Minneapolis Homes | Lofts | Condos

Lake Harriet | Lake Calhoun | Western Suburbs | Minneapolis Lofts
Subscribe

Downtown Minneapolis Clean Up

January 12, 2012 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Community Info, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous

I’m so glad to hear the news regarding the City of Minneapolis receiving a grant for clean up of the old Jaguar dealership location at Hennepin and Washington.  That building, even when the dealer was still there, is out of date at best; an eyesore at worst.  There were talks years ago of Whole Foods becoming the main tenant of the location, with other mixed use in the rest of the land.  That project went the way of The Nicollet, a proposed skyscraper project that fell apart in May 2010 because of the poor economy.

It appears that Whole Foods is still in to the project.  I find it fishy that Whole Foods won’t comment on veracity of that statement.  I believe part of why the project didn’t happen before is, not only because of the hazardous waste on the land, but also because the plan approval could  not be obtained from the city.  Apparently, there was inadequate parking and not enough side walk room.

MPR and KSTP have done a great job illuminating the public about the next step on the re-purposing of this land.  Kudos to the Met Council and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.  It appears this will not only remove that broken down dinosaur from that corner, but will help stimulate the economy by creating over 100 new jobs!!

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.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WOW!! Fabulous Condo For Sale Eagan, MN – Rock Bottom Price

January 02, 2012 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Community Info, Featured Home Listings, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Relocation Resources

 

 

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Light of the World – Or At Least Minnesota!!

December 21, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, plymouth mn, Relocation Resources, Sellers

Wow!  All of the wonderful light displays we have available to see!  It seems that there are many more of these displays than there used to be.  As a child, we’d see one or two strings of lights around people’s windows.  Now, there are displays the folks have synced up with a computer so that they coincide with musical cues and beats!

One such property is this display in Shoreview, MN.  This is a work of art.  Lots of work and expense went in to this.  Or take a peek at this one in Wadena.  How exciting!  And, one of my favorites is this one in Plymouth, MN.  They always do a spectacular job!  Not to be forgotten is this memorable display also in Plymouth, MN!  This family takes this on every year as a way to contribute to a cure for Parkinson’s.

And, here’s a place to find the displays closest to your home.

So many wonderful ways of expressing the joy of the season!  They are unique works of art.  Makes me proud to represent the city of Plymouth MN when folks are looking for homes for sale in Plymouth, MN or any houses for sale in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis.  Get out to see them if you can!

Happy Holidays~

 

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.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Real Estate = Real People

December 01, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Featured Home Listings, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Sellers

So much that’s happened in the real estate/mortgage industry in the last few years has been downright dehumanizing.  The very idea of being displaced from one’s home is upsetting at best.  And, it’s bad enough when these circumstances occur because of legitimate reasons.  When a home owner defaults their payments and proper protocol is followed by the lender, it’s understandable.  That home owner has agreed to pay money in a certain way, because the lender has allowed them to purchase this home, if the home owner adheres to the terms set out in the mortgage agreement.  So, when the homeowner does not abide by these terms, they can expect to be held to the letter of the contract and, being in default, have their home foreclosed upon by the lender.  This means the homeowner relinquishes their rights to the property and must move out.

I’m not saying this is easy.  It’s still traumatic on the homeowner and their family.  Frequently, they are in this position because of some downturn in their financial situation, like a long term illness or loss of a job.  So, having to leave their home makes that already difficult situation all the more devastating.  It’s a major change, and not for the better.

However, more and more frequently we’re seeing situations where the lender is in error!  They’re sending out foreclosure notices to people who are clearly the owner of the property, forcing these unwitting homeowners to have to spend time, energy and money to dispute these erroneous charges!!  Other situations involve homeowners whose title paper work was not properly filed, initiating the foreclosure process.  Again, NOT the fault of the homeowner, but they’re the ones that suffer the consequences.

And, still more frightening is the scenario that happened to this Wisconsin family, the Kings.  They had fallen on hard times with a salary downturn at the same time their mortgage interest rate adjusted up to 10%!!  They appealed to Bank of America (their lender) and were approved for one of the new, government programs to assist home owners called HAMP, Home Affordable Modification Program.  They were true to their word and held to the terms of this new program, making all of their payments.  BUT, Bank of America didn’t keep to THEIR word, and, because of a mistake on their part, began the foreclosure process on this family.  Long story short, they left their home to rent another and by the time it got straightened out so they could move back in, their house had been destroyed by a flood, causing mold to grow throughout the entire structure.  So sad!!!

All this to say that what the banks need to remember is that these are REAL people!  People with lives, who have to buy groceries and clothes and put gas in their cars and detergent in their washers.  It’s deplorable that this human factor is getting lost in the morass of paper work and computerization.  If we are not all responsible for each other, then we can expect nothing less when it’s our turn in the barrel.  I’ve always been an agent who cares about the human connection of a real estate transaction as much as the “business”.  In reality, that’s what keeps me going in this industry.  The business itself has become abysmal, but the people are still there!!!  That’s what we have to remember, these are REAL people in real estate!

Please come to me with your questions, concerns, ideas, thoughts.  It’s the real connection that keeps me going!!  :)

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.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spooktacular Open House Sunday Oct. 30th, 12-2pm Heather Rectenwal

October 27, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Featured Home Listings, Market Trends, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Upcoming Events

10/30/2011
12:00 pmto2:00 pm

Don’t miss your opportunity to live here.  Close to both downtowns – 2 BR – 2 BA – 1080 Finished Square Feet.  Heather Rectenwal, agent extraordinaire will greet you!  The deals don’t get any better than this!

Heather Rectenwal - Remax Advantage Plus

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Open House – Independence Day Sale – Price Improvement

June 22, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Featured Home Listings, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Sellers, Upcoming Events

06/26/2011
12:00 pmto2:00 pm

Open House this Sunday, June 26th, 12-2 pm.  Don’t miss it!!!

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Clothing Drive – Dress For Success

June 15, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, plymouth mn, Sellers, Upcoming Events

06/16/2011
4:00 pmto7:00 pm

Many of us look for opportunities for giving.  This is one such event.  Some don’t have time or are not physically capable to contribute the way we might prefer.  But, here’s a simple way to give back.  WCR (Women’s Council of REALTORS®) is hosting a clothing drive!  An organization called Dress for Success has been helping women transition from dire circumstances to self-sufficiency for years!  They provide women in transition with professional attire for job interviews.  Then, they supply these women with more clothing so they can maintain their jobs.  Not only that, they provide ongoing support in the way of networking and career development.

WCR is holding a clothing drive tomorrow, Thursday, June 16th from 4-7 pm to support Dress for Success.  Please bring new or gently used pants, suits, shirts, jewelry, shoes, belts, coats, bags, dresses to Psycho Suzi’s, 2519 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis on Thursday and stay for happy hour!!!  These women will welcome your support and you’ll be doing a good thing to give back to your community.

Questions?  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.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who Represents You? Agency in Plain English

June 07, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: About, Buyers, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, plymouth mn, Relocation Resources

I know this is a confusing issue.  We, as REALTOR®s are required to take a class about this very issue EVERY YEAR!!  And, you, as the consumer, probably don’t understand why this is important to you.  We realize that your perception of our function to find you a house and help you buy it is a valid one.  In fact, that IS, in part, our function.

But, in order to inform and protect you, the whole country has been on a mission to alter the way the real estate agents interact with the public.  Here’s why….

Back in the day, ALL real estate agents represented sellers.  That was a fact, a given.  The agents, no matter what company they worked for, were there to get the best price and terms for the seller.   Nobody was representing the buyers.  Thing is, when buyers were “working” with agents to find a property, they didn’t know that the agent was NOT representing their best interests, too.  They assumed, since they were out riding in the car and had shared all of this personal information about their lives and their finances, that the agent was going to “take care” of them.  Needless to say, that wasn’t always the case.

Some very visible lawsuits ensued when one buyer decided to stand up to the system.  The results of that litigation elicited changes in our industry.  It became important to define WHO REPRESENTS WHO in a real estate transaction.  The initial response was to have agents enter in to a conversation something like this:

  • BUYER “I’d like to find a house to buy. Can you help me?”
  • AGENT “Sure I can.  Let’s get started.  But, before we get in the car, I need to let you know that I’m NOT representing you.  I’m here to get the best price and terms I can for the seller.  As long as you’re OK with that, we can proceed.”

Needless to say, when that kind of disclosure came to light, consumer action groups and home buyers across the board were up in arms.  From that backlash grew a movement to provide equal representation to BOTH buyers and sellers.  Along side the development of this kind of equal representation, the disclosure of that representation has morphed in to something that provides the information to the public in the most succinct way possible.  We call it “AGENCY”.

The State of MN wants us to share this information with potential clients at our “first substantive contact”, meaning whenever price, terms or motivation is mentioned.  In this day of electronic communication, this kind of disclosure is very challenging.  If I get a text from someone wanting to see my property, it’s difficult to go in to a long spiel about “agency” before I can show the property.  That’s why I developed this link on my website for people to read.  I can send it as a link in e mail or text message.  That way, at least I’ve prepared the buyer/seller for this conversation to be had.  And, once I meet with people in person, I can open the door to a more comprehensive explanation of this info.

When I hold open houses, the first thing I say when greeting visitors is “Hello, I’m Susan.  I’m with Remax Advantage Plus.  I represent the seller.”  Then, there’s no question about my contractual obligation.  I try to caution folks not to mention anything about their terms or motivation.  That usually happens if they are inquiring further about the transaction.

Not sure what to think?  For more information, read here.   And, here’s more information from the State of MN Attorney General’s office on why it’s essential for you to listen to this info when the agent talks!!!

Need some advice?  Want to bounce around some ideas?  Want the latest information about homes for sale in your area of Minneapolis?  You need to contact me right away!!!

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.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Nationwide Open House Weekend – Minneapolis Area Condo

June 01, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Featured Home Listings, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Relocation Resources, Sellers, Upcoming Events

06/04/2011
2:00 pmto4:00 pm
06/05/2011
12:00 pmto3:00 pm

The National Association of Realtors has designated this Saturday and Sunday as the Nationwide Open House weekend!  All over the country, REALTORS® are holding their esteemed listings open for the public to view.  This effort is one more step in moving the real estate market forward AND, hopefully, elicit a buyer for those special listings!!!

Here’s one for you.

Send a buyer to this most excellent condo in Eagan.  I’m holding an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday from 2-4 and Sunday from 12-3. It’s neat, light, bright, spacious, walks out to gardens and grass.  It’s like having a one-level townhouse!

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Open House Sunday May 22nd 2:00 – 4:00 pm

May 10, 2011 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Featured Home Listings, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, plymouth mn, Relocation Resources, Upcoming Events

05/22/2011
2:00 pmto4:00 pm

Don’t miss this wonderful condo deal.  Great shape – Great deal.  Perfect for investors, amazing cash flow potential.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,