kathleen lordbock: All I want for Christmas is a new house! Hiring a personal shopper. - 12/19/10 12:31 PM
 Do you mean it-are you serious about buying a home? Do you really want to take advantage of record breaking historically low interest rates, low home prices and a huge inventory? If you answered YES to any of the above questions:  do it now-  what are you waiting for?
Here in Central Minnesota the holidays are fast approaching, the snow is flying and rates are slowly beginning to rise. We have houses priced to sell and move in ready, fixer-uppers and luxury lake homes. Your home search will find you just what you want for Christmas.  Better yet- let me be … (8 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Interest Rates for December 11, 2010 - 12/11/10 03:13 AM
Interest rates are going up ever so slightly, but going up just the same. We are in a market where historically everything is set just for you to make a home purchase.  With the huge inventory to choose from, motivated sellers, a multitude of distressed properties priced under market and low interest rates - what are you waiting for?  Looking to invest in a rental and have the renters make your payments? Thinking of finally buying that lake cabin you have always wanted? Think fast!
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kathleen lordbock: Everything Will Sell, Eventually - 11/16/10 02:38 AM
 
So true, so true. There are many factors that go in to getting a home SOLD- changing all that you can is the best strategy. Clean,staged, some updates, lower price than the competition will surely go a long way in this present market.
If you do nothing- probably nothing will happen!
I plan to share this with clients- thank you,Dan.
 
Sellers who have selling experience under their belt, as well as real estate licensees who have "been around the block" know;  Everything sells - eventually.
What I mean when I say that is there are only so many factors that need … (0 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Real Estate news for the month of October for the Twin Cities area of Minnesota - 11/01/10 01:23 PM
The monthly Skinny in Real Estate for the Twin Cities area of our wonderful state of Minnesota. What is happening in real estate this month? Where is the direction of real estate moving to? From the present and looking into the future- the skinny gives you the latest information on our real estate market. … (0 comments)

kathleen lordbock: The Monthly Skinny for the Twin Cities, MN October 2010 - 10/25/10 04:50 PM
Wondering what is happening in the real estate market for October in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota?  This video will give you insight into our area market and the latest skinny. Short Sales, foreclosures and traditional sales all compare as well as apples and oranges -both are fruit but have quite different tastes.
Need some help with any of the above in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota- just give me a call.
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kathleen lordbock: Gull Lake-Cinosam Club - 09/30/10 05:34 PM
Looking for a two bedroom year around residence to come to and Swim in Gull or fish in the many nearby lakes. The famous Cinosam Club has low taxes, low club dues and a peaceful atmosphere much like it was years ago when founded. What has changed is this property. Completely updated full bathroom, new roof, new interior paint,steel siding and newer windows- wow. What are you waiting for? … (0 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Easy Seasonal Centerpiece - 09/15/10 04:36 PM
It is Fall here in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota and the trees are starting to show their brilliant colors.
Instead of the traditional floral arrangement on a dining room table , buffet table, or counter  consider a simple, elegant arrangement of seasonal produce.
Think about Fall's unusual fruits and foliage, and let them inspire you. Search your local farmer's market or grocery store for gourds, nuts in the shells, and bring out your faux fruits and or veggies. Use treated or silk oak and maple leaves with real dried twigs.  When arranged on tiered cake stands, these harvest-time items … (14 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Love, Sacrifice and Bravery- Thank you! - 08/21/10 03:52 AM
     This video speaks of love, sacrifice and bravery- both for those men and women in our armed forces and those they leave behind. Everyday those serving in our armed forces risk their lives to bring peace and stability to other regions of the world and to ensure that ours is kept here in the USA. They have marketable skills, they have training and educational backgrounds- they are employable- they could pursue an easier job back home, but they sacrifice for you and for me.  It costs them, it costs their families and I am so grateful that they willing go … (3 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Interest Rates for August 12, 2010 - 08/12/10 03:49 AM

And they just keep going down.............. My last VA buyer locked in at 4.25% which was an amazingly low rate, thinking that they could only go up!
I am seeing a tightening for lending, with many hopefuls being turned away because they do not meet the higher standards for lending. I do think that this is a good thing overall, although they probably would have bought homes from me now and then somewhere down the road I would be helping them sell their dream home turned into financial nightmare.  This way they can work on their credit, actually get a … (3 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less - 08/07/10 05:33 AM
 
In our present market buyers, if not looking for a bargain are certainly looking for good value. They can easily find that with our present vast inventory - at least in the Brainerd Lakes area. I know you love your home and think it is worth much more than others because of the memories, hard work and everything that you have done.
Buyers are just looking at your home and many other homes - your home is in a beauty pageant and a price war- are you winning?
 
Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less If there’s anything we can … (4 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Crow Wing County Fair Joke - 08/04/10 02:51 AM
     While working in my Keller Williams/ Re$ale Design booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, this bit of humor came my way. The fair is an interesting place with many fashion and cause statements being made and jokes flying.  Yesterday was HOT with a Heat Index of 101 outside. I was in a metal building with little ventilation and many people. Hopefully today will be cooler and maybe I will hear another joke for you.      A DEA officer stops at a ranch in South Dakota, and talks with an old rancher.  He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect … (4 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Central Mn Vietnam War Memorial - 07/29/10 05:52 PM
 
Have we forgotten those who served and sacrified in the Vietnam War and were so unsupported by many in the US along with celebrities who sacrificed nothing!
 

Central Mn Vietnam War Memorial
In Eastman Park at Lake George downtown St Cloud stands the Central Minnesota Vietnam War Memorial. Carved in granite, an American soldier and South Vietnamese soldier represent the 2 countries who fought side by side during the war, and above their heads flies their countries flags.
You'll never be forgotten, carved in granite, at the feet of the the 2 soldiers. The memorial was created due to the efforts of Hoa … (3 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Soon it Will be Crow Wing County Fair Time! See You There! - 07/26/10 01:19 AM
     I will soon be setting up my Keller Williams/Re$ale Design & Home Staging booth at our Crow Wing County Fair in Minnesota.The Crow Wing County Fair will celebrate its 113th year anniversary in 2010! The fair was organized in 1897 and fairs were held in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby before permanently locating in Brainerd in 1937. The 1897 fair was held at grounds owned by M. K. Swartz located just east of the 1900 block on East Oak Street. In 1938 the fair was held at the Brainerd Armory and beginning in 1939 at the Mill Avenue fairgrounds where … (0 comments)

kathleen lordbock: "X" marks the spot!!!! - 07/21/10 03:45 AM
 
This really should be an OLE and LENA joke!
Good clean fun.......................
 
A bit of light humor for the end of the day.   Things seam to be a bit tense so enjoy!
Bob and Fred are out in the boat fishing.  They are having a great time and the fish are biting non-stop also.
"This is the best day of fishing we have ever had", said Bob.
"It sure has, to bad we couldn't mark this spot for the next time", replied Fred.
Bob reaches into his tackle box and pulls out a big marker and puts a big 'X' … (3 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Looking for a Fixer-Upper in the Brainerd Lakes? - 07/15/10 04:57 AM

     In the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota, buying a home with the intent to fix it up is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you intend to make it your primary residence, a second home or a rental- there are many things that with some hard work you can tackle yourself.  Our current Brainerd Lakes real estate market may allow you to get the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.
 
     I will tell you that buying a fixer-upper can be a big challenge as there may be structural defects or other hidden … (3 comments)

kathleen lordbock: So Mr. Buyer you missed the tax credit... But remember rates are so low you can buy $30,000 more home vs. the rates prior to April 30th!!! - 07/08/10 04:36 AM
 
Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years!
 
Hey All,
  We all know that the tax credit is over for new buyers....except Military! It was a great "reason" to advertise, AND gave us something to talk about....   But did you know........that if you were under contract prior to April for the credit, that your rate was around 5.125%   With rates today in the MID 4's, a buyer can basically buy about $30,000 MORE house?   All WE need to do is change our advertising and get back to WHY it's a great time to … (4 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Should Everyone Own a Home? - 07/08/10 04:32 AM
To Quote: "The US Government pushes homeownership in the form of the mortgage interest deduction, low mortgage interest rates and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Most Americans want to own a home, they believe they deserve to own a home and that forces politicians to want the same." As a real estate agent it is my job to help people find and buy the home of their dreams and facilitate the sale and moving on of other dreams.
Should everyone buy a home? Does everyone make a good homeowner? If someone can not afford a home or pay for the upkeep, … (5 comments)

kathleen lordbock: FORECLOSURE VS. SHORT SALE: PROS AND CONS IN A SIMPLE CHART....... - 07/07/10 03:57 AM
 
There are major differences in executing a Short Sale of your property and walking away!
 
FORECLOSURE VS. SHORT SALE HOMEOWNER CONSEQUENCES
FORECLOSURE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FOLLOWING SECURITY CLEARANCES= may be revoked and position may be terminated CURRENT EMPLOYMENT= may result in reassignment or termination FUTURE EMPLOYMENT= in most cases will challenge employment DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT= 100% of the bank in states where they can may pursuer a deficiency DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT (amount)= If sold at auction at a low price may result in a higher deficiency judgment FUTURE FANNIE MAE LOAN-PRIMARY RESIDENCE= 5 years to get a FM loan FUTURE … (0 comments)

kathleen lordbock: Looking for a Full Log Home plus Acreage? - 07/06/10 03:50 AM

This home truly delivers the Up North feel with full logs and soaring Cathedral ceilings. With gas fireplaces both in the Living room and the family room  even the coolest winter night will be cozy and warm. A magnificent wet bar with loads of storage in the Family room will make your parties simpler and yet elegant. A short drive to the public access on Lake Alexander or any of the other Brainerd Lakes area preferred spots and then back home to enjoy your own space. With over 5 acres and a private road- you will enjoy complete privacy and … (5 comments)

kathleen lordbock: When is it time to Paint? How much value does it add? - 06/26/10 03:54 AM
 
First impressions are huge! See these before and afters of exterior cleaning and painting!
 
Exterior painting can really help sell a house quicker and for more money!
How much more value do you Real Estate Professionals think this paint job adds to the home below?
What a difference a little paint can make. Check out these Before and After photos of a Melbourne, Florida exterior repaint. After we pressure washed this Melbourne home we repaired all of the staircase stucco cracks, applied a clear sealer (due to chalkyness), and applied two coats of Sherwin Williams A100 satin exterior paint.
Before Pressure washing … (7 comments)

 
Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals (Keller Williams Realty Professionals)

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Baxter, MN

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Address: 14091 Baxter Drive, Suite 116, Baxter, MN, 56425

Office: (218) 831-8001

Mobile: (218) 831-8001



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