At the recent annual meeting of the National Association of Real Estate Editors, they talked about what Baby Boomers are looking for in a home. As people remain active even after retirement, their needs have changed. Many developers are changing the designs of their houses to meet the needs of boomer seniors, including building larger kitchens to accommodate computer technology, dual master suites (for sandwich-generation boomers), and creating spare bedrooms that can function as craft studios.
Also boomers are looking for local amenities in the plural – not just a home on the beach. Boomers often work and/or volunteer after retirement.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Tips for Chicago Visitors
If you are headed to Chicago and are looking for a great place to stay, consider the newly renovated Blackstone Hotel.
My husband and I were headed down to Chicago for my daughter's college graduation and I procrastinated on making reservations (as usual........I mean what if our plans change???!!!!!). Anyway, I decided to give those scary websites a try, you know Hotwire and Priceline. I tried to book what looked like a great deal on Hotwire for a Magnificent Mile 4 star hotel for $197 a night. Every time I tried to book it, it kept saying "This itinerary is no longer available". It felt very bait and switch to me. So, I logged on to Priceline. I strenuously object to any thing that forces me to make a commitment to something without really knowing what I'm committing to. Nonetheless, I started pressing all the right buttons. As my request was being processed, I changed my mind and "x"ed out of that page. Unfortunately, my "x"ing was too late and my bid was accepted! Grudgingly, I checked my email only to discover our reservation s were at the Blackstone Hotel. Oh dear, I thought! I'm from Chicago and I remember a sort of old, out of style, run down, 3rd rate building that I was sure we would not be comfortable in. So much for booking a 4 star hotel, I thought. :(
But, the deed was done and I had to make my peace with it. At least it's a place to lay our heads down at night, right? And, I got a pretty good price considering all of the graduations and proms and Grant Park activities that were occurring that weekend.
When we pulled up to the hotel, I could see from the grand exterior, that a transformation had taken place. It looked brand new, but brand new in it's original historic grandeur. The lobby was equally impressive. (hmmm, I said to myself with raised eyebrows.) The service people, from the valets to the wait staff to the clerks at the front desk, were courteous, knowledgeable about the history of the building and eager to please. The rooms were not only clean, but well designed and equipped. Every historic aspect of the hotel was beautifully restored to it's original luster and the new, more modern elements were gracefully integrated.
We had a lake front view from our room on the 9th floor. We were so comfortable we didn't want to leave! Our plans are to go back to Chicago and stay at the Blackstone when we can be down there to enjoy the city without any distractions.
According to Wikipedia, The Blackstone Hotel is known as the 'hotel of presidents' as most 20th Century presidents have stayed there, and more presidential candidates were chosen as a result of political discussions that took place at this hotel than any other."
I recommend you do the same if you want an extraordinary hotel stay!
Submitted by Susan Hofflander
My husband and I were headed down to Chicago for my daughter's college graduation and I procrastinated on making reservations (as usual........I mean what if our plans change???!!!!!). Anyway, I decided to give those scary websites a try, you know Hotwire and Priceline. I tried to book what looked like a great deal on Hotwire for a Magnificent Mile 4 star hotel for $197 a night. Every time I tried to book it, it kept saying "This itinerary is no longer available". It felt very bait and switch to me. So, I logged on to Priceline. I strenuously object to any thing that forces me to make a commitment to something without really knowing what I'm committing to. Nonetheless, I started pressing all the right buttons. As my request was being processed, I changed my mind and "x"ed out of that page. Unfortunately, my "x"ing was too late and my bid was accepted! Grudgingly, I checked my email only to discover our reservation s were at the Blackstone Hotel. Oh dear, I thought! I'm from Chicago and I remember a sort of old, out of style, run down, 3rd rate building that I was sure we would not be comfortable in. So much for booking a 4 star hotel, I thought. :(
But, the deed was done and I had to make my peace with it. At least it's a place to lay our heads down at night, right? And, I got a pretty good price considering all of the graduations and proms and Grant Park activities that were occurring that weekend.
When we pulled up to the hotel, I could see from the grand exterior, that a transformation had taken place. It looked brand new, but brand new in it's original historic grandeur. The lobby was equally impressive. (hmmm, I said to myself with raised eyebrows.) The service people, from the valets to the wait staff to the clerks at the front desk, were courteous, knowledgeable about the history of the building and eager to please. The rooms were not only clean, but well designed and equipped. Every historic aspect of the hotel was beautifully restored to it's original luster and the new, more modern elements were gracefully integrated.We had a lake front view from our room on the 9th floor. We were so comfortable we didn't want to leave! Our plans are to go back to Chicago and stay at the Blackstone when we can be down there to enjoy the city without any distractions.
According to Wikipedia, The Blackstone Hotel is known as the 'hotel of presidents' as most 20th Century presidents have stayed there, and more presidential candidates were chosen as a result of political discussions that took place at this hotel than any other."
I recommend you do the same if you want an extraordinary hotel stay!
Submitted by Susan Hofflander
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Spring Clean – Help Others
It’s that time of year – the snow is gone, finally – and we’re happy to get ready for summer. For many of us that means cleaning house. We found a great service that will take your usable but unwanted household items.
CHAP Value Store is an excellent option! CHAP (Caring Helping And Providing) is an important part of our giving community and is operated by Destiny Christian Center in Burnsville.
CHAP Value Store depends on donations generously given by people like you so we can continue to serve. Some of their important missions include a food shelf, adopt a family for Christmas and Women and Women with children.
CHAP Accepts:
* Furniture of all kinds
* Clothing of all types
* Electronics (small appliances)
* Jewelry, Antiques, Collectibles
* Books, DVDs, CDs, VHS
* House-wares, Crystal, Vases
* Kitchen items
* Computers, Printers, Software
* Knick-knacks, Art, Novelty Items
* Financial Gifts
CHAP Value Store is an excellent option! CHAP (Caring Helping And Providing) is an important part of our giving community and is operated by Destiny Christian Center in Burnsville.
CHAP Value Store depends on donations generously given by people like you so we can continue to serve. Some of their important missions include a food shelf, adopt a family for Christmas and Women and Women with children.
CHAP Accepts:
* Furniture of all kinds
* Clothing of all types
* Electronics (small appliances)
* Jewelry, Antiques, Collectibles
* Books, DVDs, CDs, VHS
* House-wares, Crystal, Vases
* Kitchen items
* Computers, Printers, Software
* Knick-knacks, Art, Novelty Items
* Financial Gifts
CHAP Value Store
2020 E. Hwy 13
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 890-8222
Please feel free to bring your donations to our store. If you have items that you would like us to pick up please call us. All donations are tax deductible.
2020 E. Hwy 13
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 890-8222
Please feel free to bring your donations to our store. If you have items that you would like us to pick up please call us. All donations are tax deductible.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Foreclosure Prevention Workshops
Know someone who is in trouble or just want more information on mortgages?
St. Paul and the Minnesota Home Ownership Center are sponsoring a series of foreclosure prevention workshops for people who are concerned about making mortgage payments.
Mortgage lenders and community-based organizations will be available to offer free advice and answer questions, and attendees will be able to hear short presentations on legal rights and the foreclosure process.
Future scheduled workshops:• May 20: 4:30–8:30 p.m., Discovery Elementary School, 301 Second Av NE, Buffalo• June 5: 4:30–8:30 p.m., Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan
Call the Home Ownership Center at 651.659.9336 or go to http://www.hocmn.org/ for more information. St. Paul mortgage foreclosure prevention counselors are available at 651.266.6626 or www.stpaul.gov/foreclosure. Renters with foreclosure questions can call HOME Line at 612.728.5767.
St. Paul and the Minnesota Home Ownership Center are sponsoring a series of foreclosure prevention workshops for people who are concerned about making mortgage payments.
Mortgage lenders and community-based organizations will be available to offer free advice and answer questions, and attendees will be able to hear short presentations on legal rights and the foreclosure process.
Future scheduled workshops:• May 20: 4:30–8:30 p.m., Discovery Elementary School, 301 Second Av NE, Buffalo• June 5: 4:30–8:30 p.m., Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan
Call the Home Ownership Center at 651.659.9336 or go to http://www.hocmn.org/ for more information. St. Paul mortgage foreclosure prevention counselors are available at 651.266.6626 or www.stpaul.gov/foreclosure. Renters with foreclosure questions can call HOME Line at 612.728.5767.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
5 Steps to Avoid a Forclosure
1. Loan number and recent payment history
2. A brief explanation of their circumstances. Are their financial problems temporary (for example, a cut in job hours or the illness of a family member) or permanent?
3. Recent income documentation, including pay stubs or tax returns
4. A list of household expenses — utility bills, food, insurance
5. A list of other debt obligations — credit cards, car loans
Get more info
2. A brief explanation of their circumstances. Are their financial problems temporary (for example, a cut in job hours or the illness of a family member) or permanent?
3. Recent income documentation, including pay stubs or tax returns
4. A list of household expenses — utility bills, food, insurance
5. A list of other debt obligations — credit cards, car loans
Get more info
Thursday, May 08, 2008
New Agent at BREG - Chuck Berg
We are pleased to welcome Chuck Berg to the team at Buyers Real Estate Group. Chuck has lived in Shakopee for 30 years and is happy to help home buyers find a home in or around the Twin Cities. He has an interesting background – including a brief time owning a bowling alley.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Rent Out During the Republican Convention
Homeowners have an unusual opportunity to try out a buy to rent option this year. The Republican National Convention has contacted the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS because people are still looking for a place to stay during the convention for the week of the RNC, which runs from August 30 to September 5, 2008.
If you own a place in St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis that you'd like to rent out during the week to a private company (meaning, these people come with deposits, contracts, etc.), contact Leslie Wilcox of GOP Convention Strategies at 651.714.2008 or Leslie@GOPConventionStrategies.com.
If you own a place in St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis that you'd like to rent out during the week to a private company (meaning, these people come with deposits, contracts, etc.), contact Leslie Wilcox of GOP Convention Strategies at 651.714.2008 or Leslie@GOPConventionStrategies.com.
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