Brainerd, MN

Proverbs 20:14 -

"Its no good, its no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

Proverbs 23:10 & 22:28 -

Do not move an ancient boundary stone

Proverbs 10:9 -

The man of integrity walks securely but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 11:13 -

A gossip betrays a confidence but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Proverbs 14:1 -

A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down

Proverbs 24:3-4-

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beatuiful treasures.

And for those in a slow market

Proverbs 15:16 -

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

With more homes going into foreclosure in our area - the former owners think that they have a right to strip out any valuables. This is not the way it works legally and they are unknowingly setting themselves up for more problems. Not only are they stripping homes, they are actually vandalizing the homes upon leaving. Somehow they feel that by taking their frustrations with their lenders (or themselves) out on the home - they will gain something.

The following items are assets, fixtures that should not be removed from a home that is in foreclosure:

• Cabinets and counter tops
• Appliances such as stoves, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, etc.
• Furnaces and air conditioning units
• Plumbing and copper pipes
• Romex or other electrical wiring
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Doors and hardware
• Flooring, ceilings and walls
• Windows and vents
• Medicine cabinets, sinks, tubs, toilets and showers
  

photo by afroswede

• Sink drains and faucets
• Built-in shelving / bookcases
• Landscaping, fencing, built-in pools and spas

Assets Home Owners Can Remove from Foreclosed Homes

If a home owner leaves behind personal belongings, the lender will seize those items. If the lender stores them, the home owner could be charged for storage.

Here are items a home owner can remove without fearing prosecution:

• All personal items brought into the home by the owner such as furniture, clothing and common household items such as dishes, pans and silverware
• Mirrors
• Personal artwork and photographs from walls
• Stationary lamps
• Pets and pet-related items such as dog houses, aquariums, bird cages (please find them homes)
  
• Easily removable window coverings such as drapes or curtains - not the rods
  
• Refrigerators, televisions, computers and stereo equipment
• Throw and area rugs
• Indoor plants
• Portable fans and heaters

This is big hit with my family and all our guests. Simple and delicious- now what could be better? We also love homemade whipped cream and that is exactly what will best top off this dessert. Ice cream also goes well if you are serving this hot out of the oven.

Give it a try and comment back so others will know that you have taste tested and approve.

PINEAPPLE~CHERRY CAKE

• 1~ 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple in heavey syrup

• 1~ 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling

• 1 package (18.25 ounce) of yellow cake mix ~ do not mix
  

• 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts

• 3/4 cup of butter or margarine
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread pineapple with its syrup evenly in the pan. Spoon pie filling evenly over the pineapple. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the mixture, then the chopped nuts over all. Slice the chilled butter or margarine into thin strips, then put the strips evenly over other ingredients. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Best served warm. Makes 12 servings.

Hint *A potato peeler works well for thinly slicing the chilled butter.

• Question: What is America's first line of missile interceptor defense that protects the entire United States?

Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.

• Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty?

Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard

• Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of
  

Alaska's National Guard?

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

• Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

• Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either
  

candidate of the Democratic party

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

Staging is Fashionable

This is not an article on how cool and hip staging is, but we stagers do think that.

Rather I am focusing on the aspect of properly dressing a home. In the world of fashion for women, often the basic black cocktail length dress is touted as the ultimate in versatility. A basic well tailored men’s suit in a neutral color would fulfill the same role for men. With the basic piece such as the black dress, the addition of jewelry, heels, a crop jacket and a purse would form a complete outfit. Change the earrings to diamond drops, the purse to a clutch, the heels to sky high Manolo Blahnik’s and you have changed the whole effect.

The same is true of staging a home. If you start with a neutral basic background which includes the wall covering, floor coverings. and large furniture pieces – you have your basic black dress. Add in your accessories with a mix of patterns and colors, a floor rug and artwork and the “fashion tone” of the room has been set. Change the accessories to a glamour mode with some sleek silver picture frames and a mirrored accent table and you are in the bling. Minimize the details and add in contemporary art and a nubby throw to add texture and warmth and the room is far different.

We stage for prospective buyers – just like you dress for the particular occasion.

We stage to enhance the property, not to highlight the accessories. The overall effect is pleasing, in balance, not too much and not too little. Just right – like a little black dress.

For help selling your home in the Brainerd Lakes area~ call Re$ale Design & Home Staging