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The Value Of A Hand Written Letter - 12/31/11 06:04 AM
When's the last time you've received a handwritten note? How did it make you feel? Amanda Davidson wrote an excellent blog: The Value of a Hand Written Letter that you'll find inspiration to do the same.
Have an AWESOME 2012!
Via Amanda S. Davidson (Keller Williams Realty):
In the age of emails, IM’s, Facebook and Twitter hand written letters are considered “old school” but, I find they still have a great deal of value. This year in particular I had a lot of positive feedback from the notes I wrote in all my Christmas cards to clients. I started working on them in … (0 comments)
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Mind Movies ~ Changing Your Life a Day at a Time... - 12/31/11 05:41 AM
This is another installment of Mind Movies by Michael Thornton. This is something that has intrigued me, and will try myself.
Have an AWESOME 2012!
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville Area photography & videography (RadnorLake Video):
Mind Movies ~ Changing Your Life a Day at a Time... As I stated in an earlier post, mind movies are nothing new, the concept has been around for years. Similar to the dogma of self affirmations, mind movies incorporate all of you kinestetic senses - sight, sound and feelings. Being akin to visualization or vision boards, mind movies use the power of … (0 comments)
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Should Fannie Be In the Renovation Business - 12/29/11 08:06 PM
I’ve been hearing more and more about how Fannie Mae has been renovating some of their REO properties. My first thought was that this is surely going to be another boondoggle; being that I don’t really trust anything the government has done regarding housing.
I ran across this video about Fannie Mae’s renovation program, and the success they say they’re having with it. If their cost is only averaging $5,700 per house in renovations, then I have to admit this might be money well spent.
… (6 comments)
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What if Real Estate Agents Used This Kind of Hype? - 12/29/11 08:00 PM
I really agree with Marte Cliff when it comes to headlines that grab my attention; her blog post made me think about the headlines I use. You'll find reading her post well worth your time.
Have an AWESOME day!
Via Marte Cliff (Marte Cliff Copywriting):
A funny thought occurred to me a few minutes ago...
It all started when my email presented me with a message that said: "Shocking video reveals how to learn a foreign language in just 10 days!"
The headline was followed by:
BREAKING NEWS:Scientific discovery reveals the secret to speaking any language in just 10 … (0 comments)
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What's in your bucket? - 12/29/11 07:35 PM
I've always been a big believer in lists, I think I got it from my Dad. He still carries his little notepad in his overalls, and is always writing things down. I've tried many times to use the computer for my lists, but I always end-up pulling out a piece of paper and jotting down my list. Lindsey Hasford has a great post on a bucket list that you'll find interesting.
Have an AWESOME day!
Via Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision):
Recently I was invited to join Pinterest. Like the world's biggest online club for anyone who is anyone. You … (0 comments)
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East Bethel, MN Market Update - 12/29/11 07:27 PM
The City of East Bethel, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that overall prices for the City of East Bethel, MN have increased for the month of November and for the year. The MLS data is for all types of properties within the City of East Bethel, MN.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family home sales (excluding lake shore) within the City of East Bethel for the past … (0 comments)
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Anoka, MN Market Update - 12/29/11 07:26 PM
The City of Anoka, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Anoka, MN have declined for the both the current month of November, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was less than the current month. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The homes that were selected for this trendline were all single family home sales within the City of Anoka for … (0 comments)
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Attention Appraisers! ActiveRain Works! - 12/28/11 10:45 AM
Use ActiveRain to Tell Your Story
I can remember as kids sitting in a circle, with one kid telling the kid next to them something, and then that kid told the next kid, and so on. After a couple of minutes the comment made its way full circle. When the last kid and first kid compared what was said, they weren’t even close to being the same thing. Well guess what, the same thing can be said for the real estate business, especially the appraisal side of the things. There are many myths and half-truths that have been circulating about over … (11 comments)
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Please Pick-Up After Fido! - 12/27/11 05:23 PM
Appraisers don’t expect a house to be in tiptop shape when doing an inspection for an appraisal, especially for a refinance. However, there a few do’s when getting ready for an appraisal inspection, and picking up after your dog should be considered mandatory!
No, it’s not a value issue, but it sure makes me wonder about how well the house is being cared for. I’ll look all deferred maintenance with a lot more caution. The smell was so bad that the owner wouldn’t go down in the lower level with me, and I’m sure he was a little embarrassed. … (3 comments)
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31 Day Blogging Challenge ~ Day Vengt-Six ~ Mind Movie... - 12/27/11 05:21 PM
I'm a big believer in goal setting. It's been said, "If you don't know where you're going, how are you going to know when you get there." I've been a big fan of Brian Tracy for years, and I think his "Goals" program is one of the best out there. I ran across Michael's blog today that talks about making a "Mind Movie" to help you keep your goals front and center. Although he states that they've been around for a while, this is the first I've heard of it. Check it out, it sounds very interesting.
Have an AWESOME day! … (0 comments)
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Eye Candy - Top 20 Home Inspection Photos from 2011 - 12/27/11 04:53 PM
I always thought as an appraiser that I've run across some pretty crazy things, but nothing compared to what home inspectors find. Check-out Reuben's blog post of his favorite photos for 2011.
Via Minneapolis Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):
I post a new home inspection photo on the Structure Tech Facebook page six days a week, and this year I decided to put together a blog post showing my favorite photos from 2011. I hope you enjoy these half as much as I do. As with all of my blog posts, click on any of these photos for a … (0 comments)
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Median Selling Prices for Cities Within Sherburne County,MN - 12/26/11 07:22 PM
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about how I calculate the concentration of distressed sales within the different cities within Sherburne County. This helps to explain as to why or why not distressed sales (bank REO’s and short sales) were used for comparable sales within an appraisal report.
The chart below indicates the different median selling prices for bank owned (REO’s), short sales, and traditional sales. The chart clearly indicates that distressed properties sell for significantly less, and what’s even more revealing is the median selling price for REO’s compared to the other types of sales, especially compared to … (3 comments)
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Turn Setbacks Into Springboards - 12/26/11 07:20 PM
Here's some great advice from Mike Cooper's blog on getting ready for 2012. You'll really enjoy Mike's blog posts, he's awesome storyteller. Please leave comments on his blog.
Have an AWESOME day!
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
The one thing I love about New Years is that it is a time to start over. OK, you failed at your diet in 2011. Instead of weight-loss it was weight-found, no problem. Start over. You didn't make the top ten agents in the US, your State, your office or your solo brokerage, no problem. You get another … (1 comments)
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Monday Moring Motivator & Some Points to Ponder ~ 12.26.11 - 12/26/11 07:19 PM
If you ever find yourself needing something to ponder, then you need to check out Michael Thorton's blog. Not only does he have great advice on home inspections, but does a weekly blog "Motivator Monday." Please leave comments on Michael's post.
Have an AWESOME day!
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Monday Moring Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... "Life is a lot like nature. You only have as many animals as the ecosystem can support and you only have as many friends as you can tolerate the bitching of." ~~ … (0 comments)
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St. Francis, MN Market Update - 12/26/11 06:39 PM
The City of St. Francis, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that overall prices for the City of St. Francis, MN have increased for the month of November, however, they've declined year to date. The MLS data is for all types of properties within the City of St. Francis, MN.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The homes that were selected for this trendline were all single family home sales within the City of St. Francis for the past … (5 comments)
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Ham Lake, MN Market Update - 12/26/11 06:38 PM
The City of Ham Lake, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that overall prices for the City of Ham Lake, MN have increased for the month of November, however, they've declined year to date. The MLS data is for all types of properties within the City of Ham Lake, MN.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The homes that were selected for this trendline were all single family home sales within the City of Ham Lake for the past 12 … (1 comments)
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Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas! - 12/25/11 11:21 AM
As this year comes to an end I hope that you find the time to enjoy this holiday season with those that you love and care about. Remember to be thankful for everything that we have, and to pray for those that are less fortunate.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
… (4 comments)
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St. Michael, MN Market Update - 12/23/11 06:17 AM
The City of St. Michael, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of St. Michael, MN have declined for the both the current month of November, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was less than the current month. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trend line were newer construction 2-story design … (1 comments)
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Bloomington, MN Market Update - 12/23/11 06:16 AM
The City of Bloomington, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Bloomington, MN have increased for the month of November, however, they've declined year to date. The MLS data is for all types of properties within the City of Bloomington, MN.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were rambler design single family home sales within the City of Bloomington for the past 12 … (0 comments)
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Market Update: Sherburne County and Surrounding Townships - 12/18/11 07:29 PM
Sheburne County, MN and Surrounding Townships Market Update:
The MLS indicates that prices for Sherburne County, MN have declined for the both the current month of November, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was more than the current month. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were rambler design single family home sales within Sherburne … (3 comments)
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Market Update: Coon Rapids & Andover, MN November 2011 - 12/18/11 07:29 PM
The City of Coon Rapids and Andover, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for both the cities of Coon Rapids and Andover, MN have declined for the month of November (year to date). The MLS also indicates that inventory levels have made a significant decline for the year, especially for Coon Rapids.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal. This encompasses parts of both the cities of Coon Rapids and Andover, MN.
The style of homes that … (0 comments)
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Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about SEO ... Well Almost - 12/18/11 03:31 PM
When it comes to blogging everyone can use a little help with SEO, or at the very least a reminder of what works. Tammy's blog post has a ton of valuable information, I highly advise you to bookmark it for future reference.
Have an AWESOME day.
Via Tammy Emineth (Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing):
I keep a list of most of my blogs on my profile page for easy navigation and for a quick find if I need it. It really helps so you don't have to go back through all your months of blogging to find … (0 comments)
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Fees, Fees, and More Fees! - 12/18/11 07:45 AM
Let me see, what’s the best way to pay for the payroll-tax cut? I know, let’s boost the fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charges lenders. I’m no fan of Frannie and Freddie, but who do you think is going to end up paying for these fees-THE BUYERS! The lenders, as with any company, just pass the higher cost onto the buyer(s), and it looks like the cost is going to be $17 a month. Sure, that's not a huge amount, but it all adds up over time.
The “Taxpayers” have already bailed out the GSE’s to the tune of … (9 comments)
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The Concentration of Distressed Sales Within Sherburne County - 12/14/11 10:37 PM
The Concentration of Distressed Sales Within Sherburne County I'm often asked how big of a role does distressed sales play within the market. For every appraisal I do an analysis that shows the level of concentration of distressed within the neighborhood I'm working in. The analysis' for this article shows the concentration of distressed sales (bank REO's and short sales) within the cities of Sherburne County as well as the townships. There was a couple of things that stood out for me; one is that the level of distressed sales is fairly high, especially by historical standards, and second was the … (4 comments)
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THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SAYS "THE BAD HOUSING NUMBERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE"!! - 12/14/11 10:31 PM
There has been a lot of talk recently about the National Association of Realtors deciding to readjust their sales numbers. Everyone is curious to see what exactly is going to be readjusted and by how much. Lenn has a very interesting blog about this, please post any comments that you may have on her site. Thanks!
Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
BAD HOUSING NUMBERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE!! SO SAYS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS - TODAY.
"Data on sales of previously owned U.S. homes from 2007 through October … (3 comments)
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If your career isn't going where you expected, it might be you. - 12/14/11 11:02 AM
This a great blog by Mike Cooper on expectations. Many times we tend to dwell on the negative (past) instead of looking forward, this is a great post that exemplifies having a forward looking attitude. Please leave any comments you have on Mike's blog.
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
Over the past 30 plus years I've worked with a lot of couples who where struggling with their marriages. There is one stress issue that has come up over and over, whether voiced or not, but it's not money. The number one reason, beyond adultery and abuse, … (3 comments)
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New Way to Complain About Your Mortgage - 12/14/11 09:54 AM
It's Now Easier to Complain About Your Mortgage The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CRPB) quietly opened their doors for business on December 1st of this year. This is the new agency that was created by the Dodd-Frank financial-overall. People can file complaints online at www.consumerfinance.gov. Ken Harney recently wrote an article detailing how the CRPB works; I'll be very curious to see how complaints will be handled, and what teeth the new agency will have. It appears that for now they are only going to handle complaints from banks that have over 10 billion in assets, which is most likely … (5 comments)
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Market Update: Shakopee, MN - 12/14/11 05:47 AM
The City of Shakopee, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Shakopee, MN have declined for the both the current month of November, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was more than the current month. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were rambler design single family home sales within … (3 comments)
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Market update: Maple Grove, MN - 12/14/11 05:38 AM
The City of Maple Grove, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Maple Grove, MN have declined for the both the current month of November, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was less than the current month. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were split level/entry design single family … (1 comments)
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Is The End of Fannie & Freddie Near? - 12/09/11 08:03 AM
Is The End of Fannie & Freddie Near?
Ever since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were put into receivership, the big question has been what to do with them. The real question should be how to put them out of their misery!
The government (US taxpayers) has spent over a $169 billion dollars bailing out both GSE’s. There are estimates that another $50 to $142 billion maybe needed through the year 2014 to keep them afloat. The federal agencies: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD(FHA), backed nearly 90% of all new mortgages over the past year. Click here … (5 comments)
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Market Update: New Brighton, MN - 12/09/11 08:02 AM
The City of New Brighton, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that prices for the City of New Brighton, MN have declined for the both the current month of October, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was more than the monthly figure by a significant amount. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was done for a recent appraisal.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were for all … (0 comments)
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The City of Zimmerman, MN Market Update - 12/09/11 06:10 AM
The City of Zimmerman, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Zimmerman, MN have declined for the both the current month of October, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was more than the monthly figure. The MLS data is for all types of properties, which many times includes homes outside of Zimmerman proper.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months. This is for homes within the actual City of Zimmerman, and was done for a recent appraisal.
The … (0 comments)
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Market Update: Robbinsdale, MN - 12/06/11 08:19 PM
The City of Robbinsdale, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Robbinsdale, MN have declined for the both the current month of October, and also year to date. However, the year to date decline was more than the monthly figure. The MLS data is for all types of properties.
The data for this market update below is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were for all single family home sales within the City of Robbinsdale for the past … (2 comments)
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Sunday Devotion VII - A Loving Father Will Always Be There - 12/04/11 06:57 AM
There haven't been many times that I've watched a YouTube video that I've had to wipe my eyes after watching it. Thanks to Mike Cooper for sharing! If you have any comments please direct them to his blog, I'm not sure how to shut them off for a re-blog.
Have an AWESOME day!
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
During times like the ones our country is facing, it is easy to turn inward and wonder why these things are happening, and there are plenty of answers to that question. The one that is hard to answer … (2 comments)
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FDIC Sues 29 Appraisers! - 12/03/11 05:15 PM
FDIC is Suing Appraisers! I've written a prior post about how appraisers aren't necessarily going to be sued over their appraised values, but how they've completed their reports. It's widely known in appraisal circles that the biggest current threat for appraisers is being sued by the FDIC. The Appraiser Law Blog has a great article on the newest round of appraisers being sued by the FDIC.
Reason appraisers are being sued: What I find the most frightening about the lawsuit is some of the reasons that they're citing:
No detailed explanation of appreciation for comparable sales (remember this is … (7 comments)
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Market Update: Cambridge, MN - 12/03/11 05:15 PM
The City of Cambridge, MN Market Update
The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Cambridge, MN have decreased for both the current month (October) and year to date. The MLS data is for all types of properties (Single Family, Town Homes, Condo's,Twin Homes).
The data for this market survey below is based on the above search criteria for just single family home sales over the past 12 months.
The style of homes that were selected for this trendline were for the sale of single family split entry/level homes within the city of Cambridge for the past … (0 comments)
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Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser
Zimmerman,
MN
More about me…
Michael S. Bolton,Inc.
Office Phone: (612) 599-2581
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