Twin Cities Officially Fun

Those of us who live here know the Twin Cities are fun but now everyone knows, thanks to a report by Biz Journals that announced that the Twin Cities ranks 10 out of the top 100 fun places to live. Apparently they use statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Metro Business Patterns report to measure availability of fun opportunities ranging from shopping to sports.

Here is how the study ranked us in different areas...

The Twin Cities enjoyed a boost in the rankings because it came in ninth for gambling. It also came in 10th for both high-impact sports opportunities, such as skiing facilities, fitness centers and recreational sports centers, and low-impact sports opportunities such as golf courses and country clubs, bowling centers and marinas — the last being no surprise in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

The Mall of America in Bloomington wasn't enough to give the Twin Cities a high ranking for shopping; the area came in 46th. Minneapolis-St. Paul was 47th for food and drink, 17th for culture, and 13th for popular entertainment.

Cost-Saving Remodeling Tax Credits

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day (Thursday, April 22), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reminds homeowners that they can use fewer resources and save money by taking advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through the end of the year.

Here's the scoop from RISMedia...

Homeowners who purchase qualifying water heaters, windows, air conditioning units and other appliances, insulation and roofing can be eligible for tax code section 25C tax credit, equivalent to 30% of the cost. There’s a $1,500 overall limit for purchases made in 2009 and 2010.

Learn more.

Submitted by Buyer-Only Real Estate Agent, Mary Rugani.

Twin Stadium

Have you been out to the new ballpark yet? We haven’t but we’ve heard great thing and of course we can all see the impact the new stadium has had on the players with a record of 11-4.

There was a lot of controversy surrounding the stadium but now that it’s here we encourage everyone to enjoy it. Major league sports is just one part of what makes living in the Twin Cities so great. There’s a game on at noon today. Maybe you to look into tickets and a long lunch!

Do I need an Inspection?

Here's the short answer - YES!

RISMedia just ran a nice article on the why's and how's to get a home inspection. Starting with the why...

“Our experience and research shows that approximately 40% of resale homes have
at least one defect that can cost a home buyer a minimum of $500 to repair,” said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster.“A home inspection by a professional and qualified home inspector is an excellent tool to encourage home sellers to make repairs or make further price adjustments as a result of conditions noted in the inspection report.”

Then they offer four bits of advice:

1. Inspect the Inspector.

2. Ask for a sample of a report.

3. Inspect ancillary systems.

4. Go along on the inspection.

Submitted by Home Buyer Real Estate Agent, Mary Rugani

Living Green Expo May 1-2

The Living Green Expo is a free, family- friendly event that inspires people to lead
healthier and more sustainable lives.

This event offers something for everyone! More than 250 displays will provide attendees with valuable information on:

• Simple tips to living greener
• Ways to change lifestyles
• Shrinking carbon footprints
• Feeling good about saving the earth and money
• Eating local and sustainable foods
• Keeping families safe from toxins
• Taking advantage of federal stimulus options
• Building green homes

Saturday, May 1, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 2, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grand Stand
The event is free and open to the public

Minneapolis Top for Bikes

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Bicycling magazine, Minneapolis just beat our Portland as the in accessibility to bicyclists.

Here’s the scoop from the Star Tribune…

In its assessment of Minneapolis, the magazine pointed to the fact that the city has nearly doubled its percentage of bike commuters in just three years and its pledge to install new bike racks and start an innovative bike-share program. Other criteria include the number of bike lanes, municipal bike racks, bike boulevards, government interest in cycling improvements and local bike culture.

"Despite the cold wintertime climate, Minneapolis has a thriving bike community. It has 120 miles of on- and off-street bicycle facilities, plus indoor bike parking and other cycling-friendly facilities."

You can learn more here: http://www.bicycling.com/

Submitted by real estate agent, Mary Rugani

First time homebuyers of all ages

We just loved this recent story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about an atypical couple who, spurred by the tax credits, recently bought their first home. What makes this couple unusual? They are both in their 90s!

Here’s an excerpt…

Hank Schmiess waited nearly nine decades for his piece of the American Dream.
Schmiess was 89 when he and his 84-year-old wife, Verna, bought their first home
last year, spurred by the first-time home buyer tax credit and a still-lousy housing market that made it affordable.

You can read the whole story in the Star Tribune.

Submitted by exclusive buyer agent, Mary Rugani.