place to find the BEST PRICES on the latest products & services being offered by local contractors and retailers in Minnesota!  Have a project coming up?  Get FREE info to … (1 comments)

Elk River Rotary Pancake Day - March 20th - 03/16/11 10:43 AM
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Need to Organize Your Kitchen: Check Out Kitchen - eez - 03/16/11 10:23 AM
How is your kitchen looking these days?  Are your cabinets cluttered and not organized? Do you have trouble finding what you think is in the pantry?  If you have these problems and are in the Twin Cities Area of Minnesota I suggest you check out Kitchen-eez.
Kitchen-eez focuses on making kitchens and storage spaces easier to use.  A pullout is a great place to start.  However, the pullout is not ideal in every space.  Sometimes, other solutions work in a space better. Kitchen-eez is always willing to professionally install whatever will make the space easier to use.Services:
Pullouts-Quality soft maple-Quality dove-tailed construction-Ball bearing … (0 comments)

Elk River Free Foreclosure Forum This Saturday - 03/16/11 10:07 AM
Curently one in seven mortgages are in trouble. Chances are you, or someone you know may be facing foreclosure. Please come to this free community foreclosure forum to learn about your options. Hear from a foreclosure prevention counselor from Lutheran Social Services, learn about the City's initiatives and strategys and more. RSVP to this event or call 763-635-1042. This is a serious issue- please pass this information along to your friends, family members, church, etc. Do your part to help our community, your neighbors and loved ones. Posting this event on your wall is much appreciated.This event is free. Free daycare … (1 comments)

MOMS Club of Elk River-North Garage Sale Saturday, April 9th - 03/16/11 09:42 AM
The MOMS Club of Elk River-North is having a garage sale on Saturday, April 9 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (1506 Main Street, Elk River - just west of Handke Center).
There will be lots of kids clothing of all sizes, adult clothing, baby gear and equipment, toys and household items. A portion of all garage sale proceeds will be donated to CAER Elk River Food Bank. There will also be a bake sale sponsored by Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
MOMS Club of Elk River-North is a non-profit, nondenominational support group for at home moms in Elk … (1 comments)

North Central University - Twins Tickets Fundraiser - 03/15/11 04:38 PM
A good friend of my brothers has a Fundraiser going for the North Central Baseball team and I thought my blog would be a good way to get the information on there to more people. The details are all below with tickets prices, dates, and more about the Univercitt.
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Hello all,
I know it doesn't feel like it here in Minnesota but Baseball season is just around the corner! Once again the NCU Baseball team has partnered with the Minnesota Twins for a Fundraiser and is selling tickets to several different games this year at Target Field. Thank you very … (1 comments)

Browerville Alumni Tournament Update - 03/13/11 11:03 AM
Its seems like forever since I posted a blog, but its only been two days.  My home computers hard drive crashing along with heading to my hometown Browerville to hang out with my parents and play in the Browerville Alumni Basketball tournament has kept me off Active Rain for the most part.
My parents have a slower but working computer so here I am.  First the basketball tournament went pretty well.  I was on the "old guys team" (meaning the oldest players get grouped together).  I was the youngest on the team.  However, my conditioning probably did not look like it. … (1 comments)

Computer Dead and Date Curt Madness Update - 03/10/11 07:03 PM
This will be brief!   My home computer locked up last night while searching for HUD home deals.  (Is the government not wanting me to sell their homes).  I doubt it.  However, since most of my AR time is spent either early in the day or late in the day that hurts my AR addiction to the point that you might not see me on here at all the next 2 to 3 days.
I am extremely busy trying to sell homes. I say trying because I have submitted 3 offers and showed homes to 5 other buyers but no accepted offers this … (4 comments)

This is not your dream home! - Isanti County Homes - 03/09/11 01:03 PM
Often homes come up on the MLS search that look pretty good on paper. This one has 5+acres and is price at $63,900 which is low price even in Minnesota. Buyers see these on their search and think they have found their dream home.
I thought I would do a video to show you why this type of home is NOT your dream home. This type of home is more for a CASH investor!

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Isanti MN Homes - Real Estate Market Update for March 7th, 2011 - 03/07/11 01:27 PM
I like to do these market update screen casts every few weeks. We are approaching Spring and buyers and sellers are looking for a quick peek at what is happening on the market.
Currently Isanti, Mn home search returns 72 active listings, 15 sold listings year to date and 15 pending listings currently.
Again there are a lot of good deals with many homes priced below or near $100,000. Watch the video for more details:

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A Week Of Grueling Training - 03/06/11 10:55 AM
Yesterday I started one week of grueling training!  Next Saturday its the Annual Browerville Alumni Basketball Tournament. I missed it last year because of a speech contest I was in, so its been two years since I played an organized basketball game.
I work out three or four times a week but I am not in shape enough to play two or three basketball games. So this week I thought I better step it up.  Its cold in Minnesota so the workouts will likely stay indoors and probably consist of ramping up the tread mill speeds in intervals and building the … (6 comments)

Cambridge MN Homes- Real Estate Market Report for March 5th - 03/05/11 12:50 PM
Cambridge MN Homes search currently returns 119 active listings in total. There are 15 pending homes sales in Cambridge and 25 closed sales year to date. The market will start to pick up with the weather getting nicer in Minnesota!
Sellers will want to look at this information closely to determine what is a price that will work to get there home sold! Buyers you have a great opportunity to get a lot of home for the price because of the current Real Estate Market in Cambridge, MN. See the video for more detail and search for homes at: Cambridge … (1 comments)

Elk River Area Toastmasters Speech Contest - 03/04/11 01:37 PM
Elk River Area Toastmasters is having our speech contest on March 17th. The meetings are held at the Elk River Senior Center located at 413 Proctor Avenue in Elk River.
There will be some really good speeches as members compete to advance to the area contest on March 26 in Albertville! We would be happy to have some visitors that day to take in the entertainment! More details in the video and link below or contact me for more info!

For more information on Toastmasters go to: Elk River Area Toastmasters
… (1 comments)

March Madness - Dating Style - 03/02/11 08:22 AM
I wrote yesterday that March is my favorite month. One of the reason is because of March Madness!  My single brother decided to put a new spin on March Madness and start a dating promotion on Facebook.
See DATE CURT MADNESS on Facebook.
On the info page of his Facebook Page he lists the rules.
He lives in Rochestor, MN so is looking for eligible women in the Rochester or Twin Cities area for the most part.  I do know this. Curt is a wonderful guy, very spontaneous, loyal and giving!  He is not only my brother, but also my best … (7 comments)

Practical Use For Video - The Garage Door Opener Works - 03/01/11 07:02 PM
Today for the first time ever I had an appraisal coming back saying the garage door opener on a property needed to be fixed or removed.
I was pretty sure that it actually worked but said I would check on it. Thankfully when I went out there I have my video camera with. I shot a quick video showing that it worked. Hopefully the appraiser will look at this and clear the appraisal. Because as you can see in the video the garage door works. I believe the latch was just not hooked up to the system when the appraiser was … (4 comments)

Why March Is My Favorite Month! - 03/01/11 08:32 AM
Can you believe its already March?  The first two months flew by, but thats what time seems to do as I get older. March is my favorite month and here is why:
1. Its my birthday later this month!  One reason to celebrate!
2. In Minnesota we start to get a few nicer and warmer days (I can't wait for winter to be over).
3.  I have normally started the year off well in Real Estate sales so March I normally have several closings!
4.  Normally more BUYERS and SELLERS come out ready to move in March!
5. March Madness!  I … (5 comments)

 
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Chuck Carstensen

Elk River, MN

More about me…

RE/MAX Results

Address: 650 Dodge Avenue, Elk River, MN, 55330

Office Phone: (763) 635-7228

Cell Phone: (612) 290-3809

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I help buyers, sellers and investors with their real estate needs. In this blog I post my listings and give real estate, social media and personal development tips. I enjoy giving people tips, suggestions and hints that can improve their business and life.




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