Isanti - Sherburne - Wright - Anoka County Minnesota Real Estate Blog: April 2008

NOT A FORECLOSURE!!!

Not a foreclosure!!!  This phrase is now appearing often in agent remarks on listings that are priced well and are not a foreclosure.  I think it is helpful to have this in notes.  However, I was searching through listings last night and was very amused at how much this phrase is being over used.

For example in Ramsey, MN homes that are bank owned and built in the 70's and 80's are probably hitting prices at or below $150,000.  I was searching up to $250,000 on a search for someone and on about 5 listings over $225,000 the notes had NOT A FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE!

No kidding!  Its only priced $30,000- $40,000 dollars high.  Probably means it WILL BE A FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE SOON!

So agents I appreciate the note, but only use it when the home is actually priced were it justifies that phrase.  Oh wait!  Actually I need to laugh more so keep doing what you're doing!

8 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 29 2008 01:42PM

Project Hope Reminder

This is another community project that I was reminded of by email this morning so I thought I would get it out there to more people!
 

Project Hope....an experience
 
 
Imagine......
The morning after your community has been struck by disaster, you have thoughts of confusion, fear, unending despair and all seems lost........
Project Hope is about sharing our resources, energy and love with those in crisis. Hope Filled Hands wants to help restore what was lost to those in need.
With YOUR help, we will have a trailer filled with tools and necessary supplies waithing to go at a moments notice.
Join us as we share our newly focused vision and how you can be a part of transforming lives and communities.
 
You and your family are invited to a fundraiser for Hope Filled Hands
 
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:00pm
 
790 Minnesota Avenue
Big Lake, Mn 55309
 
Casual Dress
 
Please RSVP online or to me 612.237.9505
 
Dinner $20.00/ person and $50.00/ family
 
http://www.hopefilledhands.com/
763.262.HOPE

1 commentChuck Carstensen • April 28 2008 01:52AM

You Are My Sunshine

 My sister fowarded this to me and I thought it was really powerful so I wanted to share it.  Have a great day!

 

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

You are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine' (Be prepared to
get watery eyes!)

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that
another baby was on the way, she did what she could to
help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new
sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be
a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael
sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was building a
bond of love with his little sister before he even met
her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an
active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist
Church in Morristown , Tennessee ..

In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every
five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious
complications arose during delivery and Karen found
herself in hours of
labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle,
Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious
condition.


With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant
to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital,
Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by. The little girl got
worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there
is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen
and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a
burial plot.

They had fixed up a special room in their house
for their new baby but now they found themselves
having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept
begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want
to sing to her, he kept saying. Week two in intensive
care looked as if a funeral would come before the week
was over.

Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister,
but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen
decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not.
If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never
see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub
suit and marched him into ICU. I looked like a walking
laundry basket.

The head nurse recognized him as a child and
bellowed, 'Get that kid out of here now. No children
are allowed.' The mother rose up strong in Karen, and
the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right
into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. 'He
is not leaving until he sings to his sister' she stated. Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.

He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to
live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the
pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: 'You
are my sunshine, my only sun shine, you make me happy
when skies are gray.' Instantly the baby girl seemed
to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and
become steady. 'Keep on singing, Michael,' encouraged
Karen with tears in her eyes. 'You never know, dear,
how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine
away.' As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's
ragged, strained breathing
became as smooth as a
kitten's purr. 'Keep on singing, sweetheart.' 'The
other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held
you in my arms'. Michael's little sister began to
relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.
'Keep on singing, Michael.' Tears had now conquered
the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. 'You
are my sunshine , my only sunshine. Please don't take
my sunshine away...'

The next day...the very next day...the little girl was
well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it
The Miracle
of a Brother's Song. The medical staff
just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of
God's love.

NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.

LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.
Life is good.

Have a Wonderful Day! Just send this to (4) people and
see what happens on the fourth day.
Do not break this, please. There is no cost, but lots
of rewards
In God We Trust!


LET YOUR HOPE MAKE YOU GLAD.


        BE PATIENT IN TIME OF TROUBLE,


                  AND NEVER STOP PRAYING (ROMAN 12:12)

6 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 28 2008 01:07AM

Winners Never Give Up

 

Perseverance

Winners never give up!


Kenneth Tedford, tells a childhood story. Kenny was declared "mentally retarded" in his earlier years. His mother, an alcoholic, died when Kenny was 8 years old. His adoptive mother loved him, but his adoptive father was embarrassed to have him around. One day, during a class in elementary school, the teacher asked the children to draw a stick figure of what they wanted to be when they grew up.

stick figure

Pictures of doctors, nurses, policemen, and firemen were posted all around the room. Kenny's picture was one with the "stick" person standing next to a podium with an American Flag in the background. When Kenny explained that he wanted to be a motivational speaker and make people feel good, the teacher responded, "But Kenny you know you can't do that, you're retarded!"

principal

Kenny's response was, "Well, you're a teacher and you're not real smart!" The teacher immediately sent Kenny to the principal's office for punishment. The teacher explained the situation and left Kenny alone with the principal. The principal got down on one knee and, looking directly into Kenny's eyes, stated, "Kenny, that teacher is a very cruel person, and I know you can be whatever you dream to be."

Later, during a series of tests, Kenny was found to be legally deaf, not retarded! Kenny is now a successful motivational speaker, stand-up comedian and has authored several children's books!

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common then unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

This is another lesson from Success University course ...The Soul of Winning ....I post it because I know a lot of people are giving up right now.  Someone out there is giving up there Real Estate Career.  Someone else is giving up on their marriage.  Perhaps someone is giving up on a dream that they once had.  Nothing worthwhile is easy.  If you believe in your heart for something, ask God for guidance and persist through the storm because you will make it to the other side. I am not saying that everything you must persist through, but rather that THING that true extension of you, that knowing that it is out there for you, go for that THING. Don't give up! - Chuck

 

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate in Isanti, Anoka, Sherburne and Wright County.  He is a speaker and co-author in the best selling book series Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Your Wake Up Moments (available soon). Carstensen is also a personal development mentor with Success University...where he helps people discover how to be more successful in business, life and health.

 

9 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 27 2008 01:34AM

Don't Drink Mountain Dew Before Bed

Okay. I should be sleeping. I want to be sleeping. I would say I need to be sleeping...but I am not.  No!  Silly me, I drank a lot of Mountain Dew tonight.  Yes!  Three large glasses to be exact.  I really am not sleepy.  This could have been a night that I got some sleep.  No sleeping in in the morning because I run the sound at church.  No nap in the afternoon because I am showing houses. 

I am all wired up.  I could get a lot done.  Good idea!  I will clean the house.  No...I don't want to do that.  New Idea.  I will read all the posts that look like they are boring. Perhaps that will put me to sleep. 

Lesson learned. Water from now on. I would be sleeping.  Argggg...I know this is a dumb post.  But I am kicking myself.  What was I thinking! Anyone else in the same boat tonight?

13 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 27 2008 01:05AM

Minnesota Weather

I was born here and may never leave here, but its not because I love the weather.  This weekend its supose to rain all weekend and maybe snow. In fact place north of the twin cities are getting snow. I hear I-94 near Alexandria is shut down because of the snow.  We have had like 3 nice days this year.

The weather actually does not depress me.  I am cool staying in.  But it is amazing too me how bad our weather is compared to many people on ActiveRain.  Add the fact that I am not the outdoor type who does things in the winter in the snow, and I am the rare none hunter type in Minnesota.  Leads to the questions of why do I stay? 

Easy, I have kids and family and friends.  I guess I will have to stay in out of the rain and beat my 4 and 6 year old in a friendly game of My Little Pony Match.  Actually I have only beat them once. I stink at match and they are good. Yes, my kids flat out beat me at match. I don't even let them win.  I hope the weather is better where ever you are at! I am in Cambridge, MN.

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate in Isanti, Anoka, Sherburne and Wright County.  He is a speaker and co-author in the best selling book series Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Your Wake Up Moments (available soon). Carstensen is also a personal development mentor with Success University...where he helps people discover how to be more successful in business, life and health.

 

5 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 25 2008 06:29PM

Monticello, MN Market Update

Here is what has been happening in Monticello, MN Real Estate market.

Currently there are 180 active listings with 43 of those townhouses and 98 of the total are listed under $200,000. Right now there are 29 pending sales, with 6 of those being townhomes and 24 of the 29 sales pending are on homes under $200,000.  The last 30 days there have been 15 closed transactions, 3 have been townhomes and 13 have been under $200,000.

There was a story on the Sunday paper about how bad the market is in Wright County including Monticello.  It is true the market is down, but that means there are great opportunities for first time buyers, move up buyers and investors!  Take advantage of the interest rates, inventory and low prices! 

 

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate in Isanti, Anoka, Sherburne and Wright County.  He is a speaker and co-author in the best selling book series Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Your Wake Up Moments (available soon). Carstensen is also a personal development mentor with Success University...where he helps people discover how to be more successful in business, life and health.

 

 
3 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 25 2008 12:33PM

Great Quotes About Life's Purpose

 

Isn't it true that this the time where the Eagles in Real Estate will soar!  Find the vision and purpose that causes you to rise higher and stand out from the crowd.  - Chuck C.

(Content below from Soul of Winning - Success University Course)

 


"All eagles were born to soar. It is why we were created. Our power, however, comes not from what we can see; it is in the unseen. It is the wind, not our wings, that lifts us to the high places. It is our vision, not our eyes, that makes us rulers of the skies. But, above all these, it is our spirit, not our speed, that leads us to be strong and free."

The Eagle's Secret by David McNally

eagle

"Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued. It must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself."

Victor Frankl


"There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission-a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour."

Winston Churchill


sleep

Why do most people sleep so much? Because they really have nothing else to do. Those who rise with the sun all have one thing in common. They all have a purpose that fans the flames of their inner potential.

"Your vision will come clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens."

Carl Jung

"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand."

Thomas Carlyle


You must run your own race. It doesn't matter what other people say about you. You can do whatever you want to do as long as it is correct according to your conscience and your heart.

race

"Goals are thoughts put into action."

Byrd Baggett

"I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average ability. I am not a visionary. I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith. "

Mahatma Gandhi 

 

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate in Isanti, Anoka, Sherburne and Wright County.  He is a speaker and co-author in the best selling book series Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Your Wake Up Moments (available soon). Carstensen is also a personal development mentor with Success University...where he helps people discover how to be more successful in business, life and health.

 

4 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 24 2008 10:34PM

Moments with God

 My sister sent me this today and I wanted to share it!

 

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide
who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go...
                                                    

 

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. 
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. 
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. 
Painful moments, TRUST GOD. 
Every moment, THANK GOD.

13 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 24 2008 10:29AM

If Its Painful I Don't Want To Do It

I have come to the conclusion that if I am not enjoying something then maybe I should not do it anymore.  For the most part I enjoy my day.  Even the challenges don't bother me and believe me there have been a lot of challenges lately.  I trust in the Lord to see me through those. 

However, if its painful...I have wondered, "Why am I doing it. Its not helping me."  So I decided that I need to weed a few things out.  Pull the weeds out in the garden it gives the plants more room to grow and bare better fruit.  I want to be more fruitful!  Its time to get the painful things out. 

I'm curious to know what others think about this?  Am I being selfish if I want to only do the things that bring joy?  Am I being selfish if I don't want to do things that I don't want to do (because they are painful)?  I want to be wise about this so I need some feedback!  Thanks!

3 commentsChuck Carstensen • April 23 2008 10:13PM