Minneapolis Homes | Lofts | Condos

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Have you ever dreamed of living downtown? The hustle and bustle of people, nightlife, cultural activities, trendy restaurants and bars, sporting events, the works. Not to mention being able to walk to so many things and not have to rely on a car or even, in the nice weather, public transportation. I believe the Twin Cities are finally starting to catch on and catch up in the public transportation realm. We have the Northstar Railway from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis. Then, there’s the light rail going up the Hiawatha corridor. There are still buses that connect Minneapolis to St. Paul and all of their surrounding suburbs. So, now that we know we can get around, there is no reason not to live the dream.

It’s always been a fantasy of mine to live the high life of an independent (and independently wealthy) woman in a downtown condo with a fabulous view. Many young people are making their homes in one of these places with exquisite views of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, views of the river and the falls, or views looking East or West of the City for miles. But, it’s not just for singles anymore. Many young married couples are engaging in this life style before the kids come along. And, many retiring baby boomers are looking for a new experience once the kids are grown and gone or once they have fulfilled their suburban dream. Some folks that live in small town areas are even purchasing downtown Minneapolis lofts for sale as something called an “urban cabin”. That allows them to come to town to go to the Guthrie or a Minnesota Opera production at the Ordway, or grab a Wild game at the X-Cel or enjoy the brand new Twins stadium on a wonderful spring day.

This article elaborates on the theme of families living a downtown loft. There are certainly more educational opportunities available these days in downtown areas to make it do-able.

Looking for information about downtown Minneapolis lofts and condos?  You’ve come to the right place!  Contact me today to get more answers to your specific questions.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.Are

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This property is amazing! Come and view at the open house this Sunday, March 7th from 2-4pm. If it’s not for you, pass this post on to an interested party!

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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This amazing 2 story on 2+ acres is welcoming visitors Sunday from 12-3. Don’t miss it! If it’s not for you, please pass it on to someone who might like to see it.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Don’t miss it!!! Tell your friends!

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Please make sure to guard against identity theft by shredding all of your old documents.  As tax time approaches and you’re getting everything ready to go, there are items you’ll be getting rid of things that are no longer necessary or valid.  Many people keep their last 7-10 years of records.  So, each year, the oldest year falls off.  But don’t just throw all of that important information in the garbage.  That makes it too easy for the identity thieves.

American Bank is hosting free shredding events at several locations.  This website has a section that will help you decide when and where works best for you.

Don’t delay!  The more you put it off, the higher the likelihood that you’ll wimp out and throw it in the garbage.  Resist the urge and bring your stuff to American Bank.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Many of my regular readers know that I also have the good fortune to engage in professional performing.  I’ve done shows at the Guthrie, Minnesota Opera, concerts with Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.  I’m a regular soloist at Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church in Golden Valley and my current “gig” is with a group called Voice 360, a vocal group that creates all kinds of wonderful sound!  Click Voice 360 to hear audio excerpts.

This week, I’m sharing company with other top performers of the Twin Cities at the McKnight Theater at the Ordway.  We are joining our respective talents in a stellar show to benefit the people of Haiti.  It’s called Heart for Haiti.  It’s my pleasure and thrill to be singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.  Very fitting for this event.  Click here to buy tickets.

I depend on your referrals!  At work, at play, at networking or family events, when you hear someone mention buying a house or getting a mortgage, please mention my name.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Are you a First Time Home Buyer or a Repeat Home Seller/Buyer? Not sure what to expect? Do you qualify for tax credits? How do you get pre-approved? Come learn about the buying process, from working with a loan officer to getting pre-approved and house-hunting with a Realtor, to getting your offer accepted and finally closing on your home!

Join Darcy McDonald of Cornerstone Mortgage and The Minnesota Real Estate Team as they guide you through your real estate transaction. They will educate you about today’s current market, extended tax credits and special loans for those homes that may need a little TLC. Bring your questions we will be happy to help you get answers! After this seminar you will be prepared to hit the ground running and enjoy the adventure to get to your new home!

Location: Shoreview Community Center,4580 Victoria St N #203, Shoreview, MN. Seating is limited, so please register in advance to secure your placement.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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This amazing property is now available!  It sits on a fabulous 1/3 acre lot.  Very easy access to shopping and freeways.  The owners have kept this house in pristine condition.  They added a new deck and have upgraded much of the electrical.  The garage is completely sheetrocked.  It’s just been painted in appealing, neutral tones.  With pergo floors, a pond in the back yard, 2 walkouts and a prime location, this house is a bargain at $169,900!
Don’t miss it!  Contact me today.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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As a licensed REALTOR® since 1994, I’ve seen many scenarios in the housing market.

The last few years have produced unprecedented high numbers of foreclosed properties.  Most of the time, those properties are left abandoned by the previous owners.  Once the bank is the owner of the house, they arrange for the house to be “vacated”, meaning all of the furniture and “stuff” left behind is disposed of.  So, most of the time, when we show homes that are bank owned or lender mediated, they are vacant and empty.

But, once in a while, we find residents living in a house that’s supposed to be vacant!  I’ve entered homes to see several people running out the back door.  Or, there was the time I walked in to the lower level of a split entry to find a “guy” passed out on the floor.  That was scary because I was alone and I didn’t know what might happen!  I left right away and called the police.  The guy took off before they got there, slipped out the back door.  I’ve walked in on people doing drugs.  And, one other time, I was showing a house that was supposed to be vacant and a barking dog ran down the stairs and started snapping at us.  The house was a mess, littered with laundry, trash, dirty dishes and moldy food.  There were dog feces and urine everywhere as well as 4 or 5 residents that weren’t supposed to be there.  These illegal residents are called “squatters”.  The only way to get them out is to implement legal proceedings to do so.

This is one more reason for neighbors to stay involved in their neighborhoods when they spot suspicious activity.  If they know the house should be vacant, they should report activity to the police.  It may be new owners, but the police can check it out anyway. It will keep the drug activity to a minimum.  And, real estate agents will keep their clients OUT of these houses, not only for their protection but for the agent’s own protection as well.

Take a look at this article to see how this is impacting homes for sale in Minneapolis cities.

Want an agent who keeps you safe and helps you find the home of your dreams?  Contact me today!

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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As I indicated in Step #1, subsequent to my conversation with the modification representative from Bank of America,  I consulted with my good friend Carrie Guarrero from Cornerstone Home Loans.  She suggested I find out if Bank of America has an online option to fill out the paper work, rather than waiting 45 days or more for it to come in the mail.  I was also told to ask what kind of modifications they would be willing to offer.

Turns out, Bank of America DOES have an online process to begin mortgage modification.   They actually take you through the steps that I went through over the phone a few days ago.  Once the online questions have been answered, a determination is made about whether a borrower is preliminarily qualified for any modification programs.  But, from there, the process is the same.  A borrower would STILL need to wait for the paper work to be delivered in hard copy.  From what I was told, they need actual signatures and copies of things like tax returns and bank statements in order to complete the process.  Once they have the signed paper work back, it will be submitted for review before a board.  Once it passes the board review, they will assign a negotiator that communicates directly with the borrower.

So, while the online process does not help expedite the actual “nitty-gritty” of the process, it does help borrowers determine if they actually fit the scenario that renders them eligible to move to the next step.

Next:  THE PACKAGE and submission of papers.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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