With the rise of foreclosures there are a lot of vacant houses in Minneapolis, especially in North Minneapolis.  Vacant houses increase crime, so Minneapolis is asking for citizens to help keep their blocks safe.  If you live near a vacant property here is what you can do to help keep your block safe.Call 911 if you see anyone inside or around the property.  Don’t confront anyone yourself!Occasionally check on the vacant property to make sure it is still in tact, make sure there are no broken windows and that doors are locked and secure.  If you notice a way trespassers can enter, if the house is not boarded up, or if you notice any health and safety issues call 311. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311/ You may maintain the public space of the property, the sidewalks can be shoveled, li... 03/20/2008

Each day I post the latest listings to hit the market in Southwest Minneapolis. Stay ahead of the crowd! If you would like to actually search this listing, just go to my website at http://www.gopherhomes.com/ and you can do an MLS search for the specific property. Drop me a line if you would like to see any of these great homes: 4448 1st Avenue S  2 Bedroom/1 Bath $112,0004900 Dupont Avenue S  3 Bedroom/2Bath  $379,7775033 Dupont Avenue S    3 Bedroom/2 Bath       $639,9004536 Dupont Avenue S 5 Bedroom/3 Bathroom    $880,000 03/19/2008

A Friend of mine asked for some help. Here's why:  Please Join Our Fight! It's Non-Violent and Life-Saving! Kelly's Kickin' Cancer Benefit Fine Line Music Café, April 11, 2008, 8:00 PM  Fine Line Music Cafe is located at 318 First Avenue North, in Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401.Kelly Kristine Andrews has been diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and is just 27 years old. She has never smoked, is a vegetarian, and while enjoying life like any 20-something, has always taken good care of herself. There is no logical reason for Kelly to have this horrible illness. Statistically, her situation is extremely uncommon for someone so young and healthy. While intense rounds of radiation have significantly decreased the size of the original tumor, the chemotherapy was not effective and the cancer h... 03/19/2008

Buying a fixer-upper in Southwest has been a popular and proven strategy for ages.  But if you're not careful it can be also be a big mistake.  There are new "rules" in play today that determine what will pay off and what won't. Many are attracted to the "fixer-upper in the nice area" as way of getting into an otherwise unaffordable neighborhood.  With the age of homes, and the variety within neighborhoods South and Southwest are ripe with fixer upper opportunities.To buyers comfortable with remodeling putting in some sweat equity seems like a "no brainer".  But it's not as easy as it looks on HG TV, plan on going over budget, and taking longer than expected.  Many relationships have dissolved over renovation projects.With the down turn in the market, and the prevalence of tear downs, t... 03/18/2008

Buying activity this week remained about the same as last week.  It's almost hard to imagine why buyers are not taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  Until I think about the Bear Stearns news and all the doom and gloom dire predictions we heard this week.Many buyers are trying to time things, to make sure they get the best price.  Bad economic news creates a perception that we are in a free fall.  While that may be true in some real estate markets it's not in others.  Many of the areas I work in are RISING.  Average sale price in many neighborhoods is rising, really, I'm not crazy, check it out on my profile.Trying to time things to get the best price is only smart for investors who don't really care to much about the home itself.  Buyers of a "home" (not just a "house"), are... 03/17/2008

Good News!  The department of Housing and Urban Development has raised the loan limits on FHA financing from $271,050 to $365,000.  FHA loans continue to be a wonderful financing option, and in currently one of the best options available to many buyers.  Coupled with the improved affordability of homes, this is definitely the best time to buy in ages.  Affordability is at a five year high right now, based on median income, median home prices, and mortgage rates.  An additional 25 percent of the homes currently on the market are now candidates for FHA financing.  Buyers are now able to buy more home, and/or better homes, for the same amount, thanks to these changes.  03/11/2008

Activity in the real estate market increased across the board this week.  The number of new deals (pending sales) went from 635 last week to 680 this week.  The number of new listings went up as well from 1832 last week to 2014 this week.These increases add to the rise in activity since mid January.  Spring activity is typically high, when compared to last year, this spring's activity is slightly down.  The number of new listings this spring is about % lower than the same period last year.  While the number of pending sales is down by about %.An interesting side note, the Housing Affordability Index (HAI) is at a five year high.  The HAI measures housing affordability based on sales prices and interest rates.  The HAI is at 157 now, meaning the median household income is equal to 157% o... 03/11/2008

Every client I’ve represented has had different needs. Some need a lot of time, others need a lot of advice, and most need a mixture of both. Here is a short list of the things I find myself doing most often for my clients.  I thought it would serve as a good benchmark for consumers who want to know what their agent is doing for them. 10 Things Your Realtor Should Be Dong For You** Before anything is done, Realtors should always explain Agency Relationships, to a prospective client, and disclose who they are working for, if anyone, at that time. ** 1 Price Opinion CMA Comparative Market Analysis (Appraisals), for Buyers and Sellers Market Stats: Comparing the subject property to its market  2Pre-Sale Planning Touring Completion with Seller Staging Inspections Repair/Replace Lists Remode... 03/10/2008

Realtor Value in a Nut ShellOne of the oldest debates in Realtor history is over commission rates, and how Realtors justify their fee.One side says, "When you add everything up, including an agent's time, it never costs anything close to what they charging"The other side, "The free market is willing to pay it.  If people didn't see the value, they wouldn't pay the price."Could it be that both are a little right, and a little wrong?  (Isn't life always that way?)First off a couple disclaimers...No.1 - I am a Realtor, ok, I'm admitting my bias.  No.2 - Commissions are always negotiable.  Always!Here is my take on the whole issue.  Realtors do one thing, they represent and advise their clients.  That is the essential service that they are paid for.  Not for hosting open houses, not for dol... 03/09/2008

New Page 1 Signs of Spring! Deals are being done, fewer homes being listed, all spell good news for the Real Estate Market. Pending sales inched up this week making a strong case for the market being prime for the picking.  While sales volume remains healthy, the type of deals being done varies in different neighborhoods.  Some places the lowest price rages are hot, while in other neighborhoods it's the moderate price rages. New listing activity is relatively week, a very helpful thing if the trend continues.  The primary force limiting price appreciation is over supply.  Since sales are strong, new listings flooding the market are to blame for the oversupply.  Whatever the reason so many home owners are choosing now to sell, if they stop, the number of homes available will go down.  A... 03/03/2008

This Tuesday evening from 6-7 the Linden Hills Housing Committee will be hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the effect of Foreclosure on the community.  There will be a Pot Luck dinner, kids are welcome.  Following this presentation and discussion, the Linden Hill Neighborhood Council will have a Board meeting from 7-9 and everyone is welcome to stay for that as well.Discussion Topics for the town hall meetingwill include:Why there are so many foreclosures happeningLocal Real Estate ValuesThe effect of this trend on residents and the communityA list of Foreclosure information and prevention resources will be available.  The town hall meeting will start at 6:00 and the Board Meeting will begin at 7:00.  For more information contact the Housing Committee Chairperson, Ben Kolkman (612)... 03/03/2008

Uptown Minneapolis Real Estate Agents Selling The Minneapolis Lakes Area | Buy or Sell Homes in MinneapolisMinneapolis real estate agent, specializing in Uptown Minneapolis real estate. Are you looking for an experienced agent or Realtor to help you with your Minneapolis Uptown homes buying or selling? Great! Our full time, experienced agents offer concierge level service to help you with Uptown Minneapolis real estate listings.Whether your looking for Uptown Minneapolis condos or Uptown Minneapolis homes for sale, we can help. Our Minneapolis agents are knowledgeable about Minneapolis MLS listings and non mls Minneapolis Uptown real estate. Many of our homes sell before they get to market. Just let us know what you wish to sell, or what you need to find....and we'll work hard to get it... 02/28/2008

...at least this is what I am finding out, and I don't understand why.A few weeks ago I went on a listing appointment. I had already walked through the home, so I knew what needed to happen in order for the home to sell quickly. The owners asked me to be very honest about the condition of their home, and wanted me to be brutally honest. I don't sugar coat listings, so being completely upfront and blunt about their home was not a problem for me.During the appointment, they wrote down all the things that needed to change to get top dollar for their home. Here are a few things I saw:the fruit wallpaper in the kitchen had to go - replacing with neutral color paint updates the home and make it look more modernthe ceiling fan in the kitchen had to go - ceiling fans not only distract buyers wh... 02/26/2008

Supply and Demand are a driving force in any market.  In the real estate market, supply and demand are currently the most important single factor to consider.  Quick Caveat - I think the current market is a good one.  I represent buyers and sellers.  In this marker my clients are by and large getting better, more "fair" deals.  Buyers can carefully consider their choices, and sellers are forced to be competitive for buyers business.  This is a great time to be in the market, buying or selling because it's fair.  People often blame our current market conditions on the boom, or the credit crunch, over building, foreclosure rates, etc.  But looking back at the number of sales and listings over time it's easy to see the root cause of the current market.When the "boom" started, when apprecia... 02/26/2008

2526 Jefferson St., Minneapolis, MN 55418 MUST SELL QUICKLYLocation: LeavittsSingle family home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a 2 car garage. Hardwood floors, structurally sounds, needs cosmetic updates. Priced accordingly, well below market value. Need to sell quickly. Subject to lender approval.Photo GalleryInformationContact Information Renee Johnson763-548-1408PricingAsking Price: $139,900Flexibility: NegotiableAdditional Pricing Information: Subject to lender approval, bring all offers. Need to sell quickly.Property Location2526 Jefferson Street NEMinneapolis, MN 55418FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1Parking: 2Year Built: 1925Subdivision: LeavittsLot Size: 46x123Garage Size: 2School District: 1Square Footage: 1,144Agent Name: Renee JohnsonBroker: EXIT Realty ExecutivesMLS #: 350235... 02/24/2008

2526 Jefferson St., Minneapolis, MN 55418 MUST SELL QUICKLYLocation: LeavittsSingle family home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a 2 car garage. Hardwood floors, structurally sound, needs cosmetic updates. Priced accordingly, well below market value. Need to sell quickly. Subject to lender approval.Photo GalleryInformationContact Information PricingAsking Price: $139,900Flexibility: NegotiableAdditional Pricing Information: Subject to lender approval, bring all offers. Need to sell quickly.Property Location2526 Jefferson Street NEMinneapolis, MN 55418FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1Parking: 2Year Built: 1925Subdivision: LeavittsLot Size: 46x123Garage Size: 2School District: 1Square Footage: 1,144Agent Name: Dennis DormanBroker: EXIT Realty ExecutivesMLS #: 3502350AttributesAppliancesRange... 02/24/2008

I will be the first to say that there are some good things that come out of our Realtor Associations, like consumer advocacy, Realtor education, and the option now for health care. But I don't agree with everything that comes out of the mouths of our so called "leaders" here in the Realtor world.Today I was reading an article written by Glenn Dorfman, the COO of the Minnesota Association of Realtors, in which he implies that flipping and making money fast in the real estate world is a bad thing. He even states that professional Realtors "deplore" the practice. Now I am glad he had decided to speak for me on that account because I would have hated him to state how I actually feel. To say that I should deplore making fast money, is like saying I should deplore the rush caffeine brings..Be... 02/22/2008

Today the Residential Real Estate Activity Report for 2007 was released by the Minnesota Association of Realtors. It tells us what we all knew was happening here in the Twin Cities. Listings stayed high, while closed sales took a nose dive. To put it in numbers, over 105,000 listings were for sale, but only 40,055 closed. That's roughly a sale rate of 38%.In the last few months, I have had people ask me about the market. I have always told them that while the market is down, we are back to 2002 sales levels, which in itself wasn't too shabby of a year. Low and behold I was right on the money! We all new the roller coaster ride had to end sometime. Now we can look back the last five years and follow the trends. Trends typically follow a sine curve, so it will be interesting to see if 200... 02/22/2008

Pending sales rose 18% this week!  Things are looking up in the Minneapolis Market.  This is exactly the kind of market activity we need to see to return to healthy market conditions.  As we sell off inventory we'll begin the recovery.  While an 18% increase in pending sales is a good start, new listings out paced the sales activity this week.  The total number of listings rose from 28,153 to 28,803.Activity is hotest in the lower price points, as investors buy up high quality, low priced rental units.  There is a bit of a buying frenzy at the high price points as well.  Many of these buyers are "cash heavy", and able to take advantage of the soft market.Keep eyes on Supply and Demand numbers, and mortgage rates.  Appreciation rates rise when demand is strong.  With this many homes for ... 02/19/2008

On Monday night, I had the privilege of hearing the Tanner Taylor Trio, with jazz vocalist Arne Fogel, at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. Listening to Arne Fogel and the Tanner Taylor Trio perform "Frank, Bing and More" is a lot like climbing into a time machine.  Fogel throws a switch and you're back four or five decades in no time.  The crowd wasn't all baby boomers like me, but they were enthusiastic and appreciative.  Arne and the Trio drew an impressive turnout on a cold midwinter Monday night! Photo above: Left to right, Keith Boyles (bass), Arne Fogel (vocal), Dick Bortolussi (drums). Photo courtesy of Arne Fogel.   Fogel's tribute to the music of composers such as Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein was backed by some of the finest musicians in the Minne... 02/14/2008