David and Lois Marris

Edina Realty is coordinating with the Salvation Army and Rochester Community and Technical College's retail merchandising program as they co-sponsor the second Suits to Success event, a program geared toward assisting people as they prepare for the work world.

The Suits to Success program helps job hunters prepare for their in-person job interview by assisting with their wardrobe. Volunteers are on-hand the day of the event to help individuals choose an entire clothing and assecories ensemble right down to the shoes, purse and tie. Having the right attire gives job seekers an extra boost of confidence as they prepare for their interviews.

As you sort through your clothing this spring keep in mind that your professional attire is much needed as a donation to the Suits to Success campaign. Your suits, slacks, blazers, sweaters, dresses, shoes, coats, ties, belts, blouses, shirts...everything work-wear related, can be donated to the program.

Rochester drop-off sites include Edina Reality, 1301 Salem Road, S.W.; Hanny's, 19 First Ave. S.W.; Premier Bank, 3145 Wellner Dr. N.E., Counterpoint, a first-floor shop at University Square; and the Salvation Army Thrift Store, 201 Ninth St. S.E.

More information:

Thrift Store hours and a list of acceptable donations can be found by calling 281-1561.

What: Suits to Success, a one-day event to promote job success for men and women

Where: Salvation Army Thrift Store, 201 Ninth St. SE, Rochester, MN

When: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, April 1

For more community information visit our website at www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com. David and Lois Marris are top producing real estate agents at Edina Realty, the number one brokerage in the state of Minnesota.

The Rochester Public School District has finalized the school boundary map for the 2009/2010 school year. To view the final boundary map click here.

Our home search software can search for homes in a specific school district. Just email us your perferred school area and we will notify you whenever a home comes available in that area. Contact us via email at DavidAndLoisMarris@EdinaRealty.com or at 507-398-3251.

David and Lois Marris are the top producing real estate agents at Edina Realty, the number one brokerage in Minnesota. For more information visit: www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com

The Rochester Minnesota economy, housing and otherwise, has faired better much than most of the state and country. Thanks to Rochester's resilient health-care industry our job market has remained strong.

Rochester's population boomed last year with a growth rate of 1.5%, which is 2619 people. This was higher than the previous year when Rochester grew by 2, 205 or 1.2%.

Beautiful Babies

The majority of our growth came from new births of beautiful babies. Rochester recorded 1,163 births last year. As Rochester REALTORS®, we happily translate this to mean a healthy housing demand as new families search for their first home or larger home. First time home buyers have huge incentives to purchase by December 1, 2009. The Federal Government First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit will give up to $8000 in tax credits to those who qualify. Low interest rates and low home prices are further incentives to buy a home now! This type of home buying power hasn't been seen in 75 years!

Beautiful Diversity

Our growth was also due to families relocating to Rochester. Relocation growth was 889 people. This included 498 internationals and 391 domestic re-locations. Rochester embraces the diversity it has seen over the years and strives to encourage its "melting-pot" image.

Learn more about the Rochester MN real estate market at www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com. David and Lois Marris are top producing real estate agents at Edina Realty, the number one brokerage in Minnesota.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Right now, an $8,000 tax credit is being offered by the government to enable aspiring homeowners to buy their first home.¹

If you are eligible, the tax credit can help ease the financial transition from renting to owning. It can assist with buying furniture and home-décor; making home improvements - like remodeling, landscaping and painting; or paying down debt as you adjust to new monthly expenses. Homes purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 are eligible.

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President Obama wants to help stabilize the housing market and has taken positive steps to do so. On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law. The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers is part of this new law.

Are you eligible for the tax credit?

The tax credit is designated for first-time home buyers.2 You are considered a first time home buyer if you have not owned a home in the last three years.

The tax credit given will be ten percent of the home purchase price, up to $8,000. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the entire tax credit. Single taxpayers with incomes between $75,000 and $95,000, and married couples with incomes between $150,000 and $170,000 will receive a partial tax credit.

You may use your tax credit to purchase a single-family home, condominium or townhome as long as the home is your primary residence. Just purchase the home before December 1st, 2009. If you are purchasing a new construction home you must purchase and occupy the home by December 1, 2009.

To learn more about obtaining the tax credit and repayment, visit our web page at www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com.

Visit www.irs.gov for all the details.

This information is subject to change without notice.
1. Consult a tax advisor regarding your individual situation. This information is not intended to provide legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, or investment advice, nor should it be relied on for legal advice. Please seek the advice of your own legal counsel.
2. Not available for those who qualify for a similar tax credit in the District of Columbia, or for those who finance their home purchase under a mortgage revenue bond program.

Rochester, MN real estate agents David and Lois Marris are top producing REALTORs at Edina Realty, the number one real estate brokerage in Minnesota. Visit their web page at www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com.

Upper tier home sales for Rochester were at 74 units for 2008 compared with 78 units in 2007. Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Lois Marris defines upper tier homes as those which sell for $450,000 or above. You attracted the most buyers in 2008 if your luxury home was priced in the $450,000 to $550,000 price band. The average upper tier home sold for $571,767 in 2008 compared with $635,323 in 2007.

Visit our web page for more information on luxury homes, www.DavidAndLoisMarris.com.

REALTORs David and Lois Marris are top producing agents in Rochester MN at Edina Realty, the number one real estate brokerage in Minnesota.