What's the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?
Things were picking up in April and early May. The outlook is brighter with increased activity. It seems that our spring market is about a month behind - just like our spring weather.
We're predicting that first time home buyers will be the mainstay of this market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs. According to my lending expert Brenda Bednar (through Advisor's Mortgage) 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 91 closed residential listings in Owatonna. The average sale price of sold properties is $134,484 which is down from 2008 when the average sale price at this time was $159,861. I believe this trend is due to an 
increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time for sold properties is 115 days which is actually down from 139 in 2008 at this time. But looking back, I found that 2007 was 156, 2006 was 138 days and 2005 was 121 days, again for this same period. The market has changed.
At this time 114 homes are pending sale, and we have 214 active residential listings with an average list price of $195,490. They've been on the market for an average of 157 days. We hit over 300 listings before the end of 2007, so it's nice to see that number come down. We have 286 active building lots on the market. 
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.
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Last Saturday night we hosted our first fundraising event so far this year for our walk in the Breast Cancer 3 Day. Our Twin Peaks team will be walking 60 miles over 3 days during the Twin Cities 3 Day, August 21st - 23rd. It's such an incredible experience, and this year my daughter, Lauren, will be walking with me. Each team member has to raise $2300 to walk.
Lauren just completed her first half marathon - we got to cheer her on throughout the run. She ran in an event (From The Heart) that was organized to benefit a local family who just recently lost their mom/wife to breast cancer. It was a wonderful day and a great success. Over 700 people ran or walked in the half marathon for 5k. It was also a neat way for the community to show its support to a family in need of caring at such a difficult time.
If you have a chance to particpate or cheer on some walkers during your local 3 Day event, I'd strongly urge you to grab the chance. It's something that you'll remember for years.
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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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