Well, depending on who you talk to if there is a funny side. It seems more and more are finding out it may not be so good for them with the federal employees being the latest to speak out. But, In my humble opinion AI think that more short cuts will come into play and this illustration sort of says it all.   08/17/2013

My wife sent asked me to pick up a few things from the store.  I got a call on my cell and it was an issue for a closing for later in the day. I got right on it.  I finished me errands and headed home.  But, I forgot to stop at the store. You are really getting forgetful! my wife kindly told me. "It's old age!" I countered defending myself. You are not that old. " Well there are 3 signs of old age and I have them all.  Was my retort. OK...Name them. So I replied..."First there is loss of memory." OK, but what are the other two. She asked "I forgot!" I said. I have found that I am much like a fish.   We both get into trouble when we open our mouths!   02/08/2013

Well, the Vikings put up a good fight, but without the starting quarterback had NO chance. Also, Green Bay was at full strength. The Vikings had a decent year compared to the last few. Now, I will cheer on the Cheese heads to go all the way. It should be an entertaining playoff season by the looks of things. Remember when cheering on your team...Party SAFE! 01/05/2013

Now a disclosure...if you are sensitive to any verbal mention of body parts...GO AWAY NOW!!!   It was the 100 meter woman's Breast stroke. All 8 contestants were lined up from various countries...including a blonde in lane 1. The Buzzer sounded and all were off.  It was a close race except for one contestant..The Blonde. The race was over and she was still struggling on the first lap.  Officials pulled her from the pool and she exclaimed... "I don't want to complain, but, I think some of those other girls cheated and were using their arms!" In this case no steroids just silicone! 08/03/2012

My wife and I talked about this this past winter.  We live in a rural Minnesota home and years ago we knew everyone for miles around. But, life happens and the population grows and next thing you know...we look and wonder..."Who lives there now?" Years ago you could depend on a neighbor or several if you needed help.  Today, you don't know if you could trust the neighbor because you don't even know who they are. This spring, my wife and I decided to get to know the people around us.  We met some great people and most were glad to meet us as well. I won't say we are all good friends...but there is a lot more waving going on with the cars that drive by now! And...we don't see any of these signs around either! 06/20/2012

I see the blogs for staging a home.  But, seldom do I see the staging follow through to the garage or the outbuildings. In some ways, they are just as important and sometimes even more so for some people. I will agree, that is the wife doesn't care for the house the deal is off!  But, you may be dealing with a single guy and he could care less about the souse...he wants to see the garage and outbuildings. If these are not orderly it can also turn that guy away. Some people will also spend all their time on the yard.  Inside the home may be a cluttered mess, but the yard is pristine. Staging is a delicate balance.  We just need to remember to do it all. 11/18/2011

I have been having some problems getting ll my outdoor work done as of late.  it is 7:33 pm and I almost need a flashlight to walk outside. End of June we are still working outside until 10 pm and later.  Now, I am rushing to get the basics done before I can't see my hand in front of my face. Now, I suppose this isn't all that bad.  I do get a chance to sit and relax for a spell before getting horizontal for 6 hours.  I need to make sure I have enough reading material because the BOOB TUBE has not improved much. 09/20/2011

If you're fortunate enough to be looking for a home in Center City, MN, you have many advantages on your side: housing prices are low, mortgage rates are at record lows, and inventory is high. But does that mean that you will automatically get a home for a good price? This article gives good tips on how to evaluate the investment value of any house: Research Recently Sold, Comparable Properties Your real estate agent is your best ally in helping you determine whether any given house is priced to high or suspiciously too low. Check Out Comparable Properties Currently on the Market If you find the house of your dreams in Center City, you should still take time to look at other properties like it to get a good feel for whether you might be paying higher than market prices. Look at Comps th... 07/06/2011

Regardless of which source you read, the news for those selling homes in Center City, Minnesota is not encouraging. Overall prices are down, foreclosures for sale still compete with standard sales in drawing buyers, and there is no immediate market improvement on the horizon. Savvy sellers must pay attention to the things that buyers in this market care most about. Jake Duffy shares some good insights here regarding what buyers are demanding in today’s market: Compact but CoolThe depressed economy has changed the priorities of many buyers; for energy and maintenance reasons, far more are looking for smaller homes rather than the sprawling mansion they may have chosen ten years ago. But, according to Mr. Duffy, ”they want [them] in pristine condition. These buyers aren’t interested in fi... 06/10/2011

The last snowfall put Minnesota, At least Minneapolis area, at the 5th on the list of season snowfall. With all the rain in the fall and during the winter months, flooding is expected at record levels.  Taht was before the last snowfall. My area got over 12 inches and it was figured about 2 inches of water in that snow. This spells disaster for the flood areas.  The only good thing is that temps have been predicted to be much colder only barely above freezing.  This will allow the rivers to dump some of the water and maybe tame the flooding a bit. Providing the temps don't get overly warm to fast. Right now we need a late spring with a slow warm up. 03/24/2011

Ever have one of those days where you are just a minute late and a dollar short all day long.   Well it con't be as bad as this poor fellow. It appeared that a young teen had overturned a wagon load of corn.  Hearing the noise the neighbor came over and said...Willis, forget your troubles and come with me.  "No, I better not, Pa wouldn't like it." "Don't worry Willis, I will come back and help you set up the wagon and reload the corn." So off to the neighbors home Willis went.  He was given a nice meal and then said, "I better get badck to the wagon before Pa finds out I am gone, thanks for the dinner." "I will go with and help like I said, by the way, where is your Pa anyway?" Willis replied..."He's under the wagon!" 10/31/2010

This is a very good question.  I have been asked this by several people and my answer is... Not Yet, BUT...the really good deals are fading fast.   We are seeing more multiple offers and right now if you snooze...you lose!!! Also, don't forget the up to $8,000 credit for first time buyers.  You need a contract in force by April 30 2010. Those of you who have a home you are selling, there is also a maximum of $6500 credit for you. Act now and your dream home could be a real steal when you look back in a few years! 01/14/2010

After dealing with a potential seller this morning, I had to ask him if it was snowing.  He looked at me with a funny look, (the sun was shinning) and asked... "Why"?  I replied, "because you just gave me the biggest snowjob of the year!"   I said. First, he didn't have a new roof, the shingles were curled.  The septic wasn't newer, the county said at least 15 years per thier records, and I could go on. I try to find a little something out about the properties I go to potentialy list.  Most good agents do this.  So if you think I just fell off the Turnip Truck, your wrong, this bruise is on my head is from a minor discussion with my wife! There was no way he would have gotten away with lying about the stuff he told me, I also will keep him out of court for giving false info to the buyer... 01/08/2009

They really needed to win all three.  Media said very unlikely.  Chicago had the bubbly all chilled on game one, but it was not to be Twins now lead the division by 1/2 game with 3 to go. (4 for chicago). I have tickets for the last game!! The Indians are coming to town and it should be a barn burner. Go Twins!! Go Cubs!! 09/25/2008

I just recieved this E-Mail.  It resounds so true!!! Two older lady's were talking in the store and one read the headlines about a Meth house in the neighboring county.  One asked the other..."why didn't we have "drug" problems when we were young"? The sencond lady said "I had a drug problem when I was young!" I was Drug to church on sunday mornings! I was Drug to church for weddings and funerals and made to dress up! I was Drug to family reunions and community functions no matter the weather. I was Drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults! I was Drug to the wood shed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of a teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best in everything asked of me. I was Drug ... 07/16/2008

Center City, Chisago Co. - MN20072006Δ Change# Homes Sold6382-23.17%Average Price$274,528$263,045+4.37%Median Price$260,000 $222,750 +16.72%Total Volume$17,295,278$21,569,757-19.82%Based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF MINNESOTA, INC.For the period of January 1, 2006 thru December 31, 2007It is a great time to buy a home and there are great deals in all price ranges available.For more information about my services, guarantees or how I can help you find your next home,sell your home, buy a business or investment property - Just call me today at 763-548-1418!To view my interactive on-line real estate magazine with listings, click the banner below: Click the banner below to send this information to your friends or family!  Associates of Science Degree in Geogra... 02/09/2008

Center CityMinnesota Real Estate Market Conditions We here at Team PROgressive continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Center City’s real estate statistics for June 17 – June 23, 2007. New Homes on the Market: 2 Number of homes accepting offers (pending): 0 Number of homes closing (sold): 1 Number of homes Expiring from Market: 0 Average Days on Market: 74 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please click here. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Center City or would like to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give us a call at Team PROgressiveMike & Tammi VanGrin... 08/06/2007

Center CityMinnesota Real Estate Market Conditions We here at Team PROgressive continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Center City’s real estate statistics for June 10 – June 16, 2007. New Homes on the Market: 1 Number of homes accepting offers (pending): 1 Number of homes closing (sold): 1 Number of homes Expiring from Market: 2 Average Days on Market: 37 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please click here. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Center City or would like to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give us a call at Team PROgressiveMike & Tammi VanGrin... 08/02/2007

Center CityMinnesota Real Estate Market Conditions We here at Team PROgressive continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Center City’s real estate statistics for June 3 – June 9, 2007. New Homes on the Market: 1 Number of homes accepting offers (pending): 0 Number of homes closing (sold): 0 Number of homes Expiring from Market: 0 Average Days on Market: 0 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please click here. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Center City or would like to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give us a call at Team PROgressiveMike & Tammi VanGrinsve... 06/21/2007

Center CityMinnesota Real Estate Market Conditions We here at Team PROgressive continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Center City’s real estate statistics for May 27-June 2, 2007. New Homes on the Market:1 Number of homes accepting offers (pending):0 Number of homes closing (sold):0 Number of homes Expiring from Market:0 Average Days on Market:0 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please click here. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Center City or would like to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give us a call at Team PROgressiveMike & Tammi VanGrinsvenGreate... 06/11/2007