For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Shorewood, MN, $550,000

This charming Shorewood Estate is presented by Stafford Family Realtors

5965 Eureka Road ~ Shorewood, MN
$550,000




Nestled on a 1.7+ acre private lot, this English Manor home exudes Old World Charm with all of today’s amenities. Enjoy beautiful living spaces, lush gardens, in-ground pool & pool house.


For more information please visit http://www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com/or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575



For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Shorewood, MN, $550,000

Open Houses: June 26, 2011

2338 Fawn Hill Court - Chanhassen
$514,900
5 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this custom built, one-owner home has been beautifully updated & meticulously maintained. Enjoy a Main floor Office, Gourmet Kitchen with new stainless steel appliances and a beautifully finished lower level with bar, game room and family room. Walk to Sugarbush Park. Residents of this neighborhood attend the new state of the art Chanhassen High School and Bluff Creek Elementary.

Click HERE for more information on Fawn Hill Court

7122 Harrison Hill Trail - Chanhassen
$599,000
5 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

This popular Denby floorplan from Lundgren Brothers is located on the coveted Harrison Hill Trail in Longacres of Chanhassen. Offering a Gourmet Kitchen with new granite and stainless steel appliances, a main floor Office and a Two-Story Great Room with cozy fireplace. Enjoy a professionally finished lower level walk out with Billiards room, 5th bedroom and full service wet bar.

Click HERE for more information on Harrison Hill Trail

2350 Hunter Drive - Chanhassen
$619,900
4 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

The unique & desirable Lismore Model from Lundgren is now available! Nestled on a quiet, private drive with pond views, a private yard and mature trees this is the perfect tranquil setting. This home boasts a wonderful array of features including new stainless steel appliances in a Gourmet Kitchen, an executive Office, a private Master Suite with a Sitting Room & a great Play Space in the lower level just waiting for you! This is a must see in demand Longacres!

Click HERE for more information on Hunter Drive

Down the Drain: Garbage Disposal Dos & Don'ts

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, you know how easy it makes mealtime clean up. But what you may not realize is that your disposal comes with some pretty important rules. Here are some of the most vital:

Do:
• Insert food slowly. Stuffing it all into your disposal at once can cause clogs and shorten the life of your system.
• Grind hard materials. Many people think food like chicken bones or small fruit pits are a no-no, but they can actually help clean the walls of the disposal.
• Use cold water for at least 20 seconds. This will solidify grease so that it can be ground up. Also, make sure that all food particles are washed completely down the drain.
• Keep it clean. One good way to eliminate drain smells is by grinding citrus fruit peels. You can also add a few drops of dish soap and let the disposal run for a few minutes.

Don't:
• Use hot water. This will make grease liquefy and build up, which can clog the drain.
• Grind fibrous or expandable foods. The former, like celery stalks and onionskins, can tangle up the disposal. The latter, like pasta and rice, can clog it.
• Turn off the motor too quickly. You'll want to make sure all food particles are completely ground. Once done, continue to run the water for at least 15 seconds to flush out particles.
• Wash coffee grounds down the drain. While they won't harm the disposal itself, they can clog pipes and drains.
• Forget to use it. Lack of use can cause rusting and corrosion, which can lead to premature system replacement.

Quarterly Market Report: June 2011

The nation’s homeownership rate is still pretty impressive. According to the latest data from the Census Bureau, two thirds of U.S. households – 66.5 percent – own their own homes. While that is the lowest national homeownership rate since 1998, it’s important to note that the nation is still recovering from The Great Recession, and housing markets are slowly starting to return to health. The Census Bureau’s report provides more detailed breakdowns on homeownership rates. For instance, during 2010, homeownership among those householders who are Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native actually increased slightly. The report also breaks out homeownership rates by age cohort. Not surprisingly, older householders have a higher rate of homeownership:

Under 35 – 39.2%
Aged 35 to 44 – 63.9%

Aged 45 to 54 – 72.7%
Aged 55 to 64 – 79%
Aged 65+ – 80.5%

The majority of American households know the value and importance of owning their own home. So let’s look at why homeownership matters to people, to communities, and to America.

Contributions to the economy.

Housing is a key driver of the national economy, accounting for more than 15 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Every home purchase pumps $60,000 into the economy for furniture, home improvements, and related items. Each home sale touches 80 different occupations. Home sales in this country generate more than 2.5 million private-sector jobs in an average year. For every two homes sold, a job is created. In addition, homeowners contribute the bulk of federal income taxes – 80-90 percent – which support federal programs that benefit all Americans.

Homeownership continues to be seen as a good long-term investment.

Apartment rent is expected to rise throughout 2011 and into 2012. Annual rent increases make homeownership a good investment for most households. Most homeowners enjoy stable housing costs—a fixed rate mortgage payment might not change for 15 or 30 years while rent typically increases 3 percent a year. Owning a home is a one of the best ways to build long-term wealth. Historically, a homeowner’s net worth has ranged from 31 to 46 times that of a renter.

Social and civic engagement.

A number of research studies have shown that homeowners are more involved in their neighborhoods, their children’s schools, and the political process than are renters. Homeowners have a higher voter participation rate than do non-homeowners. Mobility rates for homeowners (how often they move) are lower than those for renters, thus providing more neighborhood stability. Children of homeowners do better in school, and stay in school longer.

Article courtesy of the National Association of Realtors
 
 
Does all the negative housing news have you concerned or confused?  Please call us! We are your local Real Estate resource!  E-mail Eric or Sharla or check out all of our listings at http://www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com/

 

Laminate Kitchen Countertops: Perfect Fakes; Low Cost

Once a favorite during the 1960s and 70s, laminate kitchen countertops are enjoying new popularity as an affordable, durable, moisture-proof, and surprisingly attractive replacement for your home’s worn kitchen countertops.



Credit:  Formica Corporation



Shop around and you’ll discover a nearly unlimited selection of richly colored solids, dazzling patterns, and enticing-to-touch textures. Laminates are cagey too: Check out the options that mimic rusted metal and earthy stone slabs and see if you can eyeball the difference.


Why laminate kitchen countertops are cool (and cost-effective)

Laminates are made with layers of paper and melamine resin. Generally, the thicker the product, the more durable and costly it’ll be. Higher-end laminates offer 10-year warranties. Fancy edge treatments kick up the costs too.

In the past, laminate kitchen countertops looked like poor copies of materials, such as wood and stone, because reproduction qualities were poor, and the finished product depended on a repeating pattern about 18 inches wide.

Today, advanced photographic technology creates laminates that look strikingly like the real thing, and unique patterns can be up to 5 feet wide—wide enough to create an entire “granite” kitchen island with no repeating pattern.

Credit:  Formica Corporation

Quick cost comparison

In general, laminate kitchen countertops are your least-expensive option. Compare the costs with other countertop materials, as shown for an average kitchen with 30 lineal feet of countertops, installed:

Laminate:  $1,575
Quartz (engineered stone):  $2,100
Solid Surface:  $2,250
Concrete:  $2,550
Slab granite:  $2,400
Ceramic tile:  $3,900


Durability: Laminate’s Achilles heel

Thankfully, today’s laminates aren’t as prone to chipping and cracks as products from days gone by. However, laminate countertops still are not as long-lasting as other materials, such as stone and solid surfaces. Household cleaners with mild abrasives can dull the surface, acidic liquids can stain the material, and laminates don’t stand up to heat, such as a pot with a hot bottom.

When shopping for laminate, look for long warranties and a melamine resin wear layer strengthened with aluminum oxide—a hard, colorless, inorganic material that makes countertops more resistant to scratches.

Credit:  Formica Corporation

Caring for laminate kitchen countertops

With proper care, a laminate kitchen countertop can last a minimum of 10 to 20 years. Scratches and burns account for the demise of most laminate countertops, so keep knives and sharp objects away from the surface and don’t use your countertop as a cutting board.

Avoid laying hot pots and pans directly on a laminate countertop to avoid permanently scorching the material. Regularly clean countertops with water and a non-abrasive household cleaner.




Credit:  Formica Corporation


By: Jan Soults Walker
With four home renovations to her credit, Jan Soults Walker is a devotee of improvements, products, and trends for the home and garden. For 25 years she’s written for a number of national home shelter publications, and has authored 18 books on home improvement and decorating.
 Houselogic.com

Natural Swimming Pools: 9 Myths Busted

Do you like the idea of a natural swimming pool but get squeamish thinking about mud between your toes and tadpoles clinging to your hair? Environmentally friendly, chemical-free natural swimming pools have low ongoing maintenance costs and are healthy alternatives to conventional pools. They’re fairly common in Europe but less so here in the U.S., largely because of misconceptions. Follow along as we bust some common myths about these beautiful outdoor features.


Myth #1: They’re expensive

Natural pools cost about the same as traditional swimming pools — construction costs start at about $50 per sq. ft. However, because there are no chemicals to add, yearly maintenance costs are hundreds of dollars less. With natural pools, adds Mick Hilleary of Total Habitat in Bonner Springs, Kan., folks tend to add extensive landscaping to complement the natural look.


Credit:  biotop-natural-pool.com



Myth #2: Natural pools are a lot of work

You’re building a natural ecosystem that basically takes care of itself. Monitor chlorine? Nope. Balance the pH? Relax. The most you’ll have to do is skim fallen leaves off the surface. There aren’t any filters to monitor, either, so you don’t have change out anything. Bonus: No electricity needed to run the filter system.



Credit:  Gartenart  Swimming Ponds


Myth #3: I’ll be swimming with weeds

Most natural swimming pools feature two connected pools — one for swimming, and a shallow pool to hold plants. The root structures of aquatic plants — cattails, water lilies, and duckweed — remove bacteria and other contaminants. Check your state extension service for localized water plants.



Credit:  Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc.


Myth #4: I’ll be swimming with tadpoles

Any animals attracted to your natural swimming hole, such as dragonflies and frogs, keep to the plant side of the system, which is their natural habitat. And yes, you want them: They eat mosquitoes and their larvae, keeping your backyard free of biting pests.



Credit:  Woodhouse Natural Pools


Myth #5: The bottoms are mud

Sterilized soil is good for the plant pond, but for the swimming pool, you can use concrete, a synthetic or rubber liner, or bentonite clay. At about 35 cents per sq. ft. (not installed), a 3-inch-thick layer of waterproof bentonite is the cheaper option. Adding 3 to 4 inches of pre-washed gravel to the bottom of your plant pond provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria that biodegrade any organic materials.



Credit:  Clear Water Revival


Myth #6: The water gets stagnant

While it’s true that standing, unmoving water can get brackish, it’s easy to continually move water over and around your plants’ roots so they can do their job of natural cleansing. A simple water pump will do the job at much less cost than a standard pool filtration unit. Adding a bubbler to your pool introduces oxygen that plants love. You’ll pay $1,000 to $1,200 for a pro-installed pump and bubbler.



Credit:  Woodhouse Natural Pools


Myth #7: They’re too untraditional

Actually, you can build a natural swimming pool that’s a dead ringer for a regular pool, complete with concrete sides and bottom, and a traditional sky-blue pool color. You can even substitute an out-of-sight gravel filter for the plant pond. Of course, making your natural pool look like Ye Olde Swimming Hole ain’t bad, either.



Credit:  Clear Water Revival


Myth #8: The water isn’t clean

Natural pools use one of two types of biological filters to create water that’s clear, clean, and chemical-free. Water is circulated by pump through either a gravel filter or a plant filter, depending on your preferences and, to some degree, your climate (gravel filters are better in warmer climates). Maintenance is easy: Once a month, remove any loose sediment with a pool vacuum cleaner.



Credit:  Bryan Morse at Expanding Horizons


Myth #9: You have to drain them in winter

Not so. Natural pools simply do what any pond would do — freeze over until spring, when the plant cycle begins again. Pipes for circulating water are underground and protected from freezing.

Credit:  Woodhouse Natural Pools

By: John Riha
Houselogic

Weekend Happenings: Stone Arch Festival and Lake Minnetonka Triathlon

Stone Arch Festival of the Arts

This Father's Day weekend, take the entire family down to the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts, located on and around the historic Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis.  In it's 16th year, the two day festival, held on June 18 & 19, 2011, will feature 250 artists, 60 live music performances (mostly local and regional bands), and family entertainment.  The event is free to the public and promises something for everyone in your family.

Lake Minnetonka Triathalon

Summer is the season for Triathlons in Minnesota.  And this weekend, Lake Minnetonka will be the host of one.  The sprint triathlon (0.5 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run) on June 18 is full so you can no longer participate in the event, but you can show up and cheer on your fellow athletes.  The race will be held at the Excelsior Commons and starts at 7:30 am.  Stop in at Dunn Bros., grab a coffee, and cheer on the racers!

Double Dip in Housing Market?

First Quarter sales of homes in the U.S. indicate a possible double dip in the housing market. This video, from CBS News talks about it with a smidge of good news at the end of the segment. Check it out:

10 No-Cost, Low-Cost Tips For Saving Money On Energy Bills

The arrival of the summer season and the return of hot, humid weather means the arrival of high home cooling bills is not far off.

Lower your utility bills with these 10 no-cost and low-cost steps to reduce summer energy use:

• Raise the thermostat setting to 78 degrees to recognize savings of 1% or more on your monthly electric bill for each increase of one degree.

• Change the direction of a ceiling fan so that the air blows downward. A ceiling fan uses less power than air conditioning and increases comfort, particularly when used in conjunction with raising the thermostat. It can make the room feel 10 degrees cooler.

• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home. Sunny windows account for a significant amount of unwanted heat and make air conditioners work much harder.

• Schedule activities that require hot water — such as washing dishes or clothes — for the early morning or late evening. This will result in less heat and humidity being added to your home.

• Turn off unnecessary lights. Incandescent bulbs add to the heat in the home.

• Replace old incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights. CFLs use less power, last longer, and generate less heat.

• Clean or replace air conditioning filters monthly to allow the system to run more efficiently.

• Install weather stripping and caulk to keep hot air and insects out of the home in the summer, as well as cold air out in the winter.

• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the thermostat automatically at times when no one is home.

• Install heat control film to reduce heat gain through picture windows or other windows on which you do not want to draw the shades or curtains.

Source:  Dominion Virginia Power

Open Houses: June 12, 2011

1705 Martingale Lane -  Victoria
$599,900
4 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

This beautiful home shows like a page out of Pottery Barn! Built by Lennar, this former model is the popular Wakefield floor plan. Beautifully finished, this home offers all the amenities & upgrades for a discerning buyer. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen with professional grade stainless appliances, butler's pantry, main floor Office with plantation shutters and a private Master Suite with gas fireplace and large bath. Sited on a large walkout lot with long uninterrupted, south-facing views and a masterfully landscaped yard perfect for entertaining.

Click HERE for more information on 1705 Martingale Lane

5965 Eureka Road - Shorewood
$599,000
4 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

 This charming Shorewood Estate has been beautifully updated, and exudes old world charm mingled with today's amenities. Sited on 1.72 acres covered with mature trees and dotted with English, Shade and Perennial gardens. The grounds include a pool and pool / guest house (not included in FSF). Lovingly restored & brimming with character, you’ll find beautiful rooms for entertaining friends & cozy rooms just perfect for relaxing.


Click HERE for more information on Eureka Road
 
7771 Madelyn Creek Drive - Victoria
$210,000
3 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00
 

 
Located close to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum & charming downtown Victoria, this spacious end unit Townhome shows like New Construction & is completely upgraded! Enjoy a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 3 bedrooms + Loft and upstairs Laundry. The spacious master suite offers a private bathroom and walk-in closet.
 
Click HERE for more information on Madelyn Creek Drive

Weekend Happenings: Excelsior's Art On The Lake

Come enjoy Excelsior's 31st Anniversary Art on the Lake held in the 14-acre Excelsior Commons Park beside beautiful Lake Minnetonka, this weekend June 11th and 12th. Attractions include 200+ juried artists, hands-on art activity tent, dedicated stage with fresh, live music; exceptional food vendors and free shuttle bus service from remote parking lot for attendees. This festival is considered a favorite among our many returning exhibitors and is hugely popular in the Twin Cities area.


• Feast your eyes on a multitude of fine, fun, funky, fabulous art.


• Come hungry. 18 food vendors ready to serve.

• Come thirsty. Biella ‘s Wine & Beer Tent: 11-6 Saturday, 11-4 Sunday.

• Bring your children to the Kids’ Art Tent, Saturday, 11-3 and Sunday, Noon -3

• Park for free at Minnetonka High School and take the Art on the Lake Shuttle to Excelsior Commons.

• Ride the Minnehaha for the special event pricing of just $5 per person.

Why It's Time To Buy!

The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article about the right time to buy a house.  Here's an excerpt:

The Clouds Haven't Quite Parted, But the Long-Term Case for Home Ownership Is Looking Stronger.

Back in June 2006, when the housing market peaked, the prospect of a five-year national housing bust seemed unimaginable to most people. And yet here we are, with the latest Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller index showing that prices hit new bear-market lows, falling back to 2002 levels nationally and to 1990s levels in some battered regions.


Despite all the gloom, however, there are growing indications that it is a good time to buy.  To read the rest of this article and see the interactive graphics, click HERE.

Weekly Market Update: Week of June 6th 2011

Buyer activity in the Twin Cities metro area increased a colossal 59.2 percent over last year, the strongest year-over-year gain since the week ending October 3, 2009. That's a win any way you look at it, especially after 52 of the past 53 weeks showed year-over-year declines in buyer activity.

The post-tax credit drop-off seen at this time last year is driving this shift while current purchase levels have been on a modest but steady seasonal uptick. So far, sales levels are on track with 2007 and 2008 trends.

The change at this time last year is also showing up on the seller's side, where 1,523 new homes were introduced, or 3.3 percent more than the same week in 2010.

Overall, we've seen four consecutive weeks of gains in seller activity and three consecutive weeks of gains in buyer activity.

Inventory levels are preparing to round off their seasonal peaks. The 23,920 Active Listings for Sale are currently 10.6 percent below year-ago levels. That marks the 17th consecutive week of declines, a phenomenon not seen since spring 2010.

Most Consumers Say They Can't Afford A Big Down Payment

Only 12% of consumers think they could easily save a 20% downpayment to buy a house, according to a new poll from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

About one in five said they’d need a mortgage that allowed a much lower downpayment, while 17% thought they’d have to borrow the downpayment money no matter how much is required.

Half the respondents said they’d never be able to save enough money for a downpayment. 

“Since prices for homes are at historic lows, the necessary downpayment represents a lower dollar amount than would typically be necessary. Nonetheless, consumers still do not feel capable of meeting the requirements,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.

The numbers suggest that consumers are reconciled to satisfying their housing needs through renting, even though in some markets it can be more affordable to buy a home than rent. While demand for rentals increased, so did the cost of renting.

Although renting has many advantages, it may not stimulate the economy as much as an uptick in the housing market would, as renters do not typically spend as much on home improvements, lawn equipment, appliances, or other areas which would lead to job growth, Cunningham said.

Source: NFCC Financial Literacy Opinion Index

For Sale: 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Chanhassen, MN, $599,900

Presenting an Elegant Home in Demand Longacres from Stafford Family Realtors

2350 Hunter Drive - Chanhassen, MN

$550,000

This unique home offers a peaceful setting w/private yard w/mature trees! Beautifully landscaped w/large deck & paver patio. Featuring an executive Office, Master BR w/Sitting Room & Great Play Space in the LL!

For more information please visit http://staffordfamilyrealtors.com/or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Chanhassen, MN, $ 599,900

Weekend Happenings: Grand Old Day

Grand Old Day, St. Paul's first rite of summer, takes place along the city's historic Grand Avenue annually on the first Sunday in June. 

Grand Old Day features activities for all ages including:

*Sporting events

*Grand Old Day parade

*Entertainment District with with nearly 20 local bands

*Art District showcasing regional artists

*Family Fun District which includes inflatables, petting zoo, games, cultural arts/performance and Teen Battle of the Bands.

*Sporting District highlighting local sports teams and organizations

*Over 140 outdoor food and merchandise vendors!

The weather is promising to be beautiful this Sunday, so bring the whole family down to enjoy this free event and make it a fun family tradition. 

Deer Run Open House Tour - Thursday Evening, June 2nd

Come tour the Deer Run neighborhood in Victoria on Thursday evening, June 2nd.  We are excited to be a part of this exclusive event.  There will be refreshments and a chance to win a round of golf with a cart on the Deer Run Golf Course.

For more information please give us a call or e-mail Eric or Sharla.  You can also visit our website for more information on these or other listings at http://www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com/.

Nationwide Open House Weekend - June 4 & 5

We are excited to be a part of this nationwide event this weekend.  We will have several homes featured in the Longacres Open House Tour on Sunday, June 5th.  If you've been dreaming of living in the Longacres community, this weekend will be your chance to see more homes than you could ever imagine.

Please call us or e-mail Eric or Sharla for more information or visit our website at http://www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com/.





Staging a Home for Maximum Return

With an ever-growing number of short sales and bank-owned properties in markets all over the country, sellers of homes in regular price levels are in fierce competition to get their houses sold. One thing that can give you an edge on the competition is to stage your home.


Top 10 Reasons To Stage Your Home
1. You'll Make More Money. U.S. Housing and Urban Development reports that a staged house sells, on average, 17% higher than a non-staged house.

2. Your House Will Sell Faster. Consider that statistics gathered by Stagedhomes.com shows that 94.6 percent of homes staged by an Accredited Staging Professional® sell within 33 days, compared to an average of 196 days for homes that are not staged. Staged homes stay on the market 83 percent less time than a home that has not been staged.

3. It Doesn't Cost You A Dime. In a 2003 HomeGain Survey of over 2,000 Realtors it was discovered that sellers who spent up to $1,000 staging their home recovered almost 200% of the cost in the sale of their home.

4. Most Homeowners Cannot View Their Home Objectively. If you can’t see objectively, you can’t “package” effectively. Have a staging professional give you a detailed enough report based on their extensive knowledge and training to have you “Do It Yourself”.

5. Only 10% of Homebuyers Can Visualize the Potential of a Home. That’s why staging a vacant home is critical! You don’t want the benefits of your beautiful home left up to the buyer’s imagination.

6. The Money You Make is Tax Free. Take advantage of your tax-free capital gain by getting every dollar you can in the selling price of your home.

7. The Cost of Staging a Home is Less than a Price Reduction. Most Staging Consultations cost less than $500.00 – a price reduction is always going to cost you more.

8. Staged Homes Often Have Better Appraisal Values.

9. Staged Homes are Viewed by Buyers as “well cared for” and in “move-in condition”.

10. Staging is Tax Deductible. It is considered a Sales Related Expense.

Isn't staging just another word for decorating?

There’s no doubt staging makes a difference and that certainly speaks to the seller. Yet many people are still reluctant to invest in staging services. Many are not aware of the difference between staging and decorating.

So just what is the difference between staging and decorating?

• Decorating is personalizing, staging is depersonalizing
• Decorating is about making your home reflect your personal style, staging is about making your home appealing to the masses

What exactly does staging mean?

You may be wondering what exactly staging is then. Depersonalizing a home does not mean making it boring and lifeless. Consider these main points of staging:

Decluttering - This goes beyond the effort of just picking up and tidying your home. It includes taking out furniture that is crowding a space, clearing off countertops, taking down pictures and art to focus more on the room than on the contents, and even includes making closets and cupboards appear roomier by removing many of the items within them and organizing them to create a sense of order.

Depersonalizing - That beautiful picture of your family above the fireplace? It's gotta go. The goal is to make the home appeal to other people, which might be hard to do with a picture of your family staring them in the face. Personal mementos, family pictures, kid's drawings are all items that should be taken down and put into storage.

Cleaning and Brightening - Cleaning a home so that it is spic and span is one thing that most homeowners understand. No one wants to walk into someone else's dirty mess. But cleaning for staging goes beyond your weekly routine. Clean out cupboards and drawers, wash inside your refrigerator, get down on your hands and knees to get to the baseboards and corners where brooms and mops can't reach, have your carpets and rugs cleaned. A staged home should be spotless. Light is essential to making a home seem cleaner and be more appealing to buyers. Wash all windows, inside and out, hang new curtains that let more light in, clean light fixtures or update them, and remove anything that might be blocking light in your home.


Color - You may love your bright green dining room, but it may not be a color that helps sell your home. This doesn't mean your home has to be all white and beige. Pops of color in small amounts can have a dramatic effect that appeals to many. And if buyers don't like the color, they know that painting one small area is a lot less effort than painting an entire room. If you do go with more neutral shades on the walls, consider using pops of color in small peices of furniture, throw pillows, and art.

Outside - Don't forget the outside of the house when staging for maximum appeal. This is the first impression that people get when they come to your house. Many can be turned away at this point without even entering the home. Overgrown shrubs, poorly placed trees and plants, greenery that obscures the house, and too many weeds are all signs that your landscaping needs an overhaul. Also consider updating your outdoor light fixtures, changing out your mailbox or house numbers and touching up paint and trim. Resurfacing your driveway, adding mulch, keeping your lawn mowed, and adding some flowers in pots all do wonders for the curb appeal of your home.

Vacant homes - With all the talk of cleaning and decluttering adding furniture may seem like a contradiction. But many homes in foreclosure or on short sale, have been empty for some time. And empty home is not nearly as nice as a furnished home. If you have empty rooms, bring in furniture, rugs and artwork to fill out the space.

Stafford Family Realtors Staging Services

When you list your home with Stafford Family Realtors, we offer free staging services. That is a significant savings to the seller! We will work with you to get your home in perfect condition to sell quickly and at top dollar. We also provide staging services for a fee through Twin Cities Interiors, a division of Stafford Family Realtors, for those who are not listed with us. Twin Cities Interiors offers 3 tiers of Staging Services to help you prepare your home and make it stand out on the market: Consultations - for those wanting to do the majority of the work themselves; Staging an Occupied Home; and Staging a Vacant Home. For more information on our staging services please contact Sharla or visit our website.

For Sale: .660 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $155,000

 Presenting Incredible Lake Views from Stafford Family Realtors

517 Big Woods Blvd. - Chanhassen, MN

$155,000

This is truly a peaceful setting with a private, wooded, walk-out, cul-de-sac lot w/ a creek meandering through the backyard. Located in an exclusive neighborhood.  Get away from it all without leaving home and enjoy long summer days with access to Lotus Lake!!

For more information please visit http://www.StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: .660 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $155,000

For Sale: .360 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $199,900

Presenting A Gorgeous Walk-out Wooded Lot from Stafford Family Realtors

7555 Great Plains Blvd. - Chanhassen, MN

$199,900

This beautifully wooded lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home!  Nestled on a walkout lot on quiet cul-de-sac in neighborhood of upper bracket homes, enjoy walking to downtown Chanhassen and deeded access on Lotus Lake.

For more information please visit http://StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: .360 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $199,900

For Sale: .792 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $279,000

 Presenting a Tranquil .792 Lot from Stafford Family Realtors

7551 Great Plains Blvd. - Chanhassen, MN 

$279,000

Looking to build your dream home?  Look no further, this tranquil .792 acre walk- out lot is covered w/mature maple and linden trees.

For more information please visit http://StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: .792 acres Vacant Land in Chanhassen, MN, $279,000

For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Victoria, MN, $459,000

Presenting a Well Appointed Home from Stafford Family Realtors

2065 Woodstone Court- Victoria, MN

$459,000

Resort like living on premium cul-de-sac lot on the 5th Fairway of the Deer Run Golf Course. This Well Appointed home features a spacious fully finished Walkout Lower Level with Gas Fireplace and Custom-built Wet Bar along with a Billiards Room.

For more information please visit http://StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Victoria, MN, $459,000

A Call For Action

As you may know, there is a proposal before regulators to require a minimum of 20% down on all residential transactions. If allowed to take effect, the rule would put home ownership out of reach for middle-income Americans. It would take the average family 14 years to save up the down payment to buy a home. We just don't need more hurdles. So please take time to visit the REALTOR^® Action Center to answer the Call for Action and tell Congress this does not work for our industry or our country.

Twin Cities Take Top Ranking for Healthy Living

Exercising more and smoking less are two of the main reasons why residents of Minneapolis-St. Paul find their city is now the top-ranked in the United States for healthy living.

Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) ranks the 50 healthiest and fittest metropolitan areas in the United States, using the American Fitness Index (AFI). Although kicking the habit was a big part of why the Twin Cities unseated Washington D.C. from the No. 1 spot in 2011, moderate-to-low rates of chronic health problems such as obesity, asthma, heart disease and diabetes also factored into the city's high score (77.2 out of 100 possible points).

Moreover, Minneapolis-St. Paul's percentage of park land is above average, as is its share of recreational facilities. More farmers markets also popped up in the city this past year. These trends tend to indicate residents there are moving towards healthier lifestyles and eating habits, the ACSM noted.

Trailing behind Minneapolis-St. Paul to round out the AFI's top five slots are the following cities:

•Washington D.C., with a score of 76.8

•Boston, with a score of 69.1

•Portland, Ore., with a score of 67.7

•Denver, with a score of 67.6

At the opposite end of the index, Memphis, Tenn., Louisville, Ken. and Oklahoma City ranked lowest. The cities received scores of 32.9, 29 and 24.6, respectively.
Still, the report noted that whether they landed at the top of the list or at the bottom, each city had its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to health and fitness.

"The scores and rankings from the report indicate which metro areas are more fit, and which ones are less fit," Walter Thompson, chair of the AFI advisory board, said in an ACSM news release. "Although Minneapolis ranked first, there is room for improvement. At the same time, even the lowest-ranked areas have healthy residents and community resources supporting health and fitness."

Thompson added the report should serve as either a needed wake-up call or a source of positive re-enforcement for city leaders.

"A regular, scientific evaluation of the infrastructure, community assets, policies and opportunities which encourage healthy and fit lifestyles is imperative for cities wishing to provide a high quality of life for residents," Thompson said. "Community health leaders and advocates in each metro area can use the AFI data report to easily identify their strengths and areas of opportunity."

"There are no quick fixes when it comes to improving the health of an entire metro area," Dr. Wesley Wong, a member of the AFI advisory board, said in the news release.

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Mortgage Rates Fall 6 Weeks In A Row

Mortgage rates dropped again this week, as the conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate falling to 4.77% with 0.4 discount and origination points, according to Bankrate.com.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage pulled back to 3.95% and the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate retreated to 5.22%. Adjustable rate mortgages established new lows, with the average 5-year ARM sinking to 3.48% and the 7-year ARM settling at 3.73%.

Loss of momentum in the economic recovery, and worries that the economy could slow further once the Fed stops pumping money into the markets via bond purchases, have investors nervous. Nervous investors typically move their money into the safe-haven Treasury securities to which mortgage rates are closely related. This has helped keep fixed mortgage rates at historic lows and within striking distance of the all-time lows that were established in November 2010.

The last time mortgage rates were above 6% was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33%, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.77%, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,045.71, a difference of $196 per month for anyone refinancing now.

Source: Bankrate, Inc.

Open Houses: May 22, 2011

8792 Horizon Ridge - Victoria
$515,000
4 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Rarely available this is a beautifully updated home loaded with all the amenities & designer finishes of new construction in Deer Run golf community! Enjoy a Gourmet Kitchen, all Updated Baths, 3 Fireplaces, 2 Paver Patios with Firepit & gorgeous views of a glacial pond.

Click HERE for more information on 8792 Horizon Ridge

5965 Eureka Road - Shorewood
$599,000
4 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

This charming Shorewood Estate has been beautifully updated, and exudes old world charm mingled with today's amenities. Sited on 1.72 acres covered with mature trees and dotted with English, Shade and Perennial gardens. The grounds include a pool and pool / guest house (not included in FSF). Lovingly restored & brimming with character, you’ll find beautiful rooms for entertaining friends & cozy rooms just perfect for relaxing.

Click HERE for more information on 5965 Eureka Road

2065 Woodstone Court - Victoria
$515,000
4 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Enjoy this like-new walk-out rambler on the beatiful Deer Run Golf Course. This spacious home offers three bedrooms on the main level, a well equipped Gourmet Kitchen that opens to a Great Room with a cozy fireplace and a fully finished lower level with a Billiards room furnished with a custom built Wet-Bar, large Famiy Room with built-in entertainment center, exercise room and 4th bedroom. This is main level living at its best!

Click HERE for more information on 2065 Woodstone Court

For more information on any of our listings, please contact Sharla or Eric or visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com.

Weekend Happenings: Home Building & Remodeling Expo and LEGO KidsFest

Minneapolis Home Building & Remodeling Expo 2011

Whether you're building a new home, planning a remodel of your existing home, or just enjoy seeing the latest and greatest in home building innovations, you'll find something you like at the Minneapolis Home Building & Remodeling Expo taking place this weekend, May 20-May 22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

The Expo is the home show to be at in preparation for all your home needs going into the summer and fall. Experts in the areas of heating and air conditioning, landscaping, windows, siding, roofing, insulation and energy efficiency are available to advise homeowners.

LEGO KidsFest Twin Cities

Since you'll already be at the convention center, plan to bring the kids to attend the LEGO KidsFest.  LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

This hands-on, educational, all-ages LEGO extravaganza features billions of LEGO bricks not to mention tons of construction zones, dozens of life-sized LEGO models and displays, LEGO Universe and LEGO Games, group builds such as Creation Nation and the Mystery Mural, live LEGO Master Builders, and so much more in over 175,000 square feet of space.

Chaska Area Taste

Who says you have to wait until July 4th weekend to experience great food?!  Tonight, Wednesday, May 18th from 5:00 to 9:00, visit the Chaska Area Taste. There's food for everybody's taste at this annual event where you'll find sample menu items from area restaurants. Music from local talent, local business expo, kids games and much more!

Hosted by the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce, the 26th annual Chaska Area Taste is held in Chaska's beautiful City Square Park.  The weather should be perfect tonight, so bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy this fun, family friendly community event.

8 Tips to Trim Your Summer Electric Bill

The dog days of summer can really put the heat on electricity bills and put even the best air conditioning systems to the test.

Here are six tips to keep your utility bills down this summer:

1. An air conditioner set at 70 degrees can cost twice as much to operate as one set at 78 degrees. Raise the thermostat by 2 degrees above its normal setting. You’ll still be comfortable, and your pocketbook will thank you.

2. Set the thermostat to 80 degrees when you’ll be out of the house for several hours and lower it when you return. But don’t shut the air conditioner off; it’s less efficient to cool the house back down than to leave it set at a higher temperature.

3. A ceiling fan uses about as much energy as a 100-watt bulb, but it can make a room feel up to eight degrees cooler. In summer, blades should turn counterclockwise, pushing air downward to create a cool breeze.

4. Keeping windows closed and curtains drawn during the day can reduce cooling costs by 30%.

5. Lights, computers, and televisions all generate heat. Turn them off when they’re not in use.

6. Get your air conditioner serviced before you need to turn it on to avoid the rush in service calls made to air-conditioning repair companies on the first hot day of the year.

7. Create shade for the outdoor part of your AC unit, but keep the area around the exterior unit clear of leaves, bushes, and other obstructions to ensure adequate airflow.

8. Clean or replace the air filter monthly. Clogged, dirty filters block air flow and make a unit work much harder. A clean filter can save up to 10% on your bill.

Source: American Home Shield

Open House: May 15, 2011

2338 Fawn Hill Court - Chanhassen
$539,000
5 bedroom/4 bath
Open 12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this custom built, one-owner home has been beautifully updated & meticulously maintained. Enjoy a Main floor Office, Gourmet Kitchen with new stainless steel appliances and a beautifully finished lower level with bar, game room and family room. Walk to Sugarbush Park. Residents of this neighborhood attend the new state of the art Chanhassen High School and Bluff Creek Elementary.

Click HERE for more information on Fawn Hill Court

Coldwell Banker Burnet's 2011 Waterfront Home Tour

For twenty years Coldwell Banker Burnet has been promoting its waterfront listings through annual waterfront home tours. No other real estate company has the inventory to mount a tour such as ours. Last year we had 176 waterfront homes on our Spring Waterfront Home Tour with the highest priced home listed at $5,495,000.

We choose a Sunday in mid-May, avoiding Mother’s Day, because we believe the homes look their best with their docks in the water and their gardens starting to bloom. It also is the perfect time to capture the interest of Minnesotans who have been indoors all winter.

Timing of the tour is everything. This year on May 22nd interested buyers will be able to view a number of waterfront properties in one afternoon. They will be able to write an offer, negotiate that offer and close it with summer days to spare!

The highest residential home sale in the greater Twin Cities area in 2008 was 1265 Shoreline Drive in Orono at $4,500,000. The buyer was introduced to that home during one of our Waterfront Home Tours. The highest resale to date on Casco Point at 2599 Casco Point Road is another of our recent waterfront tour success stories.

For more information, please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or contact Eric & Sharla Stafford today for a private showing.

Weekend Happenings: Race for the Cure, Planting Trees, Garage Sales

The weather is finally starting to act it's season which means we Minnesotan's are more willing to spend time outdoors.  So all of our weekend adventures include events to do outdoors.  Enjoy the sun!

Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. 

This weekend on Mother's Day, May 8th, 2011, join thousands of other Minnesotan's at the Mall of America in Bloomington to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.  There is a 5K run, a 1K walk, and a Kid's Fun Run.

Arbor Day Tree Planting Event

Join the City of Chanhassen and local community groups for the annual Arbor Day event. Help plant trees in Lake Ann Park that will provide shade, clean air and beauty for generations to come. We will meet at the Hilltop Shelter and come prepared (proper shoes and gloves) to have a good time outside in any weather! Refreshments, entertainment and planting supplies will be provided.

100 Mile Garage Sale

Nothing says spring like a Garage Sale.  While we usually highlight events in the Twin Cities area, and I'm sure there are many local sales going on, today we wanted to highlight the 100 Mile Garage Sale. 

Every year, on the first weekend in May, towns along a stretch of the Great River Road (Highway 61, southeast of the Twin Cities) between Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota are a part of the 100-Mile Garage Sale.  Each town along the route will host city-wide garage sales. 

Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the route beginning at about 8AM with closing time set for about 5PM all three days (Friday through Sunday). Rain or Shine!  And when you hit Winona, don't forget to cross the river for the return trip.  Wisconsin towns between Bay City and Hudson will also be hosting garage sales all weekend.  It's a garage saler's dream!  The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Partners.  Follow the balloons and ribbons!

Pending Home Sales Rise Again in March

March saw another increase in pending home sales, with contract activity rising unevenly in six of the past nine months, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, which measures home-sale contract signings, rose 5.1% in March, but was down 11.4% compared to last March 2010, when home buyers were scrambling to meet the deadline for last year’s federal home buyer tax credit.

The data reflect contracts but not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

March’s home sales activity continues a trend of uneven—but notable—improvement in the housing market, said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Since reaching a cyclical bottom last June, pending home sales have posted an overall gain of 24% and demonstrate the market is recovering on its own,” he said. “The index means modest near-term gains in existing-home sales are likely, which would be even stronger if tight mortgage lending criteria returned to normal, safe standards.”

Regional pending home sales

Regionally, pending home sales were mixed:

• The PHSI in the Northeast fell 3.2% in March and is 18.4% below March 2010.
   
• The index rose 3.0% in the Midwest but is 16.6% below a year ago.
• Southern pending home sales jumped 10.3% but are 10.5% below March 2010.
• In the West, the index increased 3.1% and is 4.1% below a year ago.

“Based on the current uptrend with very favorable affordability conditions, rising apartment rents, and ongoing job creation, existing-home sales should rise around 5 to 10% this year with sales growth of lower-priced homes likely to outperform high-end homes. That means the price trend will reflect more homes sold in the lower price ranges,” Yun said. “The good news is that recent home buyers are staying well within budget, leading to exceptionally low loan default rates among home buyers over the past two years,” Yun added.

Houselogic