How to Photograph Land..... - 01/31/12 04:57 PM
This is yet another in the Back to Basics Series.....and I chose to use one of my favorite photographs of land that we have for sale "up north."
 

 
When I photograph raw land, I prefer to do it in spring, summer or autumn.  This photo was taken in late autumn and has the added advantage of having a water feature.  
The great greens and blues, combined with the tree line in the background and some trees in the foreground makes me think that those who love the great outdoors for camping, hiking, photography or just recreation in … (11 comments)

People Are Our Business....All People. - 01/30/12 09:19 PM
When I started this latest Challenge, I really had no idea about how I would present the required topics.  
But, it all unfolded one day at a time.  
I reported on Content, Weltenschauung, Community Guidelines, Newcomers, etc.  
But, one of my invitees is very close to my heart.  He has taken the invitation to the Rain very seriously.
(And, I think, if the economic picture improves, he may even take the plunge into real estate sales.)

I posted this photo once earlier in the month when I introduced him as one of my "invitations".  
Since that … (11 comments)

OPEN HOUSE - 24667 113th St., Zimmerman Minnesota - 01/26/12 04:42 PM
OPEN HOUSE  Sunday, January 29, 2012 1-3 PM
 
Great location in Deer Haven , a great neighborhood near Zimmerman, but close to Elk River, too. This home has a 19x14 sunken living room with a gas-burning fireplace, formal dining room, amusement room on the main floor (21x14) and informal dining room with deck adjacent, the kitchen has a breakfast bar as well. And there is a bedroom on the main level, two on the upper level and one in the lower level.  Walkout lower level with entertainment room and bar room.   Main flr lndry & BR, The master has … (7 comments)

Second Harvest Heartland - For When Times Are Tough - 01/24/12 05:34 PM
There are many people in my area struggling to survive.  While this has been a fairly mild winter, there are still issues with which to deal. 
 
When you have kids, there are all those notes from school needing money for this and that.
 
And, even if you don’t have kids, there is the mortgage or rent, heating bills, car payments (likely), insurance, and food. 
 
There is a place that can help with food.  Second Harvest Heartland is a very well-respected and nurturing place to help out, and one doesn’t need to apply for “food stamps” … (12 comments)

Writing a Localism Blog Post - 01/23/12 05:29 PM
Content?  Content for my posts comes primarily from my interactions within my community.  I love writing about St. Michael and Albertville Minnesota.  
Most of my neighbors give me ideas for blog posts from time to time.  I work extensively with the Humane Societies, the food shelves and the senior community. 
And, therein lies a plethora of great material.  All of it is at my fingertips.  
I enjoy telling the ActiveRain community about what is happening in our local area from concerts to plays, from sports to festivals.  
And, really, what better way to connect with your community.  
… (6 comments)

Minnesota 2012 Precinct Caucus Information and a Link! - 01/23/12 01:16 PM
Minnesota Precinct Caucuses will meet February 7, 2012
If you have never participated in “grass roots” politics, this might be the year you will want to.  Given the fact that Washington seems embedded in gridlock, voters might feel the need to have their voices heard loud and clear this year. 
One of the best ways to make sure your voice is heard is at your local precinct caucus.  It may seem boring or not worth the trouble, but I assure you that it isn’t and it is. 
There will be business to attend to such as choosing officers … (5 comments)

St. Michael Minnesota Lions Club Annual Fishing Contest is a GO! - 01/22/12 06:50 PM
Despite the recent weather conditions, the St. Michael Minnesota Lions Club will be hosting their annual Fishing Contest on Beebe Lake after all.
The event will be held February 4, 2012, from noon to 3 p.m. and will feature an expanded fishing area.  
The contest is open to everyone and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 18 and younger. 
This year's raffle prizes include a gas-powered ice auger (why didn't I get one of these for Christmas?), Vexilar FL20 Ultra, fishing equipment and various gift certificates.  
Tickets may be purchased at Dehmers Meats, Hardware Hank and … (9 comments)

Meet Steven Reese. Reese Inspection Services - 01/21/12 02:27 PM
I am proud to introduce Steven Reese to the Community at large.
       
Reese Home Inspection Services is a family owned company. We are a fully insured home inspection service that is owned and operated locally.
Reese Inspections is a proud Member of the International Association of Home Inspectors  (InterNACHI).  We abide by the code of ethics and standards of practice, which are set forth by InterNACHI. You can rest assured that we will provide you with an accurate, detailed, and easy to read inspection report.
Steven has been on Active Rain since last August and has filled out his profile and his last post … (8 comments)

Has Anyone Had Any Experience with Interbank? - 01/21/12 11:55 AM
They are on off-shore bank operating in the State of Minnesota, selling mortgages and purportedly acting as a Savings and Loan.  
If you have had ANY experience with them, I would love to hear from you.  
Thanks for any help you can give me.
… (4 comments)

Meet Mike & Angela Schatz - 01/18/12 02:39 PM
Mike & Angela Schatz, the Schatz team!
Please join me in welcoming these new members.....

Mike and Angela joined Active Rain recently. AGAIN.
And they have already posted and completed their profile.  

"Here at The Schatz Team we are truly all about serving our clients' best interest. Since we work mainly on referrals we are able to focus more on our clients needs and marketing our listings than we do on marketing ourselves. This focus has definitely been recognized. We have been named Super Real Estate Agents (TM) by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Monthly for the … (7 comments)

Personal & Company Branding: Clearly Expressing Your Brand Personality - 01/17/12 03:34 PM
Alexandra and Ron have a series on branding, marketing and business in general.  
If you haven't already become acquainted with them, I suggest you check our some of their other informative blog posts.  
This one intrigued me because it speaks to every realtor whether you work for a Big Box or not.  You should convey your own PERSONAL brand to set yourself apart from the others.  
You may not have the Big Box brand to "hide behind" forever, and your own personal reputation and integrity will then have to be what the client remembers and/or refers to. 
Please … (0 comments)

Zimmerman Minnesota 4 BR 4 BA 24667 113th Street, Zimmerman, MN 55398 - 01/16/12 06:06 PM
Great location in Deer Haven , a great neighborhood near Zimmerman, but close to Elk River, too. This home has a 19x14 sunken living room with a gas-burning fireplace, formal dining room, amusement room on the main floor (21x14) and informal dining room with deck adjacent, the kitchen has a breakfast bar as well. And there is a bedroom on the main level, two on the upper level and one in the lower level.  Walkout lower level with entertainment room and bar room.   Main flr lndry & BR, The master has a bath with a large hot tub, separate shower, … (6 comments)

Weltanschauung - Our Guiding Principles, Part One - 01/15/12 03:11 PM
Weltanschauung: the guiding principles and philosophy of an organization; a world view
Isn't that a great word?  Some of you have probably seen quite a few articles or posts about this recently.  
Our challenge asks us to focus on an aspect of the Weltanschauung that we see as a special part of ActiveRain.  
My first choice is the last one in the guiding principles:
10.  ActiveRain believes that it is in the best interests of real estate professionals to build a community that is focused on educating one another. ActiveRain believes its future depends on members of all experience levels … (25 comments)

Dave Klutch - Harmony Home Inspections - 01/14/12 04:36 PM
 
 
 
 
 
I invited Dave Klutch to Active Rain a few years ago.  
Dave Klutch has been an asset I have relied on for years.  Dave is a go-to guy.  He is thorough, meticulous and is interested in his clients' best interests. 
He is outstanding with new buyers, seasoned sellers and is knowledgeable about home construction, renovation and site work. I have only missed one inspection for my buyers,and I was able to rest easy in the fact that Dave would do his usual outstanding job of explaining EVERYTHING and answer any and all questions. 
Dave handles home … (8 comments)

Ron Marshall - My Blogger of the Month - 01/13/12 03:35 PM

 
This is the only known photograph of the blogger here on the Rain known as Ron Marshall.  
Ron joined at the end of September 2010 at my invitation.  He has far exceed my expectations of what he would do in the Rain, and his as well.  
Ron is closing in on 200,000 points.  That isn't too bad for someone who got off to an exceedingly slow start.  He barely commented or posted a blog entry in the first three months.  But, he is a blogging fool now. 
He tells me that it is just something that starts … (12 comments)

Dear Wells Fargo... Congratulations! You Bought a House for $8,000 less than offered! - 01/11/12 07:25 AM
I have thought these very same thoughts from time to time.  But, this is definitely worth reblogging for more Google juice.  
Does anyone at Wells Fargo read their press?  I know they don't care, but they should at the very least review their business decisions which are costing them Millions.
Jennifer did an excellent job with this post, and I believe that she really picked up on the pain and confusion that many people feel when they are dealing with Wells.  There are so many inconsistencies with Best Practices on their part.  They may be getting tax breaks and the … (11 comments)

Business Plans 2012 - 01/07/12 05:31 PM
I have written many business plans over the years.  
How many did I actually follow?   Zero, zilch, none.  
But, this year will be completely different.  Why?  Because someone far smarter than I am has laid the groundwork for an incredibly smart plan.  You remember SMART, certainly.  
I was trained by a world-class organization for planning and implementation - Accenture.  Once known as Anderson Consulting, it is a first-class trainer of organizations and businesses.  
But, when I transitioned to real estate, I didn't transition that knowledge.  
Then I found something....actually someone.  Anna "Banana" Krutchen.  
Her … (11 comments)

My Top Five Blog Posts for 2011 - 01/06/12 06:13 PM
There seems to be some of this going around.  And, I thought I did have some pretty good responses this year.
Last year I wrote a post that garnered nearly 100 posts and no feature.  Ah, but someone else got a feature from the same topic.  So, at least it got out there for discussion.  
 
I had an amazing year last year in the Rain, and I need to write a new Success Story.  And, if you haven't done that yet, you really should.  
Here are some other things that you might want to consider:  if you haven't … (7 comments)

Trust - 01/05/12 05:46 PM
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. William Shakespeare 

Loving all is easy to say, but hard to do.  Do no wrong to none, again easy to say, hard to do.
 
Trust a few.  This is much easier.  I can say that there are thousands of quotes, literary references and blogs about trust.  Lovers hurt, people left without money, men, women and children abused. 
 
Trust is one of the hardest attributes to receive from someone, and the easiest to break. 
 
Without trust, there is little faith.  Without trust, little hope.  Without trust, no … (11 comments)

Why Do I Do This? I Must Be Nuts! - 01/04/12 06:03 PM
So. at the meeting of Caring Communities of the Crow River Senior Center today, I got nominated to head up the Spring Expo.  Why?  Because most of it was my idea.  
I thought that we could take all the vendors who want to market to our people and put them in our brand new auditiorium and let them make one good pitch.  (With refinement, of course.) 
Now, I am scheduling entertainment, booth space and coordinating the vendors, refreshments and the whole enchilada.  
Not that I mind, of course.  I love most of the people who come to the Center.  
… (10 comments)

2012 Odd Facts - 01/02/12 05:25 PM
… (14 comments)

Welcome 2012 and Happy New Year! - 01/01/12 07:00 PM
Connie has a great post here.  My goal is to do seven blog posts a week, but not today.  
So join in, if you dare.  It can only help you become a better blogger!
Via Connie Harvey Realtor Nashville TN Real Estate (Pilkerton Realtors):
Welcome 2012 and Happy New Year!
2011 has come and gone. It's taken with it the Good and the Bad. The Happy and the Sad.
Each January we set goals. Goals to lose weight, exercise more, and eat better. Goals to Sell more homes, make more phone calls or just blog more. And goals to … (0 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

Email Me

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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