Trees For Toys 2008

We would like to take a moment to thank all of our friends and clients who made our 2008 Trees for Toys event so successful. Every year we give trees and wreaths to our clients and friends when they bring an unwrapped toy to donate to our drive for the Toys for Tots campaign. Together, our office collected over 600 toys!

We would like to thank you for your generosity, support and friendship and for making 2008 such a great year.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy 2009!

Another Large Price Reduction!!!

We received another large price reduction on our listing on 7269 Bent Bow Trail in the Demand Longacres neighborhood of Chanhassen. This great family home has been freshly painted from top to bottom and features a Two Story Great room with a wall of windows; granite counter tops and a fully finished lower level walk out. We are now offering this home for $4854,000. Check it our on our Website, www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com or call us today!

We have two Great Opportunities for you to come and see this weekend!

We are holding two great properties open this Sunday, December 7th, 2008, both of which are rare opportunities.

7269 Bent Bow Trail, Chanhassen: Only available due to a corporate relocation, this Two Story, Walk Out is located in demand Longacres. Recently reduced by $30,000 and freshly painted from top to bottom, amenities include granite counter tops, a 2-Story Great Room and a fully finished Lower Level. This is your Chance! Open 2-4

1340 Alpine Pass, Golden Valley: Sited on a heavily wooded, private double lot in Tyrol Hills, this updated home has been updated with many high end amenities including stainless steel appliances and a new bathroom. This home is the perfect alternative to a condo. Open 12-2

For more information on these properties or our other listings, please visit www.StaffordFamilyRealtors.com.

Home Rehabs can put Money back in a Seller’s Pocket

Even in these rough economic times, investing in your home still pays off. According to REALTOR® Magazine, despite home price drops in many cities, remodeling projects are holding their own as a way for owners to add value.

Remodeling magazine's annual report, 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report, shows that maintenance-related projects and moderately priced upgrades are providing stable paybacks, even in a slower market.

Responding to a survey in the summer of 2008, REALTORS® said that home owners could expect to recoup a national average of 67.3 percent of their investment in 30 different home improvement projects.

Top 10 Project Paybacks

Exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When compared against the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal (i.e. siding, windows, and decks) give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7% return)
2. Midrange wood deck (81.8% return)
3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7% return)
4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4% return)
5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5% return)
6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2% return)
7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7% return)
8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2% return)
9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5% return)
10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0% return)

Despite declines in overall remodeling dollars spent and a still shaky housing market, "people’s homes are still one of their best, most solid investments," said Paul Zuch, president of Capital Improvements, a designing, building, and remodeling company in Dallas. "Even though the markets have gone through some adjustments, it’s still smart to invest in your home."

… excerpts from REALTOR® Magazine article by G.M. Filisko / December 2008