Real Estate Blog

If you are interested in buying a home, chances are you need a mortgage — and the first step toward a mortgage is a prequalification (or its cousin, pre-approval) letter. You provide your lender with basic financial information, and in return you receive a written offer to provide you with financial backing for a home purchase.

However, buyers — and especially first-time buyers — should know that having a letter in their pocket isn’t everything. In fact, according to statistics kept by the National Association of Realtors, some 16% of realtors recently reported that deals that they had signed contracts on didn’t close.

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As some of you may have heard, we have a new assistant in the office–and yes, she is my daughter! As a recent graduate of the Masters of Creative Writing program at the University of California, Davis, she will be putting her writing skills to work in developing ads and blogs, exploring social media and marketing, and will be available to help you through every step of the buying and/or selling process.

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I was reading this article this morning and find it to be very true for the most part. However, this fall has been extremely busy for me. Typically I can expect for things to settle down and for life to get a little bit slower after spring, which is so busy we sometimes bustle through the day and forget to eat lunch.

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Good curb appeal is a major plus when it comes to marketing a home. A little bit of work on the front of your home can pay big dividends. When a potential buyer pulls up in front of your house, their first impression is absolutely crucial. Sometimes buyers won’t even look at a home with [...]

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Are you aware that you can purchase a home with no money down through Mayo Employees Credit Union?  Mortgage insurance is not required for this loan, and  payments are based on a 30-year amortization with a 7-year balloon.  Interest rate is currently at 5.625%.  If you have a 5% down payment, the rate will drop to [...]

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There’s no doubt about it–the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell. Your kitchen doesn’t need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The [...]

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Figures were out through the Minnesota Association of Realtors and statewide sales were up in December. Closed sales were up in December 11.4%.

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Looking for a neutral paint color? Try Benjamin Moore’s (found at Hirschfield’s Decorating Center) Bleeker Beige!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-xn_mUn0Fs

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INSIDE CLEAN! CLEAN! – Have the carpet shampooed; wax the floors, wash the walls, windows, blinds, drapes and lighting fixtures. Consider engaging a cleaning service, recognizing that it is a justified moving expense. KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS – Clear off counter tops. Leave your canisters and little else. Maximize the available counter space. These rooms should [...]

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