Presenting another Exceptional Home from Stafford Family Realtors:
by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children
These crisp fall days are perfect for a fall drive and the fine spectator sport of “leaf-peeping.” If you’re up for a tour of the fall colors in Minnesota, consider these destinations:
Split Rock State Park
The North Shore Drive, north of Duluth along the shores of Lake Superior. The leaves were just starting to turn when we were there at the end of September. Combined with the views of Lake Superior, there are some spectacular sights to see. If you want to go beyond driving and see the leaves close-up, stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or Split Rock Lighthouse and take a walk in the woods.
Fall Colors at Historic Forestville
Southeastern Minnesota. We were in the Preston area last weekend, and the colors were beautiful. Check out the paths near Historic Forestville, or find a gravel road and wander around for a while.
The Minnesota River Valley. Follow the Minnesota Scenic Byway for some beautiful views in the river valley. I saw a beautiful combination of green, yellow, and bright red there yesterday. For a great lookout point, climb to the top of Hermann Monument in New Ulm (check for fall hours).
Find your own: Check out the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Reports to see where leaves are at their peak color.
If you have your kids along, find a park and let them play in the leaves. Find some that are interesting. Make a pile and jump in with them. Then find somewhere to stop for a cup of hot chocolate on the way home.
Fall is the perfect time to get off the highways and enjoy the back roads. The combination of blue skies, crisp fall air, and beautiful fall colors is hard to beat.
Do you have a favorite fall drive, in Minnesota or elsewhere?Read more: http://attractions.uptake.com/blog/beautiful-fall-drives-in-minnesota-184.html#ixzz111apZZJg
Freddie Mac Featured Perspective
July 21st, 2010
The Housing Market You've Been Saving ForJuly 19, 2010 – Like a rare astronomical event, America is experiencing a conjunction between very affordable home prices and historically low mortgage rates that hasn't been seen for at least 50 years. Since nobody knows how long this will last, today's market is a rare buying opportunity for working families with stable incomes and good credit.
There are even some hints the present combination of historically low rates and more reasonably priced homes are beginning to slip away in some markets. For example, the National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index, while still high, has dropped nearly six percentage points in the past few quarters as existing home prices in many areas have reversed course and begun to rise again.
So why aren't more families in the homebuying market? While job worries may have some potential buyers holding back, others are sitting on the sidelines because they are unsure about the new rules of the road for getting a conventional conforming mortgage. They are actually straightforward and not so difficult for families who have:
· A stable income;
· A good credit history
· A common-sense down payment. Generally, about five percent of the purchase price for a conventional, conforming mortgage. (Fortunately, there are down payment assistance programs for qualified borrowers.) Documentation – responsible lenders today will want documentation verifying your income (like W-2 forms, tax returns), employment, credit history, and assets – such as bank statements -- to verify savings.
· Under the new rules of the road, the lender must also obtain an impartial third-party appraisal that complies with tough new rules to verify that the value of the house you want will support the mortgage you need to finance it.
Anyone still unsure about the new rules should ask a reputable lender to pre-qualify them for a mortgage. Think of a pre-qualification letter almost like a driver's permit for the new rules of the homebuying road. A mortgage pre-qualification letter can:
· Confirm you can qualify for a mortgage
· Tell you how much you can expect to borrow;
· Make you a stronger home shopper since sellers won't have to worry about whether you can qualify for a mortgage.
During the pre-qualification process the lender will review your credit, financial, and employment information. There may be an application fee. Athough mortgage pre-qualifications are usually only good for a limited time they are still worth getting. The reason: even though you will need to apply for a mortgage once you find a house to buy, your pre-qualification letter helps clear the way by telling home sellers you're road-tested for the most affordable mortgage market in 50 years.
Accoding to ForbesWoman, the Twin Cities is the #1 place to live for working Moms.
When calculating the list, Forbes began woth different qualities that are cinsidered to be important. This list includes safety, health care, schools and quality of life. However, the folks over at Forbes took an even deeper look at other important issues such as: job opportunities, high earnings potential and a budget-friendly cost of living.
Forbes.com slideshow: 20 best cities for working moms
"So how did New York, last year's No. 1 city for working mothers, get displaced by unassuming Minneapolis? This year we placed greater emphasis on women's earnings, which we think play a major role in the best cities for women to work and raise children.
And at only 216 crimes per 100,000 residents annually, Minneapolis has the lowest violent crime rate, which means there are fewer murders, rapes, robberies and assaults than any other major U.S. city, as well as the second-lowest unemployment rate at 6.4 percent."
Other Cities that top the list?
1.) Minneapolis, MN
2.) Washington, D.C.
3.) Boston, Mass
4.) Pittsburgh, PA
Originaly published 7/28/2010 by Meghan Casserly
Forbes
Welcome to 2695 Pheasant Road of Orono. This captivating, story-book home has been completely updated with designer finishes throughout. Perfectly situated on a .52 acre, fenced lot, covered with large trees, this setting offers tranquility and privacy. This home offers one and one half stories of beautifully finished spaces and a private boat slip on Lake Minnetonka.
The hearth room is open to the remodeled kitchen with new tile flooring, new granite counters & new stainless steel under-mount sink. There is a spacious eat-in area perfect for entertaining.
The finished lower level is spacious and features a third fireplace and room for your game table. You can add an additional two bedrooms on this level.
2290 Longacres Drive of Chanhassen is a beautiful Lundgren Brothers home in a demand neighborhood. Beautifully finished, the home has been updated with new paint, carpet, granite and more!
Looking for a great First Time Home? 8016 Erie Avenue in Chanhassen is a well updated twin home in a great location. Walk to schools, parks, shopping and dining! Sited on a spacious lot with mature trees, this one is a great opportunity!
Stafford Family Realtors will be hosting 4685 North Shore Drive in Orono open from 1-5 PM. Stop in for some Refreshments and enter to win a Brunch Cruise on Lake Minnetoka for 2! 
