Real Estate Information

Some interesting Rochester Real Estate news from the PB:

More construction permits have been filed in 2010 than in 2009 indicating that the local building market is starting to recover! Read on for more information: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1471956

Foreclosures are down 27% in September from the same time last year: 1 in 336 homes are in foreclosure. Interesting news for those of you tracking Real Estate trends: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1471953

A downtown building will be getting a facelift. Union Hall on S Broadway will be turned into apartments! Read on for more information: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1471905

Closing week arrived and we are now in our new home! There are still many things to finish up (the master closets are being installed on Sunday... we need to put up our blinds) but overall everything is looking incredibly fabulous!

This is usually the time when I'd want to write something really poetic and meaningful about the homebuilding process, but instead I've elected to just write like I talk - simple and to the point.

First of all, we had a ton of fun building this home and are incredibly happy with how it has turned out. Admittedly, there have been some difficulties -- especially where we least expected them. If you have been following along with this blog, you will have experienced some of those issues right along with us. As a result of solving those problems AND as a result of all the problems we didn't encounter, we cannot say "Thank you!" enough to our builder, Steve Penz, and our realtor/liaison Beth Nordaune. Never once did we question the selection of Penz Custom Homes or the help that Beth provided. Many people have asked why we needed a realtor to build our home, but honestly we can't imagine having done this without her. To have someone by your side who knows both sides of the business (and who has built a home herself) was invaluable. Her counsel to us and efforts on our behalf made this process a million times easier, removed roadblocks, and helped give us a crystal clear understanding of our rights as buyer/builders.

So... was it stressful? Yes. Would we build again? ...Ask us in 10 years. :)

However, would we build with Steve again? No doubt in our minds.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

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And now... the final photos! There are a lot of photos below for you to enjoy. Unfortunately we don't have all our new furniture in so you won't see that in the pictures. However, you will get a great look at the final results. If you have any questions or comments, please post! Also, if there is a picture of something that you wanted to see but didn't, please let me know. I'm happy to post more. It's been wonderful to hear from all of you during this incredible journey. Thank you!!!

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Clearly we're obsessed with our new kitchen!

Jay inspecting the pantry.
 

Jay feeling happy in the living room.

Office door

 

Master shower and vanity (no mirrors yet)

Master bed (carpet is lighter in person)

Second bath

Second bath shower

Sunset from the front door

Check out some of the fun Halloween happenings this week in Rochester!

“Everything is not as it seems in Mantorville's first annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.”
The spooky, fun “whodunit” mystery All Hallows’ Feast opens this week in Mantorville and runs through October 29^th. Click HERE to go to the website for ticket and show time information.

The First Annual Haunted Rochester Trolley tour begins this Friday night, the 14^th, and continues through the 29^th. Click HERE for more info.

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Remember to share your feedback with us, just fill out the form below.

Also, if you’re noticing some events in the Rochester area that are new and interesting and we’re missing them, please send us a quick note! Thanks!

Wednesday October 12^th

“Search for the Northern Star” Recurring weekly every Wednesday at the Barlow Event Center
            Talent competition to find Rochester’s best musical talent, 6pm-Midnight

Big Muddy River Rendezvous at the Prairie Island Campground in Winona
            October 11^th to October 16^th. “Step back in time! Here is a chance to see how people live
            in the pre-1840's Fur Trading Era. See how people worked, survived, played, and helped
            to shape our nation.” 9am-5pm, $4 kids, $5 adults

Viewfinder Magic Annual Photography Show – Austin, MN Area Art Center 12-4pm (Daily)

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition at Rochester Art Center
Click HERE for more information

Plummer House Tours Noon-6pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Thursday October 13^th

Jo Koy at the Mayo Civic Center 8-10pm – Top 10 Comedians to Watch

MPR Connects at Rochester Art Center 5:30-7pm
            Click HERE for more info 

RCTC LIFE:
            “Beyond the Rainbow” Day Trip to St. Paul History Theatre –
                         Depart from Recreation Center, West Parking Lot 8 am - 4 pm,
                         Member: $66, Non-Member $91

Northwoods Boutique at Rochester Fair Grounds Building 35, Recurring Daily 9am-5pm

Pat Dunn-Walker, Virginia Metayer Exhibit at Crossings at Carnegie

Lights at Bluff Valley Campground (runs daily) – Click HERE for more info

Free Thursdays at Rochester Art Center 10am-9pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Friday October 14^th

Booker & Mark Playing Classic Rock at Canadian Honker 7:30pm

Dave Waite (Headliner) & Matt Stanton (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

Barlow Plaza Presents Fridays Live
            “Sena Ehrardt”
            Barlow Plaza, 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Saturday October 15^th

Caffeine Crush Playing Acoustic Rock & Easy Listening at Canadian Honker 7:30pm

Larry Myer – Singer, Songwriter & Acoustic Performer at Whistle Binkie’s South 9pm-Midnight

Dave Waite (Headliner) & Matt Stanton (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

Michael’s Diva Showcase: Audrey Winkowski
            Michaels Restaurant & Lounge Restaurant 7-10pm

Ronny Cox in Concert at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota
            7:30pm, $20 in advance, $22 day of show

Whitewater State Park:
            Morning Tree Planting
            Bird Banding Demonstration 12:30-2:30pm
            Snakes of the Bluffland 2:30-3:30pm
            German POW Camp 8-9pm

Big Muddy River Rendezvous at Prairie Island Campground in Winona

Choral Arts Ensemble: Carmina Burana
            Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights, 7:30 pm (Saturday); 4:00 pm (Sunday)

Poets Corner – Legends of the Fall at Rochester Civic Theatre, Doors open at 8pm

Reflections of the Mind at Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 5:30-8pm, $50

All Hallows’ Feast at Mantorville Opera House

Haunted Rochester Trolley Tour
            Departs from the Olmsted Government Center Parking Lot, 6pm-8:30pm

Tews Corn Maze on Tews Farm in Winona, Click HERE for more info

Northwoods Boutique at Rochester Fair Grounds Building 35, Recurring Daily 9am-5pm

Rochester Downtown Farmer’s Market 7:30 am – Noon

Post Town Winery Wine Tasting from 1pm-8pm, $5
            Click HERE for more info

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Sunday October 16^th

Choral Arts Ensemble: Carmina Burana
            Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights, 7:30 pm (Saturday); 4:00 pm (Sunday)

Fourth Annual Cutting for a Cause – Bone Marrow Drive
            Salon Chic 10am-3pm, Free to come $15 haircuts and $10 chair massages

Assemble at Jaspers – A Food and Wine Event to Benefit Children’s Dance Theatre
            5-7:30pm, $35/person

Druha Trava in Concert at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota, 7pm, $20

Folkssport Autumn Walk at Whitewater State Park, 8am-3pm, $2, 16km or less

Johnny Mango at Sunday Brunch Live “Food for the Body and Sounds for the Soul”
             Sunday Brunch at the Barlow Event Center 10am-2pm $14.95

Sports Card and Memorabilia Show at the Clarion Inn 10am-4pm

Rochester Music Expo at Eagles Club, 10am-4pm, $3/person

Tews Corn Maze on Tews Farm in Winona, Click HERE for more info

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
 

Monday October 17^th

Rosemary and Meredith Wilson Harmony for Mayo
            The Rose Ensemble - Meditation and Memorial, 1210-1pm

Pat Dunn-Walker, Virginia Metayer Exhibit at Crossings at Carnegie

Assisi Heights (home of the Sisters of St. Francis) Tour 2pm, Donations accepted

Tuesday October 18^th

RCTC LIFE Social Classes in Medieval Europe, Heintz Bldg. Room HA 104

UMR Connects: Student-Led International Medicine through Global Brigades
            University of Minnesota – Rochester 7-8:30pm

Pat Dunn-Walker, Virginia Metayer Exhibit at Crossings at Carnegie

Big Muddy River Rendezvous Prairie Island Campground, Winona, MN, 9am-5pm

Dooley’s Pub & Restaurant Late Night Specials 8pm-Close

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

This is a common question we get.  I thought this article was a great source of information on home property taxes.

http://www.mnmsba.org/Public/MSBA_Docs/FourteenReasonsNOV06.pdf?CFID=2887692&CFTOKEN=19118183

On Friday 10/14 the King and Queen of Norway will be visiting Mayo Clinic. There will be a public viewing and procession between 4 - 4:15 pm in the Nathan Landow Atrium, Gonda Subway. Mayo asks: "To show respect for the royal visitors, do not approach or address them during the procession.  Attendees should arrive 15 minutes before the procession starts and remain in the atrium until it is over."

PB posted a fun blog on the King and Queen from the Answer Man- read it here: http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1471075

St Jude’s Hospice has begun to take in-home patients in Rochester, MN. Check out the article for more information: http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1470796

Mayo Clinic announces that it plans to build a hospital in Cannon Falls with construction slotted to begin in 2013. Read more here: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1470848

If you are looking for some outdoor fun in the next week to take advantage of the lovely weather we are having, consider a trip to an apple orchard and corn maze. Check out the PB’s article with links to some local options: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1470832

Wow, 75 degrees in October! It’s an Indian Summer! Forecasters say this is going to be a beautiful week! Get out there and enjoy some of these fun Rochester events. Whitewater State Park is hosting some fun events including the Fall Color Open House on Saturday from 10-4.

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Remember to share your feedback with us, just fill out the form below.

Also, if you’re noticing some events in the Rochester area that are new and interesting and we’re missing them, please send us a quick note! Thanks!

Wednesday October 5^th

RCTC LIFE Lewis and Clark Expedition

            RCTC Heintz Bldg. Room HA 110, 10 am - 12 noon, Member: $24, Non-Member $36

Eyota Farmers Market at Westside Park 4pm-7pm

Viewfinder Magic Annual Photography Show – Austin, MN Area Art Center 12-4pm (Daily)

Barlow Event Center Open Mic Night at Barlow Plaza 8pm-Midnight

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition at Rochester Art Center - Click HERE for more information

Plummer House Tours Noon-6pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Thursday October 6^th

Olmsted County History Center Daughters of the American Revolution
            The Process of Becoming a Naturalized Citizen Presenter: Wanda Soland
            10:45 am - 11:45 am, Free Open to the Public

RCTC LIFE:
            Steamboat Minnehaha – Depart from Recreation Center 8 am - 4:30 pm,
                         Member: $76, Non-Member $101
            The History and Future of the Zumbro River
                        RCTC Heintz Bldg. Room HA 104
                        1 pm - 3 pm, Member: $12, Non-Member $18

"Music Meisters Band" Oktoberfest! at Whistle Binkie’s North 7-11pm

Free Thursdays at Rochester Art Center 10am-9pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Friday October 7^th

Civic Live: Scenes from the Wrong Side of the Brain
            Vertigo Theatre Factory presents a night of music and theater
            Civic Center Theatre 8pm, $15

“Flux” at the Rochester Art Center
            Music, art and performance featuring house DJ Scott Stulen w/monthly guest artists
            9pm-1am, Free for RAC Members; $5 cover for non-Members

Barlow Plaza Presents Fridays Live
            “Dinner and a Show, Dancing, Cool People, Awesome Bands”
            Barlow Plaza, 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM

“Annie Lawler” Laid-back Cool Jazz, country, blues standards 8pm-Midnight
            Whistle Binkie’s North

Robert Coats Playing Acoustic Bluegrass & Folk at Canadian Honker 7:30pm

Warren B. Hall (Headliner) & Benny Quash (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

“A Taste for Life” Premier Fundraising Event at Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area
            Vintage Wines, Gourmet Appetizers, Silent Auction, Raffle
            6-10pm, Tickets $40 per person, $360 for group of 10

Michael Diva’s Showcase: Jocelyn Walsh at Michael’s Restaurant & Lounge 7-10pm, No cover

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting w/ Live Music at Wicked Moose 5pm

Suzy Boguss in Concert at Zumbrota State Theatre – Crossings at Carnegie
            7:30pm, $25 in advance; $27 day of show

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Saturday October 8^th

Third Annual Chili Challenge 2011 at Graham Park
            Open to the public 3pm-7pm
            $10 each for adults and $5 each for kids under 12 (kids under 5 free)

Joel Ward & Jake Llika from the Northwoods Band playing a variety of different styles
             Canadian Honker 7:30pm

Devon Worley playing live country music at Wicked Moose 9pm

Mechanical Bull w/live music from the Devon Worley Band at Wicked Moose 9pm

Warren B. Hall (Headliner) & Benny Quash (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

Family Zumbatomic Zumbathon and Carnival to Support Families in Need
            Northrop Community Education Center Noon-2pm
            1 hour of Zumbatomic Dancing along with other kids' activities

Michael’s Diva Showcase: Annie Lawler
            Pappageorge Taverna at Michaels Restaurant 7-10pm

Whitewater State Park Events for Saturday
            Nuts & Teas if You Please 12:30-2pm – Discovering Sumac Teas and Edibles
                        Bring your own mug!
            Pioneer Home – Fall Color Open House – 10am-4pm
                        Wagon rides $5/person or $10/family
            Tweets and Treats - 8:30am - 9:30am
                        visitor center’s feeding station for good bird watching,
                        treats (hot beverages and cookies) and conversation
            Wildlife of the 1850’s 2-3pm

Southeast Minnesota Sheep & Fiber Tour
            10am-4pm, Features four farms from Houston & Fillmore County

Metropolitan Ballet Presents Dracula: Prince of Darkness
            Mayo Clinic Presentation Hall, 7:30pm
            $25.00 - Seniors $20.00 - Youth $15.00

Northwoods Boutique at Rochester Fair Grounds Building 35, Recurring Daily 9am-5pm

Rochester Downtown Farmer’s Market 7:30 am – Noon

Post Town Winery Wine Tasting from 1pm-8pm, $5
            Click HERE for more info

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Sunday October 9^th

Metropolitan Ballet Presents Dracula: Prince of Darkness
            Mayo Clinic Presentation Hall, 7:30pm
            $25.00 - Seniors $20.00 - Youth $15.00

Johnny Mango at Sunday Brunch Live “Food for the Body and Sounds for the Soul”
             Sunday Brunch at the Barlow Event Center 10am-2pm $14.95

Bird Banding Demonstration at Whitewater State Park 12:30-2:30pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
 

Monday October 10^th

RCTC LIFE Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center
            1-3pm, Member: $12, Non-Member $18

Rosemary and Meredith Wilson Harmony for Mayo
            Kevin Steinman - Acoustic pop singer/ song writer, 1210-1pm

Viewfinder Magic Annual Photography Show – Austin, MN Area Art Center 12-4pm

Assisi Heights (home of the Sisters of St. Francis) Tour 2pm, Donations accepted

Tuesday October 11^th

RCTC LIFE The 1960’s and 1970’s, Heintz Bldg. Room HA 102

Rochester Astronomy Club at the RCTC College Center, 4^th floor, 7-9pm

Big Muddy River Rendezvous Prairie Island Campground, Winona, MN, 9am-5pm

Dooley’s Pub & Restaurant Late Night Specials 8pm-Close

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

We are so happy that the Redwood Room is coming back!! We haven't been fans of Pazzo, so we are very excited for its return. Check out PBs video news cast:

http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1470079

Here are some interesting headlines so far this week from Rochester’s Post Bulletin.

NW Rochester will be getting a few more businesses including RBC Wealth Advisors, Northwest Dental Group. The new buildings will be located near the 19^th St Financial Center. And not far, there will also be the new addition of Double Eagle Indoor Golf Center. To read more visit: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1469910

20^th St SE road extension is finally open for all of you who have been waiting to cut some corners and time on your commutes!! http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1469925

Mayo Clinic has announced it will start a new $120 million Medical School campus in Arizona in affiliation with Arizona State University. http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1469869

It’s supposed to be a warm and beautiful week! Check out the events happening at Whitewater State Park and the Quarry Hill Nature Center this weekend. There are interesting outdoor adventures for all ages.

Bill Cosby is LIVE this weekend at the Rochester Civic Center! Go to the website HERE for more information on tickets and show times.

Barlow Plaza has now opened their new Event Center. They will feature Live Music, Sunday brunch and can host anywhere from 5 to 275 people. Click HERE for more info.

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Remember to share your feedback with us, just fill out the form below.

Also, if you’re noticing some events in the Rochester area that are new and interesting and we’re missing them, please send us a quick note! Thanks!

Wednesday September 28^th

Eyota Farmers Market at Westside Park 4pm-7pm

Bird Banding Demonstration at Whitewater State Park 5:30-7:00pm

Rochester Downtown Satellite Farmer’s Market in the Kmart Parking Lot 4pm-6:30pm

Viewfinder Magic Annual Photography Show – Austin, MN Area Art Center 12-4pm (Daily)

Barlow Event Center Open Mic Night at Barlow Plaza 8pm-Midnight

Rachel Khedoori Exhibition at Rochester Art Center - Click HERE for more information

Plummer House Tours Noon-6pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Thursday September 29^th

"Music Meisters Band" at Whistle Binkie’s South 7-11pm

Free Thursdays at Rochester Art Center 10am-9pm

ArtWalk: Salsa Dancing at the Civic – Rochester Civic Theatre 5:30 Free admission

“Generations” for the 50+ age group – Seminars, Exhibits and Live Entertainment
            10am-4pm, Free Admission, Mayo Civic Center

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Friday September 30^th

Bill Cosby Live at the Rochester Civic Center Auditorium
            8pm-10pm, Ticket Prices: $111.00, $68.50 or $50.50
            Click HERE for more information

Chris Barnes (Headliner) & Katie Hughes (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

Allie Joelle Playing Acoustic Pop & Easy Listening at Canadian Honker 7:30pm

“Jazz Sensations” Playing jazz originals and classics
            Pappageorge Taverna at Michaels Restaurant 7-10pm

“Katy Bowser & Kenny Huston from Nashville, TN” Playing folk country jazz
            Studio 324 7-9pm, Free admission

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Saturday October 1^st

8^th Annual Fall Foliage Fun Float at Fisherman's Inn Boat Ramp Noon-4pm

Jon Manner Playing Acoustic Folk & Country at Canadian Honker 7:30pm

“Dr John Paulson Trio” Playing jazz standards and electric improvisations
            Pappageorge Taverna at Michaels Restaurant 7-10pm

Jeremy Jewell at Sonte’s 7:30-10:30pm

Jazz Jam at the Civic Theatre 8-11pm

Chris Barnes (Headliner) & Katie Hughes (Feature) at Goonie’s Comedy Club 7:30 & 10pm

Reunion Band at Wicked Moose 9pm

Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Gala at Mayo Civic Center, 5:30pm-Midnight

Whitewater State Park Events for Saturday
            Hawk Walk at 9-11am
            Nuts & Teas if You Please 12:30-2pm – Discovering Sumac Teas and Edibles
                        Bring your own mug!
            Survival 3-4pm

Quarry Hill Nature Center Events
            Bird Hike 9:00-10:30am - Free
            Nature Toddlers 9:30am-10:30am or 11am-Noon, $8 per pair per session

Free Family Day at the Rochester Art Center 1-4pm

Rochester Downtown Farmer’s Market 7:30 am – Noon

Post Town Winery Wine Tasting from 1pm-8pm, $5, Click HERE for more info

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey at the Rochester Rec Center 7:05pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Sunday October 2^nd

John McCutcheon in Concert at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota
            $25 in advance; $27 day of show

St. Francis Fall Festival at St. Francis of Assisi Church
            8:30am, Dinner until 1:30pm, $10.00 Adults and $6.00 Children at the door

Johnny Mango at Sunday Brunch Live “Food for the Body and Sounds for the Soul”
             Sunday Brunch at the Barlow Event Center 10am-2pm $14.95

Quarry Hill Nature Center Bird Sunday 1:30-2:30pm, $2 for adults and $1 for children

Blessing of the Animals, Canticle Park - Assisi Heights, 2:30pm

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
 

Monday October 3^rd

Viewfinder Magic Annual Photography Show – Austin, MN Area Art Center 12-4pm

Assisi Heights (home of the Sisters of St. Francis) Tour 2pm, Donations accepted

Tuesday October 4^th

UMR Connects: A Changing World
              7-8:30pm at the University of Minnesota – Rochester, Admission is free

Barney Live in Concert at  Mayo Civic Center Arena, 3pm & 6pm

Dooley’s Pub & Restaurant Late Night Specials 8pm-Close

Mayowood Mansion Tour 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Please Check out next week's activities on the Real Estate Rochester MN Blog.