Lender Fees to Pay For Proposed Tax Cut! – Steve M. Albers, ABR®, CDPE©, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata, Minnesota

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I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

Lender Fees to Pay For Proposed Tax Cut! – Steve M. Albers, ABR®, CDPE©, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata, Minnesota

Watch Video

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

MAAR Twin Cities Weekly Market Activity Report and Retail Sales Activity – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

As another new year approaches, we find ourselves settling in for the holidays, which typically come with slowed real estate activity. In the first week of the full holiday shopping season, we saw sales increase. We’re talking about residential real estate, of course, although retail performed surprisingly well, too. Sellers listed fewer properties during the week, choosing instead to hunker down in their living rooms rich with the aromas of pine-scented candles and cinnamon cider sticks.  ~ Minneapolis AREA Association of REALTORS ~

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending December 3:

• New Listings decreased 9.3% to 1,006

• Pending Sales increased 36.4% to 885

• Inventory decreased 22.9% to 20,031

For the month of November:

• Median Sales Price decreased 9.9% to $149,500

• Days on Market decreased 1.8% to 135

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.0% to 90.9%

• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 30.5% to 5.7

It should be noted that MAAR’s statement regarding, surprisingly, well performing retail sales, may be speaking to volume. Today, it has been reported, actual retail sales were disappointing.  This negative impact on margins within the retail sector is said to be a direct result of heavily discounted products moving into Black Friday and beyond.  Further, Best Buy Profits fell 13%. Shares of Best Buy are down over 10% today. This is due to the aforemetioned margin squeeze, as well as, competition from retailers such as, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior  … Greenwood … Independence … Long Lake … Loretto … Maple Plain … Medina … Minnetonka Beach … Minnetonka … Minnetrista … Mound  … Orono … Shorewood … Spring Park  … St Bonifacius … Tonka Bay … Victoria … Wayzata … Woodland

Five Reasons Why You Need A Buyers Agent – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

 To someone who is new to real estate, a buyers agent can be a fairly unpopular concept. The idea of a real estate agent to assist the party who is selling the property is fairly common. However, there are agents present in the industry for the purpose of helping individuals to purchase real estate as well. if you still haven’t recognized why a real estate buyers agent may be instrumental, below are 5 of the most notable factors that you should consider if you are having second thoughts about hiring one.

Guidance:
Most people looking to buy a property would probably have little experience unless they are in the industry. Having a buyers agent means you will have a proficient, highly knowledgeable individual in the field of real estate capable of giving you advice on a broad spectrum of aspects in the field of real estate. Having a buyers agent for this purpose alone will help you make a more educated decision.

Negotiation Skills:
Most buyers agents will be handling the deal and communicating with the seller. Any individual proficient in the real industry will most likely be a good negotiator. Having a buyers agent at your side means that you will be able to get the best possible price as your buyers agent will look to convince the seller to reduce the price.

Works with your best interest in mind:
Based on the aforementioned points, a genuine real estate buyers agent who is performing his job adequately will look to find you the most appropriate properties based on your preferences for the lowest possible price.

Resourceful:
Real estate buyers agents are resourceful. They are well connected with other individuals In the industry giving them accessibility to properties that are not publicly available. This could result in you finding the perfect property without any competition and thus for a potentially lower price.

They cost nothing:
While this is the final point, to some it may be the most important. Buyers agents usually don’t charge anything from the buyer itself. They are provided a part of the commission (usually 50%) from the commission that the real estate agent (seller) receives. This may perhaps be one reason why individuals are skeptical about using their services however based on the way they carry out their profession, it provides maximum benefit to the buyer at no cost.

These are 5 of the main reasons to hire a buyers agent. If you decide to use a buyers agent, you should benefit from them, however be sure to hire a genuine, experienced buyers agent.

~ Allen Real Estate, Brisbane Australia. ~

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

Monthly Skinny October 2011 – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Low Rates…Great Prices…Leverage…Less Competition…Strong Demand! Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

steve@stevealbers.com

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MAAR Twin Cities Weekly Market Activity Report – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

 The most recent weekly report card shows buyer activity is still registering higher than the same week in 2010. Sellers, on the other hand, introduced fewer new homes to the market than last year at this time. A few shakeups in the housing policy world are worth mentioning: keep an eye on HARP 2.0, new FHA conforming loan limits, and changes to the short sale process on GSE-backed loans. As always, there are prices and then there are the driving forces behind them. It’s important to understand both. In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending November 12:

• New Listings decreased 2.5% to 1,112

• Pending Sales increased 37.1% to 853

• Inventory decreased 22.2% to 21,068 For the month of October:

• Median Sales Price decreased 9.6% to $154,500 • Days on Market decreased 0.7% to 134

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.0% to 91.2%

• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 28.0% to 6.3

~ Minneapolis AREA Association of REALTORS ~

Well, its fantastic to see a continued trend of increased pending sales and reduced inventory.  Remember, winter brings serious buyers.  Contrary to popular belief, winter can be an excellent time to list and sell your home.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.  And, I’m never too busy for your referrals.  Thank you!

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

MAAR Twin Cities Weekly Market Activity Report – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

 Pending home sales were off to the races as buyers eagerly entered more contracts than during the same week in 2010. Sellers pulled back a bit as they listed fewer new properties than last year at this time. By and large, inventory declines have been the 2011 tale to tell, but a handful of alternative leading indicators suggest that the Spring 2012 market could present a changing landscape.  

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending November 5:

• New Listings decreased 18.7% to 1,134

• Pending Sales increased 20.5% to 794

• Inventory decreased 22.1% to 21,214

For the month of October:

• Median Sales Price decreased 9.6% to $154,500

• Days on Market decreased 0.6% to 134

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.0% to 91.2%

• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 28.3% to 6.3

~ Minneapolis AREA Association of REALTORS ~

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

MAAR Twin Cities Weekly Market Activity Report – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

This week’s market scorecard shows increased activity levels for buyers and a modest decline in seller activity. Consumer purchase demand posted a welcomed increase over the same week in 2010. Sellers brought fewer new listings onto the market than last year. Home purchase activity is still one of the most paramount drivers of sustained recovery.

The key then becomes determining the overall market momentum.In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 22:

• New Listings decreased 15.8% to 1,100

• Pending Sales increased 28.8% to 822

• Inventory decreased 21.5% to 22,132

For the month of September:

• Median Sales Price decreased 7.2% to $155,000

• Days on Market increased 5.5% to 137

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.3% to 91.1%

• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 21.9% to 6.8

~ Minneapolis AREA Association of REALTORS ~

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

Property Boundaries – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Fences should not be considered an indication of property boundaries. Legal property boundaries are demarcated by surveyor pins or stakes. These are typically 1/2″ to 3/4″ round iron pipes flush or buried slightly below land surface. Newer pins might have yellow or orange caps that indicate the surveyor’s license number.Locating property lines can be challenging. Older surveyor pins tend to erode. Older property markers could be metal posts, rebar, pipes or car axles. Those having difficulty locating their surveyor pins, also called corner pins, should contact their city or county government and get a copy of their plat map.A plat map will identify each specific lot located in a subdivision — as well as the shape and dimension of the lot — and where the surveyor pins are located.

If a plat map is not available, or no pins are found, the next step is to contact a registered land surveyor to locate the property lines and set new surveyor pins. The boundary surveyor will thoroughly research city and county records relating to the land and all adjacent property. After research, the field work begins, reconciling the research with the onsite analysis on the property to determine the final boundary lines.

Boundary surveys might also include property improvements, fences, power lines and any encroachments crossing the property lines. Costs of a boundary survey can vary depending on property size, terrain, vegetation, location and season.

A survey is strongly recommended before subdividing, improving or building on land. Building beyond property lines could result in being forced to alter or remove a structure, fines and lawsuits.

Reprinted with permission by Prospect Mortgage.

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland

MAAR Twin Cities Weekly Market Activity Report – Steve M. Albers, Realtor, ABR, CDPE, RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Another week in the books arrived with another strong showing from buyers, who ramped up their purchase activity this round. Seller activity fell short of the same week last year. The net result is that inventory is continuing to drop compared to a year ago.Balance is still the name of the game here and right now we are heading in the right direction, with the Months Supply of Inventory currently sitting at 6.8, the lowest September mark since 2004.In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 15: • New Listings decreased 17.5% to 1,166 • Pending Sales increased 35.0% to 794 • Total available inventory decreased 21.2 percent to 22,37 ~ Minneapolis AREA Association of REALTORS ~

I hope you enjoyed and found value in this blog.  Be sure to stop back now and again to learn more.  As always, when you and yours are ready to buy or sell. Or, would simply like to better understand the real “estate” of the economy, give me a call.  I am here as a resource to you.

Kindest Regards,

Steve M. Albers, REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE©

RE/MAX Results of Wayzata

Stephenson & Albers Real Estate Team

(763) 229-9067  Mobile

Deephaven … Excelsior … Greenwood … Independence …Long Lake …Loretto … Maple Plain … Minnetonka Beach…Minnetonka…Minnetrista … Mound … Orono… Shorewood … Spring Park … St Bonifacius …Tonka Bay … Victoria… Wayzata …Woodland