How to Hang a Picture

You’ve moved into your new house. You bought your furniture and you’ve move in – yet is still looks like someone else’s house. Think about adding some art. Here are some tips to hanging pictures in your house:

First, find a friend to help. Two head are better than one here. You’ll need one to hold and one to judge. The job is easier if you spend the time you need at the onset rather than re-start once the picture is hung.

Second, find a place on the wall. Horizontally, you’ll want to start by aiming the picture center at your own eye level. It’s not an exact science, but if you start there you can modify to suit your own tastes.

Third, create a blueprint. Mark a spot on the wall at the top, center of the picture. On the picture, measure the distance between the top of the picture and the wire hanging the picture. Mark that distance on the wall, starting from the mark you made earlier.

Grab a hammer, a small hammer and put a nail into the spot you’ve marked. If your wall is created from dry wall, you may want to choose your spot carefully. Once it’s hung, sit back and enjoy the art.

Finding the Right Condominium

Last month, Kiplinger. ran an article on buying a condominium. The article quotes two Buyers Real Estate Group agents: Susan Hofflander and Renei Schmitz. Kiplinger also talked to Kevin and Michelle, two happy homeowners who were helped by Susan in their home buying process.

Kevin and Michelle were kind enough to share pictures of their new home and a few words on their home buying experience – especially with their experience an exclusive home buyer agent.

1) We were most interested in an agent who was knowledgeable about the entire market. Being first time home buyers, it was nice to have someone to show us the pros and cons of different neighborhoods and housing types (condo, house, townhome, etc.).

2) I expected the agent to show us a variety of homes, and walk us through the whole process. At the closing and purchase agreement signings, I expected the agent to be familiar with all of the types of contracts and agreements and language typically used, such that we could be assured we weren't signing anything that we shouldn't have been.

3) I would make sure your agent is knowledgeable about the market, neighborhoods, and the legalities of purchasing a home.

You can see pictures of their new place on the Buyers Real Estate Group web site.

Buying a Home As-Is

The Minnesota Association of Realtors just ran a great article on the details of buying a house from the bank as-is – especially if something happens before the day of the closing. The Minnesota Association of Realtors has a standard form for as-is purchases. A buyer should read it carefully before progressing.

Often banks however use their own forms and in the case that a buyer be asked to sign such a form, he should read it even more carefully – twice as those forms definitely favor the seller.

Many buyers are not aware of the pitfalls that can happen when purchasing a foreclosed property ,and in many cases, purchasing a foreclosed property is really for experienced buyers with backup cash to handle unknowns. For more information, visit the Minnesota Association of Realtors web site.




Submitted by Cindy Bhimani

BREG is in the News

Buyers Real Estate Group agents Susan Hofflander and Renei Schmitz are both mentioned in a national article on condo sales (Bargains in Condos) in Kiplinger.com.

The article talks about the condominium market in the Twin Cities and specifically about how they have been able to help buyers find the perfect condos for them.

Susan was able to help a couple who had relocated from Chicago to find the perfect condo for them in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, near the Dome and the new Guthrie Theater.

It is a great time to look at condos and the best way is to start by contacting an exclusive buyer agent who will be bale to get the best bargain for you.

Renei had advice for condo buyers to help them make the most of the buyers’ market. It helps to look into the surrounding market and to know what a motivated seller might use to bargain for a quicker sale.

All About Apple Valley

Apple Valley is the home of the Minnesota Zoo as well as Lebanon Hills Woodlands and beach, 60 miles of hiking trails, and 60 restaurants and coffee shops. It is located about 20 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul and 15 minutes south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport or the Mall of America.

Quick Stats:

Population (200 Census): 45,527
Median Age: 34.5
Total housing units: 16,536
Vacant housing units: 192 (1.2)
Owner-occupied housing units: 14,390
Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units: $154,300
Median Household Income: $69,752

To learn more visit the Apple Valley Minnesota Chamber of Commerce or City of Apple Valley web site or visit the Buyers Real Estate Group site for more information on communities throughout the Twin Cities.

What Buyers Want

REALTOR Magazine just ran a nice article (What Buyers Want) that sheds light on the wish lists and must-haves of the homebuyers.

Super-size me seems to be the theme for what buyers want.

According to research by the National Association of REALTORS, nearly 60 percent of homebuyers are prepared to spend more for a house with an oversized garage; 40 percent would spend more to get a house that’s ready for cable or satellite TV, NAR research shows. Homebuyers are also looking for central air conditioning walk-in closets in the master bedroom, separate showers in the master bath, patios, porches, fencing, backyards with a play area and wiring for high-speed Internet.

Energy efficiency is important, especially for new homes. But size has shown to be even more important.

Submitted by exclusive home buyer agent, Susan Hofflander.