859 Greenway Ave N Oakdale, MN

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Subject to lender approval. I specialize in short sales and REO properties. Don't miss this great opportunity as either an investor or as a owner occupied. This great Oakdale location duplex is just what you are looking for. The front entry is shared and then opens to a seperate accesses to the home. Next to the living room is the generous kitchen as will as a dining room or eat in kitchen area. Upstairs you will find hard wood floors in the two bedrooms and a full bath. Step outside the back onto a cement patio and into the fenced in, spacious yard with fire pit and extra shed. Now looking at all offers.

MLS# 3598638 $180,000 2 Bed, 1 Bath 859 Greenway Ave N Oakdale MN, 55128 Roxanne Skeie Hillard EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1460 rshillard@exitrealtyexecutives.com

7535 Banning Way Inver Grove Heights, MN

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Great up / down duplex in a wonderful residential area of Inver Grove Hieghts. The tenants love it here! Shared entry way with laundry area and then splits up or down. The upper level offers a deck with access to the extremely large back yard while the lower unit has a walk out. Both units have 3 bedrooms 1 bath and a single car garage. Great investment for this one of a kind investment!

MLS# Comingagainonmarket $295,000 3 Bed, 1 Bath 7535 Banning Way Inver Grove Heights MN, 55077 Roxanne Skeie Hillard EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1460 rshillard@exitrealtyexecutives.com

Recently, the Senate added a significant homebuyer tax credit to the housing stimulus plan. Here are the key elements of the plan:

*The tax credit is for the amount of $8,000.

* The tax credit is available to first-time home buyes for purchases of any home closing from 01/01/09 12/31/09.

* Able to claim the credit against the 2009 tax return. This is big to get out to clients in terms of stimulating a purchase in the early part of this year. More info on this to come.

* Buyers must occupy the home for three years as their principle residence

* Purchases of homes by investors are ineligible.

* Sunsets the previous $7,500 Housing Tax credit on the date of enactment.

* The credit is not repayable. (The $7500 credit previously in place was at a zero interest rate but had to be paid back over 5 years).

The details of the bill are not set in stone as of this writing. The President is expected to sign the legislation, part of the Economic Recovery and Restoration Act, within days. 8000 credit

6600 Bryant Ave N Brooklyn Center, MN

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Welcome to 66 hundred Bryant Avenue North, in Brooklyn Center. This home is on a great lot and is completely fenced in. The kitchen features a lot of cupboard space, including these great pull outs. You also have a very large space to have a eat in kitchen. There is also plenty of room to cook and entertain. The dining room is right off the kitchen and the living room has plenty of space to sit back and relax in front of the fireplace. The wood work is beautiful on the extra wide staircase. Head upstairs to the two extra large bedrooms and bath. The master bedroom is on the main level with a three quarter master bath. The Full bath is on the upper level with the two other bedrooms. Go down to the basement where you could finish off this space to make a great family room with this wood burning fireplace. Please call today to set up your showing.

MLS# 3657828 $192,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath 6600 Bryant Ave N Brooklyn Center MN, 55430 Melissa Gootee EXIT REALTY EDEN PRAIRIE 612-741-8822 mgootee@exitrealtyep.com

4922 54th St NW Maple Lake, MN

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Thank you for your interest in this unique property. You'll be sure to enjoy this sensational two plus acre property perfect for the sportsmen or outdoorsmen. You have hunting, fishing and nature right in your backyard making it the perfect place to raise your family. Once inside you'll love the open and spacious design featuring volume vaulted ceilings, gas burning fireplace, private master suite with its own deck, massive lower level boasting a twenty four foot cedar bar and food buffet setup. There's simply too much to list so come see it for yourself in person. Call Donavon to arrange your showing today.

MLS# 3658184 $495,000 6 Bed, 6 Bath 4922 54th St NW Maple Lake MN, 55358 Donavon LeeDesMarais EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1414 Donavon@ExitRealtyExecutives.com

Rarely has pending legislation suggested changes to the financial services arena as controversial as the recent Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act).  The proposed rule would declare real estate brokerage, real estate management, and employee relocation to be activities that are "financial in nature" or "incidental to a financial activity" under the GLB Act. This would allow financial holding companies and national bank subsidiaries to enter these businesses.

The impact on the real estate brokerage industry has escalated and this GLB Act has become one of the most highly profiled public, advertising, social media campaigns and debates on main street, the grapevine, Chicago and Capitol Hill.

Before we end with the final result, let's quickly summarized where it started.

Spurred by the 1929 market crash and in the belief that the stock market speculation by the banks led to their collapse, the 1933 Banking Act was aimed at restoring confidence in the banking system. It established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which insured customer accounts and prohibited banks from both accepting deposits and underwriting securities. In a section called the Glass-Steagall Act (GS Act), it forced the separation of commercial and investment banking.

Following World War II, banks sought ways around the restrictions by forming holding companies that in turn engaged in commercial activities. Then in 1956 the Bank Holding Company Act (BHC Act; amended in 1970) placed further restrictions on what banks could do in the insurance business and once again reinforced the division of commercial and investment banking activities.

By the mid 1990s many economists and policymakers viewed the terms of the GS Act to be largely unnecessary and in November 1999 President Clinton repealed the GS Act and introduced the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB).

That is where the new debate started.

The act specifically allows a bank holding company or a foreign bank that qualifies as a financial holding company to engage in a broad range of activities that are defined by the GLB Act to be "financial in nature" or "incidental to a financial activity." 

The fight was on.

Fast forward to 2009 and the "bloody" almost decade long battle ended quietly last week when Congress passed an Appropriations Bill that would permanently ban the Federal Reserve Board and Treasury Department from finalizing the 2000 proposal to allow federally chartered banks into the real estate brokerage business.

NAR wins with a technical knock out in Round #8.

So what happened?

Well, the American Bankers Association, which had led the crusade and was able to get a series of some eight-one-year delays, just decided to give up. According to the Associations president, "It was no longer on our priority list." Well, with the state of the financial market no-one is surprised.

So, it's over?

Well for now, at least. Will there be another challenge or initiative in the future? Most likely. Meanwhile, also remember that this rule only applies to federally chartered banks and not state banks.

That said, this battle is over, and NAR remains the reigning champion.

A detailed 20+ page whitepaper discussing the issues titled "Real Estate Confronts the Banks" was published in 2001 by RealSure, Inc. and is available for free downloading.

 

A commentary by Steve Morris, Founder & CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International

Knowing precisely what to do next in order to progress and succeed is the mark of great leadership. It's also the prerequisite of sound investment strategy.

At some point in 2009 the bottom of the real estate market will be established and formally announced. I suggest that perfect timing for this would be the end of June. This all-encompassing "line in the sand" would be drawn, of course, as a result of relentless compromise between lenders and borrowers who have heretofore frenzied furiously in the sub prime aftermath. In either case the resident, tenant, customer and client will stop looking down once this stand is taken. Given pause, everyone will then begin looking up.

It goes without saying that when you're sitting on the bottom of a garbage can, there is only one place you can look, and that's up. Then, from the standpoint of strategic initiative, we're all faced with the premise that it's always smartest to buy real estate when it looks its lousiest. Well come June, just how lousy does it all look? Then again, where is the money going to come from if you did want to buy?

It's true that the lending institutions have flip-flopped from a precariously loose giveaway mode, to a very rigid, unyielding resistance concerning the borrowing public. There's no question that by mid-spring it will become obvious that their money is not making money and flexibility and availability will revive. This will come after a very slow winter season, which will trigger a wake up call. This being true, opportunities for investment will abound come the summer and those in the know will seize them.

Chances are that the real estate you buy in the first half of this year will look like fabulous investments three to five years from now. Our directive is to buy in the spring. Timing is everything. After all, it's darkest just before dawn. Then a new day begins.

Speaking to EXIT Realty brokers all over the country, Tami Bonnell, President of EXIT Realty's US Organization, believes we have "unbelievable opportunities at our fingertips. I'm feeling incredibly optimistic because of the caliber of people in this organization." However, to take advantage of these opportunities, Bonnell says real estate agents and brokers everywhere have to be prepared; and prepared is just one of the "P" words to which she wants us all to pay attention:

She asks, "Are you a poised, powerful presenter? Do you portray the image you want your clients to see? What is the perception of you in the marketplace? Are you passionate and prepared with the client as the priority? If we polled your clients, (or in the case of a broker, your agents), where would they rank you on a scale from perfect to poor? Do you have a presence when you are not present? Do you persevere? Would anyone use these words to define you?

• Powerful
• Persistent
• Passionate
• Proactive
• Professional
• Priceless
• Problem-solver
• Promise-keeper

Bonnell concludes by saying, "The test for yourself in this market is, do you point fingers or push yourself? As an industry at this critical time, let's push ourselves - it's amazing how much better everyone is perceived when we put our priorities in the right place."

For more information on joining EXIT Realty Corp. International, the company that is Reinventing Real Estate, contact us today!

This article is also posted in www.realestateindustryleaders.com

EXIT Realty Central Texas News blog reports:

Attendees lined up early at the New Braunfels Civic Center on March 5th, arriving from all over the state to hear the revolutionary Founder and CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. International, Steve Morris.

In true EXIT Realty fashion these attendees were excited, anxious, and certainly ready to hear what the founder of our ground breaking real estate company had to say in the midst of all the economic "bad news". Read more here.

For more information about joining EXIT Realty as a real estate salesperson or for franchise opportunities in Central Texas, please contact:

Dion McCormick, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Central Texas
dion@exitcentraltexas.com 
512.472.3948

Huge Ham Lake Family Home

2618 178th Lane NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304 View Map

Welcome to your new home. This extra large 4 level home is perfect for a growing family. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings provide plenty of living and storage space.

Three bedrooms on the 4th level provide a sense of togetherness and privacy. This upper bedroom level is separated from the rest of the home and has a full bathroom for the kids, a large walk-in closet and a private master bathroom with with shower and a double sink for mom and dad.

The 3rd level has vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan with the living room, dining room and kitchen. There is a sliding glass door and plenty of windows that provide natural sunlight and even a window over the kitchen sink. The kitchen island is angled and provides a great space for informal meals and a place for the family to gather. The refrigerator, range, range hood and dishwasher are all included.

The main floor entryway is large enough for a seat or bench, has a coat closet, and has plenty of room for all of the kids' boots and shoes.

The main floor has a extra large family/entertainment room with another walkout, full bathroom, and a main floor laundry room.

The lower level has an office with a third sliding glass door that provides lots of natural sunlight and a view of the trees. This level contains a 4th bedroom and the utility/storage room.

The backyard is almost an acre and gives the kids plenty of space to play and have fun.

This home is ready for your family to move in now!

Details

Asking Price:

$300,000

MLS:

3656650

Sq. Feet:

2431

Lot Size:

0.94 acre

Bedrooms:

4

Bathrooms:

3

# of Floors:

4

Garage Size:

3

Subdivision:

Woodland Bluffs 3rd Addition

Year Built:

2003

Property Amenities

- Range/Oven
- Full Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Kitchen Island
- Vaulted Ceilings
- Basement
- Patio
- Grass Lawn
- Yard

- Central A/C
- Central Heat
- Walk-in closet
- Family room
- Living room
- Office/den
- Dining Room
- Laundry area - inside
- Main Floor Laundry Room

- 3 sliding glass doors
- 2 patios with walkouts
- Private Master Bathroom
- Double Sink in Master Bath
- Huge 0.94 acre yard
- 3 car garage
- On Cul-De-Sac
- Exurban setting

Contact Info

Patti Ann Kasper
REALTOR®

Cell 763-498-2088
Dir 763-548-1418
Email | Website

Patti Ann Kasper, GRI
Participating member of the *National Real Estate Stimulus Program*

Buyers: Receive a CASH BONUS of 2% of the sale price up to a maximum of $10,000.00 after closing when you purchase a home with Patti Ann Kasper.

Sellers: Your home SOLD in 39 days or less GUARANTEED, or I'll pay you up to $10,000 after closing!

That's right, a tax free cashiers check is mailed after closing, upon receipt of proof of purchase, and verification of identity. Could you or someone you know do something with that? If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, call Patti Ann Kasper to find out how you can receive your own National Real Estate Stimulus Program CASH BONUS!

For more information about my services, guarantees, or how I can help you find your next home, sell your home, buy a business or investment property. Just call Patti Ann Kasper today at 763-548-1418!

To view my interactive on-line real estate magazine with listings, select the banner below:


Touch the banner below to send this information to your friends or family!

Patti Ann Kasper, Your Minnesota, North Metro Minneapolis / Saint Paul Twin Cities, and Blaine MN Real Estate Expert! Associates of Science Degree in Geographic Information Systems and Cartography from Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
© Copyright Patti Ann Kasper 2009 All Right Reserved.

2618 178th Ln NE Ham Lake, MN

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This large family 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 4 level split home with attached 3 car garage is nicely situated on nearly an acre of land at the back of a cul-de-sac in the Woodland Bluffs of exurban Ham Lake, Minnesota. This well maintained home has a lower level office with a separate entrance through the large patio door facing south; perfect for your home based business or growing your favorite houseplants. A guest bedroom utility room and storage closet are nearby. The main level has a large entryway and closet with lots of room for everyone's shoes, hats, coats, mittens, and other things we need here in Minnesota! The extra large family / entertainment room and a full bathroom are also on this casual living level. As you ascend the stairs to a dramatic upper level, you are greeted with vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan. This vast open living area gives your growing family plenty of room to spread out yet still be together. The windows face east and west so you won't miss a single sunset! And with the window over the sink, there is plenty of natural sunlight. The kitchen has an island, recessed lighting, and a pantry large enough to feed a small army! The private 4th level has 3 bedrooms, a private master bath with double sink, walk-in closet and a separate full bath for the kids. The National Real Estate Stimulus Cash Bonus for this home is six thousand dollars. For more information on this home, and for all of your real estate needs, contact me today! *National Real Estate Stimulus Program Participant*

MLS# 3656650 $300,000 4 Bed, 3 Bath 2618 178th Ln NE Ham Lake MN, 55304 PattiAnn Kasper EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1418 pakasper@EXITrealtyexecutives.com

Patti Ann Kasper, GRI
Participating member of the *National Real Estate Stimulus Program*

Buyers: Receive a CASH BONUS of 2% of the sale price up to a maximum of $10,000.00 after closing when you purchase a home with Patti Ann Kasper.

Sellers: Your home SOLD in 39 days or less GUARANTEED, or I'll pay you up to $10,000 after closing!

That's right, a tax free cashiers check is mailed after closing, upon receipt of proof of purchase, and verification of identity. Could you or someone you know do something with that? If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, call Patti Ann Kasper to find out how you can receive your own National Real Estate Stimulus Program CASH BONUS!

For more information about my services, guarantees, or how I can help you find your next home, sell your home, buy a business or investment property. Just call Patti Ann Kasper today at 763-548-1418!

To view my interactive on-line real estate magazine with listings, select the banner below:


Touch the banner below to send this information to your friends or family!

Patti Ann Kasper, Your Minnesota, North Metro Minneapolis / Saint Paul Twin Cities, and Blaine MN Real Estate Expert! Associates of Science Degree in Geographic Information Systems and Cartography from Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
© Copyright Patti Ann Kasper 2009 All Right Reserved.

(Grassroots Newswire) March 16, 2009 -- "This event, to be held April 3rd and 4th, is a unique opportunity to meet and learn from the most influential leaders in the real estate industry", said Carl Cohen, Regional Director of EXIT Realty of Upstate New York. "Whether you are an experienced real estate professional or someone who is considering a career in real estate, this is a must attend event."

Featured speakers include Steve Morris, Founder and CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. International, who REALTOR Magazine called one of "Real Estate's 25 Most Influential Thought Leaders", and Tami Bonnell, President of EXIT Realty's US Organization, called one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Women in Real Estate Leadership."

Additional Presenters Include:

• Bob McKinnon, pioneer in launching the Century 21 brand in 1972. He is currently a professional real estate coach and world class speaker.
• Alex Szinegh, who sold more than 2,100 homes in a 19-year career and produced more than $500,000 annually in commission,. Alex is now a world class trainer, author and creator of EXIT Realty's Agent Boot Camp and the EXIT Online University.
• Janice Petteway, Broker/Owner EXIT Real Estate Results and Past EXIT Realty Broker of the Year, who coaches professionals all over North America.

EXIT Realty, originally founded in Canada has enjoyed rapid growth throughout North America. This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits. The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now.

EXIT Realty of Upstate New York is located at 1500 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal New York 13850. For more information, please call:

Carl Cohen, Regional Director
EXIT Realty of Upstate New York
607-729-5500
carlcohen@exitnys.com

Whether you own a small real estate office or a franchise with multiple offices, real estate brokers have much in common with other small business owners during these difficult economic conditions.  This economy affects all businesses and it doesn't really matter if you are the local hair salon or the major department store, current market conditions are tough. 

For real estate brokers, owners and managers the focus revolves around how to recruit quality agents, how to retain quality and productive agents and how to increase overall profitability.  This is analogous to the farmer who must plant, fertilize and water before reaping - and the sayings goes, "You reap what you sow." Sowing solid business principles is certainly a key part of reaping a profit.

Included in the Swanepoel TRENDS Report 2009 is a list of 10 suggested action steps for brokers to be successful during the down turn. Here is a synopsis:

RECRUITING

1. Define Your Hiring Objectives

Brokers must know what they want in a new hire before they can communicate the need to the marketplace.  It's no longer a numbers game but a quality contest. Creating unnecessary turnover wastes too much time and is too expensive, let alone the disruptiveness that results from bringing a team member on board who's not a good fit.

2. Benefits Has its Privileges

Announce your need to your local market and identify the top five reasons why an agent should join your company.  Don't get caught up in the compensation game as it isn't and shouldn't be the number one reason an agent joins your company.  The focus needs to be on what your company will do to expand the agent's career.

3. Being Creative

Brokers need to determine what group of agents they need to add to their team to achieve the desired results, be it Gen X or Gen Y, multilingual people, college graduates, etc. It will require the use of multiple marketing channels such as Craigslist, blogs, social networks, customer lists and other online services to expand your search - go where the agents are. 

4. Quality Control

Test for a match before spending time with the potential recruit. Do the standard reference checks but more importantly check to make sure the new recruit is compatible with your company and your team. Many different tests like a DISC assessment, the Real Estate Simulator, etc. can help.

RETENTION

5. Leadership

The number one reason agents often leave their company is a poor relationship or disagreement with management. And this almost always comes down to leadership and communication. The work environment is critical and experts are saying that people providing the service to the customers are #1.

6. In Good Hands

Most real estate agents are looking for guidance, mentoring and support to help them pilot their careers to success. Creating teams and mentors within your company helps everyone feel that they are part of something and that they belong - which creates an air of openness and sharing that will result in higher production.

7. Professional Development

Failure of the majority of agents to improve their own knowledge and skills has placed an added responsibility on the shoulders of brokers. To ensure that your company succeeds, brokers must provide agents access to extensive professional development opportunities. A good way to go is a private labeled online university.

PROFITABILITY

8. Business Plans

Study after study has shown that most businesses that fail did so because they did not have a comprehensive business plan for the company to follow.  With an inexpensive real estate industry specific business plan for agents it is easy for brokers to ensure that their agents are equipped with the necessary tools to develop a realistic business plan and accountability system. 

9. Expense Analysis

It's amazing that during the peak real estate market many brokers didn't control their expenses and failed to set aside a portion of their profits for the leaner years. Re-margining your business and bringing costs in line with income is foundational to the success of any business.  But remember, it's not a one time event.  It has to be continuously monitored and managed.

10. Systems

One efficient strategy to do more with less is to streamline activities, automate repetition and put systems into place that can handle many non-income producing tasks. Technology for real estate companies has come a long way in helping to manage clients, agents, information and transactions and increase productivity.

Copies of the 160-page 2009 edition of the Swanepoel TRENDS Report are now available at Amazon as well as the online real estate bookstore.