I've been driving the 2010 Chevy Traverse now for five days and I must say that I've already discovered a LOT of great uses for the "trunk" space (hatchback space). I am absolutely LOVING the extra seats in the back and the fact that I have space besides is a great bonus. These top ten ideas of mine are not scientifically proven...  BUT I think that they are great ideas, and even a little fun maybe. Of course.... they are real estate minded because I certainly love houses! So, without any delay here are my top choices for using the back hatch of my new Chevy Traverse! 10. Carrying groceries (which I know first hand that you can fit a lot of them in!) 9. Storing open house signs and real estate "do-dads" like lockboxes and name riders without using precious seat space. 8. Loading up all ... 05/25/2010

Sometimes life just needs a little refresher. That's when you walk outside, especially in the spring, and breathe deep!Anywhere in Minnesota there is a lilac bush blooming nearby and just the sent reminds you that winter is behind us! If you don't have a lilac out your door - it might just be a sign.Give me a call and we can start house shopping today!They are a natural wonder of beauty in this area...It ought to be that you have one of your very own! If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Whether you are looking at the options of buying or selling I am here for you!Referrals are always welcome! Lindsey HasfordRealtorColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  763-21... 05/16/2010

I thought about using my exotic zoo pictures from yesterday to ooh and aah everyone, but better than that is  Mama Duck watching over her young on the city sidestreets in Minneapolis. Who can find such love menacing? It's just one of the beauties of spring that can't be messed with! Every creature has to have a home - even the baby geese that live in the city. If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Whether you are looking at the options of buying or selling I am here for you!Referrals are always welcome! Lindsey HasfordRealtorColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.comhttp://www.hasfordhomes.com 05/12/2010

Not only does this house have SIX bedrooms, but a large great room (big enough for a party of 30!) and a nice sized living room with fairly open floor plan to kitchen and dining room. A master suite complete with private bath and walkin closet. For the "man" out looking it has a large three car insulated garage with heater and separate electrical. Still not enough room for your toys? Check out the large shed! Come and check out this great four level split this weekend and pick up information to other open houses in the area. OPEN HOUSE (with refreshments):Sunday, May 16th3-5pm13095 192 1/2 Court                                                                Elk River, MN 55330 If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to workin... 05/11/2010

Here is a little wish that you have a happy, healthy and wonderful Mother's Day this year!If you are looking for the greatest Mother's Day gift ever... why not look for that dream home that Mama has always always wanted?I'm here for all your real estate needs - Happy Holiday!   If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Whether you are looking at the options of buying or selling I am here for you!Referrals are always welcome! Lindsey HasfordRealtorColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.comhttp://www.hasfordhomes.com 05/08/2010

This morning my kids asked me, again, when the parade where you catch candy will be back in town. My boys, you see, are always up for a fun adventure! The problem is... it's just too early in the season for parades. So, what is the next best thing?We'll be headed out for the walk to support the Abba Crisis Pregnancy Center in Elk River. We'll carry balloons and head out for some fun with lots of people in effort to help an organization that has tripled it's workload. This is a great organization that helps mom desparately in need of help with their newborns and babies up to age two. They are a great resource for families that are in need! So, if you see us out walking.... we won't be throwing candy... but we'll be celebrating life!We'd love to have you join us or even even donate towar... 05/07/2010

Whether you are home or not tomorrow you can help make a difference! All it takes is leaving a canned food item at your mailbox for your letter carrier to pickup! Wouldn't it be fun to overload the mailmen with so many canned goods that their tires pop as they are driving down the road? Stamp Out Hunger is a GREAT program to support our local foodshelves across the country. So, if we all band together and donate a little food we can feed a lot of hungry tummies! Saturday, May 8th before your letter carrier arrives just place a good item in a bag and attach it to your mailbox - that's as hard as it gets! In fact, you can do it right now! No harm in letting it it outside overnight... then you can't forget! And, I would personally like to thank our postmen for taking a day out of the year... 05/07/2010

There is something about the city of Elk River that just gets under your skin. Growing up here it has always had a homey affect on me, but it was when I got married that I knew.... My hubby has been around the world and laughed the first time he came to visit our humble town of Elk River saying that we really were "out in the hicks." Since then his tune has changed and he's come to realize that we aren't so far from anywhere. The thing is... when my hubby is home he stays home. And that is what Elk River has become to him. Over the last thirty years there has been tremendous growth in this area... in the highways, commercial development, schools and population. Elk River is a great little city that isn't far from anywhere. A hop on a train to a Twin's game, a jot down the highways to th... 04/21/2010

If you were given the opportunity would you try for an opportunity to try something new and fun and exciting? Would you jump at the chance to go "out of the box" and enjoy a little? What if you felt that the odds were against you and maybe asking for "the chance" might result in a "sorry, it isn't your time?" Well, I took the plunge! I filled out the application and now I am waiting to hear. Chevy is offering a month long test drive of their Chevy Traverse to the lucky bloggers of their choice! The opportunity includes gas!!!! What a dream. I have never driven a brand new car. I just couldn't help myself. I would happily blog about their vehicle for a month for the opportunity to blog about it! So, if you are a mom and live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.... maybe you want to appl... 04/19/2010

Just like all good things in life.... the homebuyer's tax credit is soon coming to an end! With two weeks left running on the clock there is still time to get a property under contract. There are lots of great properties waiting for homeowners and if you have been kicking your tires.... now is the time to act! The property doesn't need to CLOSE until the end of June, but it does need to be under contract by the end of April so don't delay. Interest rates are at a low. Home prices are at a low. Home choices are at a high. So, really, now IS the time to buy! If you are thinking about it and don't know where to start... give me a call and we'll set you on your way! But, don't delay!!!! Call today!   If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am lookin... 04/15/2010

Yesterday in Minnesota was SO beautiful that we had a to take a timeout in the afternoon and take the kids for a bikeride. Okay, well we rode bike and hubby walked... but that is beside the point. We are enjoying the Woodland Trail Park in Elk River. It's convenient to get to and follows along the old railroad bed. Awesome for walking, jogging, biking, skiing, rollerblading and just good old FUN! We were going along and what did we see?...See for yourself! I really thought this guy (or gal) was pretty cool! It's not often that you run into an owl just hanging out in the daytime watching all the travelers pass by. I think that the most fascinating part was watching all the enjoyers of the trail just pass he owl by without even a glance in his direction. My kids thought he was great!   If... 04/10/2010

This weekend (April 10th and 11th) I will be holding two homes open! Check them out below!!!! If you can't make the opens, but are interested in either property (or any other property) please give me a ring and I'll get you set up for your own viewing. Hoping to see you there! _________________________________________________________________________________________________________   10492 181stElk River, MN 55330 Open Houses:Saturday, April 10th 12-2PMSunday, April 11th 3-5pm   This 2002 light & open townhome is a must see! In perfect move in condition with lots of space for your every need! New roof in '08. All appliances included. Overlooks pond & wildlife area near highway, shopping & lightrail.   _______________________________________________________________________________________... 04/09/2010

Country Crossings TownhomesElk River, Minnesota Whether you are starting out or downsizing, moving to Country Crossing Townhomes is a great place to be! Country Crossing Towhnhomes is within walking distance of Elk River's library, The local YMCA, many many parks and walking trails, and Lake Orono Park. Looking out from Country Crossing Townhomes in Elk River you will see a wildlife area/park preserve specifically set for wildflowers. It's a beautiful walk through the neighborhood. With Lake Orono so close to Country Crossing Townhomes it's an easy commute to fishing, swimming, picnicking, baseball fields, boating and more. If you are the gardening kind... there is a "community garden" sponsored by the city of Elk River within a half mile of Country Crossing Townhomes where you can own ... 04/06/2010

Mississippi OaksElk River, Minnesota The Mississippi borders Elk River at it's southern edge creating a natural and beautiful landscape for many residents of the prestigious Mississippi Oaks. Mississippi Oaks is a community within the community of Elk River. With several parks within a few blocks and walking trails leading all the way into historic downtown... they maintain their community with prestige. Every yard supremely landscaped, every sidewalk and mailbox cared for and not forgotten, every playground used to it's fullest potential. Mississippi Oaks has built itself a sure foundation. Mississippi Oaks in Elk River is within walking distance of the Elk River branch of the Great River Regional Library, the City Offices, The police/firestation, the YMCA, and Lake Orono Park. During ... 04/05/2010

This is why I love where I live! I took my boys for a walk yesterday and we had a blast! We watched the wood ducks swimming in the riverlets. The boys collected acorns from the fallen trees. We found white and black bird feathers that we just had to add to our treasure chest (the basket of the stroller) and some pretty rocks. But, it's the views! I love watching the seasons change. The colors trading. It still looks a little like fall out there, but it sure feels like spring! If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Whether you are looking at the options of buying or selling I am here for you!Referrals are always welcome! Lindsey HasfordRealtorColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-... 04/01/2010

Woodland HillsElk River, Minnesota Our newest neighborhood in Elk River is tucked generiously next to  the Elk River Country Club across from Oak Hills neighborhood. Just outside of Elk River, Woodland Hills is building homes to fit the needs of Elk River's newest (homebuilding) residents. If you prefer building your home instead of buying an existing property then it is possible than Woodland Hills may fit your needs. With several lots currently available and a second phase in the radars... there is plenty of room to grow. Within walking distance of Meadowvale Elementary and easy driving to the highways/commuting and out of the busy city. With slightly rolling landscape and plenty of trees to enjoy. Woodland Hills is ready to accept any buyer.   The wildlife in and around Woodland Hill... 03/28/2010

Lafayette WoodsElk River, Minnesota Nestled quaintly in the rolling hills of Elk River you will find the prestigious Lafayette Woods established and as beautiful as the day that it was introduced to the area. With stately homes and desirable landscaping Lafayette Woods prides itself on it's character and outstanding care for it's properties. With an active homeowner's association Lafayette Woods has made a name for itself! They take care of each other and their community. Throughout the year they offer activities for everyone to be involved from neighborhood cleanup to garage sale weekends.     As you drive through Lafayette Woods you can see the beauty of Elk River! The particular attention that they've given to preserving their wildlife areas is a breath of fresh air. Aside from the p... 03/27/2010

Trout Brook FarmsElk River, MN   Marked by it's picket fences, Trout Brook Farms in Elk River is truly the place to be! With many additions this development stretches on both sides of Main Street. With ponds and wildlife areas surrounding the area it is a pleasant place to be! And, this developlement covers it all: townhomes, one levels and elite single family homes!If you are looking for a busy and involved place to settle, then Trout Brook Farms in Elk River is a great choice to belong! Year round this association offers activities that are family friendly and fun, fun, fun!Within walking distance of Trout Brook Farms in Elk River you will find shopping and Hillside Park. There are trails leading out of the development that lead to the Elk River station or even to historic downtown.  ... 03/26/2010

ELK RIVER STATIONELK RIVER, MINNESOTA On the south side of Elk River there is a quaint development that settles near the train tracks. This "village" of townhomes built in the early 2000's has a lot to offer residents in Elk River! If you are thinking of Moving to Elk River Station you might want to pay particular details to what the small community within Elk River has to offer.  Elk River Station has easy access to the highways and freeways to give you a headache free commute! If you aren't thrilled with the roadways through Elk River you can walk to the Northstar Commuter Rail and hop a ride on the train for a smooth and painfree ride. Either way the convenience of living in Elk River and near the "highways and biways" has it's advantages! Beautiful walking trails within Elk River St... 03/25/2010

One of our favorite places to visit is the local library.From storytime to internet access to family activities...there is never a shortage of entertainment! Elk River is blessed with a very nice library - recently built and qualifying for "green" awards.Hats off to the ladies that run the library! They make the library a knowledgable and fun place to be.Currently the library is looking for support. They run on funding like so many great organizations.If you go to their website or drop by you can partner with the library and keep their programs going for as little as $5! Great River Regional Library   If you haven't taken the time to check out the local library - I would suggest taking the time to do so.They have a wide assortment of books, movies/dvds, music and much more!Access to th... 03/19/2010