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Kind words about exclusive buyer agent Mary Rugani from happy homebuyers…

Leah and I knew working with Mary would be a great experience but we had no idea how easy it would be. Having heard stories from my brother who was also a client of Mary's, we knew we did not need to look around for an agent. From night one of meeting with Mary, Leah and I knew that we would be able to contact her with any questions. She was always quick to respond and we never felt like she needed to get going, she always had time for us. Mary worked seamlessly with everyone involved and earned our trust when submitting the offer on our property in Richfield. Even today, almost 8 months after buying our home we still call Mary to bounce questions off her. The relationship we formed with Mary was more than just getting another sale. All the people she recommended during the process were great. As a first time home buyers we highly recommend Mary or any of the other agents at Buyers Real Estate Group.Thanks, Brendt

See pictures of Brendt’s new bathroom

Foreclosures and Short Sales in the Twin Cities Housing Market

The latest stats are in and the news is good - Foreclosures and short sales are showing early signs of slowing. During the fourth quarter of 2008, there were 4.3 percent fewer new lender-mediated listings than in the third quarter. That's the first quarter-to-quarter decrease since 2003.

Get the full report from the Minneapolis Area of Realtors.

I wish I had bought then

People are always asking us – when is the right time to buy. They ask when the market is tight and when it’s wide open. It can be a difficult question to answer. So much depends on the individual’s circumstances. But the Broker/Agent Social recently ran a article that pointed to the answer being – the best time to buy is now.

Here are the points they highlight:

• Interest rates are dropping below 6% on residential mortgage loans.


• New home inventories are being absorbed.


• There is a continuous demand in most markets.


• Federal government is still offering a $7,500 tax credit that is scheduled to conclude in the summer of 2009

Check out the initial real estate article for more details.

Submitted by home buyer agent, Ron Jensrud.

Buying a Home Online

The Internet can’t buy a home for you. It can be a huge help – but at the end of the day you will be well served to get an agent on your side. (We are partial to the exclusive buyer specialists at Buyers Real Estate group.)

A recent US News & World Report article offered 5 top mistakes made by anyone using the Internet to look for a home:

1) Assuming you can do it all yourself.
2) Looking too narrowly.
3) Ignoring the indies.
4) Falling for fake listings.
5) Putting too much stock in home valuation websites.

Get the full details from the original article.

Submitted by exclusive buyer agent, Mary Rugani.

Save those Poinsettias

Being the avid gardener that I am, it is always difficult for me to throw away those poinsettia plants that we usually get as a gift or buy for ourselves during the holidays!! Well, last year I decided to keep watering it even though it looked pretty sad and all the leaves had fallen off. In May I took my much forlorn looking plant and planted it in my flower garden. It needs direct sun to partial sun, it does not do well in the shade. Well, in about a month it was looking spectacular. It did not produce any blooms, but added a nice green foliage to accent my other flowers in my perennial garden. Sadly, at the end of the season I did not bring it inside, but this could possibly be done. I did at least get an extra season out of my plant.

Submitted by exclusive buyer agent, Renei Schmitz

Welcome Back Shannon Lindstrom

We’re pleased to have exclusive buyer agent, Shannon Lindstrom, back at Buyers Real Estate Group. Shannon is originally from Minneapolis – she returned home after working in the Ohio, North Carolina, and California real estate markets.

Shannon is known for her advanced financial and negotiation experience. She enjoys helping homebuyers find and get the home of their dreams, whether they are looking for a condo downtown, a family home in the suburbs or home for first time buyers.