Darla Jensen

Deer Ticks are already out in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Today I was walking some acreage along the Whitefish Chain and it didn't take long to realize the deer ticks were out. If you're walking the woods during deer tick season, there are some simple "dress" tips to help from getting the tiny ticks (potentially carrying lymes disease) to attach to your skin.

Wear light-colored long pants, long sleeves and white closely knitted socks when outside. Tuck in your shirt and tuck your pants into your socks. This will help prevent a tick from crawling under your clothing and getting to your skin. Wear light colored gloves. The light color makes it easier to see a tick crawling on your clothing or gloves.

I can't stand the little ticks.

Business is picking up in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Three of the seven contracts I've been negotiating have come together, sellers are coming to the market, and buyers have a higher level of confidence and are taking advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a property at a low price AND at an excellent interest rate. This opportunity will not last forever!

I spotted a new listing on the renowned Whitefish Chain of Lakes with a price that seemed well below market value. I called the listing agent to confirm. Once confirmed, I had a list of 6 potential buyers that I was sure would scoop on this deal. The first one I called is closing on the lake home in 3 weeks. It was a foreclosure and bank-owned property.

Foreclosures are forecasted to rise in 2009 on 2nd homes and lakeshore properties. Be ready to snag them for your buyers.

This fire happened yesterday, early evening. It happens to be near and dear to my heart, because it is my niece's first house.

Have you ever shown a house that had candles burning? Ironically, just the other day, I learned my Seller had "several candles burning, in fact they were in every room" the agent said. The Buyer's Agent also told me she blew them out before she left the home. Needless to say, I called my Seller immediately and we had a chat about safety.

I'm guilty as the next guy/gal and happen to love candles. The call I received yesterday, however, has changed my perspective. Please take caution when burning candles, and make sure your clients and loved ones do as well. I don't know the exact percentage, but I heard from a local firefighter that many house fires are caused by candles.

Do you tell them there is an unpleasant odor in their house, and you're not sure what it is. But it isn't good. Let's find out what it is, and get rid of it before we list.

Do you tell them the hardware on the cabinetry gives the kitchen an outdated look, and for a few hundred dollars or less they could update the room?

Do you tell them the colors on the walls need to be changed. Neutral earthy tones will completely change the look and feel of the room.

Do you tell them where they need to be priced to sell?

Sellers are looking for guidance. They do not know what color their walls should be, or that they can get an updated look for as little as a few hundred dollars, or where they need to be priced to sell in this market.

Be brutally honest with your Sellers, because they are counting on you.