Wednesday, October 31, 2007
HAPPY HALLOWEEN from TAMI AND STEVE!!!
 Don't be Scared!! Buying or Selling Your Home . . . doesn't have to be a frightening experience. There's one trick to a successful move: let us treat you to GREAT real estate service. When the time comes, we look forward to working with you. And we're always here to help your family and friends. Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!!! From Tami and Steve, Mousse and Shampoo Artwork and Graphics by Lauren and Lindsay DeLand
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about the Appraisal Process
Q: How does an appraiser determine if a neighborhood's "supply and demand" are in balance? A: The appraiser must examine the absorption rate of the area. The absorption rate is the rate in which properties are sold in a given market or the average number of properties sold during a period of time versus the current inventory of properties in a market. Analyzing the supply and demand of an area helps the appraiser determine if property values are increasing, stable or decreasing. If there is an oversupply of properties in a market, average exposure time will increase which typically results in sellers reducing prices in order to market their property more competitively. This is considered to be a buyers market. If there is a shortage of properties, exposure time typically will remain low resulting in a sellers market where multiple offers for properties are common place. Contributed by Chuck Novak, Forysthe Appraisals. For more info click here: forsytheappraisals.com.
Friday, October 26, 2007
New Sartell Listing!! 1808 N. 8th Street, Sartell, MN $429,900!!
 Dramatic design enchants you throughout this 3800 sq ft two-story in The Wilds of Sartell, MN. A formal, elegant sitting room. A casual, welcoming main floor family room with gas fireplace. A cook's dream kitchen: granite countertops with an under-mount sink, ceramic floors and a prep island. A formal dining room with crown molding for those special occasions. Main level 9' ceilings with a lavish front foyer and a 19' ceiling and stairwell. Lower level boasts a fully finished family/rec room with custom-designed built-ins, corner gas fireplace, entertainment center and adjoining playroom or exercise room. $429,900. View this listing at: 1808 N. 8th Street, Sartell, MN 56377.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
New Starter Home Lisitng: 826 N. 12th Ave. St. Cloud, MN $139,900!
 Only the second owner in this North St. Cloud bungalow home. Loving care throughout: original woodwork and hardwood floors, as well as remodeled kitchen and updated bathroom. Kitchenette on lower level. Three bedrooms with a possible fourth (no egress window.) Attached garage. Core neighborhood financing available. $139,900. View this listing at: 826 N. 12th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56303.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
New Price on 2820 S. 15th Ave. St. Cloud, MN $234,900!!
 Spacious and inviting: this home is a great show and value at the new list price of $234,900. Four bedrooms and three baths, located on St. Cloud's south side on a private cul-de-sac, this home has it all. In-floor heat, oversized deck and in-ground sprinklers, triple-car garage and concrete driveway, family room with gas fireplace, finished laundry room with cabinetry, eat-in kitchen with prep island, birch cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room and owner's suite with full bath and walk-in closet. Take a virtual tour and view this listing at: 2820 S. 15th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56301.
New Acreage Listing: 10921 67th Street Clear Lake, MN $214,900!!
 Over two acres of country living with mature oaks, yet close to Highway 10: this home is the best of both worlds! Over 2100 square feet with four bedrooms (three on the same floor) and two baths, this home boasts a spacious main level, remodeled kitchen and maple cabinetry. A full appliance package, 22 x 12 deck and ceramic flooring. Within walking distance of Elk Lake on the Briggs Chain, with public access. Affordable, peaceful lifestyle! $214,900. View this listing at: 10921 67th Street SE, Clear Lake, MN 55319.
Captivating New Listing: 3604 South Oaks Circle, St. Cloud, MN $324,900!!
 Contemporary and dramatic: this south St. Cloud home is sure to capture your attention. Design and detail throughout and a gorgeous view from the oversized windows onto a wooded city lot. The main floor gathering room has 10' ceilings, a gas fireplace and built-in entertainment center. Stainless steel appliances and granite countertop in the kitchen. A wrap-around maintenance-free deck with natural gas grill through slider from the dining room. The master suite features a jetted tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. The lower level walkout family room is spacious with a gas fireplace. The triple-car garage is insulated and rocked with a gas heater. In-ground sprinkling. An ideal location close to I-94. View this listing at: 3604 South Oaks Circle, St. Cloud, MN 56301.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
GOOD NEWS FOR THE LOCAL HOUSING MARKET
 "Good News for Local Housing Market" by Robin Peterson President, Coldwell Baker Burnet October 2007 We are seeing many signs of health in the economy and strength in our housing market. Those who are wondering about our housing market conditions should make note of the following local and national trends and statistics:
- Our favorable housing affordability index of 131 means that home ownership is well within the means of the average home buyer in the Twin Cities area.
- There is a generous supply of well priced, quality homes for sale, giving buyers many choices in communities throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
- MarketWatch, a leading online business publication, recently ranked the Twin Cities area as the number one place for business in the country. Our healthy mix of old and new, small and large, public and private businesses helped us earn this distinction and ensures that we can weather economic downturns.
- Our unemployment rate, currently at 4.9 percent, provides the job security home buyers need. According the the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, we had a 75 percent increases in high-paying mathematics and technology jobs this year.
- We have a we4ll-educated work force and one of the country's highest high school graduation rates (92 percent.) We rank among the top 10 states in college graduation rates, according to Twin Cities Education Resources.
- The Metropolitan Council predicts continued strong population, household and employment growth in the 13-county Twin Cities metro area through the year 2030.
- Strong national job growth reports in July, August and September (292,000 jobs) demonstrate that the economy is vibrant.
- We have moved past the August credit crunch and there is an ample supply of home financing that is readily available for prime borrowers at interest rates that are near 45-year lows.
- The National Association of REALTORS is reporting home price increases for the first time in 13 months, potentially signaling that more home appreciation is on the horizon.
For the 30 years that I have been in the real estate business, I have seen consistent strength in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota real estate market. Today we have all the components of a healthy housing market: low unemployment and job growth, favorable interest rates, high housing affordability, and a robust supply of homes for sale. many people may look back at this time and wish they had taken advantage of today's favorable market. i encourage consumers to get the facts from our experienced, professional sales associates, the people most qualified to discuss the merits of home ownership.
New Acreage Listing: 1737 Bishop Avenue, Buffalo, MN $575,000!!
 Exquisite country living on five acres with deeded lake access within commuting distance to the Twin Cities. A rare find! A dream home of outstanding workmanship and quality. Granite countertops, ceramic tile, Australian Cypress hardwood floors, controlled lighting, numerous built-ins, in-floor heat on lower level, master bath with bidet and antique claw tub, Hunter Douglas blinds throughout, stainless appliances and double- decker garage (two up and two down.) Don't forget the horses!! See the listing for additional features. View this listing at: 1737 Bishop Avenue, Buffalo, MN 55313.
New Listing!! 1534 NE Perennial Lane, Sauk Rapids, MN $224,900!!
 Located in Mayhew Lake Preserve in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, this unique split-foyer is spacious and inviting. Huge kitchen with center prep island and dining area with slider to newer deck. Lower level walkout family room with exercise area and gas fireplace. No backyard neighbors for a sense of privacy. Convenient to the new high school or downtown. A triple car garage, sheetrocked and insulated with pull down storage, service door, cable and phone jack. View this listing at: 1534 NE Perennial Lane, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.
Fantastic New Listing! 1126 Gardenbrook Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN $249,900
 Light and design will capture your attention in this outstanding four-level in Sauk Rapids, MN. Maple cabinetry and contemporary prairie-style, this home is striking in every detail. 2700 finished square feet, open and spacious with built-ins, gas fireplace and entertainment center in the living room, German lighting throughout, a view of walking trails and nature, a prep island and stainless appliances in the kitchen, whirlpool in master bath and air tub in lower level. Extraordinary home. View this listing at: 1126 Gardenbrook Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction for Craig Lamphere
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser for Craig Lamphere Sunday, October 21, 2007 Moose Lodge, 1300 Third Street North, Waite Park, MN 56387 4 - 7 p.m. Live Auction at 7 p.m. In June 2005, on Craig's 46th birthday, Craig was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since that time, Craig has met all the challenges of this terrible disease head on. As always, he has maintained his sense of humor and a very positive attitude. Craig is a life-long resident of the St. Cloud, MN area. He and his wife Dona have three children. Craig and Dona are both real estate agents with Coldwell Banker Burnet. Craig has worked in real estate for the past 19 years. Please join us for a great meal, the opportunity to visit with Craig and to help us raise money to offset some of the many expenses associated with this terrible disease. Dinner tickets ($8) available from Tami and Steve at 320-267-7001 or at the door. Make donations to: Craig Lamphere Fund P. O. Box 544 Waite Park, MN 56387
NEW Affordable Lake Listing: 521 Lake Ave. Albany, MN $129,900!!
 Wow! Affordable lake living in Albany, MN. Two-plus bedrooms with wood floors, built-ins, new countertops and a casual living room. Walking distance to the high school. A large city lot, quiet neighborhood and North Lake. $129,900. View this listing at: 521 Lake Avenue, Albany, MN 56307.
Great Value on New Listing: 1600 Cherry Lane, St.Cloud, MN $179,900!!
 Spacious and maintenance free!! This Woodland Hills split-foyer is a great value. Four bedrooms and two full baths. Large living room and lower level family room. Kitchen with breakfast bar. Deck and triple-car garage. Over 2100 sq ft! Immediate Occupancy. View this listing at: 1600 Cherry Lane, St. Cloud, MN 56304.
New Listing: 411 Western Street, New Munich, MN $124,900!!
 Small town living at its best! This is a charming two-story with a large lot. An updated kitchen with granite prep island, a recently finished lower level, updated bath, formal dining room and orginal woodwork will all make you want to call this home! Front porch and three-car garage. Spacious and located within commuting distance of major communties for employment, shopping and recreation. $124,900. View this listing at: 411 Western Street, New Munich, MN 56356.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
New Townhome Listing!! 2058 Stockinger Drive, St. Cloud, MN $120,000!!
 Stratford Place in north St. Cloud is located by the popular Whitney Park and Senior Center. This property features newer flooring in the kitchen, dining and living rooms; woodburning fireplace, walk-in closet, master bath and large deck. Close to bus line, YMCA, schools, recreation, worship, shopping and health services. View this listing at: 2058 Stockinger Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
New Listing: 3017 22nd Street South, St. Cloud $155,000
 Finished on both levels with wooded backyard privacy. This split-level home features four bedrooms, a newer roof, central air, a newer 12 x 11 composite deck, quality appliances and a sheetrocked garage. Convenient to shopping and medical. $155,000. View this listing at: 3017 S. 22nd Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
TOP TEN REASONS It's a Great Time to Buy Real Estate!
Find out why NOW is the right time to buy! 1. Selection, selection, selection. Across the country and in central Minnesota there are plenty of homes to choose from! 2. No Bidding Wars. "Feeding frenzy" offers are a thing of the past in this buyer's market. 3. You can make an offer. Depending on the market, you can count on the sale to list price ratio being about 96%. Make the sellers "an offer they can't refuse." 4. Patience is tolerated. Buyers can take their time and look and several homes before deciding. 5. Due diligence is welcomed. Home inspections are encouraged. 6. There are plenty of specs. Waiting lists also becoming a thing of the past for new construction with plenty of spec homes in inventory. 7. Repair requests are welcomed. Back-up buyers influencing an inspection contingency less likely in today's market. 8. Few, if any investors. You don't have to compete with prospective landlords. 9. Location, location, location. Buyers can find properties closer to work, schools, parks, etc. 10. Real Financing is available. Buyers are buying fixed rate, reliable loans.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Great Price on TLC Listing at 410 NW 6th Ave. Rice, MN $154,900!!
 A special price on this home ideal for the do-it-yourselfer! Over 1600 square feet in this attractive four-level. Three bedrooms and two baths, ceramic tile, a spacious laundry room, egress window on the lower level, kitchen with center prep island, MF living room with bay window and fireplace. Priced to sell for the right buyer: value for sweat equity lovers! $154,900. View this listing at: 410 NW 6th Avenue, Rice, MN 56367.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
New Listing! 1406 N. 7th Avenue, Sartell, MN $234,900!!
 Privacy and nature close to town! This roomy 4-level home offers a private backyard with shaded patio and 4-season room, surrounded by mature trees and perennial gardens. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is plenty of space to grow. A main floor living room and second level family room with gas fireplace. A fourth level rec room. The garage measures like a triple-car with a double overhead door. $234,900. View this listing at: 1406 N. 7th Avenue, Sartell, MN 56377.
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