twin cities east metro real estate: Why Buyers and Sellers Should Take Advantage of Today’s Real Estate Market
- 03/15/11 06:49 PM
Get in while the getting is good! The most popular way of measuring the movement of home prices is with the Case-Shiller Index, which show a 20-City Composite rating of 0.8%. Prices are down from one year previously. It’s the first decrease since October 2009. As the report noted, some market sales were worse than ever. Prices are still above the spring 2009 lows, but six markets—Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Portland, Seattle and Tampa, hit their lowest levels since 2006 and 2007. If you are a seller, your reaction might be to hide under the covers. Buyers may be complacent, … (1 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Consumers Feel Better About Spending…So Remodeling is Set to Surge This Spring
- 03/09/11 01:45 AM
As the economy begins its recovery and consumers feel better about spending, remodeling is expected to surge this spring. That spare cash is going back into their homes. After the worst slump since the early 1960’s, the upswing is on and remodeling is finally back. Many homeowners want to improve their homes because they don’t plan to move and many foreclosed properties need some tender loving care. New kitchen and baths help homeowners get what they want for the price they want. Others are unable to sell and move because they owe far more than their homes are worth. … (3 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Mortgage Insurance and Short Sales
- 03/01/11 03:02 PM
There are many real estate agents who are handling an increased volume of short sales due to today’s complex housing market. And while short sales can be a win-win situation for everyone, if they are not executed and understood properly, they can cause many complications. Every short sale scenario is unique in its own way. However, the primary benefit is always the same – to avoid foreclosure and help save the homeowners credit record. The Role of Mortgage Insurance in Short Sales Mortgage Insurance (MI) is required when a property is purchased with less than 20% down. Once the homeowner’s … (1 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Twin Cities Communities Seeking a Brand for Smith Avenue
- 02/22/11 01:01 PM
Twin Cities communities are seeking a brand for Smith Avenue to help create a plan to invigorate the tree-lined, residential, commercial corridor that stretches from High Bridge in St. Paul to Dodd Road in West St. Paul. The plan is meant to help guide business owners, residents, public officials and other stakeholders to make much needed decisions over the next 10 to 15 years. The new plan will replace St. Paul’s initial Smith Avenue Task Force Report. The latest draft highlights objectives for housing, transportation, vitality, land use and more. The current task force is made up of residents, … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Help Reaching Struggling Middle Class, Underwater and Minority Homeowners
- 02/15/11 10:39 AM
The January 2011 edition of the Obama Administration’s Housing Scorecard has been released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Figures show increased new and existing home sales as affordability remains high. Officials caution that the market remains fragile as prices are unsettled. Foreclosures remained low at the end of the year. In the past 20 months, the Obama Administration has faced the nation’s housing crisis with unprecedented efforts to promote stability in the market. HUD assistant Raphael Bostic said, “We know there are many homeowners still fighting to make ends meet.” This is why everyone is committed to provide … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Your Bedroom Is a Reflection of You
- 01/18/11 03:42 PM
When buying a home, most new homeowners want to decorate it with their very own style. And the most intimate and private room in your home is your bedroom. Decorating your bedroom can be invigorating to you. However, guest rooms may have a completely different vibe. Many homeowners want the room to be fresh and modern.
Here are some great tips on how to give your bedroom a modern edge. Add a fresh touch to your boudoir by making it an extension of nature. People love to escape. So, why not bring it into your home? Shades of greens and browns … (3 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Restricted Busing Offers New Programs for Twin Cities Schools
- 01/11/11 03:05 PM
Under a new three year plan, Twin Cities families will lose some ability to bus their kids all over town, but will gain some new programs. The new plan divides the city into six areas and will restrict students to the area in which they live. Dozens of changes in school programs and their locations will be affected. On March 15th, school board members will discuss the new plan and are expected to vote on it. Some families currently enrolled at a school would be kept under the old rule until they complete their programs. Community schools will offer busing … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Stop and Prevent Roof Leaks
- 01/04/11 09:33 AM
How to stop and prevent roof leaks is a must know, especially if you live in a climate with frequent rain or heavy snow. It is true, roofing problems are exacerbated by rain and heavy snow. However, there are other sinister sources that contribute to roof leak issues. Whether you have a new home or an older one, most roof shingles can last 15 years without needing repair. However, a roof can get in bad shape well before the 15 year mark. The longer you wait to repair it, the more expensive the repair will be. To keep your repair … (1 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Homeowners Turning to Reverse Mortgages to Get Money Out of Their Homes
- 12/28/10 11:12 AM
Homeowners are turning to reverse mortgages to get money out of their homes. These homeowners are senior citizens and it is leading to a rise in demand for reverse mortgages. This rise in demand is also putting many senior homeowners at risk of foreclosure. A reverse mortgage loan is not due until the borrower passes away. But, what seniors are not being told is that the loan comes with hefty charges, including closing costs, origination fees and compounding interest on the principal of the loan. A reverse mortgage can be very risky for borrowers who don't fully understand the terms … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Great Tips for Choosing Homeowners Insurance
- 12/21/10 09:56 AM
Everyone needs homeowners insurance. Whether you've just bought your first house or need to change your existing homeowners policy, I have found some great tips to help you choose your homeowners insurance. Dismiss the Advertising Fluff When you buy a new home, you'll see more solicitations than anyone else for homeowners insurance. Many mailings you receive will boast fancy packaging and photos of the ideal home. These advertisements are often printed on fancy paper stock with poetic writing to help lure you in. However, just because an insurance company has funds for a large advertising budget doesn't mean they are … (3 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: The Twin Cities is more Diverse, Well-Educated and Graying
- 12/14/10 07:53 AM
According to the Census Bureau's latest look at the Twin Cities, we are more diverse, well-educated and graying. Minneapolis is no longer the most diverse city in the metropolitan area. Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park are now the most diverse places in the Twin Cities. The American Community Survey, which is a poll of 3 million households a year across the nation, provides estimates about housing, income, and social statistics from 2005 to 2009. In previous years, this survey was done once every 10 years in the census. Latest Findings: * In education attainment, Minnesotans rank high. * Local suburbs … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: A Real Estate Agent….Do You Need One?
- 12/07/10 01:31 PM
For many years, it's been discussed time and time again about using a real estate agent and just why you need one to sell your home. Now, you can find statistics all over about this subject. You will also find two disturbing connections when you research this debate: * Most real estate agents will keep their own home on the market for an average of 10 days longer so they can settle for a 3% higher selling price. That can add up, especially when it's a $300,000 home. * The commission is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. … (1 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: How Faithful Mortgage Payments Effect the Economy
- 11/30/10 12:01 PM
For just over two years, home foreclosures have swept across the nation leaving misery in their wake. Among them were many once happy families whose lives were forever changed. Now, a bigger problem may be in the millions of Americans who are still faithfully paying their mortgage payments. These are mortgage payments on homes that are worth far less than before the housing bubble burst. The worry is not in these homeowners not making their payments, it's completely opposite. Because home prices are so low in much of the country, mortgage payments that are underwater could end up absorbing billions of … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Twin Cities and Thanksgiving
- 11/23/10 10:58 AM
November 25, 2010 is Thanksgiving and, in the Twin Cities, here's the rundown of food events, shopping, activities, volunteering and more to help you plan your holiday. Turkeys It may take a little more time to find a Minnesota-raised turkey, a free range turkey or an organic turkey, but you can find one in the Twin Cities. Thanksgiving Day: Things to Do Most places are closed on Thanksgiving, but the Como Zoo and Conservatory are open on this day and every day. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open every day of the year, also. For the ideal iconic photo opportunity, snap a … (1 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Holiday Decorating in the Twin Cities
- 11/09/10 07:35 AM
The next three biggest holidays of the year are fast approaching, which means it's time to begin thinking about your holiday decorations. In the Twin Cities, you can get some really great, inspirational ideas from the historic Bachman's Holiday Ideas House. The house will be all dressed up for a festive season. You will find that each room is decorated in a different theme, such as a winter theme of birch and other natural elements on the front porch, a formal traditional dining theme complete with poinsettia and silver dinnerware, a living room ready for a New Year's Eve party, a … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Ups and Downs of Adding a Bathroom to Your Minnesota Home
- 11/02/10 07:51 AM
Adding a bathroom to your Minnesota home or any other home can be a big decision. It can be desirable to have a bathroom in the basement when nature calls. However, in some cases, adding a bathroom to your home's basement may not be so practical, especially if gravity is not on your side. Therefore, you must ponder the ups and downs of this addition. In most every bathroom, you have to create "fall" or you have to give your wastewater a push. Between all the pushing and falling, you could end up spending a lot of money. Wastewater from the … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Making Your Basement Homey
- 10/26/10 01:02 PM
Many basements are cluttered, chaotic, dark and dingy areas of the house we often try to avoid. Therefore, we have some tips to help make your basement homey so you'll want to visit and enjoy this extra space more often. When it's time to sell your home, especially in today's competitive real estate market, an expanded and dressed up living space can give your home a price boost above the others in your area. As you approach the project, think about transforming this below-ground level into a higher-end living space. Will you use this space for a family room? Play … (6 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: HAFA Short Sale Programs Up and Running
- 10/12/10 10:18 AM
The HAFA Short Sale Program became mandatory for all non-GSE service providers participating in the HAMP Short Sale Program on April 5, 2010. According to a report on July 26, 2010, many service providers were slow to implement the program. On August 2, 2010, new programs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac became mandatory for all service providers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. This new change did not affect the guidelines that were issued on June 1, 2010. As-of-date, all three HAFA programs are fully in effect and fully operational. There are some differences between each of the … (0 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Conducting Your Own Energy Audit – Part 2
- 09/28/10 08:04 AM
In part one of Conducting Your Own Energy Audit, we went over why you should conduct your own energy audit, ways to conduct a home audit, and what to check for during your home energy audit. In part two this week, we'll be going over how to spot common energy leaks so you can get the most of your DIY Home Energy Audit. How to spot common energy leaks in your home: * Test your home's exterior. Check doors, roof, windows, and walls that are exposed to outside air. You can easily do this by holding a candle or incense … (2 comments)
twin cities east metro real estate: Everyday Dangerous Situations for Realtors and Safety Tips
- 09/23/10 03:24 AM
Those who work in real estate put themselves in dangerous situations everyday and don't really think about it. Recently, I've found some of the most dangerous situations and how to protect yourself when in them. Situations such as showing properties, meeting new clients, letting strangers into your car, holding open houses and even marketing can put your safety on the line. Many of these everyday tasks can be harmless. But, unfortunately, some real estate agents have learned otherwise. Therefore, take these dangerous situations to heart and learn what you can do to protect yourself. Entering a vacant or foreclosed home … (8 comments)
As a dually licensed REALTOR® in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I am happy to share my knowledge of Twin Cities real estate news, events, buyer tips, seller tips, foreclosure information and so much more.
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