And they just keep going down.............. My last VA buyer locked in at 4.25% which was an amazingly low rate, thinking that they could only go up! I am seeing a tightening for lending, with many hopefuls being turned away because they do not meet the higher standards for lending. I do think that this is a good thing overall, although they probably would have bought homes from me now and then somewhere down the road I would be helping them sell their dream home turned into financial nightmare.  This way they can work on their credit, actually get a job and stay at it for a while, save up for a down payment ----------and I can rest well at night. That is a good thing! 08/12/2010

     photo by Cicadajet - Flickr St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minnesota has under gone a large expansion project.  They have added a three story 60,000 square foot patient care addtion located in front of the hospital entrance.  The price tag for this was $22 Million.     The existing hospital was 150,000 square feet and the addition is now built on the site of the former business offices.      Sunday, October 21st, the hospital hosted a ribbon cutting, blessing and dedication from 12:30- 4 PM.  Guided tours of the new patient care addition were conducted and refreshments were served.     This addition will be a great asset to the community of Little Falls and the smaller towns and outlying areas around it.  10/22/2007

     The every other year open house at Camp Ripley in Minnesota was this year and there was a big crowd. There is a certain amount of curiosity about a military training facility.  Living within ear shot , we know when they are practicing flying maneuvers or shooting the big guns.  However, people want to see just what is inside that big guarded space and they got the opportunity on Open House Day.     Children participated in the Cini-Stick Assault Course (by Domino's Pizza), the inflatable obstacle course, the rock climbing wall. archery and Humvee rides.      There were shows for everyone throughout the day by the Wadena Mounted Posse, Little Falls K-9  Police unit, and the St Cloud Tae Kwon Do Club.      Many groups who support our nation's troops were also on hand.    10/03/2007

                    Is it the Master bedroom? Kitchen? Bathroom - you know everyone needs at least one?NO - it is the entry way, vestibule, foyer, receiving area, entry hall!  Typically, we think of this area by one of those names and then give it no further thought. But this is a very important area and is the prospective buyers first view of the interior of the home. In my previous blog Looking Good ,  I covered the importance of the front door.                                                       Now, they are inside.       Barbara Corcoran says "Every buyer will judge your house                                                                 within 8 seconds upon going in the first door.""                                                                                              ... 09/05/2007