Sriracha HOT! New Listings in Brainerd! Click to view the Newest Homes for Sale in Brainerd The spring home buying season is upon us here in Brainerd and some great new properties coming on market. Buyers are encouraged to act quickly with interest rates on the rise. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan is predicted to climb from the current 4.4% to 5.3% by the 2015 spring buying season, according to Freddie Mac. The message? If you're planning to buy a home... HURRY UP!!!! GET ER DONE!!! With time of the essence, there are some thing you can do to get ready now. Shopping for homes is an incredibly exciting and emotional experience and you don't want to find yourself faced with disappointment. It's critical to prepare yourself. Some things a prospective buyer can do to to g... 03/27/2014

"Millionaire Warren Buffett said Monday that stocks remain relatively cheap compared to other investments as the economy continues to improve."   Houses are another attractive investment at current prices, Buffett said. He added he might buy a couple hundred thousand homes if only he could figure out a way to manage them effectively. He said he isn't very handy. “Single-family homes are really cheap now too,” Buffett said. Buffett conceded in his letter released Saturday that he was dead wrong to predict the housing market would recover by now. He said Monday that he believes conditions will improve in 2012. Read more: Warren Buffett says in CNBC interview that stocks, homes are cheap way to invest - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_20058332#ixzz1nnWepVl5 Read The D... 02/29/2012

Buying a first home in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota is a huge step and definitely not an easy decision. Anyone entering into this process for the first time deserves special attention from a real estate professional that is prepared to walk them step-by-step through the process.I'm here to provide you or any first time home buyers that you know with that exact level of service. It seems to make perfect sense that as a first time homebuyer, the first thing to do is to shop for homes. Many start by investigating the market in a desirable area and finding that perfect property. Then, they contact a mortgage professional. Unfortunately, this is when the dream can fall apart for potential buyers!  Essentially, they've begun the process backward. When a bank or lending institution dec... 09/05/2011

Rates are at a record low after steadily declining throughout May, primarily due to uncertainty in the global and domestic economies. While these incredible rates represent a significant savings for home buyers, experts note that for the benefits to fully be realized, lending conditions must loosen so more buyers can take advantage of them. As overall economic activity gets back on track, rates will likely rise to keep inflation in check. In other words, the window of opportunity for buyers to lock in these historically low interest rates may not remain open much longer. In our lovely Brainerd Lakes are of Minnesota, we have homes in every price range, condition and location. Investment properties abound with many duplex and single homes at great prices to convert into rentals.       07/09/2011

             CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 1/19/2011 30-YR FIXED………………………………….. 4.750% 15-YR FIXED………………………………….. 4.125% JUMBO 30-YR FIXED (> $417,000)…………. 5.500% JUMBO 15-YR FIXED (> $417,000)…………. 4.750% Minimum $70,000 loan amount for the following quoted rate: RURAL DEVELOPMENT  (30-Year Fixed)…. 4.750% 30-YR FIXED FHA…………………………….. 4.500%   30-YR FIXED VA……………...……………….. 4.625%   3/1 ARM………………………………………… 4.250%   5/1 ARM………………………………………… 4.990% BARE LAND…………………………………...  6.000% Rates effective as of the date shown above and subject to change.            This is not an offer to enter into a lock agreement Rates apply to loan amounts of $200,000+ unless otherwise stated   Rates are still historically low and we have an inventory that is high- what are you waiting for? Short Sales, fore... 01/19/2011

Wondering what is happening in the real estate market for October in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota?  This video will give you insight into our area market and the latest skinny. Short Sales, foreclosures and traditional sales all compare as well as apples and oranges -both are fruit but have quite different tastes. Need some help with any of the above in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota- just give me a call. 10/25/2010

To Quote: "The US Government pushes homeownership in the form of the mortgage interest deduction, low mortgage interest rates and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Most Americans want to own a home, they believe they deserve to own a home and that forces politicians to want the same." As a real estate agent it is my job to help people find and buy the home of their dreams and facilitate the sale and moving on of other dreams. Should everyone buy a home? Does everyone make a good homeowner? If someone can not afford a home or pay for the upkeep, should a home be given to them?   There was a time when I was a renter. I had not decided on a semi-permanent hometown, had no desire to spend my time on lawncare, and had no money to make a large purchase. I rented, I saved, I waited and then years l... 07/08/2010

Where has the Twin Cities real estate market been and where is it heading? This monthly summary provides an overview of current trends and projections for future activity. Narrated by David Arbit, audio recorded by Zach Foty and video produced by Chelsie Foty. With graphs and charts the statistics are well displayed for your viewing pleasure. The summer is off to a slow start partially due to earlier increased buying to take advantage of the tax credit.This is the skinny for the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Other areas of the state vary greatly from the figures quoted for the Twin Cities. We are seeing some changes here - in pricing, sales and a small upward climb in interest rates. Seasonally we should be entering our best sales season - with another jump in the Fall right before Wi... 06/23/2010

This week I joined the Miss Brainerd Lakes  Scholarship pageant (MAO) contestants and their guests for a workshop on breast cancer. I have a strong family tie to the ugly disease and always am interested in the latest information. A young woman, Rachel, started out the workshop by telling her story. She had a double mastectomy in her 20's, so was a great motivator for these young women to start checking their breast health early on in life and to continue being proactive. Our other speakers found cancer in their 40's and both of them finally ended up with having both breasts removed. Our queen candidates had various reactions to all the information- some asking lots of questions and  some just looking completely terrified. The last speaker did emphasize that everyone does not end up wit... 05/06/2010

     Are you wondering how things are going in the real estate market in Central Minnesota? Things are moving and buyers are coming out of hibernation.       Despite the cold weather and heavy snow in February, buyers in the Greater Lakes region were very active during the month of February. There were 99 closed sales during the month, an increase of 23.8 percent from a year ago.     Home prices have shown early signs of stabilizing, but remain relatively soft. The February median sales price of $115,000 was a decrease from a year ago of 1.7 percent.     Soft prices have combined with extremely low mortgage rates to create an attractive environment for buyers. The Housing Affordability Index in February of 172 is an improvement of 4.7 percent from a year ago, and is up dramatically from... 03/10/2010

     By this time we are now well in to the workings of the trillion dollar & still adding spending stimulus package, others beside myself should be questioning what is going on. The majority of the funds  are for future use which does not even qualify it to be a called a stimulus package (call a porker a porker and be done with it).  It should be called what it is - STUPID.      WE should be learning the lessons that history has already given us about using government spending to stimulate the economy and thus create jobs. President Franklin D Roosevelt, during the Great Depression, gave it a try with his New Deal programs.  They never drove unemployment down lower that 20 percent and the rate of unemployment actually climbed during the second phase. World War 2 is the stimulus that ac... 02/08/2010

Enlist in the Lord's Army:  Mark your calendar for February 22 at Heritage Assemblies of God Baxter, MN. The Battle will begin at 8:00 AM to Noon. Men across the Brainerd Lakes area are called to enlist in the Lord's Army to fight for their purity at The Battle. The Battle is the first of a four stage strategy  for sexual purity for men and teens  called Every Man's Battle for Purity. Is the battle just for those with sexual problems or addictions?  NO! It is for every man because every man experiences attacks on his sexual purity. We need one another is the Lord's Army to win the war for Purity.      For more information or to register call 218-829-3209  or visit the website at www.heritageagchurch.org   Coming this Spring:  One Night that Could Change Forever by Allison Lordbock for t... 02/01/2010

Hey everybody, my new blog featuring virtual tours of homes for sale in the Brainerd Lakes Area is here: Brainerd Real Estate Thanks for looking! 01/08/2010

       Statistics say that the best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks? Experience has shown that this is true. These studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is so very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract.      Our present market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. An Overpriced Home:  Minimizes offers  Lowers agents' response  Limits qualified buyers  Lowers showings  Lowers prospects  Limits financing  Wastes advertising dollars  Nets less for the seller  When you are ready to list, contact me for honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home! ... 11/25/2009

October Market Report for the Brainerd Lakes area There were strong home sales in the Greater Lakes region once again in October. For the month there were 242 closed sales, up 14.7 percent from a year ago as low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for home buyers spurred activity. With the home buyer tax credit extended and expanded, we can expect that first-time home buyer activity will remain strong, but don't bank on the same blockbuster numbers we saw this year. If you were a potential first-time home buyer who was qualified to purchase in 2009, the chances are very good that you already bought. The fact that the income limits have been raised for eligibility does help since it widens the credit's availability. The $6,500 credit for second-time buyers will spur some sellers i... 11/18/2009

  In reading a blog on the net , I came across the idea of the 50% Space to Stuff Ratio This was new to me but may be old stuff to some of you.   The concept is that you are to evaluate the floor space in your home.  If it is almost completely covered, there is no room left for new opportunities to come in.  Reduce what is on it by 50% and there will be room for movement and the ability to change out what you want for now and for the future.  When you have an open house and there are a lot of people in the room - they need to be able to get around. Then when you bring in something new, something old goes away - far away- permanently. This will help considerably with your organizing, as there will be less to organize. Once your home is ready to be sold, you will not have all your stuff t... 10/08/2009

     Here in the Brainerd Lakes of Minnesota,  2 special corn fields have been silently growing and planning for the Fall.  Soon these innocent  looking fields will be sculpted and designed into twisty labyrinths for the sole purpose of making you walk in circles. You can spend an afternoon winding your way through the towering stalks and the evening on a hayride drinking cider.  There are special days for families with small children and appropriate age crafts.  Several nights will be for those who like a little excitement with their confusion.  Scary creatures will inhabit the maze ready to make it a screaming adventure. "Our labyrinth of twists, turns, and dead ends, carved into a 14 foot high cornfield, offers an experience that is perfect for those searching for adventure. Near Ha... 09/29/2009

 Beautiful Farm & Lake Properties for sale ..........  On my drive up from Minneapolis/ St Paul (Twin Cities) in Minnesota I was driving by Farm Properties like this everywhere. Word has it nothing is selling because once again the Banks don't want to finance anyone interested i purchasing these properties.  If the Banks are not financing people to purchase properties in Northern Minnesota and they go back to the Bank creating a for-closer, what good is this for our economy?    This photograph (above) is just one of hundreds of thousands of Lake properties in Northern Minnesota that will go back to the Bank foreclosed.  Once again all I can say is (Shame on the Banks)!  And this is one of the main reasons I would never use a Bank to purchase property, I would pay cash or go with owner ... 09/28/2009

     I am signing up for a Webinar sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS and am thinking how sad it is that we need to even consider these issues.  Although I have not had any trouble or even felt uncomfortable at a showing or an open house, I know others who have.  I have also heard of robberies, rapes and murders of agents.  I am not naive enought to consider that this could not happen in my area.  It Could!  I am going to do what I can to prevent it from happening to me. To sign up for the free Webinar go to NAR and sign in.   Attend the Free REALTOR® Safety Webinar from NAR: Safety at Open Houses  Your safety is a top priority for NAR and as part of a year-long initiative to help build safety awareness, NAR will host REALTOR® Safety Webinars each quarter led by safety ex... 09/04/2009

     Tell your parents, your children, your friends, your clients, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.        Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.       It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your... 07/29/2009