Swimming pools in Minot North Dakota are hard to find. The men and women stationed at ther Minot Air Force Base are lucky to have their own pool facility.Our summers are just to short to pay for the expense of installation and maintenance of a private pool. Every year I see someone purchase an above ground pool but I don't believe I've ever seen the same pool the following year. In fact, more often then not by late summer said pool in ruins before fall.The City of Minot has a wonderful pool complete with a water slide and splash pad.Obviously the City pool is an outdoor pool and even though it it heated it is no match for our winters. The City pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The day after Labor Day the dog is open to pet owners who have dogs.As far as I know the only p... 08/20/2023

I actually borrowed the title of this post from another one of Timmothy's cartoon strips about Titus and Philemon eating strawberries but I am going to use this one to give a plug to the Minot Farmers Market in Oak Park. Our Farmers Market only opened July 6th and will most likely close in October this year.You can click on the picture below to open a new window into the Farmers Market website.How can I possibly tie a cartoon about red lips to Real Estate. Well, if you are looking at homes and the basement is very dark but you can make out a coffin... get out!  08/01/2023

As a bit of a News Hound I am well aware that most of the country has been dealing with extreme heat for close to two months but believe it or not North Dakota has been in the 70's for the most part UNTIL NOW.We are now in the 90's for highs, just in time for the North Dakota State Fair. I love extreme heat during the days of the fair. If you think that is strange it seems so does everyone else.Besides all the fun of the midway and food there is the opportunity for people to show off their talents through displays that include everyday individuals, and local organizations. One such area of displays include Artist and Photographers. My daughter Tina thought she would give it a try and put in an entry for the 1st time.Congrats to Tina for winning Best of Division& Best of the Show.What a ... 07/24/2023

I imagine that Titus and Philemon's world is no larger then they can or have seen. If Joe walked around the house he walked around their world.Timmothy Timm is a big fan of "Catch and Release". He doesn't like taking the life of anything other than flying insects. We have only gone fishing once and I'd be curious, had we caught anything, what his reaction would be.People do fish the river a block away from our home but river fishing to me is to throw a carpenters line out with a hook and check it a hour later to see if I caught a catfish or a bullhead. Just a little further down the line is the North Dakota Game and Fish pond at the Fairgrounds.The pond on the Fairgrounds is open all summer and no fishing license is required being it is catch and release.I suppose there is an easy tie i... 07/20/2023

Last Saturday was one of the days I bring home "a lot of treasure".  Timmothy wrote this strip over a month ago, far ahead of my junk buying binge, but it was right on the mark for my past Saturday.Each year Minot's UCC church hosts a rummage sale to support our local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.I don't know where this small church gets all the rummage every year but looking at the picture above imagine three rows of rummage (treasures) extending across the picture stacked chest high and you will have a good idea of what they had.Just a few of the treasures I brought home were a nice guitar amp, two easels for the art gallery, an sun tent in an unopened box, and more. I could have easily loaded up my cargo trailer had I not restrained myself. All for a "free will" offering.Mayb... 07/18/2023

I love the 10 days of the North Dakota State Fair. It all starts this Friday in Minot ND. Although I posted the entertainers in the banner of this post they are not the reason I go to the fair. In fact I've never seen a single one of the acts in the 20+ years I've attended the fair.I go to the fair to rub elbows (NOT literally). I go to enjoy the crowd, see and speak to friends, and I go to prospect! Typically, I believe, the State Fair draws 300,000+ people. When I was an active RE professional I would bring a few cards along and give them to the people who would ask "what are you doing these days?".Even if you have 100 reasons you don't want to go to the fair they should ALL be out weighted by the fact that being seen is good for YOUR image and visiting with people is great for your r... 07/18/2023

 In the heart of North Dakota, Fargo boasts a thriving arts community that adds a unique charm to the city's cultural landscape. From prestigious performing arts schools to modern entertainment venues, such as Trollwood Performing Arts School, The Lights, FM Community Theater, Moorhead High School Theater, and Straw Hat Players at MSUM, Fargo's artistic offerings have a profound impact on the real estate market. In this blog post, we will delve into these creative hubs and explore their influence on the housing market in Fargo.Trollwood Performing Arts School: Cultivating Creativity:Nestled on the scenic banks of the Red River, Trollwood Performing Arts School is a haven for young talent. With its annual summer musicals held at the magnificent Bluestem Center for the Arts, Trollwood dra... 07/10/2023

While I don't think of myself as invincible I do agree with Joe that my home is my fortress and I too feel safe there.About that drip... roof leaks are/can be very tricky. The last time my roof leaked it manifested it self as a leaky window. While that sounds simple it was NOT. I caulked around the window to no avail. A good and trusted contractor (who doesn't do roofing) said: "Bob, you have a leak somewhere on your roof and it's just trickling down to that point. He was right.Who to call in Minot for your roofing needs.Jessen is the BEST! Period. That being said if you are looking for the lowest price in town you will NOT find it here. What you will find is kind, courteous people and a GREAT warranty that they actually live up to. You can call them at 701-838-2687.As far as home secur... 06/26/2023

Selling a home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or simply seeking a fresh start, understanding the motivating factors behind selling your home can empower you to navigate the process with confidence. In this blog, we will explore five common motivating factors that often drive homeowners to sell their properties. By identifying these factors, you can gain a deeper understanding of your own situation and make informed choices regarding your real estate journey. Change in Lifestyle: One of the primary motivating factors for selling a home is a change in lifestyle. As life evolves, so do our needs and priorities. Growing families may require more space, while empty nesters may desire to downsize and enjoy a simpler, maint... 06/12/2023

It's hard to believe Minot is just now launching a recycle program when the city I left 30 years ago was already doing it back then... better late than never??? I ask that with question marks because I have read and heard that recycling is NOT cost effective for most items anymore.Personally I have always liked the idea of recycling.Here are the details of Minot's upcoming program.    06/09/2023

Congratulations on considering buying a home in Fargo, ND! This vibrant city offers a welcoming community, abundant job opportunities, and an affordable cost of living. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to settle down in a new area, Fargo has a lot to offer. In this blog post, we will walk you through the prequalification process and discuss the down payment requirements, including options such as VA loans and the USDA Rural Development program. Pre-qualification Process: Before you embark on your home buying journey, it's essential to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This step helps determine how much you can afford to borrow and gives you an estimate of the loan amount you may qualify for. Organize your financial documents: Begin by gathering your financial informatio... 05/25/2023

I am either six months late or six months early with this post so given the option I am going with early. Consider this a heads-up for this coming holiday seasons Minot Air Force Base Coolie Drive. Over 9,000 COOKIES DELIVERED this year (2022) Key Spouses, volunteers, and the local Minot community came together to donate cookies for the annual Cookie Drive.Thanks to the hard work of the volunteers, leadership from the 91st Security Forces Group was able to deliver over 1,000 cookies to each Missile Alert Facility.These Airmen sacrificed time away from their loved ones and ensured the strategic deterrence mission was carried out, even during the holidays. 05/13/2023

On my first (very brief) photo walk of the spring I saw something fluttering in the trees that I knew was not a bird. I had to walk clear across the park to see just exactly what it was.They either escaped from a in the park wedding or proposal. I'm guessing the latter as the week before I saw an elaborate "Will you marry me" set up at the park.There was not much else to photograph but I wanted to show you a dead loop in the river where I have taken countless pictures before. The BIG difference here is that this is without the lush foliage or the swamp green algae covering the water.And then there was this couple looking for a home.I hope to share much more as Spring starts heating up and I get out camping but for now... this is Spring in ND. 05/01/2023

The tiger cubs born December 2021 at the Roosevelt Park Zoo are growing up. Dmitri, Luka and Victoria were adorable as babies and now they are pretty entertaining.Their enclosure is a heavily reinforced chain link fence. The enclosure is a brand new state of the art enclosure that gives them room to roam, a pond, and an elevated walkway. I was surprised at the amount of time they spent outdoors during this past winter. I was also surprised that they found the chain link over the elevated walkway a comfortable hammock.Of course they eat and sleep inside a heated enclosure... unless an unfortunate squirrel or  rabbit wanders inside their outdoor habitat. Here is a video of feeding time inside the heated enclosure.  04/17/2023

I could take Timmothy's cartoon strip many directions today. Sleep, blame, miss application of goods, and of course I could talk about warmth. My choice is warmth.While a good blanket (or a pile of clothes to hide under) may provide warmth there is nothing like the warmth of feeling loved.Let's not assume people know we love them, let's show and tell them that we love them today.Today is the last day that I have volunteered to help out our local Christian radio station, although the fund raising campaign has one more day to go. I am feeling the love of the givers to this ministry as many have called in, drawing us near the goal set to keep us on the air.There is nothing like the warmth of generous people. There is nothing like the warmth of those united by love and there is nothing like... 04/17/2023

Hiccups are never convenient and usually are very annoying... especially in a business transaction. Obviously I am NOT talking about the type of hiccup Joe is experiencing while trying to sleep.Purchasing or selling a home is one of the most complex business transactions most people will face in their lifetime. As a retired Real Estate Broker who owned one of Minot North Dakota's oldest brokerages I want to encourage Home Buyers to run away when they see For Sale By Owner. There are just to many legal hiccups that can ensnare you and cost you your life savings.It has been my experience that most homes being sold For Sale By Owner are being sold that way because the Seller does NOT want to disclose a condition/flaw in the home, or worse yet, a flaw (cloud) in the title.A Real Estate agen... 04/14/2023

We know it's Spring in North Dakota when the Snowbirds return. I look forward to when my Best Friend returns from Arizona but he is not the first snow bird I usually see. It's this fellow who, every spring, is calling for his mate from the downtown rooftops.Due to the heaver than normal snow melt this year there are plenty of good spots for the geese to nest but every year this fellow likes to hang downtown and let us know he is back. 04/14/2023

Now it's really summer!That is this years theme for the 2023 ND State Fair. Well I for one am ready, we just set a record for the coldest winter in North Dakota history.Looking at this years line up I gotta say I must be getting really old as I only recognize one performer out of the seven and none of them are going to get any money to come out of my old billfold. HOWEVER I will be there every day for the midway, food, commercial exhibits and much more.One word of caution. Scammers are selling fake tickets and one look-a-like site has already been shut down so be sure you are dealing with the official State Fair and only the State Fair Site. 04/04/2023

KHRT, the Christian radio station that I used to work at (and still do on occasion) announced that their Spring Sharathon will be in two weeks.The Sharathon is kind of like the PBS fundraisers that ask you to support the station. Frankly they could not continue to share the Good News without listener support.During the days of the Sharathon I will be their answering the phone as well as being on the air to help out (not both at the same time).  03/30/2023

Bob "RealMan" Timm is the most recent recipient of two virtual hands full of gold coins for the March to a Solution|ActiveRain March 2023 Challenge. Bob completed three great entries. Be sure to read his stories and all the entries for this challenge.Those who participated showed their talent, used critical thinking, problem solving skills, and solutions. It has been a humbling experience. Many people get into the business because we make our careers look so easy. We are all only humans, helping other humans and pets too! Much time is given for the greater good who now have homes. We really were created to help one another. In every transaction and in every situation, there are lessons to be learned. Just as there are no two transactions alike, there are no two human beings alike either... 03/17/2023