About Brainerd's Pequot Lakes

Wondering what is happening in the real estate market for October in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota?  This video will give you insight into our area market and the latest skinny. Short Sales, foreclosures and traditional sales all compare as well as apples and oranges -both are fruit but have quite different tastes.

Need some help with any of the above in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota- just give me a call.

In reading a blog on the net , I came across the idea of the 50% Space to Stuff Ratio This was new to me but may be old stuff to some of you.

The concept is that you are to evaluate the floor space in your home. If it is almost completely covered, there is no room left for new opportunities to come in. Reduce what is on it by 50% and there will be room for movement and the ability to change out what you want for now and for the future. When you have an open house and there are a lot of people in the room - they need to be able to get around.

Then when you bring in something new, something old goes away - far away- permanently.

This will help considerably with your organizing, as there will be less to organize. Once your home is ready to be sold, you will not have all your stuff to deal with. What is left is what you really want to keep and/or need.

This may help in explaining things to clients about how much to remove before staging.

Once again, it is 50% available space to how much stuff is in that space, for some you may need to give a 75% figure. Men probably like this numbers concept better than most women, we go more by how it looks.

Here in the Brainerd Lakes of Minnesota, 2 special corn fields have been silently growing and planning for the Fall. Soon these innocent looking fields will be sculpted and designed into twisty labyrinths for the sole purpose of making you walk in circles. You can spend an afternoon winding your way through the towering stalks and the evening on a hayride drinking cider. There are special days for families with small children and appropriate age crafts. Several nights will be for those who like a little excitement with their confusion. Scary creatures will inhabit the maze ready to make it a screaming adventure.

"Our labyrinth of twists, turns, and dead ends, carved into a 14 foot high cornfield, offers an experience that is perfect for those searching for adventure.

Near Halloween, what was a dark, quiet, gentle maze becomes a field of screams, with ghosts and goblins added for your late night spooking pleasure!"

Support local farms in your area and enjoy our Autumn Season. To learn more about corn mazes visit Corn Maze Directory.

Today for the first time since 9-11, you can go to the top of the Statue of Liberty. "On that fateful day in 2001, she held her head high as she witnessed with her own eyes the horrors that took place just across from her watery home. Symbolism and sentimentality can be infinitely applid to her place in it all." I have never been up in the Statue but hope to at some point. There are lots of others who want to enjoy the "view from the crown" and tickets are sold out until November. Carefully planned down to the smallest detail- the statue looks out on the ocean and on to France.

Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4,1996.

The seven sharp spikes on her crown represent the seven continents and seas. Her torch is a symbol of enlightenment.

Security improvements include additional rangers stationed throughout the statue itself, new handrails and a trained medical technician on site.

Already a symbol of hope and strength, many visitors see the re-opening of the crown as a symbol of America's resiliency.

"I think it had to happen. [September 11] was a terrible tragedy, but getting this reopened shows our experience and rejuvenation," said tourist Steve Sardinia, Jr., who was visiting from Long Island. "I think it shows the ability of America to come back."

photo:FLICKR

• When shipped from France to New York, she came in 350 pieces.
• Once delivered, it took four months to put her together, and was completed on October 28, 1886.

Facts from the Fact Monster

The statue was designed by Fredéric Auguste Bartholdi of Alsace as a gift to the United States from the people of France to memorialize the alliance of the two countries in the American Revolution and their abiding friendship. The French people contributed the $250,000 cost.

The 150-foot pedestal was designed by Richard M. Hunt and built by Gen. Charles P. Stone, both Americans. It contains steel underpinnings designed by Alexander Eiffel of France to support the statue. The $270,000 cost was borne by popular subscription in this country. President Grover Cleveland accepted the statue for the United States on Oct. 28, 1886.

The Statue of Liberty was designated a National Monument in 1924 and a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Have a great 4th of July enjoying the liberty that so many sacrificed for and others are continuing that sacrifice.

I will be saluting the flag and cheering on the military marching in my hometown.

Homes are selling but they are not selling for as high a price nor are they selling as quickly. Does that sound familiar in your area?

As a REALTOR/Staging Specialist home stager with Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes, I know at least a partial solution to the problem. In order for your home to sell better and faster than those of the competitions', it needs to be properly presented and be priced competitively, from the start. A home that shows well both outside and inside is going to get offers. When prospective buyers make an emotional connection with the home - they want it!

I keep hearing from Realtors "home staging - we do that". Then I look at their MLS photos. Home staging is more than cleaning and decluttering (although a lot of the photos were also missing that element). Color, traffic flow, highlighting focal elements, curb appeal, up grades that pay back - are those being addressed? Do you understand what they are and how they come into play for the appeal of a home? If this is not your thing - then have your homeowners hire a stager. Even a consultation and subsequent following the plan - will make a major difference for a small investment.

Price is crucial but is not the only element. Marketing - yes by all means - and that is so much more than sticking a sign in the yard and listing with a multiple listing service.

The above listing was on the market for 4 days. It is only a 2 bedroom. 2 3/4 bath home. Not your typical 3 bedroom. 2 bath. They walked in and fell in love. It is ready to move into, clean, freshly painted, all repairs done - no problems. Every room staged and looking good!

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Re$ale Desing & Home Staging

licensed to sell in MN

218-829-4664

resaledesign@gmail.com

Top Brainerd Agent