Rosemount HS Needs More Toys For Tots

Donations for Toys for Tots is at an all-time low this holiday season. With only a hand full of days left before Christmas, time is running out for you to make this holiday special for a child in need. So while you’re out finishing your holiday shopping, don’t forget to pick up something extra for the toys for tots foundation. 

Donations are being accepted at the Apple Valley Rosemount High School warehouse. Donate any new, unwrapped toy. And help bring a smile to a little one’s face this year.

Click here for more information.

The Long Group with RE/MAX Results 
Daniel.Long@Results.net 
Rachel.Long@Results.net 
(952) 240-8821 
http://www.TLGhomesMN.com/

Image courtesy of themostinept/Flickr.com

Tips for a Fast Winter Sale

Selling your home in the middle of winter does not need to be more stressful than listing it in the spring or the summer.  Yes, in the winter the weather is traditionally bad, and you have less hours of daylight for showings.  However, not everyone has the luxury of picking the season in which to place their home on the market.  And you may find it to be surprising, but winter does have its real estate advantages, and can be a great time of the year to sell your home. The following are a list of tips to follow, for a fast winter sale.

• Team up with experienced help.  Call your local real estate agent first, and foremost.  Joining forces with a professional is paramount.  Your agent comes equipped with years of experience, knowledge, and familiarity in winter home sales.
• Price your home accordingly.  The first few weeks of your home being on the market are the most crucial.  Therefore, your initial list price should be your final price.  A property that sits while the seller shaves bits and pieces of price off, becomes stale.  Your agent will perform a Comparative Market Analysis, providing you with an ideal list price.
• Acknowledge your timing.  The busiest time for home sales is in the spring and summer.  Consequently, off-season listings can get a lot of attention.  If your home is well-maintained and you are willing to price it right, agents will often urge their clients to list in the winter, as the competition is much scarcer.
• Prepare for the house hunters.  De-clutter the inside of your home and warm it up.  Warm and cozy should be your main objective.  Utilize all natural light, start a fire, and have music softly playing in the background.  Outside, keep all ice, snow, and other winter hazards at bay.  If a buyer cannot safely make it into your home, it won’t sell.
• Take pride in your ownership.  When showing your home, ask potential buyers to remove their shoes, or slip into provided shoe coverings.  By indicating that you take pride in the meticulous areas of your home, it suggests that you take care of the large-scale areas.  The buyer immediately acknowledges that they have entered a well-maintained home.
• Consider your area and use the season to your advantage. Baron trees can even work to your advantage.  With the obstruction of trees in bloom out of the way, beautiful views open up.  Remove Santa and his reindeer following Christmas, but allow the wreath to stay hung on the front door.
• Advertise.  Although your real estate agent will be posting your home on their website, place a box of their flyers in your front yard.  Adorn your mailbox with balloons, and hold open houses as often as your agent is free.

We must all face the facts.  Winter is one of the four seasons.  But, the real estate market does not recognize it as any different from the other three seasons.  As a matter of fact, if the proposed tips for a fast winter sale are followed, home sellers should embrace the winter season.  Contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and help you find your dream home.

The Long Group with RE/MAX Results

Daniel.Long@Results.net

Rachel.Long@Results.net

(952) 240-8821

http://www.TLGhomesMN.com/

Photo courtesy of LEOL30/Flickr.com

A Christmas Carol, The Musical

Enjoy an evening supporting our talented students of Rosemount High School Performing Arts in a holiday classic ~ A Christmas Carol, the musical. For tickets and more information, click here. 

MAIN PERFORMANCES 

Friday, 12/12/2014 at 7:00pm

Saturday, 12/13/2014 at 7:00pm
Sunday, 12/14/2014 at 2:00pm 

Adults $9.00

Students $5.00
Seniors $7.00

Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain

Rosemount High School
Performing Arts Center Box Office
3335 142nd Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068

The Long Group with RE/MAX Results 
Daniel.Long@Results.net 
Rachel.Long@Results.net 
(952) 240-8821 
http://www.TLGhomesMN.com/

Get Organized Before You Shop for a Home

The process of buying a home has gotten more complicated in recent years. To make sure everything goes smoothly, you’ll want to get organized before you even begin to look for a house. Once you’ve taken care of these things, you’ll be ready to shop for the home of your dreams.

Check Your Credit Score. Examine and fix any blemishes on your credit score, before you apply for a loan. Also, avoid taking on any new debt at this time. This includes buying a new car or other large item on credit.

Look at Your Finances. Take an honest look at your budget and figure out how much home you can afford. There are many online calculators available to help you with this. In general, most loan programs require that your mortgage payment be no more than 28% to 31% of your gross monthly income.

Beef up Your Savings. You should have enough cash saved up to cover your down payment and closing costs. Depending on your mortgage, you’ll need anywhere from 3.5% to 20% down, plus money available for closing.
In addition, mortgage lenders like to see borrowers with a healthy savings account. This shows that you have enough money to pay for your closing costs and any incidental expenses, as well as enough to live on once you move in. Savers aren’t likely to be living paycheck to paycheck, and are good candidates for a loan.

Apply for Your Mortgage. Get pre-approved for a loan before you even start to look at homes. Applying for a loan first gives you a definitive answer on how much mortgage you can afford, and ensures you have financing ready when you find your dream home.

Refine Your Shopping List. Finally, think about the features you really want in a house. You’ll probably live in this house for several years, and you want it to serve your needs the entire time. After all, if you change your mind in a few years, you may not be able to sell this house quickly.

Shopping for a home is exciting. Take the time to organize and prepare before you look at properties, so you can be ready to make an offer when you do find a home that you love. Contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and/or help you find your dream home. 

The Long Group with RE/MAX Results 

Daniel.Long@Results.net 
Rachel.Long@Results.net 
(952) 240-8821 
http://www.TLGhomesMN.com/

Photo courtesy Kristja, Stock.XCHNG

One Level Living. Town House for sale in Apple Valley

Are you looking for a one level home for sale in Apple Valley MN? Looking for a home for your self that has no stairs on the inside or out side of the house? Maybe for yourself, or for a loved one who has limited accessibility. Well, look no further! This home for sale on 14503 Eureka Ct Apple Valley MN has all of that and more! This end unit town home is in great condition and has a fabulous open floor plan concept. The laundry room, bathrooms and bedrooms are all on the main level. The master bedroom comes equipped with a 3/4 Master Bathroom and a large walk-in closet which will accomodate all of you personal wardrobe and belongings. There is a large guest bedroom and a full guest bathroom. This is great for inlaws and/or friends that are in town for a weekend.

How Home Buyers stay ahead of their competition in a hot houseing market

The housing market is as hot as it has been in years! There are more buyers then there are sellers, prices are rising, and if your lucky, you will be the only one writing an offer on your dream house. How does a buyer stay ahead of there competition? Most buyers looking for homes online are using a third party website other then the Northstar MLS. In order to gain access to the real MLS you need to be a licensed REALTOR and member of the association. There are two major downfalls to not having MLS access. First, only the MLS can filter out the homes that have offers on them. If you are using 3rd party, you will see multiple homes that are currently under contract and NOT available for you to purchase. Second, it takes 24-48 hours for the just listed homes to populate to third party websites. In this market, houses are not making it through the weekend. With MLS access, we can send you new homes with in the hour of their activation. How can a buyer strengthen their offer to win in a multiple offer situation? At the end of the day, 99% of sellers will go with an offer that will bring them more $ money $. However, there are ways to make your offer more attractive so the sellers may counter you back if your price is a little lower than the other. 1) Make your offer with a flexible close date. 2) Pay your own closing cost. 3) Give the sellers more than a customary 1% (this shows you are less likely to walk away form the deal. 4) Pay all cash...... At the end of the day, these are circumstantial. As a buyer in a hot market, know what your limits are. Be prepared to reach them for a house that you know you must have.Put your best foot forward with no regrets!

4 bedroom 3 Bathroom Split Level Home in Apple Valley MN, Master Bathroom, New Windows and Large Fenced in Yard

Immaculate split level home in For Sale in Apple Valley MN Enjoy the large living space with you family and friends. Tons of counter space in this open open kitchen with an island. There are two spacious bedrooms on the main level including a Master Suite. The master suite has an over-sized walk in closet with a closet organizer all ready installed. The Master bathroom has been updated with a new vanity and ceramic tile in the floors. You will appreciate the large fenced in backyard for entertaining guest. Sit atop the deck or enjoy the shade beneath the gazebo. This home has all the bells and whistles including new roof, windows and carpet. For more information regarding 15967 Gallant Ct. contact TheLongGroup@results.net This home is currently for sale in Apple Valley Minnesota 55124, School District 196. Traditional Sale, No Bank! Email TheLongGroup@Results.net for inquiries.