Elk River, MN

On Saturday, May 2nd from 9am-3pm the doors at Coldwell Banker Vision will be open for all to come and browse their "goods" and to support the local food shelf.

Because spring is such a GREAT time to clean out those nooks and crannies that never get cleaned we thought we'd offer the opportunity for everyone to get involved. We want your castaways. Drop off your garage sale goods from April 27th-30th between 8am-5pm to help support CAER Food Shelf in Elk River!

With the economy in an uproar this is one way that everyone can support the local folk. There's three steps to this easy fundraiser! You can do one or all three.... but no matter what you do, someone will appreciate your giving very much!

1. Clean your house. Gather up those dusty castaways while blowing away the winter cobwebs. There is nothing like opening the windows in the spring and freshening things from ceiling to floor. You never know what treasures you'll find in the back of your closets once you let the dust settle.

2. Drop off your gently used goods for donation at coldwell Banker Vision! We appreciate your willingness to help support our fundraiser for CAER Food Shelf in town.

3. Come back on Saturday and find all those goodies that you have been looking to buy! It's a win-win situation. You get rid of things that you don't need and gain things that you do! And, in the meantime, you help feed hungry and hurting people!

We look forward to seeing the whole community there!

And, if you have a whole garage full of stuff to get rid of yourself... just throw open your garage doors and put up a few signs of your own on May 2nd. It's Elk River's Annual Garage Sale day and salers will be out looking for some great bargains!

Lindsey Hasford
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com

For those curious of what has happen so far in 2009 in the Elk River, Mn Real Estate market this blog summarizes the market.

Current Active listings: 249

Active Listings Under $100,000: 15

Pending sales: 31

Pending sales under $100,000: 5

Sold listings year to date: 44

Sold listings under $100,000: 7

It should be noted there a several more sales, mostly townhomes that have occurred just above $100,000. Homes in Elk River are very affordable now. Many of the two stories that have gone to BANK owned status can be purchase between $200,000- $250,000.

Let me know if I can help you with your Real Estate needs!

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate. He is a Dynamic Life Coach; The Discovery Coach- "Helping you discover your talents, desires and purpose." Carstensen is a speaker and co-author in the best selling book series Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Your Wake Up Moments (NOW available go to http://tinyurl.com/wakeupmoments).

When showing buyers potential homes I highly encourage that they bring their children with. Even if they don't look initially - I think that it's great to get their input on the final choice(s). It's amazing how children can feel about a house and it is not only entertaining, but adventurous to have them along on the fun.

I DO, however, have some suggestions that might make it an easier adventure. Depending on the age of the children especially.

1. A portable camera so that they can take pictures of what they like is a great idea. It keeps them focused on the mission instead of trying to play with the seller's belongings.

2. Drinks for the car ride between homes. Sometimes the kiddos need water or juice or something to keep them going.

3. Snacks are a great diversion. With all the moving in and out of homes a snack can replenish their little energy levels and keep them going without so many crabbies.

4. Toys or books for the car ride. It's always a great idea to bring something that is special and fun for the kids to play with in the car. Have them leave it in the car while looking at the homes and you have a great incentive to get back in the car!

5. A change of clothes. Sometimes things spill or there are accidents. Children will be children and if something happened and they have a change of clothes to keep them comfortable it helps.

6. A rest break. We all know that children have small bladders so assume that we will need a time out. Gas stations are a great way to relieve some of the needs. Never feel bad about asking for a time out.

7. Patience. Children have their own minds and work at there own pace. If looking at homes with them in mind - it's good to know that it might be faster looks in every room.... and sometimes slower. Sometimes kids have lots of questions. Never feel bad about taking the time to answer them so that the children feel comfortable and safe.

8. A pen and paper on a clipboard can work with or instead of the portable camera. The children could draw pictures of each home and the things that they like or write about each house. It's great to have this to look back on and see what is most comfortable to them.

9. Sometimes an extra adult along helps too. If you want to be able to look at each home closer, but know that the kids won't have the patience this works. The extra adult could look at the home with the kids and then take them outside to play while they wait for you.

It's always interesting having the children along on showings. I love their input and thoughts as we adventure on showings. If you are working with me to find a home, please know that I'm absolutely willing to work with your children.

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you.

Lindsey Hasford
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com

It's that time! The season that you want to go outside, but it's so darn cold that you don't want to go outside.

The question then remains - what else is there to do?

The answer? Go to the movies!
From January 31st to March 14th the Elk River Marcus Cinema offers a SPECIAL frosty family flick at 10AM on Saturdays for $2.50 a ticket.

You get a free popcorn and great seat!
I recommend getting your tickets early as these always fill up, but it's a great adventure for the whole family.

The movies aren't all set in stone just yet, so check out their website and enjoy the show.

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you.

Lindsey Hasford
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com

I have been Twittering on and off now for a couple of months trying to get a feel for the system. Finally, I am on a daily update system and think that it's gonna work for me. It is a great way for me to get notes out to my "people" without the hassle of interupting their lives to have a brief conversation. This way - I can get my thoughts out and they can choose when they want to call me and what information they need to complete the thoughts.

I would love to have you follow me on Twitter.

FOLLOW ME

If you are looking for a great way to keep updated on what's going on in the Elk River and Twin Cities real estate front - this might be just what you are looking for.

Over time my Twittering will become more and more intrigrated with information that you need as I learn the best tidbits of information to share. Until then - I'd love to learn with you on how best I can keep you up to date on today's market conditions!

Happy Twittering and hope to see you following me soon.

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you.

Lindsey Hasford
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com