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 Twin Cities Real Estate Source
 November 2009
Greetings!

1550 Zarthan front photo
In case you have been enjoying an extended vacation on a remote island, I will give you the real estate headline for November.  Congress has passed both an extension of the homebuyer tax credit as well as a new version; expanding it to more potential home buyers.
First the extension; first time home-buyers have until April 30th to close on a new home and receive up to $8000 in a Federal tax credit. All of the same rules apply that were put into place earlier this year. 
1550 Zarthan front photo 
The new component of the legislation offers a tax credit to an expanded group of purchasers.  The highlights are as follows:
Who is eligible?
Individuals or couples who have owned and used a principal residence consecutively for five of the last eight years.
 
Income limits of $125,000 (single) and $225,000 (married) apply.
 

How much is the tax credit?

                Up to $6500

 

What are the effective dates?

New purchase agreements executed by April 30th 2010 with closing dates prior to July 1, 2010

 

What are the price limits on new home purchases?

                Homes sold for $800,000 or less qualify for this program

 

If you would like more information about this program or have other real estate questions, please call.  As always, we thank you for your business and referrals.  



Sincerely,
 
Kricket Opheim
KricketandMike.com Inc
 
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Significant economic savings can come from modern windows. Unless recently upgraded, your windows are likely a major source of heat loss. In cold climates, windows transfer heating energy out of the building through both conduction and radiation. Additionally, depending upon how weather-tight the frame and seals,...... 
Current Market Information
Weekly statistics from Minneapolis Association of Realtors 
 
Now Available...
 
 
 1550 Zarthan front photo
 
This is a unique property which has not been available on the market for many decades.   Situated on a rare cul-de-sac in Minneapolis; it offers dramatic southern views of Minnehaha Creek and the expansive wooded lot.  Don't be fooled by the exterior, this beauty has 3500+ finished square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a master suite and main level living as well.  It was thoughtfully expanded in 1989 and 2002 with designer and architect/builder Sarah Susanka and Choice Wood respectively.  There are very few opportunities like this in Southwest Minneapolis. 
 
Selling for $750,000 
 
Mortgage Minute
News from Rita Welton, Burnet Home Loans
 
 

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010! Plus...A new Tax Credit For Certain Existing Home Owners!!

 

It's official, President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers into the first half of 2010.  This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30th, 2009.

 

In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.  The program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home.  This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

 

Please call me today to start your pre-approval.

  
 
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
 
 Eating sushi in Minneapolis or the Twin Cities for that matter isn't quite the same as on the coasts (actually, my all time favorite place for sushi is a little dive in St. Petersburg, Florida).  Thankfully, we are not devoid of good sushi here in fly-over land.  While there are several good spots, Origami remains my favorite. 
The original Origami is located in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis in a turn of the century building. The atmosphere is as good as the food (Origami is also located at Ridgedale mall).  It is clear that Origami has been known for sushi for many decades because the walls are covered with framed autographs ranging from rock stars to comedians.
 
While I love and generally only enjoy their delicious sushi, Origami also has several Japanese entrees and a few American ones too.  Their selection of nigiri and specialty rolls is expansive.  My absolute favorite roll is the sari roll. It is tuna with rice and is wrapped in avocado, tuna and a special sauce.  It completely melts in your mouth.  For starters the edamame is a nice safe choice.  I also recently tried their broccolini which is finished with a lovely ginger sauce.  This might be my new starter.
 
I also have to confess that one of the other reasons I really like going to Origami is the fact they carry my favorite beer - Delirium Tremens in a bottle.  Delirium is a Belgium beer crafted in a "triple" style.  I'd describe this beer to you but I really can't - it's just very tasty.  At 9% alcohol content it is also one that has to be savored quite slowly.
 
So if you are in the mood for some fantastic sushi, great atmosphere and a neat location in the city; give Origami a try.  It's located on 1st Street just a couple of blocks from the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.  
 
In This Issue
Energy Efficient Windows
Current Market Information
Featured Listing
Mortgage Minute
Kricket's Social Korner
Contact Information
 
 
 
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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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