Hi Everyone, Linda here...as many of you know, I was Chris' girlfriend and I along with many others are trying to do all we can to help his kids out. Chris was the sole parent for these kids. Chris' daughter 17, also has a baby who is just turning one, they all lived at home with Chris and he was their sole provider. Chris' oldest son Chris Jr, just 19 is a soldier in the National Guard serving our country. I am trying to reach as many as possible in order to raise as many funds as possible for the kids. Please RSVP if you can attend. I know many of you are out of state but some are local and if everyone helps just a little...it will make a BIG difference. If you don't plan on attending but would like to purchase tickets for donation purposes, please feel free to contact me.  I need to ... 05/24/2008

Driving past the Elk River High School on the days before Memorial Day are lots of fun! For the past several years (since 9-1-1) there has been a group that parks with flags posted on the backs of their trucks. Yep, they are all lined up in the coolest line and then at the end of the day they head out together. I look forward to seeing these kids work together to make a statement... ...In this photo you can see one row of trucks, but in reality the flags run two rows deep (maybe 40 trucks total). It's an awesome site filled with American emotion. Just wanted to give the kids at Elk River Senior High kudos for standing up and celebrating Memorial Day! I hope that your weekend is filled with celebration and happiness too.   Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River... 05/22/2008

The Bank of Elk River and First National Financial Services are offering a free concert series throughout the summer on Thurday evenings. If you've ever visited the gazebo in downtown Elk River hanging off the Mississippi River you know well where the concerts are located!... Right off Main Street and Jackson. This is a beautiful way to enjoy the summer evenings in town. Bring the whole family and listen to the sounds..... June 5th: Killer HayseedsJune 12th: Bill IslesJune 19th: Big Water SmithJune 26th: ER German BandJuly 10th: Brat PackJuly 17th: Michael MonroeJuly 24th: Rockin' HollywoodsJuly 31st: Blue WolfAugust 7th: John GorkaAugust 14th: C Willi MylesAugust 21st: White Side WallsAugust 28th: Teddy Bear Band and Movie   In the event of rain or snow - they will move the concert to ... 05/21/2008

Need some ideas for summer fun for the little ones in your life? On Thursdays at 10:30 am in the Lions Park in Elk River they are offering all kinds of fun for the kiddos. As long as the weather holds out the performances will be in the band shelter... This promises to be filled with energy, learning and fun! June 12th: Fit 4 U with Twirly SueJune 19th: Raptor Center (Myths and Legends of the Raptors)June 26th: Mad Science (Fire and Ice)July 10th: Rockin' Woody (Music, Magic and Juggling)July 17th: Aah-Some Storyteller (Extraordinaire)July 24th: Reptile and Amphibian (Discovery Zoo Wonders from Down Under)July 31st: Dojo Karate ExhibitionAug 5th: National Night Out Hope that you can make it out to the park for loads of fun this summer!If not for one of these events - then maybe just to ... 05/21/2008

During summer break the local Marcus theatre offers a special feature film on Wednesdays and Thursdays for the kiddos. Plan ahead because these shows sell out quickly!!!!! Pay just $2.50 per ticket (children under 2 years are free) and get a free popcorn. Just a hint... you can buy tickets ahead of time so if you want you can treat someone special in your life to a summer of fun! Marcus Theatres is located on Freeport Drive along Highway 169. Address: 570 Freeport Dr, Elk River, MN 55330 763-441-1234 Summer Schedule:6/18 & 6/19  Alvin and the Chipmunks6/25 & 6/26   Spiderwick Chronicles7/9 & 7/10   Horton Hears a Who7/16 & 7/17  Nim's Island7/23 & 7/24   Bee Movie7/30 & 7/31 Kung Fu Panda8/6 & 8/7   Kit Kitteredge: An All American Girl8/13 & 8/14   Space Chimps The theatre reserves the ... 05/21/2008

Today I was taking a walk with my boys, which I do everyday, and was thinking about what a wonderful neighborhood I live in! I was thinking about how much fun I could have marketing homes here because they just don't sell often... the neighbors will always be friends. We live in a great place... 7 minutes from Walmart, 5 minutes from the grocery store, 3 minutes from the gas station and clinic and nearest restaurant. It's a very convenient place hidden amongst a group of houses on acreage. Walking down our drive we see chickens to the right.... An alpaca to the left.... (his name is Foogie and my son loves him!) Around the corner we have a horse ranch. Then the five homes with larger than life dogs!   and beyond that (1/2 mile away) we have sheep and more horses just this side of the DE... 05/14/2008

Early in the year I was privileged to meet and chat with Chris Mitchell through Active Rain. He was a great resource of information and ideas for marketing and business growth. As the owner of 258 Marketing in Elk River, MN he had lots of vision for growth and saw potential for all of us! Suddenly in April Chris disappeared from AR and in shocking wonder I found out that his life had been cut short. Not only was he suddenly taken from this life, but  his family was left without his support. It really made me think about the shortness of life and the fact that we have but a MOMENT to make a difference. His girlfriend, Linda Burandt, a fellow agent in Elk River, has been keeping us up with the details of his family and it has touched my heart. On Wednesday, June 4th, there will be a benef... 05/12/2008

Please check out website www.258heaven.org for more info on Chris and his life as well as donation information. As many of you know our friend, our fellow A/R blogger Chris Mitchell died in a tragic car accident just one month ago. He leaves behind three teenage children and a grandbaby. Chris was the sole custodial parent and sole provider for these children and they all lived with him. They are now faced with being parentless and the uncertainty of their future. There are huge financial expenses ahead. These kids need the help of friends, family and business associates to face these burdens that are ahead. They have huge expenses and future education and housing needs. Please consider what you can do to help Chris' children as they face the future without Dad and Grandpa. We can all ... 05/12/2008

National Day of PrayerThursday, May 1stMeet at the Sherburne County Govt Center at NOON for prayer around the flagpoleand then at7:30 pm River of Life Church will be hosting a prayer service for the community.Living Waters Church will also be open all day as a place to pray for America. It is important to keep our leaders before us in prayer... especially with our changing economy and the upcoming elections. They need our support as much as we need them to make wise decisions on our behalf. The National Day of Prayer is a great day to uplift the men and women and children of our nation in prayer. To pray for the suffering, to pray for the hurting, to pray for the leaders. Whether it's at home or in a community event, please remember to pray! Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main... 04/30/2008

Are you looking for some great decorating ideas? Or maybe something fresh to add to your already tastefully decorated home? How about a ladies day out? Or, ideas for mom's day gifts?....For 18 years the crafters in Elk River have shared their products with us and over the years it's become a fabulous way to hang out with other crafters as well as seeing what's new!Join the fun! This event is well attended and filled with great ideas and more. Elk River Craft/Home Business and Antique ShowSaturday, May 3rd, 2008Elk River Hockey Arena(Located next to the highschool)9am-4pmClick here for more infoLindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.comhttp://www.hasfordhomes.com/  Subscribe ... 04/29/2008

For the first time in over four years of selling real estate one of my buyers has succombed to the foreclosure process. This is very serious to me and makes me sad as an agent that I helped someone into a home that they are now going to lose. I don't want it to happen, and, even more, I don't want any future buyers that I have to go through the same struggles. This spawned me into thinking about the things potential buyers might be thinking about as they prepare to buy a home... whether it's their first home or moving up into bigger homes. Let me share what I've been thinking about and hopefully it will help you.1. Before buying your home make sure to sit down and make a budget. Decide how much you can REALLY afford to put into your house payments. You'll want to take into consideration... 04/18/2008

AR Member Chris Mitchell Funeral Arrangements    In Loving Memory Chris Mitchell 258 Marketing  Dear Friends of Chris Mitchell Here is an update on arrangements for Chris' Funeral The Wake: Date: Wednesday April 16, 2008 Time: 4-8pm Dares Funeral Home Elk River:http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Minnesota/ElkRiver/DaresFuneralService.html805 Main Street NwElk River, MN 55330Phone Number: (763) 441-1212 The Funeral: Thursday April 17th Church of St. Andrew - Elk RiverTime: Visitation 11:00amFuneral Service 12:00pmCemetary Service immediately followingLunch: Return to Church after cemetery service. Memorials preferred http://www.saint-andrew.net/ Church of Saint Andrew566 Fourth Street NWElk River, Minnesota 55330www.saint-andrew.netPhone: (763) 441-1483Fax: (763) 441-1485Obituary will be i... 04/14/2008

Here is what is happening in the Elk River. MN real estate market:Currently there are 346 active listings, 34 pending sales and 27 closed sales in the last 30 days.  Simple math says about 1 in 11 homes are now selling.  Homes under $200K are fairing slightly better.  There are currently 112 listings active, with 14 pending and 17 closed sales in the last month.  Townhouse sales are still struggling with 70 active listings, 5 pending sales and 3 closed in the last 30 days.Townhouses are actually a great opportunity for first time buyers right now.  With the inventory to amount of sales ratio there are some great deals on townhouses.  This is where the first time buyer in the $130K and lower range probably should look. I have also noticed a couple investors that got killer deals on townh... 04/11/2008

Tuesday, April 15th             First time homebuyers: 100% financing & FHATuesday, April 22nd             What you need to know about the short sale/foreclosure processTuesday, April 29th              Buying a short sale/foreclosed property - what you need to know.Whether you are learning for yourself or someone you know - these classes are just for you! We realize that there are sometimes lots of questions that go into buying and selling properties and want to make the process for both as easy and understandable for you as possible.Please feel free to sign up for one or all three.... I'll be looking forward to hearing from you! And, if you have questions and can't make the class I'd be happy to share what I know with you.All three classes will be held at Coldwell Banker Vision in Elk ... 04/10/2008

THIS EVENT IS IN THE PAST. PLEASE WATCH MY BLOG FOR CURRENT EVENTS!   Here's your official invite!I'd love to have you come and visit me at the 22nd annual Elk River Business Expo.This event is sure to be fun and informative with 3000 plus visitors from the area. It's your chance to see all the services and businesses available in the area as well as getting a taste of great food and lots of exciting family fun! I am excited to be joining the Coldwell Banker Vision team at the event with lots of information on the real estate market in it's current condition! Looking forward to seeing you there.  Come visit us at the Elk River Business ExpoSunday, April 6th10am - 2pm  Located at the Elk River Senior High900 School StreetElk River, MN 55330 Lindsey HasfordColdwell Banker Vision231 Main S... 03/25/2008

Every Nations Funny-Raiser is just around the corner! Guaranteed laughs for anyone who attends. This year there will be a comedy concert for the second half and it will have you in stitches. If you need a night out and want to support a great ministry this is your chance!  The night of fun will take place at Living Waters Church in Elk River, Minnesota this Saturday evening (March 29th) at 7pm. The ministry will be offering a meal prior to the show in effort to raise funds toward their Ukraine Outreach in August. It would be great to see you all there!Every year this ministry travels to many countries and nations sending God's love and blessings to those in need. Personally I have gone on several Christmas trips delivering Christmas to orphanages and a women's prison in Zacatecas, Mexic... 03/25/2008

 OPEN HOUSEMarch 29th1pm-3pm10576 181st Lane NWElk River, MN 55330You don't wanna miss this open house! Everything on one level and waiting for you! Beautiful open floor plan in great location near downtown Elk River. You are within walking distance to many stores and just a few blocks from the freeway. Easy commuting from here...It'll be a great weekend to take a look - and I'm looking forward to seeing you there!10576 181st Lane NW , Elk River, MN 55330List #: 3433479     Status: Active   Map Page/Coord:34/a2List Price: $189,900County:  SherburneStyle:  (TH) Side x SideArea:  756 - Elk RiverBedrooms: 2Total Baths: 2Garage: 2Total Fin SqFt: 1,577Agent:Lindsey Hasford 763-218-1347Listing Office:Coldwell Banker Vision 763-218-1347Appt Phone: 763-241-5467      Acres: 0  Yr Blt: 2001Direct... 03/25/2008

There's nothing like owning your own home. Buying a home can be a great investment. One that can offer great returns with moderate risk. Some of the advantages to buying a house include:Equity - over time you can build equity (the value of your home minus what you owe) Appreciation - your home can increase in value over time Ownership and the pride that goes with it Your current situation may make renting more cost efficient for you. For example, if you move frequently. But once you compare the benefits of buying versus renting, it's easy to see the advantage of owning - the biggest of which may be the opportunity to build equity. You build equity by:Making a down payment Gradually paying off the principal of your mortgage Having your property appreciate over time   03/09/2008

If you’re a business owner or salesperson, the days of easy sales are over. From WiseGeek.com: A fruit-bearing tree often contains some branches low enough for animals and humans to reach without much effort. The fruit contained on these lower branches may be not be as ripe or attractive as the fruit on higher limbs, but it is usually more abundant and easier to harvest. From this we get the popular expression “low hanging fruit”, which generally means selecting the easiest targets with the least amount of effort. Low-hanging fruit. Ready to buy. Easy money. Not in 2008. News media continues to pummel us with messages that we are in tough economic times. Duh! And as a business person, you sense that money is tight. Consumers and businesses are watching their budgets. What are you going... 03/08/2008

 OPEN HOUSESunday, March 9th1:00-3:00PM17631 Grant StreetElk River, MN 55330It's gonna be an AWESOME weekend to look at homes! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home split entry in Elk River is a great home to drive by and stop in and take a look-see. Don't forget to visit this weekend!!! If this isn't exactly what you are looking for let me know and I'll help you find that perfect home. 17631 Grant Street NW , Elk River, MN 55330List #: 3504085     Status: Active   Map Page/Coord:34/b2List Price: $234,900List Date:  02/26/2008County:  SherburneStyle:  (SF) Split Entry (Bi-Level)Area:  756 - Elk RiverBedrooms: 3Total Baths: 2Garage: 3Total Fin SqFt: 1,315Listing Agent:Lindsey Hasford 763-218-1347Listing Office:Coldwell Banker Vision Appt Phone: 763-241-5467      Acres: 0  Yr Blt: 2004Directions:  ... 03/07/2008