Minneapolis Homes | Lofts | Condos

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Time for you to get out while these great prices last?  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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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.

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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.

Technorati Tags: best places to live, buying process, downtown minneapolis, downtown minneapolis living, foreclosures, home buyers, homes for sale, homes for sale minneapolis, homes for sale Minneapolis cities, minneapolis cities, real estate investment, relocation information

Minneapolis Monthly Skinny

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!!!

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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.

Technorati Tags: buying process, homes for sale minneapolis, homes sellers, housing prices, lender mediated, minneapolis cities, Mortgage Info, real estate investment, relocation information

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.

Technorati Tags: best places to live, buying process, home buyers, homes for sale Minneapolis cities, homes for sale Minneapolis Western suburbs, plymouth mn, plymouth mn homes for sale, real estate investment, relocation information

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!

Technorati Tags: buying a Minneapolis loft, downtown minneapolis living, homes for sale Plymouth, homes Plymouth mn, lake calhoun homes for sale, lake harriet homes for sale, Mortgage Info, real estate investment, relocation information

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.

Technorati Tags: buying process, foreclosures, identity theft, lender mediated, minneapolis cities, Mortgage Info, paper shredding event

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.

Technorati Tags: buying process, home buyers, housing prices, lender mediated, Mortgage Info, plymouth mn, relocation information

Many home owners in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs think their home is the best. Rightfully so. They should be proud of their domicile. It’s important to take pride in ownership. That’s what keeps the Minneapolis housing inventory safe, comfortable and up to code.

But, as we all know, there are those homes out there that we drive by and scratch our heads. Asking ourselves, “What were they thinking?!” Sometimes I have an answer for that, but most times, I don’t. These home owners exercise their individuality when designing and purchasing these places.

This home owner decided using natural materials was the way to go, with sand, clay and straw.  If he sees 3 pigs and a big bad wolf come along, he’s in trouble!

These people have been to every restaurant called “The Pinnacle” in the United States.  With a rotating upper level, not an original idea, but certainly original for a single family home.

Talk about your pyramid power!!!  Giza’s got nothing on this place~

Here’s a home owner who knows how to make the best use of his space. The whole house is only 8 x 12.  And you think YOUR house is small!!!!

This article gives more in depth information about the thought and concept behind each of these properties.  It’s very interesting to learn about what people actually ARE thinking when they do something outside the box.

Are you looking for something unique and different for your purchase of a house for sale in Minneapolis?  Maybe you’re more the suburban type and would prefer to exercise your unique-ness by finding the right home for sale in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis cities.  Whatever home purchase works for you, contact me today to get started.  I specialize in unique!!!

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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