Alicia Garatoni

Open House in Woodbury on Sunday

2012-05-19T22:10:00Z

Woodbury, Washington County - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1720 Sheffield Drive on May 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

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Single Story For Sale in Woodbury

2012-05-19T22:01:00Z

• 2,790 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $310,000

Woodbury, Washington County - Almost like new! The home has had many updates in the last two years including new roof and siding; all new windows on the second story, remodeled master bath with whirlpool tub; new refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and furnace. The kitchen ceramic tile floor as well as the track lighting have also been updated.

Great for entertaining with an open floor plan, main floor family room; both informal and formal dining room and lower level amusement room.

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Single Story For Sale in Downtown

2012-04-30T15:52:00Z

• 1,546 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $550,000

Downtown, Minneapolis - Not a condo but a lifestyle! Stunning views from the 30th flr; fitness ctr/spa, community outdoor deck w/ fire pit, grills, hot tub & pool all in a secure building staffed 24 hr/day. In the heart of DT, close to theater, the river, restaurants and more.

Extra storage unit on 2nd floor - door marked #215. Side by side garage stalls on P1, #449 and 450.

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3-Level Split For Sale in Tyrol Hills

2012-04-27T18:22:00Z

• 2,037 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 3-level split - MLS® $499,000

Tyrol Hills, Golden Valley - Designed by Elizabeth Close, this home overlooks South Tyrol Hills Park. Expansive windows and skylights provide natural daylight throughout. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. Wonderful home office with separate entrance.

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Duplex For Sale in Windom

2012-03-21T18:24:00Z

• 2,094 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm duplex - MLS® $220,000

Windom, Southwest - Vacancies are down so rents are rising! Interest rates for investment properties are still near historic lows. Well maintained duplex with solid rental history in a great location near shopping, restaurants, buses, etc. One side vacant making owner occupied a possibility. Long term tenant with lease on other side. Separate basements and utilities. $28,000 of MAC Improvements including all new windows and new side doors for both units just completed.

Located within walking distance of post office, grocery store, shopping and restaurants. This property has been well maintained and has a solid rental history. Each unit features hardwood floors, separate utilities, a private basement with free washer and dryer and potential garage space. Contract for Deed Financing Available with 10% down.

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Further support that now is a great time to buy a home . . .

2012-01-10T17:02:00Z

In a December 30, 2011 New York Times article, Karl Case, the co-founder of the prestigious Case-Shiller Index, presents his perspective. The following is an excerpt from the Times article and is reprinted in its entirety. Karl Case: ‘It’s unbelievable’ A professor emeritus of economics at Wellesley College, Mr. Case’s name is practically synonymous with real estate values, because he helped create the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index (along with the...(read more)

The media isn't always the best resource . . .

2012-01-09T22:33:00Z

You've heard this time and time again yet just last week there was another example of poor reporting. First, an admission - I came in on the tail end of a news segment so I didn't catch the entire conversation nor do I have the financial consultants name. Also, I know that this was one person's opinion and that this isn't an indictment of all news shows. However, when the anchor asked him if now was the time to purchase a home, he answered unequivocally "No". I find that...(read more)

Twin Cities ranks 4th for businesses

2011-12-15T17:16:00Z

MarketWatch, a division of the Wall Street Journal ranks the Twin Cities 4th in the nation for its business community topped only by Washington D.C., Boston and Des Moines. The study looks at the concentration of businesses and their economic strength. They considered all cities with a population of half of a million or more. To see the full ranking, go to http://www.marketwatch.com/story/california-florida-ohio-cities-in-bottom-10-2011-12-13 In an Ameriprise Financial report, the Twin Cities was...(read more)

Changes to the Minnesota property tax formula

2011-12-12T17:10:00Z

The Minnesota Association of Realtors just issued a great summary of the 2011 changes to how are property taxes are calculated. The complete article is attached. Please call me if you have any questions....(read more)

Rent vs. Buy - What's right for you?

2011-11-28T14:25:00Z

I just received the following study presented by Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D. - Florida International University (FIU) and Editor of the Journal of Housing at the National Association of Realtors national conference in Anaheim, CA . The analysis should be useful in helping you to decide what's the best route for you. http://realestate.fiu.edu/buyer-or-renter-nation.html ....(read more)

Just out from the National Association of Realtors

2011-11-22T15:17:00Z

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Not a good catagory in which to lead.

2011-09-13T21:34:00Z

Out yesterday (9/12/11) is a report in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal that Minnesota is one of the leading nations for mortgage fraud. In a report released by the Mortgage Daily website, Minnesota had over $184 million in reported mortgage fraud. Other states with high rates were California, Florida and Ohio based on civil and criminal cases. I prefer to think that our state is better at policing ourselves so we catch more of these criminals rather than we have more mortgage fraud crimes...(read more)

Just when you thought they couldn't go lower . . .

2011-09-13T21:24:00Z

According to Forthebestrate.com, a mortgage interest rate research firm, interest rates today (9/13/11) dropped to the lowest point ever as reported by Rismedia, a leading real estate information systems company. For a 30 year fixed mortgage, this means a rate of 3.875% (APR 4.04%). For the full article, please go to http://rismedia.com/2011-09-12/mortgage-rates-again-fall-to-record-lows/ I hope it goes without saying that if you were ever thinking about buying a home . . . . please see your preferred...(read more)

Condos and town homes to see a resurgence?

2011-09-10T20:25:00Z

Except for a brief period in the early 2000's, single family homes have generally seen greater demand than condos and town homes. As the first of the baby boomers hit retirement age last year, that may be changing. There are approximately 77 million people - those between 47 and 65 years old - who will dramatically shape the direction of housing for the next 20 years. Many are empty nesters with equity in their homes that are looking for a lifestyle change. A recent article in Rismedia suggests...(read more)

What conclusions can be drawn from May 2011 housing statistics?

2011-06-16T17:36:00Z

It continues to be difficult to compare year over year statistics as the post tax credit slump adversely impacted May 2010 sales figures. When compared to May 2011 statistics, pending sales increased dramatically by 13.2%, new homes on the market jumped 10.8% and total housing inventory shrank 11.8%, the lowest May count since 2005 according to statistics published by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. Any increase in sales/decrease in inventory is welcomed yet we should be cautious about...(read more)