Minnesota

Happy Holidays from Minnesota-See the Flash Mob at Carlson School

This is simply awesome-watch and enjoy! May 2012 be your best year yet. I know it will be exciting!

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Minnesota

Minnesota Foreclosure Activity-monthly report from Realty Trac

The report provided shows statistics and information both nationally and locally here in Minnesota. I have access to additional information and reports that will help add clarity to the news stories you are hearing. Things are tough, but not the same everywhere. Call me for my detailed opinion on where we might be headed.

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Minnesota

Minnesota First Time Home Buyer Tips

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Minnesota

Lake Front Property – Look Before You Leap!

By Alan Olson

Minnesota, aptly named, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, is well known for its abundance of lakes and rivers. In fact there are over 11,000 lakes over 10 acres in size, and more than 63,000 miles of natural streams and rivers. Chances are, after spending a few years here, you may eventually purchase property on or near one of these bodies of water.

Here are some issues that need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a shoreland property:

Decide exactly what you want out of this property, and then do the research to determine if it will meet your needs. For instance, if you are looking for a year round home; are the roads maintained in the winter, or will you have to purchase a four-wheel drive vehicle to get around.

Are you looking for a weekend getaway for peace and relaxation? Make certain this isn’t “party lake central”, and bustling with wakeboarders and seadoos in the summertime. On the flip side, if you are looking for a place for your high powered water toys, and all you see are kayaks parked along the docks; you may run into some problems with your neighbors.

Different districts have their own set of zoning ordinances that may not agree with your plans for the lot. There are also many lots that were created prior to the shore land rules being put in place, and some of these may be too small to house a well or septic system. Depending on the intended use of the property, the lot shape may also be a consideration.

Land elevations are extremely important to consider when deciding on a location for your home. To minimize the risk of flooding, the basement or lowest part of your house should be at least three feet above the highest known water level. Sewage treatment systems should be inspected before you make any purchase, since these have similar restrictions and may require costly upgrades.

If the lot is situated on a steep slope, in order to prevent erosion, there are very specific rules that must be adhered to. Undesirable soil conditions can add thousands of additional dollars to a sewage treatment system if there is an improper balance of soil types. In general, a filled wetland makes an unstable base and development in these areas should be avoided.

You may have plans to remove some unsightly shrubs at the water’s edge; however, there are strict rules regulating the amount of vegetation that can be removed. If you were planning to add enough fill to create a sandy beach, you would require DNR approval to make any sort of changes at or below the water’s edge. It may be to your advantage to seek out a lot that already has a sandy shoreline.

The DNR shore land standards apply to all lakes greater than 25 acres (10 acres in municipalities). It may seem like a lot of rules to conform to, but the fresh water from Minnesota’s many lakes is a valuable resource, and adhering to these standards helps to ensure our future generations share the same enjoyment of these waters.

Experience the high standards and professionalism at Century 21 in your search for Minnesota real estate. Let their winning team help you with all your Fergus Falls real estate needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Olson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lake-Front-Property—Look-Before-You-Leap!&id=786054

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Minnesota Mortgage – What to Expect When Buying a Home in Minnesota

By Jessica Elliott

Maybe you’re buying your first home in Minnesota, or perhaps you’re relocating to Minnesota from another state. Either way, it’s important that you educate yourself on Minnesota home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you’ll need to know before buying a home in Minnesota:

The median price of a home in Minnesota is $122,400. The price of homes in Minnesota varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $320,000; however, in Plymouth, Minnesota, the median price of a home was $214,000, and in Forest Lake, Minnesota, it was $225,000. Average interest and job growth rates in South Dakota are both below the national average.

Minnesota law prohibits the financing of points and fees on a mortgage that are more than 5% of the loan amount. Additionally, Minnesota limits the ownership of agricultural land to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and corporations owned at least 80% by U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The state of Minnesota does not regulate home radon levels. This means that home buyers must test for radon levels in the home they are purchasing and decide for themselves how much radon is acceptable in their home.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Minnesota Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Elliott
http://EzineArticles.com/?Minnesota-Mortgage—What-to-Expect-When-Buying-a-Home-in-Minnesota&id=263529

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Minnesota

Minnesota

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Twin Cities Minnesota

Interested in visiting the state of Minnesota? If so, you definitely won’t want to miss taking the time to visit the twin cities. These cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are two of the biggest and most visited cities in the entire state. So, you definitely won’t want to miss them. Of course there are those that are not entirely familiar with these cities, their long history, and how exciting they can be. Here’s a closer look at these two cities, what defines them, their history, and the cities as they are today.

The Twin Cities

So, you may be wondering what exactly the twin cities refers to. Well, the “twin cities” are comprised of the huge metro areas of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Between the two cities there are many sporting events, cultural productions, and many different avenues of entertainment as well. Both of the cities in MN have many different museums that people can tour as well. The two cities come together and definitely make up a huge metro area that includes many things to do, for visitors and locals alike.

Separated by the Mississippi River

There is one thing that basically sets the twin cities apart – the Mississippi river. This river runs right in between the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Not only is the river the divider between the two cities in Minnesota, but the river is also a place where a huge amount of recreational activity takes place as well. Even the history of the two cities is based around the river, so the Mississippi river definitely plays an important part for both of the twin cities.

History of St. Paul

When it comes to the twin cities, it’s a great idea to take a look at the history of St. Paul. This city happens to be the second largest city that is in the state of Minnesota. This city was spurred off of the Fort Snelling, which was a military presence that was in the area. It was actually the first presence in the area for the U.S. military. It was located on the Mississippi River and was first established back in 1819.  The fort was actually established in the area so that the Americans could establish their own dominance over the fur trade on the Minnesota and the Mississippi rivers.

One bootlegger who was a retired fur trader decided to move his operation down the river a bit and he put it on the North bank. It eventually got the name of Pig’s Eye. Later the area would formally get the name Saint Paul, which was suggested by a priest in the area. The area is basically the gateway on the river towards the Midwest, and many steamboats found their way through the area. For some time the town was a railroad time as well and is often known as “The Last City of the East.”

History of Minneapolis

On the other hand, of the twin cities, you also have Minneapolis, which also has a rich history that originated in much the same way. It is the largest city in the state and it too originated from Fort Snelling. However, this city had a lot to do with Saint Anthony Falls as well, which gave the power needed for various flour and saw mills that were run. Once the land in the area was able to be settled, there were two different towns that were established. On the west side was Minneapolis, and on the east side was Saint Anthony. Later in 1872 these two towns would become one city. The industry in the area was mainly based on milling and soon the city was the top center of flour production. It earned the common name, “Mill City.”

It also began to become quite big in the railroad and banking industry as well. In fact, still today this city is a center in the banking industry. The area still has two of the biggest milling companies in the world, the Pillsbury Company as well as the General Mills company, although the two have now merged together.

The Cities Today

Today you will find that both of the twin cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, are growing cities. The skylines have definitely changed over the years, with tall buildings easily seen from the Mississippi River. There are now parks, museums, and various modes of entertainment to be found in both of the cities. However, as you cross the river, you will find the two cities to be quite different. In fact, you may even find that they are competitive. With the rich history and unique culture, they are definitely worth visiting if you venture into Minnesota.

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