Mark Burrows

I am thinking about the facts and projections regarding the Northstar Commuter Line. Did you know there will be an extension to St. Cloud? The "corridor" will be 82 miles long when the hoped for extension is complete. The portion now almost ready to run goes to Big Lake, MN which is commonly known to be half way in between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. Along this corridor, there will be an expected 850,000 people living by 2025!!! That projection is mind boggling! It would seem that the choice to buy a home near one of the Commuter Lile Stations could not only be very convienient but also a wise investment in property! What I like about it is the small town feel with the out of the big city country living, yet capable of erasing the commute problem our roads sometimes bring. Many of us are willing to do the commute but some will now come out this way because they can ride the commuter. I think that will put property into higher demand soon after the Northstar Commuter Line into successful service that is sure to be well liked and utilized.

Just in case you're wondering, Northstar Stations are already completed or nearly finished in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis New Twin Stadium where it terminate and meet the Light Rail already in Operation and making it's way to MSP airport (both Terminals) and the Mall of America! The Fridley Station is the only one that is not ready by is said to be progressing toward completion in time for the rail opening. For more information I have linked to the Get On Board website on my website: http://yourhomebymark.com

Or, you can go there by clicking http://www.mn-GetonBoard.com

But please check out my website and let me know what you think. I also am asking for pictures of you favorite pet to be placed in my Picture contest. The picture will be posted on my website and a nice framed print will be sent to the winner(s). Send pictures and any questions or comments to mark@yourhomebymark.com

Thanks! Mark Burrows

I wanted to start a series about various local information that would be useful to know about Big Lake. One of the first things that took me by surprise is the Post Office. We have a nice Post Office location in town along HWY 10 but beware if you are sending an important letter, the mail is picked up at 4:30 rather than the 5:00 PM or later I grew used to in the city. Yep, this is rural living near the big city.

There is the City of Big Lake and the Township of Big Lake that surrounds the City. The properties within Big Lake can be different than the properties outside in the Township. The Township has more newer developments and more recent built homes although there are some new homes within the city. The laws are different and City VS Township are governed differently. Big Lake Township reaches all the way down south to the Northern shores of the Mississippi river. This river property is very close to Monticello on the other side.

If you have questions about Big Lake that are not yet addressed, please contact me and I would love to answer any questions. It might help get the information out there for others as well since I will consider adding the information to this series. Please let me know if you are interested in Living in Big Lake or the surrounding area. I can be reached by email: mark@yourhomebymark.com

My website has further local information available: http://yourhomebymark.com

Please feel free to call me at 763-263-8310 in Big Lake!

Mark Burrows, Realtor, e-PRO

I found my first Northstar related buyer yesterday while conducting an open house in Elk River. Even though I just wrote about it in my blog the day before, I was somewhat surprised to hear a potential Buyer state the main reason he was there was to take advantage of the connection he can get to downtown Minneapolis on the Northstar Commuter Rail. He was thinking of moving to Elk River from Plymouth, MN.

Coincidentally, I was striving to help my buyer and called a very knowledgable friend to make sure I wasn't overlooking any areas where people wanting a desireable ride to the airport would be looking to buy. There are certain criteria that caused us to look in Brooklyn Park, but only a few listings were available to view that weren't short sales or sold with pending offers.

My friend immediately came up with the answer! "Tell them about the Northstar and how they could benefit from the excellent deals in the Big Lake, Elk River Minnesota area on homes exactly like they are looking for: Maintenance Free Siding, 3 car garage, 3 bedroom 2 bath 1800 sq. ft minimum.

Obviously, I told them about the Northstar earlier, but until we can actually ride it and see how great it will be, the concept is a bit tough to envision. This will all change in a few short months and I have a feeling the market around Big lake will firm up and thrive from the association.

I would love to hear your experiences and/or comments and thoughts. If you would like to discuss Listing your Big lake area home or buying one, Please contact me and I would be pleased to work with you.

Please contact me by email: mark@yourhomebymark.com my office phone is 763-263-8310 and my website is:

http://YourHomebyMark.com

Keep in the loop! I will continue my series of blogs regarding the local market and incentives, etc. My blog is at: http://myblogbymark.com

Thanks,

Mark Burrows

The other day, I was showing houses and as I made the case for looking at homes in Big Lake, MN the question came up. Why live in Big Lake, MN or Monticello, MN ? The first obvious things that come to mind are the beautiful lakes with beaches and the Mississippi River parks and walkways. Additionally, there are huge Parks and Wild Life Management areas (WMA's) including Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Sand Dunes State Forest close nearby with abundant wildlife, etc.

However, this client was interested in the getting to work aspect, he drives to the MSP airport often, as do I. There are a number of routes that can be taken using the interstate system but the exciting development coming very soon is the NORTHSTAR COMMUTER LINE www.northstartrain.org The Northstar has ultra cool passenger cars with wireless internet access and many other features. After years of driving to the airport nearly every week, I can tell you the biggest problem is when you get a snowstorm and traffic takes a halt!! The Northstar will not be affected by the typical snowstorm!

The Northstar line is ready to be put into service in a few short months. The Light Rail that moves through Minneapolis and ends at the MSP Airport and Mall of America (MOA) has been extended to the new Twins Baseball Stadium where the Northstar will also terminate. the new Twins Stadium will be the connection point to the airport or someplace else downtown.

Why live in Big Lake or Monticello, MN area? This is just the beginning of my series of all the many reasons why. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. You can email me at mark@yourhomebymark.com

My website is: http://YourHomebyMark.com

Mark Burrows

Time is running out when you consider the amount of time it might take to process an offer on a short sale or foreclosure. The $8000 first time homebuyer (hasn't owned in last 3 years) tax credit ends Nov. 30th and the sale has to close by then. This $8000 tax credit is a real deal and it is still not known by many who would qualify.

If you know of anyone who is qualified i.e. haven't been an owner of a home for 3 years and fairly good credit, we need to talk! I will make sure they get into an appropriate home and get the information regarding the tax credit money to them. There are many creative ways of making these deals happen.

Anyone renting and with good credit should seriously investigete the situation with the market, rates and incentives. There is good reason to not only investigate, but keep in the loop, as many ideas are in the process to further Stimulate the real estate market and the economy. If some of these ideas become law, there could be a rush to view and purchase property. Why not be ready? Please contact me by email: mark@yourhomebymark.com my office phone is 763-263-8310 and my website is:

http://YourHomebyMark.com

Keep in the loop! I will continue my series of blogs regarding the local market and incentives, etc. My blog is at: http://myblogbymark.com

Thanks,

Mark Burrows