Lynn Johnson | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | (507) 451-8080 1335 Esther Ln, Owatonna, MN Looking for a home that offers MORE? MORE to Love with 3 bedrooms on the main level, 2 bedrooms on lower level plus MORE 5BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $229,900 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 2,864 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 16,552 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Looking for a home that offers MORE? MORE to Love with 3 bedrooms on the main level, 2 bedrooms on lower level plus MORE storage space, MORE yard with lots of space to play in a private, roomy yard, MORE peace and quiet on this low traffic street, MORE updates and MORE value for your money! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Firepla... 09/06/2011

I really shouldn't complain about the weather we've had - it certainly didn't produce the tragedies that the South has had to face as a result of their severe weather.  But nontheless, this long flirtation with winter weather has brought all Minnesotans to the point of shouting in unison "enough is enough"! We hope that Spring is a sign of homebuyers, buds on trees and flowers blooming, but it's also that time of year in Minnesota when the unwelcome box elder bugs return to stake their claim.  My house faces south and they love the warmth that it offers.  They love to congregate and otherwise hangout at the base of my garage doors and the surrounding brick.   I checked out the University of Minnesota Extension website to learn about their habits and find ways to safely exterminate them.... 04/20/2011

715 Lee Street OWATONNA, MN Delightful floor plan in a lovingly cared for home. Well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a friendly neighborhood. 4BR/2BA Single Family House $169,900 Year Built 2000 Sq Footage 2,184 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Lot Size 10,890 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month Description This well-placed home features an open kitchen with a large breakfast bar. Vaulted ceilings in the living and dining rooms with 2 main floor bedrooms including a master with walk-in closet and private vanity. The lower level features daylights windows in the spacious family room and two additional bedrooms including a room as large as the master. Enjoy the open air from the deck. Property Features Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in ... 03/22/2011

                                         I'll finally go on record as admitting that I'm ready for Spring.  This month seems to drag on a little - with the promise of Spring, yet it seems that we'll be right back to Winter tomorrow.  We've noticed a bit of a lull in the buyer activity - this weather may have affected their interest in looking right now.  Come on, Spring! Anyway, instead of just looking at sales activity since the first of the year, which doesn't really give us much to go on (26 homes sold in an average of 119 days at an average sale price of $105,612 which is 88% of the original list price) I pulled up the data from October 1st, 2010 through today.  By looking back a little further we find that our average sale price moves up a bit (but is still less than the average fo... 03/08/2011

It seems that activity has slowed down a little from our earlier start.  It's always difficult to try to make sense of when and why the level of activity varies as it does.  I was looking at the sales statistics for the year to date and was a little surprised at the low average sale price.  With seventeen homes sold so far this year the average selling price is $106,258.  I know it's quite early in the year to make any predictions from this start, yet it is slightly lower than it was this time last year when the average sale price was $109,157.  At this time last year there had been 24 homes sold.  We continue to have a variety of homes available in the under $100k range with a total of 35 homes for sale - many of them foreclosures.  I was curious as to the breakdown by price of the hom... 02/22/2011

As I researched this market to try to make sense of it for our sellers I looked back nine years to find information that I thought you mind find interesting.  Here are the statistics I noted (all from the South East Minnesota Association of Realtors) for the city of Owatonna.  This information includes sales data as reported for all sales that took place in Owatonna with any property listed or sold through a participating Multiple Listing Service member (all local real estate brokers). Year                 # of homes sold     Days on Market (sold properties)       Average sale price 2001                      455                             64                                            $126,501 2002                       467                            69                                  ... 09/20/2010

Lynn Johnson & Chad Hacker | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | (507) 451-8080 2130 Linn Drive, Owatonna, MN Classic beauty and style--it is hard to believe that you can get all you want and need in one pristine package. 4BR/2+2BA Single Family House offered at $239,900 Year Built 1970 Sq Footage 4,048 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 2 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 14,810 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Classic beauty and style--it is hard to believe that you can get all you want and need in one pristine package--this lovingly cared for home is perfect for entertaining and yet provides a welcoming setting for your family--it is filled with amenities that can not be matched, granite counters, built-ins, custom and well planned and there is attention to every detail.... 09/02/2010

  Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob) sent a special email to "Viracon Glass Company" ...   Vegas Bob just sent a special email to "Viracon Glass Company" offering more of his photography services at a price Viracon could not turn down. When VB (as he's called at the Activerain network) takes photographs he does not just take photos, but he creates art with his cameras. Please feel free to take a look at some or all of the photographs on this post and the three posts below, and you decide if this is art or just plain photographs. Please take a look at this very important email Robert Swetz received from VIRACON Glass Company in Owatonna Minnesota   Is it possible that the "Harmon Building" at MGM City Center could be a porthole for UFOs?   (Viracon) One of the "Largest Glass Companies" in the wor... 08/25/2010

What's the Buzz in Owatonna? August is a big month around here - especially with the highlight of the year - our Steele County Free Fair which runs from 8/17 through 8/22.  It's hard to believe that it's fair time again already!  What else is going on around town? The Chamber hosted its annual golf event today with perfect weather on tap for the 132 participating golfers. 8/5 - The 7@ 7 concert series in Central Park continues this evening. 8/5 - Eagles Club parking lot - stop by to gawk at all the classic cars on display for the "Cruise In" car show 8/6 - Just One More is the place to be for the fundraising "Beer Bust" to benefit Team Twin Peaks as they raise $$ for their participation in the Susan G. Komen 60 mile 3-Day event - tickets are $5 and it goes from 5-7:00pm 8/7 - and every ... 08/05/2010

Lynn Johnson & Chad Hacker | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | (507) 451-8080 1925 3rd Avenue NW, Owatonna, MN Home Sweet Home! This wonderfully welcoming home awaits a lucky new owner. Wait until you see all that this has to offer - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $199,900 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 2,408 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Lot Size 11,055 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Home Sweet Home! This wonderfully welcoming home awaits a lucky new owner. Wait until you see all that this has to offer - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious family rooms - one with a fireplace, great yard with patio, terrific kitchen with plenty of room to feel right at home, more than enough storage, and neat, clean and well cared for. Don't miss t... 07/13/2010

Lynn Johnson & Chad Hacker | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | (507) 451-8080 610 Lee Street, Owatonna, MN A lot to like about this house--very clean, neat and well cared for with a great view, tile floors, vaulted ceilings, 2 fireplaces, nice kitchen and g 4BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $167,500 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 1,958 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 10,454 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION There's a lot to like about this house--very clean, neat and well cared for with a great view, tile floors, vaulted ceilings, 2 fireplaces, nice kitchen and gazebo. The family room is cozy and welcoming with a stone fireplace and knotty pine decor. The spacious kitchen has plenty of space and will make you feel right at ... 06/21/2010

What's the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna? Things were picking up in April and then slowed down quite a bit in May.  The outlook is mixed with spotty activity right now.  It seems that our spring market has taken a break - due to many buyers purchasing by the tax credit deadline of 4/30/10.  We're predicting that first time home buyers will be the mainstay of this market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs.  According to my lending expert Brenda Bednar (through Advisor's Mortgage) she is taking applications from those two buyer niches.  Property issues are becoming more of a challenge with the increase in foreclosed properties, many of which have deferred maintenance issues to contend with.  If you have any financing questions you can contact Brenda at 507-455-1858.... 06/08/2010

What's the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?                                                                                                                                                                                                              Things were picking up in April and the outlook is brighter with increased activity.  It seems that our spring market is about a month behind - just like our spring weather.  We're predicting that first time home buyers will be the mainstay of this market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs.  According to my lending expert Brenda Bednar (through Advisor's Mortgage) she is taking applications from those two buyer niches.  Property issues are becoming more of a challenge with the increase in foreclosed properties, many of wh... 04/29/2010

I don't know if you've experienced smaller town living - but many people in our area take for granted that living in a "small town" automatically insulates them from the evils of the world.  As nice as that thought may be it's not true.  Just this morning I started out on my morning walk with my dog only to discover various paperwork, notes, business cards, and "ID" on my front lawn.  My first thought was of my son - who I thought may have lost the contents of his wallet as he hurriedly left our home after changing from the prom dance to catch up with his group at the after prom party.  But, that wasn't the case.  The random cards actually belonged to my neighbor, and upon dropping them off at their house I learned that her handbag had been stolen from their car.  Unfortunately the purs... 04/25/2010

There are so many wonderful opportunities for community involvement this weekend in Owatonna.  Owatonna's generosity is showcased as three organizations hold their primary fundraisers.  The first non-profit that I'll highlight is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Steele County.  They're holding their annual fundraiser at South Park Lanes where bowlers and non-bowlers alike can raise money and contribute to the ongoing success of this very worthwhile organization.  BB/BS is dedicated to providing mentoring for kids in Steele County who can benefit from having a caring adult share fun activities on a regular basis.  BB/BS, it's a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of a child.  It's easy to get involved and make a difference - join us this weekend for some fun and a good cause. Lynn ... 04/12/2010

What kind of activity did you see in your open houses this week?  I'm hopeful because even though my open houses did not bring any lookers (in the $120k range) we saw quite a few people out at our opens in the over $200k price ranges which keeps me hopeful for a move-up buyer recovery - you know those elusive creatures that almost became extinct in 2006.  Lynn Johnson, CRS, GRI, MBA Broker/Owner Owatonna Real Estate Pros Coldwell Banker Home Connection www.myowatonnarealestate.com www.cbhomeconnection.com   04/10/2010

We've beeen playing a lot of indoor tennis over the winter, but now the nets are back up around town.  Even though we might have to put up with a little bit of debris on the courts, and a few cracks here and there, we much prefer to be outside playing than inside the Owatonna Tennis Center.  Before we head outside, though, I think I'd better take advantage of a lesson or two from the in-house tennis pro.  We've made a lot of progress since we started playing about a year ago.  It's been a great way to spend time with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and get some exercise. There's nothing quite like playing tennis under the lights, or watching the sunset, along with all the colors as you're playing a game.                                                         Lynn Johnson, CRS, GRI, MBA Br... 03/27/2010

We're gearing up for a big weekend - with plenty to do! First off you'll find great ideas for all your home improvement projects at the Home and Rec Show at the Four Seasons Centre starting Friday and running through Sunday. Tonight the Medford High School is debuting their production of "Fiddler on the Roof" - which promises an enjoyable evening for everyone in the audience. The Owatonna Public Library is hosting another "Family Fun Night" atarting tonight at 6:30 with reading, singing, and rhyming for kids 0-6 and grown-ups. Local 4-H members are looking forward to raising some money for their horse projects at their Spring Fling Market starting tomorrow afternoon at the Steele County Community building - the market continues on Saturday. Kids can get ready for Easter by having breakf... 03/25/2010

If your home is anything like mine, you've accumulated a fair amount of "stuff" around the house.  I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I still have a couple of boxes with kids' toys (my kids are now 18 and 20) that we moved from our old house 10 years ago - taking up space in my basement storage area.  I've been dedicating some time to cleaning out the clutter and I'm thrilled with the results. It's such a great feeling - ridding my home of unused and unneeded stuff.  I'm going to be much more careful about what is worthy of keeping.  I started at the top of the house and have been working my way down to the basement.  I'd better finish up soon, because the last place I want to be on a beautiful Spring day is inside the house. It's imperative for sellers to clean their home of any cl... 03/12/2010

                                                                                                                Well, we're two months into 2010 and so far 33 homes have sold in Owatonna.  The average sale price of the homes that have sold is $118,175, which is down dramatically from 2009, but we do expect to see that number rise as we add more sales.  The homes that have sold have done so in an average time of 88 days on the market.  The activity that we've seen reflects the influx of investors, first time buyers, and the impact of bank-owned properties on our market.  Right now there are 235 homes for sale on the market at an average list price of $172,262 which shows quite a disparity between what's available and the homes that have sold.  The available homes have been on the market ... 03/05/2010