Real Estate Information

Is your home environmentally friendly? According to Earth911.com, only about 27% of Americans recycle. It is looked upon as inconvenient, space hogging, and ridiculously confusing. Fortunately, Recycling isn’t the only thing you can do to be environmental in your home.

 One really great thing you can do is buy a reusable water bottle instead of using a plastic one. You will not only be a responsible American for being kind to our earth, but you will save buckets of money! Did you know that making water bottles requires oil and that oil used to make water bottles every year could fuel 1 million vehicles? If you want to learn more about the life of water bottles check out this amazing video made by StoryofStuff.org (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se12y9hSOM0).

Do you have computers in your house? Most of us do. You should definitely make sure that before your head hits the pillow every night, shut down your computer. Shutting down your computer is something so simple but has a huge impact. When my family and I started to shut our computers down every night, we saved more than $20 on our electricity bill! It also is super beneficial to the life of your computer!

            Are lots clothes hanging in your closet that you don’t wear because you don’t like them anymore? You might be thinking, how are clothes bad for the environment? The answer is clothes aren’t bad for the environment. However, if you aren’t wearing some of the clothes you own, you could donate them to a local goodwill or savers. Reusing your clothes can be both green and positive for the economy.

            My last idea for you to be environmentally friendly in your home is to prevent energy leaks in your home. Heating and cooling can add up to be half of your electricity bill so why not be efficient? Things like insulating your home and sealing ducts will help fix energy leaks. For more information about sealing ducts and other energy saving tips at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index.

            So what do you think? If you love saving money, helping the economy, and saving the world, you should start making environmentally friendly decisions in your home. 

 February is here! I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and getting outside while it lasts. If you are looking to shed some layers, you will be entertained by all the great events this week. If you haven't already made plans, head down to the Rochester Civic Theatre to see the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from Friday, February 03 to Sunday, February 05. Show times are 7pm Friday, 2pm and 7pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday. The cost for adults is $20.50, $17.50 for seniors and $15.50 for students. Have a great week!

WEDNESDAY, February 01

Bob Miller Magician O'Neill's Pizza. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Free admission

Intro to Facebook Rochester Public Library. 5:30 pm. Free

Karaoke American Legion Post 92. 6:30-10:30 PM. Free

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Parent-Child 3 to 5 Year-Old Story Time Rochester Public Library. 11 am - 11:30 am. Free

RCTC LIFE Meet Rochester Public School's Superintendent RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 134. 10 am - 11 am. Member free, nonmember $3

Scott Hosier World War II Round Table Schedule 2011-2012 Assembly of God Church. 6:30 PM Music 7:00 PM Program. $3.00 Donation--Students Free

Search for the Northern Star Barlow Event Center. 6:00 pm to Midnight. Free

THURSDAY, February 02

Dueling Pianos- Deuces Wild Wicked Moose Bar & Grill. 8pm.

Friends' WinterFest Book Sale Rochester Public Library. 9:30 am - 8 pm Thurs, 9:30 am - 4 pm Fri. Donation for books purchased

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

RCTC LIFE Great Books RCTC Heintz Bldg. Room HB 134. 10 am - 12 noon. Member: $20, Non-Member $30

RCTC LIFE (Learning is ForEver) Stalag Whitewater: Prisoner of war camp at Whitewater State Park 1944 RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 104. 1 pm - 2:30 pm. Member $9, nonmember $13

Rochester WinterFest X Several locations. Various.

Samba - Beginner Dance Lessons Blue Moon Ballroom. 7 pm - 8 pm. $49

Texas Hold Em American Legion Post 92. 7 PM. Free

FRIDAY, February 03

Blue Moon Mix Blue Moon Ballroom. 7:30 pm - 11 pm. $8 adults, $6 students

Blue Moon Mix Blue Moon Ballroom. 7:30 pm -11 pm. $8 adults, $6 students

Bob Miller Magician Paradise Petes. 6 pm - 8 pm. Free admission

Comedians Floyd Phillips & Allen Trieu Goonie's Comedy Club. 7:30pm & 10:00pm. Purchase tickets

CUMC Documentary Club Christ United Methodist Church. 7 pm. Free

Documentary Movie Night Christ United Methodist Church. 7 pm. Free

Friday Frolics on Snowshoes Whitewater State Park. 12:30 pm - 2 pm. Free but vehicle park pass required

Friends' WinterFest Book Sale Rochester Public Library. 9:30 am - 8 pm Thurs, 9:30 am - 4 pm Fri. Donation for books purchased

Fuel Rochester’s Brainiac Trivia Night Rochester Art Center. 7 pm - 10 pm. $10/person or $60/team of 8

Gabrielle and the Apocalypse Wicked Moose Bar & Grill. 8pm.

Greg Boerner Canadian Honker Restaurant. 8 pm. No cover

Johnny Rawls Ron's Place. 9pm.

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Lost & Found Daniels Northwoods Lounge. 8pm-11pm. No cover

RCTC LIFE (Learning is Forever) A Priceless Gift – Your Story, Your Life RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 102. 10 - 12 noon. Member $21, nonmember $36

RCTC LIFE Reading in Retirement Realife Cooperative,. 10 am - 12 noon. Member: free, Non-Member $5

Regular Bingo Fridays Elks Lodge. Early Bird at 6:50 pm, Regular Bingo at 7:15 pm. Fee for Bingo

Rochester WinterFest X Several locations. Various.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Rochester Civic Theatre. Fri 7 pm, Sat 2 pm & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. Adult $20.50, Senior $17.50, Student $15.50

SATURDAY, February 04

"Nothing But Class: The Songs of Dorothy Fields" Crossings at Carnegie. 7:30 p.m.. $18 in advance, $20 day of show.

10th Annual Frozen Goose Race Rochester Community & Technical College, East Park & County Fields. Registration at Noon, Race at 1 pm. Minimum Pledge: $25 Individual, $40 Family

Assisi Heights Tour Assisi Heights. 2pm. Donations accepted

Comedians Floyd Phillips & Allen Trieu Goonie's Comedy Club. 7:30pm & 10:00pm. Purchase tickets

Dance the Cold Away Rochester International Dance Studio. 11 am – 3 pm. One hour lesson $5 for kids and $10 for adults. An all day pass is $25

Exhibition Opening Reception & Winter Flux Rochester Art Center. 7 pm – 1 am. $5, free to Art Center members

Family Film Program: One Zillion Valentines and Boxes for Katje Rochester Public Library. 10:30 am. Free

Free Family Day Snow Globes Rochester Art Center. 1 pm – 4 pm. Free

Greg Boerner Canadian Honker Restaurant. 8 pm. No cover

Hearts & Diamonds Spectacular Somerby Golf Club. 5:30 pm. $200 per person

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Lost Highway Wicked Moose Bar & Grill. 8pm.

Mile of Mac & Cheese HyVee Stores. 10 am – 4 pm. Donation - Food or Cash

Moonlight Snowshoeing/Hiking Chester Woods Park. 7pm - 9pm. No cost, but park entry permit required.

Rochester WinterFest X Several locations. Various.

Rod Kinny Daniels Northwoods Lounge. 8pm-11pm. No cover

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Rochester Civic Theatre. Fri 7 pm, Sat 2 pm & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. Adult $20.50, Senior $17.50, Student $15.50

Warm-up to the Polar Bear Plunge Whistle Binkies on the Lake. 8 am - 7 pm. Varies by event

Wear Red Day at Apache Mall Apache Mall. 11 am. Free

Winter Farmers Market Graham Park. 9 am - Noon. Free

WinterFest 2012: Cardboard Sled Challenge Willow Creek Golf Course. Registration 8:30am; Design Judging 9am; Race at 10am; Awards/Lunch at 12pm. Entry Fee to race: Youth/Teens (6-18) $25; Open (19 & up) $75

WinterFest at the History Center History Center of Olmsted County. 9 am – 4 pm. Free will donation

SUNDAY, February 05

Rochester WinterFest X Several locations. Various.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Rochester Civic Theatre. Fri 7 pm, Sat 2 pm & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. Adult $20.50, Senior $17.50, Student $15.50

Townsend Flea Market Mayo Civic Center. 10 am - 4 pm. $2

MONDAY, February 06

Moonlight Snowshoe -Whitewater State Park (19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910). Call 507-932-3007 extension 226 or email sara.grover@state.mn.us .

The Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Program- Mayo Clinic ( Hage Atrium)

Rochester WinterFest X -Several locations. WinterFest takes place yearly during the first two weeks in February. 

Rumba - beginner dance lessons -Recurring weekly on Monday at Blue Moon Ballroom. 2030 Hwy 14 E, Rochester, MN 55904 Rumba - beginner dance lessons 4 Mondays, Feb 6-27 7 pm - 8 pm.  

Bar Bingo at the Elks Lodge - 6:30 pm.

Bob Miller Magician- Godfather's Pizza

Assisi Heights Tour  (1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Tours available by appointment most Mondays and Saturdays at 2pm. Please call 507-282-7441 to make a reservation.

TUESDAY, February 07

Rochester WinterFest X

RCTC LIFE (Learning is ForEver) Lessons from Historiography- Recurring weekly on Tuesday at RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 102.

Triple Time Swing - Lessons for Beginners - Recurring weekly on Tuesday at the Blue Moon Ballroom (2030 Hwy 14 E, Rochester, MN 55904) Triple Time Swing - lessons for beginners 4 Tuesdays, Feb 7-28 7 pm - 8 pm.  

I have always understood that unless you are actually doing someone else's job, you really are guessing at what it entails.  My husband sells fireplaces, furnaces, and air conditioning here in Rochester Minnesota.  If I wasn't married to him, I would probably imagine to sell one, he discusses the product, writes up a bid, and moves to the next customer.  I would not think about rebates, ordering permits, lining up electricians, measuring up living rooms, scheduling masons, plumbers, and accounting work.  It just wouldn't occur to me if I were in the market looking that he does much more than carry a clipboard and wear an easy smile. 

What Real Estate agents really do to prepare for appointments, no one would watch on TV because it's tedious.  Getting status updates, then discussing the showing with the seller, mapping the homes on the list, adjusting times, writing down directions, making sure the electronic key is charged, and doing a market analysis on the neighborhood, with feedback follow up request forms are necessary steps that I have never felt the need to elaborate about until this weekend when I received an interesting inquiry. The following:

The request for showing came from a 15 year old girl who had gone through the Rochester MN Homes website to book a showing because she enjoys looking at houses with her mom. She typed in, "I am only 15 but I know a lot about houses".  At first I thought it was cute, but then I imagined how often she does this and how many Realtors left their families on a Sunday to accommodate.  She probably thought we simply pin on our RE/MAX name tag, jump in our car, and open a door.

That's what they do on "House Hunters", right?

Setting up showings takes time, money for gas, and a bit of effort on everyone's part to set up.  Sellers and their agents prefer we not ask them to pack up their bundles of joy, Fido and the cat to drive around the block 5 times so that my customers can, for hobby only, take a tour of homes and decor.  Would you want to rush through your house hiding your laundry under your bed, dishes in the microwave, and the toaster in a cupboard among other things to have it "show ready" only to later find out the shopper was really just looking for paint colors?  As an agent, I'd be embarrassed to later have to tell them that was the case, and such is why we insist on buyers being qualified and ready to buy a home before we go through the process of looking.  If a buyer really wants to buy, they'll be happier with talking to their lender first.  Doing it that way ensures that the buyer is looking at the "right" homes considering their financing, the sellers' effort of cleaning didn't go to waste, and I don't have to worry about my own safety showing vacant houses to complete strangers if their information has been validated.

I admit we (my husband) are not the best or the timeliest at clearing new snow or snow from the prior snowfall. The other day I thought it was kind of fun to see if my Subaru could make it through the snowbank at the end of our drive and in to the garage.  I had seen three others out that day while I was out on appointments with shovels digging their cars out of that same snow accumulation at the end of the drive so I know we are not the only ones.  And who has time for the sidewalks?

Well, if someone is out there and you do not find the time to keep your sidewalks clear it may be cheaper to hire a professional to do the job for you.  When we set up services for a home owner it seems on average for a standard drive it runs about $35-$45 a time.  That is a lot of money per snowfall but what happens if you choose to do nothing?

The city of Rochester MN will take care of it for you.  If someone calls in to complain your sidewalks are not shoveled a Public Works Inspector will visit the home of the complaint address.  If they are not cleared when the inspector arrives the city will do it and here is an average of what it will cost you:

A 70 foot residential lot (typical lot width) will be subject to charges for the first offense of:

               Administration Fee                                                                         $  40.00
               Contractor Mobilization                                                                $  40.00
               Contractor Snow Removal           70 feet x $0.38                   $  26.60
               Charge for First Offense                                                               $106.60

In addition a property may also be subject to charges for sanding of $0.20 per foot and clearing of a pedestrian ramp at $20.  (Thank you to Nate at SEMAR for the figure.)

That is for the first violation, they will NOT clear your drive, and it goes up each time.  Ouch!  Maybe this will be motivation to get the job done.  Or for some of us prioritization.  Get the sidewalk done, leave the driveway and put your car to the test.  If you would like more information here is the link to the city's official post.

http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/publicworks/announcements/Sidewalk%20Snow%20Removal%20Enforcement%20-%20PSA%20%28011912%29.pdf

Rochester MN Homes

WEDNESDAY, January 25

Bob Miller Magician O'Neill's Pizza. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Free admission

Cumbia Style Salsa - for beginners Blue Moon Ballroom. 7 pm - 8 pm. $49 per person

Karaoke American Legion Post 92. 6:30-10:30 PM. Free

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Kathy Miller and Daniel Fleming exhibit Crossings at Carnegie. MTWF 10-5, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4. FREE

Mni Sota: Reflections of Time and Place Mayo Clinic. 8 am - 5 pm. Free

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition Rochester Art Center. Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm; Thurs: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm. $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, 62+, Free Members, Children, Students, Military Families, Olmsted County Residents & Thursdays

RCTC LIFE - An Intro to Caribbean Marine Life – The Strange and Beautiful Inhabitants Under the Sea RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 102. 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Member $12, nonmember $18

Search for the Northern Star Barlow Event Center. 6:00 pm to Midnight. Free

THURSDAY, January 26

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Kathy Miller and Daniel Fleming exhibit Crossings at Carnegie. MTWF 10-5, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4. FREE

Mni Sota: Reflections of Time and Place Mayo Clinic. 8 am - 5 pm. Free

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition Rochester Art Center. Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm; Thurs: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm. $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, 62+, Free Members, Children, Students, Military Families, Olmsted County Residents & Thursdays

Texas Hold Em American Legion Post 92. 7 PM. Free

Twins Winter Caravan Mayo High School. 5 pm. $7.50

Viennese Waltz - for beginners Blue Moon Ballroom. 7 pm - 8 pm. $49 per person

Weight Training and Core Stability for Runners Rochester Athletic Club. 7 pm. Free

FRIDAY, January 27

Accordian-O-Rama Crossings at Carnegie. 7:30 pm. $18 in advance, $20 day of show.

Blufflands Deer & Turkey Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

Bob Miller Magician Paradise Petes. 6 pm - 8 pm. Free admission

Comedians Nate Craig & Gabe Noah Goonie's Comedy Club. 7:30pm & 10:00pm. Purchase tickets

Dee Miller Ron's Place. 9pm.

Doghouse John and the Misbehaviors Pappageorge Taverna at Michaels Restaurant. 7 pm - 10 pm. No cover

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Kathy Miller and Daniel Fleming exhibit Crossings at Carnegie. MTWF 10-5, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4. FREE

Mending Minds: A “Magical” Gala for Autism Rochester International Event Center. 5pm-Midnight. $100.00

Mni Sota: Reflections of Time and Place Mayo Clinic. 8 am - 5 pm. Free

Pop Rocks playing at the Wicked Moose Wicked Moose Bar & Grill. 8pm.

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition Rochester Art Center. Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm; Thurs: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm. $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, 62+, Free Members, Children, Students, Military Families, Olmsted County Residents & Thursdays

RCTC LIFE (Learning is Forever) A Priceless Gift – Your Story, Your Life RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 102. 10 - 12 noon. Member $21, nonmember $36

RCTC LIFE: The Story of WW II Fighter Aircraft RCTC Heintz Bldg. , Room HA 112. 10 am - Noon. Member $12, nonmember $18

Rochester Sports and Vacation Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

The Kids Canadian Honker Restaurant. 7:30 pm. No cover

SATURDAY, January 28

Assisi Heights Tour Assisi Heights. 2pm. Donations accepted

Barney Fox & Dan Rengstorf Pappageorge Taverna at Michaels Restaurant. 7 pm - 10 pm. No cover

Bingo American Legion Post 92. 1:00 PM. $1.00 for bingo sheet

Blufflands Deer & Turkey Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

Comedians Nate Craig & Gabe Noah Goonie's Comedy Club. 7:30pm & 10:00pm. Purchase tickets

Hitchville Wicked Moose Bar & Grill. 8pm.

Hooray for Saturday! Children's Event Rochester Public Library. 10:30 am. Free

Joel Ward and Jake Llika Canadian Honker Restaurant. 7:30 pm. No cover

Karaoke at the Viking Lounge Clarion Inn. 9pm-Close.

Kathy Miller and Daniel Fleming exhibit Crossings at Carnegie. MTWF 10-5, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4. FREE

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition Rochester Art Center. Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm; Thurs: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm. $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, 62+, Free Members, Children, Students, Military Families, Olmsted County Residents & Thursdays

Rochester Sports and Vacation Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

SUNDAY, January 29

Blufflands Deer & Turkey Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

Deer Camp the Musical Mayo Civic Center. 2pm-4pm. $24

Rochester Sports and Vacation Show Mayo Civic Center. Fri 2 pm - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.

Last Friday afternoon I was interviewed by KAAL for a piece on our Rochester MN Real Estate market, the low interest rates, and the foreclosures.  I felt like they were accurate that it is a great time to buy or sell a home however, I feel like they missed some important information I had given.

First, we discussed foreclosures.  I spoke to our RE/MAX expert, Jackson Raygor, about foreclosures in Rochester market.  Even though the "National" news may discuss the high foreclosure rates; here in Rochester that is only about 5% of the current market.  When I asked Jackson if there is more to come the said there may be 1-2 more waves of foreclosures in Rochester's market and that it will be 6-9 months before these homes hit the market.  Even then the foreclosures in our market may be closer to 10%.  What does that mean for current buyers and sellers?  

For sellers, now is the time to sell your home.  The inventory is low, the number of buyers is high and the interest rates couldn't be better.  You are not competing against the past years of higher inventories of foreclosed homes.  All economists say that the first 6 months of 2012 will be an amazing time to buy or sell a home.  So much so that they believe that people will look back and regret not doing something sooner if buying or selling a home is something they are considering.   We need homes in good condition on the market now.  Maybe you had a wonderful home and you tried selling in 2009-2011 but let me tell you that if you gave up, maybe now is the time to look some of these market adjustments and see if this is your year to make a change.

For buyers, what I said in my interview is right.  "It is like a clearance sale."  Home prices are still down, the interest rates are unbelievable and often it is cheaper to buy than rent.  Also, according to the MN 2011 Profile Report of Home Buyers and Sellers 27% of people chose to buy a home because of their desire to "own a home."  Some buyers have seeing these low interest rates for awhile but owning a home with your own space, a place to entertain, have animals, and live the way you want is what is driving many of you to make the decision.

The prices and homes sold over the Summer months were flat or in some cases we saw more depreciation but in 2012 the market has and will make adjustments is favor for buyers and sellers.  Please call or email us if you would like to chat about if 2012 is your year.  We truly believe that we can show you why this year is going to be different.

If you want to know about how long these interest rates are here to stay please see my recent blog post How Long Will Low Mortgage Rates Last. (posted 1/5/12)

Here is the link to the TV interview that aired Friday, January 13th.

http://search.kaaltv.com/default.aspx?ct=r&q=nordaune

Oh, by the way, if you feel like your REALTOR should not take control, I think you should get a new REALTOR. 

Knowing your specific market is of greater value to you than reading about it in "Times" and "Tribunes"

Broad statistics are interesting, but mean little to the specific consumer. Local averages might reflect an average sales price to have gone down 25% since 2007 for example, when in reality the homes in a very specific market/neighborhood tell a different story. It's important to note that changes in the average sales price are influenced by changes in the buying trends, in addition to fluctuations in appreciation/depreciation. In other words, it's inaccurate to assume if the average sales price shows a reduction citywide, that it means homes in that area are worth less.

A Real Estate trend in Rochester MN that we have seen is that people are buying less expensive homes than they can afford, and are giving more thought to what is really desired rather than getting starry eyed over upgrades that do not meet THEIR specific needs or provide a real benefit.  If you're a seller, knowing the current buyer trends is important when you're comparing the benefit of amenities of your house to others "apples to apples".  Perhaps in a particular Ranch style home with two baths, Mrs. Seller thinks the beautiful whirlpool tub in her master adds $1,000, it is quite lovely. But, Mr. Buyer has taken a bath once in ten years along with the last two other shoppers that came through, and would rather have a tiled walk in shower in the master.  He may may consider buying it anyway and doing a bathroom remodel (if possible to do) unless the one next door has the walk in shower.  Rather than her home being worth more, in this scenerio, it is actually worth less than her direct competition.  This is where an agent has to be honest from the start. Had she priced her home $10,000 less than the neighbor (considering other amenities were similar) she'd have the sold sign up.  Two months later, she reduced the value, but she's lost other buyers and eventually sells for $20,000 less than what she is asking so that she can be moved before winter and if she didn't get feedback she may still not know why. The same thing can be said about a ton of square feet vs a smaller move in ready home with landscaping, gutters, deck, and a finished basement.  In Real Estate you really do have to "keep up with the Jones'."