Kathleen Lordbock Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

There were strong home sales in the Greater Lakes area of Central Minnesota once again in October. For the month there were 242 closed sales, up 14.7 percent from a year ago as low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for home buyers spurred activity. With the home buyer tax credit extended and expanded, we can expect that first-time home buyer activity will remain strong, but don't bank on the same blockbuster numbers we saw this year. If you were a potential first-time home buyer who was qualified to purchase in 2009, odds are pretty good that you already bought. But if not, new homes coming on the market weekly and great buys waiting for you. The fact that the income limits have been raised for eligibility does help since it widens the credit's availability.

The $6,500 credit for second-time buyers will spur some sellers in the low-to-mid price ranges to put their homes on the market who had previously been on the fence. New listings will likely increase this winter and into early 2010 as a result.

I have listings in all price ranges and many move in ready - just bring in your own things and settle down for the winter.

Kathleen Lordbock

REALTOR/Short Sale & Staging Specialist

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

The Brainerd Lakes area according to state demographers is expected to be the top growth area in the state. Area counties such as Aitkin , Cass and Crow wing Counties are projected to grow by 65% between 2000 and 2030, which makes it the fastest growing pocket in the state. The counties which are North of the area are projected to grow by 55% in that same time frame. Following the recession, according to George Orning a community planner, it will take about 5 to 10 years to catch up and our lakes area will have more competition with other urban centers which offer similar amenities such as: trees, water and hills.

The time to buy property in the Brainerd Lakes area is now. With our great selection of properties at every price range and our natural resources, this is a great place to consider for a primary or vacation property. There are many lower priced homes available on smaller lakes and very high end homes on the Whitefish Chain, Mille Lacs and Pelican along with others.

We are centrally located in the State of Minnesota with good roads leading into the area. Something is always happening here regardless of the season. This is far more than a summer get away. Our Fall season with the gorgeous color displays are breathtakingly beautiful. Winter brings a Wonderland with Cross Country Trails and downhill ski thrills. Spring is just the start for a summer of fun on our lakes and rivers or award winning golf courses. Many movie stars, successful business people and high profile sports figures spend their relaxation time here in the Lakes. Do they know something, you don't.

For a property in the Brainerd Lakes area contact: Kathleen Lordbock, Top Brainerd Agent, with Keller Wiliams Realty Brainerd Lakes - your area expert.

Kathleen Lordbock

REALTOR/Short Sale & Staging Specialist

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Re$ale Design & Home Staging

218-829-0339

218-831-8001

KLordbock@kw.com

photo by Aunt Owwee - Flickr

October’s big Real Estate story will be the expiration of the $8,000 tax credit on November 30th for eligible first time homebuyers. Since most transactions are taking a minimum of 30 – 45 days to close after an offer is made, buyers who need financing will need to sign a purchase agreement by the end of October 2009 in order to close their loan by the Nov. 30 deadline. Buyers who are hoping to utilize the $8,000 tax credit should be only making offers on properties that are able to close quickly and do not require bank approval. We do not know whether an extension on the tax credit will take place – or what that opportunity might look like – we only know how things are right now.

Buyers do not delay; you may be gambling away $8,000. We are also in a rare period of low interest rates, low prices, abundant inventory and down payment assistance programs – there's no better time to buy in our area of Minnesota. If you are looking in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota, I have properties in all price ranges from county to city to lake. Many more are coming on the market so if you didn’t find what you wanted before, do give me a call. I will find your dream home for you. 80 acres of Hunting land adjoining State land and a 15- 25 acre rural parcel will soon be listed along with a 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 3 car just a few miles North of Baxter. A 3 bedroom on 7.5 acres and a 2 bedroom/2bath/ 2 car in town also are upcoming.

If your home is not selling and you want to try something different - give me a call at Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes. I will help you get your home show room ready, priced for this market and sold. The home that shows the best, is heavily marketed and priced correctly will sell first.

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."
- Stephen Covey: Author, organizational, leadership, and family expert.

Try this out for a month-just a month, you can do it.

Copy the above quote and print it out. Tape it to your bathroom mirror, your car dash, your computer monitor, your exercise bicycle, and your refrigerator. Read it and think about what is most important to you = your big why. Reflecting on this quote every day for a month will help your realize what you get up to do and why you are doing it. The small things, the bumps in the road, the elbow scrapes, the client who is not so cooperative – will become smaller as you focus on what is truly important to you.

That will differ for all of us so I am not going to give you a list. You can come up with your own. Then as the days go on in your month, you will be more aware and more focused – letting the trivial things go and marching on to achieve your goals, hopes and dreams.

Just a month - you can do it!

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Minnesota

REALTOR-STAGING & SHORT SALE SPECIALIST

House not selling?

Need to move soon?

Falling behind on payments?

Want to sell your home for the most money and in the least amount of time?

218-829-4664

klordbock@kw.com

Top Brainerd Agent

photo by Flickr