Coming Soon! 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Como Park Charmer with 2 Car Garage. This home is priced to move quickly at $224,900 and will be made available to the rest of the public mid-July. If Como Park is your area, you should take a look at this home before it is gone. Contact us today to set up your own Private Showing.
1235 Alameda St., Como Park
Offered at: $224,900
3 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom
Expected MLS Date: Mid July
Listed By: Shawn Korby 651-442-0829
For the last several months we’ve noticed an increased tension in the market due to lack of sell-able listings and relatively solid buyer demand. For several years now pricing in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area has remained mostly flat, thus causing a lot of would be sellers to sit on the sidelines waiting for better returns. Homeowners invariably can only wait so long before outgrowing a home, or a job transfer. So, a fairly large segment of the normal seller population has turned to renting rather than selling. This, along with the halt in foreclosures, and essentially zero new building since 2005 leads us to spring 2012 with a severe shortage of properties to buy. What I find interesting is even with this shortage of options, and even with interest rates in the 3-4% range, prices have not really moved much.
I think it is probable for the first time in several years we will see a noticeable increase in prices in the Twin Cities area this spring. Don’t get too excited, I’m not talking 20%, I’m thinking more like 5% year over year.
Prices have adjusted to affordable levels, buyers are losing patience with multiple bids, and this tension is exactly what leads to improvement in pricing. Buyers, it is nearly time to take out your escalation clauses…
In my view, now is clearly the time to sell (keep your price very realistic still) and it is probably a good time to buy – depending on how long you want to hold the property.
Enjoy the weather and best wishes!
Most of the programs for down payment assistance are especially designed around the needs of the first time buyer. Each has its own set of qualifying guidelines. Some of these program guidelines include things like maximum income, debt versus income ratios and more. You will want to check with a mortgage professional who can help review your eligibility requirements.
One of the better programs for entry cost assistance is now available in Como Park as well as all cities and counties in MN. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency offers the HAF program which can help with between $3,000 and $4,500 of assistance. This entry cost assistance comes in the form of a 2nd mortgage but has no interest rate and no monthly payments to make. One benefit to HAF is that it can be used along with other city entry cost assistance programs when available.
One of the better assistance programs is currently available in Como Park as well as throughout the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency offers a great program called HAF which includes up to $4,500 of entry cost assistance. This assistance comes in the form of a second mortgage with no interest and requires no monthly payments. The other great thing about HAF is that it can usually be layered in combination with other entry cost assistance programs when available in various communities.
Most down payment assistance programs in Minnesota have a requirement that must get a certification through a class for first time buyers. You will need to plan for a one-day classroom training and it is is offered through several community agencies Dates and times for the classes vary but are available evenings and weekends. If you are using a local community down payment assistance program be sure to find a class that satisfies both the state and local community program guidelines. Registration is simple and can be done 24 hours a day because you can register for the Home Stretch Workshop on the internet.
For many Minnesota first time home buyers the big, intimidating question is where do I start the process? Your first step to home ownership is to get pre-approved 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.
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
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 75.
See more 744 - Como.
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Searching For homes in Shoreview
There are a few different ways to find homes for sale in Shoreviewthat people use when buying a home. As most home buyers begin their search for their dream home on the web, I am finding that far too many miss out on all of the possible opportunities to search for the right home. In this post I’ll share with you the benefits and challenges to each of the different methods of search for homes for sale in Shoreview.
One of the first places to start is to go to my website to search for all of the available homes from all of the local brokers, with all of the details posted to the MLS. The large national websites leave out much of the critical details such as property taxes of the home. The issue is that when buying a homes in Shoreview the property taxes are one of the largest factors which impact your monthly mortgage payments so why would you want to look for Shoreview homes without such important details missing? Please take a moment to visit my website and begin your search for Shoreview homes listed on the market today.
If you’re serious searching for a Shoreview homes, send me an email and tell me the specifics of the type of property you want. I can create advanced searches that will tell you not only what is available on the market via email, but also what has just become available. You will be instantly notified via email with new property listings that meet your advanced search critieria when they become available on the market. Because I need to know the critieria of what you are searching for (for example: 2 bedroom homes in Shoreview between $165,000 and $215,000), please send me a brief email so we can begin the process of finding you a home!
A little bit of education goes a long ways, does it not? If you can get exactly what you need via email such as my customized search why would you need anything else? The Luck and Guesswork strategy involves using the websites from the large national companies that offer limited information! Without a customized approach to searching for the house that you want to buy, too many home buyers will rely on the strategy of Luck and Guesswork offered by the larger national websites.
The City of Shoreview is a great place to consider if you are planning on buying a home. Situated in Ramsey County is a convenient second-ring suburb just north of Saint Paul. Family Circle magazine named Shoreview as the fourth best place to live in their 2008 article. With seven lakes in the community Shoreview, MN offers recreational opportunities for everyone. If you are searching for affordable housing in the Twin Cities area Shoreview should be one of the places to consider.
For many MN first time buyers the big question is where do I start? Your very first step to home ownership is to get prequalified for a home loan. 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.
Please understand the strategy you are implementing to search for possibly the biggest investment you will ever make. I encourage you to be proactive and take control of your property search strategy! Come to my website and find all of the Shoreview.
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
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 77.
See more City of Shoreview | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Whew. That was exhausting. But you’re done! Well, sort of. You’ve closed and moved in, but now you’ll need to protect your investment for years to come. And you can do so by performing routine maintenance on your home’s systems, depending on their age and condition. A good rule of thumb is to watch for signs of leaks, damage, and wear. If you fix small problems early, you will save yourself from having to spend big money later. And remember that kind real estate professional who assisted you throughout the process? Well, after closing your agent can
still help you with such things as providing information for your tax returns, finding contractors and repair services, and even tracking your home’s current market value.
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment
Search for Top End Homes for Sale in Minneapolis and Surrounding Area:
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 500+.
See more City of Minneapolis | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
You’ve made an offer and performed due diligence, which means you’re now in the “home” stretch, pun intended. But you have a few preclosing responsibilities, and these include staying in control of your credit and finances, first and foremost. You will also need to keep in touch with your agent and lender and return all phone calls and paperwork promptly. You might need to communicate with your agent at least once or twice a week, and verify with your lender that all mortgage funding steps are completed. If possible, conduct a final walk-through of the home with your agent as well. And finally, be sure to confirm with your agent, home insurance professional, and lender that you have the settlement statement, certified funds, and evidence of insurance lined up prior to closing.
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment
Take a look at the Newest Homes for Sale in Saint Paul and Surrounding Areas:
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 500+.
See more City of St. Paul | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Just because you love a particular property in the Twin Cities doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. In fact, this is where reason has to trump emotion. And you’ll have help here, too. You’ll need to have a property inspection (which we highly recommend you attend) that will hopefully expose all the issues a home might hide. This way you’ll know exactly what you are getting into before you sign closing papers. Your main concern is the possibility of structural damage. This can come from water damage, shifting ground, or poor construction when the house was built. And remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s the inspector’s job to mark everything discovered, no matter how large or small. Things that are easily fixed can be overlooked. In case you have a big problem show up in your inspection report, you should bring in a specialist. And if the worst-case scenario turns out to be true, you might want to walk away from the purchase. Again, this is your home, so work with your agent and make the best decision for you. And remember, if your home passes inspection with flying colors, you’ll still need to buy a homeowner’s insurance policy to protect against loss or damage to the property itself and against liability in case someone sustains an injury while on your property.
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment
Search for Homes Listed for Sale in Shoreview and Surrounding Areas:
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 77.
See more City of Shoreview | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Congratulations! So you’ve found a home you love in the Twin Cities. Now you will need to make a compelling offer. The three basic components of your purchase offer are price, terms, and contingencies. Price is obviously the dollar amount you are pre-approved for, willing, and able to pay. Terms cover the other financial options and timing factors that will be included in your offer. Contingencies are clauses that can let you out of the contract if the house has a problem that didn’t exist or that you weren’t aware of when you went first looked at the home (inspection contingency). Another common contingency is financing contingency, which will help you get out of a contract if you are unable to obtain financing. Contingencies specify any event that will need to take place in order for you to fulfill the contract. Okay, it can get admittedly confusing here. So look to your agent to guide you. Keep in mind, the right price to offer should reflect the fair market value of the home you want to buy. Your agent’s market research will help guide this decision.
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment
Find Nice Homes for Sale in Como Park, Falcon Heights and Surrounding Areas:
Showing properties
1 - 17 of 17.
See more City of Falcon Heights | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
So you are pre-approved and ready to begin your search.But how or where do you begin? The best thing to do is consult with your agent to more accurately pinpoint the home you are looking for. This is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and you’ll need to create a criteria for a home that meets all of your important needs, and as many of your additional wants as possible. Some questions you might ask yourself include:
You’ll learn as you look at homes, it’s wise to refine your priorities along the way. And your agent is experienced and can help expedite the process
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment.
Search for YOUR Next Home Online in Roseville | Arden Hills | Shoreview and Surrounding Areas.
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 97.
See more City of Roseville | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
It’s normal to ask how much you can afford when buying a home for sale in the Twin Cities Area, and you might begin by considering your monthly rent payment. You’ll also need to factor in all of your expenses and then revisit your income. Lenders use fairly strict guidelines and formulas to dictate how much you can spend on your mortgage payment, which typically includes PITI, or principal, interest, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.
And remember, you don’t need to save up a
lot of money for the down payment. A conventional
mortgage can require as little as a 5 percent down
payment, and there are even some first-time buyer
programs and FHA loans that require even less. And once
again, only you can decide what you can afford.
Buying a Home is a FUN and Exciting Time, especially when you HIRE the RIGHT people
Step #1 – Decide to BUY | Step #2 – Hire YOUR Agent | Step #3 – Secure Financing
Step #4 – Find Your Home | Step #5 – Make an Offer | Step #6 – Perform Due Diligence
Step #7 – Close | Step #8 – Protect Your Investment.
Search for YOUR Next Home Online in St. Paul | Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas.
Showing properties
1 - 50 of 500+.
See more City of St. Paul | Houses | Condos | Townhomes .
(all data current as of
5/22/2013)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
This IDX solution is (c) Diverse Solutions 2013.
