Brainerd Lakes Real Estate News

Interest Rates for September 7, 2010

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:39:19 -0400

What is happening today in the world of finance, real estate and slightly rising interest rates for home buyers?

Although there was a slight increase from yesterday's closing rates- rates are still rock bottom.

If you are buying and if you are borrowing money to buy- then get moving.

Welcome from the Brainerd Lakes - where outdoor and indoor recreational opportunites abound. Looking to buy on one of our many lakes? Ready to move up or down? Having trouble selling your home? Falling behind on payments or already in the foreclosure process? I am a Certified Short Sale Specialist as well as a Home Staging Expert.

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Love, Sacrifice and Bravery- Thank you!

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 10:52:00 -0400

This video speaks of love, sacrifice and bravery- both for those men and women in our armed forces and those they leave behind. Everyday those serving in our armed forces risk their lives to bring peace and stability to other regions of the world and to ensure that ours is kept here in the USA. They have marketable skills, they have training and educational backgrounds- they are employable- they could pursue an easier job back home, but they sacrifice for you and for me. It costs them, it costs their families and I am so grateful that they willing go forth no matter what the cost. Their bravery and courage should be an example to us all.

I want to say a thank you from my heart and know that I will do my small part to help the families in my area that bravely wait for their loved ones to come home.

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In My Mother's Kitchen

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:29:00 -0400

I learned more than how to stuff a turkey or properly dice an onion in my mother's kitchen She hardly ever let me cook (her kitchen), but she let me watch and she talked. She would tell me where this recipe came from and on what special occasion it would have been served. She talked about her mother and how she did things. She talked - I listened and watched. Having an very good visual memory - I learned. (Please don't ask me people's names, I am bad at that.)

My mother is now gone, but her recipes live on, as do her notes. "V.G." on a recipe card means she thought that recipe was very good. "Skip salt", "more sugar" "cook 10 minutes longer" meant just that. "Walt's favorite" (my dad) surely couldn't have been written to jog her memory! My mother was recording history.

photo by T W Collins

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Great Truths for Small Children!

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:24:18 -0400

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED or will learn at some point:

No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap.

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Interest Rates for August 12, 2010

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:49:46 -0400

And they just keep going down.............. My last VA buyer locked in at 4.25% which was an amazingly low rate, thinking that they could only go up!

I am seeing a tightening for lending, with many hopefuls being turned away because they do not meet the higher standards for lending. I do think that this is a good thing overall, although they probably would have bought homes from me now and then somewhere down the road I would be helping them sell their dream home turned into financial nightmare. This way they can work on their credit, actually get a job and stay at it for a while, save up for a down payment ----------and I can rest well at night.

That is a good thing!

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Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:33:23 -0400

In our present market buyers, if not looking for a bargain are certainly looking for good value. They can easily find that with our present vast inventory - at least in the Brainerd Lakes area. I know you love your home and think it is worth much more than others because of the memories, hard work and everything that you have done.

Buyers are just looking at your home and many other homes - your home is in a beauty pageant and a price war- are you winning?

Via Stephen Munson (Munson Realty):

Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less If there’s anything we can take away from the plethora of Bank Owned Foreclosures is they certainly know how to price a home to move!

I maintain that you almost always shoot yourself in the foot by overpricing your home. Your home will almost always sale at or above market value by pricing at or below market value.

So why is that? Well think back at when YOU were buying a home. Remember when a “great deal” came on the market and everybody and their agents were “swarming” to the open house? You placed your offer only to find out their were 10 other offers and they were going above the asking price? This “bargain price” created an auction affect and got people excited. THAT is how banks are pricing their homes and if you want your home to move quickly and for the most amount of money, this is a winning strategy.

So why don’t sellers do it? I think it’s because there’s a little voice inside of our head (and pocketbook) that says “what if”.

“What if”- I can get $50K over market value. (even if someone were excited enough about your home to pay $50K over appraised value, their lender won’t loan the money if the value isn’t there. No loan, no buyer)

“What if”- I don’t get multiple offers and I only get one offer (May be still overpriced!)

Often fear (and greed) hold us back from making smart choices! Don’t feel bad though, even Real Estate Agents are guilty of senselessly overpricing their homes. Somehow when it’s our turn to sell all of our “market knowledge” becomes goo and leaks out of our ears! It’s like the hairdresser with bad hair!

The bottom line is, almost always, an Over Priced House will sit on the market longer and sell for less than it should have had it been priced strategically from the beginning.

Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson RealtyPasadena|Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less*overpriced homes,overpriced house

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Central Mn Vietnam War Memorial

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:52:06 -0400

Have we forgotten those who served and sacrified in the Vietnam War and were so unsupported by many in the US along with celebrities who sacrificed nothing!

Via Steve Baklaich (RE/MAX Realty Source St Cloud Mn real estate):

Central Mn Vietnam War Memorial

In Eastman Park at Lake George downtown St Cloud stands the Central Minnesota Vietnam War Memorial. Carved in granite, an American soldier and South Vietnamese soldier represent the 2 countries who fought side by side during the war, and above their heads flies their countries flags.

You'll never be forgotten, carved in granite, at the feet of the the 2 soldiers. The memorial was created due to the efforts of Hoa K. Nguyen, a former South Vietnamese military officer, who wanted to honor all those who fought for South Vietnam's freedom. There were 17 men from St Cloud MN who died while serving their country in the hopes that South Vietnam would one day be free. It was Nguyen who pursued his goal to make sure that there was a fitting tribute to those men.

The memorial is a collaboration of the knowledge and work of several people. Julie Gustafson did the original sketches of the two soldiers. Jim Bestick, who served in Vietnam, helped her with the details on the uniforms and the helmets. Glen Farb, an architect, designed the base for the monument. The Monument was then carved by Kollman Monumental Works, Inc in St Cloud.

The Minnesota POW/MIA Walk of Honor around the base of the monument is made up of memorial bricks that have messages about veterans. The information I was able to find states that the Chapter 290 Vietnam Veterans of America in St. Cloud is in charge of the memorial bricks. This monument is one of very few of its kind honoring both the American Soldiers and the South Vietnamese who fought along side each other.

There are several other memorials that have been placed in the area immediatly surrounding this memorial. St Cloud honors veterans, and we would like to thank all those who serve.

Steve Baklaich RE/MAX Realty Source www.stcloudareahomesforsale.com

Cell:320-260-3290 Saint Cloud Minnesota Real Estate

If you are relocating to central Minnesota check out all the wonderful reasons to love St Cloud. It is a wonderful area full of things to do and lots of great houses. I would welcome the opportunity to help you find your perfect place here. Visit my St Cloud real estate website for more information about buying or selling a home, or property in the central Minnesota real estate market.

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Soon it Will be Crow Wing County Fair Time! See You There!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:19:52 -0400

I will soon be setting up my Keller Williams/Re$ale Design & Home Staging booth at our Crow Wing County Fair in Minnesota.The Crow Wing County Fair will celebrate its 113th year anniversary in 2010! The fair was organized in 1897 and fairs were held in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby before permanently locating in Brainerd in 1937. The 1897 fair was held at grounds owned by M. K. Swartz located just east of the 1900 block on East Oak Street. In 1938 the fair was held at the Brainerd Armory and beginning in 1939 at the Mill Avenue fairgrounds where it was held each year until moving to its present location at 2000 South 13th Street in 1962. I have been participating in this fair since I was in grade school and pigtails.
The fair began as an agricultural event for the purpose of providing a place for county residents to exhibit their products. Youth projects such as 4-H and FFA were able to enter and compete for prizes. While many aspects of the fair have changed over the years, the main philosophy remains the same, to provide an opportunity for people to touch base with the agricultural heritage of Crow Wing County.
The Crow Wing County Fair is now among the five largest fairs in Minnesota, with annual exhibits numbering over 6,000 and annual attendance estimated at 100,000.The fair is now an educational non-profit organization.

I blog from the fair when I am not busy talking to friends and prospective clients. I will also be posting many photos and maybe a video or two. See you on here or at the FAIR.

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"X" marks the spot!!!!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:45:59 -0400

This really should be an OLE and LENA joke!

Good clean fun.......................

Via William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY):

A bit of light humor for the end of the day. Things seam to be a bit tense so enjoy!

Bob and Fred are out in the boat fishing. They are having a great time and the fish are biting non-stop also.

"This is the best day of fishing we have ever had", said Bob.

"It sure has, to bad we couldn't mark this spot for the next time", replied Fred.

Bob reaches into his tackle box and pulls out a big marker and puts a big 'X' on the bottom of the boat. "There, now we will know!"

"That is the dumbest thing you have ever done", hissed Fred. "What if we don't get the same boat next time. Someone else will get our spot!"

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"X" marks the spot!!!!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:45:50 -0400

This really should be an OLE and LENA joke!

Good clean fun.......................

Via William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY):

A bit of light humor for the end of the day. Things seam to be a bit tense so enjoy!

Bob and Fred are out in the boat fishing. They are having a great time and the fish are biting non-stop also.

"This is the best day of fishing we have ever had", said Bob.

"It sure has, to bad we couldn't mark this spot for the next time", replied Fred.

Bob reaches into his tackle box and pulls out a big marker and puts a big 'X' on the bottom of the boat. "There, now we will know!"

"That is the dumbest thing you have ever done", hissed Fred. "What if we don't get the same boat next time. Someone else will get our spot!"

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A Buyers' Agent Is Just As Valuable As A Buyer To A Worthy Listing Agent

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:14:32 -0400

Not returning my phone calls. do not want to give me access into YOUR listings because you want a hogger?

Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):

Marketing to real estate agents is as important a task as marketing to potential buyers. Co-broke agents are the crux of our business. We love to see agents from near and far, and the further out they are from the better the chance of closing that buyer. When an agent from Boston, or one of its suburbs, drives to Franklin, it's realistic to think that a reservation will follow. Agents do not like to waste their time, nor do they like to reinvent the wheel, so when those buyer agents are coming from a distance, unless the buyer despises that property, the buyer's agent will close them.

There are so many listing agents whose main purpose is to sell the property themselves and because of that the co operating agents are treated badly. Phone calls are not returned and some listing agents will not accommodate that buyers' agent's requests.

My team will extend every courtesy and cooperate to the nth degree, including showing a buyer a property without that buyers agent, if that's what they are requesting. We have no problem with doing that. We just want the listing to sell, and we want to represent our sellers and builders properly. Their properties need to be promoted to everyone. We are prepared to cooperate with every listing in our inventory. My team members feel that a transaction with a buyers' agent is the cleanest deal.

Open house events are provided at our new construction communities for cooperating agents.   We will invite every agent within a certain distance of Franklin. We provide tours, food, drawings and information. We make it known that we will accompany if desired, and we will take the time to meet with the buyer to answer any and all questions. The buyers are not required to provide any money until a purchase and sales agreement is ready to be signed. Reservations do not require a check, and we will not accept any money. It's purely conversation until the buyer is comfortable. Cooperating agents appreciate that "no gun to the head" method of selling, and those cooperating agents always come back for more.






  www.franklinmahomesales.com

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Looking for a Fixer-Upper in the Brainerd Lakes?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:57:04 -0400

In the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota, buying a home with the intent to fix it up is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you intend to make it your primary residence, a second home or a rental- there are many things that with some hard work you can tackle yourself. Our current Brainerd Lakes real estate market may allow you to get the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.

I will tell you that buying a fixer-upper can be a big challenge as there may be structural defects or other hidden problems. For those reasons, I always recommend an inspection. This service with a reliable and thorough home inspector is always worth the expense.

If you are planning to make structural changes to the home as in moving or taking out walls- remember that the work starts from the base up. Something needs to support every piece of the home and you may need professional advice when contemplating big changes.

The worst home in a great neighborhood is going to get you more dollars back than a great home in an undesirable location. Location is hard to change but in light of our recent tornadic activity, I will say that "nothing is set in stone".

With smaller fixes like cleaning, painting, sheet rock, flooring landscaping, and changing out hardware- you may well be up to the task with some background studies or the help of a friend. With major fixes like roofing, electrial and plumbing work make certain that you are not only well versed on how to do this, are fit enough to accomplish it and you have the right equipment. In most cases here, hire a professional!

Before buying, know that you have budgeted in for all these items an adequate amount and a cushion.

When looking at real estate in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area have Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR® Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes show you around. With a construction and design background she can help you envision what a fixer-upper could be- with some work and a low overall cost.

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So Mr. Buyer you missed the tax credit... But remember rates are so low you can buy $30,000 more home vs. the rates prior to April 30th!!!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:36:38 -0400

Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years!

Via Kellie Morrissey Colorado Realtor (Keller Williams Realty Success LLC):

Hey All,

We all know that the tax credit is over for new buyers....except Military!

It was a great "reason" to advertise, AND gave us something to talk about....

But did you know........that if you were under contract prior to April for the credit, that your rate was around 5.125%

With rates today in the MID 4's, a buyer can basically buy about $30,000 MORE house?

All WE need to do is change our advertising and get back to WHY it's a great time to buy.

Kellie Morrissey, MA, CRS, GRI, CDPE

The City & Mountains Group

Real Estate Broker

Cell 303.877.2813

Fax 720.266.6479

Keller Williams Realty Success,

LLC 10026 W. San Juan Way Suite 200

Littleton, Colorado 80127

We would be honored if you visited our website to find 'just the right' home: www.CityandMtnsGroup.com

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FORECLOSURE VS. SHORT SALE: PROS AND CONS IN A SIMPLE CHART.......

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:57:23 -0400

There are major differences in executing a Short Sale of your property and walking away!

Via Kellie Morrissey Colorado Realtor (Keller Williams Realty Success LLC):

FORECLOSURE VS. SHORT SALE
HOMEOWNER CONSEQUENCES

FORECLOSURE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FOLLOWING

SECURITY CLEARANCES= may be revoked and position may be terminated
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT= may result in reassignment or termination
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT= in most cases will challenge employment
DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT= 100% of the bank in states where they can may pursuer a deficiency
DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT (amount)= If sold at auction at a low price may result in a higher deficiency judgment
FUTURE FANNIE MAE LOAN-PRIMARY RESIDENCE= 5 years to get a FM loan
FUTURE FANNIE MAE LOAN-NON PRIMARY= 7 years to get a FM loan
FUTURE LOAN WITH ANY MORTGAGE COMPANY= Buyer has to answer YES on question C Section VII of the standard 1003
CREDIT SCORE= lower credit score of 250 to 300 for 3 years
CREDIT HISTORY= 10 years on public record

SHORT SALE

SECURITY CLEARANCES= Will not challenge most security clearances
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT= Not a challenge to employment
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT= Not a challenge to employment
DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT= some successful short sales it it possible to convince the lender to give up right to pursuit
DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT (amount)= In most case the amount is lower
FUTURE FANNIE MAE LOAN-PRIMARY RESIDENCE= 2 Years for FM
FUTURE FANNIE MAE LOAN-NON PRIMARY= 2 Years for FM
FUTURE LOAN WITH ANY MORTGAGE COMPANY= No question about Short Sales
CREDIT SCORE= 50 points and 12 to 18 months
CREDIT HISTORY= Not reported on a credit history

I hope this helps you talk to your customers about Foreclosure VS. Short Sale

We would love your comments!
Kellie Morrissey, MA, CRS, GRI, CDPE

The City & Mountains Group

Real Estate Broker

Cell 303.877.2813

Fax 720.266.6479

Keller Williams Realty Success,

LLC 10026 W. San Juan Way Suite 200

Littleton, Colorado 80127

We would be honored if you visited our website to find 'just the right' home: www.CityandMtnsGroup.com

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Setting the Stage for a Sale!

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:49:44 -0400

Setting the Stage for a Sale!

Via Connie Tebyani, Platinum Home Staging Los Angeles and Ventura County (Platinum Home Staging, Inc. : RESA-Pro):

There were some very strong opinions in the comments of a recent blog post concerning how a particular home was "staged". Each table was set for dinner (even incorrectly as pointed out by some). As a Professional Home Stager in the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas, some Clients and Realtors are even asking us to "set" the tables when we are Staging. It is in my humble opinion that this can be very contrived and over-done if not done properly which prompted this post to maybe be of inspiration to others in alternatives to "setting" the tables when preparing a home for sale.

First, let me start by saying that "setting" the table really depends on the home. Personally, I like to minimally set a table in a smaller home to add color and interest. In large homes that might have a formal dining room AND a breakfast nook, we will minimally "set" the table in the breakfast nook, but not both.

If there is an eat-in counter in the kitchen and a dining area, again we will set one or the other, but not both.

WHY? Because I like to leave a space for YOU as the Realtor to be able to sit down with your Clients and write an OFFER! How awkward would it be to have to move everything on a table that is set to the nines, to review a contract or write and sign an offer? - It doesn't make for a very comfortable "setting": pardon the pun.

These are examples of tables that we did NOT "set" with plates, napkins, etc but still added interest, color and instead set a mood.

Plates and napkins may have been found in other places of the homes, but not in dining rooms where it would be extremely overwhelming to see plates, napkins, water & wine glasses, utensils, etc for where 8-12 people could sit.

I actually blogged about this very topic over 2 years ago, and if you would like to get more inspiration and photos, click here.

If you are in the Ventura or Los Angeles County areas and would like to speak to a professional Home Stager to prepare your home for sale: call the ONLY Interior Design Company in Southern CA that is endorsed by Pottery Barn - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. 805.553.9952

***********************************************************************************

Connie Tebyani

Principal Designer / Owner Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

(805) 553~9952

Preferred Interior Designer for Pottery Barn

Member of the Real Estate Staging Association

W ar

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