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Greetings!
 As we start the final quarter of the year I have the first-time home-buyer tax credit on my mind. I imagine by now everyone knows what this program is all about. Likely, you also know that the end is near, at least as the rule is currently written. To receive up to $8,000 in tax credit, buyers must close on a home before December 1, 2009. However, there might be light on the horizon for those buyers who really wanted to take
advantage of the credit, but did not make it in time.
 The Senate is furiously working on extending this tax credit. Currently, there is a proposed idea to extend the credit through March of 2010. The Senate has also discussed extending the tax credit further but phasing it out in $2,000 increments (i.e., $6,000 in April, $4,000 in May...).
These credits have helped our real estate market in 2009.
Early data from the National Association of Realtors consumer study (due in November) shows that first-time home buyers accounted for 45% of the sales so far this year. The real estate industry is certainly lobbying to extend this program.
If you have specific questions or want to refer a first time buyer to us, please give us a call.
Sincerely,
Kricket Opheim
KricketandMike.com Inc
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Forbes Magazine
America's Safest Cities
Zack O'Malley Greenburg, Forbes Magazine
After living five years in New York City and waiting tables while working part time as actors, Pamela Russell and her husband Todd were looking for a safer, cheaper place to put down roots--without giving up all the city perks that they so enjoyed in the Big Apple. Luckily for them, they chanced upon the Twin Cities.
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Current Market Information
Weekly statistics from Minneapolis Association of Realtors
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Now Available...
This executive style townhome is located in a fantastic secluded area of Minnetonka. It is near many trails and parks and minutes to major roads and highways. Tastefully updated with main level master suite, laundry & family room. The soaring vaulted ceiling, natural light and great entertainment size deck make this home special.
Selling for $324,900 |
Mortgage Minute
News from Rita Welton, Burnet Home Loans
NON-OCCUPANT CO-BORROWER FINANCING OPTION
FHA allows parents to be non-occupant co-borrowers.
3.5% minimum down payment required.
Property must be an owner-occupied single family home.
Please call for further qualifying requirements.
Rita Welton
Loan Officer
PHH Home Loans
612-925-8423 direct
rita.welton@phhonline.com
This statement of current rates is not an offer to enter into an agreement for a loan at a specified interest rate or number of discount points or both. (In Minnesota: an offer to enter into such an agreement may only be made pursuant to Minnesota statutes section 47.206.) Current interest rates and discount points are subject to change at any time without notice to you. |
| Kricket's Social Korner
Restaurant Suggestions
I went back to Minneapolis and am ready to tell you about one of my favorite restaurants. My now husband, then boyfriend, took me on a date at this restaurant several years ago. I was impressed. I have since dined there many times and it remains one of my top picks in Minneapolis. If you guessed
112 Eatery, you got it right.
This is my kind of place. It is a cozy restaurant located within a historic building on 3rd Street and 1st Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The main dining room is sophisticated yet quaint with high ceilings, wood plank floors, exposed brick and a handsome wood bar. Reservations are a must as space is a premium with 15- 20 tables/booths and about eight spots at the bar. For those of you that do not like reservations, there is also an upstairs dining area with a larger bar, increasing your chances to spontaneously get in for dinner. The night-owls should also consider 112 Eatery because it is open for some great late night bites.
My favorite way to eat there is to pop in and belly up to the bar. You still have to time it right, but this is one of the best ways to dine at 112 without an advance reservation. The service at the bar is always spectacular. We also enjoy it because we continually meet interesting people.
Isaac Becker is the owner and a multiple James Beard nominee and winner in 2009 of best chef in the Midwest (the James Beard award is the Oscars for the cooking community). He has found a formula for success: amazing food, approachable wine list, cozy atmosphere and great service. The menu is limited. There are a handful of salads and appetizers, a few yummy side dishes, eight or so entrees and a surprising list of comfort food entrees as well.
Some of my favorites include the seared scallop appetizer and pan fried gnocchi with parmesan reggiano. The scallops are always perfectly done with delicate oyster mushrooms to round out the dish, and the gnocchi are soft and tender like little pillows. I also love the halibut entrée and have even been surprised by how much I enjoy the foie gras meatballs with tagliatelle. While the cheeseburger is routinely considered the best gourmet burger in town (and not for a gourmet price) and the egg sandwich sounds delectable, I must admit that I have not gotten past the amazing small plates and full entrees. At the end of the day, you really cannot go wrong with anything on this menu.
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| KricketandMike.com
Coldwell Banker Burnet
3033 Excelsior Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
612-920-5605 - office
612- 802-5502 - mobile Kricket
952-270-2079 - mobile Mike
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