First time home buyers are impacting the housing market much more significantly that in previous years. The first and most obvious reason is the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. This should be incentive enough to get any potential buyer to start their look.

Additionally many existing home owners are having difficulty selling their homes because of lowered home values. Either they cannot sell or they have decided not to sell at this time, hoping for greater equity when home prices rebound. As existing home owners are choosing to remain in their homes, the first time buyers take a larger share of the market.

The key word is home affordability, a combination of price and interest rates. For the qualified home buyer, home affordability is  greater now than ever.

A word of caution though for potential buyers - it is probably not the time to wait.

The tax credit expires on November 31. I expect there will be a massive rush to close purchases in November, with many simply missing the cut off just because lenders will be backed up. In Tennessee, for qualified buyers, using a no-interest rate second mortgage from THDA, credit from the tax incentive can be applied  when the purchase is closed.

Don't wait.

Home values will at some point start increasing. The goal of many is to purchase that low priced foreclosure and get a "real deal." Anticipate immediate repairs, possible condition issues with the appraisal, as well as the likelihood of major unknown problems  in the future. That foreclosure may not be a bargain. For existing non foreclosure properties, prices have probably come fairly close to their bottom. When the market turns, it will turn quickly

Don't wait.

Interest rates have never been lower. In fact the reason for these low rates is that the Federal Reserve is acting in the mortgage market to purchase mortgage loans. This gives an additional significant buyer for mortgage backed securities. Their role in the market has created an artificially low interest rate environment. When they begin to sell their mortgage securities, the interest rates will increase. When the general market thinks the Federal Reserve is changing direction in this regard interest rates will increase.

Don't wait.

Home affordability has never been better, especially for the first time home buyer.

This post is a Re-Mix of a post I wrote in 2006, Formerly called: “How to Scope Out a Competitor’s Website and Learn From It.”

It’s always fun and interesting to check out what your competitors are up to. When you type in a search for your keywords, who comes up? Are your competitors ahead of you or below you? Why? Do you know what kind of traffic they get? Do you know how many links are coming into their site?

 

Competitive Research

In search engine marketing, competitive research and analysis is everything.  Since search engines are all about ranking, the websites you see in the search engine rankings above and below you are your competitors.  So it’s very helpful to know how to research those competitors to discover how and why they rank the way they do.

 

 

10 Free Tools For Researching Your Competitor’s Website

 

#1.  SpyFu.com

SpyFu is one of my favorites as it can show you how much money a competing website may be spending on pay per click advertisements.  And is also useful to show you which organic keywords may be bringing in the most traffic.  Tool Use Rating: Easy

 

 

#2.  SEODigger.com

SEO Digger is a free tool that will show you what keyword phrases different websites rank for.  The ranking database is updated every 2 weeks and is usually very accurate.  This can be a great resource if you’re trying to find out what phrases a competing website ranks for.  They can also be sorted by order of Wordtracker popularity which shows how many times those phrases are searched.  Tool Use Rating: Easy

 

 

#3. SEOmoz Tools

If you are already familiar with SEOmoz, you know that they provide a host of tools that can help with SEO.  Many of which can be helpful for competitive website analysis including: SEO Toolbox, Trifecta, Term Target, and their new tool called Linkscape.  Note on Linkscape: this tools is definitely for more advanced users, but can be very valuable to search for link data on almost any website.  Tool Use Rating: Ranging from Easy - Difficult

 

 

#4. WebsiteGrader.com

The Website Grader is an extremely user friendly site that will give a quick review of any website and show helpful data like: domain age, domain renewal information, meta data, backlinks, onpage factors, traffic, and alot more.  The really helpful thing is that it gives easy to understand explanations if it happens to find any erros on the website.  This is a great tool for discovering basic strengths and weaknesses with any competing website.  Tool Use Rating: Easy

 

 

#5. NicheWatch.com

Niche Watch takes a little different approach in that it doesn’t start with a competing website, but with keyword phrases.  You type in a phrase, and it will show you data on the top 20 competitors including backlinks, links to the page, Page Rank, and alot more.  This is a great resource to see info on offsite factors for each website and it can often times give you great insight as to why a site is ranking the way it is.  Tool Use Rating: Moderate

 

 

#6. SEO For Firefox

SEO for Firefox is one of the more famous tools of the bunch.  Aaron the creator claims that over 50,000 people are using it.  If you don’t already have Firefox, you may want to consider downloading it just for the purpose of using this great add-on.  When turned on, this tool will show extra data under each Google result after you complete a search.  The data includes useful things like: backlinks, page links, .edu links, pages, domain age, Dmoz, Yahoo Dir, and alot more.  Basically it lets you see why competitors are ranking in the results, and based on the data, it’s usually very easy to see why sites are being ranked the way they are.  Tool Use Rating: Moderate

 

 

#7.  Compete.com

Looking for exact traffic numbers for a competitors website?  Too bad, that is priviledged information.  But the next best thing can be found at a site like Compete.com.  They compile data on millions of websites to provide you with fairly accurate traffic analytics, and basic search analytics; like which terms are used the most often to bring search traffic.  It’s about as good as you can get unfortunately.  If you want to compare data try Quantcast and Alexa.  Tool Use Rating: Easy - Moderate

 

 

#8. LinkDiagnosis.com

Link Diagnosis is a newer tool that I’ve only been using for a few months.  But I have been extremely impressed so far.  It basically will look at the backlinks of any website and examine the anchor text, Page Rank, quality of link, and number of outbound links on the page and displays it in an easy to read and export format.  It is really sweet for being able to tell how strong incoming links are to any giving website complete with data on NoFollow links.  Tool Use Rating: Moderate - Difficult

 

 

#9. SearchRascal.com

Search Rascal is purely a ranking analysis tool that allows you to see who is ranking for any given keyword.  The unique thing about it is that it tracks past ranking and will show whether or not websites have moved up or down in ranking in the last day, week, or month.  It is very handy.  Note: only works for more competitive phrases.  Tool Use Rating: Easy

 

 

#10. Google & Yahoo

Believe it or not, Google and Yahoo are a couple of the best tools you have available for competitive analysis.  You just have to know how to use them… Google consistently has the best search results, so make sure you use it the most when trying to search for actual competitors.  If someone is ranking above you in Google, chances are they deserve to be there.  Yahoo is great for searching incoming links to your website.  In fact, almost all the tools above use Yahoo’s data to search for links.  To get an overall picture of how many links are coming in, visit Yahoo Site Explorer, type in your domain name with or without the www, and click on “inlinks”.  This will give you a full picture of your incoming links.  Tool Use Rating: Easy

 

 

I hope these 10 free tools will come in handy as you try to learn more about your competition.  Make sure to keep track of your findings, and if you have any questions about how to use any of them, don’t hesitate to comment below.

 

     

     

     

 

Original Article Here: 

Competitive Website Research Analysis | 10 Free Tools

A couple months ago, I decided to create a post on my Searching Solutions Blog that contained a giant list of blogging tips on everything from setting up an effective blog, to advanced SEO tactics.  It has become a regular feature of my site, and something I update every week with new tips.  There are currently over 100.

I'll be posting portions of the list on AR for reference.  If you want to see more, make sure to check out the origianl list here: Ultimate Guide to Blogging

 

** If you plan to link to or bookmark this guide at some point, please do me a favor and link to the original at: www.searchingsolutions.com/blog   Thanks for your help!  **

 

Here are some of the categories I cover in the guide:

 

Contents:

• Tips For Getting Started
• Basic Blog Formatting & Structure
• Blog Design & Features
• Blog Content Tips
• Blog Participation
• Blog & Article Promotion Tips
• SEO For Blogs
• Social Media

Here is part 3 in this series on Blogging Tips:

 

Blog Design & Features:

• Create a Best Post List - This is an awesome way to help promote some of your best work.  There are some posts that will become a legacy so to speak.  Your “Pillar” posts that people will come back to again and again.
• Use a Favicon - These are those cute little icons that appear next to the URL in your browser and on bookmarks.  They are simply a neat way to brand your site, and I find that they can become quite memorable over time.
• Social Bookmarking Options - Social bookmarking is becoming pretty commonplace in the blogging world.  Giving people options in this area can really help.  I prefer using the plugin called Share This, but there are a host of other plugins that do something similar.
• Include Useful Widgets - I’m not a huge fan of widgets because they slow down blogs, and are rarely useful, but in some industries there are some very user friendly widgets that can add alot of value.  Make sure you think of the reader first, and not just how “cool” a widget is.
• Publish Full Feeds - It is a well known fact that most people prefer to see the full version of your article in their RSS reader and email.  Don’t truncate to try to snag extra traffic… you’ll just end up annoying your readers.  Give them full access on their own terms.
• Setup A Proper XML Sitemap - This is a basic plugin for Wordpress.  If you don’t have Wordpress, you can create a basic page that simply links to all of your posts and important pages.  Make sure to use relevant anchor text.
• Update Your Design - Blog feeling a bit stale?  I feel that way about every 2 weeks.  If you haven’t changed your design in over a year, it may be time for a snazzy new design.  If you have the dough, get a custom design or at least a premium theme.  Even the simplest design changes can make a huge difference.
• Call to Action | Related Articles Section - This is vital for any blog.  Make sure you have a section somewhere on each post (typically near the bottom) that lists articles related to the current one.  This can really improve page views, length of visit, stickiness, and overall usability.
• Call to Action | Email Subscription - Every blog should have an easy way to subscribe.  For your technically challenged readers, the easiest way is through an email subscription form.  You can use a link, but a form looks so much nicer.  Go to the email management area on your Feedburner account to find the html for this form.
• Call to Action | Connect on Social Media - Are you a Facebook, Myspace or Twitter user?  Make sure you give an invitation to connect via these sites.
• Call to Action | Social Bookmarking - If you ask nicely, your readers and friends just may help you social bookmark your posts on sites like Digg and Stumble Upon.  This is good.  Giving them easy options can make it a painless process for them.
• Call to Action | Extra feature - Have any extra features on your site?  Many real estate based blogs will have a MLS search feature built in.  If you have a valuable tool or service on your site, make sure to call attention to it often.
• Call to Action | “The Classic” - Sometimes only a direct in your face call to action will work.  Not always appropriate for every post or every situation, but your phone number, email, and contact forms are all examples of the “classic” call to action.
• Calls to Action | Where Do They Go? - Most calls to action will fit nicely into the bottom section of a blog post, but you can be creative.  If you can sprinkle them throughout a post without sounding too commercial, you’re in good shape.  The goal?  Try to include at least 2 calls to action in each post.

 

And it just keeps on growing... please comment if you have a tip you'd like to share (I'll give you credit and a link from the original post).

 

A couple months ago, I decided to create a post on my Searching Solutions Blog that contained a giant list of blogging tips on everything from setting up an effective blog, to advanced SEO tactics.  It has become a regular feature of my site, and something I update every week with new tips.  There are currently over 100.

I'll be posting portions of the list on AR for reference.  If you want to see more, make sure to check out the origianl list here: Ultimate Guide to Blogging

 

** If you plan to link to or bookmark this guide at some point, please do me a favor and link to the original at: www.searchingsolutions.com/blog   Thanks for your help!  **

 

Here are some of the categories I cover in the guide:

 

Contents:

• Tips For Getting Started
• Basic Blog Formatting & Structure
• Blog Design & Features
• Blog Content Tips
• Blog Participation
• Blog & Article Promotion Tips
• SEO For Blogs
• Blog Link Building
• Social Media

Here is part 4 in this series on Blogging Tips:

 

• Pick a Niche - What is no one else writing about?  What are you an expert in?  Grab your corner of the web and hang on to it.  Set out to create the most useful and unique content in your area of expertise.  Adversely, you could find a topic alot of people are blogging about, and simply out-blog them.  Bottom line: pick something you can write alot about, and try to pick something you’ll enjoy.
• Create a Slideshow - Too many pictures for one post?  Make a slide show.  They add a very nice feel to any post.  I like using slide.com, but nearly every photo sharing website has a slideshow creating feature.
• Interview Other Bloggers In Your Industry - This can be a great way to meet people, give your website some clout, and build great content.  Try a simple email questionnaire or invest in a recorder for podcasts.  Read more tips on giving an interview.
  
• Hunt For RSS Feeds to Find Topics - One of the best ways to find topics to write about is through following what other bloggers have to say.  Pay special attention to the sites that are in your niche.  Writing about local topics?  Find a local newspaper feed, or local press release feed.
  
• Find Insider Topics With RSS - Blogs aren’t the only sites that use RSS.  But most people subscribe to the top level RSS feeds and ignore the good stuff.  Hunt around for specialized RSS feeds.  Try subscribing to a tag feed in Delicious, subscribing to a special topic on a press release site, or subscribing to a single category of interest on a popular blog.
• Write 5-10 Pillar Articles - The post you are reading right now could be considered a pillar article.  They are blog posts that are at least 500 words and help define the blog you write for.  It is a long term strategy for building links, visitors, and value to a blog.
• Keep Track of Ideas - Most bloggers tend to one extreme or the other.  Too much to write about, or not enough.  You want to be the kind that has too much to write about… that way you can be extremely selective and only write the good stuff.  The best way to do this is to write your ideas down as they come.  I personally use a notebook gadget with Google desktop, and also write ideas down on my phone when they come.  The point is to keep the ideas coming and have lots of options to choose from when it comes time to actually write.  Good bloggers will only use about 1 in 10 ideas.
• Hold Posts in Reserve - Sometimes the creative juices are really flowing and you can’t help but write 3 or 4 posts in one sitting.  But fight the urge to publish everything at once.  You may want to reserve posts for a later date when the writing isn’t coming so easy.  This can really work well if you don’t write alot of time sensitive posts that need to go out immediately.
• Consistency & Frequency is Key - When famous blogger Darren Rowse asked his audience the biggest reasons why readers unsubscribe from blogs the #1 and #2 answers had to do with frequency.  Posting too much, or not posting enough.  This is huge.  You need to set a standard with your readers and stick with it so they know what to expect.  Do you post 3 times a day?  twice a week? twice a month?  There is no magic number… just make a decision, then make a commitment to stick with it.  Going on vacation?  Post date a post to be published while you’re gone… yes, it’s that important.
• ReWrite An Old Post - I just did this recently with some success on this post: Competitive Website Resarch.  Chances are you have some great content that may just need a little sprucing up or updating to be a great post.
• Write a Series on a Topic - Looking for a way to get readers to come back for more?  Try breaking a long post into 2 or 3 sections and linking them all together.  You could also try posting within a time frame like week long series on a particular topic, or 1 tip a day for 30 days.  Keep your readers hungry for more.
• Make a List of Your Posts - This seemingly simplistic tip can really come in handy when you’re working on linking to related articles, building internal link juice, staying on topic, and keeping track of your goals.  A simple spreadsheet of all the articles you’ve written so far can help tremendously.
• Take Pictures & Share - Many bloggers are in industries that lend nicely to photography.  If this works for your industry, make sure to capitalize on it.  Take alot of pictures of your subject/topic/product.  Set up an account on Flickr.com and join groups that relate to your subject.  You may also want to consider showing off these pictures in your sidebar with a widget, or by creating a slide show.
• Leverage Your Friendships on Social Media - This can be a great way to get ideas for a post.  Try running a poll, asking advice, etc.  Before you post, try sending out a quick message on Twitter or Facebook to get feedback on a topic you are thinking about writing.  If they give you some good tips, make sure to credit them in the post.
• Create a Video Post - This isn’t actually as daunting as it sounds.  There are plenty of cheap digital video cameras out there that take great video, and will upload to your computer and to video sharing websites without any editing or converting.  Try getting the help of an assistant, practice staring into the lens when you talk, don’t feel embarrassed, and invest in a small tripod.  Before putting it on the blog, you’ll want to upload it to a video sharing website.  I prefer Vimeo because of the quality, but Youtube and Google Video can work great too.  Oh, and if you have time, transcribe the video into a text version.

 

And it just keeps on growing... please comment if you have a tip you'd like to share (I'll give you credit and a link from the original post).

A couple months ago, I decided to create a post on my Searching Solutions Blog that contained a giant list of blogging tips on everything from setting up an effective blog, to advanced SEO tactics.  It has become a regular feature of my site, and something I update every week with new tips.  There are currently over 100.

I'll be posting portions of the list on AR for reference.  If you want to see more, make sure to check out the origianl list here: Ultimate Guide to Blogging

 

** If you plan to link to or bookmark this guide at some point, please do me a favor and link to the original at: www.searchingsolutions.com/blog   Thanks for your help!  **

 

Here are some of the categories I cover in the guide:

 

Contents:

• Tips For Getting Started
• Basic Blog Formatting & Structure
• Blog Design & Features
• Blog Content Tips
• Blog Participation
• Blog & Article Promotion Tips
• SEO For Blogs
• Blog Link Building
• Social Media

Here is part 5 in this series on Blogging Tips:

 

• Return Comments - It’s common courtesy.  Not necessarily expected… but it will go a long way in building relationships with other bloggers, and show them that you care.
• Answer Your Comments - This is expected.  Especially when someone asks you a question.  There is nothing that can kill the conversation on a blog faster than the author ignoring commenters.
• Turn on Trackbacks - This will give the other bloggers that choose to link to your posts a benefit and show them that you’re not afraid to link out to them and share the love.
• Have Feedburner Deliver Your RSS Feed - Feedburner is in desperate need of updating, but it’s still the best tool out there to track your feed statistics, customize your feed, and have it delivered by email.
• Allow Email Subscriptions - Make sure these are turned on with Feedburner.  Alternatively you can sign up for a service like Feedblitz.  Either way, this is a vital part of any blog and will help the technically challenged readers subscribe with ease.
• Comment Reciprocation - Teaming up with another blogger to comment on each other’s blogs can be a great way to build some credibility and show your readers that your blog is active.  There’s nothing worse than have a page full of posts with no comments.  It can kill morale, and drive readers away.
• Extra Blog Features - This can be anything from a message board to a Q&A to a job board.  There are alot of different features you may want to consider adding that will enhance the participation on the blog.
• Ask a Question - One of the simplest ways to get people to comment is to ask a question.  It’s like giving an open invitation to participate.
• Make a Guerrilla Comment - This is the art of being the first person to comment on a popular blog.  The first commenter will typically get very good visibility and traffic from a well visited blog, and will continue to generate long term traffic on some posts.

 

And it just keeps on growing... please comment if you have a tip you'd like to share (I'll give you credit and a link from the original post).

Gilbert, Arizona (Grassroots Newswire) 4/30/09 -- Fernando Campos, Owner of EXIT Realty Arizona, is pleased to announce the addition of EXIT Realty East Valley, under the direction of Dean N Becker, as an EXIT franchisee.

"Dean is a real estate expert and has been working in the Gilbert market for seven years. Dean quickly recognized the value of the EXIT Realty Formula, and we are thrilled to have him join Exit Realty Arizona," said Campos.

"We wanted to provide these great benefits to our agents," added Becker, who is the owner of Exit Realty East Valley, which currently has 31 real estate sales representatives in the Gilbert area.

EXIT Realty provides sales associates with 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.

"We look forward to assisting both past and new customers with their real estate needs," said Becker.

For more information on joining EXIT Realty East Valley as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Dean Becker, Broker/Owner
EXIT Realty East Valley 
dean@deanbecker.com 
480.812.1900

For more information on EXIT real estate franchise opportunities in Arizona, please contact:

Fernando Campos, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Arizona
exitaz@cox.net 
480.377.3240

Join Alex Szinegh, Senior Regional Vice President, Valerie Reyes, Sponsoring Boot Camp Trainer and Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International for a comprehensive webinar full of information and tips to help you succeed as a disciplined, effective, real estate agent.

This "must-see" event will be held on Wednesday, May 13th at 12:00 noon ET.  EXIT Realty Associates can register by clicking here and logging into the EXIT Resource Center. 

Don't miss this free webinar.  Space is limited so sign up now!

For more information, please contact the training department at EXIT Realty Corp. International.

Last month, EXIT Realty Corp. International's Habitat for Humanity liaison, Christine Ireborg, attended the "EXIT Building Blitz Week" in Newark NJ for EXIT Realty's 11th corporately sponsored Habitat for Humanity home build and reported on her experience:

With instructions to stick close together and keep all personal belongings in sight, local EXIT's real estate agents and associates readily volunteered their time and skills in one of Newark's rougher neighborhoods. Motivated by EXIT Realty's dream to improve the quality of life for individuals in local communities, the work shifts maxed out in record time during EXIT Realty's 11^th Habitat home build in Newark, NJ.

Enthused with vision and love in their hearts, the gusto to ‘go and get it done', Habitat for Humanity's Newark office has literally transformed a struggling community. Within a 3-block radius, 68 homes have been built injecting new hope and dignity to families partnering with the organization's goals. But, it doesn't end with the passing of the key; continual support is provided to the recipient families that have been given a second chance at life and a future with opportunities.

Don Blaesser, Deputy Executive Director for Habitat Newark said, "Habitat's mission is beyond simply building houses, we build communities; we build lives; we build relationships with people from all walks of life, backgrounds and beliefs".

It was overwhelming to drive up and down the streets of this one Newark neighbourhood where on some streets every third, every fourth, every fifth home was built by Habitat, and realize the impact single individuals can have on the world around them. It's such an incredible privilege to work for a company like EXIT Realty that actively gets involved with issues of social justice and human dignity.

See photos of Ireborg's visit here.

This week, Ireborg is in Las Cruces, New Mexico for the dedication of EXIT's 10th Habitat build.  To date, EXIT Realty has donated $1,500,000 to its charity of choice, Habitat for Humanity, with an aggressive goal to have at least one home built in each state and province on the North American continent.

WILD BUSH ACRES

Scandia, Minnesota 55073

Executive development with heavily wooded finished lots featuring a blacktop walking trail for your enjoyment of nature and wildlife.  Open builder development with CD terms available on lots and construction. Located close to town featuring old world charm & historical museum. Scandia is a large recreational activity area and provides an easy commute to the Twin Cities or western Wisconsin.

 15xxx 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-001 Block-002    $129,900

15457 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-003 Block-002    $139,900

15xxx 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-001 Block-001    $149,900

15470 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-002 Block-001    $149,900

15490 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-003 Block-001    $169,900

15520 209th Street N,   Wild Bush Acres Lot-004 Block-001    $169,900

Call listing agents for more information. Plat map, covenants and association documents available upon request.

Blue Wing Teal Estates, open builder development, horse and hobby farms with out buildings permitted.

Lot 1, Block 1    13.09 acres        $69,900

Lot 2, Block 1    8.85 acres         $69,900

Lot 3, Block 1     8.85 acres         $69,900

Lot 5, Block 1     8.86 acres         $69,900

Lot 6, Block 1     8.86 acres         $69,900

Lot 7, Block 1      8.86 acres        $69,900

ONLY 22 bank owned properties left in Anoka. If you are serious about buying NOW is the time...take advantage of this market with fire sale pricing and historically low interest rates, as well as programs offering up to $10,000 cash bonus after closing. Buyers receive an $8,000 tax credit to anyone not having owned a home in the last three years.

The following are real properties currently for sale UNDER $100,000

$ 48,900   5th Avenue, Anoka, 2 story, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (pending, but we have others)
$ 69,000   Madison Street, Anoka, 2 story, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathroom (handy man special)

$90,200    Maple Avenue, Anoka,  1 story, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (riverview)

 Properties currently for sale UNDER $200,000

 $129,900   Coolidge Street, Anoka, split, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (large corner lot)

$164,900   Brisbin Street, Anoka, 1 story, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (move in condition)

$179,900   Garfield Street, Anoka, 1 story, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (updated)

Would you like to know what's coming to market before it's listed? My clients receive priority position on bank owned inventory. I will provide you with current information on area sales, sales trends and listing activity with full property reports.  Be the most informed buyer and immediately profit from your real estate investment today. 

Not a first time home buyer, buy any property and still receive a stimulus cash bonus after closing!

Now you can search like a Realtor           http://www.SearchAllListings.info

Time to EXIT conventional real estate     http://www.theEXITstrategy.com

Executive bank owned foreclosure properties in Ramsey. If you are serious about buying NOW is the time...take advantage of this market with fire sale pricing and historically low interest rates, as well as programs offering up to $10,000 cash bonus after closing. Buyers receive an $8,000 tax credit to anyone not having owned a home in the last three years.  Not a first time home buyer, buy any property and still receive a stimulus cash bonus after closing!

 152nd Way     Ramsey   $235,900   2 story,  3 bedrooms,  3 bathrooms   2,200  FSF  (new construction)

Xkimo Street   Ramsey   $279,900   2 story   3 bedrooms,  3 bathrooms   2,496  FSF  (LL unfinished)

142nd Avene   Ramsey   $289,000   2 story   5 bedrooms,  3 bathrooms   3,700  FSF  (acreage)

Collins Drive    Ramsey   $309,900   1 story   3  bedrooms,  2 bathrooms  2,888  FSF  (river front)

Helium Street   Ramsey   $329,900   1 story   3 bedrooms,  3 bathrooms  3,208  FSF  (golf course lot)

Riverdale Drive  Ramsey  $359,900   1 story   4 bedrooms,  2 bathrooms  3,018 FSF   (river front)

Yakima Court   Ramsey   $399,900   2 story   4 bedrooms,  4 bathrooms  4,100 FSF   (high end updates)

 Would you like to know what's coming to market before it's listed? My clients receive priority position on bank owned inventory. I will provide you with current information on area sales, sales trends and listing activity with full property reports. Be the most informed buyer and immediately profit from your real estate investment today.


Now you can search like a Realtor http://www.SearchAllListings.info

Time to EXIT conventional real estate http://www.theEXITstrategy.com

Tax Credit up to $1500 for buying new windows or doors

Manufacturer's Certification Statement

Re: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Hello Everyone,

I just learned that if you purchase qualifing windows or doors you can get a tax credit up to $1500. So if it was in your plan to buy new windows or doors this may be the time. You can google "energy effiecient door for tax credit", Many different companies come up so you can use anyone you want.

2009 - 2010 Energy Tax Credit - 30% of the amount paid for qualifying products up to $1,500.*

We are pleased to inform you that your purchase of Champion® Windows and Entry Doors may qualify you for a Federal Tax Credit as provided for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which has provisions for Energy Conservation Incentives.  Per the Internal Revenue Code Section 25C:  eligible windows doors and skylights must have both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.
   This Manufacturer's Certification Statement, which is prepared by Champion Window and Door Mfg., 12121 Champion Way, Cincinnati, OH 45241; can be used by you, as a tax payer, as verification that Champion has determined the following window and door styles featuring Comfort 365® Glass are Eligible Building Envelope Components under the IRS guidelines, and therefore qualify for the credit allowed under Internal Revenue Code Section 25C, when Purchased and Installed after February 17, 2009 through December 31, 2010.
           





* The tax credit does not include the amount for installation, or installation supplies and materials; which typically accounts for 20% of the purchase amount. For more information, qualification, limitations and criteria for the tax credit as detailed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, consult your tax professional.  Champion expressly does not intend to provide and is not providing legal or tax advice.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this Certification Statement, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, the facts are true, correct and complete.



Melissa Gootee EXIT Realty Eden Prairie Cell: (612) 741-8822 Fax: (952) 841-6809 Email: mgootee@exitrealtyep.com

Fantastic Price!
Huge 2,100 Finished Sq. Ft. End Unit
Only $100,000!

This Bargain Big Lake Town Home Qualifies Buyers for the Natonal Real Estate Stimulus Program,
CASH BONUS value is $2,000. All 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.
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?
*National Real Estate Stimulus Program* Participant

Download a pdf of Property! View Online Open House! Visit Property Website!

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Bargain Big Lake Town Home!

778 Independence Drive, Big Lake, MN 55309 View Map

There is plenty of room in this Big Lake Town Home with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large finished lower level, nearly 2100 square feet of finished living space and a two car garage.

Amenities include a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, dishwasher, main floor laundry, entertainment room, ceramic tile, ceiling fan, kitchen island/bar, lots of closet space, patio, egress window, insulated garage, and a built in sprinkler system. Enjoy care free living with lawn maintenance, snow removal, and exterior maintenance.

Built in 2005, this former rental property needs some cosmetics, and minor repairs but is structurally sound. All appliances and mechanical systems are approximately 3 years old and in good condition.

This Big Lake Town Home qualifies you for the National Real Estate Stimulus Program. All buyers who hire Patti Ann Kasper and purchase this home through her will receive a cash bonus after closing of two percent of the sale price, up to a maximum of ten thousand dollars. That's right, a tax free cashiers check, is mailed to the buyer after closing, and upon receipt of proof of purchase, and verification of identity. If you are thinking of buying a home, call Patti Ann Kasper, and find out how you too, can receive a real estate stimulus program bonus!

Patti Ann Kasper is a "National Real Estate Stimulus Program" participant.

Details

Asking Price:

$100,000

MLS:

3562969

Sq. Feet:

2100

Lot Size:

Common

Bedrooms:

3

Bathrooms:

3

# of Floors:

2

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

$135

Garage Size:

2

Subdivision:

Harrison's Cove

Year Built:

2005

Property Amenities

- Range/Oven
- Sink Disposal
- Full Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Washer/Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Fireplace
- Kitchen Island
- Vaulted Ceilings

- Basement
- Patio
- Grass Lawn
- Central A/C
- Central Heat
- Tile floor
- Family room
- Living room
- Bonus/rec room

- Breakfast nook
- Laundry area - inside
- Main Floor Laundry
- Lawn Care
- Snow Removal
- Exterior Maintenance
- Townhome Association
- Ceiling Fan
- Egress Window

Community Amenities

- Garage Parking

- Guest Parking

Contact Info

Patti Ann Kasper
REALTOR®

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

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778 Independence, Big Lake, Mn. 55309
Harrison's Cove - End Unit - 2100 Sq Ft Finished
3 Bedroom / 2.5 Baths / 2 Car Garage
Natural Gas Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Open Floor Plan, Main Floor Laundry
2 Full Baths - One on each Level PLUS a Half Bath on Main Floor
Snow Removal, Lawn Maintenance, Exterior Maintenance Provided by Townhome Association

This extra large townhome is a bargain at $100,000. As a former rental unit, this
townhome needs some paint, carpet cleaning, and a few minor repairs.
This townhome is only 4 years old, has good mechanicals, and comes with appliances.

Living Room with Vaulted Ceiling, Natural Gas Fireplace, and Walkout to Patio

Open Floor Plan with Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room under Vaulted Ceiling with Ceiling Fan, Track Lighting, and Kitchen Island.

Kitchen Range with Vent Hood.

Kitchen Island with Sink

Kitchen Cabinets with Refrigerator

Lower Level Full Bathroom with Ceramic Floor Tile

Main Floor Full Bathroom

Main Floor Laundry

Huge Lower Level Entertainment / Family Room with Viewing Area on Wall for Projector System

Master Bedroom has 2 closets

Large Lower Level bedroom has Egress Window

The National Real Estate Stimulus Program Cash Bonus for this property is $2,000!

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!

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

My little sister called me the other day and in an excited voice declared, “I think I might need to look at houses…It’s a GREAT time to buy a house right now, you know!”

After the pregnant pause ensued (the one where my condescending big sister brain struggled with my professional Realtor brain) I finally said, “No? Really? What makes you think that?” (You can tell which brain won out.)

“Well. I have a friend who just got a fantastic deal on a house and I think it might be time for me to think about looking!”

Ok, so which part of what I have been saying for months now did she miss? Apparently, the same part that ALOT of buyers are missing…that would be the part that sounds just like Charlie Brown’s teacher talking whenever somebody you aren’t listening to tells you something: Wah, wah, wah, wah…

It’s been on TV; it’s been on the radio; it’s been in print and on the web…where hasn’t it been if you’re a professional Realtor and tuned in to everything real estate ever since they first uttered the words U.S. HOUSING CRISIS!

But here’s the thing… if you are just another economic-shell shocked human being wondering what happened while you were busy enjoying the last twenty years of your life, it may well BE the first time you are realizing it! After all, we all know sellers who still don’t seem to understand that a buyer’s market means that they, too, will not be seeing the profit from the sale of their home that their neighbors saw last year. What in the world makes us think those same folks are out there telling their friends and relatives that they just heard it’s a great time to buy a house!

Its human nature to think that, as long as your world doesn’t seem to be terribly different, then all those problems THE MEDIA is describing must be happening to other people! After all, if you hadn’t really saved that much for retirement, you might not notice that 401Ks everywhere have become 201Ks. If you’re just getting started thinking about long term career goals, job loss statistics are probably lost on you. And if your friends and family don’t have to sell their houses any time soon, you may not have heard that the prices sellers are getting for their homes are easily 10 to 20 to (gulp) 50% less (depending on where you are) than last year’s sellers got for their homes. Just as this past presidential election cycle was the longest in recorded history, so too, it seems to many of us, is the recovery from the housing crisis. But if you don’t vote…or don’t want to buy a house…who cares? It’s only a Buyer’s market if you actually BUY!

Let’s face it, those of us in the business are fully aware that we are in the army now…if we, as professional Realtors, can get some of this housing inventory sold, we will have begun to win the battle that will lead to winning the war! And if we can win the war to get the housing market back on track, we will win the war to get the whole U.S. economy back on track! We are the key! (How’s that for a pep talk?!)

So what do Realtors have to do to get buyers to see that this is serious business? The government is anteing up $8000 in tax credit to get some of you moving. In fact FHA is getting ready to let you use that $8000 as part of your down payment…without having to wait until after closing! Combine that with unbelievable, never before seen, never again to be seen in this lifetime, interest rates (which, by the way, are just as fantastic for those of you who don’t qualify for the tax credit) and you guys should be fighting to get on my schedule to look at homes! I mean full on, no holds barred, hair pulling,fighting!

Oh, I know you’ve called me and we’re trying to get together...but, what with your vacation and all…how ‘bout next month? I even know a lot of you are working with other agents because you’re looking at my listings and you’re even having your agents call me to see if anybody else is looking at the house you like. But what’s up with having your agent write up a preliminary offer, spend days verbally sparring with me and my seller before reaching a tentative agreement, and then I don’t see another thing in writing from you for two weeks?

Buying a home is not a spectator sport! It is a major and serious step toward achieving the American Dream. You’ve heard of that haven’t you? That’s when you get a pretty little piece of dirt with a cozy little roof over your head to come home to after a hard day at work! A place to call your very own and nobody (well except f or the HOA, and, of course, your Realtor when it's time to sell) can tell you what to do there! It's a place where you can paint the walls any color you want, invite friends over whenever you feel like it or get a puppy!

Give us poor Realtors a break… we've done all the work already, helping our sellers see that they need to provide you with a home in really great condition and at a really great price (no they aren't happy about that last one but THEY trust us.) How can you go wrong?

So, little brothers and sisters, I'm here for you! I promise to show you opportunities you won't believe are available! I promise to walk you through the process every step of the way and answer ALL your questions and teach you really COOL stuff about home ownership! I'm telling you there is a SALE, a REALLY BIG SALE on real estate right now and you shouldn't miss it!

I mean seriously, when it’s all said and done, when did your big sister ever really steer you wrong? Don’t answer that….