Condos Minneapolis

Buying a Condo Conversion | Condos

By Aaron Gordon

Never question the ingenuity of the real estate developer.

Close to 20 years ago, two of my best buddies and I decided to pool our resources after college and get an apartment of our own.

The three of us were barely able to afford a 3 bedroom apartment that was about 10 years old at the time. We paid about $500/mo. in rent. To this day, I am not sure how we could afford that apartment.

The apartment was a dump. The flooring, the kitchen and, especially, the bathrooms were so bad, that my father walked in one day with a horrified look of disgust on his face, and refused to stay. However, that was what my buddies and I called home.

Today, nearly 30 years later I am doing loans for people buying units in that same apartment complex. Today, it’s a condo conversion!!

The entire complex has been remodeled, and the units are going for nearly $175,000 a unit.

Pure genius!

You all know about condo conversions and how incredibly hot they are in the market. Low interest rates have driven new home sales thru the roof and condos are no exception.

First time home buyers are flocking to get in any way they can. This has actually crippled the apartment business and is driving the biggest condominium conversion boom in 20 years.

Over 12,000 apartment units in Las Vegas are currently mapped for condo conversions. Condo developers are paying a premium to acquire and transform old apartment complexes into condos and they are doing this all across the country, especially Las Vegas and South Florida.

The developers typically search for apartment-to-condo conversions in desirable locations where they won’t directly compete with affordable entry- level homes.

They want to offer an affordable alternative to pricier single-family homes or to costlier condos in new developments.

In many cases, condo conversions provide the perfect entry-level opportunity for renters to become home owners, allowing these new property owners to build equity and realize their homeownership dream.

Transforming apartment buildings into condominiums is quicker and less risky than construction from the ground up.

Land prices have gone up so high that many developers cannot afford to build entry-level housing, so this is a great option. Home buyers then benefit because converted units are usually more affordable than new ones, and many are in choice locations. You can find some of these units advertised locally for as low as the $90′s.

Conversion developers say they can buy something for one-third of the cost that it would take to buy the vacant land and build something on it.

The beauty for the developer is that the condo conversion isn’t going to be selling for one-third of what it would cost brand new. It’s more like 75%-85% of it.

The developers usually do a pretty nice job improving the property and the units. Upgrades are usually made to the property’s exterior and common areas. Then they add on the sizzle. Granite counter tops, upgraded cabinetry and fixtures, and wood floors are often added to individual units. The upgrades are built into the condo prices.

Once the developer acquires an apartment complex, they generally convince about 10-15% of the existing renters to stay by buying a unit. They will often offer these people discounts before they ever even market to the general public.

The obvious key to selling these units to your clients is to convince buyers that they are better off owning versus renting or to get your more timid investors to jump in with less financial risk.

People have a desire to own a home. There are very few who want to rent and low interest rates have provided this opportunity.

Condo conversions create more affordable housing in areas when the price for a single-family home skyrockets like we have seen throughout the country. A single family home in Las Vegas, where I live, is averaging around $300,000. That is simply not affordable for your average first-time home buyer.

Speculators and investors make up 30-50% of all condo conversion buyers. They buy these units, intending to sell them at a higher price in a short term.

Rising interest rates historically have slowed conversion activity. This slows down the appreciation as well. It’s difficult to convince someone to pay $1200 per month on a mortgage for a 1000 sq. ft condo. However, get it under $1000 and you will find buyers.

Before you invest in one of these units and plan on renting it out, or you plan to buy one to live in, you must know a few things.

Condo conversions are marketed to the very same people who rent apartments. Thirty to 50% of all condo conversion buyers are investors and speculators.

When they go to rent their units, they are competing for the very same market as the developer of the project. Why rent when you can buy? Why rent from you either?

Once cheap mortgages vanish, and rates have been rising recently as you all know, condo conversions will become riskier. When home sales slow, converters may find it harder to sell their condos.

Once 30 year interest rates hit 7% or 8%, experts say, condo conversions will cool. Today, we are at around 6.25%. The good news is condo conversions are almost the last bastion of truly affordable housing in many areas.

Here are some things to keep in mind…

Many people buying condo conversions don’t realize that the property they are buying is different from a newly constructed unit. This means the financial exposure for repairs and replacements can be much higher.

New condominiums, built from the ground up, are constructed with the building materials of today and have to conform to today’s more strict building codes.

The condition of converted condominiums can vary. An older apartment complex converted to condos could have wear and tear and may have structural faults unknown at closing. These problems can become a real hinderance later on.

Newer apartments that have been converted to condominiums in the past few years were probably constructed under the latest building codes and have new building components, mechanical systems and interior finishes. These are a safer bet and you will want to find out the year the original structure was built.

Many older buildings have been converted as well. Some converters gut an apartment building, taking it down to its “shell,” and then rebuild it, installing new plumbing, roof and mechanical systems.

Other developers simply do “cosmetic rehabs,” leaving the building components as is and merely sprucing up the property to make units more marketable.

Buyers beware. Are you buying a fully renovated building that was taken down to the shell, or are you buying a building that someone just slapped some paint on and put in a few new windows?

What about problems to the complex? Although most developers do a terrific job in converting, what if the roof needs to be repaired after a few years? Does the association have enough reserves to cover it? Many people believe condo conversion owners can expect special assessments quicker than new condo buyers.

You do have some safeguards. As a lender for condo conversion buyers, we often require an engineer’s report from the developer before we close the loan. You have a right to this document as well.

It tells you what was done to the building and the sales office can give you a copy of this if you ask.

Here are some other things you should know before buying a condo conversion:

They usually have restrictive covenants. Every condominium project has rules and restrictions that govern what unit owners can do. If you own a pet, make sure your building is pet-friendly. Do you even get a covered parking space?

Are you buying the unit as an investor to rent out? You will want to make sure the building allows rentals and the minimum term required.

If speculators cannot resell their units they will rent them out too. If there are many renters, that can create problems with condo owners in the same building and lead to maintenance issues.

Renters tend to care far less about their homes than do the home’s owner. Too many renters can destroy the complex and it’s value.

Speculators buy as much as 70% of some condominium projects. You may be moving into a building that is nearly vacant. That may not be what you had hoped for.

Once a condominium project has more than 30% of its owners that use it as a second home or as an investment property, the condos all become “non-warrantable.”

Non-warrantable condos mean the project is not insured by Fannie Mae. This means a different kind of loan for the buyer of your condo. Many banks do not loan on non-warrantable condos. We offer non-warrantable condo loans. Even though they are very competitive, even offering 100% financing, the loan programs are not quite the same as they are on a warrantable condo.

Here is a time and problem saving tip:

When you are selling a condo, of any kind, you want to make sure you or your agent contacts the Homeowner’s Association, early in the process, and asks them what percentage of the project is non-owner occupied. If it’s over 30%, you want to communicate this immediately to your buyer. He has to make sure his lender can do the loan or he may have to change lenders. It is best if you know this early.

Many condo conversions are considered non-warrantable.

The bottom line is condo conversions offer affordable housing in many areas where the first-time homebuyer and the real estate investor, who wants to take on a little less financial risk, are starting to be turned away. However, as a buyer you want to be very cautious and ask questions about the building’s history and residential make-up.

Aaron Gordon is a top-producing Senior Mortgage Consultant with Realty Mortgage Corporation in Las Vegas, NV. His monthly newsletter currently goes out to over 10,000 real estate agents and other professionals in the Las Vegas area. He helps over 200 families each year with their mortgage needs in many states. He can be reached by email at aarong@realtymortgage.info or you can see more newsletters at http://www.aarongordon.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Gordon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-a-Condo-Conversion&id=518715

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Thinking of Buying a Condo Hotel? Here Are 20 Things You Need to Know! | Condos

By Joel Greene

1. What is a condo hotel or condotel?

Think of a condo hotel (also sometimes called a condotel or hotel condo) as buying a condominium, although one that is part of a four-star caliber hotel. Therefore, as an owner, when you are on vacation, you’ll get the benefit of more four-star services and amenities than you’d get in a typical condominium.

2. What types of services and amenities are found in condo hotels?

If you can imagine the niceties you’d find in an upscale hotel, then you can picture a condo hotel. Among the features are often resort-style pools, full-service spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, fine dining restaurants, concierge services and room service.

In some locations, like Las Vegas, you’ll find condo hotels with their own casinos, retail areas, and entertainment venues. In places like Orlando, you’ll find condo hotels with their own water parks and convention facilities.

3. What is the difference between a condo hotel and a traditional condominium?

The big difference between a hotel and a condo hotel is that a hotel typically has one owner, either individual or corporate, but a condo hotel is sold off unit by unit. Therefore, a 300-room condo hotel could have as many as 300 unit owners.

4. Is it evident to hotel guests whether they’re staying in a condo hotel or a traditional hotel?

A hotel guest will likely never know that the hotel has multiple owners because the property is operated just like a traditional hotel and often under the management of a well-known hotel company like Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, Trump or W. Also, each of the individual condo hotel units will look identical in design and décor to every other, just as they would in a traditional hotel.

5. Who typically buys condo hotels?

They’re primarily sold to people who want a vacation home but do not want to deal with the hassles typically associated with second home ownership such as maintaining the property or finding renters in the off season.

6. What is the demographic of the typical condo hotel buyer?

The spectrum of condo hotel buyers is pretty broad. There are families that want a second home in a vacation destination. There are baby boomers who are at or nearing retirement and want somewhere they can “winter.” There are also plenty of investors who purchase a condo hotel unit with little intention of ever using it; they’re in it for the potential appreciation of the real estate.

7. Can you live in a condo hotel?

Condo hotels are not typically offered as primary residences. In fact, many of them limit the unit owner’s usage of the condo hotel unit (typically 30-60 days per year) because the unit is expected and needed in the hotel’s nightly rental program where it can be offered to guests and generate revenue.

8. Who gets the money when your condo hotel is rented out?

The hotel management company splits the rental revenue with the individual condo hotel owner. While the exact percentages vary from property to property, the typical rental split is in the 50%-50% range.

9. Who finds hotel guests and then cleans and maintains the condo hotel units?

The hotel management company markets the property and books hotel guests. It also maintains the unit and ensures the smooth operation of all of the hotel’s services and amenities.

10. What are the advantages / disadvantages of purchasing a condotel over purchasing typical rental properties?

Advantages include:

· Hassle-free ownership; no landlord issues

· Rental revenue to offset some or maybe all ownership expenses

· A fantastic vacation home available for use whenever you want

· A real estate investment at a time when other investments may seem less attractive

· Strong likelihood of appreciation

· Pride of ownership –”I own a piece of a Trump”

Disadvantages include:

· Annual cash flow could be equal to or less than annual ownership costs

· Pets are usually not welcome.

· An owner’s condo hotel unit may be rented when the owner wants to it, so advance reservations are required to guarantee availability.

· The condo hotel unit is subject to the same dips in the market that affect all hotels in the competitive market set: hurricanes, terrorist threats, warm winters up north, price of gas, etc., all of which can affect a unit’s occupancy rate and the amount of revenue it generates.

11. Are condo hotel units difficult to finance?

Not at all, but they do take 20% down typically, whereas condos can be purchased with less cash down. It’s also important to make sure you use a mortgage broker who has had success in getting condo hotel financing deals done. Many banks still do not do them, but more and more are getting involved as condo hotels become more widely available.

12. How long have condo hotels been around and where are they located?

Condo hotels have been around for several decades, but the huge surge of four-star and five-star condo hotels that have been making their way across the country, started around year 2000 in the Miami area. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area still has the most condo hotels, but areas like Orlando and Las Vegas are developing condo hotel properties at an even faster rate and will likely surpass South Florida soon. Other up-and-coming areas are places like the Bahamas, Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada and Dubai.

13. How much do condo hotel units cost?

That’s like asking how much a car costs. There are different quality condo hotels. Some require greater amounts of money than others, obviously.

There are inexpensive condo hotels out there for as little as $100,000. These are typically found in properties that have converted their use from an existing hotel. They are hotel room-sized, lack kitchen facilities, luxury franchises, and other first-class amenities.

Then there are the four-star or greater properties that may start in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, but can go all the way up to $800,000 just for a studio unit. One- and two-bedroom units cost substantially more than a studio. Of course, the studios do come fully furnished and finished, and will be significantly larger in size than a typical hotel room, and may attract guests because of its name like St. Regis, Ritz or W.

14. What are typical maintenance costs?

On average about $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. ft., but the range can exceed $2.00 sq. ft. in the most luxurious properties.

15. Do you buy condo hotel units after they have been built, or can you purchase condo hotels in pre-construction?

Unless you are in a hurry to get started vacationing or you need to complete a 1031 exchange, it’s best to buy condo hotels in pre-construction as early as possible. That’s when prices are lowest and unit selection is greatest. You will likely wait two years or longer before closing on and taking possession of your condo hotel unit, but you will have locked in the price and will get the benefit of maximum appreciation.

16. Is there anything else investors should want to know about condotels?

There is more to buying this type of real estate than the old phrase, “location, location, location.” While most condo hotels are located in desirable resort and business area locations, what is most important is a good franchise with a strong reservation system.

Also, do not be fooled by an aggressive rental split. One way or the other, the developer of the property will have to staff, maintain and operate the hotel and its services like the restaurants, bars, spas and pools from his share of the proceeds. If he’s giving you a very favorable share of the rental, he’s also more likely to be charging you a higher monthly maintenance fee. Of course, this goes both ways. If the maintenance split that is offered is closer to 50-50, then your maintenance should be more reasonable too.

17. Any suggestions to investors in choosing which condo hotel to buy?

Get good advice. That means you don’t want to rely only on the pitch provided by an onsite salesperson at a condo hotel. You want to talk with a broker who specializes in condo hotels and who knows and understands the entire condo hotel market, not just the facts pertaining to a single property. He or she will listen to your wants and needs and then offer recommendations as to which properties best match your requirements. You’ll have an opportunity to comparison shop and consider the pros and cons of each available property.

A good broker can be the difference between your buying a condo hotel that will be problematic and not live up to your expectations or one that will provide you with years of great vacations, good annual revenue and a substantial profit when you sell.

18. Does it cost more to use a real estate broker to purchase a condo hotel than buying a unit on one’s own?

No. With new condo hotel properties, the prices are always set by the developer and are exactly the same whether you buy directly from an onsite salesperson at the property or using a broker.

The broker’s commission is always paid by the developer and is already built into the price regardless of whether an outside broker participates in the sale or not. Since a broker’s representation is free to buyers, it does make sense to enlist their aid and get the benefit of their advice before making a purchase.

19. How can prospective buyers find a good condo hotel broker?

Ask friends for broker recommendations or search online for “condo hotel broker.” Visit condo hotel broker websites and see if the information they provide seems comprehensive and unbiased. If their website seems to focus on selling homes or office space, and the condo hotel information appears to be an afterthought, steer clear. Your best bet is to work with a condo hotel broker who specializes.

20. How can buyers learn about new condo hotel properties coming on the market?

Condo hotel brokers can be good information sources as they often learn about properties prior to their release to the general public. Another option is for them to subscribe to a condo hotel newsletter such as the one we publish called Condo Hotel Property Alert. We offer it for free on our website http://www.CondoHotelCenter.com and it features a different condo hotel property coming on the market each edition.

Joel Greene is president of Condo Hotel Center which specializes in the sale of condo hotels around the U.S. and the world. His detailed website contains condo hotel property listings, photos and detailed information. Visit http://www.CondoHotelCenter.com and http://www.CondoHotelsDubai.com. Be sure to sign up for his Condo Hotel Property Alert newsletter to be notified when new condo hotels come on the market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Greene
http://EzineArticles.com/?Thinking-of-Buying-a-Condo-Hotel?–Here-Are-20-Things-You-Need-to-Know!&id=262086

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Check Out Energy Rebates

EnergyStar.gov — Check Out Energy Rebates This is a government site that offers lots of energy saving tips as well as explains what energy saving grants or credits might be available.

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Foreclosure Trends Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of my foreclosure trends newsletter.  As you can see, the trend is not our friend, in the sense that the housing market has not recovered.  Until jobs come back and people are employed and feel safe in their employment, they will tend to avoid making a committment.

ForeclosureTrends.pdf

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Twin Cities Foreclosure Trends-From our MLS & Realty Trac

Besides the board of realtor sites:  http://theThing.mplsrealtor.com and market data posted elsewhere at http://www.MplsRealtor.com I have a subscription to Realty Trac.  My subscription gives me additional data about foreclosures and trends within certain zip codes.  This is in addition to my daily subscription to Finance & Commerce (a business newspaper that prints all the foreclosure information as well as very timely articles regarding the business community).  If you are looking for someone who has experience and access to information about distressed sales, we need to be working together.  Whether buyer or seller-I can help you understand the market we are in and the options and opportunities available to you.  Give me call today.

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Real Estate Information

These are a couple of my newsletters that have a ton of valuable information. Go check them out.

Foreclosure Market Trends Newsletter
http://www.realtytrac.com/MarketTrends/NewsLetter.aspx?guid=131bd355-1b69-4bd1-99cd-2f0c9a936810

Real Estate Cyber Space Tips
http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/r11627

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Minneapolis Real Estate Makes Affordable and Quality Living

Minneapolis Real Estate Makes Affordable and Quality LivinBy Carrie Nelson

When you think about Twin Cities real estate, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul give you a wide variety of housing types and locations. They also have some of the best schools in the nation, plenty of health care. Rivers and lakes offer a variety of fun things to do all year. The area has won awards for the best places for young people to live, the best area for couples and one of the healthiest states in the country. Because of location, they have a job market that is not dependent on one single resource.

Thousands of people buy Minneapolis real estate every year for these reasons. Whether you are looking for an area that offers you many different small towns and suburbs or just looking for a big city area that has small town charm, it is a perfect area that values family life. It is a fun place to ice fish, hunt or snowmobile because the outdoor fun areas include lakes and rivers, along with forests. It has the Minnesota Twins for baseball and the Minnesota Vikings for national football and those that like watching sports or taking kids for a fun day.

The seven county areas of St Paul and Minneapolis, have over two million people that have different interests, but they all enjoy the quality family life, great hospitals and school choices. Forbes voted Minneapolis at the top of the most affordable places to live with a good life and with plenty of things to do. Over half of the area’s homes that were sold could be afforded by the average people that work in the area. It ranked high in quality of life, arts and recreation choices.

When it comes to large companies, Target, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Cargill and United Health support the things to do in the area. Minneapolis is popular because many of the people work for these large companies and their families like the theaters, music halls and museums they support. When it comes to family values and the great things to do that are fun, the area is unlike other large big cities.

Twin Cities real estate enjoys a strong resale value because families are still moving here and jobs are still available. When it comes to raising a young family and finding a good job to support them, Minneapolis offers the chance at an affordable home, a stable job, and a growing area that offers exciting things to do. The area has also earned awards for being one of the safest metro areas, which is important to family life.

When you are looking for the best places in the country to raise a young family, enjoy a stable job and buy a home that will hold its worth, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is a popular choice. In fact, as of November, 2009, median price of a home was $220,000 for Minneapolis real estate. This number was up 2% from last year, compared to other areas where prices have dropped.

As you can see, when you compare those numbers to Florida, California or Nevada home values and you can see why many people choose Twin Cities real estate over other areas. The diverse area offers many advantages for families that are looking for a great area to raise a family, work and enjoy their life. You can see why Forbes chose Minneapolis as the most affordable place that offers a great life. It is the same reasons that you should call a real estate agent, get a great job and move here, too.

For more information about moving to Minneapolis, visit The Derrick Monroe Group, a team of full time real estate agents of Lakes Area Realty that have a detailed knowledge of the Minneapolis Real Estate market. With attention to details and a unique marketing approach for home sellers and a second to none program for home buyers, you are sure to find what you are looking for with them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_Nelson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Minneapolis-Real-Estate-Makes-Affordable-and-Quality-Living&id=3350658

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Outstanding Video-An Inspiration To All-Be The Best You Can Be!

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Twin Cities Home buyer book

Thinking about buying a home but don’t know where to start? Why not start by reading the home buyer hand book that we have provided below. It is a great place to start to get the information you need. When you’re ready, we would love to help you find and finance a new home.

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Open Source Documents-Unbelievable Resources-Find YOUR topic of Interest

If you’ve never visited http://www.Archive.org, you are missing a wonderful site.  From this site, you will find many resources that are out of copyright and you can download and use them as you wish.  You will find all the classics and some fun things as well.  Just for fun, I have the download of a book called “Little Gardens” which is a book about setting up a garden on a city lot.  This is just one of the MANY fun things you’ll find.  You can download and watch old music, movies, and cartoons as well.  Plan to spend some time on the site should you decide to visit, as it is very cool.  Click here to download the book Little Gardens

T8VNHTJT98QG

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Extension And Expansion Of Home Buyer Credit-4/30/2010

A Big WOW!!  The credit has been expanded to include homeowners who have owned their home for the past 5 years. No longer do you need to be a first time buyer.  The dollar limit is $8000 for first time buyers and $6500 for move up buyers.  This GREAT news.  Combine this with 50 year lows in interest rates, and you’d be crazy not to consider making a move.  If you feel secure in your job, think hard about buying  home at this time.  We can help you make the right move. Visit this site-which is from the National Association Of Home Builders  http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php This site give you all the rules and regulations as they now apply.

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Why Foreclosure Is Often Preferred By The Loan Servicer Instead Of Offering A Loan Modification

Have you ever wondered why a foreclosure occurs when a better solution might have been a modification?  Would you like to read the facts and figures and see how mortgages are bundled, sold and serviced?  You will soon see it is isn’t pretty, we are in the midst of a crisis, and it is likely to get worse before it gets better.  That being said, you can probably guess why-it’s about the money.  It is a little more complex than that-the report is 60 pages-but is explains the incentive and disincentives that are at conflict within the mortgage market today.  Once you understand how all the pieces go together, you can see that something “different” needs to be done.  I am a strong free market believer, but in this case, the government needs to have a mandate and rule that is guided towards keeping people in their homes.  Left to current industry solutions, the mortgage mess will continue to play out and get worse.  If you click on the link below, you will find the free report from the National Consumer Law Center.

http://www.consumerlaw.org/issues/mortgage_servicing/content/Servicer-Report1009.pdf

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Home Buyer Tax Credit Information Update

It’s now official!! The tax credit has been extended and expanded. YOU NEED TO HURRY! You now have until the end of April 2010. The following summary of the credit is provided by the National Association Of Realtors. The following two documents cover the changes in the new law. Now get out there and buy a home!!

NAR FAQ: Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes
NAR Issue Brief: Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

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Minnesota Real Estate Newsletter Gives Access To Great Computer & Life Tips

I maintain a number of real estate sites, blogs, and newsletters. One newsletter that provides a number of computer tips to help you function better with a computer is http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/r11627 The site is full of cyber space tricks and great places to visit. We have link to this site on the list of MN Real Estate links, but I wanted to highlight this particular newsletter because it different from what most agents provide. From this newsletter, you can also access all the back issues-from 2001 and beyond. It is really quite a useful resource-spend some time there if you have a chance.

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Make The Right Home Improvements & Increase Your MN Home Value

Are you ready to sell your Minnesota home for the highest dollar with the least amount of hassle? I have helped hundreds of MN homeowners get their home sold. Can I help you?

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Minnesota Home Seller Secrets

Are you ready to sell your Minnesota home for the highest dollar with the least amount of hassle? I have helped hundreds of MN homeowners get their home sold. Can I help you?

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Minnesota Home Buyer Secrets

First, read the guide and learn how to purchase a Minnesota home successfully. Then, call me to set up an appointment to begin the process.

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10 Things To Consider When Moving To The Twin Cities

When you want to move to another city, there are things you need to consider and think over and over again to make sure that:

?    You are not making the biggest mistake in your life
?    You have a budget that can sustain you in the big city until you have found a job.

Usually, people fail to see the reason why they have to plan before they can move out from their comfort zone. Living with parents seem to be the most ideal plan but there is some point in your life where you will have to leave the home of your childhood and venture into the unknown. This is the most difficult phase because for someone who has been living with parents even way into the adulthood, they will have troubles living on their own, managing their own life and living alone.

If you are moving out because you are getting married, that is another problem but most people make their first move out of the house due to job transfer or getting a new job which is far away from home. So, they will have to move out to a place closer to the office so that they will be easier to go to work.

Now, there are ten things you need to consider when moving to a big city especially Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Moving to Minneapolis or St. Paul can be difficult without a proper plan.

Accommodation

Have you found your accommodation in the new place? Have you rent the new home? Do you like the new home? Is the home affordable to you?

There are the questions you should be thinking way before you move there. Of course, when you want to rent a home, you will have to take some time off and go there so you can see for yourself the home you want to rent to make sure that you are not conned by scammers agent.

You must make sure that you can afford to pay the rental of your new home. The rental must be compensated with the utilities and amenities included with the home. Sometimes, you might like a home but too expensive for your wallet so either you negotiate for a better price or you back off and find other places.

Transportation

This is easier if you have your own car but unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to own a car so you need to make sure that it is not a problem for you to go to work if your home is slightly far from your office. If you can walk to your office then there is no problem. Other wise you will need to make sure that bus or train service is available.

Food

Food is never a problem especially when you have the money but you have a budget to follow so it is not like you can eat whatever you want. Make sure that you can prepare your own meals at home. Then, check out the local grocery store so you will know where to buy grocery and food. Look out for the prices as well. This allows you to make a budget for food. In times like when you are working, you will have to have lunch somewhere nearby or in the café so you need to spend some money but it is ok, as long as you have plan ahead on how much you can spend for lunch.

Entertainment

What’s life without entertainment? I am sure that while you are in the big city, you will have the urge to have a tour and check out nearby locations to see if there is anything interesting. Occasionally you might want to catch a movie with your friends and colleagues so make a budget for entertainment as well but plan wisely so it doesn’t interrupt with your bigger expense. Otherwise, wait until you are stable before you venture for some outdoor entertainment.

Utilities & Amenities

Check out if you have to pay for the utilities bills such as electricity and others. If there are some bills you need to settle, make sure that you settle the bill as soon as possible to make sure that you don’t accumulate the bills which might end up more than you think when you finally realised about the bills.

Housekeeping

When you are living with your parents, your mum would be doing the laundry, the cooking and the cleaning of your room but when you are living on your own, you will have to do everything yourself. Make sure that you schedule when to do your laundry like every once in a week or twice in a week. Then, make sure you tidy your home and clean up any mess.

Security Level

Is your home located in a secure area? An area that has access to the police station, fire department and hospital or clinic? These are very important as you might be living alone and if something happened to you, you need to know where to ask for help. You need to be friends with your neighbours so that in case of emergency they can look out for you and help you.

Packing & Unpacking

So, you have a lot of things you want to bring along yet there is little space in your new home. You will need to discard those you don’t need at all so that you don’t clutter your new home. Remember you don’t have your mum there to help you tidy up and clean up. When you want to pack your items, make sure you use boxes so it is easier for you to store all your things. It is also easier for you to move the boxes around. You can buy new boxes or if you have some spare old boxes from the old set of TV or any boxes you find.

Moving Company

Do you need the service of moving company? For example, you might need to use the lorry and you can hire a lorry from the moving company. They provide the lorry, you pack your own things and they will help you to load the items into the lorry and deliver them to your new place with you in the lorry or with you in front of them in your own vehicle. Of course, hiring the lorry would cost you more but if you want to avoid the hassle, you should get the help from a moving company.

Total cost of moving

Finally, the most important part is to calculate the average total cost for you to move out.
This is to make sure you have the budget or else you have to find ways to cut down the cost.

Once you have considered all these, then you are set to move out and live on your own.

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A Guide of Relocating To Minnesota

Sometimes in life, there is a point where you have to relocate to another town or another country.  If you want to keep employed with the same company, sometimes you have to move-especially if you are being sent to work there. It would be lucky for you if your assignment involves a corporate relocation to MN. This can be a good news or a bad news for some people depending on how they deal with it. Minnesota is a very interesting place and suitable for anyone who wants to relocate to a new place and live a new life. Relocating to Minnesota can be easier if you have the right preparation and people to help you out. Yes, we have cold weather.  But, with the advent of global warming, our winters are becoming more bearable.

People choose to relocate to Minnesota for many reasons. The job opportunities are wide with low crime rates and beautiful scenery. There are simply many reasons why you can never say “no to Minnesota or also known as the North Star State.

If you are planning to relocate to Minnesota, there are many towns in Minnesota and you might want to consider.  For example, consider relocating to Stillwater. Stillwater is not only a small town in Minnesota but it is also a historical town in United State. Stillwater is located on the St. Croix River. There are only about 15,000 residents in Stillwater with almost 6.5 square miles of area.  Stillwater is within the Washington County and is part of the Twin Cities.  However, Stillwater is just one small town in Minnesota and there are many other towns to explore.

What is so special about Minnesota?

Minnesota has an average of six million residents and more than 75% of the residents are of western European descent. Most of the population is more focus on the Twin Cities. Christian is the dominant religion in Minnesota with a few other religions such as Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish. We are quite a melting pot, especially over the past few years with a number of large populations coming in from outside of the United States.

There are many existing homes in Minnesota are ready for you to move in. However, if you like, you can build your own custom house. If you have a piece of empty land in Minnesota, you can build your own home on the land with your own design. However, it can be time consuming, so most people prefer to buy readily available property. As such, it is better to buy properties that have been completed to save time and money.  You will find existing homes often offer better values than new construction as well.

The average price for a principal homestead in Minnesota can be anything between $100,000 to $200,000.  It really depend on the area and the types of property. Houses would be about $150,000 and above in most of the metro area.  Getting a mortgage in Minnesota is easy if you are eligible. The most important thing about buying a home is getting pre-approved before you buy a home. Due to tighter credit conditions, you will need to have a fairly clean credit background.  The willingness to pay is an important point to be taken into consideration by the bankers.

The climate in Minnesota is generally humid with temperature reaching 0 degrees Fahrenheit in January. However in July, the temperature can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional heat wave that land Minnesota. Overall, the temperature is bearable. Snow has been recorded of an average 42”. You can expect some rain, hail stone and thunderstorms throughout the year. There has been tornadoes being reported happening in Minnesota as well. Drought is reported to happen every 10 to 50 years.

The people in Minnesota care about health very much. As such, they have the highest rate of outdoor activities participation such as exercise. This is why Minnesota has the lowest premature death rate and infant mortality rate. More than 91% of the residents have health insurance. The health care in Minnesota including hospitals and clinics are of top quality and hygienic to provide the best health care for the residents.

The education in Minnesota is excellent. With University of Minnesota and other state colleges, there is no need to worry about your children’s education. They will have the finest education in Minnesota. There are about 32 institutions in Minnesota and more than 20 private colleges and universities.  Minnesota provides excellent quality of education for its residents and opportunities to further their studies to higher levels.

Public transportation in Minnesota is never a disappointment. You can easily access to bus services. Minnesota’s main airport is the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It is also the headquarters for the Northwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. There is also public transit available. However, public transit in Minnesota is limited to the bus systems in big cities at the moment.

If you are a NFL fan, you are not going to be disappointed with Minnesota Vikings. Don’t forget the Minnesota Twins either, who were the stars and winners of the 1987 and 1991 world series. Baseball is also represented by the St. Paul Saints and the Women’s Basketball is represented by the Minnesota Lynx. There is a marathon known as Grandma’s Marathon that is being held every year during summer time in Duluth, Minnesota.

The crime rate in Minnesota is considerably low compared to other states in US.

If you want to relocate to Minnesota, you can consider getting professional help such as relocating services of a Realtor and Minnesota mortgage broker. They are the experts in helping people to relocate whether for personal purposes or corporate relocation to MN and other states. There are many relocation services available and you can choose the best to help you from the start until the end of the relocation process.

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Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”

Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and the largest city is none other than Minneapolis. The popular symbol of Minnesota is the Common Loon, which is a bird that is available in the northern parts of the state. If you have decided to relocate to Minnesota, it would probably be a correct step to have a new life in a new place and experience new culture. Generally, the people in Minnesota are very friendly and helpful. Being as a new resident is definitely scary but with the warm wishes and welcome from the local residents, I am sure you will be able to cope with a new lifestyle in a new neighborhood without any problem.

The famous Twin Cities is made up of Minneapolis and Saint Paul located in the center of the state. Minneapolis is the most populated city in Minnesota. It is a quite attractive location for people who are looking for experience in a big city. Minneapolis is a sleek and majestic city with the most amazing skylines. As for Saint Paul, it is known for its rich architecture and history. There are many attractions in the Twin Cities and you can spend all the time you have once you have relocated to the Twin Cities and to explore the cities and have fun.

Minneapolis is named as one of the best American cities to live. Minneapolis is also named as one of the most cultural communities in the US. It is being rich in history and amenities for the 400,000 residents in the city. Minneapolis is a budding metropolis and any prospective newcomers who come to this city will find the pleasure of living in such a diverse and cultural city.

This city has all types of spacious apartments, duplexes, single-family homes and condominiums. You can find your dream home here without any trouble at all. There are simply too many properties here in Minneapolis and there is definitely at least one property that is suitable for you.

On the other hand, Saint Paul is a scenic and historical city. As the host to more than 300,000 residents in the city, Saint Paul has many to offer. The city distinguish from Minneapolis by many aspects and because of this, Saint Paul is more likely to attract older population than Minneapolis. Apparently, many people feel that Saint Paul is a more satisfying city to settle down and raise a family.
The economy of Minneapolis is definitely one of the many reasons that attract many people to relocate. The economy is bright, education opportunity is great, healthcare is top of the world, location is beautiful and scenic and crime rate is the lowest make it more appealing than any other cities.

Entertainment in Minneapolis is unbelievable. I am sure you will find the satisfaction of being in Minneapolis better than anywhere else. Night life is never boring in Minneapolis. You walk up to any bar or disco and you will expect to have a great time hanging out there. You can hang out alone without a partner and still have an enjoyable night out. Daily life in Minneapolis is always exciting and there are more things to expect than you can imagine. Everyday you will get surprises and you don’t even know it. However, I can assure that Minneapolis is the right place for you to settle down so you can raise your kids in a safe, happy and natural environment without having to worry about anything else.

Saint Paul is just like Minneapolis. It offers never ending entertainment and night life to those who have been living in the city for years or newcomers. You will find that even though Saint Paul is more traditional than Minneapolis but the amount of entertainment is on the same par or perhaps even more for some of you. Of course, it depends on the individuals but Saint Paul will never disappoint you. Living is about enjoying and fulfilling destiny and if you find your way into Saint Paul, perhaps your destiny lies in Saint Paul and you will have to find out yourself.

When it comes to crime rate, be assure that Minneapolis and Saint Paul has a quite low rate. However, crime happens everywhere so as long as you are careful and take great care of yourself, your family and tighten the security level, you are safe. The police department is doing a great job and you can be assured that your safety is their priority in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. You will find that the security level in both cities are very tight and you feel safe even when you are walking on the street and thus you don’t have to constantly worry about everything, which makes living a painful experience, if you have too many worries.

Education and literacy is definitely high quality in both cities, offering the best of what they have. You will be assured that your children receive the finest education in their life with the opportunities to further their studies in any areas of interest and at anywhere they desire. You can benefit from the many scholarships and bursaries given out to the bright students. This is to help you lighten your burden to finance your children’s education.

While it may seem that relocating to the twin cities is difficult. Basically, when you want to relocate to another city or a country, there are many things involve such as property and the delivery of your furniture and household items. However, to make things easier, you can find that there are many relocating services available to help you out in times like this. When you want to relocate, it is best to get someone to help you so you don’t feel burned out. On the same subject, it is best to get to know a mortgage broker to help you with the mortgage process. This is to ensure that you get the financing you need for your new home while waiting for the old home to be sold off to someone else.

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Minneapolis Condominium Markets – Buying or Renting a Condo

Today if you are interested in living in Minnesota, you’ll find that many people are deciding to go with twin cities rental condos instead of going with Minnesota homes for a variety of reasons. There are many great downtown Minneapolis condominiums available not to mention downtown Minneapolis lofts and downtown St. Paul lofts. If you are looking for housing in the area, you will quickly notice that it is easy to find a good Minneapolis condominium, so you may be wondering if condo living in Minnesota is a great idea for you. Well, let’s take a closer look at why the condominium markets are doing so well, the deals you can find, and the great benefits you can enjoy if you choose condo living.

Downtown Minneapolis Condominiums a Great Urban Housing Choice
While there are other urban and suburban choices for housing, such as Minnesota homes, you’ll find that many people are finding Minneapolis condominiums and downtown St. Paul lofts to be a great urban housing choice. Instead of living out further from the city these housing choices keep them closer to the city, and while at one time real estate trends were high in suburban living, the trends in this area are beginning to lean towards condo living in the major cities of Minnesota.

Over Building Has Led to a Soft Market

Wondering why twin cities rental condos have become such a great opportunity and why so many people are choosing this route? Well, the main reason is that over building of condos in these areas have led to a soft market. So many condos were built in a short amount of time and now the supply is higher than the demand, which has led to excellent deals. This is definitely a great time to get involved in renting or even purchasing a condo in the twin cities area.

Rent Condos Now for Great Deals

Because of the soft market and the great availability of downtown Minneapolis lofts, condos, and downtown St. Paul lofts, you’ll find that now it is easy to rent condos for great deals. If you’re looking for low cost housing, this is an excellent choice, since the deals are excellent right now.

Benefits of Condo Living in the Twin Cities

Of course you may be wondering if condo living in the twin cities area is really a great choice for you. Well, you’ll actually find that there are many great benefits to living in condos. Here are just a few of the excellent benefits that you can enjoy when you go with twin cities rental condos.

• Benefit #1 – Avoid Dealing with the Long Morning Commute – First of all, one of the main benefits that you can enjoy when you decide to go with condos in the twin cities area is that you’ll be able to avoid dealing with the long morning commute. While many people enjoy suburban living, you’ll find that the commute can get expensive. When you live closer to town in a nice condo, you may be able to take public transportation or even to walk to work. This will mean that you won’t have to worry about the long commute to work and you’ll definitely save money in gas costs as well.

• Benefit #2 – It’s Now Affordable – Although you may think that living in downtown Minneapolis condominiums is expensive and cost prohibitive, you’ll actually find that the opposite is true. You’ll find that it is very affordable to live in twin cities rental condos at this point in time, and it’s actually one of the best choices in housing in the area if you are looking for options that are affordable.

• Benefit #3 – No Upkeep to Worry About – Many people love living in condos because there is no upkeep to worry about. You don’t have to come home from work to worry about a lawn to more or landscaping to keep up, and the maintenance on the buildings are usually taken care of as well. If you like the idea of living a maintenance free life, then you just may find that condo living is a great option for you.

• Benefit #4 – Many Great Condos to Choose from in The Twin Cities Area – There are many great condos to choose form in the twin cities area as well, which is another great benefit. Whether you are looking for downtown St. Paul lofts, downtown Minneapolis lofts, or even a Minneapolis condominium, you’ll find that you can find about anything you like right now. There are many great options that are available to you, and this is a big benefit to you when you are interested in purchasing or renting a condo in the twin cities area.

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Relocating to Minnesota – Twin Cities Real Estate

If you are looking for a great place to relocate, you’ll find that relocating to Minnesota is an excellent option today. Whether you are from California, New York, Mississippi, Texas, or even Ohio, you’ll find that Minnesota is a wonderful place to move. There are a variety of reasons that moving to areas in Minnesota, such as Minneapolis Minnesota or even St. Paul, is a great idea. You’ll find that this state has much to offer you. Of course before you decide that this is the right place for you, it’s important that you take a look at the general benefits of relocating to Minnesota and at the real estate market in the state as well.

General Benefits of Relocating to Minnesota

If you’re considering Minneapolis, Minnesota or another city in the beautiful state of Minnesota, you’ll find that there are many general benefits to relocating to Minnesota. Here is a closer look at some of the excellent general benefits you’ll enjoy when you decide to move to this state.

• Benefit #1 – Excellent Schools with Great Performance – First of all, you’ll find that Minnesota has excellent schools with great performance. In fact, many of the schools in the Minneapolis area actually score very highly when it comes to the No Child Left Behind guidelines. If you happen to have children, more than likely great schooling is a high priority for you, so excellent schools are definitely a drawing point.

• Benefit #2 – Easy Commutes to Work – You’ll find that most Minnesota homes are actually located so that you have a reasonable and easy commute to work. This is an important consideration for working families, especially with the recent hikes in gas prices.

• Benefit #3 – Reasonable Taxes – Taxes on real estate in the area are fairly reasonable as well. In some places across the country, real estate taxes are skyrocketing, but the taxes in many locations are quite low within the state of Minnesota.

• Benefit #4 – Great Jobs Available – Jobs in Minnesota are plentiful, which is another great benefit to relocating to this area. There are many great jobs that are available and with the growth in the job market, many families are finding that this area is a great place to relocate to. Especially in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas, you’ll notice that there are excellent jobs that are available, which is definitely a top drawing point.

• Benefit #5 – Cost of Living is Relatively Low – Compared to many other regions in the United States, you’ll find that the cost of living is relatively low. Although prices have been driven up due to increases in gas prices and the real estate market troubles recently, you’ll find that comparatively the cost of living is lower than many other places around the country today.

The Real Estate Market

No doubt you are interested in the real estate market as well if you plan on relocating to Minnesota. Whether you are planning to buy in a rural area or you are interested in twin cities real estate, there are some things that you need to know about the market before you make your decision about the relocation. Let’s take a look at the real estate market and how it’s looking for families that want to relocate to the area.

• Real Estate is Going for Low Prices – First of all, you’ll find that real estate is going for low prices right now. In fact, you’ll find that twin cities real estate is down and homes are going for very low prices. Although this is not necessarily a good thing for those who are selling, it’s great for you if you want to relocate to this area and find Minnesota homes for a great price. The low prices definitely are attractive if you are considering a relocation to the Minnesota area.

• Many Types of Real Estate Available – You’ll also find that there are a variety of different types of real estate available that you can choose from if you move into the area. You can purchase nice single family Minnesota homes, but they are not your only option. You’ll find that condominiums, apartments, and even town homes in the area are excellent choices as well.

• Mortgage Rates are Low – Right now the mortgage rates in the area are low, making it a great time to purchase Minnesota homes. This means that not only will you be able to find a great deal on your home in the area, but you’ll also be able to find great rates on the mortgage that you need as well.

As you can see, there are definitely a variety of great benefits to relocating to Minnesota. If you are looking for quality schools, great jobs, reasonable real estate prices, and low rate mortgages, then Minnesota may be a great place for you to move in the near future. Take the time to find out more about the real estate options that are available to you today.

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Five Top Reasons to Buy a Loft

Many urban dwellers are turning to lofts instead of condos.  There are some differences between the two, however.  Urban living and loft purchasers are on the rise, if only for the exquisite opportunity a loft may have compared to a condo.   Owners of either a loft or a condo hold the title to their unit or space and co-own along with the rest of the loft or condo community, the lobbies, garages, security system, swimming pools and other amenities.  Here are the five top reasons to buy a loft:

1.    Style – Lofts for sale tend to have soaring ceilings and wide open spaces.  Lofts also have lots of style and more modern finishes than a condo.  Floors are often hardwood and the sense of your own original space is achieved through the purchase of a loft.  You will find more stainless steel and sharp modern designs in a loft.

2.    Location – Most lofts for sale are in urban areas where a developer may buy an old warehouse and turn it into loft units.  These old warehouses are usually well within all the amenities any urban city or town would have to offer and are nearby or within walking distance.  Many lofts for sale are also designed and built from the ground up through developers and large city and town’s revitalization programs.

3.    Live and Work – While condos may only offer a home unit for residential use, lofts may permit a live and work space and some lofts for sale can be found in areas zoned specifically for this purpose.  Many professionals who work at home find the large loft space ideal for the separation between living areas and work areas.

4.    Appreciation – In some markets, realtors have found that lofts are appreciating at twice the rate of a traditional single-family home.  This alone can add value to your loft space when you sell it.

5.    Loft Conversions – Many loft builders who convert buildings into loft spaces, also invite commercial businesses such as drycleaners and small grocers to abide in the buildings. These types of loft conversions make it easier to never leave your loft building area when you seek consumer items—especially since they are close at hand.

Loft living is different than condo living.  While both are usually run by an association where you must pay a monthly fee and abide by the association rules, lofts tend to be quieter due to their size and do not have as many common walls as condos do.  For example, a loft may be an entire floor where condos may have two to four on one floor sharing a lot of common wall space.

Major developers are being encouraged and supported by large city and town governments to covert old spaces for loft living.  Not only are developers reaping the benefits of building these loft units, the owners of the lofts are happy with the security, parking, live and work opportunities, and the proximity of all the conveniences you can expect with a loft.

If you live in an urban area and are interested in purchasing a loft, ask your realtor for more details on lofts for sale, the amenities and how loft living works.

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Downtown Minneapolis-A Mpls Minnesota Visitor’s Guide

Are you planning to head to downtown Minneapolis any time in the near future?  If so, you have a lot of fun and a great time waiting for you!  There is a lot that goes into making this lively area what it is, and if you manage to even catch a little bit of it, you’ll know that your trip has been worth it.  Consider some of the great attractions below whether you are visiting Minneapolis for business or pleasure!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
When you are looking for a place for a beautiful photo opportunity, you ‘ll find that you want to check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.  This is an 11 acre outdoor park, and you’ll find that each of the forty permanent sculpture pieces have their own unique appeal. You’ll also find that this is a great place to catch some temporary installations as well.  If you end up going to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, make some time to check out the centerpiece, called Spoonbridge and Cherry, which has become well-known as a symbol of everything the Twin Cities has to offer.

The Guthrie Theater

When you want to soak in more of Minneapolis artistic and acting scene, you’ll find that you should head to the Guthrie Theater.  Consider the fact that Minnesota is second only to New York when it comes to the number of theater seats per capita.  This theater has three stages and you’ll find that even if you can’t get to one of its fantastic shows that you should still come to check out the gorgeous architecture.  It has a new building that is lovingly placed on the banks of the Mississippi River, and when you head out, you’ll be able to have a wonderfully leisurely dinner at the Cue Restaurant.

Mall of America
Are you someone who feels the most excited when you are chasing down a sale or surrounded by great gifts and clothes?  If so, head to the Mall of America, which is known as one of the largest enclosed shopping centers in the entire world.  The mall itself covers around 4.2 million square feet and numbers more than 500 stores.  You can do more than just shop, however.  You’ll also discover that there are lots of restaurants to enjoy as well as an enclosed amusement park that will give you a wonderful place to take the kids.  Camp Snoopy is a great place to go when you want to enjoy more than 30 rides and attractions as well as games that are going to challenge your skills.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

When you are checking out downtown Minneapolis, make sure that you check out the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  With 100,000 items that cover more than 5,000 years of world history, you’ll find that this is a lovely place to go when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Consider what you most want to see in terms of art and chances are, there are going to be samples of it here.  Whether you are interested in paintings, photographs, architecture or even decorative art, you’ll find that the Minneapolis Institute of Arts can show it to you.

The Mercado

When you are looking for a family friendly place where you can shop and enjoy the culture, you’ll find that the Mercado Mexican-style market is where you should go.  This indoor street market sells foods, crafts, Spanish books and music, and you’ll find that there is never a shortage of things to do or great sites to see.  You’ll find that this is  a great way to introduce your children to foods that they have never had before, and you will find that this is a great way to have an inexpensive day out.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

When wandering around downtown Minneapolis, it is very likely that you may suddenly feel a little run down or even a little bit put off by all the sites.  After all, it is a big city, and at times, all you want to do is to sit down and enjoy some wildlife.  This is what you can do at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, and you can bet that this is one of the top reasons why people head here.  You can forget all about the city when you enter it, and you’ll find that there are plenty of benches to sit on and just rest and enjoy nature. Keep an eye out for friendly squirrels and rabbits, and enjoy this all for free!

Blue Nile

Are you in the mood for food that is a little different from what you can get at home?  If so, you’ll find that you may wish to head to the Blue Nile.  This is an Ethiopian restaurant and beer bar, and you can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine as well as an impressive collection of rare bears.  You’ll see beer on tap here that you never have before, and this is a great way to try some that you have been curious about.

Depot Skating Rink

In 1970, the last train left the Milwaukee Road Depot and there was a large drafty structure left that went on for blocks. Before it could be bulldozed, the National Register of Historic Places declared it a Minneapolis landmark.  Instead of being used for overflow parking, as it had been, a plan was created to turn it into an indoor ice rink and restaurant.  These days, it serves as a great place to have some fun.  There are shops, a hotel and a fantastic water park!

Take some time and think about what your options are going to be when you are thinking about seeing downtown Minneapolis.  This is a great town to visit, so make sure that you don’t miss out some of its highlights.

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Five Top Reasons to Buy a Condo or Townhouse

If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like maintaining your lawn or want to commit to a large down payment for a conventional home, buying a condo or townhouse may be right for you.  Before we look at the top five reasons to buy a condo or townhouse, what are condos and townhouses?

Condos and townhouses are unit-based home purchases.  For example, a condo unit will exist within a group of connected condominiums and you purchase one unit or one condo.  Townhouses are found in planned developments where all homes are similar in style and you purchase the townhouse but are not responsible for the upkeep of common areas.  The same for condos—you are not responsible for common areas, recreational areas, swimming pools or other areas where the Homeowner’s Association you join and pay for each month takes care of these common areas and you must abide by condo and townhome bylaws as well as association rules and regulations.  You do pay individual property taxes on both condos and townhouses.

Here are the top five reasons we found to purchase a condo or townhouse:

1.    Less Commitment – Condos and townhouses are great for people who want to own their dwelling space but don’t want to do all the required lawn and common area maintenance. Most condos and townhouses do not require a down payment as large as on conventional homes.  While you are committed to the condo or townhome, you buy and must follow the Homeowner’s bylaws, owning a condo or townhouse can be less of a stress when it comes to lawn upkeep and can offer more amenities than a conventional home.

2.    The Amenities – Because condos and townhouses are usually in planned areas and are consider a “community” of sorts, certain amenities may come with the purchase of your condo unit or town home unit.  These amenities may include a shared association swimming pools, tennis courts, recreational areas, common barbeque areas, and picnic areas and meeting rooms that may be rented for parties.  Other features could include higher security and a fitness center and newer condominium and town home structures are offering entire community conveniences such as grocery stores, drycleaners, and restaurants all within the development giving you the option to never leave the condo area for certain consumer needs.

3.    Overall Price & Ownership – Buying a condo or townhouse can be much cheaper than a conventional home.  Whether it’s a condo for sale, where you enter into a main lobby or a townhouse that allows you to have a private entrance and perhaps your own carport or garage, both are cheaper all around than a conventional home.  Ownership of a condo or town home is much the same as a conventional home.  You finance or pay cash and own the title to the condo unit or townhouse you buy.  When you sell it, you do this on your own as long as your follow the Homeowner’s Associations bylaws, covenants, and restrictions.   With a town home for sale, you will usually also hold title to the land the townhouse sits on.

4.    Appeal for the Elderly – If you are in your retirement years, often a condo or town home is your best bet, especially when it comes to security and community involvement.  Some town home and condo communities are dedicated for the elderly only and can provide activities at the same location where you live.

5.    Simple Care – Because almost all townhouses and condos have a Homeowner’s Association, if you do need to “fix” up your dwelling, the association provides specific guidelines on what you can and can’t do.  If you aren’t the creative type, town homes and condos are great for a structured way to keep up with the exterior maintenance such as exterior paint color (which can usually be arranged through the Homeowner’s Association) and other exterior options that are allowed.

What is the Homeowner’s Association?

All condos for sale and most town homes for sale are organized by a Homeowner’s Association.  When you purchase your condo or townhouse, you become a member of that association.  The association usually has a board of community members that oversee the bylaws, association rules, and regulations.  The association is also responsible for the upkeep of all common areas.  The Homeowner’s association is funded through monthly fees payable to the association by you and is set at time of move-in.  Association fees can be raised from time to time as outlined by each association’s bylaws.  All condo and townhouse owners must abide by the rules and regulations and pay their fees on a timely basis.

Buying a condo for sale or a townhouse can be an advantageous idea if you are looking for maintenance free lawn care, amenities such as pools or tennis courts, and a sense of security for all who live within the limits of each of the communities.

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Minneapolis: A Clean and Green City

If there is one thing that Minneapolis should be famous for it is the city’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as among the greenest cities in the State of Minnesota.  True enough, Minneapolis has proven it is hell-bent in protecting the environment through the Minneapolis GreenPrint which is its guide to attaining sustainable development.

The Minneapolis GreenPrint is a framework based on ten healthy environment indicators.  An annual GreenPrint Report is submitted to the City Council to measure the environmental interventions being done by the city each year which can include street sweeping, installation of solar panels on city building roofs and other private sector initiatives.

The environmental efforts of Minneapolis go a long way considering that it is Minnesota State’s city and Hennepin County’s county seat.  With St. Paul, it forms the now-famous Twin Cities, and has 3.2 million residents as of the last Census.

Employee relocation and corporate relocation usually targets Minneapolis due to its clean and healthy environment.  With twenty lakes, creeks and lots of waterfalls, Minneapolis is a city that is abundant in water. It is thus no surprise that its name is taken from the Dakota word “mni” for water and polis for city, to mean water city.  In fact, Minneapolis is also called the City of Lakes.

History and City Profile

The history of Minneapolis is largely tied to water primarily because of the city’s physical make up.  Minneapolis lies on an aquifer and so the city is serious in managing its watershed areas.

Business in the city is mostly hinged on finance, trucking services, industry and health services.  Several companies engage in milling, chemical and agricultural products, food processing and similar businesses.  It is home to some of America’s Top Companies including Xcel Energy, Target Corporation, Ameriprise Financial and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Donaldson Company, PepsiAmericas and US Bancorp.

Minneapolis does not however just boast of a clean environment and good water sources but it also boasts of a holistic development that made it to the Kiplinger survey of Smart Places to Live in 2006 (it was ranked number 2 together with St. Paul).  It has also been included in the list of Seven Cool Places for Young Professionals and was chosen as the United States’ Top Tech City survey by Popular Science in 1995.

The city, along with St. Paul’s $145.8 billion gross state product accounts for 63.8% of the State of Minnesota’s gross state product.  The year 2000 was a bad year for the area as it experienced a recession but it has bounced back in 2005 with a growth in personal income by 3.8%.

Culture and the Arts

If you are thinking of relocating in an area where you can expose your family to culture and the arts then Minneapolis should be your best bet.  Theater is big here starting with the Guthrie Theater which was designed by 2008 Pritzker Prize Winner Jean Nouvel.

Minneapolis is a haven for art and the artists.  It has been ranked the most literate city in America and this can be one big reason for relocating in the area especially if you have children or you have a great interest in culture and the arts.  It is home to the largest literary and book center in the country known as Open Book.  It boasts of the Loft Literary Center which is a venue for contemporary and traditional arts and crafts.

If you are offering a relocation package for your employees then make sure you mention the existence of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, the city’s largest museum with over a hundred thousand collection of art and other historical items.

The most famous contribution of Minneapolis to the American music industry is Prince.  This world-famous pop icon is a product of the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Sports

Minnesota relocation can become more exciting with the knowledge that sports means a lot to its residents.  Among the teams that raised the flag of Minneapolis are the Minneapolis Millers (known for contributing 15 baseball players to the Baseball Hall of Fame), the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team (with six championships on its belt in all the three leagues) and the NWA Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club (now known as the American Wrestling Association).

The Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins (won the 1987 and 1991 World Series), the Minnesota Lynx WNBA, the Minnesota Wild hockey team and the National Lacrosse League team Minnesota Swarm are just some of the teams that make up the vibrant sports atmosphere of Minneapolis.

Employee relocation in Minneapolis is very appealing to those who have families considering the city’s well-designed park system, considered the best in America in terms of design, financing and maintenance.  Residents of Minneapolis have to thanks Theodore Wirth for this.

Housing

There are a variety of Minneapolis relocation package and if you want to find out about this you can get the services of a relocation specialist who will be able to provide you with important relocation information to help you decide if moving to Minneapolis is indeed the right decision.

Minneapolis real estate can offer you lots possibilities and you can choose from any of the real estate listings in the city including single family residences, single story homes, condominiums, duplex, or lakeshore properties.  You can even purchase or mortgage land and build your own house.  However, it would also be ideal to look at the latest foreclosure listings as they may be new homes on the list that are quite affordable.

Still unsure about moving to Minneapolis?  Think of how clean the air you are going to breathe once your family relocates in the city. Think of the artistic and cultural exposure your family is going to get.  Think of how important quality of life is and think of Minneapolis.

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