Greetings!

Wow, summer is really here and unbelievably I'm still looking for a house. If I was my agent I would probably fire me. Ok, they probably wouldn't fire me but would certainly be frustrated with my indecision. You would think, as a real estate agent, I would easily be able to find a home. I'm even in a good position with my husband in that we have a similar vision for what we want in a home. I know what you are thinking - what's the problem? 
We have many issues but I'll spare you the details. If you boil everything down our biggest obstacle to finding the right house is making a decision between lifestyle and living style. By lifestyle I mean living in an area where we can walk for coffee, ride our bikes to the grocery store or dinner and easily access an urban area. By living style I mean not giving up what we already have in a house (attached two car garage, decent size closets), and getting what we really want, such as a great space for entertaining (updated kitchen and formal dining room) and enough space to grow into.
At our desired price point these two "styles" seldom mix. So what we really need to do is take the advice that I so often and freely give out - do some soul searching and decide what we're willing to trade-off (location verses lifestyle).
In my business we always joke that every agent should sell their own home at least once. You gain a ton of empathy for your sellers. I now believe that we should also go through a true home search process to understand what our buyers are struggling with as well. Hopefully by next month I will have taken my own advice. Stay tuned for this turns out. Warmly, Kricket Kricket and Mike KricketandMike.com Inc
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Outdoor Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety
Well-planned outdoor lighting improves curb appeal, safety, and security for your home.
By: Dave Toht Published: March 18, 2010
Think about it: Most of your guests (and if your home is on the market, many would-be buyers) see your home only in the evening, when its best features may be lost in the shadows. Well-executed outdoor lighting enhances architectural detail and plays up landscape features, casting your home in the best possible light and adding an abundance of curb appeal.
Outdoor lighting also adds value.
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Current Market Information Statistics from Minneapolis Association of Realtors |
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Now Available...
Darling one and a half story located in Saint Louis Park. This home has been lovingly cared for by the same owner for over thirty years. It is updated top to bottom including all of the expensive items; roof, windows, driveway, siding, mechanicals and more....
Offered For: $214,900
Virtual Tour |
Mortgage Minute
News from Rita Welton, Burnet Home Loans GOOD NEWS REGARDING JUMBO FINANICNG... (loans over $417,000)
PHH Homes Loans has a variety of great programs available for jumbo borrowers.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Fixed Rate and ARM programs available without an origination fee
- Interest Only programs available
- Progams available for mortgages up to $2,000,000
- Minimum downpayment of 20%
Don't wait, the rates are great, call today for a current quote!!
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
This Minneapolis restaurant opened in 2009 at the old Babalu space on Washington Avenue (North Loop). Issac Becker of 112 Eatery (Kricket's Korner October 2009) is the culinary talent behind this Italian dining establishment.
It is a trendy place and reservations are usually a must; however, Bar La Grassa does have a large bar area so you can pop in and take your chances. You will also find a few tables outside for dining al fresco. The atmosphere at La Grassa is animated and fun with an understated elegance. The service staff is very professional and knowledgeable but you won't find white linen on the tables; just a simple placemat menu.
Speaking of the menu, it consists of about forty plus choices corralled neatly into four categories; antipasti, bruschetta, dry & fresh pasta and meats & fish. You will find traditional choices liked seared sea scallops and porchetta, clever choices such as foie gras tortellini and divine choices like soft egg and lobster bruschetta and calamarata with raw tuna. I give all these items double-thumbs up; Yum!
I think you can approach eating at Bar La Grassa much like a Spanish tapas place. There are so many small plate dishes that it is quite fun to mix and match and share with a group. If you prefer the entrée approach, there are plenty of "large plates" such as pork ribs, steak and shellfish to choose from. If you are a solo diner you may want to check out the pasta bar. There are about twelve plus seats along the counter where you can eat and watch the action in the kitchen. There is something for everyone here - a trendy hot spot to grab a drink, lovely date night destination or fun family-tapas style eating.
I am looking forward to my next tasty meal at Bar LaGrassa!
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Mike's Mind-Twister
Be the first one to email the correct answer to the question and win a $15 gift card to either Caribou Coffee or Target Stores. Send your reply to: Kricket@cbburnet.com
Trivia Question:
Minnesota is home to the oldest continuously running theater and the largest dinner theater. Name both of them.
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Trivia Answer:
May Trivia Question:
Mike and Kricket share two alma maters, what are they and who graduated first from each one?
Trivia Answer & Winner:
The correct answer was
Eden Prairie High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Kricket graduated first from both of them.
Sue Ketel was the winner! |
| 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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