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.
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.
| 04/10/2010 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 12:00 pm |
It’s important to protect yourself. As you probably already know, there are those who will steal your private information for their own gain with no consideration of the impact it has on your life. 
That kind of identity theft can prevent you from obtaining new credit, buying a car or even a house. In some cases, the perpetrator has committed illegal activities with the “new identity” and the victim of this identity theft has been arrested!!! You can do things to make it more difficult for these thieves to obtain your sensitive information.
Make sure you always log off of your online accounts for anything, especially if you’re using an unsecured internet connection or if you’re logging on from a public computer. And, when it’s time to dispose of old paper work, don’t just throw it all in the recycling! That’s like posting it on a bill board! Take it to a professional shredder. There are many free shredding events around the Twin Cities for potentially buyers and sellers of Minneapolis homes for sale can take advantage of to destroy their sensitive information.
M & I Bank hosts such events regularly. Click here for a location and date near you. And, here’s a list of all of the Cub Foods locations that are hosting paper shredding provided by Shred It on Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Don’t miss it!!
Need more info about the real estate market in the Twin Cities? Contact me to make me your real estate consultant for life. I’m up on all the latest info on homes for sale in Minneapolis cities, including Lake Harriet/Lake Calhoun.
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.
For many Minneapolis home owners, this is a tough time. We are experiencing significant volatility in the mortgage arena. The guidelines by which a mortgage may be obtained are much tighter. Actually, the guidelines are back to where they were 15-20 years ago. You actually have to prove you can be a responsible home owner. The paradigm shift that occurred in the early part of the decade, to render anyone who can fog a mirror qualified to be mortgagor (meaning the person who obtains a mortgage and makes the payments toward total ownership) is now shifting back to those who have a proven track record of on time payments and make enough money to pay their bills.
There were people who met such guidelines when they obtained their mortgages, even in the free-for-all days. But, many have now fallen on a hardship of some kind. For example job loss, health crises, divorce, death of a spouse, business failure can all be life changing events that render the Minneapolis home owner unable to honor their commitment to make their housing payments as originally agreed upon. If that happens, the homeowner needs to find alternatives.
There is help available. The new programs that will go in to effect on April 5 have provisions to assist homeowners who are experiencing a genuine hardship. There are many provisions for assistance to forestall the sheriff’s sale until a short sale can be achieved and stricter guidelines that will bring pressure to bear on the banks to provide answers quicker in order to facilitate the short sales to go through. The new program, HAFA, stands for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives, was developed last November and the new guidelines will go in to effect April 5, 2010. Check out the information to see what might help you or someone you love.
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.
For buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis and Minneapolis cities, here is a video that tells you what’s going on as of March 2010. Take a look and pass it on.
Watch this video about the Minneapolis and Minneapolis cities housing market.
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.
Sometimes it’s so hard to find information when you need it. 
How do you maintain the different components of a house? What’s going on in the real estate market? How can I make the most energy efficient improvements to my home? What’s the latest in mortgage and tax information? Do I need to buy different insurances for my home? These are all great questions to be answered. Check out House Logic.
HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools—from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®—that can help you make smart and timely decisions about your home. With content covering home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and even ways you can get involved in and enrich your community, HouseLogic can help you increase and protect the value of your home by helping you make confident decisions.
For more localized information about your real estate market, contact me today. I have access to information about your area, even your block! Relying on zillow.com and other real estate based websites is a mistake. Their information is only as good as the agents who participate in such websites. So, the information is very limited. Contact me, a local professional for information on Minneapolis homes for sale, or homes for sale in Minneapolis areas like Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. I also have lots of information on downtown Minneapolis lofts for sale and homes for sale in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis.
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.
Times are tough.
Economically speaking, we are in the doldrums. People aren’t spending like they once were. Partly because of unemployment. But, I think the tight economy has forced most people to take a good, hard look at the difference between “want” and “need”. As money becomes harder to come by, consumers are making more economical choices for their needs. Many retailers are responding in kind. Cub Foods, for example, has cut prices on many essential items. Walmart is experiencing some of their best years ever.
Consignment shops are also enjoying a new robustness. For those of you not familiar with the concept, consignment shops act as a broker for goods and furnishings between the sellers and buyers (hmm, that sounds familiar). They will accept your gently used items, including clothing, household goods, dishes, sometimes small appliances and furniture, display them in their store front and attempt to sell them for you. They charge a percentage of the sale price. The percentage they take depends on the item. Usual splits between the sellers and the consignment shop for furniture is around 50/50 of the sale price. The more expensive and exclusive the pieces are, the more they will cost at a consignment shop. But, buyers need to consider how much those pieces would cost retail to determine if this is the right buy for them.
The Star-Tribune’s John Ewoldt had a great article this last week listing all of the consignment shops in the area and what kinds of inventory they carry. I’ve shopped at Turn Style Consignments in Crystal, MN and Mainstreet Consignment in Hopkins, MN. There used to be a great consignment store in Plymouth right on 494 and Carlson Pky, too, but I think they went out of business. Now, Plymouth MN boasts the wonderful Wabi Sabi Shop!!! They have fabulous inventory, enough for the frugal and the not quite as frugal.
I am all about the deals! If you’re looking for a deal on homes for sale in any Minneapolis cities of the Western suburbs, contact me today! It’s my goal to provide buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis Lake Harriet Area or Lake Calhoun Area, or homes for sale in any Minneapolis cities of the Western suburbs with the information they need about how to get the deal done.
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.
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
| 03/06/2010 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 12:00 pm |
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.
| 01/21/2010 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
There’s so much to know about buying a house, especially if this is your first time. And, now, with the housing market being so volatile, it’s more important than ever for buyers of homes for sale in Minneapolis cities to be informed consumers. Home buyers need to know about:
And, so much more. This free class, Buying Power For First Time Home Buyers, is tailor made for those who have inquiring minds! Among the topics covered, you’ll learn
Among other information of importance. This valuable education will prepare you to hit the ground running for your first home purchase. We at the MN Real Estate Team and Cornerstone Home Loans have prepared this class to lead you through the groundwork of what it takes. Click here to register or call 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.
