Isanti - Sherburne - Wright - Anoka County Minnesota Real Estate Blog

736 Joes Lake Road, Cambridge (HUD HOME) - $92,000

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:38:43 -0600

736 Joes Lake Road, Cambridge is a new listing I noticed on the BEST ASSETS website. I have not seen the home come up on the MLS yet so this is a home that a lot of buyers might not know about.

The link to the info is here: http://www.tenmanagement.com/listings/property-detail.do?list=2009-11-20&code=MN&case=271-889779

The initial bidding period ends next Sunday 11/29. I have been finding a lot of good deals on HUD homes this year and this one is price below market value now. So if you or someone you know whats to take a look at it let me know.

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc.

612-290-3809

chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

The Time To Buy A Home In Minnesota

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:01:48 -0600

When it gets too cold out, most people don't want to move. When the holidays are near by people are too busy to look at houses. Year after year I find that it slows down this time of year because less people are looking for homes.

However, if you are in a position to buy a home now, use this time to find the right home! This is the BEST time to buy a home in Minnesota and here is why:

1. Less people are looking because its too cold for them to move. ( More homes for you!)

2. The holiday's are coming and the stress of moving and fitting in time for the holiday's is too much (less competition on offers for you!)

3. Interest rates are still very very low!

4. The tax credit extension means there is an extra incentive to buy. And since less people are looking now, you are less likely to run into multiple offers like you would in the Spring.

5. Going off the above point the prices are going to be lower now then they will be in the Spring.

I would strongly suggest buying a home in the next 2-3 months instead of waiting until March or April if you have everything in line now.

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc.

612-290-3809

Reduced Price! 4474 Rosemary Way #4 Hugo, MN 55038

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:02:48 -0500

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4474 ROSEMARY WAY #4
HUGO, MN 55038

$150,000

2 Bedrooms
1 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms
1,632 Est. Sq. Ft.

Listing # 3810988

Nice Community of Townhomes. Close to Freeway, shopping and more. Freshly painted and carpet cleaned. Immediate possession available.

Schedule a Showing

School: Elem | Mid | High

Location Information
County:	Washington	Map Code:	67A2
MLS Area:	LINO LAKES/HUGO/CENTERVILLE	MLS Area Number:	705

Interior Features
1/2 Baths:	1	Other Bathrooms Description:	Main Floor 1/2 Bath, Walk-Thru, Whirlpool
Has Dining Room:	Yes	Dining Room Description:	Informal Dining Room, Breakfast Area, Living/Dining Room
Has a Family Room:	No	Amenities:	Other
Has Fireplace:	No	Number of Fireplaces:	0
Heating:	Forced Air	Heating Fuel:	Natural Gas
Cooling:	Central	Appliances:	Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Disposal
Has Basement:	No

Exterior Features
Construction:	Previously Owned	Exterior:	Metal/Vinyl
Roof:	Asphalt Shingles	Septic Sewer:	Connected
Water:	Connected	Parking Description:	Attached Garage
Has Garage:	Yes	Number of Garage Spaces:	2
Pool Description:	Shared	Has Golf Course:	No
Lot Description:	Zero Lot Line	Lot Size (Acres):	N/A
Road Frontage:	No Outlet/Dead End	Has WaterFront:	No

School
School District:	WHITE BEAR LAKE

Additional Information
Property Type:	CND	Property SubType:	Quad/4 Corners
Year Built:	2006	Is a Foreclosure:	No
Lender Owned:	No	Potential Short Sale:	No
Unit Features:	Washer/Dryer Hookup	Fees Include:	Sanitation, Snow/Lawn Care, Outside Maintenance, Water/Sewer, Building Exterior, Shared Amenities, Other
Restrictions:	Weight/Height Limit, Mandatory Owners Association	Room Dimensions (LxW):	BR1: 20x11, BR2: 14x11, DR: 13x9, KT: 13x13, LR: 13x16

Listing Agent:
The Discovery Team

Chuck Carstensen

612-290-3809

chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

Seriously, Could We Get Some Bank Owned Listings...Now!

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:57:32 -0500

Each day I look through the new listings and run several saved search updates for buyers I am working with, and it surprises me to see almost NOTHING is getting listed. Some of the REO listing agents that I pay attention to have nearly sold out of all of there listings. Most of the sales I am putting together now for my buyers are short sale listings because that is about all that are out there that are priced correctly.

For months we have been hearing about the 2ND WAVE OF FORECLOSURES that are coming. I look in the paper and see a lot of notices, but where are all the listings? Are people getting loan modifications? Did a lot of those foreclosures sell as short sales thus reducing the bank owned listings?

There are still a lot of good buyers looking for homes, but they need something worthwhile to purchase otherwise they will stay put. So if BANKS are withholding any listings its time to get what they can on the market...NOW! Seriously!

Chuck Carstensen - RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc. - 612-290-3809

Tax Credit Idea: Extend $8000 Tax Credit To Buyers Who Buy 'Market Worn' Listing

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:22:39 -0500

I keep reading about the possibility of the $8000 tax credit being extended and different pushes to open it up to more people. Of course I hear the naysayers who think it will be throwing money away and only temporarily keep market prices up.

They say that most of the people will buy a home anyway so why give them the tax credit. I know that I have probably gotten 7-10 more sales in the recent 3-4 months because buyer wanted the tax credit. That was there motivation. These are people who would have stayed on the fence and perhaps waited until next spring if it weren't for the tax credit. I know it has helped!

However, I like to come up with ideas that work for all people involved. How about this:

EXTEND THE $8000 TAX CREDIT TO BUYERS WHO BUY A 'MARKET WORN' HOUSE!

What I mean by 'market worn' is a house that has been on the market a defined amount of days without selling. That could be 50 or more, 100 or more, maybe 150 or more days. We know many house are coming on the market and selling right away and tax credit or not they will sell, so why throw $8000 at those.

The houses that are 'market worn' are a big part of the problem. They sit on the market and people do a search and say, "wow there are so many houses out there." The truth is there are many that sell fast and then a large number that linger on the market.

Guess what? A lot of buyers would search this market and go after the 'market worn" houses and at least consider them and even throw some offer at them. Perhaps eventually the seller would come to reality on the price and the buyer would be happy because they would get a tax credit for buying the house.

We all probably have 1 or 2 listings that are right on the fringe of selling if only there was a there was motivation that pointed the buyer to the house over some others that are out there. I am not suggesting people over pay for bad houses. I do believe that most sellers will look at reasonable offers. As days on the market increases sellers can become more flexible. And a TAX CREDIT for the buyers taking one of these homes of the market is something worth extending!

Chuck Carstensen - RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc. - Elk River, MN - 612-290-3809 - chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

Open House From 1-3 PM Saturday at 2601 Frontage Rd N - Waite Park, MN 56387

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:08:14 -0500

Open House on Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Open Home Info) (Close Open Home Info)

Directions: Hwy 75 in Waite Park to 28th Ave (across from Fleet Farm) go North to Frontage Rd and home on L

Remarks: Great Location, Nice sized lot w/ this Waite Park Home. Home is daycare ready w/ recent updates. New Water Heater '09- Roof '07 Flooring in most rooms. Tax assesments will be paid at closing. Lg LL Family Room-Open Layout w/vault ceilings Lg deck & more

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2601 FRONTAGE RD N
WAITE PARK, MN 56387

$125,000

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathrooms
1,728 Est. Sq. Ft.

Listing # 3689525

Great Location, Nice sized lot w/ this Waite Park Home. Home is daycare ready w/ recent updates. New Water Heater '09- Roof '07 Flooring in most rooms. Tax assesments will be paid at closing. Lg LL Family Room-Open Layout w/vault ceilings Lg deck & more

Schedule a Showing

School: Elem | Mid | High

Location Information
County:	Stearns	Map Code:	999A1
MLS Area:	Waite Park & Vicinity	MLS Area Number:	408

Interior Features
Other Bathrooms Description:	Main Floor Full Bath, Rough In	Has Dining Room:	Yes
Dining Room Description:	Kitchen/Dining Room	Has a Family Room:	Yes
Family Room Description:	Lower Level	Has Fireplace:	No
Number of Fireplaces:	0	Heating:	Baseboard, Hot Water
Heating Fuel:	Natural Gas	Appliances:	Range, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Owned
Basement Description:	Finished (Livable), Drain Tiled, Sump Pump	Has Basement:	Yes

Exterior Features
Construction:	Previously Owned	Roof:	Asphalt Shingles, Pitched, Age 8 Years or Less
Septic Sewer:	Connected	Water:	Connected
Parking Description:	Detached Garage, Garage Door Opener	Has Garage:	Yes
Number of Garage Spaces:	2	Has Golf Course:	No
Lot Description:	Light	Lot Size (Acres):	0.48
Has WaterFront:	No

School
School District:	ST. CLOUD

Additional Information
Property Type:	SFR	Property SubType:	One Story
Year Built:	1976	Is a Foreclosure:	No
Lender Owned:	No	Potential Short Sale:	No
Unit Features:	Kitchen Window, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Hardwood Floors	Room Dimensions (LxW):	BR1: 15x12, BR2: 10x12, BR3: 15x11, DR: 9x7, KT: 9x11, LR: 15x16, FR: 26x16

Listing Agent:
Chuck Carstensen
763-635-7228
chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

Short Sales Will Need To Come Through

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:45:24 -0500

At this point in the year it seems the best way to get an offer accepted is by finding a short sale that is priced well enough and making a solid offer that a seller will sign off on so the BANK can review it for acceptance.

My end of the year is looking like its going to depend on buyers getting their short sales approved. I have one closing tomorrow with a buyer who is purchasing a short sale and at least 7 other offers that are waiting bank approval.

The BANK OWNED homes have been selling so fast and so much over the asking price that the short sales have been the way to go for most buyers. The pressure is on for some of these to close by November 30th for the first time buyer tax credit, but then again I am feeling an extension coming on anyway.

To get a short sale offer accepted you want to write a clean offer NOT asking for repairs, and normally offering the asking price (assuming that is fair market price) with no more then 3% seller paid closing costs. It also helps to have an approval from a trusted mortgage person.

Some short sale homes are getting multiple offers so you may have to go slightly above asking price in some instances. Also, you will have to be patient because it might take 60-90 days for the bank to approve your offer and then another 30 days to close.

Chuck Carstensen - RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc - 612-290-3809

Extending the Tax Credit

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:10:31 -0500

The $8000 tax credit has been successful getting more buyers into the market. Its been so successful in the lower price range that most homes are getting multiple offers and bid up. So should it get extended?

A loan officer I work with suggested to me yesterday that it might get extended to those who are under contract by November 30th. I LOVE this idea for a couple reasons:

1) There are a few late arrivers to the incentive that have just now decided to buy a house. Its not likely though to actually secure a home right now and close by November 30th. So their motivation may be a bid waste of time for ALL involved unless they extend the credit a bit.

2) A potentially more explosive situation: What about those who go around contract now or are currently under contract and expecting to close by Nov. 30. But thanks to various scenarios that are out of their control like title issues, short sales taking too long, underwriting changes to their loan. All the sudden get their closing bumped back a few days into December. Imagine the frustration, the lawsuits, the stress this will cause?!?!

Just based on those two points I think the tax credit should be for fully executed purchase agreements by November 30 or even October 30th if they want to limited a bit to those who were proactive enough to potentially close by November 30th.

Chuck Carstensen - RE/MAX ASSOCIATES PLUS Inc.

Serving: Isanti, Sherburne, Wright, Washington, Hennepin, Chisago, Anoka, Mille Lacs, and Kanabec Counties in Minnesota. 612-290-3809

Minnesota HUD Homes for $100 Down with an FHA Loan (Revisited)

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:49:08 -0500

You can buy a HUD home in Minnesota for as low as $100 down! The FHA loan options even allows you to use the FHA 203k loan to get the "fix ups" needed financed in the home. Or you can simply escrow smaller repairs as part of the FHA 203e loan.

I am noticing Minnesota HUD listings starting to hit the market in heavier amounts now. There are good options for HUD home purchases for both first time buyers and investors in Sherburne, Washington, Hennepin, Anoka, Isanti, Wright, Ramsey and Mille Lacs county.

Remember you must use a HUD Registered agent for a purchase of a Minnesota HUD home. There is still time for the $8000 tax credit but you would need to get a bid accepted in the next few days for that!

If you want a list of Minnesota HUD homes in your area just email me at chuck@thediscoveryteam.com or call 612-290-3809.

Chuck Carstensen - RE/MAX Associates Plus Ins.

Sherburne County, Isanti County, Anoka County -Minnesota Housing Market

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:33:35 -0500

I am working with several buyers who are looking for a house trying to get into one before the $8000 tax credit expires. Right now in Sherburne, Isanti, Anoka and Wright counties there simply is not much out there. I have not been seeing many new listings. The ones that do come on the market are getting multiple offers and selling fast. A few of the homes that are lasting are because they are in terrible condition and really need a cash or rehab loan buyer.

So what do you do if your a buyer?

1. Be patient but persistent- You can't get too worked about what is NOT available. You just need to keep looking and trying and be ready when one comes up.

2. Plan NOT to get the tax credit (sort of) - I always like to hope for the best and preach that you must stay in an uplifted state of mind and that your thoughts become things. However, at this point your going to need to find a house with in a couple of weeks and have everything go near perfect to close in time.

3. Factor in the flood of closings in November - If you get an offer accepted soon chance are that there may be an underwriting flood that could slow final approvals done, so get all your documentation to your loan officer NOW!

4. Buyer in December and January - if your frustrated with the amount of competition out there when you make an offer then buy a home when less people are buying and in Minnesota that is in the COLD winter months!

Chuck Carstensen - Re/max Associates Plus inc - 612-290-3809 - chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

Where Are All These Foreclosure Listings?

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:02:15 -0500

I have several saved searches for a variety of different buyers looking in throughout the Twin Cities area for a new home in Minnesota. Right now there does not seem to be a lot of new listings coming out. There seems to be 4-5 buyers for every one good house. Sure there are the non desirable houses out there that no one wants. But homes that work for the typically FHA buyer there just are not that many.

So where are all the foreclosure listings? Some have been saying more listings are coming after the first of October. Is that enough time for the first time buyer credit?

If a BANK has a house to list now I would suggest they list it now. There are ready, willing and able buyers looking for a house NOW.

There are not even many short sales available. Most of these are listed ACTIVE in the MLS, but a call to the agent reveals they have an accepted offer subject to bank approval.

If you look at the papers you see all the notices in there (and there have been many pages full for several months), but when will those numbers match up with what gets listed?

Is October 1st the date we see a heavier listing load of REO come out? We will find out soon!

Contract For Deed Buyers In Minnesota

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:14:24 -0500

If your someone looking to find Contract for Deed properties in Minnesota its still valuable to contact a real estate agent.

One reason for that is because there are several Contract for Deed properties listed in the local MLS. Perhaps that is where you can find what your looking for and by having a Realtor keep their eyes open for something that fits your search criteria may be what it takes to get you the right place at the right price and terms.

Another reason to contract a Realtor would be to see if they work with investors that have purchased or would be willing to purchase a property that matches your search criteria for a home.

Right now I am working with a handful of investors buying homes in Sherburne, Anoka, Isanti, Wright and Hennipen counties. (Twins Cities Metro Area).

Contract for Deeds might be the way to go for you to own your own home if you have some credit issues, but have some money to put down. Call me if I can help you!

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc

612-290-3809

Tax Credit Extension Idea

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:13:45 -0500

The Tax Credit of $8000 is coming to an end as of November 30th, 2009. There are a large number of people who would like to see that going to keep the nice flow of sales coming through. There are also a lot of people who feel that we will never be able to pay back all this money we are throwing at the problem.

A solution that I have been thinking about is perhaps going back to the $7500 tax credit similiar to what we had last year. The one which was more like an interest free loan that was to be paid back over several years by the buyer. I think if this was extended to all buyers (first time buyers, investors, move up buyers) that the market would continue to reposition itself to a healthy spot.

If the $7500 is paid back over time it solves some of the issues of "who is going to pay for this all". However, it also helps the buyers who are getting into these house that need some carpet, TLC and appliances to cover that now and pay it back over time.

I do feel some variation of the tax credit needs to be in play, but I also don't want to drain the countries finances anymore then we have already. This seems to address both sides of the issue and I believe would actually put more buyers in play if it was extended to ALL buyers!

Your thoughts?

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Associates Plus Inc

612-290-3809

12848 Fillmore Street NE - Blaine, MN 55434

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:12:49 -0500

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12848 FILLMORE ST NE
BLAINE, MN 55434

$164,900

3 Bedrooms
1 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms
1,623 Est. Sq. Ft.

Listing # 3836401

Outside Features incl lrg deck, inground sprinkler system, shed & volleyball court along w/ fenced in full back yard. This home is clean & shows Great! Not Bank Owned & Not Short Sale. Quick Possession! Move In Ready. You dont want to miss this one!

Schedule a Showing

School: Elem | Mid | High

Location Information
County:	Anoka	Map Code:	50E4
MLS Area:	BLAINE	MLS Area Number:	764

Interior Features
Extra Room Type:	Laundry	3/4 Baths:	1
Other Bathrooms Description:	Main Floor Full Bath, Upper Level Bath, Full Basemen	Has Dining Room:	Yes
Dining Room Description:	Kitchen/Dining Room	Has a Family Room:	Yes
Family Room Description:	Lower Level	Has Fireplace:	No
Number of Fireplaces:	0	Heating:	Forced Air
Heating Fuel:	Natural Gas	Cooling:	Central
Appliances:	Range, Exaust Fan/Hood, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer	Basement Description:	Crawl Space
Has Basement:	Yes

Exterior Features
Construction:	Previously Owned	Exterior:	Metal/Vinyl
Septic Sewer:	Connected	Water:	Connected
Parking Description:	Attached Garage, Heated Garage, Concrete, Garage Door Opener	Has Garage:	Yes
Number of Garage Spaces:	2	Fencing:	Chain Link, Full
Has Golf Course:	No	Lot Size (Acres):	0.00
Road Frontage:	Paved Streets	Has WaterFront:	No

School
School District:	ANOKA/HENNEPIN

Additional Information
Property Type:	SFR	Property SubType:	Three Level Split
Year Built:	1961	Is a Foreclosure:	No
Lender Owned:	No	Potential Short Sale:	No
Unit Features:	Natural Woodwork, Hot Tub/Whirlpool/Sauna, Kitchen Window, Skylight, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Tiled Floors, Washer/Dryer Hookup	Room Dimensions (LxW):	BR1: 15x12, BR2: 12x12, BR3: 13x10, DR: 12x11, KT: 17x11, LR: 17x13, FR: 11x11

Chuck Carstensen

612-290-3809

Re/max Associates Plus Inc.

chuck@thediscoveryteam.com

Everything is SOLD

Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus/The Discovery Coach) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:26:39 -0500

This is CRAZY. Homes are selling in Minnesota! Out of the last 50 homes or so that I have tried to set up a showing for that have not been day 1 on the market...I would say about 45 of them have been sold. Some of these are short sales that are accepting back up offers only and many others are the bank owned homes that just recently accepted offers so often they still are listed ACTIVE but are actually not available.

I would say the tax credit is working. The inventory is clearing out. If your a seller and your house is price right it is going to sell and sell fast. So if your thinking about selling now is the time to do it.

CRAZY market! But good for both buyers and sellers who are in the market! For questions or assistance with buying or selling a home in Anoka, Sherburne, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Wright and Chisago counties call me.

Chuck Carstensen

Re/MAX Associates Plus Inc.

612-290-3809