Tami and Steve's I-94 Minnesota Real Estate Blog: December 2006

Today's edition of USA TODAY published the following ad sponsored by REALOGY regarding current interest rates:

WANT TO GET A MORTGAGE RATE LOWER THAN YOUR PARENTS DID?

MOM AND DAD WOULD BE PROUD

In 1966, the average mortgage interest rate was 6.26%. (1) Maybe that's why your parents bought that nice ranch house you grew up in. Well, who says opportunity doesn't knock twice? Today, rates are now averaging 6.11%, the lowest since January 2006. (2) Rates for 30-year fixed morgages have dropped in 16 out of the past 21 weeks. That could reduce your mortgage payments by more than $2,000 a year depending on your loan amount - not to mention the $60,000 in interest payments you could save over the life of the loan. (3) And, with a great selection of available properties on the market, finding just the right home has never been easier. So take time this weekend to learn about home buying opportunities in your area. Contact a real estate professional at one of our well-known, brand name companies below or visit their Web sites. Remember what your mom and dad used to say, "He who hesittates is lost!" So don't wait too long, since a good thing doesn't last forever.

1 Federal Housing Finance Board – Data sourced from fhfb.gov
2 Primary Mortgage Market Survey® data provided by Freddie Mac. Based on an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate with an average 0.5 point.
3 Based on a 30-year mortgage of $400,000 with a fixed rate of 6.11% vs. the July 2006 average of 6.76%.

www.century21.com www.coldwellbanker.com www.era.com©2006 Realogy Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.For a complete listing of Realogy companies, visit our corporate web site, www.realogy.com Primary Mortgage Market Survey® data provided by Freddie Mac

This Tri-Level is now the best deal in town!!! At $219,900 you will enjoy three bedrooms all on one level, three baths, an owner's suite with attached bath, Maple cabinetry, recessed lighting, a spacious lower level family room and triple garage. All of this in a peaceful setting in Sauk Rapids, MN. A Don't Miss Opportunity!! View this listing at: 2708 Ocarina Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

With an abundance of trees, a creek and deeded water access, it is hard to find a more suitable plot upon which to build your dream home or cabin. This 3.5 acre property includes 1/7th interest in non-adjacent outlot C, which has frontage on Lake Placid. Lake Placid allows access to miles of the Crow Wing River. It offers the privacy of the Northwoods plus the convenices of the Pillager and Brainerd/Baxter communities. Don't miss at $57,900. View this listing at: 7614 Azalea Road, Pillager, MN 56473.

Hard to find South St. Cloud rambler in excellent condition for $224,900! Three bedrooms on main level, main floor laundry, formal dining, lower level family room with gas fireplace, updated flooring and fixtures, plenty of storage, and private deck and patio. View this listing at: 2020 S. 17th Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

This fabulous St. Cloud two-story now has even more to recommend it: up to 3% paid buyer closing costs with an acceptable offer! In addition, your buyer's agent receives a $5,000 selling bonus upon a successful closing. Finished up and down: 3 bedrooms up with master suite & whirlpool tub, six panel doors up and down, hardwood floors, MF laundry and 2 gas FP. $274,900 with paid buyer closing costs!! Dont' miss this great opportunity! View this listing at: 1627 West Oakes Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Tremendous value on over 3500 square feet in Freeport, Minnesota. It features: three bedrooms on main level, 9' ceilings throughout the main level, six-panel doors, formal dining and an eat-in breakfast bay. There are granite countertops, prep island and serving bar in the kitchen. Main floor gas fireplace, main floor laundry, owner's suite with whirlpool tub and step-in shower. As a bonus, the three-car garage is insulated and sheetrocked. Composite back deck and front covered porch. All for $269,900! Compare at any price. View this listing at: 216 SE 9th Street, Freeport, MN 56331.

This two-story brick home offers character and a remodeled interior for $174,900. The three bedrooms are all on one level. It features a spacious living room with bay window and a kitchen with attached main floor laundry. As a bonus, it also has a newer three-car garage with concrete driveway for plenty of parking. It boasts an oversized city lot with mature trees. Conveniently located close to restaurants and shopping. View this listing at: 323 N. 8th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Convenient and easy condo living just became more affordable! Price reduced to $72,900. This one-bedroom unit with low association dues is close to shopping, bus line and medical facilities. Single car garage. Ideal for first-time homeowners and for college students. Also great for seniors. View this listing at: 315 S. Waite Ave. #307 , Waite Park, MN 56387.