July 2014

Brace Helgeson

Ryan Platkze

Helgeson/Platkze

Real Estate Group

952-942-7777

HPRealEstateGroup.Com

bhelgeson@cbburnet.com

rmplatzke@cbburnet.com

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Testimonial

We would like to thank you and your group for making our move a positive experience. We appreciate all the time you spent assisting us in finding the home that fits our needs. Being new to the process, it was wonderful to work with someone possessing such great expertise. He was always available when we had questions or concerns. We will definitely be referring family and friends to your group.

Thanks again for everything.
~Chad~

Video Gallery

2014 Coldwell Banker TV Ad: Your Home (60 sec)

Mortgage Lenders

For Information on Qualifying for Your Next Home Purchase, Contact Mark Sicora at Bell Mortgage Email: msicora@bellbanks.com or Phone: 612-750-5508

Declare your independence!

This month we celebrate & enjoy the freedom to live in our country! Independence Day is a reminder of how great it is to live in America. As your Real Estate Agents, let us help you live the American Dream through home ownership.

Existing-home sales rose strongly in May and inventory gains continued to help moderate price growth, according to the National Association of Realtors�. All four regions of the country experienced sales gains compared to a month earlier.

Total existing home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 4.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million in May from an upwardly-revised 4.66 million in April, but remain 5.0 percent below the 5.15 million-unit level in May 2013. The 4.9 percent month-over-month gain in May was the highest monthly rise since August 2011 (5.5 percent).

This is good news and what a better way to celebrate your independence this month than in a home you love? If you or anyone you know need's assistance in today's real estate market, please give us a call!

"We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others. "

John F. Kennedy
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Brace & Ryan

How Twin Cities home sales during May compared with today's national report

By Jim Buchta

Long-awaited good news for the housing recovery: After several months of declines, existing home sales across the country rose 4.9 percent from April to May - a stronger-than-consensus gain, according to a monthly report from the National Association of Realtors and Wells Fargo Securities. Sales were down five percent compared with last year.

That national report, which is seasonally adjusted, doesn't include local data, but earlier this month we reported that home sales (not seasonally adjusted) in the Twin Cities increased nearly 26 percent from April to May, though May sales were 11 percent lower than last year.

Trends of note:

Single-family home sales have been gaining steam, rising 5.7 percent across the U.S.
Distressed sales - mostly foreclosures - have been dwindling, accounting for only 11 percent of all U.S. sales last month. Distressed transactions fell to 11 percent of total purchases, the lowest share since at least 2008. (Short sales accounted for 3 percent and foreclosures for 8 percent).

Read The Full Article Here

Featured Listings

4606 Arden Avenue � Edina, MN

Pristine two story in Country Club offering a totally remodeled kitchen featuring granite, center island, glass tiled backsplash, stainless steel Viking refrigerator, 5 element gas range, Faber vent hood, dishwasher, pantry cabinets and breakfast nook. Dining room boasts coved ceilings, arched doorways and new lighting. Living room has loads of light coming in with a wood burning fireplace. Hardwood floors throughout main and upper levels.

Click Here For More Information
Virtual Tour

6445 Thornberry Curve � Victoria, MN

Casual elegance describes this detailed crafted home on a wooded acre site. A mix of enamel and cherry throughout. Beautiful gourmet kitchen open to expansive great room, screen porch & deck. Four bedrooms up. Owners' Suite has a full master; plus two more bathrooms on the upper level. Portico style entrance w/lush landscape. Finished lower level with 5th bedroom and amusement room. Easy access to Highway 7. Minnetonka schools.

Click Here For More Information
Virtual Tour

50 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Minneapolis

By: the KCM Crew

Even if you've lived in Minneapolis all your life, some of these facts may surprise you.

1. A Minneapolis City Council candidate was indicted by a grand jury for serving Twinkies to groups of elderly voters. After the scandal, a fair campaign act was established, which is now commonly known as the "Twinkie Law."

2. The inventor of the first pop-up toaster, Charles Strite, was born in Minneapolis. Later, he first marketed his invention in the same city.

Read The Full Article Here

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