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Inver Grove Heights, MN Real Estate News

By Alex Wheaton
(Realty Group, Inc.)
8931 Carter Ct, Inver Grove Heights, MN Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure My Reviews $ Click for current price 3 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 2506 SQUARE FEET Prime Inver Gove location on a cul de sac located near schools, parks, shopping, and more. Home features 3 bedrooms plus nursery, bright 2 story entry way, new stainless appliances, hardwood floors, and sun room that walks out to stamped concrete patio. Follow This Home! Inver Grove Heights Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale What Is Your Home Worth Schedule a Showing/Request Info Presented By: Alex Wheaton Realty Group, Inc. 651-308-1850  
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By Mike Carlier, More opinions than you want to hear about.
I got what my insurance company calls an "Explanation of Benefits" in the mail yesterday.  It was what they consider detail for a charge for a routine annual physical.  The doctor did the usual stuff which took him several minutes, I got a tetanus shot, a flu shot, and had a vial of blood taken for the usual routine checks.  The bill was $648.  My insurance provider's explanation of benefits indicated that they paid the clinic a whopping $98.86, and I will have to pay $48, for a total to satisfy the entire $648 bill of $146.86.  Does that sound like a discount, or does it sound like fraud?  Charge Joe Stupid with a pocketful of money $648, but charge someone "represented" by an insurance company only $146.68. I got to thinking how successful the movers in the health care industry have b...
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By Mike Carlier, More opinions than you want to hear about.
Inver Grove Heights MN Home Sales Exceed 2010 Totals Another Minnesota city's total year to date home sales have exceeded the entire 2010 totals.  According to information supplied by Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, the number of closed residential sales in Inver Grove Heights has just reached 281, topping the 2010 total of 273.  In a year as challenging as 2011, this suggests that there are some improvements in the Inver Grove Heights housing market. With Minnesota's lower than national average unemployment numbers, there are enough young people with jobs and decent credit entering adulthood to move the sales needle into more positive territory.  2011 may not go down in history as a great year for housing, but it does look like a pretty good year.  You'll be dollars ahe...
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By Casey J. Anderson
(IBR Realty)
ling a home in Inver Grove Heights today can be a challenge, especially with all the competition from nearby foreclosures and short sales. Market values have been reduced in part because of the lower asking prices offered through banks who need to bring down their real estate owned inventory. Roughly half of the closed sales in the curret MN real estate market has come from traditional home sellers. Are you looking for help to sell your home listing in Inver Grove Heights? Using a Inver Grove Heights Real Estate Agent It's never been more important to work with a Inver Grove Heights real estate agent who understands the recent trends in Inver Grove Heights market values. When we visit your home to complete a market analysis, we will compare all of the features and benefits of your prope...
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By Mike Carlier, More opinions than you want to hear about.
We have been in a housing depression for a few years now, and our federal government continues to do the most to get us out of here when it does nothing.  Unfortunately, government can't leave bad enough alone, and the brain-bound folks on the Potomac have been busy creating nothing but smoke and mirrors.  The downturn and resulting foreclosure crisis has been addressed with programs designed, not to help stabilize prices and stop the bleeding, but instead to help banks keep caretakers in the property they will eventually repossess.  There are government incentives for loan modifications, often no more than a way to keep someone who can't afford to live in their home around for as long as it takes to get every last cent from them.  I think that part is called a trial modification.  Ther...
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Searching for Inver Grove Heights townhomes for sale? As you begin your property search for Inver Grove Heights townhomes for sale, you should be aware of the both the benefits and challenges of townhome living. Millions of Americans have enjoyed living in townhomes and it might be a perfect housing solution for you. I think it is important for you to understand the nuances of the home style that you purchase before signing on the dotted line. Prices for Inver Grove Heights townhomes for sale Inver Grove Heights townhomes for sale are often priced significantly less than traditional single family houses due in part to the use shared walls and common areas. The townhome association to which you will be required to belong is responsible for upkeep of these common areas as well as some of ...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
In this day and age of cell phones, smart phones, smart pads, Ipads, etc., we as Realtors have had to rethink how we do business.  We now have the tools to be accessible at all times and do our work from pretty much anywhere.  Work from home, on vacation, or at the cabin.  But I've started to notice a disturbing trend in my office here in Minnesota.  Many of the agents in my office have become so dependent on this technology that they have become slaves to it.  It used to be when someones cell phone rang in a team meeting you were expected to pay $5.00 to the office kitty because you were expected to either leave the phone in your office or turn it off.  Now a meeting can't go 5 minutes without someones phone ringing for either a phone call, text or email notification.  Now this is acce...
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By Mike Carlier, More opinions than you want to hear about.
Down payment and closing cost assistance is available for first time Inver Grove Heights home buyers and others who have not owned a home for at least three years.  This program is made available through the Dakota County Community Development Agency, and it provides financial resources to make your home purchase successful.  The program is not available to everyone.  There are credit score and maximum income requirements, and there is a mandatory attendance in the Homestretch Homebuyer Education Program.  Topics covered include: Budgeting and Credit Issues, Financing and Qualifying for a Home, Shopping for a Home, The Purchase Process, Closing on a Home and Life as a Homeowner.  It is a worthwhile effort and I recommend it to all prospective home buyers. If you are thinking about buyin...
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By Mike Carlier, More opinions than you want to hear about.
We conduct stress tests on home listings that have gone out of contract without a sale.  If you want to know why your home failed to sell, contact us now to schedule a comprehensive analysis.    Just about everybody knows that there are a lot more homes for sale in Inver Grove Heights than there are buyers. When you sell real estate, you need all the help and information you can get to gain advantage over other sellers. Remember, you're not only competing with your neighbors who want to sell their homes, you're also competing with foreclosures and short sale offerings. If you have tried to sell your home and came up with nothing but an expired listing contract, you probably need our help. All members of our group are licensed real estate professionals with years of experience in cross-i...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
I recently had a client who was in to process of being relocated.  He was upside down on his mortgage and had to do a short sale.  I told him it would be wise to contact his lenders to inform them of the situation.  When he did this, the lien holder on his second mortgage asked him if he would prefer to work out a settlement instead.  Not knowing exactly what this meant, he thought why not.  Long story short, the bank came back and told him they would take 33 cents on the dollar and remove their interest in the home.  so he had to come up with the funds, but it allowed him to sell his home without a short sale and actually put a small amount of money in his pocket when it's all said and done. I thought this can't be possible.  When does the bank agree to work with someone when they aren...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
I recently had a client who was in to process of being relocated.  He was upside down on his mortgage and had to do a short sale.  I told him it would be wise to contact his lenders to inform them of the situation.  When he did this, the lien holder on his second mortgage asked him if he would prefer to work out a settlement instead.  Not knowing exactly what this meant, he thought why not.  Long story short, the bank came back and told him they would take 33 cents on the dollar and remove their interest in the home.  so he had to come up with the funds, but it allowed him to sell his home without a short sale and actually put a small amount of money in his pocket when it's all said and done. I thought this can't be possible.  When does the bank agree to work with someone when they aren...
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It's the beginning of a new year and if you haven't already started planning for next year, now is the time to do it.  So many agents approach this business as more of a hobby.  That's great and fairly stress free of you're not the bread winner in the family and the income is merely supplementing what's already adequate.  But for most agents, this is what pays the bills.  And if you are in this boat, you better start treating it as a business because that can be the difference between success and failure.  So "As a business, the most important aspect, other than prospecting for clients, is to create a budget".  But where do you start?  Start with last years information.  You should be documenting every penny you spend because if you dont' know how much you're spending, you don't know ho...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
As winter approaches here in the beautiful state of Minnesota, I have been taking my extra time to attend some seminars to see what people are saying about being successful in today's market.  I've heard some people talk about a customer service approach.  I've also heard speeches on sales tactics.  After attending a few of these classes, I've learned a few things.  First, you need to find which style of sales fits your personality, beliefs, etc.  I originally started out being offended by some of the sales techniques being taught in one of the classes.  I thought, "This is nothing more than a 'bait and switch' tactic that makes Realtors look like used car salesman.  But then it was later brought to my attention that whether I agree with it or not, it works!  Sure enough I watched a cou...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
As winter approaches here in the beautiful state of Minnesota, I have been taking my extra time to attend some seminars to see what people are saying about being successful in today's market.  I've heard some people talk about a customer service approach.  I've also heard speeches on sales tactics.  After attending a few of these classes, I've learned a few things.  First, you need to find which style of sales fits your personality, beliefs, etc.  I originally started out being offended by some of the sales techniques being taught in one of the classes.  I thought, "This is nothing more than a 'bait and switch' tactic that makes Realtors look like used car salesman.  But then it was later brought to my attention that whether I agree with it or not, it works!  Sure enough I watched a cou...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
It's that time of year again in good ole Minnesota.  The snow is about to fly, the holidays are right around the corner, and the yearly 'How to get listings in winter' seminar is coming up.  It's a topic that has been up for debate in my office over the last couple of weeks.  Is it really a good time for sellers to sell?   The owners of the company have sent out a list of reasons why now is a great time to sell.  They point the lack of inventory due to people coming off of the market.  'Buyer's looking now are really serious.'  The list                                                                                               goes on and on.  But when we look at the statistics, don't they tell us otherwise?  In the statistics we receive from the Minnesota Association on Realtors, it ...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
I recently read a blog about how to respond when someone asks you who set the price.  It was presented in a manner that the person asking this questions was getting a feel for the sellers and if the price was firm or soft. It made me think a little more about the question and how I approach listings.  Do I set the price or do the sellers?  My answer to that is always the sellers.  This has been a topic of debate many times in my office.  Some agents take the approach that, "I'm the expert, so of course I set the price".  The problem is that one you set the price, you have taken ownership of that price.  and guess what happen if the home doesn't sell at the price you've determined?  That's right; you become public enemy number one and your credibility is shot.  In this volatile market, i...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
I enjoy watching all of the interesting posts that come through this website.  There's never a shortage of great insight and advice.  But it seems that lately there have been a lot of posts regarding this upcoming mortgage defaults.  They are all predicting another depression in home prices and a major uptick in inventory. I saw hog wash.  When we fell into the mess we are in now, that banks and prognosticators had their heads in the sand and refused to addres the issue until things got to where they are now.  Everyone is well aware of the large amount of ALT-A loans coming due.  So are the banks.  But let's say, just for kicks, that nothing is done.  Do people really think the banks will simply flood the market with foreclosed homes? Things are moving in the right direction and you can...
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By Brian Hurt, ABR, E-Pro
(Keller Williams Premier Realty)
I do a majority of my business in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.  It's a moderately sized city just outside of the Twin Cities.  I would characterize the area as one that may not have been as greatly affected by foreclosures as some.  More middle of the road. Now there's been a lot of rumblings in the industry about a new wave of ARM's and ALT-A loans coming due this fall and that we may want to be prepared for another hit to our housing prices.  I've also heard that banks are now holding onto their inventory in an effort to decrease supply and ultimately raise prices.  I will say that I have seen a decrease in inventory in our area over the last three to four months.  I've also seen increased activity in non-forelcosure home sales, which is what I specialize in (sounds funny that I no...
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Inver Grove Heights, MN Real Estate Professionals