Tuesday, December 29, 2015

‘Tis the Season … for Selling? Holiday Staging Tips for Home Sellers

Historically, the holiday season is a slow season for home buying and selling. More people are interested in spending time with family than moving house. But some people have no choice but to move during the holiday season. These serious buyers have fewer options than in the spring and summer months. Take advantage of the low inventory to sell your home quickly without sacrificing your holiday celebrating.

Who’s buying over the holidays?
Holiday Home Staging

There are many reasons why buyers have to house hunt over the holidays. They may be relocating to the Buffalo/Rockford area or trying to add an investment property to their inventory before the end of the year. Some know that there is fewer competition for homes during the late fall and early winter. Whatever the reason, holiday buyers are often motivated and serious about house hunting.

Won’t showings cut into my holiday and family time?
Not when you work with a reputable Realtor®. He or she will help you set a competitive price for your home and identify buyers who are hunting on a tight deadline, increasing your chances of a quick sale. Your Realtor® can also help you create a calendar for showings so you have time to spend enjoying the holiday season.

How can I decorate my home for the holidays and sell it?
Believe it or not, most holiday décor does not deter buyers. But you do want to avoid decorations that detract from the selling points of your home. Don’t let a giant inflatable Santa Claus distract buyers from your home’s phenomenal curb appeal. Large Christmas trees can show off ceiling height, but take up lots of floor space.

As you’re setting out your holiday décor, place items in ways that show off your space. Show off a grand banister in the foyer with an aromatic evergreen garland. Highlight alcoves and built-ins with your Santa or nutcracker collection.

Once you’re done decorating, try to keep your home as clean as possible. When you have a showing, crank up the heat, put on all the lights, and offer a place for buyers to put their coats and boots. Make sure the sidewalks and stoops are clear of snow and ice.

The holidays can be a great time to sell your home, especially with an experienced Realtor® by your side. To learn more about selling your home over the holidays, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW.

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Sunday, December 13, 2015

Dreaming of Warmer Weather?

Find Your Dream Winter Vacation Home with These Tips

The recent plunge in temperatures throughout Minnesota has many people already dreading frigid winter days
and dreaming of warmer climes. If you’re one of them, you may be thinking about purchasing a home in a warmer region to spend your winters in.


The process of purchasing a faraway home is a bit different than buying one nearby. Prospective snowbirds need to do their research before flying straight into a purchase agreement.

Initial Questions for Snowbirds

Before starting your snowbird search, think through the following questions to discover if you can afford to winter down south and if you’re searching in the best region and community for you.
1.     Are you able to carry the expenses of two households if you choose to maintain your Minnesota home? Or, are you hoping to downsize your Minnesota home or move south permanently?
2.     Are there rental markets for your Minnesota home and new home that could offset costs when you’re not there?
3.     Are you familiar with the region you’re considering moving to? Are there specific communities you’d like to move into?
4.     Are the taxes in your new state higher or lower than what you’re used to paying?

Snowbird Home Shopping Tips
Because you’ll likely be searching for homes from hundreds of miles away, it’s important to have a good plan for home shopping. Create a timeline that outlines how much time you’ll need to prepare your Minnesota home for sale or renting and contact a Realtor® to set a competitive asking price.
Get prequalified for a loan for your new home if you plan on financing your purchase. Start to check out the housing inventory in the areas you’re interested in, and once you narrow down on a city or community, start to interview Realtors®. Your agent in Minnesota may be able to make a recommendation for you, too.
As you narrow your options, it may make sense to plan a trip to meet with your Realtor® and tour homes. It would be a great time to learn as much as you can about the area and with the specifics of the area’s real estate and tax laws.

Once you’ve found a home and had your offer accepted, hire an inspector to thoroughly look over the property. You’ll need to be present at the closing to sign papers and get the keys to your new place.
If you’re a snowbird ready to migrate to warmer weather this winter, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW for a free market analysis of your Minnesota home.

Friday, November 20, 2015

OPEN HOUSE - 1498 Pulask Rd, Buffalo - Sat (11/21) 12pm-2pm

1498 Pulaski Road, Buffalo, MN

OPEN HOUSE November 21, Saturday 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

$ Click for current price
4 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 2062 SQUARE FEET

Check out this awesome walkout rambler with convenient main level living situated just one block from Lake Pulaski on an oversized corner lot! Open floor plan, four bedrooms, two bathrooms with jacuzzi and main level laundry room. Two additional rooms for exercise/play/office, tons of storage in the lower level. The backyard is landscaped to perfection with two-tier deck with stairs, scenic pond, storage/garden shed and .40 acres! The roof is just one-year-old! See this great home TODAY!!!

Presented By:

Showing Agent:

Trent Shipley

Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Integrity Northwest
612-310-4770
Licensed In: MN
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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Open House - 4021 Woodhill Ct, Rockford, MN 55373

4021 Woodhill Court, Rockford, MN

OPEN HOUSE November 15, Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

$ Click for current price
5 BEDROOMS | 3250 SQUARE FEET

Don't miss your chance to see this amazing 5BR, 4BA modified two-story home on a cul-de-sac! Beautifully landscaped yard on wooded lot. Fully finished basement with beautiful wood bar. SS kitchen appliances, kitchen island, breakfast nook, formal dining room, main floor laundry, main floor family room with fireplace.

Presented By:

Showing Agent:

Trent Shipley

Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Integrity Northwest
612-310-4770
Licensed In: MN

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Sunday, November 8, 2015

26 Oak Avenue S, MN

Check out this charmer. Awesome rental opportunity. Spacious kitchen, private backyard, newer decks front and back for entertaining. Private backyard.

Presented By:

Trent Shipley

Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Integrity Northwest
612-310-4770
Licensed In: MN

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Don’t Be Spooked by the Home Sale Process


Selling your home is exciting, but it can also cause anxiety for you, your spouse, and your family. Whether
you’re moving across town or across the country, following these simple steps can make the home sale process go more smoothly.
Sell First or Buy First?
If you’re selling your home, chances are you’ll be buying another one to replace it. Your family may be moving into a larger home or you may be downsizing. The first decision you need to make is whether to sell your current home first or to buy your next one first.
Selling your home before buying your next one can help you present a strong offer on your new home. Some sellers may find it too risky to accept an offer that’s contingent on the sale of your current home. Selling your home beforehand also means you do not risk carrying two mortgage payments in the even that you purchase a new home before your current one sells.
However, if you sell your home before finding a new one, you may find yourself in a short-term rental or living with in-laws. Searching for a home before you sell your current one will ensure you have a place to stay while you’re trying to sell.
Pick a Good Realtor®
Finding a reputable Realtor® to sell your home is one of the most important things you can do to make the sale of your home go more smoothly. Your Realtor® will take a tour of your home, take measurements, and compare your home to comparable properties in your neighborhood and use the data to come up with a fair market value for your home. This will help you set a competitive asking price. He or she will likely ask you to make some small repairs or upgrades that will help nudge your asking price higher.
Prepare Your Home for Sale
When we live in our homes for a period of time, it’s easy to become blind to minor repairs and issues that turn buyers off. Take your real estate agent’s suggestions to heart and patch up dings and scratches, freshen up paint, and make small kitchen and bath updates. These small investments will put your home’s best face forward.
Having lots of clutter is not appealing to buyers. For the short time your home’s on the market, consider it a commodity. Clear out any unnecessary furniture and personal items and give your home a deep clean to show it off.
Put It on the Market and Accept an Offer
Once your home is sale-ready, your Realtor® will list it and market it online and through his or her office and professional networks. You’ll likely host an open house or two.
Once you have an offer, you can choose to accept it, make a counter-offer, or reject it. Your Realtor® will help you determine if an offer is fair. After accepting an offer, the buyer will likely request an inspection and their lender will request an appraisal. If these go well and no issues are uncovered, the sale moves to closing. You’ll likely meet the buyer at that point, sign off on the sale, and pass over the keys.
The home sale process can be complicated, which is why you want an experienced Realtor® on your side. To sell your home in the Rockford-Buffalo-Delano-St. Michael area, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW today.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

It’s Time for Some Fall Fun in Buffalo, Delano, Rockford, & St. Michael


Clear skies, cooler temperatures, low humidity: Fall’s arrived in Minnesota! The leaves are starting to turn and apples are ripening in the orchards around Buffalo, Delano, Rockford, and St. Michael. It’s time to enjoy the season at some of the area’s best fall attractions.
Buffalo: Apple Picking and Foodie Festival
As the locals know, Buffalo is a great place to celebrate autumn. Many families choose to spend the day at Deer Lake Orchard. Aside from apple picking, you can take a wagon ride, try your luck in the corn maze, and hunt for the best jack o’lantern pumpkin. The kids will enjoy the animal area, hale-bale maze, and outdoor games. The orchard runs its own store with pies, apple crisp, brats, and apple cider. 
On September 24, the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce will host A Tasteful Night in Buffalo. This adults-only event runs from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Buffalo Civic Center. Sample foods and libations from Buffalo-area eateries. 
Delano: Apples and Wine
Buffalo has Deer Lake Orchard. Delano has Apple Jack Orchards. Spend a crisp fall day picking apples, riding the cow train, or shooting an apple out of a cannon. Kids will enjoy the play area, animal park, and dry corn pit. Everyone will have fun on the huge jumping pillow. Enjoy treats from the barn store at one of the orchard’s scenic picnic areas.
Looking for something a little stronger than cider? Check out Woodland Hill Winery. The tasting room is open on weekends. For only $6, you can enjoy wines selected just for you. Purchase your favorites to take home or enjoy while lounging in their gazebo.
Rockford: Pumpkins and a Park Reserve
If you want to pick your own pumpkins, take a drive down to Knapton’s Raspberries, Pumpkins, and Orchard. The farm specializes in large, carving pumpkins. If you get there early enough in the season, you’ll be able to pick your own raspberries, too. The farm also grows apples and sells a variety of produce and preserves. 
If you’ve already done your apple and pumpkin picking for the season, enjoy some quiet outdoor time at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. Part of the Three Rivers system, Lake Rebecca offers trails for hiking and biking, an off-leash dog park, picnic areas, and even horseback riding. Kids will enjoy hunting for treasure through the park’s geo-caching program. The park hosts a Family Fall Colors River Paddle on October 18. 

St. Michael: Time Travel and Peaceful Wilderness
If you’re really looking to get away from it all, consider visiting the St. Michael area. The Oliver Kelley Farm is in nearby Elk River. The working farm and living history museum is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society. Step back in time to the 1860s. Help farmers work the fields, tend the animals, and put up food for the winter. 
To get even further away the hustle and bustle, visit Crow-Hassan Park Reserve. Like Lake Rebecca, Crow-Hassan is managed by Three Rivers. It features miles of trails through preserved prairie. Look for bald eagles, hawks, deer, fox, and coyotes. Park your car, take a hike, and take in all the natural beauty fall has to offer.
If you enjoy spending time in the Rockford area, why not move there? Contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW today.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

1601 Viking Drive, Buffalo, MN

1601 Viking Drive, Buffalo, MN

Just Listed

$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 2016 SQUARE FEET

Presented By:

Trent Shipley

Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Integrity Northwest
612-310-4770
Licensed In: MN
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Property Description

Beautiful rare find. Double lot. .60 acres in city limits. Top level finishes throughout. Bamboo floors in bedrooms. On demand hot water system. Custom built shed included. Jacuzzi tub on lower level. Awesome landscaping and curb appeal.


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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

3116 Gabler Avenue NE, Buffalo, MN

3116 Gabler Avenue NE, Buffalo, MN

Price Reduced!

$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS | 2 (1 full, 1 ¾ bath ) BATHROOMS | 1900 SQUARE FEET

Property Description

Private 3.80 acre lot. Newer windows and siding. Picturesque lot with pheasants and deer galore. End of private cul-de-sac driveway. Jacuzzi tub, 29x20 deck. Fully insulated and heated 3 car garage. Newer hardwood and tile floors. Main floor bedrooms.


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