More US Home Buyers Returning to Market Because of Easier Mortgage Rules, Stable Rates

 |  Financial, Purchasing a Home, Real Estate News, Selling a Home

More and more home buyers are returning to the US housing market because they’re noticing favorable market conditions.

Specifically, buyers are feeling more comfortable about navigating the market thanks to interest rate stabilization and easier mortgage rules, according to a recent article by Reuters.

This is fantastic news for the overall health of the housing market. After all, it suggests that the national real estate market is likely to become more stable over time.

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 |  Community Events, Purchasing a Home, Real Estate News

Coming Soon!

Elegant New England Colonial in High Demand Minikahda Vista Neighborhood!

~ To be Sold for the First Time in 18 Years ~

This home has four bedrooms up, an attached garage, a master suite and is ready to be lived in and enjoyed.

All four bedrooms are located on the second floor.  Each is generous in size and three of the four have at least two closets – each hosting abundant walk-in or storage...

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Ways to Highlight Your Home for Showings

 |  Home Maintenance, Home Organization, Selling a Home

First impressions always matter!  Here are simple tips for better home showings.

  • Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
  • Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
  • Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers...
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What a Home Inspection Should Cover

 |  Home Maintenance, Purchasing a Home, Real Estate News, Resources to Hire Professionals, Selling a Home

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Structure:  A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Struct...

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 |  Home Organization, Horticulture/Environment, Safety

Houseplants that are Toxic to Cats and Dogs

The following is published in honor of Knightly Stutsman ~ The kindest friend who had a long, happy and healthy life, and who would want the same for your own pet.

July 27, 2004 to June 17, 2014

A number of common plants can be quite toxic and sometimes fatal to your pets.  Below is a list of some of the more common plants that can create trouble and unwanted vet bills.  This is not a complete list.   This information has been provided to y...

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Pros and Cons of Going Condo

 |  Purchasing a Home, Real Estate News, Resources to Hire Professionals

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in many markets, and they’re ideal for those who appreciate a maintenance-free lifestyle.   But before you buy, make sure you do your legwork.   These are some of the important elements to consider:

  • Storage.   Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.
  • Outdoor space.   Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good...
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Tips for Buying in a Tight Market

 |  Financial, Purchasing a Home, Real Estate News

Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.

  1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.
  2. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.
  3. Scout out new listings yourself
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Forms You’ll Need to Sell Your Home

 |  Home Organization, Real Estate News, Selling a Home

Historically spring is a popular time to sell your home.  Here is a list of important forms that you will need to accomplish this.

  1. Property disclosure form:  This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property.  Check with your state government to see if there is a special form required in your state.
  2. Purchasers access to premises agreement:  This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you...
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Questions and Answers: What is Carbon Monoxide?

 |  Home Maintenance, Resources to Hire Professionals, Safety
Every year far too many individuals lose their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning.  This year there there have been a number of fatalities, both locally and state-wide.   Carbon monoxide detectors should be in every home.  Batteries should be replaced twice a year (with those fire alarms!) when you adjust your clocks.
The following publication is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Ice Dams ~ A Refresher

 |  Home Maintenance, Resources to Hire Professionals, Safety

Many homeowners in Minnesota are all too familiar with ice dams.   This is the ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents proper drainage of melting snow.  The resulting water can back up behind the dam and cause extensive damage to a home by leaking into the walls, ceilings and insulation.  This can also result in mold and mildew within the home.  Ice dams occur due to temperature fluctuations above and below the roof line over an extended period of time.  The following has been prepared by one of our Community Resources, Rayco Construction located in the Twin C...

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