When we were growing up my daddy always said that it's "Good to own your own piece of dirt... and to take care of that piece of dirt." When I bought my first house he asked, "How's it feel owning your own piece of dirt?" I LOVE owning my own dirt and now I have a LOT of it. With five acres of sand surrounding our daily lives there is never a shortage of dirt hanging around my house. I gladly share my dirt with my friends who visit and happily send some home with them on their shoes. In a small effort to take care of 'my piece of dirt' there are several things that we do at our house... simple things that I thought I'd share with you. 1. We love books at our house. In effort to cut down on spending and waste I've started taking more and more books from the library. If it's a must-have bo... 04/22/2009

There are more and more reports from agents that have buyers, but can't find what they are looking for to buy. In the lower prices ranges especially there are multiple offers being written and some homes are selling for higher than list price. This is a recent change, yet very evident. If you are thinking about selling your home - now might be a good time. There are lots of incentives for buyers to get out there and look around. From the $8,000 stimulus package to city incentives. Interest rates are staying low and renting are buying in order to take advantage of the great monthly rates! If you are in a smaller home and would like to upgrade... now is an incredible time to do that because prices are still low and giving you opportunity to upgrade for a reasonable value. If you ARE think... 04/16/2009

A couple days ago there was a house that exploded near Elk River due to a gas leak that the owner's smelled upon entrance into the home. It's unclear who they called to check out the leak, but it wasn't fixed. The new owners continued to move their belongings into the home and were in this process when the home exploded. Fortunately, the three people inside the home survived. I cannot get this off my mind. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in and smelled that gassy smell. Every time I smell it I report it to the listing agent or homeowner and when checked I've rarely been wrong. A few years back a good friend of my mom's was killed in a similar gas explosion and since then I've understood the importance of making sure that everything is running correctly. I've put a link for Kar... 04/10/2009

This weekend there are a couple of events that are featuring the children/youth of Elk River! If you are looking at relocating to Elk River or if you live in the area and are looking for children's adventures these are a couple of GREAT ways to get involved! Below I've copied portions of a letter that came by email highlighting the events and want to make sure that you know that you are invited! It's for families like you that these special events were created. Summer is soon upon us and the kids will be looking for things to do.... what a better way to be prepared! 2nd Annual Elk River Area Summer Youth Expo - Saturday, April 4th: 1:00 - 4:00pm - Elk River High School Come find out about positive summer program choices for young people!  Join the YMCA, Parks and Recreation, Community ... 04/02/2009

On Saturday, May 2nd from 9am-3pm the doors at Coldwell Banker Vision will be open for all to come and browse their "goods" and to support the local food shelf. Because spring is such a GREAT time to clean out those nooks and crannies that never get cleaned we thought we'd offer the opportunity for everyone to get involved. We want your castaways. Drop off your garage sale goods from April 27th-30th between 8am-5pm to help support CAER Food Shelf in Elk River! With the economy in an uproar this is one way that everyone can support the local folk. There's three steps to this easy fundraiser! You can do one or all three.... but no matter what you do, someone will appreciate your giving very much! 1. Clean your house. Gather up those dusty castaways while blowing away the winter cobwebs. T... 03/19/2009

For those curious of what has happen so far in 2009 in the Elk River, Mn Real Estate market this blog summarizes the market. Current Active listings: 249 Active Listings Under $100,000: 15 Pending sales: 31 Pending sales under $100,000: 5 Sold listings year to date: 44 Sold listings under $100,000: 7 It should be noted there a several more sales, mostly townhomes that have occurred just above $100,000. Homes in Elk River are very affordable now.  Many of the two stories that have gone to BANK owned status can be purchase between $200,000- $250,000. Let me know if I can help you with your Real Estate needs! -30- Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate.  He is a Dynamic Life Coach; The Discovery Coa... 03/06/2009

When showing buyers potential homes I highly encourage that they bring their children with. Even if they don't look initially - I think that it's great to get their input on the final choice(s). It's amazing how children can feel about a house and it is not only entertaining, but adventurous to have them along on the fun. I DO, however, have some suggestions that might make it an easier adventure. Depending on the age of the children especially. 1. A portable camera so that they can take pictures of what they like is a great idea. It keeps them focused on the mission instead of trying to play with the seller's belongings. 2. Drinks for the car ride between homes. Sometimes the kiddos need water or juice or something to keep them going. 3. Snacks are a great diversion. With all the movin... 02/05/2009

It's that time! The season that you want to go outside, but it's so darn cold that you don't want to go outside. The question then remains - what else is there to do?The answer? Go to the movies!From January 31st to March 14th the Elk River Marcus Cinema offers a SPECIAL frosty family flick at 10AM on Saturdays for $2.50 a ticket. You get a free popcorn and great seat!I recommend getting your tickets early as these always fill up, but it's a great adventure for the whole family. The movies aren't all set in stone just yet, so check out their website and enjoy the show. If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  7... 02/02/2009

I have been Twittering on and off now for a couple of months trying to get a feel for the system. Finally, I am on a daily update system and think that it's gonna work for me. It is a great way for me to get notes out to my "people" without the hassle of interupting their lives to have a brief conversation. This way - I can get my thoughts out and they can choose when they want to call me and what information they need to complete the thoughts. I would love to have you follow me on Twitter. FOLLOW ME If you are looking for a great way to keep updated on what's going on in the Elk River and Twin Cities real estate front - this might be just what you are looking for. Over time my Twittering will become more and more intrigrated with information that you need as I learn the best tidbits of... 01/27/2009

I thought I'd start out this week giving high-5's to our own comedian and tv star: Dave Mordal!This Elk River native has taken our town to the national maps with his new show Wreckreation Nation on  the Discovery Channel. Not only does he get to showcase some very cool things that Americans do to pass time, but he gets to try quirky (and silly) hobbies like pumpkin boat racing and tug-of-wars over the Mississippi. Dave Mordal's Wreckreation Nation This real life adventure show mixed with humor and lighthearted competition can be seen on Discovery Tuesday nights at 10pm ET/PT.Don't miss the fun!   If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 5... 01/26/2009

Tomorrow, Wednesday January 21at, in Elk River you might hear lots of noise. The rumble bumble of Great River Energy may be heard in your home or in local neighborhoods. As they are cleaning out the pipes there are expected to be loud bursts of racket interupting our daily routines. They have sent a letter to local homes and businesses warning of the upcoming sparkle of entertainment. It is said that these will not be explosions, so no need to panic. I'm thinking that there won't be any fireworks so no need to run to the windows to see, Just a warning of the upcoming noise they have planned! So, if you can't concentrate give me a call and we can go look at some great houses that are available! If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking f... 01/20/2009

Elk River, Sherburne Co. MN 2008 2007 Δ Change # Homes Sold 338 366 -8.28% Average Price $199,987 $232,426 -16.22% Median Price $188,500 $210,000 -11.41% Total Volume $67,595,638 $85,068,245 -25.85%     Based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF MINNESOTA, INC.  For the period of January 1, 2007 thru December 31, 2008     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 through me.To find out more, call Patti Ann Kasper  at 763-548-1418 today!Sellers: Your home SOLD in 39 days or less GUARANTEED, or I'll pay you up to $10,000 after closing!*National Real Estate Stimulus Program* ParticipantTo view my interactive on-line real estate magazine with listings, select the banner below:Touch the b... 01/19/2009

You don't want to miss it! If you are wondering what the benefits are of buying a home now....Come and we will show you all we know! $7,500 Could be yours if buy a home sometime in the beginning months of this year! The government is offering a $7,500 credit to qualifying home buyers. If you close on a home before July 1, 2009, you could have a check as soon as you complete your ‘09 income taxes. Wouldn't it be nice to get into a house and pay down some debt or make home improvements? With homes in our area at historic low prices, there hasn't been a better time to buy.  You can own for less than rent! Join us to learn how the home buyers tax credit works. See if it will work for you. We will also be discussing some upcoming monies that are being made available for individual cities in ... 01/08/2009

When I first started SELLING real estate I was called to do a market on someone's home and was very surprised when I got to the door and realized that it was a fellow classmate of mine! We never put the home on the market, but recently I ran into the homeowner recently and they asked me a question that I just couldn't resist sharing. It's a question that is burning in the minds of so many and not just consumers... but professionals as well. "Is see you are still with Coldwell/Vision? Is the market picking up at all? Can we be more certain there will have to be some gains soon?" What can I say? The market is definitely what it is. Can we be CERTAIN of some gains soon? That is what is yet to be written. Depending on the expert that you speak with - really depends on the answer that you wi... 01/07/2009

With interest rates under 5% for most borrowers its time to start thinking INVESTMENT real estate. I am not only talking about buying a house and fixing it up to rent it out or to "flip" it and turn a profit. INVESTMENT real estate is what many people buy their first home for.  For a "place to call home" because its "their largest investment in their whole life".  Sherburne County has great prices on their homes.  Big Lake has seen large price drops and now you can get a home that's in fair or better shape for around $125,000 and many with a little more work needed for closer to $100K.  When you head north to Princeton and Zimmerman you can find many nice homes on acreage for under $150K now.  Even homes for the "move up" buyer on acreage are under $200K. Elk River offers many great 2 s... 12/14/2008

Tomorrow Santa will be arriving in high fashion in the downtown streets of Elk River! His arrival last year came with many spectators and high expectations from kids and parents alike. Come early and enjoy the Christmas holiday atmosphere with treats and activities in local businesses while waiting for the show to begin! The animals and santa will arrive around noon and will be ready to entertain one and all. It's a must see! The river background and snowy landscape offers a great backdrop for photos and fun so don't forget your camera. Come one, come all... santa is coming to town! Saturday, December 13thNoon to 3pmMain street and Jackson in downtown Elk River!!! If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Li... 12/12/2008

You are cordially invited to attend one of our TWO seminars explaining the benefits of buying a home now! With the low prices in today's economy combined with the $7500 tax credit available to first time homebuyers you can't go wrong! WHEN: Tuesday 11/18/08 OR Thursday 11/20/087-8pmWHERE: Coldwell Banker Vision231 Main Street, Elk River, MN 55330 If you are interested in buying a home, but cannot attend either of the seminars please call me today! I'd love to chat with you about the possibilities!!!! If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.comhttp://www.ha... 11/17/2008

       Hello my name is Mel Beaudry I am new to blogging so hang with me. I am so excited to be able to do this blogging. I have watched my business partner and freind Chuck Carstensen really take off with his business and life when he started to blog. I am looking forward to meeting new people across the country and across the steet. as time goes on I plan on blogging 3 times each week and share thoughts about every thing from Goals to past experiences. So I will be in touch real soon.  Yours truly, Mel Beaudry                                                                                                                              11/10/2008

Okay, so I'm always up for a good contest and here's one that has nothin' to do with real estate... But, who can resist!?!?! Remember that good ol' rhyme from childhood that you thought was ever so funny, but annoyed the heck out of your parents?Beans, BeansThe Magical Fruit...The more you eat..The more you toot..The more you toot...The better you feel...You get the picture!... I can't tell you how many giggles my brothers and I got out of that silly little jingle.Wellllllllllllllllllllll.................. here's your chance!They are rewriting this age ol' tale to reflect that beans are a veggie instead of a fruit. You can win $5,000 to boot. I'd love to see someone I know win the contest! Here's the website to the BEAN CHANT contest! If you enter will you just let me know so that I can... 10/20/2008

You gotta love those cool fall days... Those days that are perfect for raking up a pile of leaves because you can see you breath.. .. and then you find yourself so heated to the core that all you can do is lay down on that same pile of leaves and watch your breath float away in the air. Of course, those are the moments that the toddlers in your life will try and ruin every plot that you have to really get every leaf picked up... by laying in them. tossing them. pushing them into littler piles. Making you even warmer trying to keep the leaves all together! So why not take a minute - give up - and join in the fun! Take a respite and enjoy the moment.   If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. Lindsey Hasford... 10/16/2008