I think the current economy has put things into perspective for many people.  Even with these more stressful times, we should be thankful for everything that we do have.  It is so easy to complain about what we don't have or how something didn't go perfectly right.  Well, this is a great opportunity to charish the good things we do have. 

There is nothing more effective than working through "hard" times that make you appreciate that all is good.  It is those tough times that allow us to grow as well as enjoy the good times even more.  Without sadness, there would be no laughter, without heartache, there would be satisfaction.  Take this time to be thankful for what you have and the great country that we live in. 

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!

There was recently a group of realtors in my office that came up with a great idea to get us back to having fun.  As we all know, the market hasn't given us any reason to jump up an down.  However, there is no reason we can't still be positive and have fun.  If you truly think about it, we have two options. 1.) Get out of bed, be positive and do what we should do to run our business or 2.) Find another job since we are so unhappy about this one.  Our clients will know if we are negative in general, and they will also know that we are positive and confident we will come out successful on the other side of this lagging time. 

Keep real estate fun!  Have a friendly competitiion, keep track of the activities you do and meet every week to see what others are doing.  I know, there are agents out there that don't want to share anything with anyone.  I'm happy to share with fellow realtors.....my reasoning?  It's going to take hard work to be successful, and the people looking for a hand out will not commit to the activities that have to be done to succeed, so share, unless your scared! 

Check out this video, hopefully it will give you the extra boost to do just a couple more things that you normally would. 

http://www.thepowerof10percent.com?SRC=NETPOTPMOVIE

Enjoy!

I just watched a short video that discussed the impact of giving that extra 10%.  Giving an extra 10% in life will offer endless limits and personal satisfaction!  It a short video and I highly encourage you take a look.  That's all for now!

http://www.thepowerof10percent.com?SRC=NETPOTPMOVIE

Enjoy!

Jake

There is a lot of activity in the Rogers and Maple Grove real estate market.  Below is a quick snapshot of the current activity:

Rogers:

Current Inventory: 111 Properties

Percentage of properties bank owned or short sale status: 34%

Sold Properties in Past 30 days: 8

Percentage of properties sold that were bank owned or short sale: 37.5%

List vs. Sold Percentage: 93.4% (ex. if a property were listed at 100,000, the sales price on avg. would be 93,600)

Averaged Days on Market (solds): 121 Days

Maple Grove:

Current Inventory: 575 Properties

Percentage of properties bank owned or short sale status: 27%

Sold properties in past 30 day: 62

Percentage of properties sold that were bank owned or short sale: 32.2%

List vs. Sold Percentage: 96.5%

Average Days on Market (Sold properties): 88 Days

Enjoy!

Jake Luehrs

I've recently dug into trying to find all the first time home buyer programs that are available.  It seems that there are more being added to the mix on a monthly basis.  After January 20th, I would imagine there will be additional changes and programs to explore.  I wont' waste you time trying to explain any of the programs as they vary in availability and are many times based on a local market level.  A great resource that I am sure many of you are aware of (like me, I simply never looked in depth that the site) is www.hud.gov. 

I would encourage anyone interested to look into this as it may provide another marketing avenue to generate some business.  I am a big advocate of beating the client to the product rather than them asking and me not knowing the correct answer.  This not only makes us look more professional and offers credibility to our name. 

Jake Luehrs

Ok, I had to write something with regards to the weather.  Just when you think it's time for spring, another storms sets you back another week, snow, slush, ice, wind, it pains me.  Don't get me wrong, I love the changes in season in minnesota.  My complaint comes due to it's impact on our market.  The spring brings out the best in everyone, the sun puts smiles on faces, and people start to make decisions. 

Based on my years in real estate, everytime it warms up, so does the sales activity.  It is a great thing.  However, this latest storm is playing a big role in prolonging the winter market.  I will continue to push through this delay in the spring market, I'm just not thrilled about it.  AHG!

I'm continuing to hear all the negative press regarding the stagnant real estate market.  What I am experiencing in the marketplace is different than what I am hearing.  Is the market as great as it was 3 years ago?  Of course not.  However, are properties still moving?  ABSOLUTELY!  I am getting a good volume of buyer leads from particular listings I have.

 I have recently sat down with two buyers that are "ready" to buy and a couple of more buyers I've cultivated via email.  They are planning to buy in the fall or late summer.  I find myself wanting to provide them with pertinent information on a regular basis, however, I'm struggling with what to send them.  My goal is to continue to keep in touch so they are willing to use me when it's time to look.  How can I effectively gain their trust on such a limited communication structure. Any suggestions?

Jake Luehrs

I've recently been dealing with Short Sales in Hennipen County.  I haven't been heavily involved with these until recently.  I received an offer on a property yesterday.  The sellers continue to be concerned with the outcome of doing a short sale.  I've discussed that if the bank accepts the offer as full payment, the loan will be satisfied with no delinquent amounts.

Another issue is the income tax repercussions.  With the recent bill that was signed into law, there will be no additional income tax based on the delinquent amount.  From my understanding, there is no stipulation, if anyone knows differently, I would welcome a further explaination. 

Jake Luehrs

http://www.luehrsrealestate.com

I've recently been dealing with Short Sales in Hennipen County.  I haven't been heavily involved with these until recently.  I received an offer on a property yesterday.  The sellers continue to be concerned with the outcome of doing a short sale.  I've discussed that if the bank accepts the offer as full payment, the loan will be satisfied with no delinquent amounts.

Another issue is the income tax repercussions.  With the recent bill that was signed into law, there will be no additional income tax based on the delinquent amount.  From my understanding, there is no stipulation, if anyone knows differently, I would welcome a further explaination. 

Jake Luehrs

www.LuehrsRealEstate.com

I have finally come to terms that watching the news isn't as beneficial as it used to be.  The media continues to be overly negative with the current real estate economy.  With the booming market from 2000-2005, of course were no where near those levels.  However, all things considered, we are still towards the top of all time highs. 

The past couple of days I've been showing homes in Elk River, Rogers, and Maple Grove, MN.  I'm starting to enjoy a non-confirmation, let me explain! Nearly 30% of the showings have been denied because the properties have sold.  THINGS ARE SELLING!  There are still buyers, still motivated sellers, and situations in which people have to move, why are so many focusing on what is bad.  Go out there and give people the truth.  There hasn't been a better time to buy within the past thirty years, low rates and high inventory!  Lets get out there and sell!