Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Traditional Market Share Dominates as Sellers Re-enter the Scene

November 12, 2013

Traditional Market Share Dominates as Sellers Re-enter the Scene

 

MAAR-October-2013-Stats-News-Release
Minneapolis, Minnesota (November 12, 2013) – The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan housing market continued along the path toward recovery in October. While some measures suggest a slowing in the pace of recovery, this
deceleration is primarily the result of a healing distressed segment. Sellers felt more confident as new listings rose 15.1 percent to 6,102, marking the seventh consecutive year-over-year increase in monthly seller activity. Buyers
closed on 4,495 homes, a modest 1.9 percent increase over last October. Consumers have 15,556 properties from which to choose – or just 3.7 percent fewer than last October, but 19.2 percent more than in January 2013.
The market-wide median sales price was unchanged from September 2013 at $195,000, but was up 11.4 percent compared to October 2012. In October 2011, foreclosures and short sales together comprised 46.2 percent of all closed
sales. In October 2013, these two segments made up only 21.5 percent of all sales. For new listings, the same October figure dropped from 42.4 percent in 2011 to 19.5 percent of all new listings in 2013.
“The slight decrease in pending sales activity is entirely attributable to declines in the number of contracts signed on foreclosure and short sale properties,” said Andy Fazendin, President of the Minneapolis Area Association
of REALTORS® (MAAR).
Traditional pending sales activity was up 19.7 percent while foreclosure and short sale contracts were down about 33.7 and 50.8 percent, respectively. Closed sales increased 1.9 percent overall, but traditional closed sales rose 23.6
percent. Foreclosure sales and short sales were down 32.9 and 50.0 percent, respectively. New listings rose 15.1 percent overall, but traditional seller activity increased 39.0 percent higher as foreclosure and short sale new
listings fell 24.4 and 50.1 percent, respectively.
On average, homes are spending 75 days on the market – the quickest October pace in seven years. Sellers are receiving an average of 95.8 percent of their original list price – the highest October ratio since 2006. The Twin Cities
metro now has 3.5 months’ supply of inventory, which suggests sellers are regaining their leverage.
“We are within the final phases of market recovery,” said Emily Green, MAAR President-Elect. “Supply levels are stabilizing and regenerating, which means buyers have more choices and balance is being restored.”
All information is according to the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) based on data from NorthstarMLS. MAAR is the leading regional advocate and provider of information services and research on the real estate industry for brokers, real estate professionals and the public. MAAR serves the Twin Cities 13-county metro area and western Wisconsin. 10K Research and Marketing, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAAR.
###

Monday, September 9, 2013

What Home Improvements Provide the Lowest Return on Investment

Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI



Published: August 26, 2013 by NAAR HouseLogic.com
File these six upgrades under wish fulfillment, not value investment.
Of course, home owning isn’t just about building wealth; it’s also about living well and making memories -- even if that means outclassing your neighborhood or turning off future buyers. So if any of these six upgrades is something you can’t be dissuaded from, enjoy! We won’t judge. But go in with your eyes wide open. Here’s why: 
1.  Outdoor Kitchen
The fantasy: You’re the man -- grilling steaks, blending margaritas, and washing highball glasses without ever leaving your pimped-out patio kitchen.
The reality: For what it costs -- on average $12,000-$15,000 -- are you really gonna use it? Despite our penchant for eating alfresco, families spend most leisure time in front of some screen and almost no leisure time outdoors, no matter how much they spend on amenities, according to UCLA’s Life At Home study. And the National Association of Home Builders' 2013 What Home Buyers Really Want report says 35% of mid-range buyers don’t want an outdoor kitchen.
The bottom-line: Instead, buy a tricked out gas grill, which will do just fine when you need to char something. If you’re dying for an outdoor upgrade, install exterior lighting -- only 1% of buyers don’t want that.
Related: How to Buy a Gas Grill
2.  In-Ground Swimming Pool
The fantasy: Floating aimlessly, sipping umbrella drinks, staying cool in the dog days of summer.
The reality: Pools are money pits that you’ll spend $17,000-$45,000-plus to install (concrete), and thousands more to insure, secure, and maintain. Plus, you won’t use them as much as you think, and when you’re ready to sell, buyers will call your pool a maintenance pain.
The bottom-line: If your idea of making it includes a backyard swimming pool, go for it. But, get real about:
  • How many days per year you’ll actually swim.
  • How much your energy bills will climb to heat the water ($760-$1,845 depending on location and temperature).
  • What you’ll pay to clean and chemically treat the pool ($20-$100/month in-season if you do it yourself; $75-$165/month for a pool service).
  • The fact that you'll likely need to invest in a pool fence. In fact, some insurance carriers require it.
Related:
Less expensive option: an above-ground pool
Lower maintenance option: natural pools
If you do put in a pool, you can save money by installing a solar heater.
3.  In-Ground Spa
The fantasy: Soothing aching muscles and sipping chardonnay with friends while being surrounded by warm water and bubbles.
The reality: In-ground spas are nearly as expensive ($15,000-$20,000) as pools and cost about $1 a day for electricity and chemicals. You’ll have to buy a cover ($50-$400) to keep children, pets, and leaves out. And, like in-ground pools, in-ground spas’ ROI depends solely on how much the next homeowner wants one.
The bottom-line: Unless you have a chronic condition that requires hydrotherapy, you probably won’t use your spa as much as you imagine. A portable hot tub will give you the same benefits for as little as $1,000-$2,500, and you can take it with you when you move.
Related: What You Need to Know About Installing a Spa
4.  Elevator
Your fantasy: No more climbing stairs for you or for your parents when they move in.
The reality: Elevators top the list of features buyers don’t want in the NAHB “What Buyers Really Want” report. They cost upwards of $25,000 to install, which requires sawing through floors, laying concrete, and crafting high-precision framing. And, at sales time, elevators can turn off some families, especially those with little kids who love to push buttons.
The bottom-line: If you truly need help climbing stairs, you can install a chair lift on a rail system ($1,000-$5,000). Best feature: It can be removed.
Related: 4 Easy-Living Tips for Aging in Place
5.  Backup Power Generator
Your fantasy: The power in your area goes kaput, but not for you. You were smart enough to install a backup power generator. While the neighbors eat cold hot dogs by a flashlight beam, you’re poaching salmon in your oven and pumping out Red Hot Chili Peppers tunes.
The reality: Power outages may seem to go on forever, but they don’t. Fifty dollars worth of batteries can power portable lights, radios, and TVs; a car adaptor will charge your cell phones and iPods; and some dry ice will keep freezer food cold for at least a couple of days.
The bottom-line: If you live in areas where power shortages are the rule, not the exception, spend the money for reliable backup power: Your still-frozen steaks, home office fax, and refrigerated medicine will thank you. But if the power goes out rarely, then installing a standby generator is overkill.
Nationwide, homeowners recouped 52.7% on their average $11,410 investment in a backup generator -- one of the lowest ROIs on the annual Cost vs. Value Report. If you need occasional emergency power, a gasoline-powered portable generator ($200-$650) probably will suffice.
Related: What I Learned About Portable Generators One Dark and Stormy Night
6.  New Windows

The fantasy: Brand new windows that don’t stick, and slash energy bills.
The reality: A $10,000 vinyl window replacement project will recoup about 70% of your investment at resale, and if they’re Energy Star-qualified, they can save you around $300 in energy bills per year.  So, plan to live in your house about another 10 years to recoup the cost of new windows.
The bottom-line: We get it -- new windows are sturdy, pretty energy savers. But unless old window frames are thoroughly rotten, most windows can be repaired for a fraction of replacement costs. And if you spend about $1,000 to update insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping, you’ll save 10%-20% on your energy bill.

New MN Law Changes in Contract for Deed


 Changes in Contract for Deed
Do you know about the new MN law changes for Contract for Deed Notice? You can learn about the new requirement in the link below: 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Do-IT-Yourselfers - Take a Look at This!

DIY Wish List: Function Trumps Form


Published: August 1, 2013 by NAAR HouseLogic.com
A new study examines which outdoor projects DIYers would love to do . . . but probably won’t.
When it comes to picking outdoor DIY projects, we found it interesting that homeowners opt for functionality over form — and even finances, according to a new survey of U.S. homeowners. That’s music to our pragmatic ears.

By a wide margin, homeowners say they prefer functional projects (57%) over those that just look good (28.3%) or have financial value (14.7%).
But just because DIYers desire a project, that doesn’t mean they’re going to strap on a tool belt and actually do it. The survey also reveals the most-wanted projects a DIYer is least likely to do: High-skill/high-effort projects, like building a deck or privacy fence, probably will never make it off the DIYer’s wish list.

The most-desirable projects promise to make outdoor time more fun; but the ones homeowners probably will do are the easiest, like planting a garden or spreading around some landscaping pebbles.

Take a look at these numbers crunched by the Home Projects Council, a group of home improvement experts that sponsored the online survey of 1,278 homeowners planning outdoor home improvement projects in 2013.

Top 5 Desirable Outdoor Projects

1. Plant a garden (49.1%): Anyone with a shovel and some seeds can try this project, though it’ll take some experience to grow temperamental veggies, like tomatoes.
2. Landscaping with pebbles, stones, or rocks (28.3%): Attractive landscaping adds value to your home by boosting curb appeal. And it doesn’t take much effort to spread pea gravel in garden paths to add color and texture.  
Tip: Edge your path to keep the gravel from spreading.
3. Build a deck (22.8%): A deck is a great way to create outdoor living space, especially when your yard is sloped. Deck maintenance is easy, too: A coat of sealer will keep it looking good.
4. Create a fire or BBQ pit (20.5%): This retro project evokes 1950s dads flipping burgers over a handmade brick pit. Today, you’re more likely to install a gas grill in the pit, which makes the stainless steel seem less industrial and more homey.
5. Build a patio or walkway with pavers or bricks (19.2%): These stone hardscapes are elegant, functional, and long-lasting.

Top 5 Projects DIYers Wouldn’t Do on a Bet

Hey, a guy can dream, and then hire a pro to:
  • Build an outdoor kitchen.
  • Pour concrete slabs for patios, steps, or sidewalks.
  • Install a garden pond.
  • Resurface a concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
  • Build a deck.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August 2013 Monthly Housing Skinny for the Twin Cities

Does a Pool Add Value to a Home?



Published: July 10, 2013 by NAAR HouseLogic.com
Learn how a pool affects the value of your home, and get advice on construction and maintenance costs.
In general, building a pool is not the best way to add value to your home. You’re better off making physical improvements to your actual house instead of adding a pool to your yard.

Related: What Home Projects Give the Most Value?

However, a pool can add value to your home in some cases:
  • If you live in a higher-end neighborhood and most of your neighbors have pools. In fact, not having a pool might make your home harder to sell.
  • If you live in a warm climate, such as Florida or Hawaii.
  • Your lot is big enough to accommodate a pool and still have some yard left over for play or gardening.
Still, that’s no guarantee you’ll get a return on your investment. At most, your home’s value might increase 7% if all circumstances are right when it comes time to sell. Those circumstances include the points made above, plus:
  • The style of the pool. Does it fit the neighborhood?
  • The condition of the pool. Is it well-maintained?
  • Age of the pool. If you put a pool in today and sell in 20 years, you probably won’t recoup your costs, especially if the pool needs updating.
  • You can attract the right buyer. Couples with very young children may shy away from pools because of safety issues, but an older childless couple may fall in love with it.
But only you, the homeowner, can determine the true return on investment. A pool can add value to your quality of life and enhance the enjoyment of your home. You can’t put a price tag on that.

But we can put a price tag on how much a pool costs to build and maintain.

The Cost to Build a Pool
The average cost in the U.S. to install, equip, and fill a 600-sq.-ft. concrete pool starts at $30,000.

Add in details like safety fences (most states require them), waterfalls, lighting, landscaping, and perhaps a spa, and you’re easily looking at totals approaching $100,000.

Costs also depend on the type of pool you choose.

Gunite is the most popular in-ground pool. Gunite is a mixture of cement and sand, which can be poured into almost any shape. It has replaced concrete pools as the sought-after standard.

Fiberglass shells and those with vinyl liners fall on the lower end of the budget scale, but the liners typically need replacing every 10 or so years. Changing the liner requires draining the pool and replacing the edging (called coping), so over time, costs add up. Most homebuyers will insist that you replace a vinyl liner, even if it’s only a few years old.

Related: Fences for Pool Safety

Filtration and Heating
The filtration pump is the biggest energy hog in a pool system, so you want to get the most efficient pump possible. The good news here is that new, variable-speed pumps use up to 80% less energy than old single-speed pumps, cutting operating expenses dramatically. At about $500, these cost more up front, but some local utilities offer rebates through participating pool dealers. You can further cut energy costs by setting the pump to run at non-peak times, when rates for electricity are lower.

If you’re planning to heat your pool, gas heaters are the least expensive to purchase and install, but they typically have the highest operation and maintenance costs. Many pool owners opt instead for electric heat pumps, which extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water. Heat pumps take longer than gas to warm the pool, but they’re more energy-efficient, costing $200 to $400 less to operate per swimming season. Regardless of heating system, covering the pool with a solar blanket to trap heat and reduce evaporation will further lower operating costs.

Related: Solar Pool Heater Costs and Facts

Maintenance Expenses
All pools require that the water be balanced for proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels. They also need sanitizing to control bacteria and germs, which is where chlorine has traditionally entered the picture.

These days you have a variety of options, including systems that use bromine, salt, ozone, ionizers, or other chemical compounds that can be less irritating to skin. Chlorine remains the most popular because the upfront costs are reasonable, and you don’t have to be as rigid about checking the levels on a set schedule. But as far as your wallet is concerned, they all even out in the end.

In a seasonal swimming climate, budget about $600 annually for maintenance if you shoulder the chemical balancing and cleaning yourself; in a year-round climate, it’s more like $15 to $25 per week.

To save yourself the task of once-a-week vacuuming, you can buy a robotic cleaning system for between $500 and $800 that will do the job for you. In locations where the pool must be opened and closed for the season, add another $500 each time for a pro to handle this task.

Related: Natural Swimming Pools

Insurance and Taxes
A basic homeowners insurance policy typically covers a pool structure without requiring a separate rider, but you should increase your liability from the standard amount.

It costs about $30 a year to bump coverage from $100,000 to $500,000. Many underwriters require you to fence in the pool so children can’t wander in unsupervised.

In some areas, adding a pool may increase your annual property taxes, but it won’t necessarily add to your home’s selling price. For that reason, try to keep your total building cost between 10% and 15% of what you paid for your house, lest you invest too much in an amenity that won’t pay you back.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

NeverWet Quick Look — What are the Downsides of the Product?

NeverWet Lives Up to Its Name — But Questions Remain 


Published: July 23, 2013 by NAAR HouseLogic.com
Yes, it repels water from all sorts of surfaces at home, maybe even better than the hype suggests, but what’s the catch?
Rust-Oleum is rolling out its new NeverWet, water-repelling spray with such fanfare, we’re expecting a parade any minute.
NeverWet is a “superhydrophobic” (not just a regular hydrophobic), two-part spray that makes water bead up and run off just about any surface – plastic, wood, stucco, cement, tennis sneakers you want to keep white.
Take a look at the company’s video.




NeverWet, a nanotechnology innovator, has teamed up with Rust-Oleum to bring this miracle coating to the masses. The company “loves” its new product for low traffic-low abrasion items like:
  • Exposed brick and masonry

  • Porous wood, like decks

  • Stucco – claims of warding off mold and mildew have been made

  • Toilet brushes

  • Cat boxes and dog beds

  • Outdoor gear – hiking books, tents, gloves
There’s a catch. Isn’t there always?
The coating wears off quickly on surfaces that you rub or walk on often, like a walkway. Also, it has a matte finish and dries with a little white, hazy, and velvety feeling. So you shouldn’t spray it on:
  • Glass you’d like to see through (like your car’s windshield)

  • Black surfaces, like dress shoes

  • Nice clothing that you don’t want to redesign with a whitish, velvety finish (though the company is working on a fabric coating)
Internet chatter says NeverWet actually works better than advertised. Users have sprayed it on their satellite dish (bird poop rolls off) and workshop clamps (glue rolls off). But some commenters are worried about the health hazards of the spray.
A NeverWet white paper says key ingredients in the top coat are used in food products. “Yes, you have eaten them,” it says.
But — and this is a big but — the company doesn’t vouch for the solvents used in the product.

Flood Insurance Rates Going Up? Here’s What to Do

Published: July 22, 2013 from NAAR HouseLogic.com

Why Are Rates Going Up?
Two reasons:
1. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is updating its flood maps to be more accurate, which could change your flood risk designation. If your risk is higher, your premiums will go up. If it’s lower, your premiums could go down.
2. Last year, a new law took effect that requires the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to phase out subsidies for some older properties to reflect the full risk of flooding.
Phasing out the subsidized rates and discounts over the next five years will help the NFIP stay solvent.
Some subsidies have been given in the form of “grandfathering.” A grandfathered rate is a discount given to homes built in compliance with then-existing standards in a flood-mapped community where the flood risk has since increased.
Congress and FEMA are reviewing these properties to determine whether to phase out these grandfathered rates. FEMA won’t make a decision on this until late 2014. By then, Congress could pass a law delaying the increase indefinitely.
Do You Have a Subsidized or Discounted Rate?
Only 20% of NFIP policies are subsidized. Most hom eowners already pay the full rate and won’t see an increase.
If your property isn’t your principal residence, is in a special flood hazard area, and was built before the first flood insurance rate map was implemented for your community, you may be getting a subsidy for being what’s called Pre-FIRM (pre-flood-insurance-rate-map).
TIP: To find out if your home is Pre-FIRM, look up your area in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Community Book.
1. Click your state.
2. Look for the date in the “Init FIRM Identified” column for your area.
If your home was built before that date and it’s in a special hazard zone, you probably have subsidized flood insurance.
If Your Premiums Aren’t Subsidized or Discounted
It’s possible you still could see a change in your flood insurance premiums if your home is in a community that adopts a revised flood map after July 6, 2012. If that revised flood map puts you in a different zone, your rates could go up or down.
When Will the Rate Changes Take Effect?
If your home is Pre-FIRM and it’s a second home (rental or vacation), you may already have seen your rates change. A 25% increase was implemented for policies renewing after Jan. 1, 2013. Increases will continue each year until they reach full-risk rates.
In October 2013, more subsidized homes will start seeing rate increases of 25% each year:
  • Severe repetitive loss properties

  • Business properties

  • Properties with previous flood claims for more than the market value of the property
If you have a Pre-FIRM home, and it’s your primary home, and it doesn’t fall into the above-mentioned categories, (lucky you!) you get to keep your subsidized rate until:
  • You sell your home. 

  • You let your policy lapse. 

  • You have severe, repeated flood losses.

  • You buy a new policy.
Can You Get a Better Rate?
You may be able to get a lower flood insurance rate by changing your home’s flood risk. Congress appropriated a large sum of money for property owners to raise their homes onto piers, posts, columns, or pilings. Check with your local community to see if grant money is available to help you do that. Talk to your insurance agent about how elevating your house will change your flood insurance premium.
There’s also a Community Rating System that could reduce flood insurance rates by up to 45%, depending on which flood plain management regulations your community adopts.
Check with your local officials or insurance company to see if your community participates and if you can get a discount for that. If your community doesn’t participate, write a letter to local officials urging them to join the Community Rating System.
Other things you can do to trim your flood insurance premiums:
  • Opt for a higher deductible on your excess insurance policy if you have one.

  • Convince local officials to put more money into community flood mitigation projects to lower your flood risk.
It won’t lower your premium, but having a flood cleanup kit on hand will make your life easier if you do have a flood.
By the way, NFIP is the best deal. Without it, you have to take your chances in a virtually nonexistent private market for flood insurance at rates only the wealthy can afford.
Some of the same companies that provide private flood coverage also sell “excess coverage” flood insurance. Excess coverage pays to rebuild homes valued at more than the NFIP limit of $250,000.
Mistakes in Flood Insurance Premiums
It’s possible the rate you’re quoted for flood insurance is wrong. If you disagree about whether your home is in a particular flood zone or the insurer didn’t take into account the pilings that raise your home 12 feet in the air, you can appeal your home’s flood zone determination.
An elevation certificate from a surveyor or engineer can lower your premium if it proves your home sits above the predicted flood level.
You’ll also want to correct insurer mistakes that lower your premium. For example, if your policy says your home doesn’t have an elevator or crawlspace and it does, tell your agent, even if your premium will rise when those are included. That ensures your property and possessions are fully covered and recoup what you’re owed.
Think the FEMA map itself is wrong? Check with local zoning officials, your builder, prior owners, a local surveyor, and FEMA to see if anyone has filed a Letter of Map Amendment asking for a map review.
If no one has filed, you can do your own appeal.

Friday, March 15, 2013

 


At the 2013 CENTURY 21 Global Conference in Las Vegas, Chief Marketing Officer Bev Thorne announced that the we will be the primary sponsor of the #21 car at the 2013 Indy 500. This race will take place on May 26th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – and air on ABC television in front of millions of avid fans!  The #21 car, part of the Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Team with driver Josef Newgarden, has a sleek design with CENTURY 21 black and gold graphics that will be highly visible on this famous oval track.  This sponsorship is a key element in the 2013 marketing plan and is designed to increase CENTURY 21 brand preference and drive more leads to CENTURY 21 Agents. We started the year by highlighting CENTURY 21 Agents with an ad in the biggest television event of the year, the 2013 Super Bowl – and now we’ll join the Super Bowl of auto racing, the Indy 500.

Contact Dan Dekker for more information on how CENTURY 21 Premier Group can help you advance your career.


CENTURY 21 Agents: SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Columbia Heights, MN, $164,900

Dan Dekker | Century 21 Premier Group | (952) 220-3701
3953 Jackson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN
Cute 3 BR totally remodeled 4 yrs ago including a basement w/gas fireplace & lots of natural light.
3BR/1BA Single Family House
offered at $164,900
Year Built 1956
Sq Footage 1,844
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors Unspecified
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Cute 3 BR, 1 BA totally remodeled 4 yrs ago including a basement w/gas fireplace & lots of natural light. Newer appliances in cheery kitchen w/tile back splash & under cabinet lighting. Clean home with a like new feel.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Attic - Basement - Breakfast nook
- Family room - Laundry room - Living room
- Storage space - Workshop - Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal - Microwave - Refrigerator
- Stainless steel appliances - Stove/Oven - Fenced yard
- Lawn - Yard - Central A/C
- Central heat - Covered parking - Garage - Detached
- Off-street parking - On-street parking - Fireplace
- Hardwood floor - Tile floor

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Close to Huset Park!

Beautiful gas fireplace

Built in library

Lower Level Family Room

Extra space in LL

Tile Backsplash

Upgraded SS appliances

Eat in kitchen

Living Room

The entry into the KIT

Updated Bath

The Master Bedroom

Second Bedroom

The upstairs bedroom

Office

Attic Storage

Shaded Back Yard

Two stall garage
Contact info:
Dan Dekker
Century 21 Premier Group
(952) 220-3701
For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Feb 12, 2013, 4:09pm PST