If there's another home buyer tax credit, it needs to be different - 08/31/10 09:22 AM
There is rumor of another try at a tax credit for home buyers.  While I feel that it should probably not go beyond talk, I really hope that any credit would be structured differently than the others.  The previous credits were designed more to help the general economy than housing, and I feel that was where it shorted the housing industry.
The credit did little to help people buy homes, rather gave them a reward weeks or months after they bought.  The reward went wherever they wanted to use it, but not as part of the down payment and seldom to … (0 comments)

NAR research – maybe a little over the top? - 08/30/10 11:28 AM
NAR Research published a report that supports home ownership by claiming an array of social benefits that are brought about through owning one’s own home.  Although I certainly agree that owning a home is a common goal among most people, the supporting “evidence” is interesting.
The report cites reputable authorities like the US Census Housing Vacancy Survey and its conclusion that “the predominant reason for moving is housing related. “  Astounding!
The report attributes virtually every good thing that can possibly happen to a family as the result of home ownership.  It concludes that home ownership allows households to accumulate wealth … (0 comments)

Are you a potential 2011 first time home buyer? - 08/29/10 12:37 PM
The most important components of a good real estate buying experience are knowledge and good decision making.  If you're thinking of buying when your lease ends in May (or whenever), there are some actions you should take well ahead of then, maybe even today.
First, sign up for a homebuyer education program.  The best are sponsored by government or non-profit organizations and are free from annoying solicitation and advertising.  Dakota County Community Development schedules classes monthly.  Dakota County residents are charged $15 per household for the classes which usually run three nights.  When you complete the course, you are awarded a … (0 comments)

Old decks -- Often an accident waiting to happen - 08/18/10 02:06 PM
A resent Twin Cities area deck collapse has focused attention on a safety issue that often goes unnoticed by homeowners.  Decks are sometimes built by weekend warrior DIY'ers with expertise that exists only in their own minds.  With the help of Minneapolis home inspector, Reuben Saltzman, KARE 11 Television reports on some hazards in "deckitecture."
http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx#/Local/Deck+dangers+in+spotlight+after+Eden+Prairie+collapse/48173211001/48322959001/586492168001
 
I like to do an exterior walk around before enterring a home for a showing.  Just seems like a good idea to look first at what you hope will support you and your clients' weight.
… (2 comments)

The Greatest Story Ever Told - 08/16/10 02:44 PM
C-Span interviewed Lawrence Yun today, and once again he was fascinating.  Apparently, the housing market will improve if more people get jobs.  High unemployment is the reason the market has not turned around and the reason that there are more foreclosures now than a year ago.  So, we have high unemployment caused by a recession precipitated by the housing collapse.  The solution is to not have high unemployment?  He might as well have said that the problem will go away when more people buy real estate. 
A caller said that he felt that the problem existed because banks charge compound interest … (5 comments)