"Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is Real Estate Jeopardy!" - 08/28/11 07:21 PM
Julia has made a great point here.  If you have no furniture in your listing, why are you taking pictures of walls and windows?  Everyone has them, no one knows what the room is FOR unless you have some perspective.  A piece of furniture would help. 
I rarely take photos of beds and baths by the way....unless there is some detail that makes the room exceptional or a view....
Via Julia Maher, Connecticut Home Stager Staging Fairfield & New Haven Counties (Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes):
"Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is Real Estate Jeopardy!"
 
Hello, everyone!  Thank you so … (2 comments)

NEW Listing in East Bethel Minnesota - 08/27/11 04:17 PM
I am holding an open house tomorrow on this listing.  What a great property....and after the owners give me a tour tomorrow, I will post some of the other great amenities.
Hope to see you there!
Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.:
This property is very well-maintained, Great curb appeal on 1.6 acres.  New roof in 2008. 
There will be an open house this Sunday from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Home is a 10+ shows better than a model. Open plan on all levels. All the ameneties plus more. 2 master suites with master baths one up and one down. … (2 comments)

For the Next Week, I Am Only Commenting on East Coast Rainers! - 08/27/11 04:00 PM
The East Coast Rainers might need our help....
They could be facing power outages, ruined businesses and homes. 
Let's get together and do what we can besides contributing the Red Cross and other agencies, and keep them going with comments....tell them whatever you want.  A message of caring on their posts would be great.
I don't want to message anyone to clog up their email even further, but sending a message on the latest post would be just right.  They can get to that whenever they are ready?
What do you think?  Are you willing to just check your subscribed list … (10 comments)

Internet Disruptions Ahead - Be Prepared!! Irene is Going to Have a Huge Impact on Communications. - 08/26/11 10:41 PM
Don Sabinske wrote a post earlier about how Hurricane Irene (and that site is the tracker site from CNET) is going to impact communications across the United States for internet communications. 
This is serious.  It will impact YOU regardless of where you live.  The financial districts could be hard hit...and the storm damage could exacerbate the damage already caused by the earthquake making even more buildings either unsuitable for habitation or even being able to access.
And, then, couple that with many communications towers that could be threatened.  Those same communications towers that take the signals from space and send them along the … (11 comments)

St. Michael-Albertville Schools Welcome Idea of Leaving NCLB Behind - 08/23/11 04:04 PM
When this law was first written and the funding was there, this would have been a great program.  Unfortunately, all of the support was taken out of it by the time the bill was initially signed, and then, to the schools, it became an albatross with lots of mandates, but no money to enforce them or assist students. 
Now, with Governor Dayton and the Minnesota state teachers' union has it their way, the federal No Child Left Behind program may be a thing of the past for all state schools. 
This is from the St.Michael Patch: 
The governor announced last week … (4 comments)

YOU WANT FEATURES! I WANT FEATURES! THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY FEATURES TO GO AROUND FOLKS!! - 08/23/11 10:09 AM
I just HAD to reblog this soon-to-be-feature of Lenn's. 
It is so spot on.  I would rather have a great conversation going in one of my posts than a feature. 
I enjoy getting people talking.  And Lenn is a great example of a wonderful conversationalist. 
Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
YOU WANT FEATURES!  I WANT FEATURES!  THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY FEATURES TO GO AROUND FOLKS!!
I often read posts by members complaining about the fact that they don't believe that they get a sufficient number of "FEATURED" posts. 
… (1 comments)

Kindergarten ain't just for kids! - 08/23/11 09:59 AM
Charles is running a great contest.  I have read quite a number of the entries, and I am so impressed with our writing talent in the Rain. 
If you haven't had an opportunity to join in the fun just yet, you have until August 31st. 
Check it out....and check out the other posts, too!
Via Charles Buell, Seattle Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):
Sending ones kids off to Kindergarten for the first time is another one of those first steps that signal the coming end of TOTAL parental influence over the kids (basically another illusion biting the dust).  One can … (1 comments)

It's Official - Thank YOU to Kerrie and Anna! - 08/22/11 06:51 PM
Wow!  I can't even type because I am so excited! 
I am now an Ambassador! It has been a long journey here in the Rain, but I was always suited for it because I grew up in Washington State where when the sun came out, we wondered what weirdness had happened. 
Some of my fondest memories are from that time.  And, I so long to return to the rain.  At least, it rarely snowed.
But, back to being named an Ambassador....I really have Anna Banana to thank.  Coming upon her blog posts is like visiting an oasis...she lives in Phoenix, after … (21 comments)

Do you need a quick, FREE, easy way to edit PDF files? - 08/22/11 06:35 PM
This is one of the coolest finds in quite a long time.  And, I have to thank the reblogger for this one, or I would never have seen it.
I must get over to the tech group more often.
Hope you find as useful as I did.  And, please thank the author.
Via Bryan Robertson, Los Altos REALTOR Los Altos Real Estate - Homes For Sale (Sereno Group - Los Altos):
As REALTORS® we spend a lot of time scanning documents into PDF files to shuttle them off to clients, title companies, lawyers, etc.  The irony is that often times we only … (5 comments)

Hog Roast in St. Michael, Minnesota - September 12th, 2011 starting at 5 PM - 08/22/11 05:14 PM
Do you like old-fashioned pig roasts?  There is nothing like the smell in the air.....of a freshly roasted pig!
There will be a celebration at the Crow River Senior Center on Monday, September 12, 2011 beginning at 5 PM. 
Feel free to bring the whole family, tickets are $13.00 and everything is included including entertainment.
All the proceeds benefit the Crow River Senior Center which brings Meals on Wheels, reduced lunches to seniors as well as entertainment, social activities, trips, casino runs, books, speakers and exercise programs. 
If you have any questions about the event, you can call 763-497-8900 for more information.
… (3 comments)

More St. Michael Daze and Knights.... - 08/19/11 05:44 PM
The St. Michael Daze and Knights organizing committee held a wrap-up meeting last night, and there were a lot of congratulations going around.
First of all, this was the most successful gathering in years.  And, they have decided to keep the dates in the mid-August range rather than move them as they once considered to nearer the Fourth of July.
There were a lot of reasons this festival was more successful than past attempts.  One was  the new inflatable midway, the tents were PACKED each day with the concerts, a business expo and arts and crafts. 
The Senior Center alone made … (0 comments)

HOW TO ACHIEVE MORTGAGE REDUCTION IN PRINCIPAL NATIONWIDE. - 08/18/11 06:23 PM
Reblog this.  Send it to your Representative and Senators.  Don't bother the NRA, they can't read and think at the same time anyway. 
But, get this in front of as many people as you can as soon as you can before the Congress gets back into town.
Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
REFERENCE my post of yesterday:
SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES - GOOD FOR REALTORS AND LENDERS. BAD FOR CONSUMERS AND THE ECONOMY!!!
Tim Maitski asks.
HA!  I'm going out on a limb here.  Drastic problems require drastic solutions.
… (0 comments)

I Am Volunteering Again at the Crow River Senior Center Tomorrow! - 08/18/11 05:48 PM
The Crow River Senior Center is one of my favorite pasttimes.  I love being there, working there, volunteering there. 
They have great programs, interesting trips, great speakers, mean card games, and some of the most fascinating people you will ever meet.  Really.
And, they often have picnics and get togethers where all ages interact. 
They read to the kids, now that school is starting again, too. 
Come see us.  Check out the post above to see the activities, the wonderful members of this strong community, and perhaps volunteer yourself.  You will be the winner, I guarantee it!
… (4 comments)

America's 9/11 Ride Coming to Leesburg, VA on August 19th, 2011 - 08/16/11 02:46 PM
Nancy Pav has a great post here with a link to America's 9/11 Foundation.  This is an organization dedicated to helping the first responders, those men and women who often risk their lives to save ours. 
I salute these heroes on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, but, 9/11 is a time to honor them as well.
Thanks, Nancy.
Via Nancy Pav Associate Broker Got real estate needs? GottaHavePav! (Long & Foster):
Come out to Leesburg
 and  commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. 
 
 America's Foundation is putting together a ride that will start in Somerset, PA and end at the World … (3 comments)

"Ask for current" ...And Other Shocking MLS Bloopers - 08/16/11 02:37 PM
I love Gwen's bloopers from the MLS, and I think you will, too.
She is now making them available to reblog....and, oh, I will.
But, please stop by her blog....She has so much more than just this series.  What a bright star!
Via Gwen Banta (Sotheby's International Realty):
Are you guilty of littering the MLS with cast-off listing remarks, egregious misspellings, and idiotic utterances? These MLS bloopers prove that some agents are. Thus, if the shoe fits, wear it…even if it’s the only shoe you have left. Thanks to Michael Jacobs from San Marino for his great contributions. Check these out:
Offers From Idiots “Ask … (0 comments)

Links That Will Rock Your World... Seriously. - 08/16/11 02:26 PM
I love reading techie/nerdie stuff.  I don't do much about it, but I like reading it. 
Justin has some great links here and you might want to add some of them to your repetoired.
Now, go read some of his other stuff.....fascinating.
Via Justin Smith | SEO, SMO & Blogging Consultant (Searching Solutions):
I don't have much time to blog these days, but I wanted to do a quick post on sites that have revolutionized the way I do business as a coach/SEO consultant/website marketer, etc... Ready??
 
1.  Google Website Optimizer 101 - (Absolute Must Read!!  It will change your entire outlook … (1 comments)

Elk River and Zimmerman Need The Patch - 08/15/11 05:38 PM
Don is absolutely right.  And, maybe your community could use this service, too. 
I keep in touch with the editor of our local St. Michael Patch.  I read the new businesses opening, follow the team, find out what the councils (St. Michael and Albertville) and see how the community is faring in general.
Our local Patch does a great job of keeping me up on all the local news which makes me a better Realtor.
Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.:
Here is what their main blog post says, and I will comment again below this:
About Us What is Patch? Simply … (0 comments)

How to Avoid that "Stomach Bug" - 08/15/11 01:20 PM
I keep this pasted to one of my cupboards because I am always hearing about people getting indigestion or something worse.  I have rewritten it a bit to comply with copyrights if there were any.
Here are the top five foodborne illnesses and how to avoid them:
Coli Bacteria by renjith krishnan
 
NOROVIRUS:
Commonly found in store-bought or homemade prepared foods such as salads and sandwiches.  Commonly spread by those who have the illness and don't wash their hands properly after using the restroom. 
If you have this, have someone else prepare your food for a while.
SALMONELLA:
Commonly found in … (4 comments)

Grab Your Bows....Tune Your Fiddles! - 08/14/11 06:44 PM
This item in the local paper caught my fancy....
The 34th Annual Fiddler's Festival will be held in Annandale's Ioneer Park next Sunday August 21, 2011. 
Now, I haven't been to one of these, but I do like fiddlin' music.  And, there is food involved, of course. 
The day will start with Singleton Street, a blue grass-gospel band on stage from 11:30 to 1:30 PM. 
The Fiddler's contest for fiddlers from across the Midwest begins and 2 PM and will have competition in three division, junior, senior and open.
A pork chop dinner will be served all day.  Gate hours are … (7 comments)

Cheap wines under $10, my third post of the series - 08/14/11 06:18 PM
Endre makes a point here.  We enjoy wine with special meals....and, aren't they all special somehow?
At any rate, he has a series that you might enjoy if you really like havin wine with your meals and on hand for guests. 
With that intro, here is Endre.  Check out the rest of his series, too.
Via Endre Barath,Jr. 310.486.1002 (Beverly Hills,CA. Coldwell Banker):
Cheap wines under $10, my third post of the series
First of all, my point is, if you are a wine connoisseur than you will appreciate this post about cheap, but good red wines.  If you are just a wine … (3 comments)

Goodbye Old Friend, I'm sad to see you go - 08/14/11 05:54 PM
I found Nancy's post through a comment on someone else's blog post. 
It is a fitting farewell to a great "companion," but, more importantly, she points out that she is donating her old friend to a very worthy cause. 
And, you might find yourself with something that has very little intrinsic value left and might want to do the same.  Read her post and comment there.  Thanks. 
Via Nancy Pav Associate Broker Got real estate needs? GottaHavePav! (Long & Foster):
This post is about a vehicle.  That's right a vehicle.  I almost can't believe it myself but the more I think about it, … (2 comments)

I Am Signed Up...Are YOU? RainCamp Online...September 8th FREE!! - 08/14/11 08:31 AM
You can't imagine how tickled I was to find out that there will be an online RainCamp.
Thank you, Margaret, for posting this for all to see!
Now, you can thank Margaret and sign up at the same time....if there is still space available.
Via HomeRome Realty Author:Real Estate the Rome Way 410-530-2400:
 
 Thursday, September 8th, 12-4 pm Baltimore Time will be the  first-ever live RainCamp webinar.
RainCamp online is FREE to attend, but only for 1000 people! Don't miss out. Register now and reserve your spot today!

                              … (8 comments)

Kopi Luwak - good to the last "droppings"? - 08/13/11 06:42 PM
Well, I reblogged Don Sabinske's blog on how to eat on $21 Dollars a Week.  And, I had a post on ChooseMyPlate.gov  So much for eating well and cheaply.
Here is a post by Alan May where he talks about a $30 cup of coffee.  I am passing on this treat. 
But, check it out.
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston, Illinois Realtor® (Chicago's Northern Suburbs):
I thought it was a joke, when my brother-in-law told me about it yesterday.  You know the kind of question... "have you heard about the coffee made from animal dung?"
No, I haven't heard that one... What … (5 comments)

Fewer Foreclosures in Minnesota Last Month, but No Good News - 08/13/11 05:51 PM
My BPO business is still humming along.  But fewer homes homeowners got foreclosure notices last month. 
Those foreclosures that were served were mainly in Wright County (my county) and Anoka County (which is mourning the death of Scott LeDoux, 1949 - 2011 on its website.  Scott was a former County Commissioner, and his wife, Carol, is now serving his unfulfilled term.
Nationwide, one in 611 households got some type of foreclosure notice, but in Wright County one in every 385 got a foreclosure notice and in Aoka County one in 436 got some sort of foreclosure notice.  This is not good.
There is already … (4 comments)

St. Michael-Albertville Knights Football Schedule 2011-2012 GO KNIGHTS! - 08/12/11 06:04 PM
St. Michael - Albertville is a great football challenge for any team, visiting or away.  We look forward to another great season here.  Below is the schedule thus far. 
Hope to see you at any of these games....GO KNIGHTS!!!
 
 
… (3 comments)

How to Eat on $21 Dollars a Week - 08/12/11 05:21 PM
I found this to be a very interesting post.  I cook "from scratch".  The only thing I use that are prepared are the occasional barbecue sauce, sometimes cream of mushroom or chicken soup if I am too lazy to make a white sauce, and usually salad dressings.
But, making salad dressing is easy as is the white sauce and barbecue sauce IF you have the raw ingredients. 
Try managing on $21 a week with produce skyrocketing (even in season), coffe at over $14 per can...kiss that goodbye...and meat prices will be going up due to the low levels of production of … (6 comments)

ChooseMyPlate.gov - 08/11/11 09:39 PM
Are you aware that ther is a website that makes balancing your meals so simple a child can do it?
ChooseMyPlate.gov is just the site for that.  The site emphasizes several what used to be common-sense approaches to eating right. 
1,  Balance your calories,  Go to the site to find your calorie level and decide your level of physical activity.
2.  Eat less, but enjoy the food you eat,  Take the time to enjoy the flavor, the sight and texture of the food.  Don't eat while reading or watching TV because you might miss your fullness cues.  Only eat when hungrry … (8 comments)

Some Great Life Lessons - 08/10/11 05:21 PM
I loved this post.  It echoes my own sentiments on life,  I must admit to a few more...never repeat anything held in confidence or that you think might be confidential to someone. 
And, what my mother and grandmother taught me, "If you can't say something good about a person, don't say anything at all."
Another one is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to say something and confrim it.
I am working hard on those last two.
Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.:
I just read an excerpt of an article about Gordon Dean.  I had never heard … (2 comments)

The Medallion Has Been Found!! - 08/09/11 09:22 PM
Call off the hounds.   The medallion for St. Michael's Daze and Knight has been found by a grandmother and granddaughter who don't want any media attention....for now.  But, come Saturday night they will pick up their $1,000 prize in front of the crowd just before the Secion 30 concert.  Thyey only needed four clues before finding it under the traffic signal at the corner of Highway 241 and Fourth Street Northeast.
What a great way to kick off the festivities!  There will be a circus ($15 at the gate, $10 in advance and you can pick up those tickets at City … (5 comments)

Will There Be A Real Estate Network? - 08/05/11 11:09 PM
If Robert Atkinson has his way, there will be.   His goal is to raise $3 to $5 million  and within about 10 months launch a beta site that will sell the ideas to other investor and prospective partners. 
Want to make some money?   Or need a tax write-off? 
This could be boom or bust.  There might be demand for this type of thing.  One of the Millionaire Listing Agents breezed through the Twin Cities this weekend touting luxury homes at bargain basement prices. 
Of course, he doesn't live here...he just flits from here to there hosting private dinners, cocktail parties and … (3 comments)

St. Michael, Minnesota - the Safest Place to Live in Wright County! - 08/04/11 06:15 PM
Oh, some good news for a change. 
Wright County Sherifff Joe Hagerty presented the 2010 police report for St. Michael to the City Council. 
Hagerty pointed out that St. Michael had the lowest Part 1 (most serious crimes per capita in the county.  And that crimes decreased by 20 percent from 2009 to 2010 with no explanation as to why that is happening.
(I believe that Neighborhood Watches help). 
In 2010 medical calls were the most common service calls with alarms being a close second. Service calls decreased, however, by 4% from 2009 to 2010.  Traffic crashes were down 24% (which … (3 comments)

BofA Donates Then Demolishes Houses to Cut Glut of Foreclosures - 08/01/11 06:50 PM
Let the games begin....did you see this?  It makes me ill.  I have so many homeowners that want to stay in their homes, but can't because of a job loss, divorce, a death, a deathly ill child which requires one parent to always be home. 
What do you think?  Be sure to comment on the original post.  Thanks.
Via Kristin Hamilton Realtor Redlands Homes for Sale, CA (Keller Williams Realty):
BofA Donates Then Demolishes Houses to Cut Glut of Foreclosures
 
 Bank of America Corp., faced with a glut of foreclosed and abandoned houses it can’t sell, has a new tool to get … (9 comments)

 
New_suzwev Ambassador_large

Suzanne McLaughlin, Wright & Sherburne Counties Realtor

Saint Michael, MN

More about me…

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael)

Address: 1449 Janett Av NE, St. Michael, MN, 55376

Office Phone: (612) 202-0215

Cell Phone: (612) 202-0215

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Sabinske & Associates are here for you. We love referrals, we love local business and local people. We highlight the best in our communities and work to help those in need. When you are in need of expert local real estate advice, you can be certain that we understand, care and can do the job.


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