April 2008 
There are 29 blog entries for April 2008.
Falloff in New Listings for Twin Cities Area
Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 6:07pm. 198 Views, 0 Comments.
The number of new homes hitting the Twin Cities real estate market is falling. According to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, there were 8,523 new listings last month, 17 percent fewer than March 2007 and 21 percent fewer than in March 2006. The effect of this has helped to keep the excess of properties for sale from growing much further.
Meanwhile, pending sales during March were down 14.6 percent compared to March of 2007. Closed sales were also down 12.1 percent from last year.
All of this is unusual, as springtime is the traditional selling season in the Twin Cities-area real estate market. The drop in new listings is probably a sign that some owners are waiting for better market conditions before placing their homes up for…
How to Kill a Sale
Thursday, April 10th, 2008 at 5:27pm. 297 Views, 0 Comments.
If your home is currently on the market but you really do NOT want to move, follow these guaranteed Sale-Killer Tactics:
South Saint Paul Stockyards Closing After 122 Years
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at 11:16am. 294 Views, 0 Comments.
The South St. Paul Stockyards, which have been in existence since 1886, will close on Friday, April 11, 2008, due to high operational costs. The stockyards, which once held the title of "world's largest livestock market" from 1974 to 1981, will hold its final cattle sale on Friday.
Founded as the South St Paul Union Stockyards Co in 1886, Central Livestock Association purchased it in 2003. The company sold the 27.3 acre parcel in March of 2006 and has been in the process of dismantling the stockyards for the past 16 months. There are plans in the works to develop a new industrial area on the site.
When the South St. Paul Stockyards were first constructed, most livestock was transported via the railroad, which is more uncommon these days. Another…
Minneapolis' University Community Highlights
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 7:33pm. 242 Views, 0 Comments.
There is both a community and a neighborhood with the University designation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This community is diverse in history, heritage, and has a wide variety of residents including retirees, families, singles, and students. Here we will touch briefly on each neighborhood within this the University Community.
University - This neighborhood is nearly at the center of the University community. The Mississippi River divides the neighborhood into the west bank and the east bank. The area flourishes because of the University of Minnesota’s presence. Actually, the school takes up a nearly the whole neighborhood. The University of Minnesota is one of the top public universities in the country. While there isn't very much available real…
Strange-But-True: Home Sale Tactics
Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 12:30pm. 944 Views, 2 Comments.
Bob Fanning is dying to sell his 5,600-square-foot home in Whitehall, Wisconsin. In fact, whoever buys his home will be named the beneficiary of a 10-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy. That means if 69-year old Fanning dies within ten years of the home’s sale, the purchase price of the $498,900 is covered.
No funny business, though. The insurance policy would only remain valid as long as the death is natural or by accident. There should be no interference on account of either party or the deal would be null and void.
What are the odds? Fanning said he has no current health problems, but both of his parents died before age 79, as did his sister. He even indicated that he would be willing to disclose his medical records to the future…
The Pre-Purchase Home Inspection
Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at 10:17pm. 213 Views, 0 Comments.
When you purchase a home, it's a good idea to have a professional home inspector take a look at the place over before the transaction continues. Though it may cost a few hundred dollars, the peace of mind it can offer and the troubles it can prevent are worth it.
There are plenty of inspectors out there, so it is important to do some investigating first. Get referrals from your realtor, ask friends or family who have recently bought a home, and talk to inspectors you find yourself. Ask some questions before choosing one, including:
1. How long have they been in the home inspection business?
2. Do they specialize in residential or commercial property?
3. Do they belong to a professional organization, such as the National Association of…
Great Time to Invest in Minneapolis Real Estate?
Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 5:50pm. 224 Views, 0 Comments.
HomeVestors of America Inc., otherwise known as the “We Buy Ugly Houses” people, has named the top ten real estate investing markets for the first quarter of 2008. HomeVestors buys, refurbishes, and sells modest homes. The company based its findings on the number of houses bought in each market by its franchise network during the first quarter of this year. The full list is as follows: Top Ten Cities For Real Estate Investing, 1st Quarter 2008
Five Senses of Home Staging
Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 1:01pm. 217 Views, 0 Comments.
When looking for a new home, buyers use more than their sense of sight to determine if a house suits them. If you are selling your house, be sure that it is pleasing to all the senses.
Seeing - In today's tough market, sellers need to make every effort to show their house in a clean, clutter-free, and stylish way to compete with other listings. Using staging techniques will help you achieve a great-looking house that appeals to a wide variety of buyers.
Touching - Your home should feel comfortable to buyers. Keep the air conditioner running in the summer so buyers are not overheated in your house. In the winter, turn on the fireplace for an extra layer of warmth.
Hearing - For added comfort, soothing music may be played throughout the house. …
Saint Paul's Macalester-Groveland Highlights
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 at 5:08pm. 315 Views, 1 Comments.
The Macalester-Groveland neighborhoods are in west central St. Paul. Its boarders are Summit Avenue on the north, the Short Line and a segment of Interstate 35E on the east, Randolph Avenue on the south, and on the west, the Mississippi River. The neighborhood is primarily residential with some commercial areas.
Macalester-Groveland is an upscale residential neighborhood with a mix of middle-aged families and students. The area is picturesque due to its close proximity to the Mississippi River’s edge. This neighborhood, with its scenic river views, diverse mix of residents, and prominent academic institutions, is perfect for couples, families, and retirees alike.
Mac-Groveland boasts many schools for its relatively small area, meaning a solid…
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