Tami and Steve's I-94 Minnesota Real Estate Blog: November 2007

Fabulous value on this extraordinary two-story in the Wilds of Sartell, Minnesota! 3800 square feet for spacious living, and upgrades throughout: granite countertops in the kitchen, ceramic floors, under-mount sink and prep island; an elegant sitting room and MF family room with gas fireplace; 9' ceilings throughout with a 19' front foyer for dramatic presentation. Custom designed built-ins in the lower level with family room, gas fireplace, built-ins, entertainment center and an adjoining play room or exercise area. View this listing: 1808 N. 8th Street, Sartell, MN 56377.

What a great way to get started with your first home! The price is right for this two bedroom, two bath home on a wooded, private lot. Newer AC and maintenance-free windows; wood floors, a spacious kitchen, a jetted tub in the remodeled bathroom, new bedroom carpeting and lots of lower level storage. Garage and shed. Move right in! View this listing at: 612 2nd Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379.

Outstanding upgrades in this two-story colonial on four acres located near Holdingford, Minnesota. Four bedrooms, four baths and 3400 square feet, with a dramatic presentation of the great room and kitchen. Custom craftsmanship throughout: gas FP, entertainment center, built-in bookcases; a master suite with walk-in closet and jetted tub; office with French doors, breakfast bar and prep island in kitchen; a lower level with in-floor heat, rec room, custom stone and log-style bar, and walkout to patio. And don't forget: to appreciate this country setting, you need the 40 x 60 heated pole shed. A majestic setting at an affordable price! View this listing at: 485 Walnut Avenue, Holdingford, MN 56340.

Calling all Tami and Steve Clients! Tomorrow December 1st is our annual TREES FOR TOYS EVENT from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come and bring a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign, and in return and with our gratitude, receive ABSOLUTELY FREE a live Christmas Tree or Holiday Wreath. The event will be held at our office: 110 2nd Street South, #105, Waite Park, MN, and Santa will be there for the kids, along with cookies and cider. It's great fun and a time to catch up with our valued clients!! Call or email to reserve your tree or wreath. See you there! We are looking forward to it! Tami, Steve, Jesse, Carissa and Kim

Hey, all Tami and Steve Clients! It's our annual TREES FOR TOYS Event at Coldwell Banker Burnet, St. Cloud, Minnesota. Come this Saturday, December 1st between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and bring a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign. In return, and with our gratitude, you will receive ABSOLUTELY FREE a live Christmas tree or Holiday wreath. The event will be held at our office: 110 2nd Street South, #105, Waite Park, MN, and Santa will be there for the kids, along with cookies and cider. It's great fun and a time to catch up with our valued clients! Just call to reserve your tree or wreath at 320-258-6675. See you there!

So, really, he did. Save Thanksgiving. This is what happened. The whole story. And it is a perfect example of what's RIGHT in the world today, and in particular, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
But the story begins in Las Vegas.
A week prior to Thanksgiving I was at the National Association of Realtors Convention in Las Vegas. (Going to sessions, thank you very much.) On a break it struck me, "Ohmygosh. I forgot to order my fresh, free range Thanksgiving turkey before I left!"

Now this was serious panic because I have a daughter who is passionately dedicated to the ethical treatment of animals and won't eat meat unless it is free range AND traceable to a specific farm. As you can imagine, this type of bird is not easy to locate and special order is a must.

I immediately called back home to my Byerly's market from the lobby of the Sands Convention Center. I asked for butcher Al Weber and he mercifully picked up the phone. I told him:

"Irealizethatit'sonlyaweekawaybutIforgottoorderLindsay'sturkeyforThanksgivingandifI don't finditshe'llonlyeatpotatoesfortheentireweekend. Can you please find me a free range bird?"

Not missing a beat, he answered, "Okay. Does it need to be organic, too?"

You can guess how this story ends: with a succulent free range and organic turkey from Niman Farms at our Thanksgiving table and very stuffed tummies.

Now what, you may ask, does this great story have to do with real estate?

It' doesn't. Not directly. What it speaks to is REMARKABLE SERVICE. First name, reliable, trustworthy service. The exact kind of service that the Tami and Steve team strive to furnish their clients every day.

Secondly, it belies the notion that a "name brand" (i.e. franchise) cannot be personalized to serve individual needs. Byerly's is a large specialty food chain in Minnesota, but my local market treats me as if it were a Mom and Pop shop that has known me all my life. I live in a community of 60,000 people, but when I grocery shop at Byerly's I am greeted by name at the entrance, the service counter, the deli, the meat and produce departments, the bakery and the checkout line. Byerly's never lets "name brand" equate to anonymous. They simply focus on every customer. Again, a Tami and Steve goal with every buyer and seller we meet.

I could go on with a list of the outstanding service organizations in St. Cloud and the surrounding area, and I think I will in future blogs!

In the meantime, let me know what you think!

And thanks, Al, for saving Thanksgiving!

Incredible deal on this three bedroom, two bath ranch close to the St. Cloud State Campus! Brand new roof, updated kitchen, newer appliances, remodeled lower level bath, newer carpeting and new door. Hardwood floors, fenced-in back yard and bar area. Double-car garage. Remarkable opportunity at $149,900!! View this great value at: 116 S. 20th Ave., St. Cloud, MN 56301.

It's our annual TREES FOR TOYS Event at Coldwell Banker Burnet, St. Cloud, MN! This Saturday, December 1st between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. bring a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign and receive, with our gratitude and ABSOLUTELY FREE, a live Christmas tree or Holiday wreath. The event will be held at our office: 110 2nd Street South, #105, Waite Park, MN. Santa will be there for the kids, along with cookies and cider! It's great fun, and a time to catch up with our valued clients. Just call this week to reserve your tree or wreath: 320-258-6675. We can't wait to see you!

An acre-sized lot overlooking the Sauk River in Melrose, Minnesota is perfect for fishing, canoeing or enjoying the evening campfire. Four bedrooms on the main level, two full baths, hardwood floors, in-floor heat and coved ceilings. The master suite features a private bath, jetted tub and slider to backyard. A full basement with family room and fireplace. Sprinkler system and 12 x 20 garden shed. $214,900. View this listing at: 214 E. 4th Street N., Melrose, MN 56352.

Fabulous new price on this three bedroom Pantown ranch-style home. Brand new appliances, newer roof, convenient to bus line, shopping and medical. AHS Home Warranty provided to buyer with acceptable offer. Immediate possession. It's a honey! $119,900. View this listing at: 801 N. 34th Ave. St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Fabulous new price on this Mississippi River property! One-level living, large wooded lot and a walk-down to the fabulous Mississippi. Three bedrooms and two baths, vaulted ceilings a breakfast bar, wrap-around 12 x 36 deck and bright 4-season room. Lots of storage in the oversized double garage. Clearwater Estates is a gated golf-course community with swimming pool and clubhouse. Just $179,900!! View this listing at: 112 Goldfinch Lane, Clearwater, MN 55320.

Like our puppies, (in the Macy's parade this year!) we all have our reasons for being thankful on this special holiday.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the good people of our community and help them with their real estate needs.

To us, that's truly a joy!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Tami and Steve

A great value on this charming small town two-story at $119,900. Four bedrooms with two baths, a triple-car garage and large city lot. This home also features an updated kitchen with granite island, a recently finished lower level, formal dining room, front porch and original woodwork. View this listing at: 411 Western Street, New Munich, MN 56356.

SERIOUSLY, the best deal in town at $129,900!! Character, charm and all the rest: hardwood floors and original woodwork, leaded-glass windows and built-ins. You won't believe the value! A roomy country kitchen and enclosed porches are a bonus!! Three bedrooms on one floor. This is a don't miss and won't last long! Immediate Possession. View this listing at: 315 NE 4th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56304.

Move right in! On the I-94 corridor for easy commuting, this well-maintained split-foyer is now at a great price! Hardwood floors, a center prep island in the kitchen, a vaulted main level with slider to the deck and a triple-car with insulated garage doors all make this home shine in comparison to the rest. Immediate possession. $199,500! View this listing at: 312 Ash Street, Annandale, MN 55302.