My goodness.  Do these economists have a clue with respect to fuelling another housing-led recession?  Both buyers and sellers are begining to think that it isn't a good time to buy or sell real estate.  Ring all Alarms!!! Let's find a Mortgage Professional and quote his doom and gloom scenario such as:  Robert Moulton, president of Americana Mortgage Group. "I think prices have a way to go down," he said.  MSNBC reports today as a featured story the following headline:  Spring looks like a washout for housing market .  A big drop in applications for new permits indicates the bottom hasn't arrived.  Well let's hold the fort and do nothing until the bottom has arrived right??? Will the Associated Press announce that also??? I doubt it! When is it the right time to buy?  When is it the ri... 05/20/2007

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy this summer there is no need to look past Minneapolis' own backyard. Stop by Lake Harriet where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, music, and much more. The Lake has 344 acres of water and 67 acres of land. With almost three miles of trails available, the park could be crowded but you would never know it. Check out the Streetcar that travels from Linden Hills to Lake Harriet. The restored line takes you back in history and is another fun adventure for your day trip. The rides are seasonal so be sure to check out their schedule before you go. The #1300 I photographed below is on the National Registry of Historic Places. According to the Minneapolis Park and Rec website, "Music has been part of the scene at Lake Harriet for over 100 yea... 05/16/2007

It's hard to believe that in this market people are sometimes refusing showing requests. I know, I know...you have a hard life and a busy schedule, but I'm trying to help make it easier by selling your home. So say, "Yes!" and I'll be happy to bring my clients through and help you get an offer. And agents: if you are personally answering showing requests on your cell phone, answer the phone like a professional! Here's a phone conversation I had the other day: Agent: Yeah? Me: Is this (So-and-so) Realty? Agent: No. Oh, but wait! I work for (So-and-so) Realty. Me: Are you sure? 05/16/2007

Nicollet Island is at the geographical and historical center of Minneapolis and was named afterJoseph Nicollet. He was a man of all trades including a scientist, geographer and mathematician. He is famous for leading three expeditions through Minnesota, and authored the influential book Map of the Hydro-graphical Basin of the Upper Mississippi.    Nicollet Island is a little Secret Spot that some locals forget about because it is so well hidden. It is a great place for an afternoon with family. As soon as you cross the old iron bridge that was built in 1887, you will find on the left The Island Pavilion. It sits on the river and has a small wooden boardwalk with picnic tables that overlook St Anthony Falls. If a picnic is not possible, than try the Nicollet Island Inn for a good dinner.... 05/10/2007

I think the new Windy City should be Minneapolis. After a weekend of storms that only produced high winds (at least where I live), it would be befitting.I moved from Florida because I didn't want to be in the path of hurricanes anymore. Seems like they followed me here to Minnesota. Hurricane season officially starts in April so why not break the mold and debut in Minnesota?! I was sitting by my upstairs window yesterday when a 10 foot piece of metal siding hits the window, then proceeds to do some acrobatics in the air, before crashing to the ground on my sidewalk. You've got to be kidding. I would say the winds yesterday were equivalent to a Tropical Storm or Category 1 hurricane winds. (at least from the flying debris)Oh, now I remember...up here they are called Tornadoes. Where is J... 05/07/2007

I found this website's market data interesting and thought I would pass it along. Take a look and see what cities are doing around the country. Agents in these cities: is this map a good representation on what is happening in your market? Property values are falling overall in the United States, but the change is anything but evenly spread. This interactive map shows changes in house prices in 20 large markets in 2006-2007, and in recent months. Click the map to go to interactive website Bankrate.com to view the different cities and more information. 05/04/2007

If you haven't explored the Grand Rounds in Minneapolis, put it on your list of "must-do's" this summer. The Grand Rounds are 50 miles of paved bike and walking paths that essentialy make a circle around the city. There are seven by-way districts; i) dowtown/riverfront, ii) the Mississippi River, iii) Minnehaha, iv) Chain of Lakes, v) Theodore Wirth, vi) Victory Memorial, and  vii) Northeast.  Who needs to go up north when we have so much green space right in our backyards?  Ask anyone who just got back from a vacation near water and they'll tell you--water has restorative properties.  Save your money on air fare and get out and enjoy what Minneapolis has to offer you! Feeling inspired, I got out and took some pictures of the Minnehaha district of the Grand Rounds which includes the Min... 05/01/2007

Here are the best Restaurants to dine at in the Twin CitiesNow don't fault me if you try a place out and end up not liking it. We all have different tastes! Kincaid's - known as the special-occasion headquarters, Kincaid's is continually nominated as one of the best in town. Serving the traditional meat, fish, and potato menu, the restaurant is located at 380 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul (651-602-9000). The Oceanaire Seafood Room - the town's definite top spot for seafood, steak lovers will not walk away disappointed either. Make sure to try the key lime pie as well! The Oceanaire is located at 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (612-333-2277) La Belle Vie - has a fantastic kitchen which serves up some of the best Mediterranean around. Eat a'la carte or from a tasting menu. La Bell Vie is a ... 05/01/2007

My wife Bonnie and I have always enjoyed playing in Calhoun Square area.  Although we lived and raised our family in the suburbs, we frequently played in Uptown Minneapolis2 to 3 days per week.  From the Uptown Art Fairs, to the Beer Festivals, to simply sitting at our favorite window table at Figlio's (our First Date).  We've enjoyed interacting with and without the vast range of people in the area.  People watching in uptown is the best.  The fundamental element in almost every viewing is the romantic interludes going on with every age and gender.  Uptown reminds me of some of my favorite neighborhoods just outside Tuscany in Italy.  In fact, one of our favorite dining areas in Uptown is Amore Victoria'sat the corner of Lake and Irving reminds me of a quaint little place in Lucca Ital... 04/28/2007

My wife Bonnie and I have always enjoyed playing in Linden Hills and Calhoun Square area.  Although we lived and raised our family in the suburbs, we frequently played in Uptown Minneapolis2 to 3 days per week.  From the Uptown Art Fairs, to the Beer Festivals, to simply sitting at our favorite window table at Figlio's (our First Date).  We've enjoyed interacting with and without the vast range of people in the area.  People watching in uptown is the best.  The fundamental element in almost every viewing is the romantic interludes going on with every age and gender.  Uptown reminds me of some of my favorite neighborhoods just outside Tuscany in Italy.  In fact, one of our favorite dining areas in Uptown is Amore Victoria'sat the corner of Lake and Irving reminds me of a quaint little pl... 04/28/2007

New laws went into effect on January 1, 2007, some of which are certain to affect local Minneapolis real estate. Twin Cities New Construction affected by New State LawInstallation of carbon monoxide detectors is required in all newly constructed homes and apartments. According to the law, operational detectors must be placed on each level of the residence and within ten feet of each sleeping room in any single or multiple-family dwelling.The law is in place for newly constructed facilities with permits issued after January 1, 2007. It will apply to existing single-family dwellings on August 1, 2008, and for all multiple-family dwellings on August 1, 2009.Sales Tax Increases in Minneapolis AreaAlso of interest to the public is increases in Minneapolis and Hennepin County sales tax. The s... 04/18/2007

The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors recently released 2006 data for Median Sales Prices in various areas of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Below is a breakdown of Minneapolis specific neighborhoods according to the Multiple Listing Service, including the percentage increase in sales price since 2000. Calhoun - Isles : the average sales price for 2006 was $263,590, an increase of 19.9% Camden : the average sales price for 2006 was $164,000, an increase of 72.6% Central : the average sales price for 2006 was $270,000, an increase of 84.9% Longfellow : the average sales price for 2006 was $207,500, an increase of 66.1% Nokomis : the average sales price for 2006 was $225,000, an increase of 60.8% North : the average sales price for 2006 was $153,000, an increase of 93.9% No... 04/17/2007

Well, in my case, about $300,000.See, I am in the process of buying a home and now find myself in the shoes of my buyers and all the buyers out there. Seeing as there are so many homes on the market here in Minneapolis, I have to find a way to narrow the field. With two kids in tow, it is my responsibility to pick the best, as they can only last through four homes a day. While it is required in our MLS that a photo be placed online within so much time, I am amazed that so many agents still only place one photo for the publics viewing pleasure. There has been alot of debate on AR, ePRO, and Real Talk about multiple photos, and agents that pass these listings by when searching for their clients. Some felt that was unfair and not representing the best interest of the client by NOT showing ... 04/07/2007

I have not posted a comment lately about the Minneapolis Real Estate market because it really hasn't changed much in the first quarter of 2007. But seeing as it is the end of the first quarter, I thought you might like to see the statistics.According the the Minneapolis Association of Realtors, buyers are still exercising caution when choosing to purchase a home in the local market. Just because it is a "Buyer's Market", doesn't mean they are actually buying. Pending sales (those under contract) are 14% behind where they were this time last year. At the same time, listings have increased by 10% above what they were in 2006. Spring has arrived which is usually a good time to purchase, but when sellers wait until Spring to list their home, a huge influx of listings appear and once again s... 03/30/2007

One Creative Solution in a Multiple Offer SituationSo you are touring possible Minneapolis homes for sale and finally walk into the house of your dreams. You run through every room three times just so you can make sure all your furniture will fit. The trusty real estate agent you hired writes up an offer to purchase and delivers it to the seller, while you sit back and dream of your new home.Then the phone rings...it's your agent telling you she has just learned another offer has been submitted. As you start to visualize your dreams come crashing down, your agent tells you to hold on a minute, there might be a solution to getting your offer accepted. At least this is what I would tell you, however, not all agents are familiar with multiple offers or what to do about them. Here is one so... 03/30/2007

Fire Sprinkler Systems in the Luxury HomeA new home trend that is still an idea in most peoples minds, but sure to become the future norm, is the home fire sprinkler system. We all know that commercial properties and apartments buildings are required by law to have an operating sprinkler system, but apparently there is a push to have future homes equipped with them as well.I have some insider knowledge as my husband works for Northstar Fire Protection in Eagan, MN as a Project Manager. He designs and oversees the installation of commercial sprinkler systems. One day last year we were talking about a project he was handling in Las Vegas and our conversation turned toward real estate. He mentioned that he had the feeling sprinkler systems would one day be required in residential homes. I ... 03/29/2007

How does your Luxury Agent measure up?We all have heard of The Ritz-Carlton for it represents one of the finest luxury hotel chains in the world. You might never have stayed in a Ritz, but through their successful marketing, you know they are simply the best at providing superior customer service.Today I learned their mission statement or credo:"The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission. We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambiance.The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests."I also learned that every employee of the Ritz must complete 180 h... 03/28/2007

The Minneapolis International Market SquareIf you desire a new look for your tired room, or need to furnish your brand new home, then be sure to visit the International Market in downtown Minneapolis. A candy jar for interior design fanatics, this multi-level building has over 70 showrooms which offer every solution possible to make your home a showcase. Not just for bedrooms and living spaces, they also offer bathroom and kitchen showrooms too.There are some rules for shopping. While it is open to the public, you cannot just pick up a piece you see and buy it on the spot. One option is to find the items that interest you, then contact your interior designer. She/he can they purchase the piece for you, sometimes at a much more discounted rate. Another option is to use the Markets buying... 03/26/2007

Several months ago Maureen McCabe asked about the statue pictured at left.  It's the permanent reminder to Minneapolis residents that Mary Tyler Moore filmed her show right here in Minneapolis.  That was back in the 1970's when Minneapolis was considered to be the Siberia of the States.  The statue graces the corner of 7th and Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis.  Maureen asked at that time about the MTM house and whether it was still standing, etc.  I had no clue.  I wasn't a follower of the MTM show, saw a few installments, but didn't pay much attention at the time.Lo and behold, the news reported early this week that the MTM house had been broken into and vandalized.  The vandal, a 24 year old man, was found sleeping off his drunkenness in the house.  The house was vacant because it is ... 03/07/2007

Sarah Cooper, REALTOR and stager from Hurricane, West Virginia, asked in her comment on my last blog entry for more pictures of Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, the Minne-apple, the "wrong" side of the river (to St. Paulites), half of the Twin Cities, and home to so many businesses and people.  Here is a mini-tour of our sister city, Minneapolis.  02/19/2007