Bob "RealMan" Timm

12/14/2008 We are experiencing our first "real" blizzard of the season. In fact this is the first blizzard I remember for awhile. It's not the snowiest storm I remember, in fact it was a bit wimpy when it comes to depth of snowfall. It has been one of the windiest winter storms but most important it is very likely the coldest storm I remember. Cold and windy make a very nasty mix. I was out a couple of times to shovel (use the snow-blower) but I didn't really "experience" the cold until I took my gloves off to take pictures. I snapped 2 and my hand was truly frozen. That never happens to me. I went back out with a good pair of gloves and here is the results. Keep in mind you can not "see" cold, which is what this blizzard was all about but you still might perceive the cold from these pictures. Oh before I forget, I believe it was about 20 below zero with a wind chill bringing it below 75 below of more.

I had to include the above picture because of the sign in the background. It's one of my favorite resturants in town, Tio Lalo's Mexican Resturant.

Last of all please note that these storms are really dangerous. There is a couple of names for people who wander out in blizzards: stupid, but that name usually doesn't stick long which brings us to the other name the same people earn, dead.

AIR FORCE & OIL FIELD WORKERS BEWARE!

Homes for sale under $100,000.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 4
Homes for sale between $100,000.00 and $124,999.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 17
Homes for sale between $125,000.00 and $149,999.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 12
Homes for sale between $150,000.00 and $174,999.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 10
Homes for sale between $175,000.00 and $199,999.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 14
Homes for sale between $200,000.00 and $249,999.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 16
Homes for sale over $250,000.00 as of 12/08/2008 = 30

OBVIOUSLY WE ARE EXPERIENCING A HUGE HOUSING SHORTAGE!

If you are thinking, "Well I will just rent" guess again. Never in Minot's history have we had 100% occupency, UNTIL NOW. Of course a couple of rentals are bound to come up here and there but

remember this:

1) 1,000+ troops and their families ARE coming in the next 4 weeks, not maybe, they ARE

coming.

2) The oil field is expected to bring in several thousand workers in the next 6 months and

they have been coming in at an alarming rate already.

3) Base housing is full.

One more thing to think about:

With 100% occupancy landloards are screening applicants to the max. If you have a credit glitch, smoke, or have pets, you are in for a rude awakening if you think you will find an appartment ahead of those that do not have a credit glitch, smoke, or have pets. If you are planning on purchasing a home you need to start today, not the day you get here. Did you know that EVERY Minot area listing is on Realtor.com? Did you know that you can work with me no matter who has the house listed? Are you aware of near by communities that other Base personel live in? Call me, I can help with all these things and you need to start now. Does your spouse need to find an employer? will you be looking for an insurance agent or lending instatution? Call me, I'm here to help.

Are you looking to pick up a new computer for Christmas. Here are two quick tips I just experienced this week.

#1) I purchased a Toshiba laptop feeling really smug that I got one of the best. The memory had a "glitch". Turns out that the memory on this model is integrated into the motherboard thus there is no fixing it. If it were out of warranty it would be plain old garbage. Make sure if your looking for a laptop it does not have integrated memory.

#2) I was told by 2 computer stores that Windows has announced that it will discontinue XP and servicing XP (just like 98, 95, 2000, Millennium, and what ever). You don't want to purchase a brand new computer with a discontinued operating system.

#2a) If you need XP because your system will not support the demands of Vista you may want to purchase a back-up copy before they are unavailable.

After reading this if you have discovered you purchased either of these items I suggest you take the mistake back while you still can. I hope this has helped someone.

Bob

I'm sure this has been around the block many times but I want all my local blog readers to see it because it is Sooo on the money.

Your House As Seen By:

Yourself...

Your Buyer...

Your Lender...

Your Appraiser...

Your County's Tax Assessor...

I think that about says it all!

Bob Timm, Oak Park Realty, Minot ND 58701

I've been on a rant for 9 months now that if you are taking part in the economic downturn there is no reason to. For 9 months I've been preaching that we need employees for absolutely everything, except maybe Realtors ;) in Western North Dakota. If you are a family man about to loose your home wouldn't it be worth leaving the family for 9 months to or so to save the family home and your pride? On average oil workers out here are earning $70,000.00 a year. These are starting level ruff-neck jobs. If that is to tough to handle then keep in mind we have openings in every field imaginable.

For more information on the oil field check out www.midwestoiljobs.com . We are also very short of carpenters. Keep in mind, we are in a BOOM! We have a huge shortage of homes and the contractors have no one to build them, they all headed out to the oil field!

Come to Minot ND, it's like the Gold Rush, stake your claim, save the family home or start a new one here.

Bob Timm