KricketandMike.com Inc Newsletter

Twin Cities Real Estate Source

March 2011

Greetings!

Well, spring (or at least warm weather) is just around the corner, and theoretically our spring market will be a part of it. Many homeowners have been holding back from putting their homes on the market. I think there are a lot of people considering a move in 2011. If you are thinking about selling your home this year, here are a few admittedly biased thoughts for you to consider.

What can a qualified REALTOR® do for you?

Save time. Selling or buying a home is time consuming, especially in today's market. After all the work is done to bring a buyer and seller together, it usually takes another 60 days to close the transaction.

Unravel complexity. Real estate transactions are complicated and require detailed project management. In addition to pricing, marketing and negotiating, there are disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, regulatory compliance and extensive government-mandated settlement statements. Having a knowledgeable REALTOR® guide you through the morass can help avoid delays and costly mistakes.

Parse experience. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with several years between purchases. Even if you've done it before, laws and regulations are in a state of constant change.

Provide objectivity. Home buying or selling can be an emotional undertaking. A home often symbolizes family, memories and personality, not just a sheltering structure or financial investment. Having an objective, third-party representative helps you stay focused on the business portion of the transaction.

Translate. Real estate has its own language. If you want an FRM on an SFD from the MLS, you may want to start with a REALTOR® instead of a FSBO.

You have a right to have someone represent you and promote your interests in purchasing or selling real estate. The wise choice is a REALTOR®.

If you have specific questions about your real estate situation, please give Mike or Kricket a call.

Sincerely,

Kricket Opheim

KricketandMike.com Inc

The Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Here are the top 19 breaks you shouldn't pass up

By Kevin McCormally, Editorial Director, Kiplinger.com

Every year, the IRS dutifully reports the most common blunders that taxpayers make on their returns. And every year, at or near the top of the "oops" list is forgetting to enter their Social Security number at the top of the tax form -- or making a mistake when entering those nine digits.

To Read More.....

Current Market Information

Statistics From Minneapolis Association of Realtors

Weekly Update:

Foreclosure Report:

Monthly Market Indicators:

Now Available

5443 Pompano Drive, Minnetonka

5443 Pompano Front

Executive style townhome located in a fantastic development in the eastern part of Minnetonka. The setting is second to none with woods and a marsh providing an abundance of privacy. The interior is lovely; cathedral ceilings, large master suite, entertainment size deck and a family room with a full bar. Call for a private showing.

More Information:

Photo Tour:

Offer Price: $248,900

Mortgage Minute

Rita Welton, PHH Home Loans

SOME GOOD NEWS

Despite inflation rising around the world, I believe the global economy will continue to recover and growth will continue to expand. Consumer confidence has picked up, hitting the highest level since February 2008. With continued confidence as the economy picks up speed, housing may begin to show signs of improvement as well.

These are very interesting times. Historically speaking, rates are still extremely attractive and remain close to the historic lows...but for how long? Overall, as a percentage of total income, the cost of owning a home is less expensive than it has been at any time since 1963. So if you or someone you know has been thinking about purchasing or refinancing a home, now is the time to get started!

Give me a call today and we can spend a few minutes discussing your personal situation.

Rita Welton

Loan Officer, NMLS#341309

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 Korner

Blue Point

This month's "Kricket's Korner" focuses on a happy hour spot in the western burbs; Wayzata. Blue Point Restaurant has been around since the 80's so I'm surprised that until this year I'd never been there. I have made up for lost time because I've been to their happy hour three or four times this winter. Yes, happy hour has helped me survive this crazy cold season.

Blue Point is known for their seafood and offers fine dining in the restaurant. However, if you are looking for a casual or tavern-like bar; check out their oyster bar. To those of you familiar with St. Anthony Main, it reminds me of Pracna on Main with just a little less history.

It isn't very large; 10-12 bar stools, four high top tables and 10-12 low tables. It has a nice small town neighborhood atmosphere. You get the feeling that everyone knows everyone there.

The oyster bar offers a fine happy hour. It is available Monday through Saturday 4:00 to 6:30. They have house wine, beer and cocktail specials. For example, the house chardonnay and cabernet is served double size (13 oz) for the price of a 7 oz glass. They have similar deals on beer and spirits. One small footnote for the wine connoisseurs; the wine is not fancy but rather serviceable. They do have a lovely wine list if you aren't bargain shopping for beverages.

Blue Point Oyster Bar also has a nice selection of small plate appetizers including peel and eat shrimp, calamari, steamed mussels and smoked shrimp pizza. There are about 13 items to choose from. There is nothing fancy about the atmosphere or food. It's just an enjoyable place to spend an evening.

On a side note, Blue Point is opening a second location in Bloomington this spring. They will be in the office tower in the northwest quadrant of 494 and France Avenue.