Stieg's Blog

Eden Prairie is a GREAT place to live!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:42:39 -0600

To whom it may concern!

Eden Prairie is a GREAT suburb for a variety of reasons:

Located directly off the 494 Beltway it is easy to get to virtually anywhere in the city
It has a lot of beautiful parks & golf courses tucked all over the city (more info: http://www.ci.eden-prairie.mn.us/vCurrent/live/article.asp?r=2847)
Many Gorgeous neighborhoods of various ages and home sizes with large lots, and mature trees
A good balance of business and industry (not just a bedroom suburb)
A Nationally recognized & Award winning school district (more info: http://www3.edenpr.org/public/Home.aspx
A true slice of "Americana" everwhere you look
Last, but certainly not least I have lived, worked, raised children, and paid taxes in "EP" for over 10 years and I love EP!

If you are thinking of buying a home, even selling a home please contact me at your convenience.

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

What do you think about Bill Gates comments on the economy?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:57:37 -0600

Bill Gates recently commented that he thought the economy had hit a "flat" part, and he doesn't think it will get worse. Partially due to peoples confidence, and less skepticism about the economy.

Here are a couple thoughts, and I am wondering if there is anyone who would like to contribute:

Does our "emotions" about how we "feel" about the economy dictate real estate sales? Have you noticed an "uptick" on tire kicker's seriousness?
Does Bill Gates make it seem more "real" that we have "bottomed out"?
When DO YOU think we will see home appreciation again?

Just thinking out loud, as I am sure many of you out there are!

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Chaska is a GREAT Place to Live!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:50:03 -0600

To whom it may concern!

Chaska is an excellent suburb for a variety of reasons:

Now with 212 - It is easy to get to virtually anywhere in the metro!
It has a lot of beautiful parks & golf courses tucked all over the city
A beautiful and picturesque downtown that manner sububs don't have
Many Gorgeous neighborhoods with large lots, and mature trees
A good balance of business and industry (not just a bedroom suburb)
A true slice of "Americana" everwhere you look

If you are thinking of buying a home, even selling a home in Chaska please call me, your #1 Active Rain featured Realtor in Chaska!

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Golden Valley is a GREAT place to buy a home!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:02:09 -0600

To whom it may concern!

Golden Valley is an excellent suburb for a variety of reasons:

It is easy to get to virtually anywhere in the city, especially downtown
It is the home of Kare11 and they have a great Golden Valley backyard!
It has a lot of beautiful parks & golf courses tucked all over the city (more info: http://www.ci.golden-valley.mn.us/ )
Gorgeous neighborhoods with large lots, and mature trees
A good balance of business and industry (not just a bedroom suburb)
A true slice of "Americana" everwhere you look
I was born in Golden Valley!

If you are thinking of buying a home, even selling a home please call me, your #1 Active Rain featured Realtor in Golden Valley, MN

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Attention Homebuyers & Homesellers: Pick an Real Estate agent that practices, not just believes in Ethics

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:04:42 -0600

It is vitally important that when you pick an agent to represent you, that you find out from some recent clients does this agent "practice" what they preach. It is easy for an agent to say they "believe" in strong representation, ethics, and professionalism, but another thing to practice it, especially in a down market where agents are straining for every dollar of income.

I have been teaching Agency & Fair Housing for Kaplan Professional Schools and Prosource Educational Services for several years, and it never ceases to amaze me how many agents really do not enjoy the "mandatory" nature of these classes. The subject of Ethics. The Quadrennial Training was required by all REALTORS to have been completed by 12/31/08, so it is relatively fresh on many agents minds... This was excellent, and needed to assist in "standardizing" what REALTORS consider "ethical" and "appropriate" behavior with the public, our clients, and other REALTORS. In addition, the National Association of REALTORS has been promoting called "Pathways to Professionalism" which is a vigorous and honest look into the ways REALTORS can improve the way the solicit sales, work with prospects, and interact with other professionals involved in the real estate sales process.

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Home Buying Tax Credit Extension and Expansion NOW official!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:19:09 -0600

Tax Credit for Homebuyers

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It's important to remember that the tax credit is just that... a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

------------------------

Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email me today.

In addition, you may be able to benefit from additional housing related provisions, including the following:

------------------------

Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs

This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

Landmark Energy Savings

This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing

This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section 8) to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.

Expanding Housing Assistance

This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.

Courtesy of Vaughn Kavlie - AdvisorNet Mortgage Minneapolis, MN

http://stiegstrand.com/8k_extension__expansion__92668.html

A friend of Jamaica

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:55:33 -0600

If you are reading this you are either interested in or LOVE Jamaica. My wife and I love Jamaica, and have been there several times most of them leading youth mission trips. It is simple - We love the spirit of the Jamaican people, we love bringing youth there to serve, and to love them, and all of us ending up growing closer to our Savior, Jesus too.

I am not trying to preach, just love - But If you would like to take a peak at our most recent trip in June/July you can check out our blog - It is a bunch of fun, with some incredible pics, even if you don't know me or any team members, I think you will find it fascinating... http://stiegasaurus.blogspot.com/

Fee free to let me know if YOU love Jamaica too - Or would be interested in learning more about what we do in Jamaica, as we plan on going there a lot more in the near future!

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand

I am a "Broker/Agent/Agency & Fair Housing Instructor/Youth Pastor"

www.stiegstrand.com

Special Programs (above and beyond the Federal $8K)on buying a home in Minneapolis

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:59:00 -0600

Currently in the City of Minneapolis you can receive up to 20% of the interest you pay on your mortgage EVERY YEAR as a tax credit... That could mean a direct credit (cash) to you for up to about $3000 a year!!!

The criteria are simple, here are a few of the "important ones":

1- Income guidelines under $92,290 year (AGI) for two people

2- Taking an "all day" homeowner course

3- Buying a Home with a Fixed Rate Mortgage from a participating lender.

4- Buying a home in the City of Minneapolis (Or St. Paul) with a Purchase Price of $276,870 or less.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions, but I have already had buyers take advantage of this program, and :in effect" their payment is about $180 less (cash) every month because of it!

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand (612) 643-4103

Broker/Agent/Agency ~ Fair Housing Instructor

www.stiegstrand.com

Beware of Sprint's "non-corporate" stores charging you stupid fee's!!!!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:19:59 -0500

Keep in mind, this blog entry is a bit of a "vent" - However it is still very true at the same time....It just came to my attention a few moments ago, after dealing with a regional manager for a Sprint reseller/provider in the north metro of the Twin Cities that they can charge you fee's for anything they want, even if other Sprint Stores do not! - My daughters phone was broken, Sprint would not fix it even though I have been paying nearly $50 a year in insurance to "cover each" phone. So I purchased a phone for her online, and then this "reseller" has the nerve to charge $10 for a 90 second procedure (transferring contacts).

My point is simple - Make sure you call around when you have ANYTHING done on your cell phones, as each store (even with the same name!) May be charging you MORE than the same store a few miles away!

Stieg Strand

Great Remodel in Burnsville for about $200k!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:02:07 -0500

Wonderful remodeled top to bottom on awesome quiet lot! Bonus 4th bedroom now being used as a recording studio! Completely clean and ready for your move now. Next door to beautiful City Park!

13504 Pleasant Lane in Burnsville! Come Quickly!!!!

The Senate is seriously considering extending some form of Homebuyer Credit!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:55:06 -0500

The U.S. Senate just announced that they are seriously considering extending some form of the tax credit for homebuyers, and potentially not just first time homebuyers.

They are looking at a phased out approach or possibly a full blown extension of the current program with greater income allowances and even homebuyers that are not first timers...

Please contact your Senator today and let them know that you want to see some form of assistance in the housing market continue, as the momentum for action is starting now!

I am not a big fan of large government programs inducing the economy, however let's look at the facts, when people become homeowners, when people move to bigger homes when the prices are low, and when GOOD consumers buy and sell homes, it is good for the economy - Let's put it this way - Which has greater lasting impact on our economy? - People having more reason to buy a home that they need (and can afford) or getting financial assistance to buy a new car!!! Seems like money well spent, in comparison to me....

Your thought?

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

13504 Pleasant Drive in Burnsville, Minnesooooota?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:22:34 -0500

Incredible - Gorgeous remodeled (Top to Bottom) WALK OUT! Rambler

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom on picture perfect private BIG lot - Come and see a ready to go - turn key home....

Listing MLS # 3823899

When will homeowners see appreciation again?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:59:03 -0500

Well, in reality no one knows the answer to that question. Some of the answer is in regional markets that are seeing stronger job gains, which can lead to more demand, which brings appreciation. Some of the answer is in interest rates - Having record low rates can help, and have helped more people to become homeowners, or allowed them to "move up" if they didn't over mortgage their "back up" home. Some of the answer is in the construction industry, that is then tied to development, which is tied to capital markets, which is tied to bank liquidity and "desire" to fund, rather than "do we have the money".

It is more than a complex equation, but with record national debts, a continued "glut" of foreclosure and short sale issues, an increasing tax burden on individuals and business's, the lack of "incentive" to risk losing in start ups...It would appear that we could be 24-36 months away from broad based "appreciation" in most area's of the country.

What can you do to help? Here are a few things that might help, or at least make you feel better...

Write your local, state, and federal representatives and ask them to vote for policies that are pro-business, which is pro-growth, which is pro-appreciation.
Save and Spend - It is a great idea to save money, historically Americans are not very good at it, but have been getting better, in part out of fear. BUT, don't have an irrational fear to purchase things that you need -home improvements, reasonable vacations, presents for family and friends etc... The majority of our problem's can be directly linked to consumer confidence - Have some, not consumer stupidity, but consumer confidence!
Talk it and Walk it - Just like consumer confidence, the people around us are effected by the things that we do and say, for the positive or negative - When we ONLY looking at things in the negative, those around us have a hard time staying positive. There are a lot of positive signs and strengths in our current economy to be thankful and hopeful for.. If you doubt that, feel free to read a few paragraphs about the great depression, and see if we are really that bad off at all.

In closing, these are the observations of an employee, and entrepeneur, a neighbor, a husband, a dad, a co-worker, an observer, and in the end just a regular guy... Take it for what it is - An opinion. What is YOUR opinion?

Thanks for your time,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Signs of recovery for vacation homes?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:12:55 -0500

In recent Travel Industry mag's it has been reported that the amount of travel packages being sold, particularly Tour Packages has been surpassing 2008 numbers, and even surpassing some of the downgraded projections by the Travel Companies for 2009 business!

My thought is simple - If people are more willing to spend money now on large scale, high buck tours and vacations, does this mean a "2nd home/vacation home" recovery isn't far behind?

Feel free to let me know what YOU think...

Stieg Strand, Broker/Author/Instructor

www.stiegstrand.com

The state of integrity in the Real Estate Industry

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:55 -0500

This is an open letter...

My last few clients have made remarks that are a bit saddening to me, and should be to all Real Estate "professionals". They have remarked at how "good" it is to work with an agent they can trust. Now, I do take that as a compliment, and having been an author and instructor teaching Agency, Fair Housing, Ethics, and Representation for the last several years I have a deep awareness of the tricks and deception that occurs in the marketplace today. But, what it does is also make me sad for our profession. The Realtor Associations on local and National levels have been spending millions of OUR money over the last several years helping the American Public try to see Realtors as dependable, ethical, and "worthy" of the public trust. They are doing that in part to dispell undue bad publicity, but also to help the public "open their mind" to the fact Realtor's are just like you and me and connected to your local community.

All that I am trying to say is this, if you are in the industry - Please remember, your actions reflect on others for the good or the bad. You may be the "trendsetter" on what that prospect/client thinks of the entire Real Estate industry - Don't waste your chance to impress!

Go "Bless",

If you are stumped as to "what to do now" - I would highly recommend going to the NAAR site, and checking out our "Standards of Professionalism"

Stieg Strand - RE/MAX

Real Estate Broker/Author/Instructor/Agent

www.stiegstrand.com

Gorgeous Remodeled Walk Out on Quiet Lot in Burnsville!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:51:34 -0500

13504 Pleasant Lane in Burnsville @214,900 (3bd-2bth with 1900 fsf with full basement walkout!)

Wonderful remodeled top to bottom on awesome quiet lot! Bonus 4th bedroom now being used as a recording studio! Completely clean and ready for your move now. Next door to beautiful City Park!

Contact Stieg for more information,

www.stiegstrand.com

Super Clean & Fresh Townhome in Chanhassen

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:46:22 -0500

2051 Blue Sage in Chanhassen, MN for $210,000 (Over 1600fsf with 2+ loft and 3 bathrooms!)

Just North of Hwy 5 and west of Galpin Blvd

SUPER CLEAN"! Feels like a parade of homes model. Tons of upgrades-end unit with 18 foot living room! Big loft for office/computer. Large master suite with jacuzzi & whirlpool bath! Ready to move in and enjoy!

Contact Stieg for more info....

www.stiegstrand.com

A brief, yet shameless plug for Stieg Strand

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:27:10 -0500

Please keep in mind that this is effectively a shameless plug, and has very little value other than touting my experience, knowledge, and how much my clients LOVE working with me....

Here is the point, I know that I am a good agent, and if you want to contact me, I would be happy to visit with you, and even call my current clients so you can hear from someone other than a "ego" driven Realtor.... OK, and yes there are lots of very affordable homes in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Edina, Plymouth, Saint Louis Park, Minneapolis, and even Chaska for you to buy, and many of them are either great values or in foreclosure! You will save a lot when you buy with Stieg Strand, the unique name in Real Estate!

Thanks for your time,

Stieg Strand (The right road)

www.stiegstrand.com

Minnesota Harvest in Jordan is the BEST Apple Orchard in Minnesota

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:18:03 -0500

That is according to the USA Today's September 8th issue. As a matter of fact, MN Harvest was the ONLY Apple Orchard in Minnesota on the list!

Shameless plug or not, I have been there dozens of times with my family, my church, and for special events, and it is "flat out" a great time to be had by all. Feel free to look at what they have to offer at www.minnesotaharvest.net

P.S. A 5lb bag of apples or some of their Caramel Apple topping makes great gifts for co-workers, friends, clients, customers, and the like....

One more thing, No, I am not getting one PENNY of commission from this!

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand, Broker/Agent/Instructor

www.stiegstrand.com

Homes for sale in Chaska

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:45:36 -0500

The homes in Chaska are moving quick. Especially in the lower price ranges under $250,000. Du to the first time homebuyer credit, lower values, and plenty of money in the mortgage market.

Don't let this historic opportunity pass you by. This will be the time that people look back on and say "Why didn't I buy when everything looked so good" & The only answer that will be able to come up with is..."I was waiting for it to get better?"

It won't get much better than this!

Give me a call, and I will put my 15 years of successful real estate sales experience to work for you.

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

The lower price ranges are really hot in MN

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:59:17 -0500

I have been working with a few first time homebuyers, and I have to say the lower price ranges from Minneapolis to Plymouth to Shakopee are red hot!

The amount of activity is incredible. When searching single family and townhomes between $100,000 to about $180,000 on average of 50% of them have offers on them within a day or two, and many buyers are willing to put in 2-4 backup offers!

It is important that buyers and agents understand that if the home is priced correctly (which some are not, especially with lower market times and unreasonable banks, which usually early in the foreclosure process) that there is not a lot of time to "think about it".

So, one last piece of advice to homebuyers (first time or otherwise) - BE READY TO BUY WHEN YOU START LOOKING! - Make sure you are pre-approved with a Good Faith Estimate you can live with IN HAND.

Thanks for your time,

Stieg Strand, Broker/Agent with RE/MAX A-1 Excellence

www.stiegstrand.com

(Stieg is the Author and Instructo of several State of MN CE approved Homebuyer and Agency/Fair Housing Classes with Kaplan Professional Schools - formerly Prosource, and has personally taught over 18,000 students in Minnesota over the last 8 years)

Will Brett Favre effect Real Estate Sales in Minnesota?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:19:12 -0500

First, I know what you are thinking. Is this guy crazy? Well, think of it this way. Has there ever been bursts of real estate sales due to forces that didn't have any base in logic? Of course there has been.

I have had clients buy homes because they really like the neighbors, or they won a bowling tournament, or they just got a good review with their boss at work but no raise, or had a flat tire on their way home from work, and want to move closer to freeway's with more roomy shoulders! & Even a client that they like the dishwasher! (It was a Bosch!) Let's face it, buying a home is a big deal, and costs a lot of money, even in today's market. So, "feeling good" about the Vikings finally having a QB that SHOULD do a steady job COULD boost home sales?

So anyway - What DO YOU THINK? If you are not from MN, feel free to comment anyway, as I am sure you have heard the news...

Stieg Strand, Broker/Agent

www.stiegstrand.com

Anybody ever been on House Hunters?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:51:47 -0500

My clients and I are "up" for House Hunters on HGTV, and I am super curious if anyone can tell me what their experiences were like on the show? Is it worth the pain? For the agent and/or the homebuyers?

Any comments would be appreciated!

Stieg Strand, Broker/Agent

www.stiegstrand.com

What is the deal with referral fee's?

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:33:52 -0500

With nearly 15 years in the Real Estate industry, I am still pondering this question, and I would love to get some feedback on it from Realtors that have an opinion. Below are a few "starting" points of though:

What criteria defines a "referral"?
How do you measure the "strength" of a referral?
How much do relocation companies charge now in different parts of the country?
What is a fair fee to request and why?
Do regional prices and market conditions dictate referral fee's? If so, like what?

Feel free to comment, but please try not to make this about "good or bad", just try to justify your thoughts with logic and reason.

Go Bless Somebody today,

Stieg Strand

www.stiegstrand.com

Read This if you are behind on your mortgage now!

Stieg Strand (RE/MAX A-1 Excellence) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:24:16 -0500

Simply put "homeowner stress" in today's marketplace can take on a few forms:

Slow payments (paying your mortgage, but rolling 30, 60, 90 days late or even later)
No payments - For whatever reason - divorce, medical bills, job loss, interest rate increase you are having a difficult time making your mortgage payments at all.
You are making timely payments and even have great credit, but you need/want to move to a bigger house, and you don't think it is a wise move as you don't have enough equity to make the down payment on a "new" home, since you have little or no equity in your current home.

Notice, I didn't include the category - "Paying your mortgage on time, and you just don't like the fact you owe more than you paid for your house 3-5 years ago." I didn't include that, as until you hit the top three you most likely would not be reading this blog!

Here is the point - You have options, and more than you might think.

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and you simply need to lower your mortgage payments you can get help from either your mortgage company itself, or an outside quasi-governmental organization called the Hope Now Alliance www.hopenow.com, and check it out - They even have Queen Latifah singing their praises on Youtube!

Now, if you are still keeping your payments in a timely fashion, and you are have the desire/need to buy a bigger home, but are thinking that it is either foolish or impossible, then I think you should contact me, and I can help. No strings, No obligation, No cost. The fact is, you have nothing to lose, and at least the knowledge that you are doing the "BEST THING" to gain.

Blessed to Serve,

Stieg Strand, Broker & Real Estate Writer