Real Estate Valuation and Appraisals in the Twin Cities of Minnesota

Market Update: St. Francis, MN May 2012 (Prices are Stable for Split Entry Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:27:12 -0700

The City of St. Francis, MN | Market Update

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family split entry/level design homes within the city of St. Francis, MN for the past 12 months; for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be stable as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a major factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 80% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (31%) will have a positive impact on values.

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If you have any questions, or Minnesota real estate appraisal needs (divorce, bankruptcy, tax appeal, or estate planning) please contact Michael at 612.599-2581, or use the form on the contact page.

Market Update: Blaine, MN March 2012 (Prices are stable for 1 1/2 & 2 Story Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:20:16 -0700

The City of Blaine, MN | Market Update

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family 1 1/2 & 2 story design homes within the city of Blaine, MN for the past 12 months; for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be stable or slightly decreasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 50% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (51%) will have a positive impact on values.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Market Update: Crystal, MN March 2012 (Prices are Increasing for 1 1/2 & 2 Story Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:03:55 -0700

The City of Crystal, MN | Market Update

For every appraisal it's important to determine as to whether values are increasing, decreasing, or are remaining stable (click here for detailed article on how this is done). The MLS indicates that prices for the city of Crystal, MN decreased for the month of March, as well as year to date. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the city of Crystal, MN. This is not what is happening for 1 1/2 & 2 story design homes over the past 12 months (see below) in the selected neighborhood area. The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months. The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family 1 1/2 & 2 story design homes within the city of Crystal, MN for the past 12 months; for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be increasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 60% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (53%) will have a positive impact on values.

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Wines & Steins Networking Event-Anoka, MN

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:24:13 -0700

The Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce

presents the

Wines & Steins Networking Event

May 22nd, 2012 5-7 P.M.

Hosted at the Woodsman Grill

1918 1st Ave, Anoka, MN

The cost for this event is $20 per person and seating

is limited. Contact the Anoka Area Chamber for more details.

(Follow this link for more information.)

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Market Update: Big Lake, MN March 2012 (Prices are Stable for Split Entry/Level Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:19:30 -0700

The City of Big Lake, MN | Market Update

For every appraisal it's important to determine as to whether values are increasing, decreasing, or are remaining stable (click here for detailed article on how this is done).

The MLS indicates that prices for the city of Big Lake, MN increased for the month of March, and declined slightly year to date. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the city of Big Lake, MN. This is similar to what is happening for split entry/level design homes over the past 12 months (see below) in the selected neighborhood area.

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family split entry/level design homes within the city of Big Lake, MN for the past 12 months, for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be stable, or very slightly decreasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 80% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (41%) will have a positive impact on values.

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The Taste of Elk River May 17, 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:42:31 -0700

The Rotary Club of Elk River

presents the 7th Annual

Taste of Elk River

Thursday May 17, 2012

5 to 9 PM Lions Park

1104 Lions Park Drive, Elk River, MN

The cost is $25 per person and tickets can be purchased online or from one

of many participating local stores (click here for more information).

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Spring Meet-UP In Otsego, MN May 2nd, 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:38:09 -0700

It's time to get together and mingle with fellow AR members, and anyone else within the real estate industry.

Learn who's that per person writing those blogs. This event is open to anyone within the real estate industry!

TIME: Wednesday, May 2nd 6-8pm

LOCATION: Rockwoods Grill, 9100 Quadry Ave. NE, Otsego, MN 55330

WHO: Anyone within the real estate industry!

WHAT: Time to meet fellow real estate professionals and AR members.

Please RSVP me or Lindsey Hasford, we would love to have as many people possible attend.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Sandhill Cranes On The Mahnomen Trail:Sherburne County, MN

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:32:33 -0700

Getting that once in a lifetime wildlife Kodak moment photo, isn't as easy as it seems. For some reason I just don't think the phrase, "Can you just sit still while I adjust my camera," is something they understand, or even care about.

I drive-by Sandhill Cranes all of the time, but as soon as you stop the car to take a picture they mosey on off. I was fortunate for this photo that it didn't see me right away, but by the time I was able to take the photo it had already started to walk away. I have a 500mm telephoto lens that I could use, which would allow to zoom in even closer, but after a 2 mile hike it feels like you've been carrying around a bowling ball.

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Market Update: Coon Rapids, MN March 2012 (Prices are Stable for Rambler Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:32:24 -0700

The City of Coon Rapids, MN | Market Update

For every appraisal it's important to determine as to whether values are increasing, decreasing, or are remaining stable (click here for detailed article on how this is done).

The MLS indicates that prices for the city of Coon Rapids, MN decreased for the month of March, as well as year to date. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the city of Coon Rapids, MN. This is not what is happening for rambler design homes over the past 12 months (see below) in the selected neighborhood area.

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family rambler design homes within the city of Coon Rapids, MN for the past 12 months, for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be stable, or very slightly increasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 63% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (54%) will have a positive impact on values.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Inspiring Story:Teen Comes Back From The Dead

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:22:20 -0700

This story should probably be more appropriately titled "Amazing Story." Steven Thorpe from Warwickshire, England was declared brain dead after a car accident. His doctors recommended that his parents pull the plug, and even recommended donating his organs.

His father pushed for yet another opinion, this time from a private doctor, Julia Piper, who was able to detect some very slight brain waves, and said there was a slim chance of recovery. The hospital brought Steven out of his chemically induced coma, and amazingly he started to recover. He left the hospital 7 weeks after being brought out of the coma; now that's pretty AWESOME! (Click here to read the full story.)

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Wizard of Oz-Elk River, MN 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:21:52 -0700

Youth Theatre Workshop presents:

The Wizard of Oz

All the performances will be at:

Little Theater @ Elk River High School

900 School St

Elk River, MN 55330

Showtimes:

Friday April 27th @ 7pmSOLD OUT

Saturday April 28th @ 2pm & 7pm

Sunday April 29th @ 2pm

Thursday May 3rd @ 7pm

Friday May 4th @ 7pm

Saturday May 5th @ 2pm & 7pm

Sunday May 6th @ 2pm & 7pm

For more information follow this link.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Ramsey Business & Environmental Expo Day, April 28th 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:21:34 -0700

Ramsey Business &

Environmental Expo Day

Saturday April 28th, 9:00 am -2:oo pm

Business Expo Location:

The Fountains of Ramsey

7533 Sunwood Drive NW

Environmental Expo Location:

Ramsey Municipal Center

7550 Sunwood Drive NW

There will be many displays and events, something for everyone

to see and do, admission is free.

For a detailed brochure follow this link.

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Peek-A-Boo Little Deer I See You

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:38:27 -0700

Hiking the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is something that I thoroughly enjoy; being in the outdoors is a passion for me. I always bring my camera with a telephoto lens, thinking that someday I'll get that "Ansel Adams" wildlife photo or scenery shot.

Hiking the trail this week I spotted two deer grazing in a small field, and for some reason they didn't notice me right away. I tried sneaking up on them, bobbing and weaving like George Foreman behind trees and brush, getting ready for that perfect picture.

And then.......thinking that I was the invisible man stepping out from behind a tree to get my perfect picture, they both were staring right at me.

I swear I could hear the one deer say to the other, "Really, did this guy with the bright shirt on, crashing and falling behind the trees, think we didn't hear him?" Well at least I was able to get somewhat of a close-up picture. I'm going to have to work on my stealth like techniques, and probably wear something not so bright, or go to the zoo to take pictures of wildlife.

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Passport To The World Concert Monticello, MN 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:38:17 -0700

Passport To The World

Annual Spring Concert & Silent Auction

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Monticello High School

Gourmet Dessert Reception

& Silent Auction @ 1:30 pm

Concert @ 3:00 pm

Adult Ticket Prices $20

Senior/Student/Child $15

For more information and ticket

availability call 763/213-8105

or follow this link.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Hello Houston-I Think We Have a Water Problem!

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:12:16 -0700

I'm not a home inspector, and I've never pretended to be one in real life, or in a movie for that matter. But it doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that we definitely have a water problem with these walls. It always amazes me the "wait and see" attitude people have before an appraiser comes to inspect their home. This appraisal was for a conventional mortgage (Fannie Mae), which doesn't require that the appraiser inspect the attic. Only FHA requires that an appraiser inspect an attic area (follow this link for a detailed explanation of FHA's requirements). However, for this appraisal it made sense to take a closer look as to what was causing this destruction. There was a lot damage to attic walls and roof, and consequently water had been running down in between the walls for quite some time.

Appraisers are responsible for more than just estimating an opinion of value, they are the eyes and ears for the lender. The lender wants to make sure that if they're going to loan someone money for 30 years, that the property will last at least that long, which only makes sense.

I always highly recommend getting a home inspection done, even though appraisers are required to inspect more than what was previously required of them, it still isn't to the level a professional home inspector does.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Land of Lakes Choirboys with The All-American Boy's Chorus

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:12:05 -0700

Land of Lake Choirboys with

The All-American Boy's Chorus

They'll be preforming one night only at:

St. Andrew's Catholic Church

428 Irving Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330

April 27th, 2012 at 7:30 pm

For more information about the Land of Lakes Choirboys and what

they're all about please follow this link. There is no cost to attend this

event, however, there will be a freewill offering to help defray some of the costs.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Evening of the Arts Elk River, MN

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:54:30 -0700

Evening of the Arts

Thursday, April 26th 2012 5-8 pm

Elk River High School

Event Description:

This event is an opportunity for students and staff to showcase their many talents. It is also a great chance for the community to become immersed in the fine arts and cultures of Elk River High School. Families and friends are encouraged to join us in supporting the creative energy at ERHS.

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More Uses For Can Insulation

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:29:18 -0700

It never ceases to amaze me with all of the clever uses people come up with for that foam insulation in a can. I was doing an appraisal for a home recently, which for the most part the house was in pretty good condition until I got to this bedroom. The draft must of been more than they could take so they removed all of the base trim and starting plugging holes. Obviously this will have to be addressed.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

The Mystery Mountain Boys Coming To North Branch, MN

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:05:54 -0700

Come and see a live performance of The Mystery Mountain Boys!

They will be preforming at the Spring Lake Lutheran Church

8440 Erickson Rd NE, North Branch, MN

Sunday, May 6th at 3:00 pm

This is a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Come enjoy the music and offer your support by purchasing goodies

at the bake sale.

For a location map follow this link.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Market Update: Champlin, MN March 2012 (Prices are Stable for Split Entry/Level Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:05:29 -0700

The City of Champlin, MN | Market Update

For every appraisal it's important to determine as to whether values are increasing, decreasing, or are remaining stable (click here for detailed article on how this is done).

The MLS indicates that prices for the city of Champlin, MN decreased for the month of March, as well as year to date. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the city of Champlin, MN. This is not what is happening for split entry/level design homes over the past 12 months (see below) in the selected neighborhood area.

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family split entry/level design homes within the city of Champlin, MN for the past 12 months, for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be stable, or very slightly increasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 58% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (66%) will have a positive impact on values.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Active Rain Spring Meet-UP In Otsego, MN May 2nd 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:30:15 -0700

It's time to get together and mingle with fellow AR members, and anyone else within the real estate industry.

Learn who's that per person writing those blogs. This event is open to anyone within the real estate industry!

TIME: Wednesday, May 2nd 6-8pm

LOCATION: Rockwoods Grill, 9100 Quadry Ave. NE, Otsego, MN 55330

WHO: Anyone within the real estate industry!

WHAT: Time to meet fellow real estate professionals and AR members.

Please RSVP and let me know if you can attend. Special thanks to Lindsey Hasford and Chuck Carstensen for helping getting this rolling. Look forward to meeting all of you fellow AR members!

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

7th Annual ATV Fair 2012 Anoka County Fairgrounds

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:23:33 -0700

******7th Annual ATV Fair 2012******

May 5-6th At The Anoka County Fairgrounds

Gate Admission is $5- (13 and older)

Come test drive your favorite dream machine!

Side x Side Mud races by Northwoods Racing series in the grandstand.

The ATV Fair will be the season opener for the 2012 racing series.

ATV Pull ran by Goodhue-Bellchester Railriders

with competition for all classes.

(Click here for for information)

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Market Update: Brooklyn Park, MN March 2012 (Prices are Increasing for Split Entry/Level Design Homes)

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:23:23 -0700

The City of Brooklyn Park, MN | Market Update

For every appraisal it's important to determine as to whether values are increasing, decreasing, or are remaining stable (click here for detailed article on how this is done).

The MLS indicates that prices for the city of Brooklyn Park, MN increased for the month of March, and also have increased year to date. This is for all types of properties that have sold within the city of Brooklyn Park, MN. This is similar to what is happening for split entry/level design homes over the past 12 months (see below).

The data for this market update is based on the above search criteria over the past 12 months.

The homes that were selected for this trend line were all single family split entry/level design homes within the city of Brooklyn Park, MN for the past 12 months, for the exact search criteria see the map above. This market analysis indicates that prices are considered to be increasing as indicated by the chart above. Distressed sales (Bank REO's & Short Sales) are considered a factor in the market, and they make-up approximately 57% of the sales. The decline in inventory levels (39%) will have a positive impact on values.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Mahnomen Trail-Sherburne County,MN Is Now Open

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:01:52 -0700

The Mahnomen Trail in Sherburne County, MN had been closed earlier this spring, and was just recently re-opened. They cleared some, well a lot, of the oaks along the trail. The goal is to try and restore it back to the "Oak Savanna" that it once was. Oak wilt has really taken it's toll on the oaks scattered throughout the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

They also did a prescribed burn, which combined with the cleared trees reminds you of a bomb scene from a movie. There was still some areas that were still burning, which really gave it an eerie feeling. It won't take long for the "green" to return, and all of the burnt and dead looking grasses will be a thing of the past. Prescribed burns are actually good for the area, although it just doesn't look very pretty in its current condition. This actually looks like a winter photo, but that's just ash covering everything.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes:

Longevity Expo Maple Grove, MN 2012

Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:22:26 -0700

Longevity Expo

April 28, 2012

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Maple Grove Community Center

12951 Weaver Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55369

2 Stages - FREE Seminars

Aisles and aisles of NEW products

Free Samples,

Free Health Screenings, Goodies for Everyone!

Follow this link for further details.

If you are a real estate professional, mortgage consultant or real estate attorney please subscribe to my blog to get news and updates on residental appraisals, estate planning and tax changes: