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real estate staging: Haunted Walk in the Arboretum - 10/26/08 06:34 PM
Northland Arboretum is hosting a "Haunted Trail" on  Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  Experience the thrills and chills as you walk through the dark woods of the Arboretum.  Young children should be accompanied by an adult.  No flashlights, please.  There will be a bonfire and cider for all.  Cost is just $3.00 at the door.  Proceeds to benefit the "Arb."
 
We went last night and stood in line for one hour. It was a great time of meeting old friends and making new ones.  The walk took us about 45 minutes and was really … (2 comments)

real estate staging: The Apple Pie House - 10/26/08 05:34 PM
     Most buyers are looking for a well-maintained house in apple pie order. They will be looking to buy as much house as they can get and still leave a little dough for changes to adapt things to their personal taste.  That doesn't mean that they will be looking to dive right into major home improvements, because they won't. The down payment on your home will take most of their savings.  After the monthly mortgage payments, taxes and insurance, there is no room in their budget for major repairs. Many buyers today will not consider a house that needs remodeling and … (13 comments)

real estate staging: No One Left? - 10/25/08 03:35 PM
Quoting Martin Niemöller's famous poem in which he remembers how fragile our liberty is,
 
"The Nazi's came for the Communists and since he wasn't one, he did nothing. Then they came for the trade unionists, and he wasn't one, so he did nothing. Then they came for the Jews and the Catholics and he again did nothing. Then, when they finally came for him, there was no one left to defend him."
 
 
Do not buy the lies, DO NOT STAND BY and watch as your freedoms are taken away!


(4 comments)

real estate staging: Warning - Stagers - Do Not Open Email from Kincaid Furniture & etc - 10/23/08 11:51 AM
    A few days ago I was contacted by e-mail for a job with Kincaid Furniture as a Regional Manager for my area. Sounded interesting and I responded asking for more information. They got right back to me and the job was part time from home- taking checks from their customers, keeping accounts and then sending them the orders, etc.
At $2000 /month base pay and 10% of all sales it sounded good - too good, something was not right.  I Googled Kincaid and my area and sure enough they had furniture in 6 stores - all reputable.
     The e-mail … (16 comments)

real estate staging: Right on Target - 09/18/08 08:49 PM

 
 
    The new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins will be called the Target Field. This is right across the street from the Target Center, home to the  NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. The retailer and the Twins will be collaborating on the design of Target Plaza which will connect the $517 Million 40,000 seat Target Field to downtown Minneapolis. This will include a pedestrian bridge and public gathering space. All this Target stuff will be just a few blocks away from the Target corporation's headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
    Go Target,  oops I meant , Go Twins.
(12 comments)

real estate staging: The Legacy of the Duck Stamp - 09/09/08 12:12 PM
    The State of Minnesota's migratory waterfowl stamp in now in its 30th year of production.  In that time period, 3.5 million stamps have been sold generating $15.7 million to restore habitat for wetland wildlife species.The Federal Duck Stamp made its appearance in 1934.  In 1973, the Minnesota Waterfowl Association consisiting of about 4000 members started the push at the Minnesota State Capital to write stamp legislation.  After an intensive campaign, the bill passed in 1977. 
    Concern has continued to be expressed from many citizens about the State of Minnesota's wetlands and the declining duck population. A portion of a … (3 comments)

real estate staging: Minnesota Home Stager Report - You've Got them, Did You Keep Them? #3 in the series - 09/09/08 10:09 AM


    In my previous blogs in this series, Curb Appeal is Not A Myth and After The Call, I addressed the value of  your on-line listing and the "first glance" impression of the property. Let us rewind this blog back to where the potential buyer arrives on the scene due to your excellent directions and prominently & permanently displayed address markers.  Your For Sale sign in the yard helps them find it as well.  However these do tend to disappear, are usually unattractive and do not add to the intrinsic value of the property.  At first glance, the prospective … (6 comments)

real estate staging: Minnesota Home Stager Report - After the Call - #2 in the Series - 08/29/08 12:30 PM
    In Virtual Curb Appeal is Not a Myth, I discussed the MLS listing photos. Now a potential buyer has made the call to see a listing.  If they are like me, they will meet you there. On the way,  they will observe the neighborhood, traffic, parks, schools, etc.  All of these things are out of your control - it
is what it is.  Now, they have found the right house due to your excellent instructions and the address being prominently and permanently displayed on the maibox, fire number marker or the front door. All under your control!  Realtors' For Sale … (12 comments)

real estate staging: Minnesota Home Stager Report - Virtual Curb Appeal is NOT A Myth - #1 in the Series - 08/27/08 07:09 PM
    According to the National Association of Realtors, 75% of people on the market to purchase a home begin their search on the Internet. Other sources put this figure closer to 85%.  It is only logical to determine then that exterior photos of your listing can instantly determine if buyers will take a second look.  Virtual curb appeal is a reality. Patchy unkempt lawns. peeling paint and poor or no photos will lose you potential buyers.  With so many houses for sale in any given neighborhood, it is crucial to invest dollars and or sweat. to get lookers inside the website.  … (5 comments)

real estate staging: Minnesota Home Stager Report - Dining in China - 08/14/08 11:25 AM
   Some of my friends are in China at the Olympics. What fun I think and here I am in Minnesota.  Then they send photos - I feel even worse, I am missing all the fun and the beauty. I watched the opening ceremonies on TV and was struck by the artistry and the cohesiveness of all the performers.  Their trim figures, glowing complexions and their endurance and flexibility.What do they eat , that gives them such strength?
    Then I get more photos, which I am posting here. I love Minnesota and the food that we eat.  I can watch … (18 comments)

real estate staging: Mini-ponds - 08/09/08 09:26 PM
    "What is a mini-pond", you may ask "and why would I want one?". Mini-ponds are a a mini-ecosystem and you only need a container that holds at least four gallons of water.  It is a good start to water gardening without a major committment and the expense.  A large permanent pond can easily cost over $10,000.
    For a container try a salvaged claw-foot bathtub, a galvanized horse trough or an old whisky barrel.  Water plants are available at larger garden centers along with some electrical accessories.  Fish can be inexpensive gold fish, one male betta ( not 2) or … (7 comments)

real estate staging: Minnesota Home Stager Report - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - 08/02/08 05:44 PM
      The Good, The Bad and The Ugly- which one of these terms best describe your property?  If it is going on the market - the bad and the ugly need to change.  I know change is hard and sometimes painful, but it is for the best.
    You see, prospective buyers have the power to choose.  They will not choose the ugly with its outdated rust shag carpet, dark faux wood paneling and blue toilet. Why should they, when they can choose a pristine updated move- in ready good?
    Surely they won't choose the bad, with a leaky … (9 comments)

real estate staging: Congratulations to Emily Wyman - Miss Brainerd Lakes 2008 - 08/02/08 04:46 PM

    Congratulations to the newly crowned Mis Brainerd Lakes, Emily Wyman.  Emily is a Brainerd High School graduate, who will be attending Concordia College in Moorhead this fall.  She won the Talent and Interview portions of the pageant, with Heather Erickson winning the Evening Gown and Swim Suit competitions.
    First runner up was Breanna Sinner and second runner up - Heather Erickson. The theme for this year's pageant was "It's Not Just Make Believe".  For Emily, a dream come true and a chance to compete for the title of Miss Minnesota in Eden Prairie next June.
     Go Emily!
(0 comments)

real estate staging: Getting the Most Out Your Real Estate Agent - 07/26/08 11:28 AM
    Once you have chosen the  real estate agent to represent your sale, get to know them. Try and deal with the same staff members each time you call and learn to trust them. Don’t be afraid to point out anything you are not happy with though, remember you are the customer and are paying for their services.
    Make sure you're happy with the particulars on your property. Read the text and study the photographs, if you are not happy with either, tell them ASAP. Don’t think you're going to offend the real estate agent by saying you're not happy … (5 comments)

real estate staging: Leave the towels alone! Thank you! - 07/24/08 08:44 PM
     How do you keep visitors & Realtors at open houses and showings from using your nicely folded, perfectly hung, and oh so clean and fluffy towels?  I have read that some suggest tying them in ribbons or raffia and therefore signal that they are off limits.  But does everyone know how to read raffia?   
      A sign "Do Not Use Towels" along with "Do Not Use Toilet or If in the case of an Emergency :   please close lid & flush (or maybe flush and then close lid)", "Do Not Sit on Bed" ,  "Don't kiss the Mirror", "No eating or drinking … (32 comments)

real estate staging: Miss Brainerd Lakes Pageant Fast Approaching - 06/21/08 11:40 AM
    The field of eight contestants for the title of Miss Brainerd Lakes will soon be narrowed down to "the one".  Competing for this year's title are: Antje Anderson, Caitlin Cross, Katie Ritter, Heather Erickson, Breanna Sinner, Jacqui Cavalier, Mary Petersen and Emily Wyman.
     The pageant is on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at the Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd, Minnesota.  It starts at 7:00  P.M. and tickets will be sold for $10.00 at the door.  Brainerd always puts on a fabulous pageant and this year will be no different.  
    Tier level sponsors of this year's pageant are : Caribbean … (0 comments)

real estate staging: Brainerd Hosting Public Meeting on K-12 Education - 06/11/08 12:21 PM

    The Washington Educational Services Building at 804 Oak Street in Brainerd will be the site of the Minnesota House K-12 Education Finance Division meeting.  The public Brainerd meeting on June 16, 2008, co-chaired by Representative John Ward will include a K-12 education finance update.
    Representative Mindy Greiling, chair of the K-12 Education Finance Division stated her pleasure at the short term relief that has been slated by the Legislature    The Brainerd school system, like many others in the state, has seen a number of reductions in staff and programming.  Various efforts are underway to raise funds to keep … (2 comments)

real estate staging: Flag Day Program - Elks Lodge # 615 - 06/09/08 10:16 PM

    The All Veterans Memorial next to the Crow Wing County Courthouse is the site of the June 14th annual Flag Day Program. Hosted by the Brainerd Elks Lodge Number 615, the program starts at 5 P.M.  The public is invited to come and see the various flags and learn more about the history of the flags of the United States.
    A proper burning of old flags will be conducted starting at 6 P.M.  Anyone needing to dispose of old flags may bring them to the Brainerd Elks Lodge at 915 South Ninth Street.
    Food will be available … (2 comments)

real estate staging: Real Estate Proverbs - 05/22/07 07:42 PM
Proverbs 20:14 -
"Its no good, its no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
Proverbs 23:10 & 22:28 -
Do not move an ancient boundary stone
Proverbs 10:9 -
The man of integrity walks securely but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 11:13 -
A gossip betrays a confidence but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
Proverbs 14:1 -
A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down,
And for those in a slow market 
 Proverbs 15:16 -
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. 
Don't forget … (5 comments)

real estate staging: Mn Home Stager Report-Fishing? Take Home Your Life!! - 05/13/07 06:07 PM
Our fishing opener for Mn was Saturday , May 12th.  It is estimated that 1 million anglers were out on the water trying for the elusive but tasty northern pike and walleye.  How many of these dressed warmly for the chilly weather ,also thought to strap on a Personal Flotation Device?  Going overboard unintentionally in any weather is dangerous but with extra layers of clothing, the low water temperature, and a 50 degree air temperature will put your life in peril.  BoatingBasicsOnline.com
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
PFDs are important potential life saving devices and are required onboard. Make sure when … (0 comments)

 
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Kathleen Lordbock Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Brainerd, MN

More about me…

KW REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist

Address: 10718 Greenwood St, Brainerd, MN, 56401

Office Phone: (218) 829-4664

Cell Phone: (218) 831-8001

Email Me

Information on the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota. Real Estate help for buyers and sellers. Home staging tips and help for owners who need to sell fast. Postponing foreclosure and short sale help.


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