About Fargo's Minndak

Month of December - www.NewRealEstateProperty.com - Dave Werth 218-790-7653 - Kvamme Real Estate

" A little dose of everything all in one email"

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Quote of the Month

"Kind words are the music of the world."

Frederick William Faber (1814 - 1863, British Theologian)

So why the long face?

Long-term rates fell again during the week of Thanksgiving as concern for the economy deepened: the 10-year Treasury fell to 3.27 percent, taking mortgages a hair under 5 percent. However, much of the new data in the holiday-shortened week was quite favorable: new claims for unemployment insurance nosedived to 466,000 last week, a huge drop from the prior 505,000 threshold and 200,000 below the worst of last winter. Another happy surprise: October sales of existing homes surged 10.1 percent, sales of new ones by 6.2 percent, and even purchase loan applications showed a little life. Look for a strong start in February, 2 months earlier than the norm for home sales to start moving. Rates look to move higher in mid 2010 and may be there to stay... Contact your lender for more detailed information...

Personal Growth and Development

Why We Must Connect With Others

It is important to remember that we are human beings. And being human, it is important to realize that we are designed to connect with others. It is the separation of that design that removes the happiness and fulfillment that we all need. It is that connection that allows you to live The Good Life. It is not our calling to go about our lives focused only on what we do at work, and then try to fit our personal lives into the cracks of the day. Our capacity for love, affection, warmth, and friendship are rich and reliable sources of human happiness. The key is to transform the "I" and "U" in our lives into "We." Evolving our lives to a higher level allows us to cultivate a sense of belonging that brings rich rewards of human satisfaction, along with better physical, mental, and emotional health. The key is to connect with others. Connecting with the human race helps to strengthen the wider community and is vital to building a better you.

Restaurant of the Month: PEPPER'S CAFÉ

Pepper's American Cafe
2510 University Dr. S.
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701.232.2366
South Fargo

Looking for a Restaurant, check out this Chamber link to over 350 Restaurants to choose from: http://www.fargomoorhead.org/restaurants/index.php?v=style

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH - "9 Layer Holiday Dip"

Ingredients

•· 4 slices lean bacon

•· 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans, plain

•· 1/2 cup sour cream

•· 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning

•· 3/4 cup shredded chedar cheese

•· 3/4 cup guacamole (Frozen or Prepared is Fine)

•· 1/3 cup diced tomatoe (about 1 Romano Tomato)

•· 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped finely

•· 2 tablespoons sliced black olives

•· 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions

Fry diced bacon until done, add refried beans and cook slowly and stirrer frequently until the bacon and bacon drippings are mixed through about 15 minutes, remove from heat. Mix taco seasoning with sour cream and set aside. To built 9 layer dip place ingredients in this order. Place refried beans on serving platter spread out to 1- 1 1/2 inches thick. Then layer: 1/2 C shredded cheese, 1/2 C prepared sour cream, 3/4 C guacamole, diced tomatoes, diced cilantro, black olives, sliced green onion, and 1/4 C cheese for garnish Serve with chips..

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Snowmobile Enthusiasts

Snow is soon upon us and inevitable! Keep up to date on your weather this season and visit: http://www.noaa.gov/

Also, if your looking for a few friends to go riding with? Check out http://www.claytrails.org/ for events, trail information, upcoming dates, and places to go riding!

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Managing Your Debt - For Couples Being Married and Handling the Money by Carol Ann

Many times, one person in the relationship is primarily in charge of the finances, but it really should be a team effort. When a couple is not on the same page, it's extremely hard to reach any debt elimination goals, much less overall financial goals.

Getting married always brings sets of issues to the table, the biggest problem area can be the financial area. Lack of communication is generally the instigator for the problems to arise. So it's crucial that the communication stays open even if only one person is handling the normal processes, both need to know what's going on.

Now you may think that you are taking on all the financial responsibility by being the one who is shouldering the burden of paying the bills, however what you may truly be doing is making your spouse reliant on you. If your spouse is not aware of all the financial information, then if something happens to you, how will they go on? Will they know what bills are due and who to pay? Or will they even know which bank their money is in? If you think it's a protective measure to keep negative financial information from your partner, you're wrong; it's a good way of causing a problem. Even if money problems are all around, it's fair to let your spouse know what is happening in the household budgets. You don't have to talk about it every day but at least do an update once a quarter.

Communicating about the finances can take a couple of different paths. One way is to have separate bills and separate accounts, this works well for some. Another way is to have a book where the money coming and going can be noted, then the spouse can look at it and it doesn't have to be a daily discussion. The best scenario is for both partners to be engaged in the handling of financials whether they are negative or positive. Sharing information makes it a team effort so that everyone works toward the same goal. Prior to making any decisions regarding your ‘saving marriage' problems, visit www.LightYourFire.com. Their professionals can assist you in reviewing some marriage programs which would be helpful for you. Let www.LightYourFire.com show you the many ways they can find a solution to the issues.

Invest In Your Future - An Offer You Can't Refuse?

Many of us have heard the term "down-sizing." Down-sizing in corporations has taken its toll on the American worker. Many people, ranging in age from their late 40s to early 60s, now face very difficult employment decisions. In record numbers, employers in almost all industries are asking middle-aged, middle managers, to consider "early retirement." The offers may range from lucrative to paltry, but the decisions are difficult in almost every case. Let's review some of the factors to consider when evaluating one of these "offers you can't refuse." You must consider three levels of concern when contemplating retirement. First, you must consider the emotional aspects of an early retirement decision. It is possible, in fact probable, that you never considered retiring today. For many people, especially those in their 40s and early 50s, retirement is still a hazy goal, far off in the future. They may not have given any thought to what they will do during retirement, whether they will seek other employment or any of a myriad of other opportunities. The offer of early retirement can affect those who choose to stay with the company as well. Will they have the same, hopefully positive, feelings toward their employer and supervisor? Early retirement programs are often instituted by companies undergoing stressful and uncertain times. Staying around may seem almost as difficult as leaving. You may be unable or unwilling to make financial decisions until you confront these emotional and psychological issues.

The second level of concern is financial. Obviously, you have two choices: do I stay, or do I go? If you choose to stay, what is the financial health of the company? Should you take the money and run? If you stay, what are the prospects for career promotions and pay increases? Will staying merely postpone an inevitable career change, under perhaps less advantageous circumstances? Of course, leaving is also fraught with uncertainty. If you intend to pursue another position, many experts estimate that your job search will last about one month for every $10,000 in compensation paid by the former employer. Many early retirees become entrepreneurs, so the prospects for a new business and the need for start-up capital must be considered. When evaluating the retirement offer itself, there are also a variety of potential pitfalls. Health insurance is a major concern for many, so find out whether you will continue to be covered. Employers with defined benefit plans may be granting additional years of service or assuming early retirees are older than their actual age for purposes of computing their benefit. The employer may also offer some additional benefit to tide the employee over until age 62 when they can begin to collect Social Security.

The third level of concern consists of the tax issues that come into play. Numerous special rules may apply. For example, those who were at least 60 on January 1, 1996 may qualify to use ten-year forward averaging. Those who are 55 or older when they receive their retirement plan distribution are not subject to the 10 percent penalty. If you elect to pursue the substantially equal payment exception to the 10 percent penalty, the payments must continue for the longer of five years or turning age 59 ½.

Of course, this brief article is no substitute for a careful consideration of all of the advantages and disadvantages of this matter in light of your unique personal circumstances. Before implementing any significant tax or financial planning strategy, contact your financial planner, attorney or tax advisor as appropriate. Feel free to call me at 817-501-6950 any time.

Greg Hutto
Chartered Financial Analyst
Certified Financial Planner
Riley Hutto Wealth Management, LLC

Thank you for taking the time to read this months email. If you have any suggestions, questions, or input, please do so, as every month is just a little more interesting with your help!!!

Sincerely,

Dave Werth

218-790-7653 Cell

218-236-7534 Fax

davew@kvammerealestate.com

www.NewRealEstateProperty.com

Kvamme Real Estate

3401 S. 8th St.

Moorhead, MN 56560

Contact Dave Werth for more statistics or additional information on the greater FM area!

www.NewRealEstateProperty.com - 218-790-7653 Cell/Anytime

Fargo is the largest community in North Dakota. Moorhead borders Fargo to the east. The communities are located near the intersection of I-94, which runs east/west, and I-29, which runs north/south. Residents have easy access to several forms of transportation including the Hector International Airport, Amtrak train station and Metro Area Transit - the city's bus system.

The Fargo Public School District provides instruction through 15 elementary schools, three middle/junior high schools and three senior high schools. There are also several private schools in the community.

During the summers, students in grades 6-12 can participate in the Trollwood Performing Arts School, a unique youth development program committed to providing high quality performing arts education, community entertainment and an appreciation of the arts. The program takes place in Trollwood Cultural and Arts Park and utilizes 36 acres of wooded riverbanks, open-air stages and Fargo Moorhead was voted the #1 area to start a business in 2006. In 2005, Fargo Moorhead was one of the Fastest "Top 10" growing cities in the United States. In 2007 New Home Construction grew 4.7%. Fargo Moorhead Real Estate continues to grow each day & is not showing any signs of slowing up soon. Major areas of growth today are; South East Moorhead, the Osgood area by West Fargo, & rural Sabin, Glyndon, Dilworth, Barnesville, Mapleton, Casselton, and Horace. Rural Real Estate has become popular due to lower taxes & a very short commute.

Fargo is the largest community in North Dakota. Moorhead borders Fargo to the east. The communities are located near the intersection of I-94, which runs east/west, and I-29, which runs north/south. Residents have easy access to several forms of transportation including the Hector International Airport, Amtrak train station and Metro Area Transit - the city's bus system.

The Fargo Public School District provides instruction through 15 elementary schools, three middle/junior high schools and three senior high schools. There are also several private schools in the community.

During the summers, students in grades 6-12 can participate in the Trollwood Performing Arts School, a unique youth development program committed to providing high quality performing arts education, community entertainment and an appreciation of the arts. The program takes place in Trollwood Cultural and Arts Park and utilizes 36 acres of wooded riverbanks, open-air stages and renovated farm buildings to conduct its program every year. A major production of a main stage musical that features the students as participants is the highlight of this program.

For those seeking higher education, there numerous colleges and universities located within 50 miles from the city center. North Dakota State University is a four-year institution and is located right in town. Concordia College and Minnesota State University are located in nearby Moorhead. Northwestern Technical College, also located in Moorhead, is a two-year campus that offers programs for associate degrees, diplomas and certificates as well as technical training courses.

The Fargo Park District prides itself on the numerous beautiful parks located throughout the city offering everything from ball fields and basketball courts to picnic facilities and shelters. The district oversees several other facilities including the Robert D. Johnson Recreation Center, the Edgewood Chalet, the Northern Pacific Depot and three indoor ice facilities; Coliseum, Sports Arena and Metro Rec Center. In the winter, skiing, sledding and tubing are available at the Edgewood Chalet and the Dike West.

The Northern Pacific Depot has been a Fargo landmark since its construction in 1898. In 1971 Burlington Northern, successor to the Northern Pacific Railroad, deeded the depot and its grounds to the city of Fargo. Momentum to preserve the historic landmark began to gather steam. In 1975 it became the first Fargo building entered on the National Register of Historic Places, and a campaign was begun to restore its interior. Presently owned by the Fargo Park District, the depot also houses the Fargo Senior Commission and the Senior Center.

Fargo offers a wide array of entertainment opportunities from sophisticated drama to world famous singers to an old-fashion rodeo. The Celebrity Walk of Fame - located at the Convention and Visitors Bureau -- is a growing collection of more than 100 star signatures, handprints and footprints in cement.

Fargo prides itself on its rich history. The initial settlers in the area were Scandinavian, German and European immigrants. The city was named for William G. Fargo, a partner in the Wells-Fargo Express Company. Early Fargo was then a collection of small shops, stores and warehouses that were clustered along Broadway and Front Street. In 1893, nearly all of downtown Fargo was lost in the Great Fire of that year. After the fire, new construction favored more fire resistant buildings. Fargo continued to expand during the national economic boom that started in 1898 and ended with World War I. During the war, The Ford Motor Company built a large assembly plant downtown on Broadway and the Northern Pacific Railroad came through the area. Both of these events brought more residents to the area.

Today, Fargo is a rapidly growing cosmopolitan or as the locals call it a micropolitan city. While some may believe that Fargo is a place of never ending snow and unusual accents, the city has been consistently recognized as a place where an excellent quality of life can be found.

But there is more than just parks to enjoy throughout the year. There are a variety of golf courses in the area and the Red River Valley is home numerous bike and walking trails. Zoos, museums, theatres and historical sites are located throughout the area. With 300 acres of bluestem prairie woods, a swimming area, camping and river communities, Buffalo River State Park is well suited for family fun and environmental education. A variety of free programs and field trips are offered to the public, area school districts and other groups.

Another great diversion for residents and visitors are the many shopping possibilities. The First Center South, the Northport Shopping Center and the University Square are all located in Fargo. The busiest area in Fargo is around I-29 and 13th Avenue and this is where the largest shopping mall in the region is located. West Acres Shopping Mall features retail stores, department stores and a host of restaurants. There is also an antique mall for those that are looking for that special antique.

renovated farm buildings to conduct its program every year. A major production of a main stage musical that features the students as participants is the highlight of this program. Contact Dave for more statistics or additional information on the greater FM area!

Buyer Tips

Are you ready to buy a homes?

• Have you had a steady source of income for 2-3 years and is it a reliable source?
• Do you have any outstanding debts such as credit card or car payments?
• Do you have money for a down payment?
• A good record of paying your bills?
• The means to pay a monthly mortgage?

Become pre-approved

Once you choose a lender, they will perform an extensive check on your current financial status. They will determine the loan amount your will be eligible for. Doing this will help the seller know you are capable of buying a home and that no problems will arise.

Determine your needs

Make a note of why you are looking for a new home. Is your family growing, would you like to build equity, are you moving to a new town? Create a mental picture of what you would like your future house to look like. Make a list of must have items and another list of items you would like to have. It's extremely important to know exactly what you need in your new home. Give yourself a time frame for buying a home. THis will keep you on track and give you a guideline to follow. Your agent will be able to assist you once they know exactly what you want and will help to fulfill you needs.

Dave Werth

www.NewRealEstateProperty.com

This is the Fargo Moorhead Area's Top Internet Source on searching, buying, and selling Fargo Moorhead area Homes and Fargo Moorhead Real Estate with up to date listing information and detailed property MLS search capability!

NewRealEstateProperty.com offers property information related to buying and selling homes for sale in Moorhead and Fargo, West Fargo, Dilworth, Reiles Acres, Sabin, Glyndon, Oakport Township, Horace, Harwood, Cass County, Clay County, and surrounding Fargo Moorhead Real Estate.

This site is dedicated to relocation information for Fargo ND and Moorhead MN, West Fargo ND, Fargo Moorhead Surrounding Rural areas, and almost anything else related to living in or working the FM area. Please visit the links to Featured MLS Listings. You will find Fargo and Moorhead residential condos, condominiums, town homes, twin homes, investments, real estate and new construction properties marketed for sale and for rent by Top Fargo Moorhead Realtors.

Specific Information on Loans for VA, HUD, Short Sales, and Foreclosures are available by contacting Dave Werth directly.

Explore the communities of Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Hawley, Glyndon, Harwood, Dilworth, Horace and Casselton, Kindred, Valley City, Lakes Area, North Dakota, and Minnesota, . Featuring extensive Fargo and Moorhead information links, consumer links, school information, free reports, answers to commonly asked real estate questions, First Time Home buyer Loans and much more.

If you're thinking about buying a home as a First Time Homebuyer, attend The Home Buyer/Homebuyer Education Program. The program can help you qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $3,000 from the city of Fargo, ND, and $4,000 from the city of Moorhead, MN. Plan now to attend home buyer educational classes for FREE, as the homebuyer education classes and individual financial counseling sessions are available at Family Life Credit Services and The Village. Contact Dave about a Home buyer Education class schedule, or email Dave for more information on Homebuyer Education Classes and schedules. Dave is an instructor for First Time Homebuyer Education.

Are You......
a First Home buyer Homebuyer? Curious about houses and prices in Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead Minnesota? Wanting to move into Fargo Moorhead (or find rural property)? Preparing your home to sell: what do you do to get ready to sell? Wondering about down payment, financing, closing costs, interest rates etc?...... Are you Transferring, Relocating, Comparing home prices in the Fargo ND Moorhead MN West Fargo ND or surrounding FM area?
Thank you so much for your consideration! Search around my website for more information on Fargo Moorhead Real Estate and much more!

Dave Werth is one of the Top Fargo Moorhead Buyer & Listing Agency services. Dave is one of Kvamme Real Estate's Top Producers....Kvamme Real Estate Realtors are Members of the Home Builders Assoc, Graduates of the Realtors Institute, Certified Residential Specialists, Certified First Homes Specialists, & Fargo Moorhead Association of Realtors.....Specializing in Buyer Agency, Relocation, Investments, 1031 exchanges, New Construction, Residential Marketing.