Posts from December 2019

Securing pre-approval for a home loan is as good as money in the bank. It makes it possible for our real estate agents to help focus your home search, and it gives you an advantage at the negotiation table. However, your pre-approved status doesn't last forever, and you'll want to carefully read the lender's terms and conditions so that you don't get pre-approved too early.

The 60- to 90-Day Window

It can take anywhere from three days to a week for a lender to review your pre-approval application. Once approved, most mortgage pre-approvals are valid for between 60 to 90 days. In limited cases this window may extend out to 180 days. This is a short window so you want to maximize your efforts during this period. It's a short period because there is a possibility your credit score will change the more time elapses.

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Ahhh, January. The holidays are over and after all that socializing you're ready to take some well-deserved "me time." So what do you want to do? There's no better way to start the new year and break up winter boredom than to pick up a new hobby. Whether you're interested in looking at Minneapolis homes for sale or need suggestions for trying something new, our real estate agents have the skinny on where to go and what to do.

• Find Your Om at One Yoga Studio - 721 W. 26th St., Minneapolis
  Yoga can help increase strength and flexibility, enhance your overall health and lead to more mind-body awareness. One Yoga offers more than 60 classes each week for all levels and abilities. This nonprofit yoga studio is unique—its mission is to provide health and well-being through the practices of yoga to everyone, including those who typically may not have access due to financial or logistical barriers. In addition to providing affordable expert instruction in a wide range of styles, they offer workshops, teacher training, and a work-study program. One Yoga is dedicated to bringing the teachings and practices of yoga to the community through their outreach program, which serves more than 200 people each year.

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Attractive, appealing, professional-quality listing photos are a huge key to attracting buyers when you put your home on the market. Most buyers start their search online, and your listing photos provide a crucial first impression of the property.

While it's often easier to get great listing photos during the warmer months thanks to green grass and flowers, you can still capture perfect listing photos in the winter if you know the right tricks of the trade. Our real estate agents are here to help, with a guide to capturing picture-perfect listing photos in the winter.

1. Keep Snow from Building Up in Key Places
   When you're competing with other Minneapolis homes for sale, you always want to put your best foot forward. Start by clearing snow away from walkways, your driveway, and your front porch. A snowy scene can provide a nice backdrop for your listing photos, and clearing snow from key places helps you set the scene while making your home feel safer and more inviting for buyers.

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As writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben so eloquently stated, the ideal holiday is the one you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, and traditions. Enrich your personal holiday by starting a new tradition with one of these festive activities around Minneapolis homes for sale. 

• Pick out a Live Christmas Tree at Bob's Famously Fresh Christmas Trees - 1632 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
  Few things will get you in the holiday spirit quicker than selecting your own live tree at Bob's Famously Fresh Christmas Trees. Bob has been organically growing native species of trees on his farm near St. Paul homes for sale for more than 30 years, so you're assured of the finest quality no matter which one you pick. His friendly staff will offer you a cup of hot cider and make sure your tree is securely loaded before you leave. Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, Bob's will be open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. seven days a week until supplies are gone.

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