With a brief respite in our weather you still have time to do that pesky pre-winter maintenance that you may missed. But the clock is ticking so get with it!!
Thinking about the arctic blast that is just over the horizon you know your heating system is perhaps the most critical element for a home in winter, and while the ideal time to check your furnace and other heating appliances is in the fall—no later than the end of October, it’s not too late to gettr’ done
Test run: Turn the thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80 degrees, just for testing. You should hear the furnace turn on, and warm air should begin to blow within a few minutes. If the furnace is running fine, turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If the furnace not running properly, you can try to diagnose it yourself.
Replace the air filter: Put in a new, clean air filter. It’s easy and doing so will ensure a free flow of air and a cleaner environment. Each furnace has its own requirements for air filters, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. A monthly replacement of the air filter is usually recommended. Have an HVAC contractor check for carbon monoxide leaks. If they discover problems, you can act now to correct the cause of the CO leak. Usually, this involves leakage in the exhaust system of a furnace or other fuel-burning appliance, such as a water heater. Do not put this work off; a CO leak is a very dangerous situation. Oh, and make sure you test your CO detectors for proper operation. Remember that CO detectors like Smoke Detectors have a shelf life and need periodic replacement (not just the batteries) Have a the exhaust vents checked for proper operation too: Some furnaces and boilers, as well as gas water heaters, vent through a chimney, while newer high-efficiency models may vent through plastic pipes running through a side wall. Make sure these vents are open and free of obstructions. A vent that has not been used all summer may have become home to birds or other animals, which can block the vent pipes and interfere with the furnace’s ability to burn efficiently and properly vent exhaust gases.
Inspect and clean heating vents: Clear obstacles to heating vents, so air can freely flow. Many experts recommend having a service technician come in and clean the vents every year or two.
While you might need this for several months this is the time to give your unit a visual inspection and take care of some basic maintenance. On your central air conditioner, you can clean the condensing unit of debris: Using a hose with the spray-head set to the highest pressure, clean the fan blades and condensing coils clear of debris and dirt. Let the unit dry completely before covering it for the season.
Cover the condensing unit: Left unprotected, the condensing unit can be damaged by wet leaves and debris that contribute to rusting and freezing of internal components. Although these units are designed for outdoor use, covering them with a breathable waterproof cover made for that purpose goes a long way to extending the life and efficient performance of the unit.(BE SURE TO TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE SERVICING ANY APPLIANCE) If you’re uncomfortable your local HVAC contractor can take care of it.
Winterize window air conditioners: As for window air conditioners, remove them if possible and store for winter. Left in windows, these appliances are very hard to seal effectively against winter drafts. If they cannot be removed, then close the vents and make sure to get an air conditioning cover like the condensing unit cover described above.
AS A GENERAL RULE YOU SHOUL DNOT RUN AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Although largely ignored in warm weather, your fireplace (regardless of fuel type) and chimney can be a major source of cold air leaks and other issues in winter. So, the chimney and fireplace need some inspection and service before winter sets in.
Clear obstructions. Check to make sure the chimney is clear of any nests from birds, squirrels or other small animals. Check the damper. Make sure it opens and closes fully, and that it is can be locked in the open or closed position. Check the chimney draft. Make sure the chimney will draw up the fire and smoke properly. Test this by taking several sheets of newspaper and rolling them up. Then with the fireplace damper in the open position, light the newspaper in the fireplace. The smoke should rise up the chimney. If it doesn’t, you have an obstruction and need to call a professional in to clean the chimney of creosote and ash and possible debris.
Have the chimney cleaned. If it has been several years (or never) since you had your fireplace chimney cleaned, have it done by a professional chimney sweep. This is not a pleasant DIY project, and professional cleaning is not very expensive.
Inspect the firebrick in the fireplace. If you see any open mortar joints, have them repaired immediately. A fire can spread into the stud wall behind the masonry firebrick through open mortar joints.
Exterior faucets: Known as hose bibbs or sill-cocks, the exterior faucets need to have their water supply turned off inside the house, and you also need to drain water from them by opening up the exterior faucets. You may also want to consider an insulated cover for the hose bibb. And remember to disconnect your garden hoses from the sillcocks or outside faucets and drain them.
The sprinkler system should not be overlooked when preparing your home for winter. Have your sprinkler system winterized no later than the end of October. If you have a lawn service that handles this, have them come to drain and winterize the irrigation system. Winterizing a sprinkler system can be a DIY project but you will need to understand the workings of your system to get each zone properly drained for the winter
Inspect the outside moldings around windows for damaged or missing caulking. Use a good-quality exterior caulk to seal any gaps you find around window moldings. Inspect window tracks and clean them of any debris that might be interfering with seals.
Inspect the locking mechanisms on all windows work adequately. You will want to lock them securely once winter sets in.
Check for air leaks. On a day when it is windy outside, close your windows and feel for air leaks. Typically, air leaks will be found at the edges where the window is hinged, slides, or meets another unit—such as between the two panels of a double-hung window.
Although you can tape plastic over the windows to seal them, this can be expensive and be rather unattractive. It can also reduce much-needed natural sunlight in the winter unless you use the shrink-wrap type of plastic seal.
Inspect caulking around the outside moldings of door frames, and add new exterior-grade caulking, if necessary. Inspect and replace any failed weather stripping around doors, including the door sweep attached to the bottom of the door.
Moving to the outside of the home, you should do a quick check of the roof. Either hire someone to inspect the roof if you are not comfortable doing this yourself. Wet or frosty roofs can be very slippery. (I do not like heights, so I would be calling a contractor)
Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles and have them replaced. Check flashings around chimneys and other roof projections, which are often the source of leaks. Have repairs made, if necessary. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean, with no leaves or debris clogging them. Wet leaves remaining in the gutters over winter add significant weight and volume to the gutter when frozen, increasing the risk of damage. Make sure downspouts are solidly attached. There is nothing like having the joy of the spring thaw ruined by water running out your ceiling fixtures. YIKES!!
Is your yard prepared for winter? Your yard and shrubs will need a bit of prep to help them winter well and provide the beauty you expect come spring. The same is true for your lawn furniture and miscellaneous yard accessories. An inexpensive cover can extend the life years. Be sure to, cover patio furniture or bring it indoors to store for the winter.
Seal or stain a wooden deck if it needs it before winter. A properly sealed deck will be more resistance to winter damage.
Clean and seal any concrete or brick paver surfaces, as needed. Now is a good time to patch any cracks or damage to concrete steps or walkways.
And don’t forget your power equipment. A fuel stabilizer can really make a difference next season. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and you should be set.
Ok it’s time to go.
Stop the stress is home buying with great preparation.
Low inventories and the probability of multiple offers can cause more than a little stress
when you are searching for your new home. If you want to de-stress the home buying process, it doesn’t matter if you are a first-time buyer or a move up buyer the basics for getting your ducks in a row remain the same.
How are you going to pay for it?
What do you want in your new home?
Unless your answers are: CASH and whatever is available you have some work to do.
The first thing to do is figure out how much home you can afford and where the money is coming from. Cash is usually king but most buyers are using some type of financing 
(mortgage) to purchase. It’s critical that you work with a knowledgeable, credible mortgage professional that will walk you through the process and ask all the right questions. You also are looking for a lender who will pre-approve you after you have submitted proper documentation. A pre-qualification letter stating that you are qualified for mortgage pending employment and income verification is not the same as a pre-approval. With all the competition from other buyers you want to be the
STRONGEST BUYER in the pack.
Buyers that are utilizing a government program like Rural
Development, FHA, DVA, etc. are great candidates if they have done the upfront work with the lender and have chosen a property that will qualify for that type of financing. The government programs have more stringent requirements for home condition than most conventional loans. Distressed properties that need major repairs or have significant maintenance issues will likely not qualify for a government back loan. You can try to make an offer but if the property fails to pass through the appraisal process you will be out the cost of the appraisal and perhaps a home inspection.
One other thing that should be on your financial list is livability costs. Aside from the property taxes and homeowners insurance what about utilities (bigger house means more heat and lights). Are sewer and water rates higher in the new city? What is the impact on your commute expense to get to work, shopping, school????
Livability costs are something every home owner should consider before venturing out to tour homes.
So now you know where the money is coming from. What will the next home look like?
What are your must haves? What are your dream features? The preparation in this step is critical to avoid unnecessary challenges and missed opportunities. Trying to see every house in your area is not productive. You want to see the right house because that’s the one you’re going to buy.
I love lists so I suggest you establish a solid checklist that has “Must Haves”,
“Deal Breaker Can’t Haves”, “Would Like To Haves” and “Would be nice to haves”
Here is a check-list you can use to get started on the process.
So take a deep breath gather your thoughts and you can begin to reduce home
buying stress.
THIS HOUSE IS OVER PRICED? Only if that’s what you pay………………..
I think everyone knows this is and has been a Seller’s market for sometime. There is less inventory then there is demand. The law of supply and demand are pushing up the prices. A look at the data from my area shows a 5.5% increase in 2019. Good news for homeowners. Some Sellers have gotten TOO aggressive with their asking price and are “out of the market” This I believe is an opportunity for Buyers who want to avoid the bidding wars that occur today. You usually don’t find a long list of Buyers for properties that are over priced. You may be the only one willing to try and work out a deal. There is no rule that says you can’t offer $200,000 for a home priced at $225,000. As an agent, I have a fiduciary responsibility to present any offer you make. I frequently provide input as to the probability of an offer being accepted. My Dad used to tell me the answer is always NO until you ask. I have heard agents say, “I won’t present low ball offers” While that statement may make great “water cooler chatter”, it is not consistent with Your Buyer Representation Agreement. Remember, your Agents job is to act in YOUR BEST INTEREST!
If you think a house is overpriced by $20,000 but you like the house, why not make an offer? What is the worst that could happen? The Seller could say NO THANK YOU! That’s not too devastating, is it? Sometimes the real art of negotiating is having a willingness to start the conversation. Oh and as far as hurting the Seller’s feelings, unless the Seller is your relative and you have to see them at every holiday for the rest of your life, it should be of little concern. This is a business transaction not an assessment of the Sellers taste in clothing or a critique of their peach cobbler recipe. If the house is in need of updates, has deferred maintenance or other issues it may be advisable to outline your reasons for the offer price.
Let’s, for a moment, think about a Seller who in an overheated real estate market (like we have today) has been on the market for over 90 days. And lets also suppose that they have had some showings but no offers. Is it possible they would welcome an offer even if it’s lower than the asking price? I would say in most cases the answer is YES!!! Remember, the actual market value of anything (including homes) is the price a willing Buyer and a willing Seller agree to.This strategy can work if you and your agent are willing to do the homework. What is the market value of comparable homes in the neighborhood? Similar = style, age, finished sq. feet, amenities, finishes
Also, be ready to execute. Have a pre-approval letter , Sufficient earnest money
What are your contingencies? Inspection? Sale of your home? Or ???????
Making a low offer with multiple contingencies and asking the Seller for other concessions such as closing costs may be piling on. Make sure you are aware of the cost 
of all the concessions will be. The bottom line is you may be able to put yourself in a position to buy a home if you are willing to venture outside the proverbial box. You don’t have to be clairvoyant to know “What Sellers Want” They want to SELL.
Buying a home in today’s market can be difficult, but not impossible. You may need to get outside your comfort zone a bit and be willing to look where others dare not go!!
Rising costs, a shortage of personnel, and other issues threaten to undo the plans of boomers and seniors who intend to age in place. Genworth’s daunting picture of long-term care costs may cause some baby boomers and seniors to reconsider the plans they had for aging. The surprise from Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey is that the fastest-rising costs aren’t for skilled care but for what’s called homemaker services — help with simple household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and running errands. Those costs spiked by 7.14 percent just in the last year. In the most expensive places, those homemaker costs translate to $68,640 in Washington, $67,450 in Alaska, and $66,532 in Minnesota annually. In the least costly markets, it means annual costs of $38,621 in Louisiana, $40,726 in Alabama, and $41,184 in West Virginia.
Among the other reasons for the price hikes are a tight labor market and costs associated with complying with new local, state, and federal certifications and regulations. In addition, Medicare reimbursement changes that cause hospitals to discharge patients sooner – people who may go home with greater care needs than they did in the past – are creating greater demand for caregivers. Check out this link to calculate costs in your hometown or to compare homemaker costs city by city.
The Study also showed the 2019 median yearly costs for other care including:
Your Senior Real Estate Specialist – William Carrington – (763) 234-2211
Undertaking a major bathroom renovation can be intimidating. For one, the choices are 
overwhelming. If your plan is to update your home to sell it or to finally create a dream space for aging in place, get some help mapping your project by looking at the new 2019 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study It gives you a read on what’s in and what’s out, what’s motivating home remodelers, and how much they’re spending on bathroom upgrades.
It turns out that homeowners are willing to make a big investment in master bathroom
renovations. The median spent on master bathroom remodels increased from $7,000 in 2017 to $8,000 in 2018 nationally, and from $10,100 to $12,000 during the same period for major master bathroom remodels.
Maybe you’re finally planning a renovation because your bathroom just looks outdated. That’s a common motivator, and Houzz found that it was the reason 59% of renovators decided to tackle a bathroom upgrade. Functional limitations also were drivers, including small showers (38%), insufficient storage (37%), insufficient lighting (29%), limited counter space (28%), and poor ventilation (27%).
Nearly half of renovated bathrooms don’t have a tub: 20 percent didn’t have one before a
renovation and 24% of renovators removed it. Eighty-three percent of homeowners upgraded the shower and 54% enlarged it.
A major renovation also is a terrific time for you to embrace an entirely new aesthetic.
Nine in 10 homeowners changed the style of their master bathroom during a renovation.
During the last two years, transitional and modern styles got more popular, increasing to 21% and 22% in 2019, respectively. Less popular were contemporary (16%) and traditional (9%) styles. Other style-related items included adding an accent wall (35%), 
new mirrors (77%), toilets with high-tech features (growing form 28% in 2018 to 34% in 2019) and installing vinyl/resilient and engineered wood flooring materials (growing from 6% in 2017 to 10% in 2019).
Medicine cabinets got more attention during renovations, with 31% homeowners upgrading their medicine cabinets. Forty percent chose custom or semi-custom cabinets (40%) and a majority recessed the cabinet into the wall (68%). Premium features on those cabinets included mirrors and lighting on the inside and outside, and anti-fog systems (12%). If you’ve had your eye on some luxury items, consider some of the most common splurges. They included rainfall shower heads (58%), dual showers (23%), body sprayers (16%), thermostatic mixers (12%), mood lighting (5%), digital controls (5%),and shower heads with LEDs (2%). Cleanliness, a lack of clutter, neutral tones, and gray or white flooring and walls all have worked in concert to contribute to a spa-like environment and to create a relaxing sanctuary for homeowners, found Houzz.
*Content From SRES NEWLETTER DECEMBER 2019
I sure your home doesn’t look like this. (Unless you are the Adams Family) Many people selling their homes will often go all out preparing the inside and then forget about what their front yard looks like. Your front yard is like a window to your property. If it leaves a bad impression, you may have a hard time getting buyers to come through the front door to see all the wonderful upgrades you have done in the inside.
If your yard has patches of grass missing, overgrown shrubs and piles of brush lying around, it will make a potential buyer question how much care you have taken with the rest of the house. They may skip your home altogether and not even schedule a showing. Even if they do, it may be a hard obstacle to overcome in the person’s mind, no matter how nice the interior of your home is. Before putting your house on the market pay some
strong attention to your front yard. If it isn’t in the greatest shape, it might be worth it to shell out the money for a professional lawn and landscaping service. Tight on money? Get out and doing some or all of the work yourself. It will be well worth it at closing time. Statistics suggest basic but well-done landscaping may raise property values by as much as 12 percent.
_____ Put down some fresh mulch in flowerbeds and around trees.
_____ Put a fresh coat of paint on any wood surfaces such as wood siding, window shutters, your front door, or the garage door.
_____Repair and clean up water features, such as a fountain, if you have any. Use a power washer on and hard, non-wood, surfaces.
_____Reseed or re-sod your lawn if patches of grass are dead from the Winter.
_____Edge your lawn – walks, patios, driveways and beds.
_____Fix any issues with your irrigation or sprinkler system.
_____Trim any overgrown trees or bushes. Replace any that are dead.
_____Repair and paint fence.
_____Replace or clean any outdoor containers like flower pots or storage.
_____Replace, repair, or repaint your mailbox.
_____Lead potential buyers to your door with a walkway or stepping stones.
_____Replace welcome mat.
_____Put some colorful flowers in a flower pot next to the door.
Solving The Pricing Puzzle
Do more days on market mean less money for your house? If it sells
too fast was the price too low? How can I get all the house is worth?
Almost every listing appointment comes to a point where the Seller wants to make sure they aren’t giving their home away. This is a totally normal concern. It’s a big ticket item and for many people, their home is an integral part of their financial plan. Even when the agent is well armed with statistical facts, Sellers can want to “at least try” and get more for their property. We all want to sell high and buy low. Well, in the case of home pricing the statistics may indicate that “trying to get MORE may actually get you LESS”. This has been the claim agents and real estate publications have been making for a very long time.
I decided to check the facts in a very non-scientific way with a perhaps flawed methodology. I really just wanted to see if there was market data that may support the claim. I got very local and looked at sold homes right here in Rogers, MN. over the previous 12 month. (3+ bedrooms; built 1990-2015- 142 units
sold) Here’s what I found;
House that were on the market 45 days or less, sold for an average
of $133.14 per sq ft House that were on the market for 46 days or more sold for $129.54 per sq ft. That doesn’t sound like much of a difference, does it? $3.60 per sq ft, BIG DEAL!! Well, the average sale price in Rogers last year was $351,781 and that $3.60 translates to 2.78%. That means, houses that were on the market for under 45 days sold for 2.78% more than those on the market longer. The average would be something in the neighborhood of $9,792.
I want to caution against the thinking that goes “So what? I started $10,000 higher so I actually net more money” NOPE, NOT TRUE! (That logic is likely more flawed than my methodology) The average assumes the actual market value of the homes sold. (market value = the price at which a Buyer and Seller agree to a deal). When a property starts above the actual market value it risks becoming market stale. That staleness usually results in one or more price reductions. In effect chasing the market down. The result is often a final sale price that nets the seller less money. The Rogers data seems to indicate that Sellers get more when it sells fast.
Anecdotally, I have seen properties that are initially priced below market value get
multiple offers and usually sell for a higher than asking price. With the plethora of information available to Buyers today it is unlikely that home values are much of a mystery. One other thing to keep in mind: time is not FREE. Holding on to a property has costs. Mortgage payments, utilities, taxes, maintenance, etc. That does not include the cost of lost opportunities when you can’t purchase the replacement home you’ve found. Also there is additional stress with continually having to be “on stage” and “showing ready” .
So, I have to say my limited research supports the “right pricing” strategy. “Fish where the fish are” is what my Dad would have told me….. still good advice Pops!!
master bedroom, and master bath. That doesn’t mean
Get a complete copy of “148 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Sale”
Pseudo winter is boring. Little real cold and half hearted snow storms lack the excitement Minnesotans require to maintain sanity. I miss hearing “Is it cold enough for you?” or “Nothing like the blizzard of 89′” It seems almost docile. We may be in jeopardy of losing the claim of being hardy.
OUTDOOR FUN
While the winter is closing in on the halfway mark, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors this winter. Here are some links to some very traditional activities. Many places rent to equipment so you can avoid a second mortgage to gear up only to find this may not be your cup of tea
Downhill Skiing & Snow Boarding – The Minnesota Ski Association can provide you with locations, snow reports and special offers.
Cross Country Skiing & Snow Shoeing – The Minnesota DNR website has information on locations, passes and rentals. Many of the regional parks like Three Rivers Park District or Elm Creek Park Reserve also have information
Sliding – There are enumerable local places to slide or tube but if you are looking for something a bit more dramatic and organized check out the Elm Creek Park Reserve or most of the large regional parks.
There are also lots of ice skating and hockey rinks in the metro area. A drive around after dark and you just need to look for the glow of the lights in a local park.
There are also some great organized events to fill your activity calendar;
St Paul Winter Carnival
Hockey Day Minnesota
Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby
U.S. Pond Hockey Championship
If you’re looking for a more robust and up to date list of events in the area you could try Minneapolis.org/calendar, visitstpaul.com or Google twin cities winter events
INDOOR OPTIONS
For the temperature challenged residents of the Twin Cities there are variety of 
museums and attractions to pass the time until the Spring Equinox. Most area museums and area attractions are worth an investment of the day. (I’m not sure you can get through the Science Museum in a single day). Here are just a few:
Science Museum Of Minnesota – The Science Museum was founded in 1907. The museum’s current location on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul offers 370,000 square feet of space. It includes a 10,000-square-foot temporary exhibit gallery, five permanent galleries, 10 acres of outdoor exhibits, and an Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater.
Minnesota Children’s Museum – Sparking Children’s Learning Through Play. Minnesota 
Children’s Museum is dedicated to providing children with a fun, hands-on and stimulating environment to explore and discover. The museum helps to instill a lifelong love of learning by nurturing the real-world skills children need to become engaged citizens in the future.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum -The “Arb” is a top visitor attraction of more than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. As a premier northern garden, the Arboretum was borne out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and established in 1958, with the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, Minnesota
State Horticultural Society and other community supporters creating the Arboretum as a gift to the University of Minnesota. Want indoor flora and fawna? The Como Park Zoo
and Conservatory might be just the ticket.
Home Improvement Shows – There are a number of community home improvement expos in the Twin Cities, but the Grand Daddy of them is the Home + Garden Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It runs two weekends and attracts tens of thousands area homeowners. There is also the Home + Remodeling Show at U.S. Bank Stadium
Sport, Camping and Boat Shows – Minnesotans love the outdoors. particularly the months where flip flops and shorts can be the uniform of the day. There are several exhibitions that take place that allow the summer outdoor recreationists to begin preparing and dreaming of sunshine, warm days, lakes and laughter. For those of you that do it on two wheels, the Donnie Smith Bike Show takes place at St Paul’s River Centre (adjoins the Xcel Energy Center – home of the Minnesota Wild). The other big show is 
the Northwest Sportshow which is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center . There are other shows that take place throughout the state and in some of the larger suburban venues.
No need to hibernate with all these fun things to do. Stay active and social even on the coldest of days. It’s great practice for later because the days are getting longer and in no time at all we will be grilling and chilling by the lake or on our decks.
a firm decision to do or not to do something.
a sudden, complete or marked change in something: the present revolution in church architecture
Our founding fathers did not just make a resolution to create a new nation, they reinforced the words with action. There was a revolution. They revolted! Sound dramatic? Perhaps. On a personal level, the only way for me to make significant change is to have a revolt against my current behavior or habit. Changing my thoughts is a great first step, but without the “revolt” I find myself floundering and all too often failing. I think there is one more word that needs to be included in my recipe for change. Something to add permanency to the change.
feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.
This common definition is often linked to religion. I am thinking of the Greek 
word that translates to repent: Metanoia- “a transformative change of heart”; a turning around if you will. This meaning for repent is the key for change. Without the turning around, change can’t happen. When I talk to someone who has made a significant change such as quitting smoking or the loss of significant weight, there always seems to be a moment of “metanoia”. An about face that drives the revolution which in turn fulfills the resolution. “I was this and now I am this”. Until the heart changes little else is likely to. So simple yet SO difficult.
So for my New Year message I need to channel my “inner Greek”.
I hope you repent, (experience metanoia) which fuels a personal revolution which in turn leads to success in your New Year’s resolutions. And if you don’t achieve a total success at least be above average. (remember the 92% failure rate- YIKES!)
