Real Estate Blog 
Zero Down Payment option for Minneapolis and St Paul First Time Home Buyers
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 6:47pm. 30 Views, 0 Comments.
Affordable Advantage - Zero Down Payment Loan
Can’t Save the 3.5% for an FHA Loan? Can You Save ZERO?
It’s back and in style, the true Minneapolis and St Paul MN zero down payment program. For a few years now, the most minimum down payment you can do is 3.5% with FHA. And FHA has had its fair share of hurdles, from appraisal issues to a pretty major upfront mortgage insurance premium that you finance over the term of your loan. I am not bashing FHA. It’s a great program. I am here to say that there just may be a better one now!
Thanks to MN Housing putting their collective brains together with US Bank, we have Affordable Advantage ! CONVENTIONAL alternative to FHA and one that will benefit you way more! It is true; minimum down is available on…
Do you have RADON in your home?? Get it Tested!
Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 1:28pm. 165 Views, 1 Comments.
We have all heard in the news of high levels of radon being found in homes. As a real estate agent, I strongly encourage my buyers to not only get a home inspection, but to also have their potential future home tested for radon. So you may ask, WHAT IS RADON? Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically surfaces up through the soil to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside and can over time build up inside your home. According to the EPA, radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancers a year. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking!
I recently had my own…
Carolyn Capablo Is Reclaiming Her Name
Sunday, June 6th, 2010 at 6:03pm. 155 Views, 0 Comments.
For real estate agents, their name is the basis of their reputation. It is how the community recognizes their business. Often, their name is the centerpiece to their brand. A REALTOR's success can actually be determined by whether or not potential clients know their name. When something tarnishes that name, it can have a serious impact on that agent’s reputation. When it happens to an agent through no fault of their own, it’s downright heartbreaking.
Usually a REALTOR’s dream, North Virginia real estate professional Carolyn Capalbo's phone has been ringing like crazy. Unfortunately, the reality is that Carolyn Capalbo is living a nightmare for two years. Her identity has been mistaken for a different Carolyn Capalbo, whose name has been associated with a…
Rockford...A Quaint "Up and Coming" Western Suburb
Monday, April 26th, 2010 at 10:32pm. 163 Views, 1 Comments.
Rockford, MN is situated just west of Plymouth along the beautiful Crow River. The city's rolling hills and mature trees offer a multitude of affordable options for home buyers in comparison to many other western suburbs of the Twin Cities.
Rockford's downtown area is booming with everything from bars and resturants to small businesses and the city's largest park and library. It also boasts a "state of the art" school district where the elementary school has taken a unique approach to adopting an art's inquiry-based curriculum. Neighboring Rebecca Lake Park Reserve offers year-round fun with a public beach on Lake Rebecca, canoeing access on the Crow River, and miles of biking and horse riding trails throughout the park.
One of the newest…
23 Days Left!
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 at 2:22pm. 108 Views, 0 Comments.
Home Buyer Tax Credit Expiring
Just a reminder that the home buyer tax credit will expire at the end of this month. Don't miss out on the chance for an $8,000 tax credit just for buying the home you want to purchase anyway!
Have We Hit The Bottom?
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 5:03pm. 375 Views, 0 Comments.
The Question I Most Often Get
Many people ask me, "Have we hit the bottom of the real estate market? Are prices going to go lower?". The answer is clear as mud. One thing is for sure, hind sight is 20/20 and you will be kicking yourself if you don't buy into this market!
Even within one geographical area, like the Twin Cities, the bottom will hit at various times. Each market is different, from neighborhoods to types of housing and every combination. What is consistent, is the general upward or downward movement in housing prices.
Our market has taken quite a hit. Our prices are the lowest they've been in several years. Has the exact type of home you would like hit rock bottom? It might already be on the upswing, or it might not quite be at the very…
Cafe Latte, St. Paul
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 3:23pm. 231 Views, 1 Comments.
Barbeque Chicken Potato Pizza?
I've always loved Cafe Latte in St. Paul. They have great sandwiches and salads. I have frequented the original portion of the restaurant, and haven't paid much attention to their wine and pizza bar. BIG mistake! I went there with friends a couple of weekends ago, and it was a great, casual spot to spend an evening. My recommendation? The barbeque chicken potato pizza! I know, it doesn't sound nearly as good as it is!
http://cafelatte.com/pizza.html
Lake Como? No...Como Lake
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 1:52pm. 468 Views, 0 Comments.
Listing Inquiries That Make Me Giggle
Our website is a very convenient way for buyers to search local areas for homes that fit their needs and immediately submit an inquiry or a showing request. I answer these inquiries and showing requests daily, and love it! The inquiries range from the simplest questions to more in depth about particular properties. It often amazes me what buyers think of when purchasing a house, even after doing this for a number of years. We also receive inquiries from all over the globe, as we often have relocation clients.
One such inquiry came in recently. A gentleman had particular interest in a home on Como Lake in St. Paul. He wanted detailed information on the listing, as well as the most recent asking price. I happily sent…
Buyer Tax Credit Extension
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 2:29pm. 155 Views, 1 Comments.
Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009
Good news...the "first-time buyer credit", as many call it, has been extended and modified! The new law extends the deadline for purchasing a home and includes current homeowners. It also raises the income limitations for those eligible for the credit.
Under the new law, buyers must enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. Current homeowners that have lived in their home as their principal residence for at least five consecutive years of the last eight years are also eligible for a slightly smaller credit of up to $6,500 (versus the $8,000 for first-time buyers).
Finally, the income limitations have been increase from $75,000 to $125,00 for individuals and…
Ike's Food & Cocktails
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 5:53pm. 148 Views, 0 Comments.
Sticky Buns the Size of Your Head!
This may not be news to some...but Ike's at 50 South 6th Street downtown Minneapolis has a great brunch! I definitely would not consider myself a foodie, but I had heard great things about Ike's and wanted to try it. My family and I were greeted with a smile, promptly seated, and delivered a sticky bun the size of my head upon being seated. The brunch itself was also good and the check came with chocolate chip cookies! If you are ever downtown Minneapolis and the brunch mood hits....Ike's will deliver!
Zero Down Payment option for Minneapolis and St Paul First Time Home Buyers
Affordable Advantage - Zero Down Payment Loan Can’t Save the 3.5% for an FHA Loan? Can You Save ZERO? I... Add Comment Read MoreDo you have RADON in your home?? Get it Tested!
We have all heard in the news of high levels of radon being found in homes. As a real estate agent, I strongl... 2Comments Read MoreCarolyn Capablo Is Reclaiming Her Name
For real estate agents, their name is the basis of their reputation. It is how the community recognizes their business. Often... Add Comment Read MoreWe're always on the lookout for talented real estate agents to join our growing team.
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