Tim Ross's Blog

No Way You Paid That

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:04:52 -0700

On a beautiful Minnesota Saturday, several years from now, two people will be standing on a deck. Maybe it's in Maple Grove, or Plymouth, or Champlin or Brooklyn Park. One person comments on how nice the others home is and the other leans in and just above a whisper tells their friend what they paid for it. Their face shows a twinge of guilt mixed in with their very visible pride in deal-making.

The deals that are out there right now on builder spec homes, lots, and foreclosed properties are a once in twenty years opportunity. I have shown a bunch of them and noticed two things. First, the quality is amazing. True there is some absolute junk. But I have seen some move in ready homes at prices 25% below appraised tax value. Second, they are going to disappear. Now I do not want to be one of those people who tries to create a false sense of urgency. Let me ask you this though, do you really think there are any builders currently building houses they intend to sell for $100,000.00 below their cost?

So, if you are comfortable on the sidelines, by all means stay there. But if you find yourself on a deck somewhere a couple years from now and you're kicking yourself because your buddy can't get that smug look off of his face, don't be mad at me. I told you.

Thanks for reading and remember; for help with Hennepin County Real Estate, Maple Grove Real Estate or any Minnesota Real Estate, call Coach Boom

Tim Ross * Re/Max Associates Plus * 612-598-9295

Please Help With an Ethical Question... Thanks

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:16 -0700

Active Rainers, I need some help and I know you are the group to ask. I have a situation I have not seen before that seems unfair at the least an unethical at the worst. I would appreciate your response as I have decisions to make.

So here is the deal. My client goes to a listed builders model. They tell the agent they are working with me. They do not like the model but do like a lot in the development. Here is where it gets interesting. The lot is not listed on the MLS, the client puts a hold on it, intending to have me work the deal with them. The agent now informs me that he works for the builder as a consultant and designer, not as an agent, and the house to be built is written up as a building contract on their lot, not a real estate transaction. He instructs them to purchase the lot from the developer with a clause that his company will build a house on it for them. As such, the only real estate transaction is on the lot, which is not listed. Therefore, he informs the buyers that they can have their own representation but they will have to pay for it. He does not argue that they are working with me but says there is no real estate commission to be paid. The existence of a buyer rep contract would not change the deal.

I know this is legal but is it kosher? My real question is this person works out of my office. Apparently my broker said this was an acceptable way to do business. Am I wrong to be getting mad?

I could really use your guidance.

Thanks for reading and remember for help with Hennepin County real estate call Coach Boom.

Tim Ross * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com * www.activerain.com/coachboom

Maple Grove Real Estate Shows Mixed Results for January

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:26:52 -0800

January was a slow month across most of Hennepin County. Maple Grove, however, showed signs of shrinking choice for buyers. New listings fell by 8 units versus last January. Combined with an increase in closed sales over last January of 10 units to 56 total closed may will result in a decrease in inventory. This is good news for sellers in this high demand area. This came at a price, however, as average sale price declined by 10% month over month. Average days on the market until sale increased to 162, 20 days higher than January 2006. All and all inventory in Maple Grove is shrinking and the competitive homes are selling. Sellers, price 'em right and be patient.

Thanks for reading and remember for help with Maple Grove homes or any Hennepin County real estate call or e-mail Coach Boom.

Tim Ross * Re/Max Associates Plus * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com

I've Been Googled!

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:24:46 -0800

Don't worry it did'nt even hurt. In fact, it was a terrific shot in the arm. Those of you wondering about the time you spend on Active Rain and struggling to see how it can benefit you, read on.

I work hard to stay in touch with my clients. Still things happen. I showed a nice young couple of first time buyers several houses last summer. Timing wasn't right and they decided to go to the sidelines for a while. I had a home address and a cell phone number in my data base. So I diligently sent out my newsletter and hoped they would refer to it when they were ready to re-enter the market.

Well, like I said, things happen. They moved, changed cell plans so they lost my contact information. They saw some value in the work I had done for them so they went to the trouble of going to the Internet to see if they could find me. They did a Google search for Tim Ross and bang right to my blog. How cool is that? The Internet is working for me. So take the time to blog, you never know if someone may be looking for you too. Thanks Ann and Sou for going to the trouble. I'll make it worth your while.

Thanks for reading and remember for help with Hennepin County real estate or Minnesota real estate call Coach Boom.

Tim Ross * Re/Max Associates Plus * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com* blog: www.activerain.com/coachboom

Coach Boom's Hennepin County Real Estate Reports- Maple Grove 2007 End

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:15:41 -0800

Maple Grove weathered the storm pretty well all things considered. Sales were down for the year as predicted, finishing at 882 units, New listings were also down, 52 units less for the year. This is one of the early indicators of inventory being moved. Potential buyers should take note of the declining inventory. It may be the early stages of the pendulum starting to swing back toward the seller.

Maple Grove real estate did, again, demonstrate it's general strength. This demonstration came primarily in average sale price. Average sale price for Maple Grove real estate increased by 6% for the year. Many areas declined. Also impressive was the fact that average percentage of list price received at closing stayed above 95%. That is one of the strongest figures in Hennepin County real estate.

Interest rates stood at 5.5% as of this writing for a 30 year fixed rate loan with no pre-paid interest.

Thanks for reading and remember for help with Maple Grove real estate or any Hennepin County real estate, or Minnesota real estate questions call Coach Boom.

Tim Ross * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com* Blog: www.activerain.com/coachboom

Grabbing "Mo"

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:01:10 -0800

As a coach I have come to know Mo. Mo is the most impactive player on the field. When he (or she, could be either) is on your squad everything bounces right. When working against him (or her, I'm starting to lean toward female) nothing goes the way it should. Sometimes people wonder why I would call an all out blitz with very little time left in the half. The answer? I'm trying to grab Mo. If I get a big loss or sack, even if no points get scored, I might just get Mo to come over to my side.

Mo, for those of you who did not pick up on my semi-clever metaphor, is momentum. It's at work all the time. Either pushing us forward or holding us back. Working for us or against us, momentum has power, big power. Some days I notice that I just have no fire, then I get one minor thing accomplished and I'm off to the races, Mo.

I think we can all help ourselves a bit by paying attention to momentum. Maybe on those days where we are surrounded with negativity and the business is getting the best of us a person should make a move at grabbing Mo. It could be making one check in call to a luke warm prospect. It could be letting that other person have that parking place. A smile in the checkout line, a door held open, or a salad instead of a cheeseburger, Mo loves this stuff.

I recently joined Weight Watchers. I have a half a person to lose. Although I am early in the process, I can already tell Mo digs it.

Thanks for reading!

Call Coach Boom for help with all of your Minnesota real estate and Hennepin county real estate needs.

Tim Ross * Re/Max Associates Plus * Champlin, Minnesota * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com

I Am An Expert, You Just Wait

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:23:40 -0800

I am an expert on the Hennepin County real estate market. I am also an expert on the entire Minnesota real estate market. Why? Because I say so. An article once said that all I need to do to become a consultant is to say I am a consultant. I think the same is true when it comes to experts. I saw one on TV this morning saying she was certain that we were in a recession. Ya think? Nice vision. She cited several undecipherable numbers and had a line graph that was very impressive, it had green and red lines. Those of us who know people related to the residential construction industry don't need the chart or an MBA to have a clue as to what's happening.

I have learned the secret. All you have to do is say the same thing for a long enough period of time and sooner or later you're going to be right and bang you're an expert. There are people who have been calling for a recession for two years that are out there right now saying, "See?... I told you so."

Well you heard it here first. The real estate market is going to get better. There is demand. There is available financing. And heaven knows there is property for sale. I am going to say this to as many people as I can find, and as loud as I can. Sooner or later the market will do what the market does and the pendulum will swing back just as it has every other time any market has corrected. And I will be right there, saying, "See? I told you so." Do you think CNN will call? Probably not. As soon as things start to look up they will start looking for "experts" predicting the next cyclical downturn.

Thanks for reading and remember, for help with Hennepin County real estate, call Coach Boom

Tim Ross * Re/Max Assoicates Plus * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com

I Am An Expert, You Just Wait

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:23:16 -0800

Thanks for reading and remember, for help with Hennepin County real estate, call Coach Boom

Tim Ross * Re/Max Assoicates Plus * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com

Maybe This is the New Market

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:07:22 -0800

Those of you waiting for the Minnesota real estate market to return to the activity levels of 2002 through early 2005 may want to pick another post. I attended a very informative information session put on by our Countrywide Mortgage regional vice president. I had been beating my brains out trying to figure out how it all got so overheated and why the brakes got hit like Fred Flintstone shoving his feet through the floor.

My answer, came in two words, Wall Street. Do yourself a favor and check out how much money exited the dot com sector after the late nineties run and came flying into real estate. Historic safety and solid returns made real estate the haven of choice for billions of dot com dollars. Hedge funds and other huge pools of capital were buying mortgage backed securities like never before, often with little regard to what made up the bundles. Buildings were financed and built by companies who were basically sophisticated flippers. At one point one in four townhouse or condo purchases was made by an entity that was not going to live in it.

Now I tend to be an over-simplifyer, probably because I slept through too many classes in college. But, what happens to any market when incredibly large amounts of cash get thrown at them? Prices go up. Increasing values attract more cash and so it goes until the first sign of trouble. In our case that trouble was fourteen consecutive increases in interest rates. Then the cash leaves. That giant sucking sound you heard during the second half of 2007 was Wall Street running away like their hair was on fire. Those creative loans that disappeared went away because Wall Street quit buying them, period.

So where are we now? Well maybe this is it. Maybe this is the market. The Hennepin county real estate market, where I work, will finish the year down roughly 17% from 2006. I'll bet twenty to twenty five percent down from the highest point. What if this is it? Are you ready? Will you compete with the highest seventy five percent or will you fade out with the weakest twenty five percent. The new market is competitive. The overpriced will not sell. The most competitive seventy five percent will sell. Will you say no to the overpriced? Will you help your client be among the most competitive seventy five percent? Will you be afraid of what isn't there or go get your share of what is there. There is no more free money in real estate. You want it? Go get it. Outwork 'em! Out perform them. Attack! The new market belongs to those who will help their clients compete. I don't know about anyone else but I love this! Bring it on!

Thanks for reading and for more information about Minnesota real estate or Hennepin County real estate...

Tim Ross * Re/MAX Assocates Plus * 612-598-9295 *

Subscribe to my blog at www.activerain.com/coachboom

Coach Boom's Hennepin County Real Estate Reports, Plymouth-Nov. 2007

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:25:11 -0800

New listings-127 for November 2007 versus 118 for November 2006, 1872 year to date versus 2045 year to date 2006. Overall decrease of 173 houses listed in Plymouth this year versus last.

Closed sales-59 homes closed in November this year versus 72 in November last year. Year to date closed sales finished the month at 775 units this year versus 952 in 2006.

Average sale price increased from $322,475 to $330,090 year over year. This indicates two things. First, there is not as much new construction inventory in Plymouth. Second, it is a stable, healthy area.

Percentage of list price received at closing dropped 1% from 96.1% to 95.1%. This number, combined with the drop off in closed sales indicates that the properties that are moving are priced correctly.

All of the figures, when compared with the rest of the area, continue to show Plymouth real estate as desirable. There are deals to be had here, but the sellers are smart.

For more information on Plymouth real estate, Hennepin County real estate or Minnesota real estate...

Tim Ross * Re/MAX Associates Plus * 612-598-9295 * tim@rosshometeam.com *

Subscribe to my blog at www.activerain.com/coachboom

Coach Boom's Hennepin County Market Reports- St. Louis Park, Nov 2006

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:54:43 -0800

The figures are in for St. Louis Park real estate activity for November, 2006. New listings were down by 19 units for the month and 5 units for the year. Closed sales were off by 6 units for the month and 124 units for the year. Average sale price came in at $262,079 for November 2007, down from $272,796 in November 2006. Average sales price for the year stand at $254,749, up $1,560 over last year. Percentage of list price received at sale stands at 95.4% for the year, down from 97.2% last year. Average days on the market until sale, as of November end, is 93.

These figures represent relative strength when compared to other areas. St. Louis Park remains one of the most stable areas of the twin cities metro. The two most noticeable numbers are the average sale price and the days on the market. Very few Minnesota real estate communities are showing a year to date increase in average sales price as the overall market is correcting. The average days on the market figure is very impressive, many very attractive areas are over 120 days until sale. St. Louis Park real estate still offers excellent value for people buying and selling for the right reasons.

For more information on St. Louis Park real estate or Hennepin County real estate...

Tim Ross * Re/Max Associates Plus * Cell: 612-598-9295 *e-mail: tim@rosshometeam.com * Blog: www.activerain.com/coachboom

Control What You Can

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:11:11 -0800

Today I will not close a deal. There have been a lot of days where I have not closed a deal so this should be no big deal. The difference is that today I was supposed to close a deal. This particular deal will not close because one of us, an agent, simply did not do their job. Inspections were not ordered on time, appraisal was ordered late, and now the documents are not ready. No closing, no move in, no cash to sellers, no commissions for agents.

What is the only thing more dangerous than bad press? Bad performance. Redfin is out there saying we are dinosaurs, people think they can buy a house on line like shoe inserts, and here is one of us providing them ammunition.

I try to learn from every situation. I am reminding myself that spot on performance is absolutely mandatory. Do what you say you are going to do. I like the term faithful execution. My customers are going to tell their friends about their real estate experience. I can not control the corrections of the larger market. I can not control the mortgage industry or weather Wall Street is bringing money into the market or taking it out. I can, however, control the actions I perform for my customers. As I go into 2008, this is the top line of my marketing plan. Control what you can. Deliver on what you say and then some.

Thanks for reading and remember Coah Boom helps with Minnesota real estate.

Coach Boom's Hennepin County Market Reports-Edina, November 2007

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:30:07 -0800

The market wide slowdown has not missed Edina real estate. New listings were down for November, 79 this year versus 97 in 2006. Year to date figures show new listings at 1524 versus 1750 for 2006 year to date. Closed sales finished the month at 53 for the month versus 60 for 2006. The combination of these results leave Edina with 39 more homes for sale than at the same time last year.

The steadiness of Edina real estate is demonstrated, however, by the fact that home prices have held steady with last year. This while some areas have dropped by 12% or more. Percent of list price received at closing also demonstrates the relative strength of the Edina market, stand near 95%.

We are recommending our clients look hard at Edina real estate. One of the twin cities cornerstone suburbs, Edina offers proximity to downtown, excellent public works, and great shopping and amenities.

Hello Commercial

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:32:22 -0800

Hello Group-

I'm Tim Ross, a residential guy who always looks to grow. I am very interested in the workings of the commercial market and hope to learn from all of you experienced professionals.

What resources would you folks suggest for a person to start using to learn the market? Thanks in advance for your help. I know that the active rain folks always come through.

Happy Holidays!

Tim Ross

No News is Good News!

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:12:35 -0800

I can not believe it. I like to start each day gathering news from several different web sites. I prefer this to the TV because I have the ability to click away from much of the junk that is reported to sell ad space. This morning will be marked as truly special. In viewing Yahoo, CNN and my local newspaper web sites I did not see one mortgage fraud article. Nor did I see any articles on the destruction of the housing market. No, really, not one article treating the entire US housing market as though it was one thing. No articles suggesting that obtaining a mortgage is more difficult and dangerous than milking cobras. It made me stop a second and think, "Hey, what if they're bored with us?"

Think about this. What if the media is deciding that the housing and mortgage corrections are no longer big news? What if they are deciding that these stories are played out and they have to find something else to plaster across the front page to sell Sunday papers? What if my Minnesota real estate markets and yours, coming into 2008, get to complete their adjustments without the added pressure of Henny Penny telling potential buyers the sky is falling. Did you feel it? That little rush inside? I did. Frankly I will be more than happy to help people buy up that stock of builder models, developed lots and existing homes. It just thrills me to death that we may be coming in to a time when the yellow crime scene tape of media over-hype is removed and we can move forward into the new market. If I see an article about a person getting a good deal on a nice piece of property I will be unable to contain myself.

Thanks for reading and remember Coach Boom helps with Minnesota Real Estate.

Subscribe to the blog at www.activerain.com/coachboom

Tim Ross

Re/Max Associates Plus

612-598-9295

Champlin Real Estate Market Report November 2007

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:17:24 -0800

November figures show better affordability for Champlin real estate. The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors put out monthly figures measuring several key performance areas. Included in these are new listings, up by 4 units versus November 2006 and up by 19 units year to date. Closed sales were down by 14 units month over month and 108 units year to date. Percentage of list price received at closing was .6% for the month and is at 95.7% year to date. Average days on the market before sale was 135 for houses closed during November. Also of note is that average sales price has dropped by 5.5% for the year.

These factors don't tell us anything new. Champlin appreciated at unsustainable levels several years and had to correct sometime. I see Champlin real estate as an excellent option coming in to 2008. Anoka Hennepin school district 11 is very highly regarded, Champlin offers great proximity to downtown Minneapolis, and there is a wide range of prices available.

Maple Grove Real Estate Shows Price Strength Despite Tough Market

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:55:45 -0800

The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors market update for November demonstrates, once again, the relative strength of Maple Grove real estate. The report provides monthly data regarding new listings, closed sales average sale price, percentage of list price received at sale, and average days on the market until sale.

The November figures demonstrate the continuation of a rough market. Closed sales were off by 19 units month over month and 365 units year to date versus last year. New listings showed a decrease of 3.7% month over month and stand at a decrease of 3.1% year to date. Average days on the market for sales completed during November were 123 versus 100 days for sales completed during November 2006.

I hope those of you who own Maple Grove real estate kept reading. If you did, here is the good news. Average sale price, the number that really matters, is up 6% versus last year to date. What does this mean? It means that although there are fewer buyers, they are willing to spend more for property in your area. In light of this information, we are recommending our clients considering a move up should be looking hard at builder owned, model and inventory homes. You can still get a quality price for your home and capitalize on the market wide desire for builders to cut inventory in both finished homes and developed lots.

Thanks for reading and remember Coach Boom helps with Minnesota real estate.

For monthly market reports subscribe to my blog at www.activerain.com/coachboom.

A Return to the Long Term View- Whew?!

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:36:32 -0800

When my wife and I bought out first home, further back than I care to mention, the excellent agent who sold it to us taught us a lot about personal finances and housing. At the time we were renting and the deal was simple we wrote a check every month and got a place to live. Done. We learned, however, that the check we wrote each month could do more. A portion of the payment, interest, could be deducted from our taxes, cool. Also, a portion of the check, principal, remained ours in the form of equity. And because land was finite and building got more expensive every year with inflation, our little piece of Maple Grove real estate would grow in value as time went by, appreciation. With all of these neat benefits, however, the big thing was that we and our children would live in a better place for our housing dollar.

Over the past 10 years or so, it seems, that focus changed. As rates went down and lenders became more and more aggressive, people began living in their investment, rather than the reverse. Their home became the bank. Want a new vehicle, a vacation, a new business, get the cash from the house. And why not? As easy money brought new buyers to the market home values increased at rates unlike any seen before. My Champlin real estate grew in value at a rate of just over 9% annually. What a deal! That old agent only said 4% and I thought that was great.

Then came the reckoning. Rising prices began to squeeze buyers out of the market and pop went the bubble. Too few buyers for too many homes. And now prices are coming down. In fact, as of today, my Champlin real estate would sell at a number that reflects how much appreciation since I bought it? You guessed it, 4% annually. Nobody should be surprised. The market gives and the market takes away. Over time, however, real estate appreciates.

So did we learn anything? We should have. We are coming back to the long term view. The people doing the best in this market are the ones who used their housing dollar primarily to provide housing. They don't time the market, they meet their needs. If you are among them congratulations! You bought the home not the deal. You invested, you did not speculate. You are also in a great position to have that housing dollar buy you another bedroom, a bigger lot or another garage stall. Remember it your castle first and your investment second.

Thanks for reading and remember, Coach Boom helps with Minnesota real estate.

The Art of Marketing Me-Please Help Me Widen the Pipe

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:03:57 -0800

My name is Tim Ross and I am new to the group and the blogosphere at large. I recognize the potential of this type of marketing and the power of the net. I also recognize that I have a short attention span and am easily distracted.

I view marketing as a well. With money coming out of the top. Pictured on the wall of by office is a large central pipe with two primary branches. Branch "A" represents my data base marketing (farming). It includes my mailings, phone work and personal contact. Branch "B" represents the Internet. Each branch has several pipelines penetrating the market. A new idea is drawn as a pipeline with a cap on it. From there the line must first be uncapped and then widened as it get developed. Development requires commitment of resources which are all too finite. Time, money and effort are chief among these.

My question for you more experienced professionals is this, What's next? I have uncapped my blog pipeline and have started to develop my tag cloud. I am presently working on adding pictures and graphics to make my posts look more interesting. What one thing should I work on next in order to widen this pipeline? The site has so much power that I am afraid I will spend too much time developing the wrong thing.

Thanks in advance and remember Coach Boom helps with Minnesota real estate.

Excellent Home In Champlin

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:02:43 -0800

Tell someone you like about this great house in Champlin. 3 Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a beautiful, irrigated lot in the Anoka Hennepin school district. It has been very nicely updated by a pro carpenter including a terrific closet in the lower bedroom.

The yard is fenced and includes a utility slab alongside the garage and a shed. It is priced at $224,900.00 and is a great buy.

Thanks for reading and remember Coach Boom helps with Minnesota real estate.

For more information call Tim Ross, Re/Max Associates Plus, 612-598-9295.

Pheasant Hunting, Heroes and Real Estate

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:41:27 -0800

One of the many ways in which I have been blessed over my life has been my father's ownership of a beautiful pheasant hunting lodge in South Dakota. Scattergun Lodge is a five star facility about 35 miles south of Pierre. Along with giving me the opportunity spend time afield with my black labrador Mya, I get to meet some truly memorable people.

This past weekend was truly one for the books, or the blog. In camp was a group of men, and I do mean men, from the Special Forces Support Fund. The Special Forces Support Fund is made of of businessmen and women dedicated to educating the spouses and children of special forces warriors killed in the line of duty. Excuse me, I have to stop for a minute and reflect on the word duty, it means something different to me now. OK I'm back.

The leader of these fine men is recently retired General Jerry Boykin, a quiet, humble man who makes people stand up straight when he walks into a room. He doesn't tell them to stand up straight, they just do. General Boykin's resume is long, and if you think high ranking officers just sit behind desks you would be wrong. He has seen up close, bloody combat and been the one who knocks on a front door in Nowhere, Indiana to tell a young mother that her husband isn't coming home. I am certain that he performed both duties with the same courage and skill.

Over the weekend I was honored to sit in a circle of chairs, in a semi-warm utility building smoking cigars and drinking brandy with these people. I heard stories of heroes told by heroes. Interestingly nobody, especially the General, wanted to talk about himself. In fact, I asked a retired Navy Seal, how he liked living near Denver, Colorado. He said "the dry climate is helping me heal." Seeing the puzzled look on my face, he went on to casually mention, "I got busted up pretty good outside of Bosra." What struck me was that I had been around this man for three days and he only mentioned his own wounds in passing. He wasn't looking for praise or glory, he was talking about the weather.

My Dad has know these men for a long time. Over dinner one night they presented him with a framed print depicting special forces troops doing what they do. They also presented him with a knife made by one of the troops. This knife was not made for peeling potatoes or turning screws. One the blade was inscribed two words, "Oppressors Beware." I have never had a prouder moment as the son of Chuck Ross.

So what does this have to do with real estate? Simply this, have you had a tough year? No you have not. Do you sometimes feel sorry for yourself? Don't you dare. Are you facing a situation that feels insurmountable? It isn't. Do you think VA business requires too much paperwork? Do it anyway.

General Boykin, Yale, Bill, Chief, Mike, Mark, Kay, and all the rest of you, thanks. God puts in places and situations to teach us things. Message received.

The Land of the Free Because of the Brave!

Thanks for reading and remember Coach Boom helps with Minnesota Real Estate!

Can I Buy Now?

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:07:14 -0800

Hey, first time home buyer, this post is for you. You know who you are. You are either renting or living with the fam. You have a job and see all of these houses on the market. As prices continue to fall you are peaking over the fence wondering if you could buy one. But you have questions. In fact you have good questions like; With all this mortgage stuff going on can I get a loan? Am I sub-prime? Will anyone help me? What do I do first?

Well take heart newbie, you are what everyone is looking for. You want to buy and do not have anything sell. You have ability to take full advantage of conditions without taking any kind of a hit on the sell side. Not only can you be the ones to benefit the most from this market but you will have a lot to do with getting it going again.

So here are a few suggestions;

1. Protect your credit. Pay your bills on time, be aware of your credit score, do not apply for another charge card to save 10% on those sunglasses. You are entitled to a free look at your credit report each year from each of the major credit reporting agencies, get it.

2. Start putting away some cash. I know you may be sick of hearing it but pay yourself first. In this, or any market for that matter, cash is power.

3. Identify some humans you can trust. You do not have to be in the market right this second to form a relationship with a real estate agent or lender. In fact, the best time to find your people is before you become active.

4. Gather information. Stay current with market forces. You don't have to be an expert but know if things are trending up or down. Start to think about geography.

I will soon launch the a website geared specifically to you, www.canibuynow.com . It will be filled with things that can help you answer those questions. And, if you happen to be looking in Minnesota I can be one of those humans who can help you.

Thanks for reading and remember Coach Boom help with Minnesota Real Estate

Reality

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:33:34 -0800

Real Estate. Really? There seems to be a lack of reality in this present market. There are harsh realities, no doubt, but reality? Not much. In our area employment is solid, rates are attractive, and pricing has adjusted. Still the sidelines are crowded with people scanning the paper for the next mortgage scam or set of foreclosure statistics.

I have decided to stop trying to convince people that the market is just doing what the market does, and has done before. I am gearing my efforts toward the knights, the cavalry, the leaders. Those brave souls who see that more has been lost by indecision than bad decision. They are out there. You can hear the hoof-beats in the distance. Riding waves of capital created by their own productivity, they are coming. They are the ones cutting through the jungle of bad news with the machete of reality. I have seen them. They have good credit, a little cash to put down, and a desire to better their life. Their motives are better schools, more livable houses, a little more elbow room, an easier commute. They are investors, not speculators.

And the kigndom awaits. They will find excellent deals and more options. They will be assisted by a thinned out heard of the highest quality professionals in the real estate, mortgage, and title industries. You won't read about them in the paper because what they do is not nearly as exciting as the mortgage crisis. They probably won't care though. They are most likely busy enjoying reality.

Thanks for reading and remember, Coach Boom helps with Minneapolis area Real Estate.

A Tutorial in Community Service

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:01:37 -0800

If you read my front page you saw that I am a believer in community service. You would also have seen that much of my service time is dedicated toward coaching kids in games which I have loved my whole life. I must admit to you, dear readers, that I have done nothing. I have enjoyed every second, been given trophies and accolades and I get to accept thanks from parents all the time. I have gotten much more that I have given.

My wife and often my mentor, however, is doing something. She has begun volunteering at a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. She works with people in circumstances that I can barely imagine. She must be an informational resource and maintain an amount of detachment from the individual situation. My wife, by nature, does not do detachment. She is an attacher, a bite in until it is fixed type gal. And, best of all, if things go their absolute best she will never see the person she helped again.

Having raised two spectacular daughters, I called my mom one day during a particularly difficult girl time. Mom had raised four boys you see. I said, "Mom, you did nothing, raising girls is hard." Well, coaching is fun, what she's doing is something.

Does this work?

Tim Ross (Re/Max Associates Plus) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:31:34 -0800

All the rage? The latest new thing? Just another marketing fad? Who knows but in today's market what can you afford not to try? I enter the blogosphere. Hello? is there any business in here?