keller williams brainerd lakes: 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)

keller williams brainerd lakes: 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)

keller williams brainerd lakes: 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)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Setting the Stage for a Sale! - 07/07/10 03:49 AM
 
Setting the Stage for a Sale!
 
There were some very strong opinions in the comments of a recent blog post concerning how a particular home was "staged". Each table was set for dinner (even incorrectly as pointed out by some).  As a Professional Home Stager  in the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas, some Clients and Realtors are even asking us to "set" the tables when we are Staging.  It is in my humble opinion that this can be very contrived and over-done if not done properly which prompted this post to maybe be of inspiration to others in alternatives to "setting" the tables when … (3 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: 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)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Tornados Hit Central Minnesota - 06/23/10 03:15 AM
 
      Last Thursday was a wild and devastating weather night- the kind I dread. Three people are dead and many families left without homes. Since our home and both businesses were destroyed in June of 2001, I truly understand what most of them are dealing with today. We have only just begun our storm season. Instead of enjoying our beautiful Minnesota summer, these people will be attending funerals, burying dead animals and weeping over their possessions and the places they called HOME. I pray for their recoveries both physical and emotional- that they will find this an opportunity to … (0 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Miss Coon Rapids-- Allison Lordbock and the Miss MN contestants - 06/15/10 04:35 AM
     Our daughter, Allison Lordbock, is the current Miss Coon Rapids and is competing in the Miss Minnesota pageant this weekend. Many activities have been planned for the contestants throughout this week leading up to the pageant along with the necessary rehearsals and photo shoots.  Here are a few shots from the week.  My daughter calls all the contestants in their red production number dresses THE RED SEA.  They would be hard to miss with all the sparkly crowns and super high heels as well.
 
 

     I would like to thank the Miss Minnesota Organization board and volunteers … (5 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: New Lyrics to Old Hits for the Baby Boomers - 05/12/10 08:45 AM
A humpday laugh for you
  
 Performers of the 60's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate aging baby boomers.
 They include:
 Bobby Darin ---
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.
 Herman's Hermits ---
  Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker .

 Ringo Starr ---
 I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.

 The Bee Gees -- -
 How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.

Roberta Flack---
  The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.

Johnny Nash ---
 I Can't See Clearly Now.

 Paul Simon---
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver

The Commodores ---
Once, Twice, Three Times to … (9 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: The Greater Lakes Market Update for February - 03/10/10 01:18 PM
     Are you wondering how things are going in the real estate market in Central Minnesota? Things are moving and buyers are coming out of hibernation.
      Despite the cold weather and heavy snow in February, buyers in the Greater Lakes region were very active during the month of February. There were 99 closed sales during the month, an increase of 23.8 percent from a year ago.     Home prices have shown early signs of stabilizing, but remain relatively soft. The February median sales price of $115,000 was a decrease from a year ago of 1.7 percent.     Soft prices have combined with extremely low mortgage … (7 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Greater Lakes MN home sale report - 02/19/10 10:50 AM
Home sales in the Greater Lakes region in January were once again up compared to a year ago at 93 closed sales, an increase of 34.8 percent from a year ago. That's the fifth consecutive month where the change compared to a year ago has been positive.
The increase in sales has led to stabilizing home prices. January's median sales price of $124,405 was 1.4 percent higher than a year ago. Yes, rising prices are ordinarily a pretty ho-hum and normal thing, but in light of the drop in prices that most parts of the country have seen over the last … (3 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Kathleen Lordbock Completes Prestigious LDPD Designation - 02/17/10 12:09 PM
 
-- Kathleen Lordbock Completes Prestigious LDPD Designation to Specialize in Luxury Home Sales
            Kathleen Lordbock a Realtor with Keller Williams Brainerd Lakes has earned the prestigious Harris Real Estate University Certified Luxury Distressed Property Designation (LDPD), having completed extensive training in negotiating and closing short sales for the higher end market. This expertise is invaluable as the current housing recession forces more luxury homes into foreclosure.
Short Sale real estate agents need to understand the intricacies of representing clients in the sale of their luxury homes and demonstrate expertise in facilitating confidential transactions. As a representative of the home … (9 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: The Skinny on Minnnesota Real Estate for January 2010 - 02/15/10 10:29 AM
Wondering how things are going in the wonderful state of Minnesota as far as Real Estate is involved? Here is the skinny on what is up in our great state. If you want information on the state of Real Estate in the Brainerd Lakes area - just give me a call. I have many wonderful properties waiting for you to choose from. … (2 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: The January 2010 Monthly MN Real Estate Skinny - 01/29/10 07:40 AM
The January 2010 Monthly MN Real Estate Skinny
(1 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Considering a Move to China? - 01/02/10 03:21 AM
     When I was young my friends and I were always "digging holes to China". We did not know how far away China was and we didn't care.  We just liked digging.
     China is digging herself a hole now and firmly planting her feet in the sand. Even in a visit and speech from President Obama concerning Internet censorship, free speech was blocked online.
     China has more than 250 Million Internet users and has some of the world's toughest content on what traffic is entering or leaving their network. There are some smart and rebellious Inernet savvy bloggers in … (4 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Allergies or the Flu - Christmas Misery - 12/30/09 02:25 AM

I am sneezing, coughing and congested.  So are other members of my family including those who came home from Florida with me. I feel fine but am tired (probably a lack of sleep).  They, however are just miserable and have additional symptoms that I thankfully am not sharing.  Fever, chills, thick mucus, aches and a total lack of motivation (so they say).  I think that my problems are due to allergies and they have a cold or the flu.  If you are wondering about your symptoms here is a great link to About.com that will give you some help in … (12 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: The Law of Physics - What Planet is that from? - 12/12/09 12:57 AM


 
I am continually being amazed by the brilliance of the talking minds. Joe the Plumber and others have demonstrated a level of intelligence and common sense that is just somehow escaping others. I see those who are capable of great speeches, lying through their teeth and just plainly reiterating what they have been told with no understanding of what that means. We should expect that the so called experts sent out to help our ailing economy should have some comprehension of the subject that they are "helping" on. Is that really to much to expect?  Where are these … (10 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Put a Lid on IT! - 12/07/09 02:43 AM

     When your home is for sale, things need to change in a big way.  If you want to leave the lid/seat on your toilet seat up - that is for you and your wife to work out.  However, when your home is listed and people are touring - the seat and lid need to be down.  Seems like a small matter and it is.  It is also only one of a list of things that need to be done to get your home the most showings, the most offers and sell in the shortest amount of time.      All … (9 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Will Shame Work? - 11/29/09 12:26 PM
 
 

 From the New York Times:
Michael S. Barr, Treasury’s assistant secretary for financial institutions, said in an interview Friday that the government would try to use shame as a corrective, publicly naming those institutions that move too slowly to permanently lower mortgage payments. The Treasury Department also will wait until reductions are permanent before paying cash incentives that it promised to mortgage companies that lower loan payments.
“They’re not getting a penny from the federal government until they move forward,” Mr. Barr said.

 
 
I am wondering if shame is the new step to take … (8 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Have you Fallen? - 11/28/09 10:50 AM

Life is like that sometimes, things happen and we do not know how we will make it through. You are not alone – there is help, there is hope. If you are falling behind on your mortgage payments or fear you soon will be, then perhaps we need to explore your options. A Short Sale may be one of them and is a far better choice that walking away. If you want to get more information and find out how Short Sales work, give me a call or email.
The definition of a Short Sale is:
A Short Sale is … (3 comments)

keller williams brainerd lakes: Minnesota Lawsuit Blocking Foreclosures Dismissed - 11/27/09 02:41 AM
     A group of homeowners sought to block foreclosures in Minnesota, but their class action suit has been dismissed by US District Judge Ann Montgomery.  The lawsuit claimed that homeowners were not given proper notice when they were rejected on the right to appeal when dealing with the Home Affordable Modification Program.
     The attorney for the homeowners stated that new regulations have been adopted since the lawsuit was filed in July that address some of the raised concerns but that the process is not as transparent as it should be.
     What has your experience been working with this program?
(4 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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