The Brainerd Lakes Real Estate Blog

Helping make real estate dreams come true RISMEDIA, February 22, 2010—As a first-time home buyer, Jessica Garcia was excited last April to officially begin her home search. She found a home within her price range, completed the lengthy paperwork and paid for the appraisals, only to later be told after four months that the deal would not close. Out of luck and out of money, Garcia was frustrated, but not defeated. She went back to her Realtor to start the search again. It was then that she found the home she would later purchase. Upon first glance, Garcia liked the home and saw its potential, but didn’t have the upfront money it would take to rehab the home the way it needed to be done.      After some discussion, Garcia’s lender, Kevin Roy with Wells Fargo, realized that she might be able to take advantage of HUD’s 203k program, specifically designed to rehabilitate and repair single-family homes. The 203k is a single mortgage loan that provides funds to purchas...

Helping make real estate dreams come true  4613 Pine Beach Road, Brainerd, MN    Send to Friend      Send to Friend 5 bed/3 car Updated finishes, remodeled bathrooms,new exterior doors, designer touches & immaculate. Built in oak hutch in kitchen, custom tile w    5BR/2BA Single Family House         offered at $178,000 Year Built     1988 Sq Footage     2,240 Bedrooms     5 Bathrooms     2 full, 0 partial Floors     1 Parking     3 Car garage Lot Size     2 acres DESCRIPTION The property is updated and totally move in ready. Where else will you find a 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car plus and 2 car plus garage on 2 acres with mature shade trees? Priced far below comparable 4 & 5 bedroom properties but looking far better than the competitions. Immaculate condition and such a great layout - you w...

Helping make real estate dreams come true  Closing Costs Checklist The cost of buying a property goes beyond simply paying the price negotiated between the buyer and seller. If you pay cash, you will probably pay less and close faster. If you are taking on a mortgage, the closing costs involved to complete the transaction can range from 2% to 7% of the purchase price. Fees required vary by state. Here are some of the common fees included in a typical settlement, which will comprise your closing costs: Fees related to a mortgage loan (if you are borrowing to buy):     * Loan origination fee     * Loan discount ("points") - a one-time fee charged by the lender to lower your monthly interest rate     * Appraisal fee* (the lender usually orders an appraisal to determine the value of the property)     * Credit Report fee* (for the lender to research your credit rating)     * Lender's inspection fee...

Don’t talk about it. BE about it. at Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property? What are your plans? Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact: Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

Helping make real estate dreams come true I am a bit concerned with the new generations' obsession with texting, email, chat, Facebook etc.  Do they still remember how to hold a face to face conversation?   Scott's Thoughts: Time for Face Time Remember to take it offline sometimes! "There is no substitute for face-to-face reporting and research." --Thomas Friedman ( http://www.thomaslfriedman.com ) A while back, I wrote on the subject of "Managing Connections." At the end of the day, it's not how many people we're linked to, but how well we form lasting relationships with those we e...

Helping make real estate dreams come true   At the end of 2009, foreclosures were definitely “in the news.” And for good reason: the number of foreclosures rose from 1.8 million at the end of 2008 to about 2.5 million at the end of 2009. Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

Yellow : Snow yellow snow?

Helping make real estate dreams come true  Kathleen Lordbock Completes Prestigious LDPD Designation to Specialize in Luxury Home Sales             Kathleen Lordbock a Realtor with Keller Williams Brainerd Lakes has earned the prestigious Harris Real Estate University Certified Luxury Distressed Property Designation (LDPD), having completed extensive training in negotiating and closing short sales for the higher end market. This expertise is invaluable as the current housing recession forces more luxury homes into foreclosure. Short Sale real estate agents need to understand the intricacies of representing clients in the sale of their luxury homes and demonstrate expertise in facilitating confidential transactions. As a representative of the home seller, the agent must understand how to negotiate with first mortgage lenders, second mortgage lenders and Home Equity lines of credit in a Short Sale transaction. “The Harris Real...

Helping make real estate dreams come true More real estate agents are choosing Keller Williams Realty over other companies because of their commitment to real estate agent training and education.   State courses don’t give you the tools you need to run build a successful real estate career.  Let KW’s proven business model guide you to success; all you have to do is follow the model and you are guaranteed to reach your goals.  Email me at KLordbock@kw.com to learn how KW can take your career to the next level.  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Helping make real estate dreams come true Via J. Philip Faranda Here are a few things home buyers can do to ensure that they get the most from an agent. Get pre-approved . I shouldn't have to explain this. The housing industry has been bent like a pipe cleaner the past 18 months. A pre approval older than 90 days is worthless, and no pre-approval disqualifies you from being taken seriously by a seller. . It takes 10 minutes to speak with a lender and get a free updated pre-approval that shows you are ready, willing and able buyers. Practice monogamy . Often in New York, some buyers think that they can get a batter deal if they work with more than 1 agent or deal directly with listing agents. Both of these notions are not only false, they can be expensive mistakes. If your agent catches on to the fact that you are playing the field, he'll start hedging his bets also, because nobody wants to devote time to a buyer file that might not close because you are looking in anothe...

Helping make real estate dreams come true Kathleen Lordbock | Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes | 218-831-8001 6641 Wetherbee Road, Brainerd, MN This one level home is a new build and just finished. Set on 7+ acres, it is in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes. Just a few miles to Crow Wing Lake, 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $118,000 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking None Lot Size 7.5 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Set in the country but close to town- this 3 bedroom residence has easy upkeep. Wood laminated flooring, tile and carpeted bedrooms give you the best underfoot solutions. All appliances are included and it is ready to go. 3 miles from North Central Speedway and just minutes to the BMX Bike racing course and The Spirit Horse Center. Acreage and home for one low price. see additional photos below ...

Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

YouTube - Monthly Skinny: January 2010 Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

Reduced! - Brainerd, MN, 56401 - $114,000 - Kathleen Lordbock Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

7.5 acres & a home - Brainerd, MN, 56401 - $118,000 - Kathleen Lordbock Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

Kathleen Lordbock - Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

7.5 acres & a home - Brainerd, MN, 56401 - $118,000 - Kathleen Lordbock Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

5 bedrooms in Resort Country - Brainerd, MN, 56401 - 180,000 - Kathleen Lordbock Helping make real estate dreams come true Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging & Short Sale Specialist  Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes Don't just walk away - there is hope, there is help!

<cite>January 2010 Home Sales « GlarStar Blog</cite> : " January 2010 Home Sales February 10, 2010 by glarmlsblog Home sales in the Greater Lakes region in January were once again up compared to a year ago at 93 closed sales, an increase of 34.8 percent from a year ago. That's the fifth consecutive month where the change compared to a year ago has been positive. The increase in sales has led to stabilizing home prices. January's median sales price of $124,405 was 1.4 percent higher than a year ago. Yes, rising prices are ordinarily a pretty ho-hum and normal thing, but in light of the drop in prices that most parts of the country have seen over the last several years, 'ho-hum' is a welcome phrase these days. The Months Supply of Inventory in the region has decreased in the last year to 17.3, down 7.8 percent from the mark of 18.7 seen a year ago. That's still a very high mark, which means sellers still face challenging conditions that require sma...

Helping make real estate dreams come true As you know, Marco Rubio, the former state Speaker of the House, is running against Governor Charlie Crist for the open U.S. Senate seat in Florida. Marco Rubio is a principled conservative but his opponent is an Arlen Specter Republican. The outcome of this race in Florida is critical. It's a choice between a candidate who will consistently stand up and fight for limited government and more freedom, and one who has been too quick to compromise for political gain. On February 10, 2009, Governor Crist cleared his schedule to stand on a stage with President Obama in Ft. Meyers, Florida. Governor Crist used the opportunity to embrace the President and campaign for the $787 billion stimulus bill. One year later, we have a mountain of new debt and millions of lost jobs. This is not the kind of record voters should reward with a seat in the United States Senate. Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your pl...

Helping make real estate dreams come true Paul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co. has recently released the results of their annual home-buyer preference survey and revealed 10 "must have" features in a new home. Here's the "short list" of findings from AVID's survey: 1. Large kitchen with an island 2. Energy efficient appliances, insulation, and windows 3. Home office / study 4. Main-floor master suite 5. Outdoor living room 6. Ceiling fans 7. Master suite soaker tubs 8. Stone and brick exteriors 9. Community landscaping, including walking paths & playgrounds 10. Two-car garages Have you received a Notice of Default on your property?  What are your plans?  Do you plan to walk away or do you want to try a Short Sale which has much less damage to your credit and helps you save face? You need a plan of action and if you want to buy some time, stay in the home until it sells and save up some money - then contact:  Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/S...

Helping make real estate dreams come true Weekly Market Activity Report The January 2010 Twin Cities housing market has shaped up to be nearly identical to January 2009. * Pending sales are down slightly from a year ago, but not by much. * New listings are down slightly from a year ago, but not much. * Inventory is rising slowly, but not much. After the roller coaster ride the local market has experienced over the last four years, perhaps "not by much" is a welcome respite. * There were 558 signed purchase agreements for the week ending January 23, down 2.3 percent from a year ago. * New listings posted 1,522 units, down 0.6 percent from a year ago. * The current inventory of active listings is 20,629, down 17.5 percent from a year ago. The February 2010 Supply-Demand Ratio sits at 6.99, which means there are 6.99 homes available for each buyer. That's a drop of 8.5 percent from a year ago and the lowest February mark since 2006. ...