KricketandMike.com Inc Newsletter

Twin Cities Real Estate Source

September 2011

Greetings!

In a strong buyer's market such as the one we are in; is it ok for a buyer to pay full price?

That is a question that my buyers wrestle with and one that I also had to think through when buying my house. I think it is very difficult for buyers to accept "full price" when all they hear about are the amazing deals on homes. It is almost as though they feel stupid if they don't get a deal that is far under asking price.

As an agent and as a buyer it is still important to consider how the house is priced relative to the market. I see homes that are overpriced based on recent sales, I see homes that have a fair price, and I see homes that are positioned below market value.

In my situation I had to come to terms with the fact that the sellers priced the home to sell. The competitive side of me still wanted "a deal" on the home. Fortunately, my agent (remember, I had my brother step in this time around) was able to help me recognize the house was already "a fair deal".

The house had just come on the market and I did believe it would sell quickly. I tried to balance my offer to get the sellers to quickly accept or negotiate it (prior to the first open house) and still test the waters on where their bottom line was. Well, I found out their bottom line was the price they listed it for. I had a choice; wait them out or step up and get the deal done. I listened to my agent (and husband - he made me check my ego) and paid full price and got the deal done.

I learned after the fact that there were many buyers on a waiting list in hopes that we would back out during our inspection phase. We were also rewarded with the appraisal; it appraised well over list price.

We are excited to close on the house in a few weeks and get settled into raking leaves!

Enjoy the fall and as always give us a call if you have real estate needs.

Sincerely,

Kricket Opheim
KricketandMike.com Inc

Buyers Ready To Spend On Green?

More and more Americans are seriously considering green construction and adding new energy-efficient upgrades-and determining that the cost is worth it.

July 2011 | By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Heating and cooling a home today is not cheap. But neither is purchasing a solar heating system, installing new double-pane windows, or replacing old appliances. For a long time, the high expense associated with "going green" has kept many home owners from embracing energy-efficient features; instead, they've focused on the little things like weather-stripping and using compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

To Read More....

Current Market Information

Statistics From Minneapolis Association of Realtors

Weekly Update:

Foreclosure Report:

Monthly Market Indicators:

Sold In One Day

5530 Upton Avenue South, Minneapolis

This sharp rambler is located in SW Minneapolis just a block to the creek. It is updated top to bottom, has gleaming hardwood floors, large kitchen, fireplace, cozy family room and more. It is currently under contract and waiting for close.

More Information:

Photo Tour:

Offer Price: $234,900

Mortgage Minute

Rita Welton, PHH Home Loans

The Importance of Working With a Mortgage Professional

Obtaining a mortgage is often a confusing task that can also lead to frustration due to the fact that mortgage financing is complex. The good news is that this complexity provides consumers with options and choices best suited to fit their needs.

Everyone's financial position is unique, so trying to compare your mortgage rate to your neighbors can be a flawed endeavor. Credit ratings vary from person to person. In addition, future plans vary. Some people plan on staying in their home for the rest of their lives while others only plan on staying for a few years.

Other variables include the term, down payment requirements, income qualifications, credit ratings, reserve requirements, current debt and many more. Making the right financial decision today can help pave the way for a safe and secure future.

It is important you work with a mortgage professional. Call me today and we can discuss your needs in detail.

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

Masu Sushi and Robata

North East has a relatively new restaurant on East Hennepin; Masu Sushi and Robata. The atmosphere of Masu is hip, youthful and energetic. You might even call the décor flamboyant. Simply put, it has a fun energy to it.

I was anxious to check it out because Tim McKee (James Beard winner and the brilliance behind La Belle Vie) consulted on the restaurant.

The menu and food did not disappoint.

I should first answer the question, what is "robata"? It's essentially a Japanese grilling technique. The robatas on the menu are little (emphasis on little) bites of meat and veggies done with a deep smokiness and often yummy sauce. We tried the BBQ short ribs and they were tasty!

Additionally, they have an assortment of small plates, sushi, robatas and noodle dishes. The reviews rave about the noodles but I would go back for the robatas and the sushi. They have a nice selection of rolls ranging from the standard (dynamite) to more creative options. Everything we tried was fresh, beautiful and delicious.

If you are into creative cocktails or sake, this is a place to go just to sit in the bar. As you might expect, they have an extensive list of sakes. But, you could really blow your budget on their fun cocktails. They have a creative list to choose from. We tried one of them and it went down way too quickly.

Next time you are downtown, cross the river and check out Masu. I recommend it.