To find out more information about the Minnetonka Assistance Program please email us at clientcare@preferredhometeam.com

Who do you trust to give you advice?  This is one of my favorite questions to ask my clients.  It really is amazing at some of the answers I hear.  They range from my husband or wife, my friends, my management team to the internet or media.

These are all good sources but is the information they give you tailored to your goals and objectives.  Is this advice emotional or a reaction to short term issues?  Is this advice given from an outside prospective?

As a general statement there is one major differentiator between companies or individuals that are successful and ones that are not; the successful ones have put together a ‘team’ of advisors they rely upon to make decisions. 

Let’s think about this for a minute. 

Our mind is programmed to think we can do everything ourselves.  We don’t need advice or help from others.  I fall victim to this thought process from time to time.  It takes discipline and humility to ask for help.  Our mind fights asking for help from others but experience tells us that asking typically yields better outcomes than going it alone.

Having a team of advisors that clearly understand your goals and objectives can provide the following:

1. Vast range of professional and personal experiences
2. Different expertise / knowledge basis
3. Provide emotionally intelligent advice
4. Provide clarity from outside the forest we live in

Take time to evaluate who is on your team?  Are they bringing value to you?  Are they on your team because they are friends or are they on your team because they are the best at what they do?  (Friends can be a great resource and a part of your team but make sure they are on your team for the right reasons.)

Build that team and make sure you meet with them on a regular basis to assure everyone clearly understands your goals and objectives.  It may be the best investment you make!

Check out our team at www.RealEstateRadioHour.com

Since the mortgage crisis, getting loans and buying a home has gotten more complex and can take even longer than before to qualify. This shouldn't discourage you but rather encourage you to get everything in order to make sure you can purchase a home.

Act now. Timing the market and waiting to see if you can get the absolute rock bottom interest rate, can cause you to lose the home you love. Of course, we all want to save money and get the best deal but understanding that when you find a home you really like, trying to wait to see if the rates/price will drop, could cost you the deal. Certainly negotiating is always part of real estate, but just keep in mind that if you're not careful you could time yourself out of the home you really want.

Stay on top of your home sale. If you're in a situation like many buyers are where the purchase of their new home is depending on the sale of their current home, then you must stay on top of your home sale. Contingency sales are sometimes easier to negotiate in a buyer's market.

Keep in mind that the house-hunting process for your new home, is, of course, only part of the deal. That means that keeping up your own home while it's on the market is vital. Sometimes buyers get so busy shopping for their next home that they end up leaving their current listed home a mess. This could turn off a potential buyer; it happens all the time. So do the juggle --keep an eye on how appealing your home is to a buyer while shopping for your new home as a buyer.  

Announcing 3.625% rate for Minnesota Mortgage Program

As of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, Minnesota Housing lowered all first-time homebuyer program interest rates, with the lowest rates currently under the Minnesota Mortgage Program (MMP) at 3.625% for government loans and 4.000% for conventional loans (conventional rate includes all pricing adjustments).  

In addition, for clients who are ready to buy and interested in 100% LTV financing, consider using the  Affordable Advantage product, now at 4.375%. 

Please note, these rates are subject to change at any time, and this is not an offer to enter into an interest rate agreement. Such an agreement may only be made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 47.206, Subds. 3 and 4.

For more information please contact us at info@preferredhometeam.com

Your credit score is a number that helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. This score affects your ability to obtain credit and helps determine what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages on Minneapolis St Paul homes. Even your insurance rate is related to your score. The higher your score, often referred to as a FICO score, the more apt you are to be approved for and pay a lower interest rate on new loans. Scores ranging from 650 and below are considered bad and indicate to the lender that you are a very high risk. Chances are you will be unable to secure a loan, or if you are, it will be at a much higher interest rate and/or require a cosigner.

What If there Are Errors

What to do if you have a low score and do not qualify for a mortgage on a Minneapolis St Paul home? Your first action should be to check your credit report for errors. If you find erroneous information, you need to act immediately by contacting both the credit bureau (the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and the organization that provided that information.

• The credit bureau/agency: Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to the bureau pointing out each inaccuracy and enclose copies of documents which support your claim as well as the report itself (with the misinformation highlighted). Factually explain why you dispute each item and request a deletion or correction for each one.

• The creditor or information provider: Send the same type of letter and enclose the same documents. Request that the provider notify you of action taken (generally within 90 days) so that you can verify the amended information.

If there are no errors on your report, then you should take immediate steps to improve your credit. Ways to do this include the following:

1. Stop using your credit cards. Do not continue to accumulate debt.

2. Get current on delinquent accounts. Since payment history makes up 35% of your score, this action will have a great impact on your score.

3. Keep accounts with balances open, but don’t apply for more credit.

4. Call your creditors. Explain your financial situation and ask about possible hardship programs which will temporarily reduce your monthly payments.

5. Begin paying off your existing debts, even if you have to sell some belongings to do so. Come up with a get-out-of-debt plan and stick to it.

6. Get professional help. There are resources available to help you reestablish a good credit rating. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for assistance.

7. Be patient. Realize that improving your credit score takes time and that there is no quick-fix --and keep in mind your goal of owning a Minneapolis St Paul home.

After you have identified the improvement desired and the level of expertise required to do the job, your next step is to find the appropriate worker. If that person is you, there are many sources to assist you. Businesses such as Home Depot, Lowes, and carpet/tile retailers often give free “how to” clinics in the evenings or on weekends and have helpful handouts to guide you. There are also innumerable web sites for the novice to advanced do-it-yourselfer which provide, articles, diagrams, videos, advice from professionals, and step=by=step instructions for a myriad of fix=ups or upgrades ranging from hooking up an icemaker tore facing kitchen cabinets to laying floors and constructing a patio. Some helpful sites are DYInetwork.com, DYIAdvice.com, HomeandGardenAdvice.com, and HomeImprovements-and-Financing.com.

You may have determined that you want the services of a professional, but do you want a handyman or a specialist? The latter, the more expensive of the two, has a depth of experience in his/her field but is limited to work in that field. A handyman, while not as experienced, offers a breadth of skills--he/she can hang your ceiling fan as well as paint your ceiling. Check out websites which help in locating dependable handymen and reputable specialists. www.AngiesList.com will not only assist you in finding the right match for your needs, it will also warn you about individuals/companies who have garnered complaints from customers. You may also want to check out franchise businesses such as www.MrHandyman.com--more expensive but more likely to be insured and bonded.

Your reason for upgrading your Minneapolis St Paul real estate may be to increase your quality of life or reflect a changing lifestyle (addition of a home office or a screened- in patio), decrease utility bills by becoming more energy efficient (installation of upscale siding or quality windows), or adding value to your property (kitchen island, renovated bathroom). Whatever the purpose, be sure to take advantage of the internet and local businesses--and do enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Get the current value of your Minneapolis St Paul real estate.

A knowledgeable and understanding real estate agent who is familiar with the needs and desires of the 55+ set, combined with the services of an attorney who specializes in both real estate and estate planning and an accountant who deals with senior tax implications, can be invaluable to you in looking at all aspects of selling your Minneapolis St Paul real estate and helping you determine what is best for you. Senior Expert Margie Behr also advises that you think about taking out a home equity loan before you put your house on the market and that you involve your whole family in the decision-making process.

If you do decide to sell, BankRate.com cautions you to first get a written market analysis and a financial evaluation which will help you and your team of advisors address the realities of the market, your investments, and tax objectives.

Once underway in the selling process, you‘ll have to prepare your Minneapolis St Paul real estate for showing to potential buyers. That includes removing, storing, or giving away some large furnishing, heirlooms, or collections, and making your home as “clutter-free“ as possible. If this task looms too large for you to deal with by yourself, your real estate agent can provide you with qualified, responsible people who will make the burden much lighter. Remember that a well-maintained property with plenty of open space makes the house seem larger and shows off its assets.

The exterior, too, needs attention so that its “curb appeal“ will make shoppers want to come inside and investigate further. Keep lawns mowed, bushes trimmed, and flower beds fresh and colorful. Walkways, siding/brick, and roofs should be in good condition and entranceways must be attractive and inviting.

What and where to buy? Bankrate.com stresses the importance of looking at all your options and comparing them to your physical needs-now and in the future. Carefully consider the benefits to a one-level home or a building with an elevator. Would a condo with no maintenance required be best for you? Have you thought about a retirement community? You’ll need to determine the value of being close to friends, doctors, churches, stores, public transportation, and facilities which foster leisure pursuits. Do you golf? Want to be involved in a recreational senior center? Will you want trails or bike paths nearby? Be sure to visit areas you are seriously considering--often and at different times of the day. Talk with current residents, drop in the stores, walk around the community with family members or a friend. You can also do some reconnaissance online at [our website] which give you very useful demographic information re: income, population, employment, crime rate, etc., or you can Google a specific neighborhood.

Two final precautions:

1) don’t commit to a vacate date on the Minneapolis St Paul real estate you’re selling until you have secured a new residence. You don’t want to have to move twice!

2) if family is really important to you, don’t move too far from them. Many grandparents have regretted their move so much that they have moved back to be closer to the children!

As you go through the process of relocating to/from your Minneapolis St Paul real estate, view it as an adventure, a chance to view the world from a different setting, meet new people, and make new friends--and enjoy the journey!

Basic terminology;

• Fixed rate--The interest rates do not change during the life of the loan, thus allowing you to know the amount of your payments.

• Adjustable rate (ARM)--the interest rate is tied to certain indexes plus a margin and can fluctuate up or down, thus affecting each payment,

• Step--the interest rate and monthly payment remain the same for a specified period of time. After that the interest will change to the prevailing rate and will remain there for the duration of the loan.

Balloon--a loan payment that expands after a certain amount of time. Basically it functions similarly to a fixed rate mortgage in the earlier months/years with a delayed steep increase at the end,

The following information, courtesy of Mortgages.Interest.com, outlines the type of mortgage, the loan characteristics, and the situations most appropriate for each one. If, for instance, you plan to live in your Minneapolis St Paul home more than 10 years and desire stability in payment amounts, then a fixed rate mortgage is for you. If, however, your finances are currently strained, but you know that in 5 to 10 years your monetary situation will improve or that you will most likely move within 10 years, then an ARM or balloon mortgage may be better for you. Being familiar with these options allows you to discuss them intelligently with your real estate agent and/or lender and then select the type which best fits your circumstances.

Fixed rate mortgage (30, 20, 15, 10 years)*

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for the entire term of the loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*like total payment stability

0/1 year adjustable rate mortgage1

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 10 years
*Starting the 11th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR
*plan to move within 10 years
 *want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7/23 (2-Step) or '30 due in 7' mortgage

Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*Conversion option: On the 8th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*can tolerate one payment adjustment OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*want to remain in force in case plans change

7/1 year adjustable rate mortgage

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*Starting the 8th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of the loan
*plan to live in property more than 7 years
*like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7 year balloon mortgage

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*At the end of 7 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
*plan to live in property more than 7 years
*are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*like payment stability

In addition, there are variations of the ARM, step, and balloon mortgages which differ primarily in the duration of the loan and of the planned residency.

Another good source of information for first-time Minneapolis St Paul home buyers is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an agency which oversees FHA loans. This type of loan is particularly useful if you have little money for a down payment, less than great credit, or large monthly bills. An FHA loan requires as little as 3% down (and it can be a gift from a relative or friend). In terms of your credit rating, the FHA is primarily concerned that for the past two years you have paid bills in a timely manner and have been steadily employed. With FHA you have to wait only two years after declaring bankruptcy, and your debit-to-credit ratio can be higher than for a conventional loan. You can qualify for an FHA loan if your monthly payments are no more than 43% of your income, and, as with conventional loans, you can choose from many types.

Of course, there are some negatives to consider before taking on an FHA loan. Interest rates generally run about 1/8 of a percentage point higher than conventional rates, but the real disadvantage of an FHA loan is that the borrower must pay an up-front insurance premium of 1.75% of the mortgage if the down payment is less than 20%. This cost can, however, be added to your total loan amount.

So there you have it--an easy-to-understand guide to mortgage types. As always, you should feel free to contact me anytime with questions. I am glad to recommend a number of outstanding mortgage lenders if you are interested in talking with one.

Search all Minneapolis St Paul homes for sale.

There is, however, a painless way to lessen the angst and allow you to cope well (maybe even enjoy) the relocation process--and that is organization. While you may be proficient at researching and hiring a moving company and finding a reliable Realtor to sell your current residence and help you find the perfect Minneapolis St Paul home, there are numerous “small” steps you can take to eliminate unpleasant surprises later on and to make the process go more smoothly.

FINANCES:

To alleviate any concerns you may have about the financial ramifications of living in a new city by comparing the cost of living in two places. This site will help you calculate how far your salary will go in your new location.

SCHOOLS:

Get pertinent information about school systems throughout the U.S. Learn about the student/teacher ratio, instructional costs per pupil, special programs, number of students going on to higher education, etc. Also Google the board of education in your new city for information.

AMENITIES:

The Chamber of Commerce can help you learn about religious facilities, cultural opportunities, parks and outdoor activities, hospitals and health care availability, and a myriad of other questions you may have--perhaps adult education

LOCAL REGULATIONS:

You should investigate in advance property taxes and/or local assessments. Learn about average utility charges, trash/recycling rules and facilities, and licensing and car registration procedures in the area of your Minneapolis St Paul home.

TRANSPORTATION:

Do you require public transportation? Does the new location offer mass transit? Is traffic congestion a problem? Best to be forewarned in this area. Go online to contact the municipal/governmental offices or the Department of Transportation in the new location.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Make arrangements in advance to get legal documents and school and medical records before you leave your present location. Also, if your current bank does not have a branch in the new city, look into setting up a new bank account before you actually move. Begin now to fill out change of address cards to send to magazines, credit card companies, etc. It’s so much easier to do this before moving!

While your move to your new Minneapolis St Paul home may necessarily be an exciting adventure, by eliminating worries of the unknown and becoming familiar with your new surroundings in advance, you can anticipate and actually look forward to beginning a new phase of your life.

REASONS FOR A LOW APPRAISAL:

• Overpricing by you, the seller

• Declining market values

• An abundance of foreclosures or short sales in your neighborhood

• Inflated price resulting from multiple offers

• Incorrect evaluation by the underwriter

• Cash back to the buyer from the seller

• Error on the part of the appraiser                
  

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE:

• Lower the price on your Minneapolis St Paul real estate. Research the latest comps for your area, think realistically about your asking price, and decide if you are willing to begin the whole process again.

• Ask the buyer to make up the difference in cash.

• Offer to carry a second mortgage for the buyer if the above option is not possible.

• Check the appraisal for errors in information about your Minneapolis St Paul real estate.  Is the square footage correct? What about the number of bedrooms or bathrooms? Have any recent improvements you’ve made to the property been included? If not, appeal the appraisal.

• Supply to the underwriter a list of recent comparable sales that justify the selling price and ask for a review of the appraisal.

• Order a new appraisal. Although you or your buyer will have to pay for it out of pocket, it could certainly be money well spent if it results in a higher appraisal. If your loan is an FHA loan, ask your lender for a list of approved appraisers. If it is a conventional loan, it is subject to the rules of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC).

• Cancel the transaction. The last resort after trying to resolve the situation. Most purchase contracts contain a loan contingency dealing with low appraisals.

What is your Minneapolis St Paul real estate worth?

1. The MI premium changes apply to purchases, regular refinances and streamline refinances only (reverse mortgages have different MI premium changes).
   
   
2. The current Up Front MI premium is 2.25% of the loan amount and the new Up Front MI premium will be 1.0% of the loan amount for all standard FHA programs.
   
   
3. The current monthly MI premium is .55% and the new monthly MI premium will be .90% if the Loan-to-Value is GREATER than 95% on 30 year loans. Since most buyers put only the minimum 3.5% down this applies to most loans.
   
   
4. The current monthly MI premium is now .50% for Loan-to-Values EQUAL to or LESS than 95% on 30 year loans and the new monthly MI premium will be .85%.
   
   
5. The Annual premium is now .25% for Loan-to-Values GREATER than 90% on 15 year loans.
6. There is no monthly MI premium Loan-to-Values EQUAL to or LESS than 90% on 15 year loans.

FHA is still a fantastic loan program and appropriate for many Minneapolis St Paul home buyers to qualify as FHA is more lenient on credit scores than conventional loans. The reduction in upfront MI (which is typically financed into the loan) is terrific since this was a big chunk of the down payment. However, the hike in the monthly MI will definitely make conventional loans with Private Mortgage Insurance more attractive again for those buyers who can qualify for either loan option.

Future Increases

This new law also gives FHA the authority to raise the Annual MI premium, at will, up to 1.5% for Loan-to-Values at or below 95% and 1.55% for Loan-to-Value more than 95%. If that were to occur, FHA loans would be far less competitive than conventional PMI.

If you have questions about the changes to the Up Front and Annual MI premiums and how it will impact your Minneapolis St Paul home purchase or refinance, please feel free to give me a call so we can discuss over the phone.

Search all Minneapolis St Paul homes for sale.

Minneapolis MN Foreclosure Activity By Zip Code

Minneapolis MN Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Minneapolis MN foreclosure activity was 0.01% lower than national statistics, 0.11% higher than Minnesota statistics, and 0.26% lower than Anoka County statistics for the month of June.

Minneapolis MN Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned properties increased from 77 homes in June to 248 in July. The number of Auctions increased from 123 to 127. The 6-month trend reflects a rise in Minneapolis MN foreclosures.

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a MInneapolis MN foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. Give me a call for a private consultation.

1. Insulate. Insulate. Insulate. Use pipe insulators to keep hot water hot for a longer time and a hot water heater blanket ($10.00 to $20.00) to both prevent temperature loss and reduce the amount of electricity/gas needed to maintain the water temperature. Be aware that the further heat or air conditioning has to travel, the greater the temperature loss. Insulating your heating and cooling ducts can prevent up to 60% of this loss. Remember that even a small area of inadequate or damaged insulation can greatly reduce efficiency.

2. Reduce heating/cooling expenses. Replace or clean all filters on a regular basis to reduce inefficiency. Eliminate all sources of drafts by checking windows, doors, electrical outlets, fireplaces, and attic floors for leaks (even small cracks lead to energy loss) and by using caulking or weather stripping to seal them. In addition, for a cost of $200 to $400, you can run a blower door test to discover the main, and many times hidden, sources of energy leaks in your home.

It is also important to schedule a HVAC cleaning/checkup every two years and to investigate the need for a programmable thermostat to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. If your windows, aging appliances, furnace, or hot water heater needs to be replaced, you should certainly consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products to save 10% to 30% of the usual operating costs.

3. Consume less water. Take steps to reduce this expense by installing low flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.

4. Don’t ignore the outside. Planting shade trees and shrubs in strategic locations on the grounds of your Minneapolis St Paul home can lower your cooling costs by as much as 25%, and because they also act as wind barriers, your heating costs can be reduced by up to 20%. In addition, the leafless trees will allow sunshine through in the winter (good for mental health as well as warmth). Also consider water conservation when landscaping. Look for lawn grasses and plants that are drought resistant and natural to the area.

The “Go Green” slogan is not a passing fad. Realistic buyers, who are both cost-conscious and ecologically aware, want to own a Minneapolis St Paul home that reduces their day-to-day utility expenses and allows them to play a part in preserving the environment. The purchase of a green home benefits both the buyer and the seller in today’s market.

Learn more about selling a Minneapolis St Paul home.

What's your Minneapolis St Paul home worth?

1. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers explanations and logical steps to home buying. Access this site to:

• determine how much you can afford to pay

• understand your rights

• learn about home buying programs

• find a home and a loan suited to your needs

• learn about price negotiations, inspections, insurance, and closing costs

2. FHAHomeLoans.com will provide you with

• a description of available programs

• qualification requirements

• a application to download

3. HUD.gov supplies information about

• available state programs

• HUD homes

• buying Minneapolis St Paul real estate with bad credit

• counseling agencies

• types of loans

4. Fannie Mae brings you a home buyer’s guide which involves

• a glossary of terms

• financing tips

• advice on making an offer on a Fannie Mae owned piece of Minneapolis St Paul real estate.

5. For low-income individuals who don’t have funding, can’t secure a conventional mortgage, or need a lower down payment, an option is obtaining grants.

6. And finally, potential homebuyers with disabilities should check out MortgageLoan.com for available resources.

Pending home sales in June edged lower in contrast to the spring surge when buyers rushed to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index declined 2.6 percent to 75.7 based on contracts signed in June. Down from 77.7 in May, and is 18.6 percent below June 2009 when it was 93.0. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said lower home sales are expected in the short term. “Over the short term, inventory will look high relative to home sales. However, since home prices have come down to fundamentally justifiable levels, there isn’t likely to be any meaningful change to national home values. Some local markets continue to show strengthening prices.”

Let's take a look at Minneapolis St Paul real estate sales statistics for July 2010 to determine if the local market is following the national trend.

Minneapolis St Paul Real Estate Sales Statistics - July 2010

Additional Monthly Indicators

Supply Demand Ratio

One-Year Change: + 63.5%
Two-Year Change: + 8.64%

Housing Affordability Index

One-Year Change: + 5.1%
Two-Year Change: + 42.4%

Months Supply of Inventory

One-Year Change: + 8.3%
Two-Year Change: - 25.7%

Be sure to tune in on Saturdays at 10AM for an informative hour on real estate. Hopefully you will also take the time to check out our websites. Make sure to let us know if you would like to see anything else. We are here to earn your business!

Ryan and Chris
Preferred Home Team
at The Realty House
612-750-3246
www.MinnesotaTopAgent.com
www.PreferredHomeTeam.com
www.RealEstateRadioHour.com

1. Insist on an in-home survey and estimate. Movers have to actually see what needs to be moved and be aware of items requiring special attention, such as pianos or valued art pieces. In addition, by meeting the mover’s representative in person, you can get a feel for the way customers are treated by the company. It is also important that you disclose at this time any details, such as elevator availability, street restrictions, etc., to avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day.

2. Beware of too low a price. While price is certainly a major consideration in making your selection, you need to question a low-ball estimate, Are there hidden charges? Is the firm reliable? Does it value your business? Is it a licensed, insured mover? Check the web at www.protectyourmove.com for this information and for a record of customer complaints.

3. Avoid the busy season. Good moving companies are especially busy in the summer and in the first and fourth weeks of the month. Plan ahead and reserve early to get the mover and time frame you want. Remember that the best deals can usually be found in the winter and in the second and third weeks of the month.

4. Sign a contract. Do not begin a move without first signing a binding agreement which spells out all the services you are to receive and the total amount you’ll be expected to pay. Do you have insurance options? What is the charge for that? If you’re not comfortable with the document, trust your instinct and don’t sign!

5. Have a budget. Be informed and realistic about your overall moving costs. Be sure to include travel to your Minneapolis St Paul home, any hotel and meals expenses, auto transport, and insurance.

6. Do unto others… Your movers will respond well to smiles and a positive attitude

They also appreciate offers of coffee, water, soft drinks, and tips for quality service.

The city has many reputable and reliable moving companies who want your business and will work with you to make your moving experience as stress-free as possible. By following these six steps, your relocation to your new Minneapolis St Paul home can actually be rewarding!

8 Staging Tips For A Minneapolis St Paul Open House

1. Remove the clutter.

Having a garage sale is out when removing clutter because the Open House is only a week away. You don’t want to stuff the garage or closets to the gills either. One solution is to rent an off-site storage facility or stack boxes neatly in a basement or crawlspace.

2. Stage each room.

The first thing to do is clean from top to bottom. Make sure windows and light fixtures shine and are in working order. If the room is crowded, put some furniture in the storage facility. Finally, pick a focal point that will attract buyers when they see the room. For example, the focal point of a bedroom is usually the bed, and for a music room, it’s the piano.

3. Use the rule of three.

First, remove everything from counters and table tops, including coffee tables and side tables. Then re-accessorize using the rule of three…using 3 items of varying heights. For example, on an end table you can place a lamp (high), a small plant (medium), and a book (low).

4. Make a child’s room more appealing.

Your goal is to appeal to the largest number of buyers and allow them to see themselves living in your home. Not all buyers will have children. Growth charts, posters, and school projects are personal items become a distraction and should be removed. Also, de-clutter shelves and closets. If you have time, tone down the colors. Bright wall colors can make a room appear smaller.

5. Remove signs of pets.

Not all potential Minneapolis St Paul home buyers are pet lovers. Remove pets from the property and put away water bowls, food dishes and pet beds.

6. Make it odor free.

Cigarette smells, pet odors and distinctive cooling smells are not pleasant for buyers. Make your home odor free by airing out the house for a few days prior to the Open House or rent an air purifier.

7. Make the outside shine.

First impressions are important. If buyers are turned off by the outside of your home, they will never go inside. Clean off the driveway, mow the lawn, trim edges, pull the weeds and put down fresh mulch in the flower beds. Plant colorful annuals in beds or pots. Make sure the house is clean and paint the front door if needed.

8. Welcome buyers home.

Remember you want your home to say ‘Welcome Home’ to potential buyers. You want them to mentally move into your home and make it theirs. Bake a fresh batch of cookies and leave them on the kitchen table with a pitcher of lemonade. Then go to the park with the kids or visit friends. Somehow remove the family from the house and let your Realtor show the home off to its next owners!

Get more information on selling your Minneapolis St Paul home.

What’s your Minneapolis St Paul home worth?

Here are 9 helpful hints if you are considering selling your Minneapolis St Paul home:

• Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.

• Know your true bottom line for both price and time.

• As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.

• Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.

• Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.

• Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator. Buyers will know your house is well cared for.

• Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn and shrubs are neatly trimmed.

• Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.

• Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.

• Be sure to ask for a Merchandising Review before listing your property.

Learn more about selling your Minneapolis St Paul home.

What’s your Minneapolis St Paul home worth?