I am in the process of redesigning my luxury real estate blog so apologize for the lack of posts. You can now see I have moved from Blogger to WordPress, which gives me the ability for greater SEO. I will be adding to the new site over the next few weeks, so stick around and keep reading!
From the category archives:
Uncategorized
As a successful real estate broker in Aspen, Colorado, Scott Davidson had seen hundreds of homes in the mountain city to know what he did and didn’t like. So when he came across a circa-1960 home on a duplex lot, his initial thought was to tear down the home, build another, and sell it for profit. After all, the ranch, which is situated on the west side of town, was dated, having been remodeled several times over the past four-plus decades. But there was still something about the home Davidson couldn’t shake. “There’s something really charming about a mid-century house,” he says. “I just couldn’t tear it down.”
The one and only luxury real estate magazine, Prestige Homes Magazine, appears to be suffering from the housing downturn in the Twin Cities. I had noticed that over the last few issues, the number of real estate agents advertising homes for sale had decreased. This past month, I tried to buy ad space for two of my high end listings, but received an email from the advertising department that they would not be putting out any more issues. No word on if this is permanent, but if it is, it is a great loss to the luxury homes out there looking for a little home of their own.
Easiest Ways to Save Money
Living in Minneapolis is not cheap. While the cost of living is not as high as California, there are other states cheaper than Minnesota. Here are some quick tips on how to save your hard earned money.
- Go Solar – The Feds are giving an energy tax credit this year where you can save 30% off a solar hot water system.
- Choose a lighter color – Dark colored roofs naturally attract more sunlight and heat up the home in summer. To conquer the battle of your air conditioner versus the sun, choose a lighter shade of shingles. You could save thousands.
- Look for the Energy Star – pick appliances that come Energy Star qualified. They can save you up to 40% in water consumption and 25% less energy.
- Watch movies at home – not only can you where your pajamas, but you could easily save $50 per movie by renting at home. Netflix is great as you can keep the movie as long as you want, and you won’t have to be quiet during the show.
- Fore go Starbucks – I know you love the “special” coffee, but by making your concoction at home and taking it with you in a thermos, you could save hundreds a year.
- Challenge the Tax man – some county property assessors have gone crazy with their appraisals due to the increase in home values the last few years. Ask him to reassess your home if you think it is too high and give him comparables. I did this on a home we owned when the new 2007 bill was $4000 more than 2006. The county assessor quickly realized his “mistake” and reduced the property tax back down to the 2006 amount.
- Count up your change – one of the biggest and quickest ways to get some cash is to count up those pennies and nickles laying around the home. You will be surprised how the little coins add up to big money.
- Raise your insurance deductible – Figure out how much you could pay should you wreck your car or have a major house repair. Raise the deductible and your monthly savings will change dramatically. The chances of a wreck are probably much lower than the benefit of saving money.
- Put your money somewhere – don’t just leave money sitting in a checking account. Put it in an high interest account or in a CD, or in a money market account.
- Get Green – do as much as possible to help the environment. Recycle through composting, go organic and grow your own veggies, use new energy saving light bulbs, recycle outdated computers, donate old clothes, just to name a few!
I am finding that this weather swing is killing my mood to blog. With it snowing a little on Sunday and being in the low 30s at night, this extended winter is really starting to get old. A week ago, we had 70 degree weather and everything was beginning to bud. Now I have had to bring in my potted plants so they don’t die from the frost! Geez!
We moved into our new house over the weekend and I finally got internet service a few hours ago. Talk about stress not being able to get online! Once things calm down in a few hours, I will get back to blogging about real estate!
…and that’s what I have been all week. I really hope I can get a good night sleep tonight…I need it. So check back, hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling better and can post something about Minneapolis Luxury Real Estate.
…I have been down with flu for the last four days and am finally feeling better. I think I lost a few days because I can’t believe tomorrow is Monday. At least I didn’t waste any sunny days on being sick…everyday has been gloomy. In fact, November is the gloomiest month of the year, with on average only 38% of the days having sun. July is the sunniest with 78% of the days seeing sun. I will be back tomorrow full force and will think of some good things to blog about.
Having spent the weekend in Wisconsin, we have had to endure a never ending string of storms the last two days. Power just came back on after being out since 6 am. I got to watch a huge tree that fell over the road get cut down by the local help.
Now, trying to find a way back to Minneapolis has been difficult as many river bluffs have had major landslides, thus blocking the roads we normally travel. We even heard the train derailed a few miles north of us. Amazing weather! I believe it is suppose to rain the next three days. After a summer of nothing, I guess mother nature has decided to catch up to her quota by giving it to us all in one week. Get me my ark, I am ready to go home.
Entries for the Carnival of Luxury are in and the ticket booth is closed. Look for the results on Wednesday. I need a couple of days to read through all the great articles!
