Should You Stop Making Payments To Do A Short Sale? - 08/31/12 04:11 PM
I am asked questions about this all the time from my St. Michael, Albertville and Hanover short sale clients.  And, I never tell them to stop making payments.  But, Bryant gives reasons whey you might want to consider doing just that.  For the financial safety of your family, read this.  And then thank Bryant.
Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:

Good question. And I don’t have the answer nor would I ever suggest you miss payments. But I do have an opinion based on my own experience.

First a few facts:

Missing payments will mess up your credit.
… (0 comments)

Real Estate is Cyclical...Here's Why! - 08/31/12 01:56 PM
Just a couple of years ago, I wrote this:
 
I remember in the way back days (anyone remember that phrase??) , I used to get ready for open houses by first placing an ad in the paper, putting together flyers, getting them out to the neighborhood, knocking on doors and preparing food to get buyers in the door, setting up signs either the night before or early in the day and hoping for good weather. That was just two short years ago. Now, I throw an ad on the MLS and 50-60 other websites with the click of a couple … (12 comments)

My Hometown - New Series. This Is For You St. Michael And Albertville - 08/28/12 03:51 PM
When you think of St. Michael and Albertville Minnesota, you think of one city which it is quickly becoming,  They already share schools, and there is no to little indication of  when and where you are moving on the roads from one into the other except for a few road signs here and there. 
 
However, they have separate mayors, city councils and business boosters.  At some point, economically, I believe that for the greater good they may merge as Norwood and Young America did to become one city eligible for more state aid and grants. 
 
And, normally, … (11 comments)

Let's Just Avoid Politics in Our Discussion About Buying a Home! - 08/27/12 03:21 PM
Yes, it happened again today.  And, it has happened several times in the past month. 
 
“What do you think will happen to interest rates if (X) get elected?” 
 
I don’t know.
 
I sell real estate.  I am not a financial expert, a mortgage lender or even a bank teller. (And, I frankly don’t think any of them have a crystal ball either.)
 
But, please, don’t call me out on that.  I can take questions on showing homes, writing purchases agreements, and making sure that you have the experts you need for inspections, loans, septic systems … (15 comments)

My Version of Active Rain Fun! - 08/24/12 06:34 PM
Most of these posts are members only and for good reason.  But, they caught my eye this evening.  And, I wanted to share them with you.
 
If you click on the first one, a warning….you could have to log in again.
 
 
1,000 Free Active Rain Points!
 
 
 
Debbie’s posts are great and she has a part deux to this one!
 
Debbie’s (Murphy’s) Laws
 
 
Don’t get Gwen started on MLS listings.  She has hundreds, if not thousands of examples of the stupidity posted there.   And, it’s funny, if it’s not YOU!
 
Gwen … (10 comments)

Navigating The Weirdness For Our Clients - 08/23/12 06:37 PM
Dick Greenberg has an abundance of excellent posts, but after this last week, this one really struck a nerve with me. 
I work very hard to bring my clients a successful deal, but, every once in a while, there are the  "odd ducks" that make it even more interesting to navigate the deal....well, I will just let him explain it. 
And, then be sure to thank HIM for the great post.
Via Dick Greenberg (Coldwell Banker - Fort Collins, CO):
Foreclosure and short sale offers that don't get an answer. HUD deals with monstrously insane and incomprehensible bureaucratic processes. Over-priced homes and low-ball … (0 comments)

ActiveRain is a Great Place! And, Thank Yous All Around! - 08/22/12 03:41 PM
 
I have gotten about six thank you notes in the last week from various Rainers.
 
That must be a new record. It was great to have the winners from the Anna Banana Go for the Gold winners thank me. But others have, too. And seemingly for small things that I have done.
 
It is quite satifying knowing that they cared enough to send a note.
 
Do you thank people who reblog your posts? Make a nice comment? Help you out with some advice or help you correct something in your blog, perhaps?
 
You … (17 comments)

Fender Benders and Your Privacy - 08/21/12 06:15 PM
Sandy Acevedo is a smart cookie.  And, this is information you should all share with your clients, friends and relatives. 
I know that I would never allow someone to take a photo of my ID, but others might.
 
Thank Sandy for a great post which should have been featured in my humble opinion.
Via Sandy Acevedo, Prudential Calif Ventura County Homes for Sale (951-290-8588):
Fender Benders and Your Privacy


Last week the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reported that although 5 million wrecks occur every year, many Americans do not know what steps to take or what … (7 comments)

I Just Found A Great Service - Downrightnow! - 08/20/12 04:11 PM
My Gmail account has been iffy for the last two days.  I thought maybe it was MY computer, but, NO.  It is Gmail.
 
Fancy that?   I checked the web and found a great site Downrightnow.com
 
This site will give you information about crashes on nearly any site.  Check it out.  Gmail is having some big issues.  And, that doesn’t bode well for others.  Could it be a check out for a cyber attack?  Who knows?   We know that Google will never tell us. 
 

 
 

And, you might have other sites that are slow … (17 comments)

Time to Be Proud, Elk River Minnesota You Are A Yellow Ribbon Winner! - 08/18/12 03:06 PM
This is terrific news for Elk River I certainly hope to be there.  I love the Yellow Ribbon program and what it means to our military and their families and friends. 
Thank Don for his post, and remember to support our troops whether here or in some terrible war-torn area.  They need us, and we certainly need them!
Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.:
After a year of developing plans to support active military service members and their families, the City of Elk River will be officially certified as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city at a ceremony Thursday, August 23, 2012 … (0 comments)

My Client Has Nothing to Do Tomorrow - Want to Look at Houses? - 08/18/12 12:37 PM
One of my clients emailed me today.  They have nothing to do tomorrow so they want to LOOK at houses. 
 
Great!  BUT, they didn’t say the magic words,…we want to look at houses that we are serious about buying.
 
They thought that since they are in “the market” for another home that I would just love to jump in my car, drive 50 miles (one-way) and show them about four homes that they aren’t ready to buy yet. 
 
Oh sure.  I just LOVE to look at houses, especially houses that I can’t sell.  This is my … (41 comments)

Luxury or Necessity? It Might Mean More Than You Think! - 08/17/12 12:06 PM
 When you are goal-setting, do you have a specific number in mind that you need to sell to be “comfortable”? 
 
Do you think about what how many houses or staging jobs or mortgages that need to be sold each quarter?  Do you break it down into quarters?  Or even weeks? 
 
Sometimes, we get so caught up in our day-to-day running that we forget to PLAN. 
  
And, while you are planning for achieving those goals, have you thought about what you might be wasting as well?

 

 
 
 
There are so many “things” that we … (10 comments)

Writing Something That Matters...How Do You Construct Your Posts? - 08/16/12 02:31 PM
A long, long time ago in a place far away….or was it a dark and stormy night?  At any rate, one of the best English teachers I ever had told me a few things about writing. 
 
And, my dear friends, that is what you are doing every time you “post”. 
 
1.   Prepare.  Think about your audience.  Make sure that they can understand what you are saying by asking “Who will read what I am about to write?”  And, use terms that they will understand.
2.   Spend 10 minutes or fewer noting your purpose and listing reasons to … (28 comments)

FHA Guideline On Seller Paid Closing Costs - 08/08/12 11:28 AM
George Souto hit another home-run.  This well-written and easy-to-understand post makes it simple to show your clients.  And, when working closely with a Loan Originator, should keep most of the discussion about closing costs to a minimum when writing an offer.
Hats off to Geoge, and thank him for his informative post.
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
These days many of the FHA Borrowers that I work with require Sellers to pay most of their Closing Costs, so I need to be on top of what the FHA Guideline On Seller Paid Closing Costs are. The FHA Guideline … (0 comments)

It's PAYBACK Time! See You Around! - 08/05/12 03:12 PM
It’s PAYBACK TIME. 
 
 
 
Having been fortunate enough to have been on the Rain for some 9 plus years, I have seen some great Rainmakers.  Some have gone on to great heights here and elsewhere.  Some have lost their voices forever.  And, some on are their way to SUCCESS such as they have never seen before. 
 
 
 
I wanted to take this opportunity shortly before my ten year anniversary to tell you all that I am semi-retiring. 
 
 
 
I will still be here nearly everyday shouting out encouragement and sometimes posting.  But, … (41 comments)

What Is Wrong Twin City Federal When They Are Faced with A Shortsale? - 08/03/12 01:23 PM
 
 
What is wrong with the reasoning behind Twin City Federal’s decisions when faced with a short sale? 
 
We have been involved with several shortsales with this institution , and, now we will NEVER work with them again. 
 
And, that is a very tough decision to make on behalf of our clients. 
 
WHY?  Because they are never willing to compromise.  Perhaps they are taking the Tea Party approach.  But, they would rather cut off their noses to spite their faces.
 
If you were offered nearly 10 percent on a debt that you KNEW … (7 comments)

SHHH! Tomorrow Is My Broker's Birthday! Can You Say Hello? - 08/02/12 05:42 PM
My broker is Don Sabinske, a member here on the Rain for FOREVER!
 
                                                                      
 
He blogs frequently about local events, issues and programs in his area around Elk River and Zimmerman, sometimes Anoka and Ramsey, in Minnesota. 
 
He is hanging out today and tomorrow celebrating.  And, I would love it if you could go his latest post and wish him a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
 
His birthday is August 3rd…so between today and tomorrow would be perfect.
 
You guys are so great, and most of you know him anyway through my posts.  … (13 comments)

Write About Your Hometown! It Pays Dividends, People Remember YOU! - 08/01/12 01:28 PM
When I wrote the posts about the neighborhoods in St. Michael, the phone started ringing.  
And, then, I thought why not incorporate some of the links to festivals, events, etc. in those posts?  

 
The potential buyers and sellers are reading the posts, and they should know what a vibrant community feeling we have here, including our excellent students, schools and faculties.
  
 
So, since I am doing an overhaul of my whole social media output, I will be going back and adding new information to each post with some updated links to a community social calendar.  And, you … (18 comments)

Keeping Sellers Informed - 08/01/12 01:12 PM
Do you need an edge in your business?  Would you like to have more referrals than you "can shake a stick at?"  This is one way to make sure that you keep your sellers happy and reap the benefits. 
I cannot thank Dick enough for sharing his largesse of information with all of us,  But you can! 
Take a few minutes to bop over to his blog and tell him that you appreciate the assistance he gives us for free.
Via Dick Greenberg (Coldwell Banker - Fort Collins, CO):
Sellers have simple needs. They want their home sold. They'd like that to happen … (0 comments)

Feng Shui Advice: Avoid the Poison of others (Energy Vampires) - 08/01/12 12:29 PM
This post by the Feng Shui Advisors goes along with my post from yesterday.  If you are not seeing results, change your attitude and the company you keep. 
Remember, birds of a feather flock together.  Read this and see how you can change a negative attitude into a positive one that attracts rather than repels.
And, thank Laura and Carole for some great advice.
Via Laura Cerrano and Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City/Feng Shui Manhattan ):
Feng Shui Advice: Avoid the Poison of others (Energy Vampires)
Energy is such an … (0 comments)

 
Suzanne McLaughlin, Wright & Sherburne Counties Realtor (Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael)) 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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