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Jun 302011
Jun 282011
Homes in Falcon Heights, MN
Are you in the planning stages to buy
your first home in Falcon Heights, MN? There are some
basic things I would like to share with you about Falcon Heights real estate
to help ensure you avoid some of the bigger mistakes that many
first time buyers make. With some simple preparation you can avoid
some of the most painful pitfalls.
Falcon Heights: A Great Place to Own A Home
The lovely City of Falcon Heights is
conveniently located just north of St. Paul in Ramsey County. Well known as the
host of the MN State Fair, the city of Falcon Heights is also
known to be the best educated city in Minnesota with over 70% of
its residents having bachelor’s degrees. Minnesota first time home
buyers may benefit from Ramsey County’s First Home down payment
assistance program, ideal for the MN first time home buyer.
With convenient access to the University of Minnesota St. Paul
Campus as well as downtown St. Paul living in Falcon Heights has
both recreational activities as well as employment opportunities.
If you are thinking of buying or selling Falcon Heights real estate
I would love the opportunity to help you!
1) Get prequalified for your home loan first! I have met far too
many first time buyers who find a home first, only to find out
they do not yet qualify for financing. It can be a painful
experience to go through the work of finding the ideal home only
to find out you are not yet ready to qualify for a home loan. You
can get preapproved with my preferred MN
mortgage lender right over the telephone, even after normal
business hours. There is no cost and no obligation so why not
start the process of preapproval immediately?
2) Get educated about the whole process of buying a home as soon
as you can. You can learn a great deal at a first time home buyer seminar
or at a Home Stretch Worshop
available through many communities around the Twin Cities. There
is so much to know about the process that it is well worth it to
learn as much about it as you can…and as early as you can.
3) Get a house inspection on the house you are planning to buy.
While a home inspection is not required it can sometimes reveal
major potential problems in the home before you are fully
committed to the purchase. You can negotiate a transaction with a
contingency upon a satisfactory home inspection so that if the
inspection reveals problems, you can back out of the transaction
within a specified period of time. Some first time home buyers
will skip the home inspection because of the $300 to $500 cost of
the inspection. I think the cost of the inspection is a great
value when compared to making a purchase of a home that later
reveals multiple problems.
4) Take good care of your credit after mortgage preapproval.
After you have received your preapproval for a home loan your Minnesota mortgage company
still might need to check your credit again. Make all of your
monthly payments on time and do not open up any new credit.
Additionally, avoid additional credit inquiries after your
preapproval to avoid a reduction to your credit score.
5) Do not spend your down payment money prior to loan closing.
Your mortgage banker will give you a good faith estimate at loan
application including an estimate for how much money you will need
at closing. Just save your money so that you’re not caught in a
bind on the day of closing.
First Step In The Process
For many MN first time buyers the
big question is where do I start? Your very first step to home
ownership is to get preapproved for a mortgage. In so doing you
will find out how much you are qualified for so that we can search
for homes in the right price range.
ALL Falcon Heights Homes for sale right here:
Showing properties
1 - 16 of 16.
See more City of Falcon Heights | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/23/2013)
-
$525,000 : 1570 Vincent Street, Falcon Heights4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$399,900 : 1856 Asbury Street, Falcon Heights5 beds, 1 full, 2 part baths
-
$369,877 : 1859 Arona Street, Falcon Heights3 beds, 1 full, 2 part baths
-
$349,000 : 1724 Albert Street N, Falcon Heights4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$299,900 : 1709 Hamline Avenue N, Falcon Heights4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$266,900 : 1805 Tatum Street, Falcon Heights3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$259,900 : 1493 Iowa Avenue W, Falcon Heights2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$259,000 : 1782 Holton Street, Falcon Heights3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$225,000 : 1669 Arona Street ,Unit 1, Falcon Heights3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
-
2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$185,000 : 1396 Larpenteur Avenue W, Falcon Heights2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$184,900 : 1899 Pascal Street, Falcon Heights2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$170,000 : 1365 Iowa Avenue W, Falcon Heights3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
-
$139,900 : 1627 Hollywood Court, Falcon Heights2 beds, 1 full bath
-
1 bed, 1 full bath
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Shawn Hartmann
Licensed Realtor in Minnesota
Keller Williams Realty
shawn@hartmannteam.com
Direct 651-468-9099
2680 E Snelling Drive North
Roseville, MN 55113
With a focus on Saint Paul Homes for Sale
Jun 272011
Is a home inspection really necessary?
Buying a home is full of expenses. When it comes to a home inspection, this is one expense that should not be avoided.
The average cost of a home inspection is between $200 and $500. You should hire a home inspector that is certified by A.S.H.I American Society of Home Inspectors. These certified inspectors have been trained to identify and document potential hazards in the:
- Structural System, Exterior, Roof System, Electrical,System, Plumbing System, Heating and Cooling System, Interior, Insulation and Ventilation, and Fireplaces and Solid Fuel burning appliances.
A home inspection will give you insight into how your home operates and can save you thousands of dollars .
A good agent will be able to isolate the most important findings and then use the detailed documentation of the home inspector to negotiate for repairs that are needed. During the inspection contingency, a buyer has the option to walk away from the purchase agreement based on the findings from the inspection without losing their earnest money.
Let me show you how to make the right decisions when buying your home. Contact me today by filling out the form below.
FREE HOME INSPECTION TO ANY CLIENT THAT MENTIONS THIS POST
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Jun 272011
Friends and neighbors inside Como Park are holding the 2nd Annual Como Park Staycation again this year.
It’s a weekend of fun that gives families an economical option to the more traditional Family Vacation that can end up costing quite a bit with current gas prices as high as they are, combined with the current state of the economy.
Festivities begin on Friday, July 15, and run through sunday the 17th.
Activities include a Como Park Art Crawl, Talent Contest, Outdoor Movie, Bike Tour of Como Park and much more. More information and a full downloadable brochure can be found at the District 10 website at: http://www.district10comopark.org/staycation.html
Como Park
Jun 272011
Searching For Homes in North Saint Paul
There are a few different ways to find homes for sale in
North Saint Paul that I would like to share with you. As
most home buyers begin their search for their dream home on the
web, I find that many miss out on all of the possible
opportunities to search for and find the right home. I would like
to share with you some of the benefits and downfalls to each of
the methods for finding homes for sale in North Saint Paul.
North Saint Paul: Community Info
The City of North Saint Paul is one of the
older suburbs in the Twin Cities with friendly neighborhoods lined
with mature trees. Located east of the Twin Cities, North Saint
Paul is located within the boundaries Ramsey County. With a
population of about 11,000 residents here get the flavor of a
small town atmosphere along with the benefits of the Twin Cities.
With an ample supply of affordable housing, the city of North
Saint Paul can be a wonderful place to search for homes for the Minnesota first time
home buyer. If you want to search for housing in North Saint
Paul I would value the opportunity of discuss it with you!
Finding North Saint Paul Homes For Sale On The Web
One of the best ways to begin is to go to my website to search
for and find all of the homes for sale that are listed all
of the local real estate brokers, with all of the details
available. Large national websites leave out much of the important
details such as property taxes of the home. The problem is that
when buying a home factors such as property taxes on the home are
one of the single biggest factors in determining the amount of
your monthly payments so why would anyone want to look for North
Saint Paul Homes on websites that are missing such an important
detail? Please take a moment to visit my website and begin your
search for North Saint Paul
Homes listed for sale today.
Search for North Saint Paul Homes Via Email
If you’re serious searching for a North Saint Paul Homes, let’s
talk about the specifics of the type of home you want. I will
create an advanced search that will show you not only what
is on the market via email, but also what listings have just
become available. My software will instantly notify you with new
listings that meet your specific search critieria when new
listings hit the MLS. Because I will need to know the parameters
of what you are searching for (i.e. 4 bedroom Homes in North Saint
Paul between $175,000 and $225,000), please send me an email so
that we can begin the advanced search process.
A bit of education can go a long way, does it not? If you can get
exactly the listings you want to see via email such as my
customized search provides why would a home shopper need anything
else? The Guesswork and Luck strategy involves searching for
properties the large national websites which don’t contain all the
property details. Without utilizing a customized search to finding
the listings that you want, I find that far too many home buyers
rely on the strategy of Guesswork and Luck.
First Step To Buy A Home: Get Preapproved
For many MN first time buyers the
intimidating question is where do I start? Your very first step
towards buying your first home is to get prequalified for a home
loan. By doing so you find out how much of a loan you are
qualified for so that we can research homes in a price range with
comfortable payments for you.
Please take a moment to understand the strategy you are using to
search for possibly the biggest investment you will ever make. I
highly encourage home buyers to be proactive and to take control
of the property search strategy! Come to my website and find all
of the North Saint Paul homes for sale.
Shawn Hartmann
Licensed Realtor in Minnesota
Keller Williams Realty
Direct 651-468-9099
2680 E Snelling Drive North
Roseville, MN 55113
With a focus on Saint Paul Homes for Sale
Jun 262011
Roseville First Time Buyers
Have you heard that this is simply one of the best markets ever
for the Minnesota first time buyer, with house payments quite
often lower than comparable rent payments? Well, if you have not
yet heard this please take a moment to read the rest of my post.
Information About Roseville, Minnesota
There are many great reasons to consider living in the City
of Roseville. Located in Ramsey County, and with
borders touch both St. Paul and Minneapolis, residents have a
convenient commute to a wide variety of employers. Homeowner’s in
Roseville also enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the area
partly due to its commerically-zoned land. Home to the original Target and Best Buy
stores, Roseville is a major shopping district and has more
restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the Twin Cities.
Students in the area attend one of the schools in the Roseville Area Schools system, District 623.
If you are thinking of buying or selling Roseville real estate please
give me a call or send me an email.
There are a lot of resources in the great state of Minnesota for
our first time home buyers. Did you know that the state offers
financing programs designed especially first time buyers through
the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency? Commonly known as MHFA, this state agency provides
home mortgage financing through local Minnesota mortage
companies at special interest rates along with possible down
payment assistance programs for those who qualify. More lenient
credit parameters in this program are also helpful to many buyers
wishing to buy their first home. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
works with typical home loans such as VA mortgages, FHA loans, and
conventional mortgage financing.
Down Payment Assistance
In addition to State of MN down payment
assistance funds many of our local communities offer
assistance programs of their own as well. Each of these programs
vary in terms of qualifications required to access the funds.
Depending upon when you are reading this these programs may or may
not be funded so we can check on it when you call me.
The First Step: Get Preapproved!
For many MN first time home buyers
the big, intimidating question is where do I start the process?
Your very first step to home ownership is to get prequalified for
a home loan. By doing so you find out how much you are qualified
for so that we can research homes in a price range with
comfortable payments for you.
There may never be a better time to buy Roseville real estate. If you
are tired of the steady increase of rent payments take this
opportunity to learn more about the benefits of buying your first
home. I’ve worked with many MN first time buyers before and am
glad to answer any and all of your questions. Simply give me a
call or send me an email and we will see what might be possible!
Shawn Hartmann
Licensed Realtor in Minnesota
Keller Williams Realty
Direct 651-468-9099
2680 E Snelling Drive North
Roseville, MN 55113
With a focus on Saint Paul Homes for Sale
Jun 232011
Jun 222011
The latest Monthly Skinny was released from the Minneapolis Association of Realtors (MAAR). Emily Green, 2011 MAAR Treasure, talks about the trends and implications of last month’s numbers (May).
Highlights Include:
- May 2011 Pending Sales are UP 13.2% from May 2010.
- May 2011 Inventory is DOWN 11.8% from May 2010.
- May 2011 Median Sale Price is DOWN 12.6% from May 2010.
- May 2011 Months of Inventory is UP 11.9% (8.5 Months) from May 2010.
- National Interest Rate is at 4.88% for a 30 Year Fixed.
The favorable improvements in Pending Sales and Inventory being down may have more to do with the substantial drop off seen after the expiration of the 2010 tax credit more so than market improvements. That being said, we cannot discount that there is less competition on the market as well as incredible interest rates.
Jun 162011
You have made a decision to by a new home! Weather it’s the first home that you are purchasing or you have bought multiple homes in the past, the buying process can feel overwhelming. The reality is that the home buying process can be not only an exciting time in ones life, it also can be an enjoyable process as well. Here are a few tips on making the home buying a positive and enjoyable experience!
• Keep the home buying process in perspective: Keep it simple when it comes to home buying. Don’t over think the process; most of all, each real estate transaction is unique in its own way. No two real estate transactions are alike. Just because a friend or family member has a bad experience, does not mean that you will be experiencing the same thing.
• Patience and persistence: Today’s real estate market has changed so having patience and being persistent will play a big part in successful home ownership. Don’t jump at the first deal that comes your way. Be diligent and active in making a decision.
• Be prepared: Make sure that you have all your personal and financial documentation in place. Nothing can make a transaction more difficult and time consuming if you are trying to piece it together as you go. If you are prepared and ready to go it will save time and headaches down the road!
• Full Disclosure: Make sure you fully disclose all information to the team of professionals that are working on your behalf. This includes financial information, goals, wants and needs, potential issues that may arise, such as job changes, income changes, etc…. Communication is Key to prevent issues down the road.
• Rely on the experts: The Saint-Paul-Home website is the perfect example of how real estate professionals come together to deliver valuable information to prepare you for your new endeavor! Trust the experts and the home buying process will be a smooth one.
Remember! You are buying a new home and it should be on of the best experiences in your life!
Smile, Relax, and Enjoy!
Happy House Hunting!
Mike Elwell.
Jun 152011
City of Roseville – Summer Performance In The Park
Looking for something fun to do this Summer? The City of Roseville’s Summer Performance in the Park offers a wide variety of music 
for kids and adults of all ages. All events will be performed at Lexington’s Frank Rog Amphitheatre (2540 Lexington Avenue N, Roseville, MN 55113).
If you would like more information on the Summer Performance in the Park schedule, here is a link to the City of Roseville webpage.
Have you ever wondered what gets the Most Common Summer Complaints in the City of Roseville?
Search Homes for Sale in Roseville MN.
Map for City of Roseville Summer Performance in the Park Location:
[srp_profile lat="45.0178357" lng="-93.14663860000002" address="2540 Lexington Avenue N" city="roseville" state="MN" zip_code="55113"]
[/srp_profile]
Highest Priced Homes for Sale in the City of Roseville
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 99.
See more City of Roseville | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/23/2013)
-
$750,000 : 2815 Rice Street, Roseville0 beds, 0 baths
-
$624,900 : 3170 W Owasso Boulevard, Roseville4 beds, 1 full, 2 part baths
-
$589,900 : 2790 Victoria Street N, Roseville4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
-
$519,000 : 2942 Fernwood Street, Roseville3 beds, 1 full, 2 part baths
-
$510,000 : 2025 Rice Street, Roseville0 beds, 0 baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
