Sales have been picking up since August and the outlook is brighter with increased activity. It seems that the first time buyer stimulus plan has been working. We've seen a strong presence of those buyers in our market and that helps everyone.
We predicted that first time home buyers would be the mainstay of the 2009 market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs, and it appears to have panned out that way. One of my lending experts, Brenda Bednar (through Advisor's Mortgage) noted that she is taking applications from those two buyer niches. Property issues are becoming more of a challenge with the increase in foreclosed properties, many of which have deferred maintenance issues to contend with. If you have any financing questions you can contact Brenda at 507-455-1858. Her expertise will get you moving in the right direction.
According to the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors MLS our year to date activity is showing 220 closed residential listings in Owatonna. The average sale price of sold properties is $143,346 which is down from 2008 when the average sale price at this time was $166,284. I believe this trend is due to an increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time is 116 days which is actually down from 132 in 2008 at this time. The market has changed, in particular housing prices.
At this time we have 252 active residential listings with an average list price of $184,889. They've been on the market for an average of 157 days.
Market cycles affecting housing come and go, just like all segments of the economy. Right now may seem like a challenging market, but it's also a market of opportunity. Investors and first time home buyers will be the obvious winners, but existing homeowners can profit, too. If you're looking to move up into a larger home - it's a great time to make that move. The inventory and prices of move up homes have never been more plentiful and attractive. Call or e-mail me today to learn about how this market can be beneficial for you. It's time to get moving.
What's Going on in Owatonna in October?
10/1 and 10/2 Harvest Fest 2009 - downtown stores participating with decorated store fronts and the Scarecrow contest
10/3 Homecoming for Owatonna High School, parade downtown in the afternoon, football game at 7:00 and activities for students Friday night at Southpark Bowl 
Go Huskies!
10/2 and 10/3 Artists of Minnesota Showcase, Owatonna Arts Center
10/3 Owatonna Hospital public Open House at their new location at 2250 26th Street NW
10/4 - 10/10 Fire Prevention Week, Don't get burned, plan and practice your fire safety and evacuation plan
10/5 Steele County Historical Society Pasta Night Out Fundraiser, call Laura at 507-451-1420 for information
10/2 and 10/3, 10/9 and 10/10 The Wedding Singer - The Awesome Musical, presented by Riverland Community College
10/10 7th Annual Women's Health Day, Owatonna Holiday Inn
10/10 Express hockey home game, Steele County Four Seasons Centre
10/17 Upper Midwest and Cavy Show, Steele County Four Season's Centre
10/18 Young Life Banquet, Willow Creek School
10/27 Owatonna Chamber Business After Hours, United Prairie Bank
10/31 Halloween, watch out for all those little ghosts and goblins, drive safely
AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project
Albert Lea, Minnesota will be the center of an innovative, research-backed 10-month pilot project designed to improve the health and projected life expectancy of people of all ages who live and work in the city. The goal is to add at least 10,000 years of projected life expectancy to the people of Albert Lea (that's at least two years of projected life expectancy per participant) through environmental and individual changes.
Instead of focusing on a diet and exercise program, the project encourages the best practices of the world's longest-lived populations with strategies such as making it easier to get around on foot or by bicycle; encouraging the development of social networks; and providing healthier fast-food options, among others.
Between now and October, the project will work with Albert Lea community leaders to create the kind of community wherein healthy habits naturally ensue. These efforts will engage Albert Lea's residents in making personal changes that will improve their health and increase their longevity in ways that require little or no ongoing effort. The project will combine AARP's expertise related to healthy behaviors and Blue Zones' expertise in longevity to empower Albert Lea to make simple but impactful changes to behaviors and environments. The AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project is sponsored by the United Health Foundation.
Visit the Vitality Project page at AARP.
Albert Lea is located in southeast Minnesota about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities on I-35. Our Coldwell Banker Holtan real estate agents can help you find the right home. Contact them today at info@holtan.com or 507-373-8963.
Owatonna is buzzing with activity in the month of July. It's certainly one of my favorite months. Here are some of the activities on schedule for the next few weeks.
7/16/09 11@7 Concert in Central Park - Mark Arthur is performing
7/16/09 3rd Thursday Networking Event - Valleyview Assisted Living from 11:57 am to 1:00 pm
7/16/09 Eagles "Cruise In" Car Show 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Eagles Club
7/17 - 7/18 American Cancer Society Relay for Life - Steele County Fairgrounds
7/18/09 Farmer's Market - Central Park
7/18/09 Steele County Humane Society Adoption Day - Mark's Repair from 1:00 - 3:00 pm
7/19/09 American Lung Association Bike Across America Camp - Steele County Fairgrounds
7/20/09 Wee Pals Golf Event, Dinner and Silent Auction
7/21 - 7/25 Nunsense Jamboree - Riverland Community College - Austin Campus - 7:30 pm
7/22/09 Crazy Days Ice Cream Social - Central Park 6:00 pm
7/23 - 7/24 Crazy Days Sidewalk Sale - Citywide sales
7/23/09 11@7 Concert in Central Park - Owatonna Community Band
7/23/09 Eagles "Cruise In" Car Show 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Eagles Club
7/24 - 7/26 MSF State Baseball Tourney
7/24/09 Crazy Days Hog Roast and Dance - Downtown
7/25 - 7/26 Crazy Days - 17th Annual Festival of the Arts - Central Park
7/28/09 Business After Hours - Fame Awards - 5:30 to 7:00 pm
As you can see there's something for everyone - from arts and music, to sports and cars - and plenty more! Owatonna's a short drive from the Twin Cities - so hop in the car and discover why Owatonna has been selected as one of Money Magazine's Top 100 Small Cities.
And if you want to make Owatonna your home, give me a call or send an e-mail. I'm glad to help with all or your Owatonna real estate needs.
I can be reached at 507-390-6109 or ljohnson@owatonnahome.com
Lynn Johnson and Chad Hacker - the Owatonna Real Estate Pros
Coldwell Banker Home Connection
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I'm a dedicated real estate professional; a broker who lives, works, and plays in Owatonna, Minnesota. I work hard to put the best interest of my buyers above all else. Check out my Owatonna info.
There's so much to see and do in Owatonna, Minnesota. It's a great place to live! Here are some of the great views around town.
I've been a real estate professional since 1996. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with so many families in and around the Owatonna community. I became a real estate broker in 1999, and along with two business partners we opened our first Coldwell Banker office in 2000. Since then, we have purchased two additional offices, one in Albert Lea, MN and the other in Northfield, MN. We've been so fortunate to be able to work with such dedicated and experienced professionals in each of our offices.
My husband and I have two children - the oldest is in college at Gustavus Adolphus, and the younger one is attending Owatonna High School. They both play hockey, and enjoy soccer, as well. We've been a hockey family since the youngest started skating at two. Unfortunately, the winter months are not my favorite, but I've learned to acclimate to the frozen rinks as I support my kids.
We've been in Owatonna since 1986. I can't believe how quickly 22 years can go by. This has been a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family, and I can certainly attest to the benefits that our community has to offer families who are just moving in to the area. I'm working on enjoying our plentiful parks throughout the year, not just in the warmer months. I recently started to snowshoe, and also enjoy walking on the trails and in the snow-covered woods. I also love to ride bike, but haven't attempted winter riding.
I'm currently involved in a variety of community organizations - the
Steele County United Way Board, the Owatonna Ambassadors, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In the past I've served on several other boards, and participated as a volunteer in my church, and throughout the community. It's been a reward to meet so many people who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the people within our community.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree and fom the University Wisconsin-LaCrosse, with a Master of Business Administration degree. I love to learn new things, and am attempting to learn to speak Spanish.
I work with buyers and sellers across all price ranges, and enjoy helping the first time buyer, as well as experienced, savvy sellers. I gauge my style according to their needs, wants, and expectations. I like to focus on what is most important to my clients.
I also enjoy helping clients through the process of new construction. I've built many spec houses, and have become very familiar with the area's builders. We're fortunate to have many solid and reputable builders to work with.
Real Estate Salesperson - 1996
Real Estate Broker - 1999
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI)
Relocation Specialist
Certified E-Marketing Specialist
Certified Negotiation Specialist
We couldn't believe how smooth the process went in selling/buying our new home. It all came down to the wonderful and thorough service Lynn provided to us once again. We highly recommend her to others. Mike & Heidi O.
Lynn - thank you so much for helping us find this home and get into it so fast. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thanks! Vanessa V and Justin J.
Lynn's awesome! Thanks for everything. Rick & Laura Y.
Lynn is a good communicator and has genuine concern for her clients. She is trustworthy and works hard for her clients. The B.'s
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