While Home Sales continue to lag behind last year's record pace, there is some room for optimism for today's Sellers. Experts are predicting that the current market will stabilize as the year rolls on. This is good for Sellers worried that they will lose their current equity (highly unlikely) and for Buyers (who have great choices while the interest rates are still at historic lows.)
So the glass is both half-full and bubbling over! It all depends on how you look at it.
Here's some links:
Home Sales Expected to stabilize
House Buyer's Bargain Time?
HowRealtors are Paid
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
MONDAY REAL ESTATE LINKS
I was e-mailed this interesting article today which has some great charts showing the pattern that has evolved in Real Estate.
The National Association of Realtors is doing its best to lower expectations while trying to cojole the FED to stop raising interest rates.
For my fellow film buffs...Martin Scorsese's NYC pad is for sale...oh and so is Hulk Hogan's!
Finally, some good news for RE Professionals...even on Second Homes people still love working with us!
The National Association of Realtors is doing its best to lower expectations while trying to cojole the FED to stop raising interest rates.
For my fellow film buffs...Martin Scorsese's NYC pad is for sale...oh and so is Hulk Hogan's!
Finally, some good news for RE Professionals...even on Second Homes people still love working with us!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Home Selling Tips!
It's no secret that in a competitive market like we are currently in, it is in the best interest of all Sellers to make the best possible first impression.
You may only get one chance to WOW the Buyers that come through your home during Open Houses and Showings so you really need to make the most of your opportunity.
Here's a few simple tips to ensure you give it your best shot.
1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY
Don't rush your home to the market. If it's broke - fix it. If it is dirty - clean it. Don't believe that the Buyer will take notice that you are a "work-in-progress" - they won't be that kind! Instead they will move on to the next place that is more "Show Ready".
2. CLEANLINESS COUNTS!
And on the contrary - "dirtiness can cost you" big bucks when it comes to the offers you get. I like to tell people to clean like they are expecting their pickiest relatives over for a family dinner - and then keep it that way - every day. I know this is much easier said than done but it WILL PAY OFF! It is a fact that CLEAN HOUSES SELL.
3. THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
I can't tell you how many times Buyers I am showing houses to are turned off by funky smells. The most likely culprits? Cats, dogs and other pets. Cooking odors. Smoking is a big one. As is mildew (get that dehumidifier going!). And sometimes the worst - OVER SCENTING with too strong potpourri, air freshener plug-ins in the like. Find a happy -neutral - medium and you will be just fine. And always get an honest second opinion from someone who doesn't live in the home. It's amazing how we can become accustomed to smells that others notice immediately.
4. SETTING THE STAGE
This is becoming more and more critical. You want the Buyer to imagine themselves living in the home. That's hard to do when there are 47 pictures of the Seller's and their kids on the wall! De-clutter. De-personalize. And take your agent's advice when it comes to staging your home to get the best mass appeal.
I have a thousand more tips. For more, please CONTACT ME!
In the meantime - here's a link to an excellent StarTribune Article with more tips.
Happy Selling!
You may only get one chance to WOW the Buyers that come through your home during Open Houses and Showings so you really need to make the most of your opportunity.
Here's a few simple tips to ensure you give it your best shot.
1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY
Don't rush your home to the market. If it's broke - fix it. If it is dirty - clean it. Don't believe that the Buyer will take notice that you are a "work-in-progress" - they won't be that kind! Instead they will move on to the next place that is more "Show Ready".
2. CLEANLINESS COUNTS!
And on the contrary - "dirtiness can cost you" big bucks when it comes to the offers you get. I like to tell people to clean like they are expecting their pickiest relatives over for a family dinner - and then keep it that way - every day. I know this is much easier said than done but it WILL PAY OFF! It is a fact that CLEAN HOUSES SELL.
3. THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
I can't tell you how many times Buyers I am showing houses to are turned off by funky smells. The most likely culprits? Cats, dogs and other pets. Cooking odors. Smoking is a big one. As is mildew (get that dehumidifier going!). And sometimes the worst - OVER SCENTING with too strong potpourri, air freshener plug-ins in the like. Find a happy -neutral - medium and you will be just fine. And always get an honest second opinion from someone who doesn't live in the home. It's amazing how we can become accustomed to smells that others notice immediately.
4. SETTING THE STAGE
This is becoming more and more critical. You want the Buyer to imagine themselves living in the home. That's hard to do when there are 47 pictures of the Seller's and their kids on the wall! De-clutter. De-personalize. And take your agent's advice when it comes to staging your home to get the best mass appeal.
I have a thousand more tips. For more, please CONTACT ME!
In the meantime - here's a link to an excellent StarTribune Article with more tips.
Happy Selling!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Consumers say there is NO HOUSING BUBBLE POP!
More good news in the "perception is reality" department: consumers, by a wide margin in a recent poll say they don't believe the so-called "housing bubble" is about to burst. Despite rising interest rates most homeowners believe that their home continues to go up in value and remains a solid investment.
They are right!
No other investment you can make has the time tested track record of real estate. Over time real estate ALWAYS (not sometimes, not occasionally) ALWAYS goes up in value.
Here's a LINK for the story.
They are right!
No other investment you can make has the time tested track record of real estate. Over time real estate ALWAYS (not sometimes, not occasionally) ALWAYS goes up in value.
Here's a LINK for the story.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Minnesota Real Estate By the Numbers
I got an e-mail today with some pretty interesting stats. Check it out:
Key Minnesota Real Estate Statistics
The National Association of REALTORS® has put together a comprehensive overview of Minnesota Real Estate Information. Below are the findings:
Total Housing Units 2,065,946
Owner Occupied 1,412,724
Homeownership Rate 74.55%
Number of Home Sales 2005 111,231
Conventional Loans 102,001
FHA Insured Loans 7,302
VA Guaranteed Loans 1,127
Median Household Income $47,111
Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity in Minnesota $42.36 billion
Key Minnesota Real Estate Statistics
The National Association of REALTORS® has put together a comprehensive overview of Minnesota Real Estate Information. Below are the findings:
Total Housing Units 2,065,946
Owner Occupied 1,412,724
Homeownership Rate 74.55%
Number of Home Sales 2005 111,231
Conventional Loans 102,001
FHA Insured Loans 7,302
VA Guaranteed Loans 1,127
Median Household Income $47,111
Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity in Minnesota $42.36 billion
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
True Value is What You Place On It
I am a firm believer that there is no better personal investment than Real Estate.
Think about it for second. What other item have you purchased that can give you so much: security, happiness, shelter, joy, family memories....and still continue to go go in value?
Certainly not the car you purchased! We all know how they go down in value the second you drive it off the lot!
Stock Market? Eek! Sure big gains are possible...and unfortunately so are even bigger losses.
No, for me I will always pick Real Estate. For despite the ebb and flows that are a part of any market, the housing market has endured and will continue to endure over time. In fact, I would argue that real estate is the ONLY investment you can make that WILL - given adequate time - always go up in value. Not sometimes. Not most of the time...ALL of the time!
After all...we all NEED a place to live!
Here's an interesting article about the current national real estate market trends:
A Soft Landing
Think about it for second. What other item have you purchased that can give you so much: security, happiness, shelter, joy, family memories....and still continue to go go in value?
Certainly not the car you purchased! We all know how they go down in value the second you drive it off the lot!
Stock Market? Eek! Sure big gains are possible...and unfortunately so are even bigger losses.
No, for me I will always pick Real Estate. For despite the ebb and flows that are a part of any market, the housing market has endured and will continue to endure over time. In fact, I would argue that real estate is the ONLY investment you can make that WILL - given adequate time - always go up in value. Not sometimes. Not most of the time...ALL of the time!
After all...we all NEED a place to live!
Here's an interesting article about the current national real estate market trends:
A Soft Landing
Monday, May 22, 2006
Sunny Days!
I am happy to report the Spring Market has really picked up! Despite all the negativity out there in the press, real estate remains a great investment.
Here's some links to some excellent real estate related stories for you to check out.
Curious about Property Taxes and how they come up with how much you pay?
The Property Tax Gap
Wondering about Reverse Mortgages?
Mortgages That Pay
Looking to relocate to Minneapolis?
Minneapolis Neighborhood Profiles
Happy Clicking!
Here's some links to some excellent real estate related stories for you to check out.
Curious about Property Taxes and how they come up with how much you pay?
The Property Tax Gap
Wondering about Reverse Mortgages?
Mortgages That Pay
Looking to relocate to Minneapolis?
Minneapolis Neighborhood Profiles
Happy Clicking!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Spring Listing Special!
Just wanted to spread the word about a SPRING LISTING SPECIAL offer I have going.
If you list with me by June 30th I will either pay you $400.00 at closing to help with closing costs or you can opt to have me purchase, on your behalf, an HMS Home Warranty to sell along with your home (a $400 Value).
In a competitive market you always want to have an edge - and selling your home with a WARRANTY against most defects in the first year is a REAL EDGE!
Plus it gives you great piece of mind as a Seller knowing that you won;t have to deal with any small repairs that might come up after your sale. Likewise as a Buyer you can sleep well knowing IF anything were to come up (and that really is rare) then you are covered.
It's a cliche' to say it but this really is a WIN/WIN!
Contact me today for more info and feel free to pass this info on to your friends, family, co-workers, dog groomer, dentist, paper carrier.....I really appreciate it!!!
If you list with me by June 30th I will either pay you $400.00 at closing to help with closing costs or you can opt to have me purchase, on your behalf, an HMS Home Warranty to sell along with your home (a $400 Value).
In a competitive market you always want to have an edge - and selling your home with a WARRANTY against most defects in the first year is a REAL EDGE!
Plus it gives you great piece of mind as a Seller knowing that you won;t have to deal with any small repairs that might come up after your sale. Likewise as a Buyer you can sleep well knowing IF anything were to come up (and that really is rare) then you are covered.
It's a cliche' to say it but this really is a WIN/WIN!
Contact me today for more info and feel free to pass this info on to your friends, family, co-workers, dog groomer, dentist, paper carrier.....I really appreciate it!!!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A Buyer's Market
As usual, the local and national media is generally about 6 months late when it comes to their reporting of trends in Real Estate. This morning's cover story in the StarTribune is no exception.
Suffice to say that those of us out in the field have been telling our clients that the market is changing dating all the way back to LAST Spring.
Basically what you need to know as a Seller is: patience and the right price are key. (For more Seller Tips click here.)What is the right price? Well that's where your agent comes in. I provide all of my clients with a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis which looks at recent listings, sales, and expired properties that are in a similar location, style and condition to your home. Recently I have begun offering CMA Tours to my Sellers who would like to get out and actually take a look at properties that are currently on the market which they will be competing with. Nothing beats seeing these properties in person.
For Buyers, this market is simply a great opportunity to get an excellent property at a very good price. Knowing which Sellers might be willing to accept an offer that is below market value and how you can get extras like selling costs and home improvements paid by the Seller at closing...well, that's where I come in! Like I say over and over again- EVERYTHING is negotiable! As your Agent I am happy to help you get the best possible deals.
Suffice to say that those of us out in the field have been telling our clients that the market is changing dating all the way back to LAST Spring.
Basically what you need to know as a Seller is: patience and the right price are key. (For more Seller Tips click here.)What is the right price? Well that's where your agent comes in. I provide all of my clients with a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis which looks at recent listings, sales, and expired properties that are in a similar location, style and condition to your home. Recently I have begun offering CMA Tours to my Sellers who would like to get out and actually take a look at properties that are currently on the market which they will be competing with. Nothing beats seeing these properties in person.
For Buyers, this market is simply a great opportunity to get an excellent property at a very good price. Knowing which Sellers might be willing to accept an offer that is below market value and how you can get extras like selling costs and home improvements paid by the Seller at closing...well, that's where I come in! Like I say over and over again- EVERYTHING is negotiable! As your Agent I am happy to help you get the best possible deals.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Welcome to my BLOG!
Hello and Welcome!
I have decided to create this Blog so that I can post the latest developments that impact the real estate scene in the Twin Cities area.
My hope is that this can become a place where I am able to respond to your questions, listen to your feedback, and provide you with the most up to date info and trends in real estate.
I pride myself in being "A Realtor you can Relate to."
To me this is more than a (somewhat!) clever marketing slogan - it is my operating principal. To me Real Estate is all about Seizing Opportunity and my job is to provide my clients with the best possible service. I strive to be an Agent that will LISTEN to your wants, needs, concerns, and desires.
And most of all I want to do whatever I can to fight the cliched notion we all might have had of the slick, amoral, seedy real estate agent who preys on unsuspecting consumers -fleecing them of their cash and selling them swamp land in Florida.
I mean- before I got into Real Estate that was the image I had of Agents! So I totally understand where these feelings come from. There is a lot of DISINFORMATION out there about real estate agents and one goal of this site is to break down the stereotypes.
Don't get me wrong -I am by no means suggesting that all agents are saints. Just like every profession there are a few bad apples...but I can honestly say they that it has been my experience that they are the exception, not the rule. But I really would love to hear what you think!
Also on this site, I will post useful links to stories and websites that I believe will help everyone who visits become a more informed buyer, seller, investor, property owner, renter- whatever category you might fit in.
We all need a place to call home. I am here to help.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have decided to create this Blog so that I can post the latest developments that impact the real estate scene in the Twin Cities area.
My hope is that this can become a place where I am able to respond to your questions, listen to your feedback, and provide you with the most up to date info and trends in real estate.
I pride myself in being "A Realtor you can Relate to."
To me this is more than a (somewhat!) clever marketing slogan - it is my operating principal. To me Real Estate is all about Seizing Opportunity and my job is to provide my clients with the best possible service. I strive to be an Agent that will LISTEN to your wants, needs, concerns, and desires.
And most of all I want to do whatever I can to fight the cliched notion we all might have had of the slick, amoral, seedy real estate agent who preys on unsuspecting consumers -fleecing them of their cash and selling them swamp land in Florida.
I mean- before I got into Real Estate that was the image I had of Agents! So I totally understand where these feelings come from. There is a lot of DISINFORMATION out there about real estate agents and one goal of this site is to break down the stereotypes.
Don't get me wrong -I am by no means suggesting that all agents are saints. Just like every profession there are a few bad apples...but I can honestly say they that it has been my experience that they are the exception, not the rule. But I really would love to hear what you think!
Also on this site, I will post useful links to stories and websites that I believe will help everyone who visits become a more informed buyer, seller, investor, property owner, renter- whatever category you might fit in.
We all need a place to call home. I am here to help.
Thanks for stopping by!
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