Midwest Home Show

Today is the last day of the Midwest Home Show at the Mpls. Convention center. Open 11-5 today - Sunday. Over 200 remolders, landscapers, home improvers, and designers. A great way to get ideas to spruce up the home for the winter. New this year, "Winter wonderland" - a winterized backyard including an ice rink and brick pizza oven, also a European - inspired cabin.

Tickets at the door $8.00 adults, $3.00 children 6-12. There were ticket discounts at Cub Foods---

Cross country ski trails open December 1st

With all this snow one would wonder when the ski trails will open in Dakota county. December 1st is the date that the parks will be looking to open. Cross county ski passes will be online starting that day--- $5.00 for the day , $20.00 for the season. What a great way to get out and enjoy the fantastic parks and trails.

Home Buying Step to a smooth close

Home Tax Credits still available

The homebuyer tax credit program has been extended for quailified members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Services and employees of the intelligence community.

First Time homebuyers can claim up to 10 % of the home's value ($8,000 maximum), and existing homeowners who buy a new home can claim a credit amount up to $6500.00

A contactmust be signed by April 30th, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011.

Call me for more details

Dakota County First Time Homebuyer Funds

Are you a First Time Homebuyer thinking about purchasing a home in Dakota County? There may be funds available to you through Dakota County Community Development Agency. They are offering up to $10,000 in down-payment assistance at a fixed 4.99 percent interest rate. The funding comes through a special bonding authority from the US Treasury. If you would like more information go to www.dakotacountysda.org or give me a call. I can refer you to a lender who is participating in this program.

According to the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR), so far this year, the Twin Cities housing market looks very similar to January 2009 in terms of pending sales, new listings and inventory.MAAR reports that the February 2010 Supply-Demand Ratio currently resides at 6.99. That means there are 6.99 homes available for each buyer. This number is 8.5 percent lower than it was one year ago and the lowest February mark since 2006. Fewer homes on the market per buyer is good news for sellers because it translates to less competition, and is also good news for the overall market in its slow movement toward greater balance.December’s average number of days a home was on the market before sale resided at 132. That means repeat homebuyers looking to capitalize on the $6,500 tax credit should already have their home listed for sale – or be listing it immediately - in order to have the best chance at selling by the deadline. Qualified, prospective homebuyers looking to capitalize on either tax incentive ($8,000 first-time homebuyer or $6,500 repeat homebuyer) will need to have a signed purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and will need to close on their home by June 30, 2010. For more information about the tax credits

Dakota County First Time Homebuyer Funds Available

Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) has funds available for First Time Homebuyers purchasing a home in Dakota County. A Low Fixed Interest Rate, currently at 4.99%. Also down payment assitance is available for qualified buyers. Call me for more information.

Limited amount of funds are available-