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Hay Fever is at The Guthrie - 03/31/12 04:06 PM
I'm on a role, this is my third play for the year. Some of you may remember that I set a goal to see at least six plays this year. Hay Fever is about a very eccentric and rude family of four that each invite a guest to come visit them for the weekend. By the end of the play all the guests can't wait to make their great escape and head home, being that they cant take it anymore. I have to admit there were times I was laughing pretty hard. If you're looking for a fun night with … (5 comments)
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Keller Williams Easter Egg Hunt Zimmerman, MN - 03/31/12 03:34 PM
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Zimmerman, MN Food Distribution May 2012 - 03/28/12 07:20 PM
Passing The Bread
Zimmerman Food
Distribution
Saturday, March 31, 2012
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Location:
Sherburne County Sheriff's
Public Safety Building
26750 5th St W. Zimmerman, MN
For info call: Bill Potrament 763-23-5414
Click Here for more info.
Items Needed:
Non-Perishable Food Items
Personal Care Products
Shampoo, Deodorant
Toiletries,Paper Towels
… (7 comments)
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The Tale Of A Low Appraisal - 03/25/12 07:48 PM
The Tale Of A Low Appraisal It all started on a mid-afternoon day in the middle of January (last year), with the wind howling and the air so cold that your spit would freeze before it hit the ground. The phone was quiet, the dog was snoring, and then I heard the ding of an incoming email. Yahoo! An appraisal request, and it's even for a sale. I pondered, "Why would one of the staff appraisers from the largest appraisal management companies in the state not want to do an appraisal for a sale when business is this slow?" I didn't … (15 comments)
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Inspiring Story: A Fourth Graders First Ski Jump - 03/25/12 05:58 PM
This weeks inspiring story is how a fourth grader overcomes her fear when doing her first ski jump, you have to watch the video, it's pretty cool! So the question is, "What do you do when you're faced with something you fear?"
Mine was public speaking, which I've not totally conquered yet, but I'm getting much better at it since I've joined Toastmasters.
Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.-Mark Twain
… (3 comments)
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Housing Statistics For Anoka, MN (2005-2012) - 03/25/12 05:58 PM
The above chart indicates some of the more popular stat's for homes situated within the City of Anoka, MN over the past 7+ years. As you can see each year is fairly consistent, other than the median selling price, which has declined over the past few years. This is for all designs of single family homes (excludes town homes and condos). This type of data is used when analyzing market areas within an appraisal to help determine trends, and to help assist in determining the right comparable sales to use.
The graph indicates that there was a precipitous decline in … (0 comments)
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Housing Trivia: Who Invented The Doorbell? - 03/23/12 08:19 PM
The reason I thought about this is because my current house doesn't have a doorbell, and for the life of me I can't ever remember not having a doorbell in any house that I've lived in. One thing's for sure, not having one is fine with me. But it did make me wonder who came up with this invention, my first thought it had to be the door to door salesman, or any of the other solicitors that wander through the neighborhoods.
As you can imagine door knockers have been around for quite some time, but I was interested in the … (10 comments)
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Marturano Woods Market Update-Zimmerman, MN March 2012 - 03/23/12 08:18 PM
Marturano Woods Market Update-Zimmerman, MN
Marturano Woods is located just west of Highway 169 through Zimmerman approximately 1 mile on County Rd 4, and then south on 136th St about a 1/4 of a mile and then west into the development. This is a newer development of single family design homes. This analysis is for all of the different designs.
As you can see by the graph above there has been a steady decline in values over the past several years. The currently inventory level of distressed properties is considered to be at a 2-3 months supply (2 active listings), which … (0 comments)
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Stearns County, MN FEMA Open House - 03/23/12 08:18 PM
Stearns County
Residents
ARE YOU AT RISK?
FEMA is holding an open house between the hours of 4:30-7:oo PM at the Stearns County West Side Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN 56387.
FEMA indicates that you have a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage compared to a 9% chance of a fire. Boy, if that don't sound like a good sales pitch than I don't know what does. If you have any questions concerning flood insurance, then this would be a great opportunity to get them answered.
… (0 comments)
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Elk River Area 63 Spring Toastmasters Contest - 03/23/12 05:43 AM
Well folks I moved up a notch, and now I'm headed to the "Elk River Area 63" speech contest. Our area has three clubs, with each club sending their winners to compete against each other. I wish I could tell you that I was able vanquish all of my opponents, but I was the only one from our club to enter.
The contest will be held at the United Methodist Church on Thursday March 29th, 2012, from 6:30-8:00 pm, located at 1304 Main Street in Elk River, MN. If you've ever wondered what Toastmasters is all about, then I highly … (7 comments)
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How To Measure a Condo For An Appraisal - 03/20/12 06:25 PM
Measuring a condominium for an appraisal is fairly simple and easy to do, that is unless you have a grain silo that's been turned into condominiums. I appraised one of these units a few years ago, which was quite the challenge due to the round walls. For this example I think we'll stick to the traditional squared walls. There are two things to keep in mind that are different from single family housing.
First, is that the gross living area (GLA) is measured from the inside of the walls, not the outside like single family. Second, some condos can have fairly … (35 comments)
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Spring "Safe Kids Anoka County" Helmet Clinics 2012 - 03/20/12 06:25 PM
Every year the Safe Kids Anoka County has their annual helmet fitting clinic. This is for both children and adults, and there will be a variety of different Bell bike helmets to choose from. The cost will be $12 per helmet (cash or check only). The clinics will be held at the following cities and times:
April 10, 2012; 4-8pm, Blaine Police Department (763) 785-6113
April 10, 2012; 4-7pm, Anoka County Sheriff's Office (763) 767-4664
April 24, 2012: 4-7pm, Fridley Police Department (763) 572-3626
May 8, 2012; 4-8pm, Blaine Police Department (763) 785-6113
If you have any questions call the … (2 comments)
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Anoka County Spring Recycling Day Event 2012 - 03/20/12 06:24 PM
Anoka County is having their "Spring Recycling Day Event" on May 5th between the hours of 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This is the chance to get rid of all of that junk you've collected over the fall and winter. Click this link to find out what you can and can not bring, along with what items there is a charge for and how much. Happy cleaning!
… (2 comments)
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Spring Trail Update-Blue Hill in Sherburne County, MN - 03/18/12 04:59 PM
Spring has certainly arrived with record temperatures in the 70's, every vestige of snow has melted away. Blue Hill Trail is situated within the Sherburne County National Wildlife Refuge and is comprised of approximately 5 miles of hiking trails.
With the melting of the snow this trail tends to become flooded in early spring, especially in the lower lying areas, consequently I usually avoid hiking here this time of the year. However, given the dry fall, and the lack of snow this winter, I decided to take my trusty scout "Samson" with me and check out what the trail conditions … (11 comments)
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100,000 Points-To Infinity and Beyond!! - 03/17/12 05:32 AM
When I first started blogging on Active Rain I thought getting to 100,000 points was going to take forever, but it actually happened faster than I thought. Now that I think about it, it's just a stepping stone. By working my plan I created for all of my blog sites, I've been able to focus on my daily routine, and everything else has taken care of itself.
Blogging has become a journey that I thoroughly enjoy; besides I love talking real estate and this is a great venue for it. There are many things I've learned along the way, and I … (17 comments)
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Don't Blame The Appraiser, Blame the Underwriter! - 03/16/12 06:23 PM
I recently finished an appraisal for the sale of a hobby farm that turned out to be fairly difficult. The biggest challenge was to find comparable sales that had a similar out building. This was no ordinary building; it was over 4500 square feet with an insulated shop area, tack room, and eight horse stalls.
Typically the "best practice" for this type of appraisal is to find at least one sale that has a similar building, or even multiple buildings, thus requiring no adjustment-no such luck! I used the best comparable sales that were available, and unfortunately I had to adjust … (8 comments)
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Stonegate Estates Town Homes|Otsego, MN - 03/16/12 06:15 PM
Stonegate Estates Market Update-Otsego, MN
Stonegate Estates is located just west of Highway 101, off of 85th Street. This is a newer development of both one level and split level design town homes. This analysis is for the split level design town homes that have a full basement. After just completing an appraisal for one of these units, I thought I would share some of the data that I developed.
As you can see by the graph above there has been a precipitous decline in values over the past several years. The currently inventory level of distressed properties is considered to … (0 comments)
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5 Things Appraiser's Look For When Analyzing A Purchase Agreement - 03/14/12 03:13 AM
Every appraisal for a purchase that is done on the Fannie Mae 1004 form, the appraiser is required to analyze the purchase agreement. Some say that the only thing that appraiser's look for is the sales price so they know what number to hit (or some would say what number not to hit). While it is true that the sale price is probably one the main aspects considered when analyzing a purchase agreement, however, there are five other things that I look at, which obviously can vary from one appraiser to another.
Seller Concessions This tends to be the one thing … (68 comments)
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Housing Trivia: Who Invented Toilet Paper - 03/13/12 08:54 AM
The last housing trivia post was about who invented the first flush toilet, so I felt it was only fitting to unravel the mystery of who invented toilet paper. Heck, what good is a toilet if you don't have a fluffy roll of "TP" to go with it.
First, I was surprised that there were several different terms used around the world for toilet paper: bum wad, loo roll/paper, bog roll, toilet roll, and dunny roll/paper. Second, there is a plethora of scents, plys, and colors; you name it and its probably available. However, there is almost one thing universal with … (5 comments)
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The Annual Election For Stanford Township In Isanti County, MN Is Today - 03/13/12 08:51 AM
Today is Stanford Townships annual meeting and election, located in Isanti County, MN. The election poles are open from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, which is followed by the annual meeting at 8:15 PM. The election and meeting are held at the town hall located at 5050 261st Ave NW, Isanti, MN 55040. For further information you can contact the township town hall at 763-444-8307.
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Does FHA Require Appliances-Fact or Myth - 03/12/12 05:15 AM
Sometimes I find myself scratching my head wondering how some of these myths get started in the first place. FHA doesn't require appliances, all they require is a cooking area. However, if there are appliances already at the property, then they'll have to be operational and meet local safety codes.
HUD-MPR states in 2-9 SPACE REQUIREMENTS. Each living unit must be provided with space necessary to assure suitable living, sleeping, cooking and dining accommodations and sanitary facilities. Now keep in mind some lenders have overlays (their own requirements) that will require that appliances be present prior to closing, and operational. … (17 comments)
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Come To St. Francis, MN For A Little History Lesson - 03/12/12 05:13 AM
I love learning the history of old towns, especially when you get to see photos of what things were like 100 years ago compared to what things are like today. This event will be held at the Rum River North Park, which is really a very nice place in of itself. This will be a backyard history lesson you won't want to miss. Click here for full detailed brochure.
… (3 comments)
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The Northwest Sportshow Is Coming to Town - 03/11/12 01:10 PM
There is one sure way to know when spring is here, and that's when the annual Northwest Sportshow comes to town. I've missed this event for the past few years, however, this year I plan on attending.
As a kid I would spend a considerable amount of time trying to catch a fish in their little trout pond each year. I would swear that they would feed them fish just before I got there, because I never had any luck. I was like a kid with his face pushed up against a glass window at a candy store, just praying I … (6 comments)
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Zimmerman Spring Business Expo 2012 - 03/11/12 06:08 AM
The Zimmerman Chamber of Commerce will be putting on it's annual Business Expo Saturday, March 17. There is a change in the location this year, and will be held at Freshwaters United Methodist Church, which is approximately 1.5 miles north of Zimmerman on Highway 169. I've been to this expo before, and it's a great way to meet the local businesses in the area. Click here for full details.
… (2 comments)
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2012 Business and Energy Expo - 03/10/12 05:33 AM
This year the Energy Expo has merged with the annual Business Expo held at the Elk River High School. There will be over 180 businesses, energy-focused exhibitors, and community groups for you to meet and get to know. The date for this event is March 25, 2012 from 10am-2pm. Admission is free, so bring the whole family because there will be plenty to see and do. Click here for full details.
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Housing Statistics For Clear Lake, MN (2005-2012) - 03/10/12 05:33 AM
The above chart indicates some of the more popular stat's for homes situated within the City of Clear Lake, MN over the past 7+ years. As you can see each year is fairly consistent, other than the median selling price, which has declined over the past few years. This is for all designs of single family homes (excludes town homes and condos). This type of data is used when analyzing market areas within an appraisal to help determine trends, and to help assist in determining the right comparable sales to use.
The graph indicates that there was a precipitous … (0 comments)
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Market Update: Elk River, MN (Prices are increasing for town homes) - 03/09/12 08:58 PM
The City of Elk River, MN Market Update The MLS indicates that prices for the City of Elk River, MN have decreased year to date. The MLS indicates that prices for January (not shown) increased 45.2%. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the City of Elk River,MN.
The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months, which was for the sale of newer construction town homes with no basement.
The homes that were selected for this trend line were for newer construction two-level town homes that sold within … (1 comments)
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How I Increased My Blogging Efficiency - 03/08/12 04:51 AM
Finding ways to squeeze more time of out of a day can feel like finding a hidden treasure. Like many bloggers I have more than one blog site, and unfortunately they don't all work smoothly with each other when transferring one blog post to another. I have my Active Rain blog as well as a few Wordpress blog sites, and unfortunately transferring posts from one to another didn't work seamlessly, that was until I tweaked a couple of things.
"Lost time is never found again." Benjamin Franklin Condensing My Blog Posts First, I always felt that I needed to write my … (41 comments)
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How To Measure A Finished Attic Area:The Fannie Mae 5' Rule (Fact or Myth) - 03/06/12 05:01 AM
I'm guessing that this is one of those "Myths" that has been passed around for many years, and it's one that I was taught. In case you're not familiar with the 5' rule, it relates to the way finished upper levels are measured. It states that there needs to be at least a minimum of 5' of ceiling height for the space to be counted as part of the gross living area (GLA). In the diagram above only the area that has a the ceiling height of 5 feet would be counted as living area.
What Does Fannie Mae Say About … (18 comments)
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Sherburne County 2012 Annual Spring Clean Up - 03/05/12 05:51 PM
It's hard to believe, but spring is right around the corner. This has been a pretty wimpy winter, but the changing of the seasons is always welcome none the less. Below is the schedule for the annual Sherburne County Spring Clean Up. This is the chance to get rid of all of that junk you've collected over the fall and winter. Make sure to check to see what you can and can not bring, happy cleaning! Click here for full details.
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Elk River Area Spring Toastmasters Contest - 03/04/12 05:35 AM
The Elk River Area Toastmasters Club is having their annual spring speech contest on March 22nd, 2012. The contest will be held at the Elk River Senior Center from 12:00-1:00 (click here for directions and a map). If you've ever wondered what Toastmasters is all about, then this would be a great opportunity to come check it out, and yes I'll be competing.
This is the International speech contest, which means that the winner has the potential to compete at the annual convention held in Florida this August. Refreshments will be served, so come check us out!
… (8 comments)
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Housing Statistics For Blaine, MN (2005-2011) - 03/04/12 05:35 AM
The above chart indicates some of the more popular stat's for homes situated within the City of Blaine, MN over the past 7+ years. As you can see each year is fairly consistent, other than the median selling price, which has declined over the past few years. This is for all designs of single family homes (excludes town homes and condos). This type of data is used when analyzing market areas within an appraisal to help determine trends, and to help assist in determining the right comparable sales to use.
The graph indicates that there was a precipitous decline in … (1 comments)
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Housing Trivia: Who Invented The Flush Toilet - 03/02/12 03:31 PM
Like many things in the real estate there are a lot of myths that have been bandied around, and who invented the toilet ranks up there as one of the oldest around. Many have come to believe that Thomas Crapper was the one to invent the flush toilet, heck, how many times have you heard someone say that they have to take a..... (well you know the rest).
Sir John Harington is given the credit for inventing the "water closet," which he apparently talked his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth 1, into having the very first one installed. It was Alexander Cummings, a … (15 comments)
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The 10th Annual Artic Plunge - 03/02/12 03:16 PM
I can't think of a better way to get ready for spring than by jumping in a frozen lake! This Saturday is the "10th Annual Arctic Plunge," which is held on Long Lake in Isanti. Long Lake is located just off of County Road 47, approximately 2 miles north of County Road 8. The 2012 hosts will be comedian Dave Mordal, and Lisa Miller from KQRS.
The money raised from this event goes to support:
Cambridge Fire St. Francis Fire Oak Grove Fire Dalbo Fire Braham Food Shelf Spirit River Church Food Shelf Children Come First Isanti Senior Dining Isanti … (3 comments)
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Ask The Appraiser: When Did Appraisers Become Inspectors? - 03/01/12 05:12 PM
Over the past several months there have been some very good questions that have been asked on various articles that I've posted, so I've decided to recap some of those questions in separate blog posts. My guess is that if one or two people have had a particular question regarding a certain issue, then most likely there are several others wondering the same thing.
In a recent post about FHA and the Three S's, Phil Leng had a question (and obviously some frustration), about appraisers becoming like inspectors (probably more like acting like). I'm guessing Phil has run into some FHA … (10 comments)
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Housing Statistics For Andover, MN (2005-2011) - 03/01/12 05:12 PM
The above chart indicates some of the more popular stat's for homes situated within the City of Andover, MN over the past 7+ years. As you can see each year is fairly consistent, other than the median selling price, which has declined over the past few years. This is for all designs of single family homes (excludes town homes and condos). This type of data is used when analyzing market areas within an appraisal to help determine trends, and to help assist in determining the right comparable sales to use.
The graph indicates that there was a precipitous decline in … (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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