Photos from Jennifer Kirby, the Luxury Agent
Beautiful rainbow over Ferryville on the banks of the Mississippi River. Shot taken from the river bluffs above Ferryville.Located in: Ferryville, WI
If you are looking for a place to view fall color around the state of Minnesota, a great place to check out is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. They update what is happening around the state, and give a lot of information on how/what causes the leaves to change color. Typical peak color for the Twin Cities area is Late September to Mid October.
Taken from Lake of the Isles, just minutes from Downtown Minneapolis.
One of my favorite places in Minneapolis.
Ok, so I would hope people would know by now that one of my biggest pet peeves is real estate photographs. It really drives me crazy with all the terrible photos I see constantly in the MLS database. I can understand terrible photos for $100,000 homes (but even those tilted photos get under my skin), but when it comes to terrible photographed homes priced in the million dollar range...I just don't get it.
Homeowners - When you hire real estate agents to sell your home, do the agents even tell you about their marketing plan? Better yet, do you even ask? Do you ask them how they will be photographing the home? Do you ask to see the end result?
Why does this matter? Because photos sell a home. Let me tell you something...agents have NO excuse for not paying for a professionally photographer to come into your luxury home. If you are letting them get away with walking into your home with their point and shoot camera, then there is probably a really good reason your home is not selling. Your photographs stink!
Agents - Who do you think you are? Professional is NOT the word that comes to my mind. If you are listing a high-end home, then you better be shelling out the dollars for high-end photos. You are doing a huge disservice to your client and not giving them the proper exposure they need for an expensive home. Either spend the money for a professional, or leave the luxury home market.
In this post you will notice the photos I have used. All were taken from active homes in the MLS system, high end homes currently listed for more than $2.4 Million. See the problem?
So hopefully, you can now see my points. Professional photography MUST be used when listing an expensive home. I see well known agents in the Twin Cities shooting million dollar homes themselves, and I am amazed that they keep getting hired. Sellers really need to understand that to attract buyers who can afford luxury real estate, you need to present the home as a luxury property. If your home photos stink, then maybe you should think about hiring another agent, one that specializes in selling luxury homes.
Last night I took the chance to photograph the fireworks show in downtown Minneapolis for the annual Aquatennial celebration. It was my first time shooting fireworks so it was actually pretty fun trying to time the bursts. Out of 100 shots, I probably have five photos that are worthy of keeping.
I know many of you won't believe this, but the dirty little secret that the local media isn't reporting is that homes in the lower price range are flying off the racks. Yep...just like a bridal store having a super cheap sale on gowns with women knocking each other out of the way as they try to snatch up the latest deal, so too are investors and first time home buyers trying their best to win that little cottage home, out doing each other with above list price offers.
Like I said, you don't believe me, do you?
Last month I experienced this phenomenon first hand with a duplex I listed. With-in five days, I had five offers, all above asking price. There must have been some telepathy in the air because almost all of them were around the same price. I actually had to tell them to resubmit their "highest and best" offer. Who ever did the best, gets the house. Let me tell you, it was competitive bidding and I was truly surprised at how high some of the offers got.
Even better, I know an investor couple who are snatching up dilapidated foreclosures and rehabbing them to flip. Not only do they have to bid against other offers each time they find a home, but when it comes time to sell the property, they have to deal with multiple offers from first time home buyers. (They do fantastic rehab work by the way!)
So yes Virginia, there are some segments of the real estate market that are doing quite well. Multiple offers do exist and are getting more common.
It makes is hard to explain to a buyer why they need to offer above listing price if they want to get a home, especially when all they hear about is how cheap homes are. But if you want to purchase a home in decent shape and at a great price, be prepared to pay for it because in this market you'll be just like those brides you see on television...pushing and yelling your way to that perfect find.
Minneapolis Real Estate specialist for Luxury Estates, Waterfront Properties, and Historic Homes in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Visit my blog www.MinneapolisLuxuryRealEstateBlog.com
Jennifer is a licensed real estate agent in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida. She specializes in Minneapolis and Saint Paul Luxury real estate, Lake Minnetonka Estates, Minnesota Waterfront on Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake, White Bear Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Historic Homes of St. Paul and Minneapolis. She is proud to be a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, bringing her knowledge and expertise of the upper tier market to clients.
At the same time, Jennifer is no stranger to helping sellers and buyers fulfill their real estate needs for homes that fall into different categories and works with all price points. From multi-unit buildings to single family homes, Jennifer has sold almost every form of residential real estate there is. One special benefit she brings to clients is the ability to run a completely paperless business. Taking advantage of technology and using it to streamline transactions is an important trait that differentiates her from others in the real estate field. It takes more than just a website to help clients achieve their goals. Jennifer uses blogs, professional networking, MySpace, education, and advertising as part of her overall business plan to connect buyers and sellers.
Jennifer firmly believes that continually educating herself is the key to her personal success as a Real Estate Agent and the main reason her clients are so satisified with her during and after the sale of their home. While most agents are only taking the bare minimum classes mandatory to keep their license up-to-date, Jennifer is seeking out classes that dig deeper into various aspects of real estate. When education classes will not come to the state, she travels to them!
My Mission Statement
"While holding myself to the highest professional and ethical standards, I pledge to take my clients real estate success to new heights by helping them make prudent real estate decisions, and in the process, prove worthy of their trust and friendship so that I may become a long term friend and advisor."
My Minneapolis and St. Paul Real Estate Website
If you are looking to move to the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, check out my website Fine Homes of Minneapolis . I am constantly adding information about St Paul and the Twin Cities, as well as places to explore, community information, sports and recreation, selling Minneapolis Real Estate, buying, and more! Don't forget to request a FREE Minneapolis Relocation Package!
Places to Explore Twin Cities Sports and Recreation Minnesota Fun Facts Minneapolis Weather
Local Communities Buyer Services Seller Services
Search for Properties in the Twin Cities
Blogs
Minneapolis Luxury Real Estate Blog
Education
Chemistry, B.A. Indiana University
Jennifer currently holds the following real estate Designations and Certifications:
Certified Residential Specialists comprise of the top industry professionals in the country. Only 4% of all Realtors in the nation have the production and education to earn the CRS designation. In Minnesota, only 3% hold the prestigious title and Jennifer is one of them. Home sellers and buyers can rest assured that CRS Designees subscribe to strict Realtor Code of Ethics, have access to the latest technology, and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home. Make sure your agent is a Certified Residential Specialist.
Knowledgeable professionals specially trained to provide high quality service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and estates. The premier authority in training and certification for real estate agents working in the upper-tier residential market. Jennifer is one of only six agents in Minnesota that are members of the Institute. If you are looking for Minneapolis Luxury Real Estate, choose a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing,
The Resort and Second Home Property Specialist is a real estate practitioner who facilitates the buying and selling of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination. Jennifer is a Charter Member and one of only four currently in the state of Minnesota. Second homes are a specialty of Jennifer's, as she sells many waterfront properties along the Gulf Coast and on Minnesota's numerous Lakes. If you are looking for Minneapolis Real Estate as a second home, choose a Realtor with the RSPS designation.
The mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients. Only a small percent of agents hold the designation. If you are looking for Minneapolis Real Estate, choose an agent with the GRI designation.
The Accredited Buyer Representative designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. If you are looking for Minneapolis Real Estate, pick an agent with the ABR designation to represent you.
Why choose an ePRO? All REALTOR e-PRO® Internet Professionals are REALTORS® who completed a rigorous certification program endorsed by the prestigious NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Real estate agents who have earned REALTOR e-PRO® Certification are Internet Professionals who have completed extensive training using the Web and means the real estate professional is prepared to employ the latest techniques and services for your benefit, just like you've grown to expect from a professional. Don't sell or buy Minneapolis Real Estate without your e-PRO certified agent.
** I am also in the process of earing the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, which will further my knowledge on better ways to serve my clients internationally and abroad. Approximately less than 1% hold the CIPS.**
I chose to work with Jennifer because of all the Realtors who responded to my general internet inquiry concerning the sale of my home, Jennifer was the only one who responded quickly, thoroughly, honestly, and without reservation. She handled my special circumstances very professionally and made sure it did not hinder the sale. My home sold quickly and for top dollar due to her negotiation skills. Thank you so much! ~ Terrie Howard
The first day we met Jennifer it was raining cats & dogs.She stuck with us and showed us plenty of homes without batting an eye. Our experience with her was great! She is a "Real" person, caring more about us then getting paid, and showed concern and respect for us as new home buyers. Jennifer was a God-send and we are very grateful for everything she is as a person and everything she did for us as our Realtor. ~ Belinda Veroneau
I work with Jennifer's husband so through his praise I decided to sell my home through her. It was the best decision I made! I received more money and a faster closing than I expected due to her skill as a professional. She was even in her third trimester of pregancy and she didn't miss a beat! I move alot in the military and I can only hope to find another agent like Jennifer at my next duty station. ~ Randy Winge
We had a great experience selling our house. We sold it faster then expected and for the amount we wanted. You were there to answer all our questions and made the transaction go smoothly. We're loving our new condo which you also helped us find. Thank you! ~ The Murphys
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