Airport Noise Settlement

Last month the Minneapolis, Richfield, and Eagan all accepted a “noise deal” from the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Apparently the settlement offers $127.6 million in noise-muffling work for residents of Minneapolis and nearby suburbs.

An estimated 432 homes will get the “full noise” package (out of an estimated 9,561 covered by the settlement). Full-package homes get measures designed to reduce indoor noise from planes by more than half. More than half of qualifying homes would get either central air conditioning and $4,000 worth of added work, or $14,000 in work if they already have central air.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission has published a web site with more details on the program such as who is covered and how you can apply.

2008 is Looking Up

"2007 has been a year of challenge; 2008 will be a year of opportunity for serious buyers and for REALTORS®," that’s the word from NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

The NAR Conference last week brought together leaders from the Real Estate industry and the prediction for 2008 is a healthy market for serious buyers. The key is knowing the local market and understanding what is happening in the local economy.

One way for homebuyers to take advantage of the market is to hire an exclusive buyer real estate agent in the desired area. They will know the neighborhoods, the recent history, and the local economy. (Read more)



Submitted by Ron Jensrud.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition on Radon Gas

In our staff meeting today, we discussed a recent episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition that involved a home contaminated with radon gas. We feel it would be valuable to our readers.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring gaseous element that causes cancer. View this recent episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition to find out more about why the detection and remediation of this element in your home is so important. (You have to click the link, go to the left menu, click Extreme Makeover Home Edition, THEN click Miller Family episode.)

Minnesota ranks in the moderate to high range of contamination of this gas in our homes. That doesn't mean every home has it, or that every home is at dangerous levels. It's better to know than not know. Even if you had a radon inspection at the time of your purchase, levels can fluctuate, so ongoing testing every couple of years couldn't hurt. Check out the EPA's info on radon to be a better informed consumer.

Also note - the next new episode is about a family in Plymouth, MN airing November 25th at 8pm Central time on ABC. It's a 2-parter and the 100th episode!

Submitted by Susan Hofflander

Building Green

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will launch the NAHB National Green Building Program February 14 at the 2008 NAHB International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida. The national initiative will link dozens of state and local green building programs with a universal online certification tool, national registry of green homes and green builders, and educational tools and resources for home builders and home buyers.

About 100,000 green homes have been built through programs run or supported by local building associations around the country. A recent survey by NAHB of registered voters discovered some interesting facts about the green trend.

• 78 percent of respondents would be more inclined to purchase a green home if the government offered incentives or rebates.
• 44 percent of respondents said they would be much more inclined to buy a green home if incentives were available.
• Among those who said they would be prepared to pay more for a home with green features, 74 percent said they'd be willing to pay no more than an additional 10 percent, highlighting the need to keep green building affordable.

Source: National Association of Home Builders