Real Estate Information

Attention First-Time Buyers!!!

Below are a couple of links to county websites that offer first-time buyer assistance, great resource for those that qualify.

http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/your_home/firsthome_buyer_assistance/

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cp/ced/homebuyer.htm

The cold hard reality of frigid winter air is here! As single digit temps with sub zero wind chills arrive heating bills will inevitably go up.  Below are some tips on how to make your home more energy efficient and keep more money in your pocket.

1. Install a setback thermostat to keep temps moderate when awake and cooler when away or asleep.

2. Close wood-burning fireplace dampers when not in use

3. Install lined drapes or dense window coverings to keep heat in and cold out.

4. Insulate cold and hot water lines.

5. Wrap your hot water heater with a special insulting blanket.

6. Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlet/switch plate covers.

7. Seal any gaps near plumbing and electrical holes.

8. Weather-strip windows and doors

9. Caulk around windows and doors

10. Added insulation around basement foundation.

So how's the real estate market? Are you alright? Are you going to make it? These are questions we get all the time. They are legitimate questions of concern from homeowners, buyers, sellers and concerned family and friends.

The reality; it is what it is. There is no 'good' or 'bad' market. They are just different. How you adapt (or fail to) is what impact the outcome.  I was recently in Las Vegas for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) convention. I had the pleasure of listening to David Bach (www.FinishRich.com ) speak.  Yes, THE David Bach you've seen on Oprah, CNBC, 20/20, New York Times best selling author etc. etc.  A couple of items that he said really hit home

"Opportunity comes out of challenge. It's not about timing the market. It's about time spent in the market." Bach was talking about the 'speculators' losing their shirts from high stakes flips and exploding mortgages (ARMs)  Real estate is a long-term investment. Bach commented that; "One good purchase over the next eighteen months could yield a fortune."  This comment he's referring to the incredible opportunity to buy "on sale" real estate at record low interest rates. The age old stock strategy, "Buy Low, Sell High." holds true. Now is the time for when savvy buyers are making a killing.

The Mpls Association of Realtors recently released the October Market Statistics. Yes the sexy numbers reported in the media show everything is down, down down. However, take a look at the last few years where seasonally, the trends are the same. 

http://www.mplsrealtor.com/Segments/Realtors/mhs_2007_10.pdf

Getting solid advice from an experience Realtor can stack the deck in your favor. Imagine the long-term financial impact of buying a home 'on sale' with a record low 15 year mortgage rather than a 30 year? Wow!

We'll after a hiatus, we're blogging again!  We're committed to providing regular updates about the local Twin Cities real estate market, strategies on personal finance along with community information.

There's too much mis-information from the media and national outlets. Real estate is a very local business affecting local buyers and sellers. The three most important words in real estate...Location, Location, Location!  Evidenced this year by the Dakota county market. The release of first-time homebuyer funds impacted the number of units sold. (Dakota wasn't down nearly as much as other metro counties according to RMLS stats)

Yesterday, I returned from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conference with a duffle bag full of outstanding ideas and insights on what successful Realtors are implementing to better serve their clients. If you're reading this, one of the best ideas is already working!

Combat the mis-information with a local real estate professional prespective!

Your real estate professional!

Scott