Joslyn's Central Minnesota Real Estate Blog

Woot Woot! Nothing Like A Feature To Get Me Blogging

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:07:30 -0600

Features are funny. They are a science that I think I am an expert on, but then quickly discover otherwise.

Last night I wrote a post, Top Ten Reasons I Wish I Was @NAR 2008.... I do top ten lists on this blog fairly often. I find them funny. I'm quirky like that. Okay, I'm weird like that. I'll admit it.

I didn't anticipate much.

A couple comments maybe? Someone who could relate.

I wake up this morning, reach for my Blackberry, and spent some significant time deleting the AR comment notifications from my inbox.

I totally never expected it. Thank you AR Gods for remaining so mysterious. An unexpected feature always motivates me to blog more to figure out just what it takes to get that coveted gold star.

More blogs are coming, that's for sure now!

Fantastic Opportunity to Purchase Bank Owned Properties in Minnesota

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:34:45 -0600

Good news for buyers looking for a good deal! A two day auction is taking place November 15th and 16th at the Minneapolis Convention Center on over 400 properties throughout the state!

I am in charge of three of these properties in our immediate area.

Check out this home on 5 acres approximately 9 miles north of Mora. It has two bedrooms, a bathroom with a large garden tub, and a beautiful yard. Weekend getaway or year round home potential. Close to lakes (including Mille Lacs!), hunting, state parks and land. Needs some TLC from someone who loves it. Only 2 miles from Knife Lake, which has great fishing, a convenience store, and a public landing. About one mile from Highway 65, which makes it very easy to get to from anywhere in the state! For more information, check out www.ushomeauction.com, and look for 2921 Ivory Street, Mora.

This home in Isle, Minnesota, puts you oh-so-close to Mille Lacs lake. Literally less than a mile from Father Hennepin State Park, this house is located in a nice development in town. Hardwood floors, cabin trim, full deck off the sunny dining room. 4 bedrooms possible, two full baths. Nice family room in the basement. Lots of upgrades - not your standard split entry! Enjoy the recreation, community, and Mille Lacs Lake! For more information on this property, visit www.ushomeauction.com and check out 725 Linden Street in Isle.

I also just got a request for another property in Moose Lake. Live right in town! More information to come soon.

Many more properties are available throughout the state - just visit www.ushomeauction.com for more information.

If you would like to see these properties, please feel free to give me a call at 612-850-3153 or send me an email - Joslyn@JoslynSells.com.

Lakehomes in Mora, Lakeshore on Mille Lacs, and Fishing in Pine County

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:57:47 -0500

Joslyn Panka, your East Central Lakeshore Specialist, wanted to help you find the perfect cabin on a lake, or your new lake home. So I decided to post this blog with some helpful links to get you started.

If you are interested in the Mille Lacs area, including Milaca lakehomes, Garrison lakeshore, Isle cabins, and that general area, this is the place to start. With many great homes in a wide variety of price ranges, you are sure to find your perfect fit when looking for a lakefront property in Minnesota. Simply click the following link, and take a look at all the lakefront homes Mille Lacs County has to offer!

To see Mille Lacs County lakehomes, click here.

There are some wonderful lakes in Kanabec County. Maybe you've been dreaming of a home on Knife Lake, a cabin on Ann Lake, or some great weekends fishing on Fish Lake. Ogilvie, Mora, Brook Park, and the surrounding areas offer some beautiful lakes and some great opportunities for your perfect lake home! For more information on the lakes in Kanabec County, I recommend taking a look at my blog, Kanabec County Lakeshore - Let Me Help You!

To see Kanabec County lakehomes for sale, click here.

You're busy, but still want to escape on the weekends to your perfect Minnesota fishing haven. I-35 calls your name on Friday afternoons. Why not jet right up to your new lake property in Pine County? Pine City, Hinckley, Standstone, Finlayson, and Moose Lake offer some fantastic weekend getaways, with incredible fishing and an easy drive back home again. Or make all your dreams a reality and easily commute from your lakehome to your job in the metro area!

To see Pine County lakehomes for sale, click here.

My cell phone for direct access - 612-850-3153

Enjoy your home hunting!

**Joslyn can sign you up for automatic e-mail alerts! Find out IMMEDIATELY when a home that meets your specifications in Minnesota comes on the market. It's free, and you can cancel it at anytime! Email what your ideal home would be like to joslyn@joslynsells.com with the subject "Sign me up", and I will enroll you right away!**

17 Acre Hobby Farm - Price Just Reduced!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:11:36 -0500

9863 Rice Road
Brook Park, MN 55007
Awesome 17 Acre Hobby Farm!

Joslyn Panka

Office:	320-225-2600
Mobile:	612-850-3153
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$145,000
Bedrooms	:	5
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	3,855
Lot Size	:	17
County	:	Pine
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1917

click for more pictures

Property Description

Farmhouse located on 17 acres near I-35 and Pine City ready for you to move in! Barn, pole barn, and pasture all fenced and ready for horses if you want, or make room for whatever your heart desires. Home has 5 bedrooms total, large basement, and gorgeous kitchen. You'll never want to leave home again!

Features List

Horse Shelter

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Northern Lights Realty : Mora MN 55008 : 320-225-2600

5 Acres, Cabin or Year Round Home, Located Near Lakes, Rivers, and Great Hunting!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:06:41 -0500

2711 Grouseview Drive
Brook Park, MN 55007
Getaway or year round home!

Joslyn Panka

Office:	320-225-2600
Mobile:	612-850-3153
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$99,900
Bedrooms	:	1
Bathrooms	:	1
Square Foot	:	592
Lot Size	:	5
County	:	Kanabec
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1978

click for more pictures

Property Description

Awesome year round cabin located on 5 acres NE of Mora. Ponds, pole barn, trails, and tons of wildlife will make you feel welcome in this quiet haven. Lots of trees, nice yard. New septic, on demand water heater, lots of extras. Come see for yourself!

Features List

5 acres

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Northern Lights Realty : Mora MN 55008 : 320-225-2600

73 Homes Under $100,000 in Mille Lacs County!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:13:20 -0500

Maybe you dream of a close St. Cloud commute from Foreston. Or maybe owning a home or a cabin near Mille Lacs Lake has always been a dream of yours. No matter what area of Mille Lacs County you are looking for real estate in, Joslyn Panka has you covered!

By clicking the link below, you will be lead to a website of 73 listings for sale in Mille Lacs County right now - and all of them are under $100,000! There's no obligation, and it's totally free, and you know you want to look!

Click the following URL to see the listings:
http://matrix.northstarmls.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=5024054026

If you have any questions about this or any other Mille Lacs County real estate for sale, please feel free to e-mail me or call me at anytime!

See my previous blogs for houses under $100,000 in Kanabec, Pine, and Isanti Counties.

My cell phone for direct access - 612-850-3153

Enjoy your home hunting!

**Joslyn can sign you up for automatic e-mail alerts!

Find out IMMEDIATELY when a home that meets your specifications in Minnesota comes on the market. It's free, and you can cancel it at anytime! Email what your ideal home would be like to joslyn@joslynsells.com with the subject "Sign me up", and I will enroll you right away!**

New Listing Under $100,000 in Kanabec County

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:45:52 -0500

Here's another cool listing that just came on the market!

http://matrix.northstarmls.com/DAE.asp?ID=29228375-343520055-95

Joslyn Panka - keeping you updated with the NEWEST listings in Kanabec County and the surrounding areas!

If you have any questions about this or any other Kanabec County properties, please feel free to e-mail me or call me at anytime!

My cell phone for direct access - 612-850-3153

Enjoy your home hunting!

**Joslyn can sign you up for automatic e-mail alerts!

Homes Under $100,000 in Isanti County!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:05:06 -0500

So you want to live in Cambridge, East Bethel, or the surrounding areas???

You've already heard it, but I'll say it again - now is a GREAT time to buy a house in Isanti County, too!

Maybe you are looking for foreclosures in Cambridge Minnesota. Or maybe you are just looking for an investment property in Isanti Minnesota.

Or maybe you just want a REALLY GOOD DEAL ON A HOUSE IN ISANTI COUNTY!

Well, I wanted to help you find that dream home that you are looking for. So I went ahead and did a search to find you cheap homes in Cambridge, Minnesota and surrounding areas!

It's simple, free, and no obligation. Just click here, or enter this link into your browser to see 42 listings in Isanti County under $100,000!

http://matrix.northstarmls.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=5018432829

If you have any questions about any of these properties, please feel free to e-mail me or call me at anytime!

Enjoy your home hunting!

**Joslyn can sign you up for automatic e-mail alerts! Find out IMMEDIATELY when a home that meets your specifications in Minnesota comes on the market. It's free, and you can cancel it at anytime! Email what your ideal home would be like to joslyn@joslynsells.com with the subject "Sign me up", and I will enroll you right away!**

80+ Properties Under $100,000 in Pine County!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:19:32 -0500

Maybe you're looking to buy a house in Pine City. Or maybe Hinckley Minnesota is more like home. Wherever in Pine County you are looking, there are good deals for you to take advantage of!

Click the link below and see foreclosures in Pine City, Hinckley, Sandstone, and the surrounding area.

http://matrix.northstarmls.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=4958590104

Not quite what you are looking for? Want to get more specific? Simply send an email to Joslyn@JoslynSells.com with your criteria for a search. I'll set you up for my exclusive searches, completely free with no obligation. You'll receive emails on a regular basis for new listings and current ones that meet your criteria. Just more proof that Joslyn is always working hard to find YOU the PERFECT house!

Foreclosures and Good Deals In Kanabec County!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:18:25 -0500

You've already heard it, but I'll say it again - now is a GREAT time to buy a house in Kanabec County!

Maybe you are looking for foreclosures in Mora Minnesota. Or maybe you are just looking for an investment property in Ogilvie Minnesota.

Or maybe you just want a REALLY GOOD DEAL ON A HOUSE IN KANABEC COUNTY!

Well, I wanted to help you find that dream home that you are looking for. So I went ahead and did a search to find you cheap homes in Mora Minnesota and surrounding areas!

It's simple, free, and no obligation. Just click here, or enter this link into your browser to see 31 listings in Kanabec County under $100,000!

http://matrix.northstarmls.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=4947554629

If you have any questions about any of these properties, please feel free to e-mail me or call me at anytime!

Enjoy your home hunting!

**Joslyn can sign you up for automatic e-mail alerts! Find out IMMEDIATELY when a home that meets your specifications in Minnesota comes on the market. It's free, and you can cancel it at anytime! Email what your ideal home would be like to joslyn@joslynsells.com with the subject "Sign me up", and I will enroll you right away!**

Jason's Anti-MeMe!!!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:23:41 -0500

Ha! Jeremy Blanton tagged me today with Jason Crouch's new Anti-MeMe! Since it's been that kind of a day, I figured it was a good way to wind down before I think about going to bed. (I say think about it, because I WILL think about it... but I probably won't do it.)

Question 1: Who is my LEAST favorite Musical Artist? Oooooohhh... this is tricky. Probably Michael Jackson.

Question 2: Who is my LEAST favorite Artist? Myself, hands down, without a doubt. I am NOT an artist... even though I try.

Question 3: Who is My LEAST Favorite Blogger? You know, I don't really have names for you there. I don't subscribe to bloggers I don't particularily like, so I'll have to get back to you on that.

Question 4: If I could AVOID meeting anyone (dead or alive), who would it be? My 7th grade math teacher, who asked me if I wanted to work at McDonald's all my life and told me that I would never amount to anything. The whole memory makes me so mad and upset, and it's not worth the time.

Question 5: What did I LEAST want to be when I grew up? I can honestly say that the thing I least wanted to be when I grew up was in some easy career. I like difficulty and challenge. If I was doing the same thing day in and day out, I would lose my mind.

Question 6: What is the LEAST interesting piece of Trivia that I know? My cat Briggy will only eat Temptations cat treats.

Question 7: If I could AVOID living in any point of history when would it be and why? Hmmm... I would not want to live in Minnesota or the plains when there were grasshopper storms.

Question 8: What is the LEAST interesting job I've ever had? Being a "floor monitor" for the All State Band Camp my freshman year in college. Those kids behaved wayyyyyyyy too well. Also, I lived off campus, but had to stay on for that week, and that was miserable.

Okay, I'm supposed to tag 8 lucky people for the anti-meme. So here we go!

Muah ha ha ha ha!!!

Late Night At The Super 8

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:58:27 -0500

Of course, that crazy Jessica Horton went and tagged me for a Super 8 MeMe! I hadn't even SEEN this critter yet, so I'm trying to piece things together so I at least appear interesting... even if I'm really kind of boring! :) So here we go!

1. Who is your favorite musical artist (post a YouTube Video)

Oh my. For those of you who don't know, I am a music major. SO, to ask ME for my FAVORITE artist is like asking a tree what its favorite artist is. We will both stand there speechless.

I am inspired by MANY different artists. However, some that have stood the test of time and remained personal favorites for years are Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Our Lady Peace, The London Symphony Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Brad Paisley, Leann Rimes, Avril Lavigne, KT Tunstall, Usher, and Charlotte Church.

A song that makes me shake my tush, dance, and refresh my guitar skills? Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall... been a favorite for a LONG time.

2. Who is your favorite artist? (Post a Flickr photo) My mother, who unfortunately I can't find on Flickr. There's something calming and homey about her artwork... probably since I grew up with it! I think my friend Becky Schurhamer takes THE BEST photos in the world, but I can't find her on Flickr either. Another artist I truly appreciate is Liz Ensz. She's always been VERY talented, and I have lots of cool things she drew/created/made from when we were in elementary school and junior high together... and I CAN find her on Flickr!

3. Who is your favorite blogger? Most of my favorite bloggers are my own friends. I get awfully excited when Becky Pollard writes something new. I throughly enjoy Jenna Fischer's (from The Office) MySpace blog, as well as Angela Martin's. I call those my "break from work" reads!

4. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them? Benny Goodman. Not only do I think he's pretty to look at (well, obviously, he WAS pretty to look at...), but maybe, just maybe, a pro such as Benny could teach me how to do that darn slide in the opening lines of "Rhapsody in Blue"!

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was really little, I wanted to be a teacher. I think that was mostly because I didn't take then time to think of any other career that I could do. I quickly changed, however, around 4th grade, and was determined to become a lawyer. That remained until about 9th/10th grade, when I discovered that you could make a CAREER out of playing an instrument really good. I had part of that started already. Clarinet performance was my original college major. Due to problems with my hand/wrist, that dream was left behind. I took two years off from college, and then returned, having decided that I was meant to be an instrumental/vocal music instructor. I took more time off, and bought a house. During that process and many years in retail, customer service, and sales, it hit me - REAL ESTATE! Here I am today!

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? I'm so far from being a trivia person. Benny Goodman played a Buffet clarinet - at least sometimes. Humans eat an average of 8 spiders in their lifetime. Only female mosquitos suck your blood. Nothing too extraordinary.

7. If you could live in any point of history, what would it be and why? Oofff... that's a hard one. I think I would have LOVED the 20's, but not sure that the 30's would have been so great. I have to say that the swing period would have been AWESOME... the music, dancing... it all looks like SO much FUN!

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held? Interesting can be defined many different ways. For example, I was a manager at a hotel in the metro area approximately six years ago. Because I was that "silly girl from up north" that didn't know a THING about recreational drugs, the drug task force came in with stashes put some of the hotel residents to shame. I spent nearly eight hours feeling, smelling, staring at, and learning to identify different drugs. I can pick up the scent of marajuana like a trained dog now. Not exactly a skill I wanted, but it is interesting. However, brain power wise, I would have to say that being a real estate agent is a job that is ALWAYS interesting - mostly because I make it that way. I am constantly trying to come up with something new that brings in more business. I love how creative I am allowed to be in this business.

K, now for my eight victims! (Insert evil laugh here!)

Karen Anne Stone - Fort Worth Real Estate Online

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Blog-Jeremy Blanton

Shawn Gerhardson Minnesotas Preferred Lenders Blog

Teri's Notes & Anecdotes on Twin Cities Real Estate

The Gebhardt Group: Atlanta Real Estate | RE/MAX Greater Atlanta | REALTORS

Jozie's Blog

Angie Gerhardson - Minnesota Mortgage Expert

Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~

Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

The Per Diem Turn Around

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:34:07 -0500

I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who has recently encountered such cases as this, so I'm writing today to see what kind of feedback I get from others out there in the market.

In my county, in this market, REO's are what sells. You deal with them in 90% of your transactions and showings. There is such a flood of them, and they are dropping in price daily.

So it is to be expected that eventually, you will write an offer with a buyer and it will be accepted by the bank, and YAY! you have a pending transaction.

The days will go on and on. Then, through no fault of yours OR theirs, the listing agent is making a call to you with those horrible words - "We're not going to be able to close on time."

WHY!?!?!?!?! Not only are you frustrated, but so is the other agent. Sometimes the bank accepts an unrealistic closing date in an offer. Sometimes the paperwork doesn't get signed. Sometimes there is no good explanation, and you're stuck telling your buyer exactly that.

What happens next? Your buyer gets MAD. Rightfully so, too! I mean, you're mad, the listing agent is probably mad, and you both don't have to scramble to make sure you have somewhere for yourself and your family to stay, somewhere for your stuff, and possibly extra financial costs associated with this disorganized mess.

Your buyer comes back to you, well educated from when you went through the contracts in detail, and says "Can't I charge THEM a per diem????"

Valid question. I mean, it wasn't in the paperwork that the sellers would pay the buyers.... but should it be?

As I write more contracts on more bank properties and I see this happen more and more often, I begin to think that perhaps as the buyer's agent, we should be writing in our OWN per diem clause.

What does the bank lose by not closing on time? Potentially they may have to pay a couple more bucks for electric service, or a little more for real estate taxes for a couple extra days. However the buyer could have to pay another months worth of rent, or live in a hotel for a week. The expenses add up like crazy.

So has any buyer's reps done anything like this? Have you thought about it? What do you think the response from the banks would be?

Yet another great feature for those looking to sell their homes!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:15:19 -0500

Now, if you list your home with Joslyn Panka in Mora Minnesota or surrounding areas, you get another innovative feature that no other local agent is offering!

Joslyn is offering information on her listings sent directly to the phone of interested buyers with little more than the touch of a few buttons!

How does it work? Simple! In her advertising, Joslyn is now offering a code for interested buyers to send to the number 41411. All the buyer has to do is text "eprop 2549" to 41411, for example, to receive a text message of information on Joslyn's listing in Brook Park Minnesota. There is also a link included in the text message so that you can see even more information or photos, if you so desire.

This is a free service that Joslyn is offering to anyone who lists with her, along with the other exclusive services not available from other area agents.

To make sure you get the best marketing opportunities possible when selling your Mora Minnesota home, contact Joslyn Panka with Northern Lights Realty ANYTIME.

Call or text me! 612-850-3153
E-mail me! Joslyn@Joslynsells.com
Visit my website! www.joslynsells.com

Joslyn's Recipes - Boneless Buffalo Wings

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:50:36 -0500

I love this dinner, because it's fast and easy, and I am a buffalo wing gal. I think quite possibly I could make and eat these every single night!

So what do you need to get started?

Bread crumbs (seasoned or unseasoned)
Eggs (2)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 large size)
Wing sauce (I use Frank's Red Hot)
1 Stick of margarine

Okay, I start by thawing the chicken. Simple, right? Then I cut the chicken breasts into strips. Length/width is completely up to you. I dip the strips into egg and make sure they are well coated, and then I dip them in bread crumbs. (I use seasoned bread crumbs sometimes, sometimes I don't. I have also used Hooter's breading mix, which works well, too.)

Now it's decision time. Fry, or bake? If you want to bake them, I put them in the oven at 350 degrees until the temp reads out for poultry. I hate to give you a time because I have a crazy oven, and since this is a recipe I created, I don't know what the "standard" oven does.

If you choose to fry, heat oil about an inch deep in a skillet and fry the strips until crispy and heated through.

While the strips are cooking, I melt a stick of margarine in the microwave, and then mix the melted butter with approx. 1 1/2 cups of Red Hot. I pile the boneless "wings" into a deep bowl for serving, and then pour the sauce over them as evenly as possible.

Ta da! Easy tasty boneless buffalo wings! Enjoy!

Real Estate As An Art Form - A Deep Look Into My Views

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:39:46 -0500

I learned a hard lesson early in life.

There is only one way to do things.

When I started kindergarden, I could read. I mean, I could read so well that the teachers would have ME read to the class for a "break". I could add, subtract, multiply, divide. I was a little "ahead of my time". I was the first born, my mom stayed at home with me, and spent a lot of time teaching me things. I loved reading, anyway, and definitely enjoyed reading to the class.

As we grew and moved on to bigger and better things (first grade), the learning (for me) began. I was soon told and taught that everything I knew about writing, adding, and subtracting were WRONG. I was BAD for doing it the way I did.

I spent countless hours having to redo my work to count whatever those little dots are on numbers and draw them in, the teacher not satisfied with just the correct answer.

I consistently was sent back to my desk because I didn't carry numbers when I subtracted, even though I still had the right number.

And surprisingly, the thing that makes me the MOST mad now, my artwork was constantly given poor grades because I didn't draw the tree/cat/house/whatever EXACTLY as instructed.

This continued all through school. As you can imagine, it got old pretty quick. I lost interest in school and the basic subjects fairly quickly.

A whole new world was opened up to me when our band instructor told me that my "reflexes" weren't fast enough to play flute on the 6th grade band signup day, and placed a clarinet into my hands and said "here, we need more clarinet players in the band, this is what you will play."

Despite my dreams not quite coming true, my mom and I set out in the search for a clarinet. I got that thing home and I tried DESPERATELY to make some noise. It was not pretty.

"Band week", a week during the summer where they teach us how to blow into whatever instrument we were awkwardly trying to hold in our little 6th grade hands, began and ended semi-poorly. But I wasn't giving up. Every day I sat outside (Oh, our poor neighbors) and I practiced the same three notes over and over and OVER again.

Sixth grade gets a little blurry with the discovery of boys and the realization that they could be nice to look at and may not, in fact, have cooties, but by the end of the year, as my band director put it, I had the range on the clarinet of a senior in high school.

The fun began.

I quickly found myself not challenged enough, and taught myself more instruments. 7th grade brought on the flute, which I took to contest and received a superior rating. Bass clarinet, saxophone, drums... anything that my band director would let me touch came home with me and I learned with a devotion rarely seen in even American Idol contestants. I taught myself the clarinet, and I taught myself all my other instruments. I was "quite a find" and labelled "talented". My move to high school found me in front of the high school director the year before, his mouth open in awe, and the following announcement that I would be immediately placed in the high level band AND the high level choir. I could have cried.

So tenth grade began. This director spent time teaching me, and immediately I was on the road to an All State Audition. They take place in March, but he convinced me that MONTHS of preparation were required. Although a trumpet player, he was an AMAZING teacher. And I quickly learned that there was more than playing fast notes and looking "showy".

All State Auditions are another whole novel in themselves, but I flew through and was one of very few who make it their sophomore year. I spent time at camp that summer, and shortly after camp we moved to Mora.

Quickly I discovered that I was a rarity. All these other clarinetists had private lessons and professional level clarinets. I still played on an old Yamaha plastic clarinet from a pawn shop. (I still play it sometimes, just for fun.) I quickly realized that I was what the kids now call a "poser" - a small time clarinetist PRETENDING to be big time. (At least that's how it seemed to me at the time!)

So Mora High School brought on many new experiences, including a new professional level clarinet. (I love my baby!) The biggest change though was the bi-weekly trips to Duluth from Mora for lessons with Ted Schoen, an AWESOME clarinet professor at the University of Minnesota. This was it, now I was big time!!! Along with all the fame and recitals and the new shiny clarinet, I had acquired a big shiny new ego, too.

I was quickly put in my place again. As I branched off and did more and more "prestegious" things like lessons and camp and workshops, I found myself constantly berated. I was doing EVERYTHING WRONG.

I held my clarinet wrong.

I blew into it wrong.

I tongued my notes wrong.

I used the wrong reeds.

I used the wrong mouthpiece.

I even was told at one point that I didn't have the right "jaw structure", and should just quit now. I would never progress.

I began to change EVERYTHING, which began to set me back instead of help me move forward. I probably would have been better off if someone would have broken all of my fingers and I had to teach myself to play like that while I healed.

So what happened? I continued to exceed, earning a coveted spot in the All State Orchestra (four clarinetists in the whole STATE each year get that spot... it's not easy!), along with many awards, scholarships, and invitations to play in bands nationwide. I began to "do everything right". The most important part - I hated what I was doing!

Music to me was, and still is, about passion, emotion, lyricity, and movement. When I began to be restrained, music wasn't MUSIC anymore... it was a chore. My senior year I decided I had enough and began breaking all the rules again. I did what I wanted, and I was good. I continued to be awarded scholarships and trophies, and I enjoyed it again.

So what does this have to do with real estate????

I've been "in the business" for nearly three years. I've been licensed for nearly two. In that time, I have received a LOT of advice. "Do this, do that, this is the only way, you'll never get any sales THAT way..."

In the last month I've realized that this is what has happened my whole life. I've hit the ground running, doing well, adapted to what I'm "supposed" to do, and soon discovered that I had lost the passion for what I was doing! Marketing became a chore! The good ideas died and fell off along the way.

I became "just another agent", when I should have just continued being Joslyn Panka.

I woke up one day realizing that selling real estate is art! Okay, not art like what you would see in the Walker Art Museum, but it's art! The marketing, the creativity. There is so much that goes into creating a business for yourself that is not textbook, and can't be taught to you. "Stay in the office", "Go GET the business", "You need a website", "You need shiny business cards", or even "You need a big national name to sell ANYTHING"... I was being sent back to my desk with a picture of a tree that I personally thought was AWESOME, and it "wasn't the way things are done".

I'm not suggesting that everyone go out and break all the rules of their brokerage, or completely change the way they have done business. However, I do think that what works for you is awesome, and what works for me is awesome, and what works for Jane Doe and John Smith is awesome, too! Sure, I work floor time. I like it. There are some nice leads that come in. However, I do spend MORE of my time on my internet marketing. I'm the leader in the area for internet marketing, and I plan on keeping it that way - because it works for me! Will it work for my colleagues in my office? I don't know. Will it work for other agents in the area? It might, it might not. (Probably not because I'm determined to keep my "Internet Queen" title.) However, if we all did business the same way, wouldn't that get old? Besides, how would clients pick who they want to work with? How would we as agents ever become individuals without the art required to sell houses? The transactions would lose their beauty. No longer would you tear up on your way home from a closing because that couple got the house of their dreams, or the child in the family was HILARIOUS when picking out "his bedroom" during the second showing. The laughter, the smiles, the tears... that is the beauty of real estate, and the number one reason why I love this career.

I love it for the art.

So fellow agents and real estate professionals - don't forget why you got into the business, and to appreciate and embrace the art in our careers EVERY DAY. It will make you a better agent - and you'll love your life a whole lot more.

Helping The Only Way I Can

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:25:12 -0500

Moving to a new office is definitely a financial strain, so I cannot help the way I wish I could for this family. So I thought I would throw this out to you Active Rainers, and the web in general, and maybe... just maybe, I can help indirectly.

I signed up for Twitter recently, and not long after I did I was added by Shawn Brown of Blooming Prairie Minnesota. I quickly caught up with his twitter goal, and every day I read the updates and it just breaks my heart. His wife has a few neck/spine problems that cause major pain, and she is scheduled for surgery this Thursday. They have four children, and she is the primary bread winner. With the temporary loss of her income, the trips to the hospital, and the cost of gas, this family is trying to raise $2,000 to help them for a short period of time.

Here's an excerpt from their chipin website:

My wife has suffered from chronic pain in her neck since she was a little girl. She always had good days and bad days, it was manageable. About 6 months ago she starting having more bad days. Dr's refused to do much for her. They finally sent her to physical therapy (which she did faithfully and it made no difference). It took many months of therapy before they finally decided to do an MRI. Her Dr. said there was a herniated disk that presses on her spinal cord. Her words, "no big deal, continue with physical therapy." She got a second opinion from a spine dr. and it was much more than that. She has 4 different things wrong with her. (herniated disk, pressing on cord; degenerative disk disease; spinal stenosis; and bone spurs that rub each other)

She is having surgery on May 8th and she's considering canceling for financial reasons. Our insurance pays for the surgery, but they don't pay for my stay so I can be close to her (it's too far away from home). We will have to pay for that and also gas (which is crazy). The most important thing is she will be without pay for awhile. Because of her pain and depression (suicidal) that has gone along with it, she was hospitalized for awhile and burned up all of her PTO. We have 4 children to support and she is our main supporter. I don't want her to cancel it because I am afraid of what this is doing to her mental health. Please help! If many people donate just $5, we will hopefully survive.

If you can help, please visit the chipin website and donate a little. I just keep thinking that if it were my family, I would need the help, too. The pain that this family has dealt with just breaks my heart, and I wish them the best.

City Wide Garage Sales! Canoe Race! Car Seat Check! Tree Sale!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:20:17 -0500

Saturday the 3rd of May is a huge deal in Kanabec County. There's lots to do, so get out there and have some fun!

City wide garage sale day is the 3rd. The Advertiser has run a long spread of all the sales going on this weekend and a map to guide you to them. There are some awesome looking sales out there, and some great stuff! Baby items, pontoon boats, and the Potato Wagon is making an appearance, too! There's also a large auction being performed by Les Stromberg of Stromberg Auctioneering at the Kanabec County Fairgrounds. It will definitely be a great day to find some deals! Most sales start at 7 AM, so make sure you're up plenty early!

May 3rd is also the annual Canoe Race down Snake River. The race starts at the public access on County Road 3 (300th Avenue), and will end at the canoe park in Mora. While at the canoe park, take a look at some of the native vegetation work that is going on, and enjoy the grass becoming green. Hopefully it will be a beautiful weekend for it!

There is also car seat checks being performed at Ogilvie School on Saturday. What a great opportunity to make sure that your child's car seat is installed safely and securely! It's completely free, so stop while you're garage sale-ing and make sure you have everything right.

Also, the Kanabec County Soil and Water District will be having their tree sale and pickup at the Kanabec County Fairgrounds on Saturday as well. If you have ordered bundles you will be able to pick them up. If you haven't but are interested in purchasing some trees or shrubs, extras will be sold. There is always an extensive variety, and the bundles are 25 in most cases for $25. Watch for the signs in town!

Get out this weekend and partake in some of the great activities! There's lots of fun for everyone!

New Company, Same Great Joslyn!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:37:27 -0500

As of today, I have moved to Northern Lights Realty, LLC in Mora Minnesota. Now the leader in Mora Minnesota real estate, Northern Lights Realty is the home of 14 real estate agents. We are currently located in the heart of Mora within the Mora Mini Mall, and soon to expand into our own building on Union Street as of June 1st.

What does this mean to my current and future clients? Tons of positive changes! More newspaper advertising with the company, a fantastic slideshow in our window showing off our listings, and a strong internet presence are some great features that come with a company built on Mora values and tradition. Along with these great marketing tools, I personally am expanding my marketing portfolio every single day to ensure success for my sellers and bring buyers home.

If you are looking for real estate in the Mora Minnesota area, please give me, Joslyn Panka, a call (612-850-3153) or send me an email (JoslynPanka@hotmail.com) today! I will be happy to help you at any time, and would LOVE to help you achieve the greatest dream of all - home ownership!

How Do YOU Rank???

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:03:08 -0500

For those of you who aren't familiar, let me introduce you to a widget that I have here on my blog. It's called "My Agent Rank" and I love it. (Especially since I ROCK!)

It's so easy to get started!

Head to their web address: http://www.agentrank.com/
Click on "sign up" for agents
Create your account.
It will then lead you to the login page. Login! Woo hoo!
Your first task, if you choose to accept it, is to invite some other agents. This is used to calculate your rank. Thank goodness for AR, I know plenty of agents who don't work near me!
Endorsements are next! Enter in the basic information for some of your previous clients. They will be sent a survey, which is used in your rank. They also use the comments in the widget. (Thanks Bob and Petie!!!) This is a great way to keep in touch with clients, too, and to determine your service ranking!
Sales. Enter sales you have closed on. Easy for me, since I'm just starting my second licensed year. Might not be AS easy for you, but maybe just do the past year. Set a time limit if you want. The facts are used toward your agent rank, too!
Forecasts. I don't use this, being very rural, but it uses NAR stats to determine what your market is doing, if available. How cool is that?
Weblogs. I have my AR blog, my MySpace profile, my Facebook Profile, and my Twitter on here. Add whatever you like!
Profile. Sum yourself up. You've done it before, right here on AR, so you can do it!
Your Agent Rank! TA DA! You're done! If you wait ten minutes or so (That's how long it took for mine) you should be able to preview the badge before you post it anywhere. If you are comfortable in the fact that you kick butt as an agent, go post it now! Post it everywhere! Your blog, website, MySpace, Facebook - the possibilities are endless!

I think it's fantastic. My listings have sold near, at, or above asking, which makes me look fantastic. I have had many buyers that have closed in the last year. It's worked very well for me! It's fun, and it gives potential clients a quick idea of what kind of business you do.

Even better, Realty Baron, the creator of agentrank, has a lead program if you're interested, among other things. Why not check it out?

So head on over to www.agentrank.com and get started!

Sometimes All It Takes Is A Little Dream...

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:31:24 -0500

I woke up this morning more fired up than I have been in months.

In my morning slumber, my mind created a fantastic world, where all of my listings were getting offers.

I mean ALL of them.

I remember the beginning vaguely, sitting there wondering if the market was ever going to change. Then I got a call, and an offer on a listing. Then another.

The last thing I remember from my dream, before I woke up, is a call from a metro agent saying "Hi, Joslyn? I've got an offer on the farm you have listed. It's ten under asking, but I think it's a good offer."

I sunk to the floor in disbelief. I literally was sitting on my kitchen floor, staring blankly ahead of me.

"You have an offer on the farm.....?" I repeated in confusion. I was stunned. All my listings were going to be pending. Everything was going to be okay. All my hard work had paid off.

EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY. This was my first thought when I woke up. My next thought was "Holy cow, was that real? That seemed real. Was that real?"

No offer in my inbox.

Who cares? I began the morning so fired up, there was no stopping me. I'm making flyers, creating new ads, finding new places and ways to advertise - and I even have dinner for tonight figured out!

I am ON FIRE.

I've felt like I've been beat up, spit up, chewed up for so long in this market. I have other agents who have been in the business for YEARS telling me I'm ahead of them in sales this year... but I don't feel like it. I haven't been good enough for ME, and I forgot that THAT was the most important thing.

So today I've reminded myself of a few things.

I am doing business still. I am blessed.
I am still IN the business. That is fantastic.
I am capable of so much more than I realize.
My broker (or any broker, for that matter!) is lucky to have a young, energetic, outside-of-the-box agent like me.
I am creative, I am smart. I can sell real estate.
I have great ideas and fantastic people supporting me.
THERE IS NOTHING I CANNOT DO.

So I'm getting out there today and taking over the world again. Spring is new beginnings, and this is just another chapter in my life and my real estate career.

Hello world. I'm Joslyn Panka, super agent.

follow joslynpanka at http://twitter.com

How Gas Prices Are Making Me A Better Agent

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:26 -0500

Gas prices in Mora went from $3.35 a gallon to $3.45 pretty much overnight. Even though I thought it was bad when it hit $3.35, for some reason seeing the new, higher price today felt like major defeat. It began to stir many thoughts about how to save money, conserve more, and continue in real estate with costs rising so drastically. So here are some thoughts I've come up with.

Make sure my buyers are preapproved - BEFORE I show them houses. I am guilty of this, as many other agents are. Especially coming out of an era where pretty much anyone could get financing, this has become far more important to me. In a rural area, I don't want to be driving 30 miles, 60 miles, or more without knowing for sure that my buyers can perform.
Screening buyers. Have you ever gotten a call on your listing and have a preapproved buyer, but then get there and find out the buyer wants a wooded parcel, or a contract for deed, or something that just isn't happening with the property you're showing them? I'm doing my best to avoid this by more pictures of my listings, more descriptions, and talking to clients more when they call on a listing I have.
Eating cheap - while supporting local charities. Okay, I admit it, I LOVE brats and would be doing this no matter WHAT gas prices are, but I find that I can't supply myself with a cheap lunch like the brat stand at the local grocery store can. It's run by local organizations that are trying to raise money, so I'm giving money to the community at the same time. What a win-win situation!
Searching for new ways to advertise. I'm slowly leaving the newspaper advertisement world. Prices continue to rise with the cost of gas, and even though I wasn't getting calls from those ads anyway, I find myself searching for tons of low cost ways to advertise on the internet to make up for the lack of advertising I'm doing in print. It's helping!
Long days, focused trips. If I have to drive a ways to show a property, I immediately plan out other tasks I can do while in that area. I no longer just get in the car and run here there and everywhere. If I'm driving 30 miles east, I find everything I can or need to do in that direction and get it done. I check on all listings in that direction, drop off listing flyers in the area, do whatever I can to promote my business in that area on a regular basis.

There are more things, but these were some of the biggest changes I am making or will be making to try to conserve gas and keep my costs down. What changes are you making, if any, now that gas is skyrocketing?

I'm Now On Twitter!

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:08:12 -0500

Okay, so while getting my blogging butt back in gear, I got myself on Twitter, too. Now you can have a taste of my adventures all day every day! :)

Go! Add me! Run in flocks!

http://twitter.com/joslynpanka

While you're at it, you might as well just go crazy!

www.myspace.com/joslynpanka

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512228356

http://joslynpanka.point2agent.com

There. Enjoy your fill of Joslyn. :)

An April Weight Loss Update

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:48:04 -0500

Okay, so I think it's probably been months since I've blogged on this subject. Realizing that people were asking how it was going, I figured that I would write an update.

Unfortunately, my update isn't necessarily something that is going to impress everyone. Honestly, it might just downright make you MAD. I can't help it... I don't know what to do about it!

So in November, I got the great news that I was going to have a baby. That was sooooooo exciting! I scheduled a doctors appointment, and was so depressed when I got there and weighed in.

I was now heavier than I had been in three years.

Now I understood why my knees were hurting all the time. Why my clothes weren't fitting. Why I just felt like poo in general.

I was climbing back up the scale.

After leaving the office armed with information such as "You should expect to gain 25-35 pounds", I was wondering how I would make it through these many weeks ahead. If I hurt this bad, what was I going to do? The snow was falling, ice was everywhere, and walks were out of the question. I had a burning desire to search the house for dimes and nickels and quarters, cash them in, and buy myself a pass to the gym again. Then I realized that trying to kill a treadmill by beating it to death with my feet wasn't exactly recommended.

So the pregnancy began. A month went by and I found myself back for another appointment and a due date ultrasound.

I didn't look at the scale... I didn't even want to know. I mean, sure, I was (as we found out at the appointment) about eight weeks along, so chances are I didn't gain a whole lot, but I didn't even want to see the number I had seen before.

And I didn't.

I had dropped five pounds.

Wait a minute! Five pounds? I was not feeling sick yet... was eating like a pig.....

They disregarded it, saying that it happens to many people when they first become pregnant.

This quickly became a battle.

As time has worn on, I found myself craving vegetables like crazy. My next appointment a month later showed nearly five pounds more was lost.

I got lectured.

Then I began to panic.

At this point, I had spent nearly a month feeling nauseous, and it was no surprise that I lost more weight. In a desperate attempt I began weighing myself regularlly at home, purposely overeating, and eating Big Macs or anything that might be fattening every chance I got.

And I continued to lose weight.

I began to panic, honestly. I was eating stuff that I didn't want (I wanted vegetables and fruit!) trying to put on the weight. The cravings I had would be so strong I'd end up eating the vegetables and fruit on top of a full meal.

And it has continued.

At one doctor's appointment, I purposely drank a whole bunch of water, like they do on Biggest Loser to throw a weigh in. I began eating big meals right before my appointments. I would hold my purse, keys, a bottle of water, and anything else I could while getting weighed.

Now I'm nearly 28 weeks and I'm still fifteen pounds under where I was originally. The most I've lost is 25, but I've been able to get myself to steady out. I've been at the same weight for two months now. My belly is getting bigger while the rest of me gets smaller.

I CAN'T GAIN WEIGHT!

Now, before I get all the comments "I hate you" and "it isn't fair", I have to say that I agree. I have to admit that I would rather gain some of this weight back than go through this. I've been prodded, poked, and tested to no end, and there seems to be no answer. I've now as of the last visit informed the doctor that I am no longer eating the "not so good for you" food, and eating the vegetables and stuff that I crave. There is a pact - no more lecturing. That was a week ago. I've lost three more pounds.

So, in conclusion my dear friends in weight loss, getting pregnant makes you lose weight. Okay, not usually... but in my case, it certainly worked better than dieting for five years!

I Get All My Good Ideas At Three AM

Joslyn Panka - Minnesota's One Way Ticket to SOLD! (Northern Lights Realty LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:53:59 -0500

It's a Wednesday. In the last month I think I've blogged once - about the recent arsons/robberies in the area. Mostly because it really bothers me that people run around and do things with no regard as to the pain and suffering they may cause.

It's nearly 11:30 in the morning. I've been staring at my ActiveRain blog for the last hour, desperately trying to come up with SOME idea that may be interesting enough that at least one person would read.

Ha.

So here I am, writing a blog about nothing. While I do that, I am wondering what happened to the brain I had last night. I sat awake for hours and hours, playing on Zillow and trying out Twitter. Beefing up my Facebook and MySpace. Checking out my website. Reading some blogs...

And coming up with great ideas for my own blog.

Last night, for some stupid reason, I didn't write any of them down. The night before, however, I did.

Then I wake up the next morning and look at the blog ideas and wonder "What the heck is that, and why did I think that was even worth THINKING about writing about??" Before I know it, I'm sitting in front of my laptop, staring at my blog, and thinking "another blogging day down the tubes!"

So I'm trying to develop a plan to begin writing blogs again - preferrably ones worth writing! - and get my butt back in gear. So I'm thinking of things I can do differently to make my life and experiences and knowledge more blog-worthy.

Make the best out of every situation. Yeah, I have asset management companies who think it's fun to ignore me and pretend I don't exist, clients who are struggling for showings, and properties that sit and sit and sit on the market... so maybe I should blog about what I WISH the market was like!
Believe in myself. I can write, I know I can. I also know that I am an expert at beating myself up, cutting myself down, and thinking 'that idea is dumb'. (At least, when it comes to certain things!) Apparantly at some point I decided that I just kind of stunk at blogging... and that's when it all went downhilll.
Share information. I know TONS of information! I watch the market. I know what's new, what's happening, what prices and values are doing. I'm a real estate professional. Professionals know their stuff! I do know my stuff, I just need to learn to share more!
Write ALL ideas down. Now I know this VERY well, and many of you may as well. A three AM idea might seem bad in the morning, but for some reason it sounded genius last night. Figuring out how to make these ideas sound good again is the trick. And not giving up an idea helps even more! For many years I carried a voice recorder with me, and every time I had an idea, I would mutter it into that tape recorder. (I've always been a writer.) I kept it in my car, which was a surefire way to know that it was with me at all time. (I can leave home without my purse... but I never forget my car!) Notepads, recorders... whatever it takes, I've gotta do it!
Open my eyes. Okay, so I'm no expert on my surroundings, per se, but I know a fair amount, and have been learning a ton about plants and native vegetation from Nick. I can share that information! I mean, everyone should know about buckthorn and why mowing to the water's edge on a lake is bad, shouldn't they? Well, I think so.
Address local issues. Okay, so opinions are like... well, you know. But still, I can share points of view and facts and information on local news! I can also blab about new businesses, old businesses, citizens of interest, and stuff like that!
I am worthy of blog time! Most of all, I need to remember that I can be myself, and throw things about me in there, too. Granted, I'm sure not everyone wants to hear how often the baby kicked today or the silly stuff my cats do, but I do interesting things, and I can share! There are tons of blogs out here in cyber land.... many are just personal blogs. As long as I keep my focus in the right place, I can be a little selfish once and a while, can't I? :)

So now that I'm all pumped up and motivated, I'm going to write some blogs! If I don't, I hope someone who reads this will yell at me, since I just spent a bunch of words and feelings and thoughts trying to convince myself to get back on the blogging train! :) Besides, who knows? Maybe I just helped another blogger come up with some ideas when they hit a dry patch, too! THAT is worth blogging for!