Tyghre 's Blog

My New Year Resolution

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:51:53 -0600

Ok, so I'm not so good at actually keeping my new years resolutions, but I figure if I put it out there into the world wide web for all to read, then just maybe I'll be held accountable, or at least be reminded.

So here it is, my new years resolution's, o, its more than one:

1. Cut back on the caffeine, no more soda, not an ounce and only one cup, yep just one cup of coffee/day!

2. To go to bed by 11pm on week nights, no matter how much I want to finish watching HGTV reruns.

3. To stop eating out so much, once a week is quite enough. It makes me sick thinking how much I've spent on dining out this past year.

4. To just say no to those designer shoes, even if they are one sale.

5. Finally, to spend more time doing the things I love, and stop talking about them.

I know, all are very vague and unmeasurable, but I figure if I can at least admit that these are all things I'd like to accomplish, then just maybe I'll have the opportunity to make 2008 a healthy, wealthy and happy year :)

Never Pay a Phone Bill Again!!!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:27:05 -0600

I'm sure many of you are in the midst of finalizing your 2008 business plans and going over your budgets. So, I thought I'd share with you an amazing little product that could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on your phone bills.

I just ordered this wonderful product that was referred to me by a friend, I am so excited about it that I just couldn't wait to share it with you all.

MagicJack

Magic Jack is a new service that gives you a number, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, etc. and a nifty little phone jack. It is a USB phone jack that plugs into a computer and then the person plugs a phone into the other end allowing them to make or receive calls for free. All you have to do is buy the phone jack for $39.00 and $19.95 a year after that.

I encourage you to check out their website to learn more:

http://www.magicjack.com/

I'm not an endorser by any means, but when I find something that will save you time and money, I will always share.

tyghre.com

Show Them the Money!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:33:57 -0600

Well, its the end of the year and all those Broker, MLS and NAR fees are filling up my email account. It's my first year in real estate and I knew to expect some expenses, but wow, my credit card is taking a hit, especially during this time a year.

I must admit that most of my blogs are about local events, current market trends and I try to always through in some useful tips, so this is a first for me...I'm finally speaking freely!!!

Many say that your first year you either sink or swim...I was born a Floater!!! neither sinking or swimming at this point (it's only been 4 months).

I'm really trying to stay positive at this point, but I will admit its kind of hard sometimes. I don't want money to be an issue, but thats kind of hard, especially when there are a lot of holiday parties coming up around the corner.

Thanks for listening...

If you feel my pain, please speak freely!

If you got any advice or words of encouragement please share!

tyghre.com

Great Top Floor Co-op Unit in Uptown, MN

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:12:47 -0600

Tyghre Collentine | Coldwell Banker Burnet | 763.843.1209

2309 Grand Ave S #304, Minneapolis, MN

Well-established co-op w/healthy reserves. Top floor unit w/city views features hrdwd flrs, 9ft ceilings, built-ins. Upgrades: stainless steal applian

1 Bdrm Co-Op

offered at $99,000

Year Built	1922
Sq Footage	600
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$245 per month

DESCRIPTION

This sunny Top Floor unit features year-round and seasonal views of downtown Minneapolis. You’ll love the historic charm & character with its 9 foot ceilings, lovely oak hardwood floors, and built-in china cabinets & linen closet. Recent updates include an updated kitchen with brand new full-size stainless steel appliances and new floor, as well as a new shower installation & pedestal sink in the bathroom. This unit is freshly painted throughout so you can move right in and call this unit “home.” Undervalued at $99,000, this unit is a great deal for the Uptown area and a safe investment!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Breakfast nook
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Stainless steel appliances

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Laundry on-site

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Rooftop deck w/city views

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Tyghre Collentine

Coldwell Banker Burnet

763.843.1209

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 30, 2007, 1:20pm PST

MN Uptown Realtor Looking to Make Your Dreams Come True!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:38:26 -0600

tyghre.com

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout, where I studied Management and Marketing. I’ve been a life-long resident of the Twin Cities and currently I reside in Uptown, Minneapolis. In my free time, I can be found running around the lakes, taking a stroll with my beloved dog Louie, or dining out with my friends.

I would like to consider myself an excellent resource for first-time-home buyers and sellers. I understand the emotional investment of buying and selling a home, as well as the financial investment. I truly believe in the power of knowledge and spend a lot of time on continuing my education to better serve my clients.

MY PROMISE:
*To promote change and innovation in the Real Estate industry.
*To deliver a true one-stop-shopping opportunity for home buyers and sellers.
*To have a positive impact on my community.
*To create and promote opportunities for personal growth.

tyghre.com has finally arrived!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:58:10 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

Tyghre

tyghre.com has finally arrived!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:57:09 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

Tyghre

tyghre.com has finally arrived!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:56:44 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

Tyghre

tyghre.com has finally arrived!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:56:10 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

Tyghre

tyghre.com has finally arrived!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:55:12 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

Tyghre

Critique My Website!!! And don't worry, I can handel it!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:34:30 -0600

First of all, thank you to all of those that commented on my blog, "I need website help," I took your comments to heart and hopefully created a great website.

And now, the time has finally arrived, my website is almost complete. It's colorful, to the point, and hopefully useful.

tyghre.com

And now I need your help, yeap that's right, as professionals in the indusrty, I value your opinion. This is my first website, so it's pretty basic.

Here are some of my biggest concerns regarding my website:

Usability- Is it easy to navigate?
Content- Too much or too little?
Grammar- Yes, I will admit I'm not the best speller in the world and even though there is spell check, I still make mistakes!
Is it Memorable- Both the real estate world and internet world are extremely competitive.

Comments, questions, concerns...Bring them on!!!

Thank you for your support.

tyghre.com

Food Safety For the Holidays

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:03:12 -0600

Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like a feast with family and friends. But recent recalls and front page headlines (due to E. coli concerns) remind us that food safety basics should never be neglected. So, I put together some tips and resources to help make your holiday meals safe and healthy.

Cleaning

To prevent the spread of bacteria and food borne illnesses, always wash hands in hot soapy water before preparing food. Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat. Also wash cutting boards, knives, utensils and counter tops in hot soapy water after every use, taking extra care to keep meats, eggs and vegetables separated while you work to avoid cross-contamination. Ideally, use separate cutting boards for raw meats and replace any boards once they develop deep grooves, scratches or cuts where bacteria can hide. Sponges and towels are also breeding grounds for harmful pathogens and should be freshly washed with soap and hot water.

Cooking

When preparing a frozen turkey, it should be thawed in the refrigerator at 40°F, never left out at room temperature where bacteria can multiply rapidly (allow 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey). It's best to thaw your turkey on the bottom shelf to avoid dripping the juices onto other foods. It can also be defrosted in its original leakproof wrapper in cold water, as long as the water is changed every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed.

When cooking, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the inner thigh and the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F before removing the turkey from the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before serving. Always wash the thermometer between temperature checks. Cooking turkey to a temperature of 165°F is especially important when serving children, the elderly, pregnant women and the immune compromised.

The safest way to cook stuffing is to prepare it separately, but if it is cooked inside the bird it should be moist and packed loosely. Whether cooked separately or inside the bird, stuffing should be cooked to at least 165°F. Place turkey in oven immediately after stuffing.

Serving

If you're having a buffet-style feast, make sure hot foods are kept hot (above 140°F) in a warming tray, chafing dish, or slow cooker. Likewise, cold foods should be kept cold (below 40°F) over ice. Otherwise, perishables, especially dishes containing meats and cheeses, should not be left out for more than two hours. It's a good idea to divide large portions of cooked foods into smaller portions, serving some and storing the rest to maintain safe temperatures. Hot food can either be kept warm in an oven set to between 200°F and 250°F, or it can be cooled and reheated before serving. To cool foods evenly, transfer items to shallow containers and store them in the freezer or refrigerator until they're served. Any reheated food should be brought to 165°F before serving. As your buffet platters empty, clear them away and serve fresh food on fresh dishes with clean serving utensils. Desserts made with eggs and milk, like pumpkin pie, must be refrigerated after baking.

Storage

Separate leftovers into shallow containers and cool quickly in the refrigerator, rather than leaving them out on the counter. All prepared foods should be covered to prevent cross-contamination. Be careful not to overload the fridge, as there must be enough room for cold air to circulate. Do not store perishable foods on the door of the fridge where the temperatures fluctuate more often. Turkey should be carved off the bone and stored in smaller portions, separate from stuffing and gravy. If wrapping turkey, avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic wrap, which contains plasticizing chemicals that may leach into meat. Instead, choose non-PVC brands such as Best Yet and Glad Cling Wrap. Also, when reheating leftovers in the microwave, put them in ovenproof glass or ceramic containers—even "microwave-safe" plastic containers may leach chemicals into food when heated.

Remember, always try to eat turkey leftovers within four days; stuffing and gravy within two.

And once all the work and preparation are out of the way, don't forget to relax and have a great holiday meal!

Sellers in Uptown Minneapolis are feeling the Cold

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:25:05 -0600

New Listing YTD: 1486

Homes Sold YTD: 478

Average Sales Price: $379,763

Percentage of List Price: 96.1%

Average Days on Market: 154

Numbers are based on the Minneapolis Association of Realtor October 2007 report..

If your house is on the market, how do you stack up?

In the Uptown-Lakes area there is enough inventory to last for the next year and a half!

And if your trying to sell a condo, you can expect even longer L

So, what does this mean?

If your house is on the market, are you trying to sell your house yourself or do you have an active agent working for you? I say active agent, because in this market your agent has to be actively marketing your property and that means taking advantage of today’s technology. If you're trying to sell your house, good luck, I encourage the do-it-yourself spirit, but be prepared to compete on price and profit.

Bottom line, it’s a cold sellers market in Uptown, buyers are scarce and we are heading into the winter months…whatever your situation, make sure you stay informed and if you ever have any questions please feel free to contact me at hello@tyghre.com.

10 Questions for Green House Hunters

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:23:41 -0600

If green is your color and your desire for your new home, then I suggest you take a list at the following questions when your out on your next house hunting adventure.

1. Has the home been certified for energy efficiency or environmental impact by an independent third-party?

2. Is your real estate agent green-minded?

3. How energy efficient is the home now?

4. Is the home oriented for energy-free heating and cooling?

5. Can I outfit it for solar energy?

6. How water-wise is the home?

7. Are lead and asbestos lurking in the home?

8. Are there other indoor air pollution sources?

9. Are there other hazards I should know about?

10. How can I pay for future improvements?

Save Some Money on Your Next Bill by Winterizing Your Minnesota Home

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:43:15 -0600

Here are some great tips to help you save some money on your next heating bill.

Inspect Your Insulation
Since warm air rises, the single most effective way to save on heating is to have adequate attic insulation.

Plug the Gaps Outside
The next step in keeping your house cozy is to keep cold air out. Seal up all cracks on the exterior perimeter of the home, areas around windows and outdoor faucets can let in a tremendous amount of cold air, any standard outdoor caulking will do.

Stop the Leaks Inside
Windows can account for as much as 35 to 40 percent of a home's heat loss. As a rule, weather-stripping should be installed at points where surfaces move or slide together. Caulking is another method of improving performance and as well as installing plastic film, which can be a good short-term solution.

Maximize Your Heating System
For safety reasons, have a professional inspect your heating system every year to ensure that it is operating properly. Having ducts cleaned and filters changed will immediately produce results in the amount of heat produced.
Another way to save money is by using a setback thermostat. This allows you to heat your home when you are there and then let the temperature drop when you are out.

Check the Roof
It is important that you go up on your roof (or a professional) and inspect it for loose roof shingles and ridge vents. If you find loose shingles and/or ridge vents, it is important to replace them to prevent any water damage or ice damage.

Minnesota's 18th Annual Coffee Festival

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:43:15 -0600

Calling all coffee lovers! Wake up this Saturday, November 17^th and head on over to the 18th Annual Coffee Festival located at the historic Calhoun Square, in Uptown, Minneapolis, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Enjoy over 20 freshly-brewed coffee samples, live music, fortune reading, and stand-up performances from local comedians. For only $9.00, get a coffee mug, access to all entertainment and attractions. Plus, all proceeds benefit Clare Housing, Partners in AIDS Care, and Joyce Emergency Food Shelf.

Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:05:54 -0600

It's that time of year again, time to give gifts to your family, friends and clients. Here's a list of inexpensive gifts to give this holiday season. I hope this list inspires you, remember it's not the amount of money you spend, by the thought thats behind the gift!

Here's a few of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas...

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. and my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!

My First e-Newsletter

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:41:47 -0600

How's your monthly e-newsletter working for you?

I've only sent out one so far (only been in the business for three months!) and I've seem to be getting a pretty good response from my sphere! I was wondering though, what type of information do you put in your e-newsletter? Do you get a good response from it...any leads? Do you follow up with a phone call every month?

Check mine out: http://tyghre.com/newsletter/2007/october/

Is there anything you would add or take away?

All comments are helpful for a newbie!!!

Thank You!

I need Website Help!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:15:26 -0600

I'm in the stages of building my website and I'm about ready to pull all my hair out. I've been doing my research and looking at my competitors (that's all of you) and I can't decided where to draw the line. I have a few questions for you:

Is it best to have a lot of information so they can get everthing off of your site with out leaving it?, or is it best to give them just enough to get them interested in you???

I work with a lot of first time home buyers and sellers and it seems no matter how much info is out there, they always have questions, so why then do we put so much stuff on our websites???

Maybe its just me and I'm starting to get lazy, but I want something simple, not too wordy, and not a bunch of links either.

Here's my main links:

HOME
ABOUT ME

      BUYERS
        Seven stages to buying your home
        Deciding how much house you can afford
        Mortgage Calculator
        Location, location, location
        Buyer’s Bill of Rights

       SELLERS
      Eight stages to selling your home
        Pricing to Sell and Still Making Profit
        Increasing your home's appeal
        Tyghre's Ulitmate Exposure Program
    Seller's Bill of Rights

CONTACT

Of course there is a search option and a link to my blog. I currently don't have any listings, so I'm not sure if I want to put that option on there.

Any information, regarding content or tools you used to build your website would be helpful!

Thank You!

tyghre.com

Website Help...please!!!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:10:00 -0600

Is it best to have a lot of information so they can get everthing off of your site with out leaving it?, or is it best to give them just enough to get them interested in you???

I work with a lot of first time home buyers and sellers and it seems no matter how much info is out there, they always have questions, so why then do we put so much stuff on our websites???

Maybe its just me and I'm starting to get lazy, but I want something simple, not too wordy, and not a bunch of links either.

Here's my main links:

            HOME
ABOUT ME
BUYERS
    Seven stages to buying your home
    Deciding how much house you can afford
    Mortgage Calculator
    Location, location, location
    Buyer’s Bill of Rights
SELLERS
    Eight stages to selling your home
    Pricing to Sell and Still Making Profit
    Increasing your home's appeal
    Tyghre's Ulitmate Exposure Program
Seller's Bill of Rights
CONTACT

Of course there is a search option and a link to my blog. I currently don't have any listings, so I'm not sure if I want to put that option on there.

Any information, regarding content or tools you used to build your website would be helpful!

Thank You!

tyghre.com

NAR Advantage!

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:02:43 -0600

Are you taking advantage of your NAR membership??? I just descovered this really great tool from Lowe's Home Improvment...http://www.LowesRealtorBenefits.com.

Send 10% coupons to your clients through email, customized with your business information, logo and all!

Get 5% of your next purchase of a Lowe's gift card.

Receive Videos, Web banners, Monthly E-Newsletter and more!

Check it out!
It's a pretty cool tool.
Save some money and some time this holiday season!!!

tyghre.com

23 year old Buys a Condo in Uptown MN

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:20:36 -0600

At the tender age of 23 my boyfriend and I bought our first home...a condo in Uptown, Minneapolis, MN. We were a year out of college, had steady jobs, and just a couple small students loans to pay off, well, actually we had a lot of student loans to pay off, but we were persistent and went for it.

We first started looking on our own, we searched craigslist, went to open houses, played around with mortgage calculators on-line. Then finally we got serious and met with a realtor, who was a friend of a friend. By the time we sat down with her, we felt like we had a pretty good idea of what we were getting into.

After just five days of working with our Realtor, we put in an offer (see there are actual buyers out there!). After the the sellers excepted, we had only five days to meet with a lender and secure a loan...that was probably the most stressful part, and also the easiest!

We started getting serious on June 3rd and by July 11th we had the keys to our first home. And while we watch the prices of comparable properties drop, as well as the interest rates...one things for sure, we are so happy we purchased our home.

Throughout our adventure, I really became interested in the real estate business and once again I through caution into the wind and quite my steady paying job (don't worry mom, I did save some money, see for the past year we thought we needed a big down payment to buy, but through a great program be purchased with 0% down, pretty cool!) and got my real estate license. Now I'm helping other young professionals in Minnesota purchase.

tyghre.com

Dollar vs. Euro

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:34:22 -0600

As I was watching the news last night, I heard more about the U.S. dollar decline. They made so many assumptions as to why the Euro has been gaining on the dollar.
For starters there is the housing bubble, that’s us again, always making the headlines and then there’s the the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates, and the rumor of mass printing???
So, which of those factors are directly affecting the U.S. dollar? Let’s take a quick look.

The Housing Bubble
The housing bubble in the US is well known, but the bubble in Canada, China, and Spain is just as big as the bubble in the U.S. In particular, the bubble in Vancouver is as massive as the bubble in Florida or California ever was. Vancouver housing prices are destined to crash. Don't ask me when, but only fools are buying at these prices. The housing bubble in Australia was the first to start deflating.
The point here is that housing bubbles are practically everywhere you look. So the housing bubble is not a cause of the dollar's weakness.

Cut on Interest Rates
A couple years back, the dollar was rallying when the Fed was hiking, but all of that was given back and then some when the Fed paused. The dollar further weakened when the Fed cut rates. The direction of interest rate policy is important. The expectation is the US is going to keep cutting but while the EU will keep climbing. This expectation is causing further weakness in the dollar.

Massive Printing???
The myth persists that the US is massively printing. This is simply a false. There are extremely strict rules and regulations.

And while I think we can all agree, the U.S. Dollar has seen some better days, especially true in relation to the Euro. Remember when everyone hated the Euro a few years back, but they all love it now that the dollar is at $1.40+- vs. the Euro.

MN Uptown Realtor

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:11:35 -0600

I'm a Minneapolis based Realtor, specializing in first-time home buying and selling. Attention to detail is my greatest strength!

My Services:

*To deliver a true one-stop-shopping opportunity for home buyers and sellers.

*To always strive to deliver a positive experience for every customer.

*To create and promote positive experiences for my customers and communities.

*To create and promote opportunities for personal growth.

*To promote change and innovation in the Real Estate industry.

Tyghre' Collentine
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coldwell Banker Burnet
http://tyghre.com

Tyghre's Green Tip

Tyghre Collentine (Coldwell Banker Burnet) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:50:39 -0600

Whether you're doing the dishes or wiping down the counter, be sure that your sponge isn't leaving behind a toxic mess. Soppy kitchen sponges and dishrags are notorious breeding grounds for bacteria. And did you know that Antibacterial products are usually treated with the pesticide triclosan, which provides no additional protection beyond that of plain soap. Not only that, but when triclosan is exposed to water treated with chlorine, it can form the probable human carcinogen chloriform.

There are "greener" ways to lighten the bacteria load in sponges.

• Wring sponges out after each use, and, between uses, keep them as dry as possible.

• Disinfect sponges at least once a week by boiling them in water for three minutes or more, or soaking them in water with a splash of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. You can also pop them in the microwave for a minute or two.

• Never clean cutting boards used for meat with a kitchen sponge. Use a washable dishrag instead.

And remember, it's also a good idea to replace sponges often.

Just another Green Tip to keep you and your family safe!