Minneapolis Saint Paul Real Estate

Are you new to Active Rain?  Not sure of what Localism is and how it can be beneficial to you?  When you're brand new to blogging it's often very difficult to come up with ideas for topics to write about on a consistent basis.  I've been writing posts over almost 2 years and have had those days when I just can't think of anything to post.

One of the ways to overcome that problem is to write about your communities. The sister site and consumer facing side of Active Rain is Localism where members can display consumer oriented content about their local communities.

Posting to Localism allows you to interact and create connections with the public by providing them with local information and promotes you as the knowledgable local expert in your area,

I don't leave my house without my digital camera and flip video.  You just never know when the opportunity will arise to take a picture of something of interest in your neighborhood.  I also make sure I carry with me a small note pad too and jot down places of interest or upcoming events that I want to focus on at a later date to write a post about.

You're all familiary with Wikipedia, the free internet portal where there are millions of written articles on any topic you can think of many of which include links to guide its users to additional information on related pages.

Think of Localism as your local Wikipedia or as the tagline for Localism states "The World's Most Complete Neighborpedia."

Posts written to Localism consisting of hyper-local content and photos will attract consumers who want to learn more about a specific area.  Write about upcoming events, local news, libraries, places of interest,  schools, school activiites/sports, local businesses, parks, fund raising events....Think like a consumer and what they would be looking for that is engaging and interesting.

DON'T write content to your peers!!.....DO write content to the consumer!! 

Your posts are sent to Localism by checking the box as shown and then choosing the state, county, city and neighborhood that you're writing your content for.

**If you are a free member any posts you've written are "Members Only."  You will have to upgrade to a Rainmaker account to post to Localism**

As an Active Rain Ambassador, I would be more than happy to offer any assistance and help to any new members who are ready to get started.

I've included a few other member's posts that will provide additional information about the many benefits and ways that Localism can help to brand you as the local expert in your community.

10 steps to Localism success

by Jonathan Washburn

How To Maximize Indexing (RAINdexing) on your Outside Blogs

by Brad Andersohn

Localism - How to Add Photos & Why Quality is Essential

by Brad Andersohn

Get Noticed With Localism Comments!

by Katerina Gasset

What is 'Suitable' Content for Localism? - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

by Rich Jacobson

What's the point of Localism? 

by Maureen McCabe

Localism - "Your Blogging Sucks"

by Maureen McCabe

 

Don't believe in Social Media? Well, it probably doesn't believe in you either! Which is why you don't get squat from it!

Ignoring social media is like missing the most important networking event in your community of the century! Anybody who's anybody is there, but you.

15 years ago there was this thing called the internet. You know just a fad passing through. Those that embraced it then now have a great web presence, and picked up an extra 50 grand per year in deals over the agent that thought it was a waste of time.

Oh, I can hear you now, "Tom, I don't have time for all this stuff, I'm too busy sitting around waiting for sign calls, or duty calls to make an extra $50,000." Yeah, ok, whatever!

Well by the time you get your butt in gear to get a website with some search rankings and traffic, the next generation will have dumped email, moved on to social mediums, and you'll still be wondering what happened.

Seriously, you could just go back to cold calling, you know until you get a big fat fine for violating the "Do Not Call" list!

Or maybe you still drop $300 per week into newspaper, you know the thing NO ONE EVEN READS anymore. That's $15600 on advertising that was responsible for 3% of home sales according to NAR! Good choice in money management. It's true your competitors are there, heaven for bid you be a leader!

Still don't believe in social media? Watch the video below!

August 31, 2009

Stedman Graham Just One of the Renowned Speakers at EXIT Realty's Annual Convention

Best-selling author joining EXIT Realty in Washington DC this September

EXIT Realty Corp. International proudly welcomes Stedman Graham to its 11th Annual International Convention to be held from September 29th to October 3rd, 2009 at the prestigious Gaylord National Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Washington DC.  Stedman Graham delivers his powerful message throughout the United States and abroad to corporations, government and civic organizations, colleges and universities and community groups. He has authored 10 books, including two New York Times bestsellers, You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success and Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps to Success. He teaches that those who'll succeed in the 21st century work environment are people who can transcend race and build relationships, people with a spirit of cooperation who are tolerant of others as well as responsible for themselves. It will call for self-respecting people who don't apologize for who they are and those who will continue to grow and who'll bring value to themselves and those they represent. Don't miss the event of the year!

9527 Scott Cir N Brooklyn Park, MN

Click For Listing Website Click For Interactive e-Tour

You'll find yourself right at home here in the highly desired Wickford Village in northern Brooklyn Park. Centrally located close to local businesses, schools, park, trails and churces this property is a perfect fit for almost anyone. Once inside you'll immediately appreciate its stunning interior with many upgrades. On the main level you'll enjoy the nine foot ceilings, pedestal sink in the half bathroom, stacked maple cabinetry and millwork, center island, Whirlpool "Gold Series" appliance package, informal dining area, half bathroom, designer paint and huge deck. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms including the private master suite and laundry room. The master suite is impeccable boasting a unique tray ceiling with ceiling fan, bay window, large walk-in closet, double vanity corian countertops, separate shower and whirlpool tub. The lower level has access to the sheetrocked and insulated two car garage highlighted by a comfortable family room and half bathroom. Call Donavon at 763 548 1414 to find out more today and to schedule your private tour of the property. Buy and close before November 30th, 2009 and first time homeowners qualify to receive up to $8,000 in Stimulus Credit from the government!

MLS# 3830118 $227,000 3 Bed, 4 Bath 9527 Scott Cir N Brooklyn Park MN, 55443 Donavon DesMarais EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1414 Donavon@ExitRealtyExecutives.com

5601 S Park Dr Savage, MN

Click For Listing Website Click For Interactive e-Tour

You're going to like what you see in this beautiful home nestled amongst a very private setting backing up to O'Connell Wooded Nature Preserve. Excellent curb-appeal, irrigation system, terraced vegetable garden and a huge deck are just a few of the things you'll love about this property. Once inside you'll instantly enjoy the open entry foyer and spacious room sizes complimented by volume vaulted ceilings, Princeton raised panel cabinetry and designer paint throughout. The main level bath has a separate whirlpool tub and shower as well as a gorgeous new granite vanity countertop. The super sized lower level is completely finished having two bedrooms and a second full bathroom. It's walkout leads you to a secluded backyard and patio area where you can swing or simply relax in the screened octagon porch. This turnkey home is not a foreclosure or a short sale so a quick closing is possible. Call to setup your private showing today before it is gone.

MLS# 3837797 $232,400 4 Bed, 3 Bath 5601 S Park Dr Savage MN, 55378 Donavon DesMarais EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES 763-548-1414 Donavon@ExitRealtyExecutives.com

As EXIT Realty Corp. International's 11th Annual Convention draws near, Michael Glass, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Georgia reflects on the impact last year's convention had on one GA Franchisee.  

Christy Chitwood, Broker/Owner of EXIT Landmark Realty in Hartwell, GA has been with EXIT for over three years. With last year’s sluggish economy, Christy and her husband seriously contemplated closing down. To make it even tougher, she had just renovated and moved into a new office building she had purchased. Not wanting to give up, they attended last year’s EXIT convention. In one of the Breakout Sessions, they picked up one tip and implemented it even before returning home. That tip resulted in her selling one of Christy’s own listings. On the way back home, they listened to the Breakout Session tapes and gathered more great information and ideas. From that point on, their momentum grew.

Their business has absolutely exploded! Christy obtained her broker’s license and moved up to #1 in sales in her area. It is amazing how your life can change by attending events and trainings provided by EXIT Realty. (By the way, Christy and Shan are expecting their fourth child in March!)

"I can’t emphasize enough how being present at the EXIT convention and incorporating what we learn can totally transform one’s real estate business! Our office is living proof. Since convention last year, we have obtained #1 market share based on closed volume in the surrounding five counties! If there is anyone reading this that is SERIOUS about succeeding in real estate, you will do everything in your power to be in Washington the end of this month. It’s the best investment you could possibly make this year! When Steve [Morris, EXIT Realty Founder & CEO] promises an amazing and unforgettable event, he delivers! I can’t wait to get there!" says Christy.

If you have not registered to go to the convention as of yet, you are missing the opportunity to catapult your real estate career! All it takes is one idea and NEVER GIVE UP!

For more information on EXIT Realty's 11th Annual Convention, please contact us.

For more information on properties for sale or joining EXIT Realty in Hartwell GA, please contact:
Christy Chitwood, Franchisee
EXIT Landmark Realty
706.377.3948
exitrealty@hartcom.net

For more information on real estate franchise opportunites in Georgia, please contact:

Michael Glass, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Georgia
770.916.1177
mike@exitga.com

Real estate expert, trainer and coach, Walter Sanford,  re-wrote real estate records in the early 70’s in number of transactions and dollar volume. He sold a house a day for seventeen years; his best year being 1992 with $72 million in sales. In today’s economy, that would equal to over $133 million dollars per year in personal production sales!

He was one of the top real estate agents in North America for nearly 30 years and has authored 12 systems and books on checklists, pro-active lead generation, affiliate lead generation, and much more. 

With Walter’s over thirty years of real estate experience, attendees at EXIT Realty Corp. International's 11th Annual Convention will learn from someone who has already experienced the ups, downs, valleys, and mountain tops of the market and how to become as well as continue to be the top agent their area.

EXIT Realty agents and brokers can register for the convention, being held at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center September 29th to October 3rd by logging into the EXIT Resource Center. 

Renowned speaker, Bob Proctor, will be featured at the EXIT Realty Corp. International Annual Convention later this month being held at the prestigious Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in Washington DC.

Featured in the renowned film, The Secret, Bob is considered one of the masters and teachers of the Law of Attraction. For over 40 years, he has focused his teachings on helping people use the power of their minds to achieve prosperity, rewarding relationships and spiritual awareness. Bob offers decades of wisdom and insights into why people don’t change or achieve their greatest desires and how they CAN make the shift, immediately, into actually creating a life they truly desire.

Best-selling author of You Were Born Rich, Bob has transformed the lives of millions through his books, seminars, courses and personal coaching. His combined knowledge and experience offers solid answers and step-by-step solutions to those ready to make a positive, lasting change in their life.

EXIT Realty brokers and agents can register for Convention until September 25th by logging into the EXIT Resource Center.  

EXIT Realty Corp. International is proud to announce that it has paid out $175 million to-date in single-level residuals to EXIT Realty associates across North America.

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth in the United States and Canada and this growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits. The EXIT Formula provides real estate agents a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

"This new dimension of earnings has enabled me to provide all of the 'extras' for my family and my future." Austin Drisdelle, EXIT Realty Advantage, NB $487,592 earned to-date

"I only wish I'd discovered the EXIT Formula earlier.  Better incomes, better life balance and team camaraderie make the real estate business much more enjoyable."  J. Scott Schloesser, EXIT Real Estate Results, FL $225,924 earned to-date.

Imagine being able to harness the energies of others, doing the work once and getting paid over and over again, achieving the lifestyle of your dreams and striking the perfect balance between work and play.  It's all possible with EXIT Realty. 

 Click here to see the Top 100!

EXIT Realty is proud to have two exceptional individuals named as finalists for the prestigious REALTOR^® Technology Spotlight Award to be presented at the National Association of REALTORS^® Conference & Expo this November in San Diego. 

Jeff Lobb, EXIT Realty Corp. International's Technology Specialist has been a REALTOR^® for over 21 years and has more than 10 years experience in the internet and technology fields both with Fortune 500^® companies and startup ventures. From a unique position of having been a real estate sales representative and EXIT Realty franchisee, Jeff travels across North America teaching EXIT Associates the skills they need to get ahead in the ever-changing world of real estate technology.  

 

"It's an absolute honor being nominated for the 2009 REALTOR^® Technology Spotlight Award," commented Lobb. "In our changing real estate landscape, technology is a driving force in the way we communicate and the way our business is being done. I look forward to the challenges of 2010 and the new technologies that drive it."

 

Trecia Cooke, a real estate agent with EXIT Realty Group in Tomball, Texas, received several nominations from her colleagues who describe her as a "technology guru and more" and appreciate the "tremendous impact" she has had on the office.  "I am so honored to receive this nomination," said Cooke. "I can't believe I am nominated with Jeff Lobb!  He is so fantastic!"

 

"I am honored to work with such talented people," said Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International.  "The agents who actually increased their business during the economic downturn did so through the use of technology and by building relationships - Jeff and Trecia are experts at both."

 

The Center for REALTOR^® Technology Web Log describes the award as "focused at leading edge REALTORS^® and/or their support staff who make them shine in the field. Outside of recognizing these industry innovators, this award is also intended to show other members and their IT staff what others are doing, and get them thinking of creative ways to make technology work for them."

Lobb and Cooke were both finalists in the Advocate Category, described as, "The REALTOR^® and Staff members who go above and beyond their call of duty to reach out and engage people with the information and knowledge they have about technology. These are the individuals that are making changes in the industry one person at a time."

For more information on the Center for REALTOR^® Technology please click here.

Learn how to work on your real estate business, not just in it, during a valuable free webinar series for real estate agents and brokers across North America hosted by Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International.
 
Effective real estate business practices as well as questions every real estate professional should be asking and be able to answer in today's ever-changing economic climate will be discussed.  

This month's webinar on Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:00 and 7:00 PM ET will focus on taking control of your future. Learn what stats, current and future trends you should heed.  Now, more than ever, it's important to be lean, clean and green - find out how.

The topics change every month so be sure to register for the series.  This is 30 minutes a month you can't afford to miss.  Click here to listen to "Scheduling Success".

Regardless of your company affiliation, you'll learn tips and tools that can benefit your real estate career.

Register for Tue, Sep 22, 2009 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT

Register for Tue, Sep 22, 2009 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT

Register for the series

HomeSellers, I am a licensed real estate agent seeking a motivated Lakeshore Seller that own's a Lakeshore home in Buffalo or Maple Lake. I have exhausted all of the public or MLS lakeshore options for my buyer and am still coming up with marginal options for my client: I am seeking a lakeshore property with the following characteristics: *Must be on either Buffalo Lake, Lake Pulaski or Maple Lake **Must have 4+ bedrooms, and preferably 4,000+ finished square feet ***The buyer prefers separate living and entertaining areas in the home, the nicer the property the better, (no major fixer uppers), lakefront that has a beach or beach potential with gradual grade to the water ***** Buyer will be touring all qualifying properties this Monday 9/28/2009 beginning at 9:30am throughout midafternoon. *****Seller will need to sign a one-time showing with myself and my brokerage, Donavon DesMarais with Exit Realty Nexus, prior to the showing and agree to pay a reasonable and competitive commission should my client choose to present you an offer. ******Buyer is EXTREMELY well-qualified and motivated to BUY now with flexible closing and terms. Please call me at 763.548.1414 or email me at Donavon@ExitRealtyNexus.com right away to go over the rest of the details. Thank you, Donavon DesMarais Realtor, GRI Exit Realty Nexus 763.548.1414 Donavon@ExitRealtyNexus.com

The number of short sales and foreclosures available for sale in the Twin Cities Metro area is dropping off dramatically. This chart really shows the drmatic drop starting around January of this year.

Get your FREE foreclosure & short sale report here.

The supply of lender owned properties in the Minneapolis Saint Paul area is dwindling. For each buyer that is looking to purchase a bank-owned property, there are only 1.84 homes (on average) to choose from. Meanwhile, there are plenty of short sales available. This may be due to common problems associated with getting short sales approved, the time involved, and the difficulty in actually closing them.

The 10 areas with the highest percentage of bank owned sales: Brooklyn Center (58.4%), St. Paul: Central (55.0%), Big Lake Township (52.3%), Minneapolis: North (52.2%), Hilltop/Columbia Heights (48.9%), St. Paul: Hillcrest/Hazel Park/Dayton's Bluff (48.1%), St. Paul: Phalen (47.8%), Minneapolis: Camden (47.8%), Minneapolis: Powderhorn (47.7%), and Brooklyn Park (47.3%). Lender mediates sales were a large part of the overall real estate market in these areas.

Click on the chart for a full report and to see where your community ranks.

Data and Charts provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Select the image below to send to your friends and family:

 

 

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 of homes for sale
in the Minneapolis Saint Paul Twin Cities Metro Area, select the banner below:


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.

You still have time to take advantage of the 1^st Time Homebuyers Tax Credit, but you’ve got to act quickly and strategically. You must close escrow by November 30, 2009, which means you really should enter into contract by October 15. (The government could extend this deadline, but you can’t count on it.) There’s a lot of bidding competition right now, and issues can come up during escrow, so you’ll want to give yourself as much time as possible.  Even if the Tax Credit isn’t your main motivation, you can still cut down on lengthy searches and write fewer offers by following these strategic steps. Many of these you’ll do upfront, even before you start your actual search. It’s a lot like a great paint job—the best results come from the most diligent prep work.

1. YOUR LOAN—BE  PREPARED. Clearly identify your loan amount, loan program, and source of any gift funds upfront. Switching programs midstream can cost you time and might result in the loss of an offer. You’ll need a preapproval from a direct lender, and one who is available to write new preapprovals as required (on weekends, too). Once you’ve found the lender you want to work with, stick with them. Loyalty is mutually beneficial. Be prepared to write an earnest money check for 1% of the purchase price –or more. You may also be required to put this money into escrow upon seller acceptance—even before the short sale is approved by the bank.  Even if you’re paying cash, plan on showing proof of funds.

2. YOUR LOAN—STAY PREPARED. Keep all your paperwork close at hand and updated, including your FICO scores and proof of funds to close (down payment and closing costs).  Scan it and have it ready, so if the seller requires you to prequalify with their lender too, you will have everything ready. They may also ask you for DU approval (desktop underwriting).Don't buy anything that will affect your credit score, especially big ticket items like furniture or a car. Your credit score may be rechecked up until the day of closing and a new purchase may affect your ability to get a loan. 

3. YOUR SEARCH—BE $$$ REALISTIC. Have your REALTOR® pull the solds for the past 3 months in your desired neighborhood and pay particular attention to the past 30 days. If prices are on the rise, make sure this is still a realistic area for you. Keep in mind that most people are looking for the same thing—the nicest house in the best neighborhood for the lowest price. You’ve got competition!

4. YOUR SEARCH—TARGET  IT.  Zero in on just a few favorite neighborhoods. This is not the market to be looking all over the entire county. If prices are rising in your first choice community, switch quickly. Have a backup area in mind from the beginning.

5. YOUR SEARCH—REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.  Sit down with all decision makers involved and have a heart-to-heart about which amenities and features you really need and want, and which you can live without. Don’t let your emotions get in the way. Be logical when you make your wish list; because as soon as you start looking at homes, your emotions will kick into high gear.

6. YOUR REALTOR®-- PUT THEM TO WORK. Full time professional REALTORS® love what they do, and will be your greatest asset in this turbulent market. Their connections, perseverance, hard work and loyalty will get you the results you want. Be prepared to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement, which spells out the specific duties of both parties. if you’re not willing to make a commitment, the best agents won’t take time away from their loyal clients to help you.

7. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. Do you really have to have 2 full baths? There’s less competition for homes with 1 bath, and you could add another one later, or get a rehab loan upfront.  Or how about a 2-on-1 instead of a single family home? Extra space or rental income can be a great asset.            

8. LOOK AT THE CONTINGENT/PENDING LISTINGS. Another reason for having a good REALTOR® at your side.  A very high percentage of escrows do not close with the original buyer, so it pays to track these homes and put in a competitive backup offer . In San Diego we now have a “contingent” status, where a short sale seller has accepted the offer but the bank has not yet approved it. Many of these first-position buyers are putting in offers on several homes at once, so look for homes which have been in contingent/pending for at least 1 month or more. Chances are that many short sale listings will need a new buyer, and when they do, they will need one quickly.

9. LOOK FOR HOMES NOT ON THE MARKET YET. Your REALTOR® can help you here, too, by checking the recent NOD (notice of default) filings in your targeted neighborhoods. Another possibility—homes which are going to auction within the next few weeks. Many of these would have made great short sales but the seller stayed in denial too long, or perhaps didn’t’ get the loan mod they were seeking. If your agent can get a short sale listing from the seller, and you write a strong offer and present it to the bank, you have a shot at getting the house, and helping the seller salvage their credit.

10. PUT IN OFFERS ON BOTH SHORT SALES AND REOs (and regular sales). You never know which will pop first and it’s best to cover all your bases. The advantage with regular and REO sales is simple—you’re dealing with the owner (private seller or  bank). The decision can be made relatively quickly, so you can get into escrow quickly. However, everyone else knows this too so the competition is fierce, with dozens of offers  on almost every decent home.  Short sales can take a long time and there’s a good chance the approval won’t come before your deadline. The good news is you still can get some tax benefits from selected home purchase related fees. If it’s the house you really want, in the long run you’ll be doing well.

If the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit is your main goal, make sure you know all the basics, plus the IRS rules. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html. For more specifics on the difference between REOs and short sales, see my blog at http://activerain.com/blogs/barbfischer

Happy house-hunting to you!

 

10 Strategic Quick Escrow Tips ©2009 Barb Fischer San Diego

 

 

Join Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International, for an informative, live webinar addressing the most common issues concerning you, the buying and selling public, as you weather today's stormy real estate market.  If you're thinking of buying, selling or investing in real estate, you owe it to yourself to get the facts from a veteran real estate expert.

Webinars are held monthly at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm ET.  The subjects change every month so be sure to register for the series. 

No obligation.  No baloney.  No sales pitch.  Just straight talk.

Ms Bonnell's real estate career spans more than 25 years during which she was instrumental in building three major brands. Ms Bonnell has been featured several times in major industry publications, including Real Estate Magazine, Bay State REALTOR and Frog Pond Communications. She is a much sought-after international speaker, addressing thousands at events such as RISMedia's Leadership Conference in NY, Inman News Conference in San Francisco and the Top 500 Power Brokers at The National Association of REALTORS Convention.  Since becoming President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International, her focus is on growth and profitability for Regions, Brokers and Agents.

Register for a session now by clicking a date below:

Tue, Sep 8, 2009 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST

Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Click here to listen to a recording of "First Time Homebuyer Most Frequently Asked Questions"