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You have to take a look at this wonderful condo I just listed. Minutes from the mega mall and the airport. Close driving distance to both downtowns. If you don’t need it, please pass it along. This is a steal.
The Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORs does it again!!! It’s called THE THING! This interactive tool allows inquiring minds to find out what they want to know about their individual markets. This THING allows you to slice and dice the numbers in whatever way works for you. You might want to know specifically about townhouses. Or, do you want to find out what homes in your area are selling for? Search under price range. Definitely take a look at 100+. That will give you an overview of over 100 municipalities and neighborhoods in Minneapolis cities or St. Paul cities.
Make sure you bookmark this link so you can go back to it over and over again!
For more follow up info on how this relates to your property, contact me today. It’s one thing to have the info, but to interpret and apply, make sure you have a qualified professional, like ME!
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.
Every month, the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors compiles these video presentations of the Minneapolis real estate market statistics. They are just a thumbnail sketch of the market info. GREAT NEWS for the month of June is that housing prices are up!!! Definitely getting us back on a more even keel. Bad news is that sales are down for May and June. No big surprise there. Ever since the tax credit expired, it’s understandable that we wouldn’t have as many buyers out there. And, summer is usually another lull time in the market, even in robust times.
Now this video has just the bare essentials. For more detailed information about YOUR specific area, don’t hesitate to contact me. Better to have too much information than not enough!!!
There’s nothing worse than traveling to a foreign country and discovering that your temporary home away from home is a dump! It’s not easy to find good places to stay. Luckily, these days there are many reliable websites on which you can find more than suitable accommodations for a trip.
Frankly, I don’t like the idea of staying in the tourist-ey areas of places. It’s like riding the tour bus to the sights and not getting off the bus. You’re not REALLY seeing what there is to see, you’re seeing a reasonable facsimile of the city. Heck, if I wanted that, I’d just go to EPCOT or Las Vegas! (not that there’s anything wrong with that)
So, I’d much rather stay in a place that’s off the beaten path to soak up more of the local culture. And, true to form, the internet is providing more and more websites for travelers to find such quarters. AirBnB.com is the largest of this new generation of social B&B’s and has garnered the most reviews for their offerings. Istopover.com started in 2009 in Toronto. They specialize in big event accommodations. Crashpadder.com originated in London and can find you everything from a room in a house to a WHOLE house! Roomorama.com is more geared toward high end properties, especially in New York city.
I imagine, if you had a place for people traveling to Minneapolis or St. Paul, you could probably list it on these sites, too.
For assistance with more permanent houses for sale in Minneapolis cities, 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.
I heard from a past client the other day. They have fallen on some hard times. Their financial situation has become dire due to a variety of factors. They have experienced job loss and a significant health crisis in just over a year. They bought their current home with me back in 2004 when the real estate market was still quite robust. At the time, they asked me if their house would be a good investment. As always, my answer was, “Real estate has proven to be a good long term investment. We are experiencing crazy appreciation right now, but, the market will soon level off. So, don’t expect your house to appreciate every year as much as it is right now. If history is any indicator of future events, there will be a market adjustment coming at some point in the future. Historically, normal appreciation has been 2-3% per year.” I also used to talk about how, historically, real estate really didn’t depreciate. It has, according to the records throughout the better part of the 20th century, either been flat or appreciated slightly. From 2000 through 2005/2006, we saw the statistical graphs shoot up like a hockey stick! This was atypical, based on the history of the market. Then, all hell broke loose!
But, the contact from these past clients was not a positive one. They were very upset that I was not able to advise them better about the decrease of their property value from 2004 to now. Their words, “How could you NOT have known that this would happen! We cannot sell our house for anything close to what we paid for it. We really needed to rely on the appreciation of real estate and now we’re upside down in our value.” I know these folks are in a really bad way right now, so I tried to explain to them that, while I’m well versed in the historical market information, I cannot see in to the future. They are not alone in this boat. There was no way for me to know how significantly this real estate market would reverse itself. Nor, was there any way for anyone to know how long lasting it would/will be. While all of us in the industry knew there would be an adjustment, we just didn’t have the “crystal ball” to be able to predict this.
After chatting for a while, they did realize that this isn’t my fault (thank goodness) and that we, as agents, are only able to know what’s going on from day to day just like everyone else. They calmed down and apologized for blaming me. And, felt somewhat relieved to know they are not alone in their situation. We are an important cog in advising anyone about how to conduct a real estate transaction, but, I haven’t met an agent yet that can predict with 100% accuracy what’s going to happen in the future! Keep in mind, most real estate agents are not out to cause anyone harm. That would be completely counter productive to building a business, ESPECIALLY since we rely heavily on client referrals.
A HUGE thank you to all of my good clients who believe in me!!! You honor me with your confidence. Please tell those in need of real estate advice or services to contact me today. I can give them the benefit of my historical perspective as well as a financial overview of what’s happening now!!
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.
CNN-Money Magazine only reiterates what we in the Twin Cities have known for a long time-that Eden Prairie is awesome! Eden Prairie has low unemployment, the schools seems to rank well in comparison when it comes to test scores and such. Much as we cannot discuss what areas are better than others with regard to crime rates, their crime rate statistics rank low. Eden Prairie boasts 17 lakes and over 100 miles of biking-hiking-walking trails! Of course it’s got some pretty good shopping and restaurants, too. For those who bought a house for sale in Eden Prairie in the last couple of years, it’s ESPECIALLY good for you. The sold prices of homes are going up in Eden Prairie year over year from 2009 to 2010. And, not just incrementally, but between 7-10% over all. That’s good news, folks!
With Plymouth, MN ranked number 1 a few years back by the same publication, I’d say Minnesotans have alot to be proud of. And, much to be thankful for as it will stand us in good stead as the economy continues to improve.
Are you looking for a house for sale in Eden Prairie MN or Plymouth MN? Make sure you contact me first before you do anything else. You need to make sure you have an agent who knows how to help you navigate these tricky waters!!!
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.
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a measure that would extend the home buyer tax credit to September 30, 2010. This contradicts the vote down of this same idea in the Senate last week. Because it was rolled in to an initiative to create jobs, it was rejected because of concern over adding too much to the federal deficit. This sole measure passed the House overwhelmingly in a 409-5 vote! Even though the extension of the CLOSING deadline may go through, the purchase agreement must still have been fully executed by April 30, 2010.
This is good for the 180 thousand home buyers that would lose out on the tax credit because their transaction didn’t close on time. But, this REALTOR begs the question, who is going to hold the lenders’ feet to the fire that didn’t do their jobs to make sure this didn’t become an issue? We’ve been held hostage too long by the lending industry and those that “call” themselves a mortgage lender, but don’t perform they way they say they can. My take: Quit over-promising and under-delivering, and we won’t have to waste the time of the Houses of Congress on these issues!!!
Part of my job in helping buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis cities is education. You need to know what you don’t know in order to make informed decisions. Contact me today to find out what you need to know!
| 07/17/2010 | ||
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I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again!!! Shred your old documents.
It’s a fact that in today’s market place, one needs to have a good financial standing to qualify for a mortgage. Identity theft can really impact your ability to prove you have a stable financial picture. One way to protect your security is to shred all of your old documents.
Luckily, Shred It hosts free shredding events at different locations around the Twin Cities. The next one is July 17th at the K-Mart on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Usually, there is a 2 box maximum. You may stand and watch your items being shredded if you wish!
Here’s a list of more shredding events not to be missed.
When it’s time for you to buy a house and you want to know more, contact me!!!!
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.
Much is being said about the home buyer tax credit extension. This proposal is part of a larger bill aimed at closing a variety of tax loopholes and to create extensions for other tax policy issues and federal program renewals. As of Friday, June 18th, the Senate could not get required votes to pass this as is.
Here’s how it works: Home buyers were to have been under contract to purchase a property by April 30, 2010. Most home buyers, who met the qualifying income and other criteria, were eligible for the credit, even those that sold a property and purchased another one (as long as the property was/is their personal residence). First time home buyers would be receiving up to $8000 and repeat home buyers would be receiving up to $6500.
Originally, the deadline to close the deal was June 30, 2o10. The US Senate included a proposal to extend that closing date to September 30, 2010. This discussion came about because so many lenders and title companies became overwhelmed by the amount of files that needed to be consummated by June 30. So, because of public outcry and congressional lobbying by big lending, the idea to extend the CLOSING DATE ONLY on these deals was introduced.
Wall Street Journal article from June 11 expresses the idea that this extension could help those trying to defraud the system by back dating their purchase agreements to April 30. That would mean anybody could, ostensibly, write a purchase agreement anytime and, if all parties agreed to the fraud, put a date of April 30th on the paper work. Let’s hope everyone has learned their lesson about bilking the government and taxpayers out of these funds, ESPECIALLY lenders! The last decade was rife for fraud in the mortgage and real estate industry. If someone introduces this idea to YOU, blow the whistle!!!!
Time for you to sell or buy a house for sale in Minneapolis or any Minneapolis cities? Contact me today so I can give you the details you need to be an informed consumer.
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.
How do buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis go about choosing the right agent for them? So much has changed in the real estate industry and market in the last 20 years. Heck, so much has changed in the last 5 years! The requirements for disclosure, while good, are somewhat overwhelming. I encounter many agents and homeowners that say, “I remember when a purchase agreement was one page and a handshake!”. Having been a licensed REALTOR® for the better part of 16 years, I don’t remember that scenario, but many forms have jumped from being 2-4 pages when I started to now being 7 or 9 pages.
If you’re new to property purchases, I strongly suggest you interview a few agents to see who will be a good match for your personality type and desires. Some agents are just not a good fit. If you are a “touchy/feeley” type and your agent is cut and dried, you may feel brushed off or that your feelings aren’t being considered. If you’re a detail person who wants to know all the facts and your agent is talking about the karma in the house, that might not work for you. Ask some questions to make sure you have the agent that will work for you in the most comfortable and efficient way.
When buyers purchase their first property, they think they will remember the agent that helped them through that process because it’s so momentous!! If the agent is doing their job correctly, they’ve been an essential and profound influence on these buyers. But, as time wears on and people’s lives settle in to day to day routines, the memory of the agent fades in to the background. Fast forward 5-8 years and it’s time to buy the “move-up” property. Will these buyers remember the agent they had come to think of so fondly in their first experience? Sometimes they will and sometimes they won’t. Maybe they get a card from that agent once a year, or an e mail news letter or just occasional updates about the market in their area.
Frequently, in their zeal to find the new property, they will begin to look online (93% of all buyers look online FIRST) or go to open houses. They may meet an agent at the open house or through their online search. Because they’ve encountered that agent at just the right time, they may forget about contacting the other agent who was so instrumental in their first purchase, in deference to the “love the one you’re with” mentality.
It is incumbent upon us as good agents to be following up with our good clients over the years (i.e. Holiday/birthday/anniversary cards, here’s what’s going on in the market cards and e mails, newsletters, gift cards from time to time, tax alerts, etc.) And, it’s hard to know how much is TOO much. There is a school of thought that says you must be “touching” people 33 times a year in order for them to remember you and call on you for your services when the time comes. Isn’t that too much? I wouldn’t want my agent/insurance person/doctor ANYTHING to be contacting me 33 times a year! It’s a little stalker-ey, in my opinion.
Bottom line is, stay in touch when you can, but don’t make a pest of yourself. And, buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis cities, if you liked your agent the first time around and are thinking of buying or selling a home for sale in Minneapolis cities, contact that agent to see if you’re still a good fit! I know they’d be happy to help you again and again. I know I will be happy and honored to assist my past clients again and again, and welcome any referrals they would care to send me. I encourage everyone to know and acknowledge that having the right agent is essential to a successful real estate transaction. So, don’t just “love the one you’re with”! Save that magnet or notepad your agent sends you and remember to contact them when you or those near and dear need a good agent.
Do YOU need a good agent now? Contact me today to benefit from my experience and expertise.
