E.J. "Mike" Carlier ABR CRS GRI Apple Valley MN

Since 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been held in New York. It is the second longest running sporting event, bested by the Kentucky Derby. Although it's not my preferred dog activity (I'm partial to agility and hunting retriever field events), it's not the worst way to spend a couple nights in front of the tube.

Television coverage is a little strange, as it has been for years. USA Network has a commitment to WWE, and can't carry the second half of the first evening, so there is a channel change involved tonight. According to the WKC Website, the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding group competition will be televised live Monday on USA Network from 8-9 PM ET and continuing on CNBC from 9-11 PM ET. The Sporting, Working, Terrier, and Best In Show competition will be televised live Tuesday on USA Network from 8-11 PM ET.

With bias to the retriever breeds, I watch annually with hopes that this is the year for a retriever to go best in show. In 135 years, it has never happened. I'm hoping for a Golden Retriever win, but it's probably going to be a terrier. Last year's Scottish Deerhound won, and, in my opinion, it was a good choice. Any predictions?

Year Over Year Permit Fees Take Huge Jump

According to information reported in the Dakota County Tribune, Lakeville building permits for the month of January were for a total valuation of just over $6.6 million, compared to about $2 million in January, 2011. Most of the increase was in single family homes, and that adds support to the sentiment that we may be beyond the bottom of the housing depression.

Sold homes data also suggests that we are rapidly exiting the worst of the housing depression in Lakeville. According to the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, there were 55 January closed residential sales in Lakeville, which compares to 37 in 2011. With a year over year increase of almost 50% in January, it's hard to imagine anything but good days ahead for the housing market.

For anyone considering buying a home in Lakeville or the surrounding area, it is time to take action. Even if there are no price increases and reasonable listing inventory, there is only one best buy in Lakeville. Miss it and settle for second best. If you're thinking about declaring your independence from Mr. Landlord, now is the time to act. Call me for help and a free homebuyer orientation and strategy session. It's the best hour you could invest in your future. Call now.

There are plenty of folks who are choosing to buy their first homes right now in Dakota County, especially in Apple Valley and the five cities on its borders. Interest rates and prices have converged to the optimal level, and the indications are that this may be as good as it gets.

There are a lot of real estate professionals who offer reasons to buy a home right now, and most of the given reasons are valid for somebody. They are not all valid for everyone. For example:

Interest and Property Taxes are Deductible. This is true, but the fact that they are deductible does not always mean that they should be deducted. The standard deduction for single filers in 2012 will be $5,950, and the standard deduction for married filers will be $11,900. You have to have enough deductions to exceed the standard deduction or your deductions will not help your tax bill. If you have little else but mortgage interest and property taxes to deduct, many entry level home purchases will not give you a tax advantage.

Owning is Cheaper Than Renting. This could be true, but it is necessary to include all the new expenses that go along with owning your own home. In addition to the monthly payment which may actually be lower than your current rent, taxes, insurance, general maintenance, periodic updates, future assessments, and desired improvements need to be considered. Generally the new home is larger than the rental, so utilities could also cost a bit more. Owning will probably cost more than renting, but driving your own car usually costs more than taking the bus too, which brings us to the one reason to buy your first home.

It May Cost More, But It's Worth It. The best and most universally valid reason to buy your first home is because it will probably make your life better. That is, it will make your life better if you do your homework, don't overspend, and choose carefully. talk to a financing professional, and expect that you will be qualified for more than you feel that you can comfortably allocate to your monthly payment. The comfortable amount is the important one, and it's best to not exceed that level. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses, both home-related and otherwise always occur. Have a cushion saved that will not be used for buying and moving expenses. With the proper preparation, your lifestyle upgrade will be worth the effort and the possible additional expense over the cost of living in the world of temporary housing.

If you're ready to declare your independence from Mr. Landlord, call me to arrange a convenient time for a home buying orientation and strategy session. You'll learn about buyer advocacy, the risks and rewards of buying foreclosures and short sales, what to look for when shopping for a new home, and a whole lot more. Call now, you have nothing to lose but about an hour of your time.

Today's economic data indicates that the economy is improving, and it's no surprise that housing will probably move in tandem. With job data showing substantial sustained improvement, fewer people are unemployed and an increasing number of job holders are feeling more secure in their employment.

The uncertainties of the past few years are slowly fading, and housing appears to be also recovering slowly in many parts of the country. In my little corner of the world, Apple Valley, Minnesota, and the five cities that it touches have had a great first month of 2012. According to the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, total units closed increased about 21%, from 180 in 2011 to 218 in 2012. Greater Dakota County likewise had an increase in January from 233 sold in 2011 to 311 sold in 2012. That's about a 33% increase, and it looks to me like a pretty good start to the year.

The increase in the number of buyers should not go unnoticed by anyone considering owning a new home. Competition for the best property in any price range will be greater this year, but probably not as great early in the year than later, and again not as great this year as next. Now is the time to make a lifestyle upgrade decision if you want the best possible value.

For more specific information about the real estate market in Apple Valley and its five neighbors, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville, and Rosemount, drop me an email with your request. I also answer phone calls promptly.

If you planned to get a jump on the rest of the early season house hunters, you're about out of time. The Official Minnesota House Hunting Season begins at sunrise tomorrow. I know that a lot of folks call it Groundhog Day, but that's just a code phrase for House Hunting Day.

With a large percentage of leases up for renewal in May and June, and notification of renewal due a month or two before then, now is the time that residents of temporary housing need to make a decision. Will you return quietly and gently into the black hole of renting for another year? Will you accept the offer to be allowed to live in someone elses home for a higher rent payment than last year's already too high price? It's your choice, and it just depends on how highly you value your lifestyle. What's critical is that now is the time to make the decision.

Tomorrow morning, the sun will rise to a mostly cloudy sky, and your landlord may or may not see his shadow. Some would argue that landlords have no shadow or image reflection. Some claim he has no heart either, but that's just an unfounded rumor. Shadow, reflection, and heart notwithstanding, it's a fact that he does have a hefty tax deduction that may be close to the amount you pay him each month. With the money you and others pay him, in thirty years or less, he will have a debt-free piece of real estate.

Start counting the days to your freedom. Plan to be your own landlord with your own tax deductions and your own dog if you want one. Plan to decorate the way you want, and plan to take control of your life. Call me to arrange a landlord firing strategy session. It's free, there's no obligation, and it's usually fun. Call me now.