Minneapolis Saint Paul Real Estate

My wife Bonnie and I have always enjoyed playing in Linden Hills and Calhoun Square area.  Although we lived and raised our family in the suburbs, we frequently played in Uptown Minneapolis2 to 3 days per week.  From the Uptown Art Fairs, to the Beer Festivals, to simply sitting at our favorite window table at Figlio's (our First Date).  We've enjoyed interacting with and without the vast range of people in the area.  People watching in uptown is the best.  The fundamental element in almost every viewing is the romantic interludes going on with every age and gender.  Uptown reminds me of some of my favorite neighborhoods just outside Tuscany in Italy.  In fact, one of our favorite dining areas in Uptown is Amore Victoria'sat the corner of Lake and Irving reminds me of a quaint little place in Lucca Italy near Firenza name Sergio's.

Anyway, back to the headline.  We met, married, played and also helped people with their real estate needs in one of our favorite parts of the city of Minneapolis.  At the time we were living in one of the nations TOP 100 CITIES to live in:  Blaine voted by Money Magazine. We had already purchased an investment property in Linden Hills located at "The CONDOS of Lake Harriet".  The one bedroom condo was originally going to be a place for us to crash on our regular dates to Uptown.  Our home away from home.   One day, Bonnie and I were previewing homes for a client seeking to be specifically in the ECCO Neighborhood.  The neighborhood is basically bordered by Lake Street, Hennepin Avenue, 36th Street and Lake Calhoun.  Our buyer needs however were more specific.  They wanted to be within 2 block of Lake Calhoun in a Single Family Home with a few additional criteria that need not be mentioned in this blog.

Our previews for us were like having your own key to the history of South Minneapolis.  We toured numerous homes prior to showings to ensure we were showing great potential homes for our clients.  Also, at the same time we decided to purchase a Condo in the Linden Hills neighborhood as our weekend retreat from our regular jaunt south from the suburbs.  One day we toured a tiny Victorian Cottage in ECCO Neighborhood and the moment I walked in, I realized this home wasn't going to work for our clients and turned right around to walk out and said to Bonnie, this won't work, it's too small for our clients.  A few moments later, I see Bonnie still standing in the living room and gazing at the home.  Bonnie eventually came out and said, are you sure this home won't work for them?  Absolutely, this home doesn't have the potential to finish any space on the lower level or add onto the home for a third bedroom.  Bonnie's reply was, "Great, let's get a second look when the sun is setting."  I looked at her as if she tipped one too many Stella's at Old Chicago Uptown.  Oops!  Okay, I'll book a second showing.  We went back early that evening and I'm still clueless why were there as I was still in the REALTOR® mode.  It all hit home when she was staring at the fireplace with tears in her eyes.  Oh my goodness, we just bought a condo and she wishes we purchased this home.  Wrong again!  She looked at me and said, "Frankie, I want to live here".

  My reply to her was simple.  Honey, it's November, we own a large suburban home and just purchased a condo in Linden Hills for us to enjoy.   Her response was, "Frankie, I want to live here, can we make it happen? 

I agreed we should investigate matters further and think about it overnight.  Well, like we say to our buyers, if you're losing sleep over one of the homes we've seen, we may have to do something about it right away.  Well our investigating revealed that this home was set back on the rear of the property for a reason.  It was the original storage/Ice House during the late 1800's.  Area residents came to this home to acquire Lake Calhoun Block ice for their refrigeration.   Over the years this two room house had several additions, including one of the most recent additions featured in Kira Obolensky's book entitled, Garage - Reinventing the Place we Park. 

We presented the purchase agreement in person and it was the passing of the torch whereby, Bonnie would be carrying on the tradition of this old home.  I've always lived in new construction and Bonnie fell in love with the blend of old world charm with the new world touches in this little home.  The best part for me is that when coming home, I feel I really coming home to a place we can enjoy at every stage of the day or evening.  We enjoy our neighborhood events, friends, walks, trails, and of course just a few blocks from Calhoun Square area.  We've discovered the many "Best Kept Secrets" just a few blocks from the square. 

Bonnie and I will continue to take in the history of ECCO Neighborhood as we continue to preview homes in the area.

Enjoy the great neighborhoods within uptown!

Frank D'Angelo - Broker/SRS

Featured Linden Hills Condo for sale (click here)

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Contact Frank D'Angelo, Broker, Sellers Residential Specialist. Licensed Broker in the State of Minnesota at (763) 548 1444 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Blaine, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Coon Rapids, Centennial, Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Andover, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, St. Paul metro Minnesota.                           

   We Are Accepting ReferralsVisit our profile to find out more about our services. Call us today at (763) 548 1444. Contact us by email if you prefer by clicking on email me on the right side of this page under our profile.

© Regional MLS of Minnesota 2008. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocitysm Program. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES are marked with the BR logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items

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Want to know what the Top Ten Associates have to say about the Current Real Estate Market?

 EXIT Realty Associates in Minnesota met again at their regional sales meeting.  It was hosted at the American Red Cross in downtown Minneapolis.  The venue was a convenient and centralized location for the vast numbers of Associates across the metro.  It is clear EXIT Realty is Growing in Minnesota with only standing room the venue.  In fact, we heard the parking lot limitations may have turned away a few associates.  Our apologies went out to those who arrived and could not be facilitated on site.  As a Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Executives, I was pleased with the growing numbers of associates across the metro and enjoyed the networking opportunity as well.  All of our associates are reminded that all EXIT offices are available to them should they need a more convenient location to facilitate their clients. 

Julie Olsen, Broker/Manager of EXIT Team Realty in Wayzata was the moderator for the panel discussion.  The panel of experts was the Top Ten Associates recommended by the Broker Council.  The Top Ten Associates on the Panel were:  Jeff Osberg, Leslie Dahlin, Noel Schewve, Nancy Roddy, Sheldon Berquist, Donavon DesMarais, Dave Kuch, Tim Lovett, Regan Massee, and Ron Becker.  These associates shared quality strategies, tips and perspectives on their abilities to generate sound business opportunities in the current real estate market.  Almost all of the associates came from a traditional real estate background whereby they were in business for themselves and by themselves.  What came across clearly at this event however was that they are still in business for themselves, and their very proud of NOT being in business by themselves with EXIT Realty.  These top producers shared their successful strategies and knowledge with those who took the time to be there.  At EXIT Realty, our associates are our best assets and this was yet another opportunity to share and learn from the best.  I was particularly pleased with the quality of responses to a few of the questions.  Here are some of the notable ones that stayed with me...

QUESTION 1.   What do you attribute most of your success in Real Estate in 2006?  Ron Becker, Broker/Owner and sales leader within his own company opened with a simple yet to the point tip;  picking up the phone and calling your sphere of influence every day.  Regan Massee gets up and draws a funnel which actually displayed two portly people meeting belly to belly with the number 20 above the two bellies.  His creative artwork was followed up with his lead generating strategy of getting belly to belly with 20 different people.  I have been to a training facilitated by Regan Massee whereby he details more specifically with what goes on when you meet these strangers and/or circle of influence.  Regan's message was clear, talk to 20 people and you'll be doing a transaction.  Donavon DesMarais, a virtual real estate rookie who went from zero to 100 in this type of market opened with what he was constantly reminded while growing up with a real estate dad who always said;  ‘ you need to make hay when the sun shines'.  He followed up with saying, that might also mean going the extra mile and working with clients beyond the normal daylight hours.  Other great responses/tips pertaining to success in 2006 included: ask for the referral while in a transaction and after the transaction, networking with other associates (Leverage)so that you're in business for yourself, but not doing all the work by yourself.  One of the common elements coming from the majority of the associates referred to the networking opportunities within the EXIT family allowing each associate to leverage their time and improve their opportunities to receive additional revenue streams.  Sheldon Berquist reminded us that the previous year was not a great year for the vast majority of associates.   Sheldon attributed his success in 2006 to a newsletter sent out to his data base on a monthly basis.  Keeping his sphere of influence informed on a monthly basis makes his phone ring.  Sheldon had a few other great tips to share with us; however with the numbers of top producers wanting to share their knowledge, time was of the essence.

QUESTION 2.  What will you continue doing in 2007 and/or what will you change in 2007?  Ron Becker stated he has changed his message to his sphere of influence regarding the sense of urgency to purchase real estate.  The message needs to get out to his sphere of influence indicating it's a very good time to purchase real estate.  Why would you want the prices to recover and/or increase before you buy?  Tim Lovett (Mr. Lakeshore) indicated that the media is constantly printing articles that refer to; the sky has fallen regarding the real estate industry.  Tim went through a much worse time in real estate during the 1980's when interest rates were in the middle teens.  Tim reiterated that he reminds his sphere of influence that our market is a very normal market.  This is a great time to purchase a home, so if you're a move-up buyer or investor, get involved now!   We all need to get the message out there; the newspapers are not helping this cause at all.  Now help me with this one please.  Why do real estate agents help the newspapers by advertising in them???  According to the publisher of the New York Times, Arthur Sulzberger; the New York Times doesn't even expect to be in print in a few years.  My goodness, can you imagine?  The Internet has become the main resource for buyers.

QUESTION 3.  Could you briefly and to the point, Share one Tip!  The following went done the line in rapid succession:  Leslie Dahlin (also a relative newbie in the industry) stated align yourself with a mentor and learn from quality experience  Leslie figured that out in a hurry when she came to her first EXIT training event and joined EXIT.  Network with your broker.  Noel Scheweve stated; don't have a back-up plan, go with a plan.  Joel Anderson said; network with other associates and develop additional revenue streams.  Nancy Roddy stated it simply, the harder you work the more successful you'll be.  The ever giving, Sheldon Berquist shared with us that on May 14^th the postal rate increases.   He'll send out a letter/notification to his sphere of influence reminding them of the postal rate increase and will include a few supplemental stamps.  His letter/notification will  asked one of the most important, yet least used questions in our industry; WHO DO YOU KNOW RIGHT NOW THAT IS PLANNING ON MOVING OR BUYING REAL ESTATE?   Nice Tip Sheldon!  Donavon DesMarais referred to the numerous marketing systems out there and said; implement a new system, pick one or more and get started today!  Regan Massee, provided his sound bit and suggested we increase our fees/commissions.  Regan followed up his statement with; "Good advice and representation doesn't cost it pays".  Dave Kuck says, ‘always try to differentiate yourself'.  Educate yourself and educate your sphere.   Dave turned Darwinian on us and quoted; "The species that survives is not the strongest, but the one that adapts to change (Darwin)".  Thank you Dave.  Does that mean I shouldn't advertise in the newspaper?  Oops there I go again!  Tim Lovett offered his quick tip by simply stating, wake up in the morning a be very grateful, keep everything in perspective.  That will help us with the appreciation factor with your sphere of influence.  If time permitted, I'm sure Tim would have gone on to say more on the affirmation principle that our entire company basis it's success.  Ron Becker said three words; close, qualify, and prepare. 

After question #3, Julie Olsen opened the panel to floor questions.  This will be a great platform for future regional sales meetings with a reduced number of panel experts and more opportunities for quality responses to floor questions.  One of the questions that came from the audience was; what happens when you just can't get anyone to purchase your listing???  Everybody wanted a piece of this question offering tips pertaining to price, commissions and access etc., however I don't feel that particular question was answered for this particular associate.  At this point in the meeting, everyone was actually ready to make their EXIT.  I wanted to interject and have Sheldon Berquist handle that question.  I knew  he also sensed that this particular associate was doing everything possible to sell this one particular listing.  Sheldon actually brought one of his unique sign riders that helps separate his listings.  I know he wanted to share that tip with us but couldn't because of time.  More importantly, that strategy also helps him hook up with the buyer directly.  We have been working that specific scenario all year at our team meetings on a weekly basis. Selling challenging listings is more than Price, Access and Commissions.  As listing agents, we may have to actually find the buyers.  Where do you find the buyers?  The answer is simple; the same place they'll find you!  You figure that one out; because it came from me J   You can find me at:  http://www.allmetrohomes.com/

Congratulations on taking some time to invest in yourself.  I/we really appreciated feedback and comments from everyone... Please post your comments below and may your day be blessed. 

Lastly, I just want to thank all the participants for sharing today.  Thank you Julie Olsen for facilitating the event and more importantly, for getting us to the American Red Cross.   I want to thank the American Red Cross for hosting this event and for providing our associates a quality tour relating to the American Red Cross mission and humanitarian efforts.  I learned their not just about giving blood.  The American Red Cross has numerous volunteers locally who respond to our local families in immediate need as a result of a natural disaster such as Fire.  Did you know that the American Red Cross is on the scene helping families within 2 hours of the disaster?  Bonnie and I plan on becoming trained volunteers thanks to the tour.  I'm sure more EXIT associates will be doing the same.   For more information on how you can Get a Kit, Get a Plan and Get involved, simply log onto http://www.redcrosstc.org/ or call (612)871-7676

This would be a rare find in the Oakdale Parkland area. Lakeshore, fabulous neighborhood (Goodwin Park), fabulous retreat within the metro area. In-ground heated pool, privacy lot (0.65 acres) on Park Lake. This 1973 built home has been meticulously maintained and upgraded, the home also includes a 3 car garage with an additional storage side on the side yard.
As you enter the living areas, your dreams will get lost with nothing but fabulous lakeviews and wooded shorelines. The kitchen, dining and living rooms including the finished family room looks right at your own private lake (Park Lake). This home is by appointment only, please call our single-number reach for more information on how we can accommodate your showing needs on this fine retreat. Call (763) 548-1444 or vist us at http://www.allmetrohomes.com

Oakdale Mn Real Estate