Midwest Canada Minute - November 28, 2010 - 11/30/10 01:20 PM
Two More Options for Selling Land 
In last week's column, we discussed two approaches to selling land - private treaty and live auction.  Today, we will examine two more - brokerage and the tender process.  It is important for landowners to first consider what their goals are, and the principles that will guide future decisions about liquidating this asset.  Sellers also need to visualize the persona of the potential buyers, where those prospects are located, and how best to reach them. No matter what method is selected, sellers should have a good grasp of the current range of value before making … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 21, 2010 - 11/22/10 12:49 PM
Marketing Options for Farmland - Part One
Early winter is the time of year when farmers and ranchers often consider downsizing or retiring.  One of the many decisions they need to make in order to achieve their goals is how to best sell their land.  As a Realtor who is also an active partner in the family ranch, I know in the weeks ahead there will be a number of afternoons spent drinking coffee at kitchen tables across the Midwest discussing options, and the relative advantages or disadvantages of each.
It may seem strange to the non-farmer but the greatest concern … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 14, 2010 - 11/16/10 01:16 PM
Ask MG - November 14, 2010
My boyfriend and I will be shopping for our first home in the New Year and our friends tell us that we should always make our first offer about 20% off list price to see if the Seller is motivated; what do you think?
Robyn:  Your Realtor should show you some sales of comparable properties to the one you are interested in, prior to writing the offer. This will give you a really good idea of where your property should settle. 
Michael:  Your first offer needs to be made wisely.  Before I write any offer, … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 07, 2010 - 11/08/10 12:45 PM
We Shall Never Forget Their Courage
The Dieppe Raid was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on August 19, 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and within 6 hours Allied commanders had been forced to call a retreat. Over 6,000 soldiers, mostly Canadian, were landed ashore by the Royal Navy with the objective to seize and hold the area for at least two tides before withdrawing. 
Military planners and politicians wanted to prove it was possible to insert armed forces onto the continent while simultaneously measuring German preparedness for such an … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - October 31, 2010 - 11/02/10 03:43 PM
Dear MG:  I have noticed that some MLS listings say "No RPR available", or "Existing RPR only", or even "Buyer to purchase Title Insurance", and I was wondering what each of these terms mean? 
Vern:  RPR is short for Real Property Report.  It is a legal document that illustrates the location of significant visible improvements within a property's boundaries. 
Mike:  When you purchase real estate, ask the seller to supply a current RPR along with a letter from the local municipal government that states the location of the improvements and the purpose of the property comply with zoning bylaws and regulations.
… (0 comments)