Do you know what a palindrome is? A palindrome, reads the same backwards, as forward. This video, reads the exact opposite backwards, as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite..
This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant.
Make sure you read, as well as listen...forward and backward.
This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50" by AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck, and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant.
Please take a moment and watch it. Click here; Lost Generation
I can't imagine what won first place.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Weekly Market Activity Report
Weekly Market Activity Report
 |
| Summer Storm over Lake Minnetonka |
As the waters of several Minnesota rivers swell, so too does the inventory of Twin Cities residential homes on the market. For the 17th consecutive week, the number of active listings for sale was greater than the same week in the year prior. For the week ending September 18, the 27,408 homes on the market made for a 9.5 percent increase over last year at this time.
Sellers are off the hook; it isn't listing activity that's causing this—instead, it's the slowed purchase activity. The 596 purchase agreements were 42.9 percent slimmer than last year's 1,043 contracts signed during the same week. We knew this year would be front-loaded with activity, but we didn't know by how much. Calling it substantial would be an understatement.
Sellers are off the hook; it isn't listing activity that's causing this—instead, it's the slowed purchase activity. The 596 purchase agreements were 42.9 percent slimmer than last year's 1,043 contracts signed during the same week. We knew this year would be front-loaded with activity, but we didn't know by how much. Calling it substantial would be an understatement.
The 1,638 properties that came on to the market were only 11.3 percent lighter than last year. As mortgage rates continue to hang tight at historic lows, it would appear that folks are simply staying put and allowing both economic uncertainty and turgid rivers to subside.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Since data for the Weekly Market Activity Report is pulled a week after it actually occurs, this week's data includes the Labor Day week. Taking the usual holiday dip, pending sales dropped to 519 purchase agreements signed for the week ending September 11. The 38.2 percent year-over-year decrease rests along the trend line we've seen develop since the end of the tax credit.
Housing affordability remains strong at 205, up 5.1 percent over last year at this time. This garners some hope that there will be more home buyers looking to take advantage of an incredibly favorable buying environment. Just listen to this:
• There are 27,601 homes available for purchase in the Twin Cities, an increase of 9.5 percent over last year.
• Months Supply of Inventory now perches at 8.0. It's a buyer's market.
• The Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale metric is down to 91.1 percent.
• Mortgage rates continue to creep along the bottom of historic lows.
Buyers have their hands at 10 and 2, firmly in control of this market as summer's sun fades in the rear view mirror and the clouds gather on the open road ahead.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
10 Reasons to Buy a Home - Wall Street Journal MarketWatch.com
10 Reasons to Buy a Home - MarketWatch
Here's a great article that my hubby sent me from the Wall Street Journal, regarding the fabulous reasons to BUY NOW!
In my book, Reason #1 is "Mortgages are Cheap". How can you beat 4.375% on a 30 year fixed???
Here's a great article that my hubby sent me from the Wall Street Journal, regarding the fabulous reasons to BUY NOW!
In my book, Reason #1 is "Mortgages are Cheap". How can you beat 4.375% on a 30 year fixed???
Friday, September 17, 2010
10 Things that make Buyers Bite
Here's a great article that I found that has some timeless info for Sellers.
10 Things That Make Buyers Bite
By FrontDoor.com
Published: 11/01/2007
1. A Nice Entryway
Impress buyers right off the bat with a beautiful entrance. "I always tell sellers to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door," says real estate agent Theresa Evans of Charleston, S.C. And if you don't have an entrance at all, make one. "A lot of my buyers have mentioned that they don't like to just go through the front door into the living room," says Los Angeles-based realtor Rhonda Kohn. This problem, more common in condos and apartments, is solved by cleverly placing furniture to create more of an entryway. "A console table or demilune chest of drawers with something over it creates a welcoming vignette," says designer Sue Adams of Andover, Mass.
2. Hardwood Floors
Realtors agree that most buyers are hunting for hardwood. You can bet that of all types of flooring, hardwood floors will "have the most longevity and will never go out of style," according to designer Linda Applewhite of Sausalito, Calif. A synthetic wood floor, like Pergo, "is always a good option for those who can't afford hardwood," furthers real estate agent Rhonda Kohn. But know that a laminate floor "won't fool everyone - it has a hollow thud when you walk on it and it doesn't look the same," adds designer Sue Adams.
3. Fab Fixtures
Fixtures," says designer Linda Applewhite, "are the jewelry of the house." Only the extremely detail-oriented among us will stop to inspect doorknobs, faucets and cabinet knobs, but designers and real estate agents argue that we'll prefer the look of a place that has coordinated fixtures that are a cut above standard developer grade. "Newer construction is so chintzy with fixtures and fittings," observes Miami-based interior designer Simon Temprell. Replacing knobs and drawer pulls "is the quickest way to make over a bathroom or kitchen," he says. And when it comes to faucets, he adds, "for $60 or $70 dollars you can buy something infinitely better" than what you likely already have.
4. Beautiful Baths
According to real estate agents, marble counters, whirlpool baths and steam showers up the attractiveness of any bathroom. But if you don't have these luxury items, it may be more practical to address the unattractive aspects of your existing bath. "Rip out that big sheet mirror and those globe lights that look like you're in a theater dressing room," suggests designer Simon Temprell. Replace them with an elegant framed mirror (don't be afraid to look outside the bathroom section, he says) and sconce lighting on either side. This lighting scheme is also more flattering to the face, observes designer Sue Adams, and making buyers feel pretty will pay off!
5. Countertop Considerations
You've probably heard that granite is the secret to a contemporary kitchen, but that's not necessarily what buyers are after. "It's really about the slab," says designer Linda Applewhite. Buyers don't want to see grout lines on their counters, she explains.So when it comes to slab countertops, granite is the top pick because it's hard, nonporous and easy to care for. But then again, so is Corian, so are composite stone surfaces such as Silestone and, she notes, with the help of today's sophisticated sealants, so are concrete, limestone, soapstone and marble. Even butcher-block, which is much less expensive than stone, can be a more appealing alternative to tile or laminate countertops. "When it gets funky, you can sand it and oil it and it looks good again," she says. Already have granite? Make it cutting edge. "A lot of people are honing their granite now," adds Applewhite. "What that does is knock it down and make it more matte, so it looks warmer and more inviting. Shiny surfaces can look very cold."
6. Steel This Idea
Why do buyers go bananas for stainless-steel appliances? It's the power of suggestion. "A kitchen with stainless appliances looks like a commercial kitchen. It makes people think that they're great cooks," observes designer Sue Adams, "but because the finish shows fingerprints, it's not for everyone." As far as other alternatives go, the designers agree that in general, black fixtures can look dated, while white is okay for a country kitchen. And some people are making appliances blend in beautifully by ordering front panels to match their cabinetry.
7. Pre-Organized Closets
Just as stainless appliances convince buyers that they are better cooks, closet organizers make buyers believe that they are better homemakers. If your closets are unadorned, don't underestimate the importance of this easy addition. "They make you feel secure and calm and people need that," notes designer Sue Adams. And while you don't need to use high-end organizers, make sure that the materials are up-to-date. "Twenty years ago, closet organizers meant wire shelves. You can't slide anything over a wire shelf. You can't even put a hanger in some of them," she says. Today's ideal would be "melamine shelves, in bone or white, with some drawers and metal rods to maximize storage," she says. This organization shouldn't stop in the closet - make sure your kitchen cabinets are orderly, too. "If they open up a door and see a big pantry, but it's not organized properly, it won't be as exciting as something already organized with a place for everything," says real estate agent Theresa Evans.
8. Light Up
"Floor lamps just don't cut it these days," says real estate agent Rhonda Kohn. If your home doesn't get a lot of natural light, consider installing recessed lighting or new sconces, or both, so the buyer won't struggle to figure out how to brighten up the space. "Lighting is probably the most overlooked, yet the most important aspect of interior decoration," designer Simon Temprell says, adding, "In newer construction, you don't have sufficient lighting. The reality is that everyone needs three types - task, ambient and decorative lighting - which allow you to change the mood of the room." When it comes to recessed lighting, know that the smaller the fixture, the more updated it is. "We used to have six-inch apertures, now we have four-inch openings. And using halogen bulbs gives a cleaner, more modern look," says designer Sue Adams.
9. Built-In Bonus
Interior Designer Linda Applewhite observes that many buyers view built-ins as "free furniture." Well-crafted bookshelves, china cabinets and entertainment units can "make a home stand out as quality," adds designer Sue Adams. On the other hand, says designer Simon Temprell, "It can be a catch-22 because some people would rather organize their own furniture. Sometimes it's better to have freestanding pieces that look like built-ins, that you can give the buyer the option to purchase."
10. Grass Is Greener
Are the homebuyers in your area families with young children? If so, they'll be drawn to spaces with a flat, open lawn. Were you thinking of putting in a concrete patio or rock garden? Don't bother if you're putting your home on the market. "A flat yard is a real plus. Spend some money and put in the grass. It's a good seller," says real estate agent Rhonda Kohn.
Bonus Tip: Furnish That house!
Think you're ready for the open house? Consider this: "Architecturally interesting homes in immaculate shape can be shown empty," notes designer Applewhite. But in general, "people look for a homey kind of a feel," adds real estate agent Kohn. And that's homey, not homely. If the bulk of your furniture isn't attractive, don't hesitate to have it staged (propped with attractive rental furniture). "We're even seeing that done in the inexpensive condo market," she says.
10 Things That Make Buyers Bite
By FrontDoor.com
Published: 11/01/2007
1. A Nice Entryway
Impress buyers right off the bat with a beautiful entrance. "I always tell sellers to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door," says real estate agent Theresa Evans of Charleston, S.C. And if you don't have an entrance at all, make one. "A lot of my buyers have mentioned that they don't like to just go through the front door into the living room," says Los Angeles-based realtor Rhonda Kohn. This problem, more common in condos and apartments, is solved by cleverly placing furniture to create more of an entryway. "A console table or demilune chest of drawers with something over it creates a welcoming vignette," says designer Sue Adams of Andover, Mass.
2. Hardwood Floors
Realtors agree that most buyers are hunting for hardwood. You can bet that of all types of flooring, hardwood floors will "have the most longevity and will never go out of style," according to designer Linda Applewhite of Sausalito, Calif. A synthetic wood floor, like Pergo, "is always a good option for those who can't afford hardwood," furthers real estate agent Rhonda Kohn. But know that a laminate floor "won't fool everyone - it has a hollow thud when you walk on it and it doesn't look the same," adds designer Sue Adams.
3. Fab Fixtures
Fixtures," says designer Linda Applewhite, "are the jewelry of the house." Only the extremely detail-oriented among us will stop to inspect doorknobs, faucets and cabinet knobs, but designers and real estate agents argue that we'll prefer the look of a place that has coordinated fixtures that are a cut above standard developer grade. "Newer construction is so chintzy with fixtures and fittings," observes Miami-based interior designer Simon Temprell. Replacing knobs and drawer pulls "is the quickest way to make over a bathroom or kitchen," he says. And when it comes to faucets, he adds, "for $60 or $70 dollars you can buy something infinitely better" than what you likely already have.
4. Beautiful Baths
According to real estate agents, marble counters, whirlpool baths and steam showers up the attractiveness of any bathroom. But if you don't have these luxury items, it may be more practical to address the unattractive aspects of your existing bath. "Rip out that big sheet mirror and those globe lights that look like you're in a theater dressing room," suggests designer Simon Temprell. Replace them with an elegant framed mirror (don't be afraid to look outside the bathroom section, he says) and sconce lighting on either side. This lighting scheme is also more flattering to the face, observes designer Sue Adams, and making buyers feel pretty will pay off!
5. Countertop Considerations
You've probably heard that granite is the secret to a contemporary kitchen, but that's not necessarily what buyers are after. "It's really about the slab," says designer Linda Applewhite. Buyers don't want to see grout lines on their counters, she explains.So when it comes to slab countertops, granite is the top pick because it's hard, nonporous and easy to care for. But then again, so is Corian, so are composite stone surfaces such as Silestone and, she notes, with the help of today's sophisticated sealants, so are concrete, limestone, soapstone and marble. Even butcher-block, which is much less expensive than stone, can be a more appealing alternative to tile or laminate countertops. "When it gets funky, you can sand it and oil it and it looks good again," she says. Already have granite? Make it cutting edge. "A lot of people are honing their granite now," adds Applewhite. "What that does is knock it down and make it more matte, so it looks warmer and more inviting. Shiny surfaces can look very cold."
6. Steel This Idea
Why do buyers go bananas for stainless-steel appliances? It's the power of suggestion. "A kitchen with stainless appliances looks like a commercial kitchen. It makes people think that they're great cooks," observes designer Sue Adams, "but because the finish shows fingerprints, it's not for everyone." As far as other alternatives go, the designers agree that in general, black fixtures can look dated, while white is okay for a country kitchen. And some people are making appliances blend in beautifully by ordering front panels to match their cabinetry.
7. Pre-Organized Closets
Just as stainless appliances convince buyers that they are better cooks, closet organizers make buyers believe that they are better homemakers. If your closets are unadorned, don't underestimate the importance of this easy addition. "They make you feel secure and calm and people need that," notes designer Sue Adams. And while you don't need to use high-end organizers, make sure that the materials are up-to-date. "Twenty years ago, closet organizers meant wire shelves. You can't slide anything over a wire shelf. You can't even put a hanger in some of them," she says. Today's ideal would be "melamine shelves, in bone or white, with some drawers and metal rods to maximize storage," she says. This organization shouldn't stop in the closet - make sure your kitchen cabinets are orderly, too. "If they open up a door and see a big pantry, but it's not organized properly, it won't be as exciting as something already organized with a place for everything," says real estate agent Theresa Evans.
8. Light Up
"Floor lamps just don't cut it these days," says real estate agent Rhonda Kohn. If your home doesn't get a lot of natural light, consider installing recessed lighting or new sconces, or both, so the buyer won't struggle to figure out how to brighten up the space. "Lighting is probably the most overlooked, yet the most important aspect of interior decoration," designer Simon Temprell says, adding, "In newer construction, you don't have sufficient lighting. The reality is that everyone needs three types - task, ambient and decorative lighting - which allow you to change the mood of the room." When it comes to recessed lighting, know that the smaller the fixture, the more updated it is. "We used to have six-inch apertures, now we have four-inch openings. And using halogen bulbs gives a cleaner, more modern look," says designer Sue Adams.
9. Built-In Bonus
Interior Designer Linda Applewhite observes that many buyers view built-ins as "free furniture." Well-crafted bookshelves, china cabinets and entertainment units can "make a home stand out as quality," adds designer Sue Adams. On the other hand, says designer Simon Temprell, "It can be a catch-22 because some people would rather organize their own furniture. Sometimes it's better to have freestanding pieces that look like built-ins, that you can give the buyer the option to purchase."
10. Grass Is Greener
Are the homebuyers in your area families with young children? If so, they'll be drawn to spaces with a flat, open lawn. Were you thinking of putting in a concrete patio or rock garden? Don't bother if you're putting your home on the market. "A flat yard is a real plus. Spend some money and put in the grass. It's a good seller," says real estate agent Rhonda Kohn.
Bonus Tip: Furnish That house!
Think you're ready for the open house? Consider this: "Architecturally interesting homes in immaculate shape can be shown empty," notes designer Applewhite. But in general, "people look for a homey kind of a feel," adds real estate agent Kohn. And that's homey, not homely. If the bulk of your furniture isn't attractive, don't hesitate to have it staged (propped with attractive rental furniture). "We're even seeing that done in the inexpensive condo market," she says.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Weekly Market Activity Report
As autumn presses upon us, the Twin Cities residential real estate market's paralysis continues. For the week ending September 4, New Listings were down 12.8 percent compared to last year at this time, but there were still more properties coming on to the market than the week before at a time when the school year normally slows seller activity. Pending Sales had a less severe year-over-year decline than the previous four weeks but remain 35.9 percent behind where we were at this time in 2009. This has been the case all summer long.
Active Listings for Sale have been progressively expanding since the tax credit ended and are now 8.9 percent ahead of last year. Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale leaned toward buyers last month. Good news for home hunters; even more challenges for those looking to sell.
 |
| "Posh", a gorgeous Chris Craft Boat that we saw @ Lord Fletchers. |
As autumn presses upon us, the Twin Cities residential real estate market's paralysis continues. For the week ending September 4, New Listings were down 12.8 percent compared to last year at this time, but there were still more properties coming on to the market than the week before at a time when the school year normally slows seller activity. Pending Sales had a less severe year-over-year decline than the previous four weeks but remain 35.9 percent behind where we were at this time in 2009. This has been the case all summer long.
Active Listings for Sale have been progressively expanding since the tax credit ended and are now 8.9 percent ahead of last year. Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale leaned toward buyers last month. Good news for home hunters; even more challenges for those looking to sell.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Weekly Market Activity Report
 |
| Seed Savers Tomato Tasting Decorah, Iowa |
All of this adjustment firmly points to the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers that was in full swing both at this time last year and during the winter and spring months of this year. We have returned to a world void of juicy government incentives.
The number of homes for sale has grown to 27,271, up 8.6 percent from the prior year. Increased supply plus declining demand has caused the Supply-Demand Ratio to grow 56 percent in one year's time. This boils down to greater opportunity for buyers and increased challenges for sellers. You're probably used to hearing that by now. We're certainly used to saying it.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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