Homes For Sale: What $200,000 can buy in the Twin Cities

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Anoka

Built in 1972, this four bedroom, two bathroom home has 1,745 square feet and features updated bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, large master suite and an over-sized garage.

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Apple Valley

Built in 2005, this two bedroom, three bathroom townhome has 1,576 square feet.  It features a fireplace, stainless steel appliances, community swimming pool, private owners suite and convenient second floor laundry

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Crystal

Built in 1949, this four bedroom, two bathroom home has 1,652 square feet, and features a detached two car garage, stainless steel appliances, updated bathroom, and a large backyard with a privacy fence 

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Maple Grove

Built in 2004, this two bedroom, two bathroom townhome has 1,707 square feet, which features 9 foot ceilings, a large kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a breakfast bar, a fireplace, and potential of adding a third bedroom.

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Ramsey

To be build New Construction, this two bedroom, two and a half bathroom townhome has 1,643 square feet and features, a nine and a half foot long center island, beautiful finishes, large owner suite and a nice size balcony. 

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Hopkins

High-rise condo built in 2006, this three bedroom, two bathroom condo has 1,450 square feet, features beautiful stainless steel and hardwood floor finishes, Private owners suite with custom cabinets and tiled bath.  Also features a large community party room and exercise room.

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Homes For Sale: What $400,000 can buy around the Twin Cities

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Plymouth

Built in 1985, this five bedroom, four bathroom home has 3,520 square feet and features a gourmet kitchen with a wine cooler.  A two story living room, two sun room's and a very large deck.

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Saint Louis Park

Built in 1939, this three bedroom, three bathroom home has 2,044 square feet and features hardwood floors, an updated kitchen and it's own owners suite with amazing skylights.

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Maple Grove

Built in 2002, this five bedroom, four bathroom home has 3,101 square feet and features four bedrooms on one level, completely updated kitchen and a professionally landscaped yard.

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Shoreview

Built in 1983, this four bedroom, four bathroom home includes 4,016 square feet and features, four bedrooms on one level, a giant kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a screened in porch.

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Eagan

Built in 1985, this five bedroom, five bathroom home has 2,662 square feet and features three bedrooms on one level, huge updated kitchen, and a wildlife backyard.

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Why You Should Sell Your Home in January....Not This Spring

Thinking of selling your home this upcoming Spring?

Here is why you should think again, and sell in January!

As 2016 nears an end, we are seeing a record low number of homes for sale and available to buyers, hitting levels we haven't seen in decades.  All while the number of closed sales is increasing year over year.  Don't take my word for it, check out the stats:

                                            November ’15      November ‘16           +/-Change

Homes for Sale                                     13,858                    10,577                    -23.7%

Closed Sales                                          3,402                     3,835                     +12.7%

Months’ Supply of Homes                        2.9                         2.1                       -27.6%
Average Days on the Market                      73                          61                       -16.4% 

           

As you can see from the above stats, there’s a shortage in supply of homes for sale, which has increased buyer competition, and often resulting in buying homes for more than list price. 

Why listing your home for sale now is better than the spring:

• Much less competition with other sellers
• Only serious buyers are out looking
• Better price for your home

            As home sales cool off during the holiday season, this is the perfect opportunity to create a marketing plan to list your home for sale after the New Year.  The home buyer season doesn’t wait until the snow melts; it ramps up again in January right after the Holiday’s.

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Minneapolis/St. Paul Real Estate Market Overview

           This year we are seeing a record low number of homes for sale and available to buyers, while the number of closed sales is increasing year over year.  Here are the stats in November to prove it:

                                                             November ’15         November ‘16     +/-Change

Homes for Sale                                         13,858                           10,577                 -23.7%

Closed Sales                                               3,402                             3,835                 +12.7%

Months’ Supply of Homes                             2.9                                 2.1                    -27.6%

Average Days on the Market                        73                                  61                    -16.4%

            If you're thinking about selling, this may be the best time to sell your home, with decade lows in Months' Supply of Homes. 

As home sales cool off during the holiday season, this is the perfect opportunity to create a marketing plan to list your home for sale after the New Year.  The home buyer season doesn’t wait until the snow melts; it ramps up again in January right after the Holiday’s. 

Here are the total year to date stats for 2016:

                                                                 2015                    2016        +/- Change

Homes for Sale                                         13,858                           10,577                 -23.7%

New Listings                                             74,777                           74,143                  -0.8%

Closed Sales                                              52,515                           55,254                 +5.2%

Median Home Value                                 $220,000                      $232,500                +5.7%

Months' Supply of Home                             2.9                                 2.1                     -27.6%

Average Days on the Market                       76                                  64                    -15.8%

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Top 5 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Winter

The weather may be getting cold, but that doesn't mean buyer's will be to.

1. Have a Cozy Fire.

Whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace, consider lighting a fire to welcome guests.  If your home's wood burning fireplace is old and leaves a smoky smell in the room, hold off.  Those with allergies may be turned off, figuratively and literally when they have to leave the home.  No fire?  Consider offering hot chocolate instead.

2. Clear all Exterior Pathways of Snow & Ice.

Nothing will turn away potential buyers faster than a treacherously icy path.  Open House guests should be able to easily walk all the way around the house and access any outbuildings.  Provide as much off-street (snow-cleared) parking as you can to make things easy for visitors.

3. Do decorate for the holidays.

Buyers want to be able to envision living in your home, so it pays to make that vision as inviting as possible.  Festive lights, wreaths, and a decorated tree near Christmas will strike the right note.  That doesn't mean you have to go overboard, in fact a house that is overly cluttered with holiday decorations can be a huge turnoff for potential buyers.

4.  Showcase the Entertaining Possibilities of Your Home.

Winter is prime time for festive parties or a holiday get together, so whet prospective buyers' appetites with an enticing display.  Set out stacks of plates and fresh flowers on a dining room table or display holiday cookies in the kitchen.

5.  Price it to Sell

No matter what time of year, a home that's priced appropriately in the market will often time sell quicker and for more money, than if you started at a high figure and have to do multiple price reductions.  Anyone hunting during the winter, especially during the holiday season is typically a serious buyer.

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Tips from Houzz.com 

What to Expect From your Agent When Buying a Home

We're all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time.

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As a buyer, it is in your best interest to work with a "Buyer's Agent" because this will ensure that your agent is working for you and your best interests. Often times, when a "Seller's Agent" is acting on behalf of both the seller and buyer (when a buyer does not have his/her own agent), there is a conflict of interest, since a seller wants the highest possible price for the home, while the buyer wants the most reasonable price for the home. Your Agent should walk you through the entire process of buying your home, and do the following:

• Work with you through the entire home buying process, from start to finish

• Search the entire MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

• Show you all of the homes you are interested in visiting

• Recommend houses which meet your criteria

• Negotiate on your behalf with the seller of the home

• Prepare the offer for the house

• Prepare all of the contracts associated with the home purchase

• Work with the title company, the lender, and the seller (or seller's agent) to arrange all necessary inspections.

• Serve as your "point" person during the closing process

• Answer any questions you may have about any part of the real estate process

Additionally, your Agent will act as a buffer for you take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you're a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder's agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels. Your Agent will also assist you in handling the volumes of paperwork, answering all questions and providing thorough explanations. 

Whether you are a first time home-buyer, or a seasoned investor, having a professional at your service will provide peace of mind and ensure success in the buying process.

If you would like a fun and smooth home buying experience, while being informed from Day 1.  Contact me today, and I will walk you through each step on how to get started! 

Text ScottSold to 763-280-5777 to download my home search app!

Email: Scott.Swennes@results.net  

Phone: 763-331-4775

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What to Expect From Your Listing Agent

What To Expect From Your Listing Agent

The moment you decide to sell your house, you're faced with a long list of decisions and chores. Selecting the right Realtor® is your first task!

Here's a guide to what you should expect your Realtor® to do for you.

A competitive market analysis

After doing extensive background research, an agent should present you with a detailed and free competitive market analysis (CMA). The CMA compares your house to similar homes in your area that have recently sold based on size, features and market data, including current economic conditions, crime statistics and school information. Using this information, the agent suggests a listing price.

Recommended improvements

The listing agent tours your home and suggests improvements that will increase its appeal to potential buyers. Buyers are attracted to houses that don't require much work and your agent may recommend you do some minor repairs, install new carpet, redecorate or paint.

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A Marketing plan

Here are a few common marketing techniques you can expect an agent to include in the plan:

• the "For Sale" sign in your yard, which should identify the agent, the agent's company and give a phone number. Make sure that there will be somebody on the other end of that number from morning till night, seven days a week, to answer any questions from house-hunters.
• fliers that include a picture of your home and a description of its size and features. A box of fliers can be attached to the For Sale sign. Your agent may also distribute fliers to other real estate offices in the area, which may have clients who are looking for a home like yours.
• a preview of your house for other real estate agents. The tour usually takes place within the first week or two your house is on the market. Ideally, the agents will return with clients. You may want to offer a perk such as food or a raffle to entice agents to attend.
• a listing in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a database of all the homes in a given area that are listed by registered users (which includes the vast majority of agents). Your listing agent will write up a listing that details your home's qualities and attach a photo. Other agents will see it when searching the database for properties that match their clients' criteria. You may want your house to be listed in several MLSs, as some areas overlap.
• advertising in local newspapers, magazines and the Internet, which can generate viewings of your home by house-hunters. According to a 2003 survey of homebuyers and sellers conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®, 93 percent of homebuyers use the Internet to search for homes.
• showings of your home. Your listing agent should coordinate times to show it to potential buyers and for other agents and their clients to see the house. Your agent should give you enough warning that viewers are coming so that you can tidy up the house. He or she should also give you feedback from the people that tour your home, which will help you improve it for the next showing.

Offers and closing

Soon after your home goes on the market, if your home is priced appropriately & staged well, offers should start to come in. Your listing agent will ensure buyers have adequate funding by requesting a pre-qual form along with their offer to purchase. There are 100 details that must be completed, timelines that must be adhered to so you or the buyer don't breach the contract and the endless stream of documents that must be completed and submitted in a timely manner, in order to hold the deal together. This is where you find out how good the agent you select, really is! Start with the best agent, so the process runs smoothly, your rights are covered and you meet your responsibilities to the new buyer. 

If you have been thinking about listing your home for sale. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your needs and how I can get the job done.  Contact me at your earliest convenience!
Phone: 763.331.4775
Email: Scott.Swennes@results.net

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Click here for current Homes For Sale.

Text ScottSold to 763-280-5777 to download my home search app!

Contact Me:

Cell: 763.331.4775

Email: Scott.Swennes@results.net