Suzanne McLaughlin's St. Michael - Albertville Minnesota Blog www.mclaughlinhomes.com

St. Patrick's Day Means So Much to Me....

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:08:39 -0700

Why I LOVE and Don’t LOVE St. Patrick’s Day.

First I will start with don’t love…I lost my hero, my DAD, my role model on St. Patrick’s Day.

I was directing some Irish dancers for whom I had made their costumes, by hand, at one of the largest venues for St. Patrick’s Day in all of the Twin Cities. This was before cell phones (twenty-five years ago). I got an urgent message from one of the concierge at the venue who told me to go home for an urgent message. Luckily enough, at the time, I lived just a few short blocks away.

Some Irish friends came with me….true friends to leave a wonderful and loud party.

My step-brother finally called and told me that my wonderful DAD had succumbed to his heart disease.

I had been there only one month earlier and had hoped for a better outcome. But, I felt the need to salute a wonderful man today, twenty-five years ago who left this earth to become a star in the galaxy and beyond. He helped me become the woman I am today.

He taught me, along with my mother, how to conduct myself to be unflinchingly moral, truthful, thoughtful and ingenuity.

Bert Adams would be a saint if he had had the fortune to be Catholic. Everyone loved him. And, better yet, they admired and listened to him.

I can’t think of a better tribute.

It turns out that I am not only Irish descent

The information contained in this blog is believed to be true and correct and while every effort is made to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about its accuracy for any particular purpose. All information is copy written and the property of Suzanne McLaughlin..

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Holiday House - for the Birds!

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:15:53 -0800

I really liked the Holiday House....and it is still for sale. So, get your Christmas decorations in February this year. Or this would make a great gift, too.

Say hi to Ron for me when you comment on this one. Thanks!

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

I wanted to show you the Holiday House I made in October for the birds.

It will be tough to put this one outside because the decorations wouldn’t survive very long.

This was the first house I made with two towers. And, it was fun to do even though I wasn’t quite in the holiday spirit yet.

The windows were the toughest part of this one because I wanted to make the nail heads look like snowflakes.

And, the Santa in his sleigh looks as if he has been on a rather extended diet!

I might have one or two more at the Creamery Antique Shop that I haven’t spotlighted yet, but I think I have shown you nearly everything I still have in inventory.

Hope you like this one. It is going to be a long winter without houses to make.

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Two More of My Favorites.....Still Available for Christmas!

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:09:22 -0800

Another Ron's Rustic Birdhouses exclusive. There are only a few left. And, I know that he is itching to start building birdhouses again.

Please comment on Ron's post, if you would. Have a great weekend!

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

This is one of my favorites….since it is a joke and it has the horseshoe.

This was fun because several of my friends are horse lovers, too.

And, then there is the cabin in the woods, which reminds me of an old-time logging cabin.

This one was fun because I love the lantern, the thought of two guys sharing some beer at the end of a long day.

Hope you enjoy the reruns. Let me know if I can ship something in time for Christmas!

I will be back with some other blog posts soon, but I want to get as much exposure for sales as I can right now.

I hope you understand and bear with me!

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Special Order! The Amphibian Abode

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:04:24 -0800

Ron Marshall, one of my favorite bloggers needs less than 500 points now to get to his goal. So, I am going to help him out two ways.

One through a couple of reblogs....and reblogging his birdhouses which he sells!

Stop over and give him a couple of points. He is a great guy, and he returns comments!

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

I was fortunate enough to be asked to make something for a very special woman.

She wanted a birdhouse with frogs. And, that really sparked my imagination.

Now, you remember, that I can’t paint in the house. So, if I wanted to make something, it had to be constructed from materials that don’t require painting.

Frogs live in marshes, etc. So this is what I came up with. The only odor that emanated from this creation was the glue used to attach the four frogs.

What do you think? It was a fun project, and, if you want a birdhouse that is completely out of barn wood, I might be able to fashion something. But, most of my barnwood is under a foot of snow right now, too!

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Worried About YOUR Home Going into Foreclosure in Wright County MN?

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:50:42 -0800

If you are worried about your home going into foreclosure in Wright County Minnesota, and than means in Albertville, St. Michael, Buffalo or anywhere else in Wright County, Minnesota, please know that there are LEGITMATE options for you.

Don’t trust people who call, email or send you mail that tell you they can help. I see these “offers” frequently when I work with clients.

You may or may not need to short sale your home. Before you make that decision, please contact me. Or call Wright County Community Action.

We may be able to save your home from foreclosure right now.

But, you need to make the call. If you fear the calls from creditors, now is the time to act.

There is a six month redemption period in Minnesota before you must exit your home, but you need to act NOW, before it is too late for anyone to assist you.

Let me know, and I will direct you to all resources you need to save your home. If we can’t save it, perhaps a short sale might allow you to buy again in a few years, depending on your credit-worthiness. And, if you need help to save that, I have some experts attorneys who can help with that, too.

Don’t despair. Make a move. You will sleep better knowing that you have resources who can help.

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

I Sold Four Birdhouses Today!

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:21:14 -0800

Ron's birdhouses are amazing. And, so many Rainers have purchased them for themselves and as gifts.

Ron is just starting to get his name OUT THERE because of his tireless efforts to become a Rainmaker.

He needs just a few more points to do just that this week, and I thought I would help him along.

Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

I sold four birdhouses today. And, not to jinx it, I am not saying who the very smart customer was, but he is in the Rain. Once, they are all shipped, I will reveal the buyer!

Here are the houses that were sold:

Autumn’s Edge (one of Chief Cook’s very favorites!)

Northwoods (One of my very favorites!)

The Drive Inn (Another one of my favorites)

The Honeymoon Cottage (another of Chief Cook’s favorites because it has real wax candles!)

There are still a number of houses in inventory, so call or email me if you still want one before spring!

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Be The Best - Volunteer to Help in 2013!

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:36:30 -0800

Everyone knows that I am a big fan of volunteering in the Wright County area. I couldn't have written a better post than this about how to take part in our area. This is an ongoing need here. And whatever you can do remember you neighbors are needing asistance and they are also providing assistance, so jump in!

Now, please thank the author of the post, too.

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

Is one of your resolutions for the year to make this place (wherever it is) better?

Want to volunteer some of your time and energy into making Wright County a better place to live?

Click this link.

It contains only a partial list of places you can spend some time to make other people’s loads a little easier.

There are opportunities to work with the youth and the elderly and everything in between.

So, get off the couch….get involved and help out your neighbors, friends and families.

I do a fair amount of volunteering, and it is not only good for your soul (karma, etc.), it makes you forget your own worries for a while.

And, the smiles make it all worth it!

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Suesan Therriault is Amazing!

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:34:17 -0800

Suesan Therriault is amazing. She has a great inspection service in Blakeslee Pennsylvania called JTHIS (Jenifer Therriault Home Inspection Services, I think).

She has been assisting our fellow Rainer, Ron Marshall, reach his goal of 500,000 points BEFORE he has to start paying to be a Rainmaker.

She has other people on her team, her husband Michael and her son Johnatan helping her out, too.

Along with Debbie Laity, I think the four of them are responsible for over 1,000 points.

There is Donna Foerster who boosted him along, Michele Carr Crowe, Tammy Lankford, Joy Daniels, Michael Jacobs and I don’t know how many others who have reblogged his posts.

I know that he is thankful for all the assistance. And, I want to thank you all as well since I sponsored him, I get ten percent of all those points.

It really isn’t about the points anyway, but the relationships that come with the comments, reading posts and returning comments.

But just see what a few friendly gestures here in the Rain can do for you? It is truly amazing.

I am so blessed to have found ActiveRain when I did. The friends I have made across the United States and Canada have been well worth the time I have put into this.

Now, go out and make it a great day in the Rain for yourself, too. Find someone who is new and make their day with a comment or two!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Endorse a Fellow ActiveRain Member Contest was a Huge Success

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:29:24 -0800

Now, here is a great group to join! Thanks, Debbie Reynolds, for going above and beyond (as usual).

This will be something I am going to do frequently. Thank Debbie and Kathy Streib for their dedication on this challenge. I know I will.

Via Debbie Reynolds, "The Real Debbie Reynolds" (Prudential PenFed Realty):

Endorse a Fellow ActiveRain Member Contest was a Huge Success. The Endorsements listed the praises and the accomplishments of fellow AR members and introduced us to Members that had skills and talents that had missed our attention. If you missed this challenge and want to see what Endorse a Fellow ActiveRain Member was all about Click Here.

There were 108 bloggers that participated and a total of 86,500 Contest Bonus Points will be awarded. The numbers have been sent to Kerrie so stay tuned, she will get to it as quickly as she can.

During the contest I kept hearing that we need to do more of this type of post. So with that said we now have a new group just for Endorsements, Accolades and Praises of ActiveRain Members. This group will also accept posts about a fellow member where they deserve some recognition or praise for an action or good deed.

Click on this link to go join the group so you will have a place to post this type of post in the future.

For those that wrote an Endorsement post for the contest you can still go back and add your post to the new group but you must join the group first. Simply go to your endorsement post, click the edit button and add the new group: Endorsements, Accolades and Praises of ActiveRain Members. Remember you have to join the group first to be able to post any blog into this group.

And now a huge round of applause goes to my fellow contest moderator, Kathy Streib for reading and reviewing the posts with me. She has also graciously agreed to help moderate this new group.

This is going to be a very active group with lots of posts. Only posts written about fellow ActiveRain Members are to be submitted into this group. No self promotion please.

Contests help us hone our blogging skills and help us get to know one another better. I hope to see our Endorsements of ActiveRain Members continue. This type of post gets lots of notice on the search engines.

Endorse a Fellow ActiveRain Member Contest was a Huge Success.

Want To Know What Debbie Has to Say?

If you are needing Real Estate services in Clarksville TN it would be my pleasure to assist you!

.

"The Real Debbie Reynolds" at DebbieReynolds.net

Prudential PenFed Realty, 2503 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37040

An independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliated, Inc.

Not affiliated with Prudential. Prudential watermarks used under license.

931-920-6730 (office) 931-320-6730 (cell)

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Countdown to The Granddaddy of Them All - Pasadena, CA Restaurants A-Z

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:24:00 -0800

Now, here is some very useful information that I just found on Michael Jacobs blog.

It is a great idea. And, one that I will use soon. Giving all the restaurants in an area is very helpful for consumers, don't you think?

Via Michael Jacobs, Pasadena CA/SanGabriel Valley Realtor, 818.516.4393 cell (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate):

It's just weeks away to

"The Granddaddy of Them All"

in

Pasadena, California

Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game

Saturday, January 1, 2011

In order to prepare --- here is a small list of eating establishments from informal to formal

from A to Z

(well, most of the alphabet)

a

variety of cultures

Azeen's Afghan Cuisine, Arroyo Chop House, Avanti Café, All India Grill, Bistro 45, Beckham Grill, Buca di Beppo, Bar Celona, Boiling Pot, Burger Continental, Big Mamas, Bonnie B's Smokin' BBQ Heaven, Bodega Wine Bar, Celestino, Café Bijou, Cabreras, Café Verde, Cheesecake Factory, Counter, Cameron's Seafood, Choza Mama, Central Park, City Thai, Cheval Blanc, Dereks, Dona Rosa, Domenicos, El Chollo, El Portal, Elements, Five Sixty One, Fu-Shing, Green Street, Gales, Gerlachs, Gyu-Kaku Japanese Grill, Houstons, Hamburger Hamlet, ix-Tapa, Il Fornaio, Japon Bistro, Kathleens, King Taco, La Posada Nuevo, La Luna Negra, Louise's, Lovebirds, Lucky Baldwins, Le Pain Quotidien, La Grande Orange Café, Luigi Ortega, Lebanese Kitchen, Malbec, Mijares, Mi Piace, Maison Akira, Margarita's, M Local Grill, Maria's Italian Kitchen, McMurphy's, Magnolia, Mezbaan Indian Cuisine, Neomeze, New Delhi, Nikke C's, Noodle World, Noor,Oishii, Odeon Vegetarian, Parkway Grill, Pie and Burger, President Thai, Plate 38, PF Chang, Porto Alegre Brazilian, Pita!Pita!, Quadrupel, Roscoes Chicken and Waffles, Ruth's Chris, Red, White & Bluezz, Ranchero, Raymond, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Robins, Russell's, Rosarito, Rick's, Saladang, Saladang Song, Stonefire Grill, Sitar Indian, Suriya Thai, Smittys, Scarlett Tea Room, Shogun, Shaab Restaurant, Scarlet Tea Room, Spring Garden, Sushi of Naples, Shogun, Teri N Yaki, Tibet Nepal House, The Hat, The Royce, Tops, Tokyo Wako, The White Hut, The Melting Pot, Trattoria Tre Venezie, Villa Sorriso, Vertical, Wokcano, Wolfe's Burger, Yujean Kang, Yahaira, Yang Chow, Yardhouse, Zushi, Zono, Zankou Chicken . . .

please feel free to add your favorite

Michael Jacobs

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

DRE # 01165532

2065 Huntington Drive

San Marino, California 91108

Cellular: 818.516.4393

Office: 626.685.5246

Office Fax: 626.568.9507

michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com

www.camoves.com/michael.jacobs

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Michael Jacobs - Pasadena and Los Angeles Real Estate Expert

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:34:58 -0800

Michael Jacobs is the most dedicated real estate market analyst in California in my humble opinion.

Michael Jacobs is a Monterey Hills real estate specialist, and he knows all of Pasadena and Los Angeles, too.

When you are searching for a buy, sale or lease of a Pasadena, Los Angeles or anywhere in between of a townhome, condo or loft, Michael has done a market analysis of that development.

Looking for something a little more in the single family range? Michael Jacobs knows that market, too.

You might rather spend a little less than a million on your next property, and Michael can give you the best ideas of where there are homes available now.

It is a seller’s market in Pasadena and Los Angeles; you probably know that already. Michael Jacobs is the realtor to call when you want to sell your California property. He can give you the most up-to-date market analysis on your property.

And, if you would rather lease it, or if you are looking for a lease in the Pasadna or Los Angeles area, Michael Jacobs is the real estate agent to call. He has market analyses on those market, too.

Whatever your needs, Michael Jacobs is the real estate market analyst in Pasadena, Los Angeles or neighboring areas. And, he cares about his clients.

Check out just some of his very carefully crafted blog posts about cell phone coverage, maintenance issues and other topics that would concern me, and likely you, too.

I highly recommend Michael Jacobs. He is a smart, witty and expert realtor. Call him today…..direct: (626) 685-5246 or cell (818) 516-4393).

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Ron Marshall- a great guy and birdhouse builder!

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 06:41:13 -0800

Ron Marshall got this great press release from Tammy Lankford, and I wanted to share it.

Ron is such a great guy. And, his talent knows no bounds. He does paint, too, but now he is so busy with the Antique Shop that he hasn't time for that either.

I probably should have endorsed him myself....but Tammy and Joy Daniels did a great job on him.

Thanks, Tammy!

Via Tammy Lankford- lake sinclair (706-485-9668) (Tammy Lankford/Broker Lane Realty Lake Sinclair-Central GA):

Last year, and I'm not even sure what month, Ron Marshall took some old wooden coca-cola crates that might have been thrown into a land fill. But Ron always takes items destined for the trash and turns them into treasures.

My baby brother, that I love, collects all things coca-cola and I instantly knew I had to buy him that bird house. A quick comment, a few emails and Ron had that birdhouse packed up and in the mail to me. Well I took it out of the box and set it out at my office and it got wonderful comments. When December came I really hated to pack it up and gift it to my brother. Of course I did. And he loved it.

But when I came back to work after Christmas there was an empty spot where the coca-cola birdhouse used to be. So I had an idea. I emailed Ron again and asked if he could build a birdhouse that looked like my office. Six years ago we moved into our new office and we still love it and it still seems "new". I emailed Ron a couple of photos and expected him to work on it come spring. Apparently chief cook says painting is supposed to occur outside.

Ron must have known I'm an impatient girl, because he found a way to get it done.

The Lane Realty birdhouse now sits in my conference room flanked by the angel of hope and the angel of gratitude. They overlook our listings board. Everyone just loves it.

Ron is a great guy and he can build you a great birdhouse. He also has a wonderful selection on his website for sale.

He's a smart man too. He's always "saving" other people's trash and turning it into a treasure.

If you are wanting a very special gift for someone I suggest you go comment on Ron's blog and see if he can't build it for you too.

I think maybe the next project I am going to get him to make for me is a cute little birdhouse for my mama. My parents feed the birds and have several birdhouses. And she has only seen a photo of my office birdhouse, but she loved my brother's at Christmas. As for me I highly recommend his work.

706-485-9668 us on facebook

Tammy@Lake-Sinclair.com

Follow me on Google Plus for more information about Lake Sinclair and surrounding area news and events

(Click on Lane Realty Logo for web site)

Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner

Broker License # 169695 Lane Realty License # H-11420

Call me today for all your Lake Sinclair real estate needs.

Subscribe to my Blog here!

We always have water at lake sinclair Lake Sinclair stays full even during droughts. Click to read why and how.

Search for homes on Lake Sinclair now

For readers who are not members of ActiveRain feel free to also add your comments or you can click on the EMAIL me link to the right of this blog and email me. Thanks for reading.

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For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

You're Invited.....

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:18:28 -0800

Dick, you really deserve kudos for taking this step out of the "BOX". I wish you all the success in the world and then some. You are smart, kind and so very generous.

This is a great addition to the Fort Collins area and to the Colorado market in general.

Here's to you and your new team!

Via Dick Greenberg (Elevations Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO):

We're finally all together now. Even though Elevations Real Estate was officially opened in November and the office became habitable around the beginning of the year, it has taken until last Friday to get all our founding partners officially on board. Things have gone extremely well so far - we've hired a great office manager, we're getting our systems and technology fine tuned and up and running, the office finish turned out gorgeously, and we're all having a lot of fun.

We're also all very busy selling real estate, which was kind of basic to the whole concept. Our clients have been extremely supportive, and our peers have been very curious. Even this early into it, we're all very optimistic - it really looks like this thing is going to fly!

In upcoming posts, I'll have some pictures of our office, and do introductions of our founding partners, many of whom are already AR members. But for now, if you're in the area Wednesday evening, drop in and celebrate with us - we'd love to show you around.

Mary & Dick Greenberg
Elevations Real Estate LLC
106 East Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Newest Or Oldest Birdhouse - Name IT!

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:10:49 -0800

It is finally time to reblog one of Ron Marshall's posts. It has taken him quite a long time to get to this point. And, I am so proud of him and his stamina to not only make his business work, but to put the time in to make himself a Rainmaker!

Comment on his post, if you would. I would appreciate your support, and I know he will, too.

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

I don’t know if you saw the birdhouse I posted yesterday, Cabin Fever. But, here is another one that was out in the garage.

I haven’t done anything with it yet. So, I am open to suggestions.

I can’t even figure out a name for it.

So, this could be a first.

If you like it, you can tell me how to outfit it. And, you can name it, too.

Check out yesterday’s post for Cabin Fever, too.

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

MY NEW REAL ESTATE TERM -- "PARKED BUYERS"

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:04:43 -0800

Steve and Pat Pribisko have come up with a new term....and I think most of us can identify with this now.

Please thank Pat for a great post. And, have a great rest of the week!

Via Pat & Steve Pribisko (Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West):

MY NEW REAL ESTATE TERM -- "PARKED BUYERS"

In Northeast, OH (the Greater Cleveland Area), we have a shortage of homes to buy at most price points. That means we are in a sellers market. Let me write that again. WE ARE IN A SELLERS MARKET. Who knew that we would have low home inventory now? I'd say no one.

So, this is my current problem, the problem for me and my partner (and husband), is that we have a number of buyers, at various price points, who have seen every home available in their price range and in the cities of their choice. And, some of them have been "bruised" by losing a multiple offer situation....

So what can they do? Now, this is a bit exaggerated But, some of our buyers want to see a newly listed home as soon as it hits the market. So, I envision them as sitting in their parked cars, waiting to hear that there is a newly listed home to see. So, seriously, I now refer to those clients as our "Parked Buyers."

Steve & Pat Pribisko

TEAM PRIBISKO

440-725-0910

440-463-1726

www.AgentsWhoEarnYourTrust.com

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

What's Not to "Like" About St. Michael and Albertville Neighborhoods?

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:57:48 -0800

Living in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota is a dream come true. We have excellent schools, great neighborhoods and more amenities since we live in the northeast quadrant of Wright County than many of our neighboring towns. This area is home to many businesses, some industry and many start-ups.

Later this week I will spotlight some of the neighborhoods that I posted about last summer…..with summer photos so that you can see them in their glory.

I hope you stayed tuned. There are so many great neighborhoods in St. Michael and Albertville to choose from.

And, whether you are buying or selling, be sure to check out Sabinske & Associates for your real estate needs. We never charge an administration fee to you for working with us!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Rogers Minnesota is the Best Place to Raise Kids in Minnesota!

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:03:50 -0800

Rogers has been named by Bloomberg Businessweek and Bloomberg Rankings as the “Best Place to Raise Kids in Minnesota.” And, Sabinske Associates is very pleased to be a part of this great community!

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

Sabinske & Associates always knew this. We sell homes in Rogers Minnesota!

Rogers has been named by Bloomberg Businessweek and Bloomberg Rankings as the “Best Place to Raise Kids in Minnesota.”

Bloomberg chose one city in each state by evaluating more than 3,200 places nationwide with populations from 5,000 to 50,000.

Rogers has a very vibrant community with lots of diversity, and it has a stable business community, too. It is also well-located on I-94.

If you are looking for homes in the Rogers area, call us. We are very local, and we welcome the opportunity to show you this great community!

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Cabin Fever - A New Birdhouse for YOU! Ron Marshall - New Rainmaker!

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:51:42 -0800

It is with so much great pleasure that I introduce you to Ron Marshall, a new Rainmaker.

Ron has been here for 2 years and 4 months, as I recall. And, during that time, so many of us have been frustrated not to be able to reblog his posts. And, now that he is a Rainmaker, he and the rest of his fans can pin away on Pinterest, too.

Please welcome him (again) into the FOLD and tell him how proud you are that he took the plunge and has worked this hard to get this far.

Via Ron Marshall (Marshall Enterprises):

Since I can’t paint anything right now. I am forced to use some of the barnwood I have. And, nothing screams cabin like barnwood, right?

This one has a couple of camp benches and some coffee cups, a “Coleman-style” lantern and a big old cast iron frying pan in addition to the moose, the fox and the ever trusty dog.

I hope you like it.

It was fun to use those berried trees on this one, too.

It needed a bit of color to make it more decorative, I thought.

See you later again today…..I am back to work now.

Ron Marshall, proud sponsor of Ron's Rustic Birdhouses!

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Self-Service Checkouts Are A Disappointment....Aren't FSBOs the Same?

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:33:41 -0800

This analogy seems to me to be a very good one. The self-service checkouts can be very frutstrating, too.

Thank Don with a comment if you would.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

I recently read that most people dislike the self-service checkout because of the number of errors they receive in trying to get out the door.

I might maintain that selling YOUR home yourself parallels that experience to some degree.

First, of all, you will have to have the correct forms no matter how you manage to get your home on the MLS.

Second, you WILL need an attorney or face the liability of a lawsuit down the road. Will you be able to sleep at night knowing that the buyer of your previous residence might send you a letter via HIS/HER attorney maintaining that you didn't disclose this or that? Or that you were negligent or worse for something else?

Do you know the anti-discrimination laws when it comes to marketing, showing and selling your home? There are very specific actions you must take, very specific actions you are forbidden to take, and do you really want to field phone calls at 10 p.m. at night from unqualified buyers, real estate agents, and others who now know that you are selling a property?

Do you feel comfortable negotiating your price with an experienced realtor?

Do you know what to do if the appraisal comes in low, the inspection is an atrocity, or the buyers flake without earnest money for your time and trouble and after taking your property off the market for probably weeks?

Self-service checkouts with multiple errors on the head of lettuce I am trying to purchase look pretty good by comparison to those headaches.

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Does Anyone Take Black & White Photos Anymore?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:02:08 -0800

This was an interesting question that Don posed. I do take b&W photos, but more for my own artistic bent than for real estate photos. But, sometimes it can be interesting....check out these comments.

And, thank Don for an interesting question.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

It was an odd thing…I happened to be messing with my camera, trying to get the photos from the camera to download onto the sandisk. And, I made an error.

No, it doesn’t happen often that I make a mistake, but if one had to be made, this was a great time to do it rather than while I was “working”.

I was trying to take photos of some fish we had caught, and the end result was that the camera was taking black and white shots which I found interesting, but not great.

Sadly, I deleted them while trying to get the camera back to normal and the photos from the camera back to the disk.

But, I thought they were interesting and wondered if any of you take any black and white photos with your cameras?

I will be here waiting to hear, with a line in the water.

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Somewhere in Minnesota, There's Something Fishy Going On!

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:42:13 -0800

Somehow this just seems wrong. And, I wish I had the power to stop this in the real estate world. I was going to make this members only, but I feel the public has a right to know, too.

Thank Don for this well-written post.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

I have thought about writing this post for a while. But, it isn’t easy.

There is a town in Minnesota that has several brokerages. Two of those brokerages never list on the Multiple Listing Service and won’t show properties to buyers from other brokerages.

I guess they can do that. But, somehow, it seems wrong.

They won’t pay a cooperating broker fee to any one. So, if you show one of the properties that they have listed, your buyer has to pay your commission.

I guess they can do that, too. Still seems as if the sellers aren’t getting the benefits of what the MLS was intended for.

Tell me what you think? I am perplexed about what, if anything, I might want to see happen.

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

When You are a Buyer, Please Take the Time to Hire a Home Inspector!

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:23:41 -0800

Really, in the grand scheme of things, hiring a home inspector for one of the biggest purchases of your life only makes sense. Think of what you could save in $$$ down the road, if you knew what lies hidden in the attic or the plumbing.

Let's make sure that you know what you are buying.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

You've found it! You can reasonably afford it. It is in the geographical location you want to be....and it has the 1, 2, and 4 on your list. (Three was just too much to expect.)

Now you and/or "your family" are ready to move. You have all the financing. You now need a home inspection. Why?

Well, there will be an appraisal for the mortgage company. And, if your agent was really looking out for your best interests, he or she put an inspection contingency in the purchase agreement. Why again? So that you know what, if any, defects are present before the appraisal. Money well spent.

And, if your agent, again, is savvy, he or she will suggest at least two inspectors he or she has worked with in the past who follow codes in the community and are well-versed in inspection training.

Take heed. It might be the best money you spend in the transaction outside of hiring the best agent or broker, of course!!!!

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Will You Ever See Your Home Come Back to the Levels of Even Three Years Ago?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:17:06 -0800

Well, this might be a little outdated, but the basic premise holds true. There is very little that we as realtors can do to make your home more valuable, but in the grand scheme of things, if you sell at a low point, you will likely buy at a low point, too.

Makes sense, doesn't it. Don was ahead of the curve on this one. Thank him.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

No one has a crystal ball. And the way things are going now, I would say likely not. But, our market is in a deeper slump that almost the rest of the country. And, the recent shutdown of the Minnesota State Government didn't help matters at all. We saw a lot of job loss.

And with the job loss goes a lot of mortgage payments being missed. And, we all know what that leads to.....more short sales and foreclosures.

Because it is difficult enough sometimes to make the regular payment. Throw a couple of missed payments on top of that, and the load becomes more than most people can carry. \

Some of the answer is in interest rates. If you have a floating interest rate, and can pay off your mortgage faster that might help you with equity loading down the road.

If you need to sell, 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.

It is a very complex question, but, if we can ever move forward, it might have to come in the form of more buyer incentives. Because the interest rate is about as low as it has ever been.

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Where Is Your Dream Vacation Spot? And Why Aren't You Living THERE?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:09:42 -0800

Hello? This is an obvious question, and one that I think Don has really got a handle on.

When and if you move from Minnesota to your dream spot, we can handle listing and selling your property here!

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

In our neck of the woods, there are many Minnesotans who own vacation cabins on lakes.

I am not among them. But, I sold my dad a great place on a great lake! Works for me.

I love to fish summer and winter, and I love to snowmobile and I probably enjoy the winter more than the summer because there are generally fewer chores to do.

My wife is now working on her master's and has quite a bit of experience to get so our weekends have been curtailed in getting out there.

The best part of that is that I am a real estate broker. Which means I can set my own schedule. And, with the child not in school, we can actually enjoy the lakes with fewer boats, less traffic and more enjoyment.

There are many places I have visited that would be in my top ten, but having the luxury of not owning, but nearly having free run of a great property on a great Minnesota walleye lake tanks right up there.

Do you have a favorite spot? Why aren't you living there?

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!

Why I Write Blog Posts....It Might Surprise You!

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:54:59 -0800

Here is another great example of how Don writes so very plainly and yet tells a great story.

Let's help him over the top. Thanks for your kindness.

Via Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. (Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc.):

I have written (not nearly) enough blog posts over the course of my time here on ActiveRain.

Why? Because I have better things to do, obviously.

But, I had a subscriber that went through some of my old posts and rescued the orphans that were at two comments, made the third and granted me some extra points.

That was very nice.

But, I also have quite a few posts that have NO comments. Why? Because they are localism posts.

Now, don't get me wrong. I write those posts for the local community, and I feel that there is a need for that in my community.

Having recently had my first "Featured" post, I was overwhelmed with the quality and the quanity of comments. And, for that I am very grateful.

I am not striving to be the best and the brightest on writing posts, but, when they are well-received by the community, I feel as if the other orphans feel better, too.

I will continue the weekly localism posts even if no one comments.

And, I have a greater good in mind. Those needs of my clients to know what is happening in the Elk River, Zimmerman and Big Lake areas.

It is my mission to serve my clients here to the best of my ability as well as my buyers and sellers in the listing, purchase or negotiating of their positions.

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 612-202-0215 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. 612-202-0215

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, give me a call!