Jeff Schulz

According to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, there does not seem to be too much of a change in statistics from this time last year for the months of September.

New listings in September of this year declined from 33 in September 2008 to 24 in September 2009. And the median sales price declined by $11,000, from $217 to $206 as well as the average sales price declined.

However the remaining factors do not show a significant change compared to other areas of the country. The numbers are outlined below.

Closed Sales 17, up from 16

Average days on market 109, down from 161

Single Family Inventory 77, down from 99

So far this year nearly 70 small businesses received more than $4.3 million in the form of grants and low interest loans to help survive in this struggling economy. A second round of small interest loans became available and applications were received through September. The funding is again through the Pohlad Family, and the loans are awarded through Grow Minnesota!, a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and local chamber partners across the state. Loans will be awarded in early November.

The Pohlad Family gives generously to the community through various organizations. The Pohlad Family Foundation’s mission statement is:

To improve the lives of economically disadvantaged children and youth and participate in projects that positively impact the quality of life in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

They fulfill this mission through public and private grantmaking.

The Pohlad Family also owns many private companies that, together, employ more than 3,000 employees. All Pohlad businesses are encouraged to be active participants in their communities.

Sadly, the head of the family, Carl Pohlad, passed away in January. Despite his success, Carl was regarded as a "regular guy." He treated people from all walks of life with respect, retaining a soft spot for the little guy, and never forgetting his humble beginnings. The Pohlad business holdings will continue under the stewardship of his three sons.

Nickle Dickle Day is an all day festival that brings thousands of people to Waconia. There is music and entertainment, a book sale, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, and a mechanical bull. There is also a duck race and if you adopt a duck, proceeds will go to Waconia West Carver Rotary to support children's charity. Residents can also enjoy an antique car show as well as an arts and crafts show. Rides and games will be happening all day in the City Square Park.

Local businesses also get involved by offering huge sales all day Friday and Saturday at their place of business. There will also be sidewalk sales on Saturday.

And if you are in shape, you can participate in the 5K or 10K run. If not, just stick around and listen to one of the many bands performing in the Gazebo, or on the 1st Street stage.

Let's not forget all of the delicious food! Food items include pork burgers, gyros, corn dogs, cotton candy, kettle corn, brats and much more! Volunteers are still needed if you live in the area and want to help out.

Nickle Dickle Day is going to be this weekend, September 19th. The days starts at 8am with the car show and craft fair. Festivities wind down at 5pm.

In the last year there has been a steady increase in pending sales of homes, according to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. Sales have grown, and new listings have slowed as well.

Buyer activity is definitely growing. Right now there are fewer homes available per buyer than there has been since 2005.

Mortgage interest rates are still favorable.

Loan Type Interest Rate

15 yr fixed 4.60%

30 yr fixed 5.08%

5/1 ARM 4.23%

The first time homebuyers tax credit of $8,000 is also still available.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Waconia, Cologne, St. Boni or Victoria, MN?
Contact me at 612-709-4737 to get started. Not quite ready? Feel free to browse through my current listings.

The Waconia Lions hosted the 18th Annual 'Take a Kid Fishing' on Lake Waconia last month and we had a great turnout! In Towne Marina kindly allowed us the use of their Screenhouse and provided bait.

This year we had over 30 kids come out. It was a little chilly in the morning but we fed them breakfast and took them fishing anyway. They had a great time and caught tons of fish. We cleaned the fish for kids that wanted to take some home so it would be ready to fry without the "dirty" work.

Each year we also try and send each child home with a bunch of fishing gear and this year was no different. Thanks to Kelly from Rapala as well as Cabin Fever for your generosity!