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Minneapolis City Council Issues Stupid Moratorium

On Friday, March 7, 2014, the Minneapolis City Council voted 13-0 to immediately enact a moratorium on residential redevelopment in the Armatage, Fulton, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Lynnhurst neighborhoods. This action was brought by newly elected Ward 13 Councilmember Linea Palmisano, and will last for ONE YEAR!

MPLS Moratorium

Highlighted Neighborhoods of Minneapolis Moratorium

This means if you are looking for new construction in these neighborhoods, you can’t build. If you want to sell your home to a developer as a tear down, you can’t because the developer won’t buy it. If you were thinking of adding on an addition to your home, you can’t do it unless the total above ground square footage is less than 1500. Oh, and if you are having a hardship, you have to appeal to the City Council and prove your hardship…if it isn’t good enough for the council, than you will be denied!

Is this stupid??? Ummm, YES!

The official council motion reads:

Motion by Palmisano to introduce an ordinance amending Title 21 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to Interim Ordinances, for first reading and referral to the Zoning & Planning Committee (adding a new Chapter 590 providing for a moratorium on the demolition, new construction, or establishment of single and two-family residential dwellings in the R1, R1A, R2, and R2B zoning districts in neighborhoods of Linden Hills, Fulton, Armatage, Kenny, and Lynnhurst, and authorizing the department of Community Planning and Economic Development to conduct a study to inform future development of the area and to propose such amendments to the city’s official controls and other regulatory devices)

The full text of the ordinance can be found here.

Due to the invocation of the city’s Zoning Code Chapter 529, the council was able to make this ordinance effective immediately upon passage.

According to the Minneapolis Association of Realtors, “neither the housing industry nor the public was invited to engage with the city on any issues of concern leading up to this moratorium vote. We are very disappointed that the City moved to put a yearlong ban on housing in these critical Minneapolis neighborhoods.  The disregard for constituents, both current and future, saddens and dismays all of us in the housing community. This moratorium will be incredibly damaging the overall housing market, and especially to the property rights of Armatage, Fulton, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Lynnhurst residents”.

A public hearing will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 by the City’s Zoning and Planning Committee at 9:30 am. That committee is chaired by Lisa Bender (Ward 10) with Vice-Chair Andrew Johnson (Ward 12).

I strongly suggest that the public attend this public hearing to voice your concern and thoughts on how this will affect the housing industry in these neighborhoods.

 

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Why I Ask if You are Working with a Realtor

I hate to say it is funny, but the reaction I get from people each time I ask this question has become so common that I have to smile each time it happens. The magical question is “Are you currently working with a Realtor?”  There is usually a short pause as the home owner or potential buyer processes the question, with expressions that range from the obvious “No”, to “What does it matter to you”.  I usually ask this question when someone calls to inquire about a property, or to set up a meeting to market their home. Most don’t realize the importance of the question, but as a Realtor, it is extremely important for me to know up front if you are working with another Realtor.

By “working with another Realtor”, what I am really asking is if you are under written contract with another Broker – meaning they represent your interests and owe you fiduciary duties. See, Realtors are bound by the Code of Ethics set by the National Association of Realtors, and according to Standard of Practice Article 16:

REALTORS® shall not engage in any practice or take any action inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS® have with clients.

We also have an “obligation to make reasonable efforts to determine whether the prospect is subject to a current, valid exclusive agreement to provide the same type of real estate service”.

I take the Code of Ethics very seriously and the last thing I want to do is step on another agent’s shoes, or violate the Code of Ethics. Many times I hear from people that they have been working with another agent, but do not have a written Representation Agreement with them.  (Some think working with multiple agents helps them with their home search, but it doesn’t). Others have written agreements expiring and are looking for a new agent to represent them. Some are looking for advice, and depending on their answer, I will or will not give them any.

So, next time your hear this question, be honest. Explain to the agent why you are calling, and let her know right away if you are/aren’t working with anyone.

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New Multi-Million Dollar Lake Minnetonka Listing Hits the Market

Joining the ranks of Southways (the highest priced luxury home on Lake Minnetonka at $24 Million), the historic home owned by Irwin Jacobs hit the market for $22 Million last week.

The original home was built in 1939 for Charles Bell, son of the founder of General Mills. Named Tanager Hill, the home has been added on to over the years and sits on a hill overlooking Lake Minnetonka. It boasts 32 acres, almost 13,000-square-foot main house, a 3,500-square-foot guesthouse, a pool house, two caretaker houses, a barn and a guard house.

Sadly, there is talk in the media of this property being divided off into small home sites, and while some say there is no way the main house would be torn down, recent history on the shores of Lake Minnetonka prove otherwise. The historic Northrup House on Ferndale is slated for demolition, as is the Modernist Era home next door, two homes with such architectural significance that local residents never thought new owners would tear them down to build even bigger homes.

Will Tanager Hill sit on the market as long as Southways has? Possibly. Will anyone really spend that kind of money on a property in Minnesota, even if it can be split into smaller lots? Highly unlikely.

[idx-listing mlsnumber=”4440967″ showpricehistory=”true” showlocation=”true”]

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New Mortgage Rules Could Affect the Purchase of Your Luxury Home

Looking to purchase a new luxury home this year in the Twin Cities? Most likely, you will be using what’s called a Jumbo Loan to help finance the purchase.

What you need to know is that the rules have changed, thanks to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Effective January 10, 2014, the rules for the jumbo-mortgage market are changing. According to the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, here are five changes to expect in 2014:

  • Fewer types of Jumbo Loans – interest only loans and those with balloon payments will be hard to find, and will most likely result in a higher down payment requirement.
  • Lower Down Payments – the good news is that many banks are dropping the 20% down requirement on large loans, some down to 10-15%. But this might mean private mortgage insurance will come back, an added expense for borrowers.
  • New Rules for “non-qualified” loans – Loans that meet the new “qualified” requirements must have no higher than a 43% debt to income ratio. For banks wishing to offer jumbo loans above this mark, they will most likely require higher down payments, and proof of large cash reserves.
  • Banks will Push for ARMs – rates on 30 year fixed-rate Jumbo Loans will increase over time, thus causing some banks to promote ARMs (adjustable rate mortgages), allowing them to make more money on higher interest rates once a borrower’s rates reset
  • Rate Changes – new rules created by Dodd-Frank will cause investors to pay more for loans sold to them, passing this cost down to borrowers utilizing Jumbo Loans

 

The video below is a quick snapshot about how the new Mortgage rules will affect the real estate industry this year.

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Most Expensive Homes in St. Paul

Most Expensive Homes in the St. Paul Area

It’s always fun to see what the Most Expensive Homes For Sale look like, where they are located, and what price they are asking, so I thought I would update my readers and let them take a peak at these amazing homes, this time in St. Paul. Most are historic homes with some amazing architectural features that just can’t be replicated today.

View the rest of these luxury homes below:

[idx-listings linkid=”371989″ count=”10″ showlargerphotos=”true”]

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Required Sprinkler Systems in Minnesota Homes

Proposed Residential Indoor Sprinkler System Mandate

If you plan on building a new luxury home in the near future, you might have an extra expense to contend with if Governor Dayton gets his way.

Currently the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is processing an update to Minnesota’s Building Code. Minnesota’s code is based upon the International Residential Code (IRC), which it amends to reflect local climate and building practices. The DLI’s ongoing process to update the code has featured an intense debate over the inclusion of a fire sprinkler system mandate in Minnesota’s code update. Since 2011, state lawmakers have passed two bills that would have prevented Minnesota from mandating home sprinkler systems. Both times Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed the bills.

In late October the draft building code was released with a home indoor sprinkler system mandate for all newly built homes 4,500 sq ft (including unfinished living space) and above. Notice it includes “unfinished living space”. That means your unfinished basement square footage is included in the numbers. While it is my opinion that it actually might be a good idea to install sprinkler systems in expensive luxury homes, it is NOT a good idea for the government to mandate it. The choice should be left up to the consumer because it’s their pocket book paying for the extra expense.

Don’t get too comfortable if you see a new home in your future under 4,500 square feet. Tom Brace, executive director of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, has said in a recent article that his ultimate goal is to mandate sprinkler systems in ALL new residential homes.

If you would like to learn more about the push to prevent the mandate, check out the website sponsored by the Twin Cities Builders Association.

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Last Week for the Parade of Homes

Parade of Homes Fall 2013

Dream Home by Nor-Son, Inc in Chanhassen

If you have been wanting to get out of the house to see some really beautiful homes, then don’t waste anymore time. This is the final week of the Fall 2013 Parade of Homes, which runs until Sunday, September 29th. The Remodeler Showcase is also this week, running Friday through Sunday.

I stopped by one of the Dream Homes last week in Chanhassen, and it is definitely one I would recommend viewing. The interior design and decor might be more Northern Minnesota, but it was nice to see something different in the Twin Cities. The home owner obviously hunts, what with all the stuffed animals in the lower level, but they fit nicely with the theme of the home. Luxury radiates from the master suite, and the kitchen is stunning. My favorite space by far is the outdoor screened in patio. I could sit out there all night (and so could my husband) and enjoy the wood burning fire, sipping on some wine. Check it out…I’m sure you’ll love it too!

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1712 Mount Curve Ave

Historic Donaldson Mansion on Lowry Hill is For Sale

1712 Mount Curve Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Built in 1906, this stunning home was designed for Lawrence Donaldson, who with his brother William, founded the Donaldson Department Store in Minneapolis. The architectural firm of Kees and Colburn was commissioned to design the family’s residence, known for a number of major works in Minneapolis including the Grain Exchange Building, Donaldson’s Office Building, and the Charles H. Harrington Mansion. They later designed the Loring Theater, the Ford Centre, and The Lowry, to name a few.

Constructed mainly of brick, the home is exquisitely detailed with a mixture of several design styles, the most prevalent being Arts & Crafts and Beaux Arts. Subtle design elements throughout the home, linked to Mr. Donaldson’s Scottish heritage, feature the thistle. Probably the most identifiable symbol of all things Scottish, the flower can be found on the facade of the house, the entry columns, above the entry door, on the chimneys, in the living room Tiffany window, and more!

Completed sometime in 1907, additional modifications to the home began in 1908 by expanding the north side – a dining room and a second floor bedroom were enlarged, a sleeping porch was added, and the screened-in porch became an enclosed sun room. The Donaldson’s also hired well known designer John Bradstreet to create a Japanese inspired Sun Parlor, as well as design the Reception Room/Study off the main foyer. In 1916, the carriage house was completed with four large carriage stalls, a second floor apartment, a number of work rooms, and a connecting tunnel.

As happened to many large properties in the Twin Cities as time moved on, the estate was subdivided into six separate lots in 1959 when it was sold by the Donaldson family. After the passing of many decades and multiple owners, the main house was bought by the current owners in 2000, who later that year acquired the original northwest hillside lot extending down to Kenwood Parkway, and in 2001 the carriage house. With three of the six lots reunited, the land totals just over an acre, or 44,792 square feet, representing one of the largest residential properties in Minneapolis.

Restoration of a Gem

Thankfully the new owners had a vision of restoring the home back to its former splendor. Over the last decade, with love and dedication, some of the highest quality craftsman and artisans were employed to bring the home back to life, while incorporating state of the art technology and modern conveniences for today’s busy lifestyle.

Carriage House

1712 Mount Curve Avenue Minneapolis Carriage House

The 3 level carriage house includes a fully restored and renovated upper level 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath apartment with kitchen, living room, and dining room and just under 1500 finished square feet. If leased, one parking stall is included with the apartment, and is located on the main level in the property’s terrazzo floored 4 car garage. The space would also be perfect as a nanny or in-law suite. The garage main level also features a workshop and tool room. The lower level, which connects to the main residence via a tunnel includes an exercise room, work shop, half bath, and storage rooms.

Currently Listed For Sale at $5,495,000. More information available at property website www.1712MountCurveAvenue.com . 

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What to do Before Buying a Luxury Home in the Twin Cities, Part 1

Luxury Home Lake HarrietHere are some good suggestions on what to do before you purchase a home.

  • Look for Lenders that cater to the affluent – A buyer looking as a $4 Million home doesn’t go to Lending Tree for a loan. You need a mortgage company with a history of upper bracket real estate.
  • Shop on the Internet, but don’t look at a home without a Realtor – The Internet is real estate’s most versatile tool and is a great way to browse for luxury homes and narrow down your choices. Look for a real estate agent that specializes in upper bracket homes and be honest with them about your purchasing power.
  • If you call on a listing, talk to the Listing Agent of the property – The best number to call is the agent’s cell phone, or better yet, email them. If you do have to call the office, leave a message for the listing agent. Often buyers who call about a home will only get the floor duty agent, who is always new.
  • Use an Agent that is an expert in the market and works the Luxury listings – Great agents are great agents, but if they don’t work specifically in your target price range in your target location they will not be as valuable a resource an agent who does.
  • Special properties need special agents – Ranches, waterfront, equestrian estates, all require specialized knowledge. Buyers will not know the zoning laws and potential problems associated with specialty properties, but your agent working in that arena will. An agent who does not normally work with Luxury homes could be a liability to you.
  • Know who handles the closing – How homes are bought and sold varies by state, county and region. Attorneys might handle the sale in some states and a title company in others.
  • Get an Estimate on Closing Costs – Closing costs vary by state. You also need to know if property taxes are prorated and if the state levies taxes off the purchase price or mortgage. These can be pricey when buying an expensive home.
  • Ask Questions about the local Luxury Market – Get to know the purchase documents before hand and it will help you make a better offer. Good agents educate you about the market, what is selling or not selling, and guide you through the buying process. Remember, there are no dumb questions!

Look for my next two installments of this series in the upcoming weeks!

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1712 Mount Curve Ave

Most Expensive Homes in Minnesota

It’s always fun to see what the Most Expensive Homes for sale in Minnesota look like, where they are located, and what price they are asking, so I thought I would update my readers and let them take a peak at these amazing homes.

  • Everyone knows the Pillsbury Mansion on Lake Minnetonka is for sale and has been on the market for some time. Originally priced at  $53.5 Million, and now at $24 Million, it is to be expected that it might take awhile to find that perfect buyer. It is owned by Former Minnesota Vikings co-owner James Jundt who bought the property in 1992.
  • If you are looking for a great buy, the mansion in Dellwood, owned by Dwight Opperman (listed by Forbes as one of the 400 richest Americans), has recently had its asking price cut in half, from $12 Million to $6 Million.
  • Another home that has been recently reduced in price is the 78 acre estate of former strip club owner Larry Kladek in Inver Grove Heights.
  • My favorite is of course my listing in Minneapolis, The Donaldson Mansion on Mount Curve Avenue. One of the most beautifully restored historic homes I have ever seen!

View the rest of these luxury homes below:

[idx-listings linkid=”324191″ count=”10″ showlargerphotos=”true”]

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