Why is the Minnesota home ownership rate one of the highest in the nation?  Perhaps its because Minnesota real estate is an investment in a state that enjoys a national reputation for a high quality of life.

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High Quality of Life

This reputation holds up to scrutiny by almost any measurement you choose. Minnesota was ranked by Morgan Quitno’s 2007 report as the second most livable state in the union. Who ranked last? Mississippi, of course! Are we going to tell you who ranked first? No way! Why? Because we want you to buy a home in Minnesota. Besides, we are healthier, safer, economically stronger, and more socially involved than folks from just about any other part of the country. Here’s why we think so:

• Minnesota has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country. Minnesota’s median is higher than the United States median in 2003. Median income household income was reported at $62,530 in 2005. The regional economic powerhouse called the Twin Cities plays its part in all of this. According to last year’s report from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS states that “robust population growth, regional economic health, and quality housing stock paints a picture of the Twin Cities remaining to be a great place to buy and sell residential real estate.”
• In 2004, Minnesota’s violent crime rate was only 27 per 10,000, compared to the nationwide average of 47, per 10,000. Perhaps that is because our neighborhoods have a close sense of community. A report by Volunteering in America: 2007 Trends and Rankings placed the Twin Cities at the highest level of volunteering activity. Purchase almost any home in Minnesota, and you will be buying into a neighborhood where people will know who you are. They will also be there if you need them – even in a big city like Minneapolis! The phenomenal community response to the 35W bridge tragedy proves this point well.
• The average ACT score for Minnesota leads the nation at 22.3 out of 36 possible. Minnesota has the highest number of citizens who have a high school diploma. The state supports 32 colleges in the MNSCU system. The quality of education here is one of the most popular reasons for making your home in Minnesota.

Did we forget to mention all of those lakes? Even if you don’t buy a Minnesota lake home, you will probably be just a stone’s throw from a body of water. We have over 11,000 of them that are at least 10 acres or more. Owning Minnesota lakeshore real estate means that you won’t even have to leave the state for your vacation times. You won’t want to, either.

Examining the Minnesota Real Estate Market

According to a 2007 2nd quarter report, the Minnesota Association of REALTORS says that “Strong economic conditions, historically low interest rates and affordable prices help keep housing values strong in Minnesota.”

But what about all of those homes on the market? Right now, the Northstar Regional Minnesota MLS alone shows over 42,000 single family homes for sale, including single family homes, townhomes, condos, lakeshore, and executive homes. That seems like a lot. And what are we to make of the negative, sensationalized reports that hear about from the national media? Is the sky really falling? Let’s break the report’s facts down so we can really see the big picture:

• Affordability remains a prominent factor in the Minnesota real estate market. According to the latest HUD estimates based on family income, the average family makes an income that is 36.4% larger than what is required to afford mortgage payments on a typical Minnesota house. That’s cold comfort to those who are having mortgage trouble right now, but it certainly is a positive note for the housing market overall.
• The economy is showing a healthy rate of 3.2% growth. (based on annualized growth in GDP annualized from 3.2% from the second quarter of 2007 through the rest of the year.)
• The sale price to listing price ratio stands at 98.4%. This is not much less than it was during the hot markets of 2002-2005.
• Average sale prices actually dropped only 0.8% from Q2 2006 to Q2 2007. (Keep in mind that home prices grew five times faster than inflation in the period between the start of 1998 through the end of 2003. The slight drop of 0.8% in home prices is not a hard fall-back.) Sales volume only decreased 3.25% during this time.
• The state’s unemployment rate of 3.8% is relatively steady, indicating a stable economy.

The market has certainly moved toward a buyer’s market, but if you take a look at the hard numbers, you have a more realistic picture of the Minnesota real estate market. No one has a crystal ball, but the future does not look so bad either. REO homes are starting to move, and there are a lot of potential buyers out there who are sitting on the fence, waiting for something to happen. They will jump off as inventory starts to deplete.

Since 1950, home prices in the Twin Cities gained an average of 5% per year. In our state, you are still better off holding title to a house than a stock certificate. Real estate will always be the best investment you can make. Real estate still remains one of the most promising and exciting career choices ever.

Independent Brokers Realty is a Real Estate Agency for Minnesotans.

Our company is the largest, oldest, family owned real estate company in the state. For good reasons. Minnesotans have always been wary of large national and multi-national franchises that make corporate decisions that favor the company, but are not necessarily in the best interests of either individual company team members or its clients. That is just simply not “Minnesota nice!” Independent Brokers Realty makes decisions that are based on integrity, generosity, and what is best for both its clients and its agency. Independent Brokers Realty thinks more in terms of family spirit than corporate structure or policy.

If you are a home buyer or home seller, you will find that our agents have the flexibility to place your needs above corporate structure. Our agents are encouraged to make their own decisions, while ensuring the highest level of integrity and professional service.

If you are a real estate agent that has an independent spirit and the famous Minnesota work ethic, who wants to succeed, and wants to keep more of your commissions, join us! Just like true Minnesotans, we will be there to help you! Our training and support systems are second to none.

Give Kevin Sharkey a call at 952-949-0263 to chat about services and financial incentives. There will be no pressure whatsoever, and all discussions will be strictly confidential.

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Prior to her real estate career, Peg worked for many years as a CPA.  The work involved  attention to detail, which means that nothing will be overlooked as she helps you progress through the selling process.  Some agents may complain about paperwork, but Peg knows that every line of every real estate document is important, and should be considered carefully so the transaction proceeds under terms most favorable to you.  Buy a home with Peg, and you can expect the entire process will go smoothly from the time of your first offer to closing day.  Accountants don’t like surprises, and home buyers certainly don’t like surprises at closing.

Peg holds a degree in business administration, which means that she is goal-oriented, and will use all of her skills to help you meet your own real estate goals.  Her mission is to help you find the best value for the type of home that best suits your needs. Peg exercises a great deal of due-diligence when representing her clients, and will approach the negotiating table with plenty of information, and a high degree of resolve and professionalism. As a former CPA, she understands the importance of protecting your real estate assets.

Although she spent several years working for a major national real estate franchise, Peg  made the switch to IBR about eight months ago. Before she came on board with our company, she did some research on the matter, and decided she preferred Kevin’s approach to real estate, especially his emphasis on education.  The friendly atmosphere of Independent Brokers Realty was also appealing. Peg now is a regular at the “Tuesdays with Kevin” meetings, and enjoys the wide range of experience and knowledge that the attendees bring to the discussion.

Peg holds the Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) designation,  Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) desgination, and recently became one of the first agents in the area to earn NAR’s Green designation.  This can be particularly useful to you because she can show you how to take advantage of various green tax rebates. She has also had experience with selling geothermal and ICF homes in Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

Find out more about this unique green Eden Prairie real estate agent by calling her at (952) 240-4751.

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So, what makes Brett different from other Minnesota real estate agents? It’s his sharp attention to detail. Frequently this trait is not part of the REALTOR persona, or of other sales professionals, for that matter. Perfectionistic by nature, Brett’s previous career honed his organizational skills and business acumen. Twenty-four years of previous work in purchasing management for a commercial general contractor demanded an especially high level of attention to detail. He also acquired a good working knowledge of construction practices. Combine all of these characteristics, and you have a Burnsville MN real estate agent who dots the “i’s,” crosses the “t’s,” and knows how to get results! If you are selling or buying a home in Burnsville, you can be rest-assured that he will get the job done, and get it done right!

Brett recognizes the need for continuing education and staying abreast of technological developments in his field. Professional affiliations include the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors®, the Minnesota Association of Realtors®, and the National Association of Realtors®. Brett holds the GRI designation GRI (Graduate, Realtor® Institute) and is a licensed Minnesota real estate broker. In addition he is a Certified Instructor for the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors®. Currently, Brett is managing IBR’s Burnsville real estate office.

Brett’s personal interests include flying, riding Harley Davidsons, and bicycling. For more information about this unusual agent, be sure to visit his Burnsville MN real estate website.

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If you are looking to find a good Chaska area REALTOR, save yourself some time by contacting Chuck Lieber first. Even after you interview other agents you’ll just end up hiring Chuck anyway. You’ll be able to put him right to work after reading his resume. Chuck has one that makes all of the other Chaska real estate agents’ resumes look rather lame.

Chuck has really “done it all.”  Sometimes people who are lying on their deathbeds report that they see their life replayed in a flash before their eyes.  In Chuck’s case, a mere “flash” would not be long enough; he will probably see a full-length feature film instead.  The best part of this whole story is that Chuck is not anywhere close to being dead.  He just keeps piling up awards and nominations for the coveted “Super Agent” designation year after year, with no sign of ever slowing down.  Chuck Lieber is thriving in one of the toughest Chaska real estate markets we have seen in many decades.  We attribute his success to the wealth of skills his rich life experience have afforded him.

Chuck is a graduate of the University of Minnesota IT Department and earned a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering.  As a result of this training, Chuck has an eye for detail.  This is unusual trait in a real estate salesperson; attention to detail is hardly part of the typical salesperson’s persona.  We have all seen agents who just sort of push things together and hope everything works out.  Chuck is not one of them. His transactions move forward like clockwork.  All of the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed.

However, most of the engineers we know are short on “people skills.” Chuck is a rare bird in this regard. In fact, his skills as a negotiator  were finely honed in cross-cultural settings. While Chuck was a director of an engineering department, he made trips to Tokyo to negotiate agreements with Japan-based clients.  Compared to his business experiences in Japan, negotiating a purchase agreement with your buyer or seller is a “cakewalk” for Chuck. But don’t worry. This savvy Chaska real estate agent treats every  sale or purchase with the same attention that he would apply to a major corporate  trans-Pacific business transaction. Chuck spares no effort to help his clients attain their real estate goals.

As your Chaska real estate agent, Chuck has plenty of training and experience to draw from.  He has been a licensed Minnesota REALTOR since 1995 and has kept himself abreast of the latest technical and business aspect of the industry.  He has earned the GRI designation, and is trained in everything from investment real estate to new construction practices. Chuck has been involved in the design of new real estate forms and also is licensed to practice real estate in Wisconsin.

Fiduciary responsibility and and confidentiality are two important duties for any real estate practitioner.  Is Chuck trustworthy? Chuck served in the US Navy, Naval Security Group, and had top-secret clearance.  Enough said!

Unfortunately, Chuck’s resume omits a few things.  Chuck is interesting and fun to work with.  His interests include radio-controlled model airplanes, whale-watching, and listening to jazz in New Orleans.  He also holds a private pilot’s license.

If you are looking for a Chaska real estate agent, call (952) 368-1966 for a free consultation with Chuck Lieber.  All consultations are free of pressure and without charge.

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101 Willoughby Way E, Minnetonka MN MLS#3649678 $609,000

This one is dressed to the “nines,” loaded and dressed to kill.  Stunning one level unit with full walkout basement.  This end unit Minnetonka townhome boasts privacy and commanding views of wetlands and 25 acres.  

Fabulous dining room with custom Italian tile and chandelier

Sunroom with panoramic views. Also has a deck.

Lower level boasts fireplace and wetbar.

Have more fun and less work with a Minnetonka townhome!

Outstanding landscaping comes with this end unit Minnetonka townhome.

Look at those pillars and built-ins!

Check it out:

• Two bedrooms, with possiblity for a third non-conforming bedroom
• Three bathrooms, including full master with whirlpool
• Approximately 3237 finished square feet
• Excellent townhome association
• Convenient location close to bus line
• Open floor plan
• Great architectural  detail
• Nine foot ceilings
• Crown molding
• Plenty of tile
• Granite
• Stainless steel appliances included
• Main floor laundry
• Hardwood floors
• Accessiblility afforded by countertops, hallways, doors, and outlets
• End unit location
• Upgraded lighting
• Two car attached garage
• Walkout basement
• Security system

Call Bette Jensen at 612-270-4415 to see this fine end unit Minnetonka townhome.

Back to Minnesota homes.

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2670 Commerce Boulevard #302, Mound MN MLS#3505505 $349,900

Sell that hateful lawnmower.  Have a garage sale and unload that snowblower.  Are you serious about having more fun and less work?  You really ought to check out Lake Minnetonka condos, especially this one!  This gorgeous unit has views of Cooks Bay.

Relax and play

Efficient layout in kitchen

Dining area and fireplace

Spacious rooms

Not all Lake Minnetonka condos have a view like this.

Large master suite with large master bath

This is a strong selling point!

Highlights:

Three bedrooms

Two bathrooms, including large private master bath

Approximately 1415 square feet of finished living area

Great views of the lake!

These Lake Minnetonka condos have an elevator and an underground heated garage.  Stalls are available.

Did I mention the lakefront and the fact that a boat slip is available.

Walk to beach and park

Lakeside BBQ!

Plenty of fun on the beac

Carefree lifestyle!

Two heated garage stalls

This is a great value and a great price.  Call David Schultz to see this fine home.

612-366-3832

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7982 Autumn Ridge Way, Chanhassen MLS#3614813

Outstanding rambler style Chanhassen townhome offers one level living, but also has a full walkout basement.  Check out all the photos. This one is light, bright, and cheerful. This is convenient living in a convenient location close to Byerly’s, Target, and more. Townhome is decorated like a model because it was a model!

Nice work area

Two fireplaces in this home!

Bright and sunny rooms!

Spacious bedrooms

Refreshing neutral tones

Acres of windows in this one level Chanhassen townhome!

Squeaky clean kitchen

Plenty of cabinets and counterspace

 Data and Features Summary

• Two bedrooms
• Four bathrooms, including master bath and whirlpool tub
• Two car garage
• Two fireplaces
• Eat-in kitchen and dining area
• Bedroom on main level
• Backs up to recreational trail and wildlife
• Deck and patio
• Approximately 2371 finished square feet
• Walkout basement
• Good townhome association with reasonable fees
• Popular Autumn Ridge Chanhassen neighborhood
• No restrictions on pets
• This home is in excellent condition

For more information on one level Chanhassen townhomes, call David Schultz of Independent Brokers Realty at 612-366-3832.

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2646 Shadow Lane Chaska MLS #3648236 - $449,900

Four bedroom rambler in Chaska’s Shadow Wood third addition.  Fabulous rambler style floor plan.  The sale is subject to lender approval, but don’t let that give you the wrong impression; this home is in impeccable condition.  Live and entertain your guests in style. The new Hwy 312 puts this home only minutes from downtown or the airport.  Close to convenience and major shopping. This Chaska MLS listing is big and beautiful inside and out.

Full bar. Note the French doors.

This Chaska MLS listing has an excellent floor plan.

This fine Chaska home has a gourmet kitchen.

• Four bedrooms, including large master suite.
• Three bathrooms
• Eat-in kitchen with snack bar, center island and state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances
• Kitchen opens to living room with three-sided fireplace. There is another fireplace in the family room.
• All living facilities on one level.
• Decorated with style
• Perfect for holiday entertaining
• Approximately 2870 finished square feet
• Deck and patio
• Three car attached garage
• Yard is 0.390 and boasts a pond with a waterfall.
• Chaska schools!
• Convenient location
• Built in 1998
• Nice trees
• Chaska MLS #3648226

Call David Schultz to see this fine home.
612-366-3822

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20092 Lake Hook Road, Hutchinson MN $509,900

Yep there is a pole barn on this choice chunk of Hutchinson MN acreage.  There is also room for parking an additional 15 vehicles or so.  This is the perfect place for an auto enthusiast, boater, snowmobiler, or just your everyday “garagey” type guy. There is plenty of room for tools, toys, and treasures!

Here's that pole barn you were looking for!

Plenty of storage space!

Great work space!

Gas burining stone fireplace and built-ins.

Panoramic views of your Hutchinson MN acreage from your tub!

Stone fireplace and soaring vaulted ceiling.

Nice hardowood floors!

Jennaire appliances!

• Four bedrooms, with three on the main level
• Four bathrooms, including a full private master bath with separate whirlpool tub and shower!
• Rambler style with full, finished basement containing fireplace, family room, and wet bar.
• Stone fireplace on main level.  Nice builit-ins, too!
• Tiled floors
• Vaulted ceiling
• Eat-in kitchen plus formal dining
• Main floor laundry
• Maple cabinets
• Jennaire appliances
• Center island
• Main floor great room
• Custom built quality home
• Built in 2001
• Approximately 4388 finished square feet
• Hutchinson MN acreage (1.330 acres) is a nice, level parcel of land
• Heated and insulated pole barn is about 44×45

Call Tim Arntzen or Pat Schleeter at 763-772-0314 to see this fine home.

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820 Bayside Drive Minnetrista, MN $580,000

Minnetrista acreage!  Come and see this contemporary home on nearly two acres.  High demand Bayside Addition neighborhood. Huge deck and gazebo overlook pond and wetlands.

Minnetrista acreage and beautiful views!

One of two fireplaces in this home.

Stunning woodwork and fabulous lighting

Walk out from kitchen to enjoy deck views

Light, bright and spacious!

Great home for entertaining!

Sunny work area upstairs

Artistic styling in this lovely Minnetrista home!

Listing features summary:

• Five bedrooms
• Four baths, including full master bath
• Oversized garage
• Approximately 3707 finished square feet
• Lot is 1.64 acres
• Built in 1999
• Westonka schools (ISD) 277
• Property taxes are $4367
• Corner lot with nice trees
• Central sound system
• Granite and maple kitchen
• Stone fireplace
• Central sound system
• Walkout acreage
• Informal and informal dining
• Central vacuum
• Top brand appliances
• Second floor laundry
• Hardwood floors
• In-ground sprinkler
• Owner/agent

For more information or a private tour of this fine property, call Cara Ziebarth at 612-518-3601

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