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2010 June | cityoflofts

Archive for June, 2010

Europe’s Crisis a Plus for Minneapolis Condos for Sale?

Friday, June 11th, 2010

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Europe, or more correctly, Greece, is having a debt crisis that may end up being a great boon for national and Minneapolis loft condos for sale. The euro, Europe’s currency, dropped drastically and Europeans responded by exchanging euros for the American dollar.

Help for Minneapolis Condos and Minneapolis Lofts for Sale
As more money pours into the U.S. “safe haven,” interest rates drop. Although interest rates may rise again once global economies begin to recover, the real estate market will benefit during this period of European instability. In fact, the mortgage markets are already benefiting.

On May 20, Bankrate.com, known for its accurate reporting of average national mortgage rates, reported the lowest 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in almost 25 years. At the time of the report, national averages hit at 4.96% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, 4.34% for a 15-year fixed and 4.14% for a 5-year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage).

Pessimists vs. Optimists
Pessimists believe that the low mortgage rates won’t affect home sales, because of the large influx of buyers who beat April’s tax credit deadline. In short, their view is that all the eligible homebuyers have already signed closing papers.  They think that a few more buyers may trickle in before the busy season for real estate is over, but their general attitude is that the fat lady has already sung.

Optimists, as usual, have a much brighter point of view about the economy. Banks, they say, are finally letting some of the much-talked-about shadow inventory into the light. Unemployment seems to have slightly reversed, retail sales are up and manufacturing inventories are increasing – all of which indicate a stabilizing economy. Although even optimists aren’t betting on a huge real estate boon, they do point to an uphill trend.

Questions for You
Which are you, an optimist or a pessimist?  And, how can there be such a big difference in real estate market outlook when all the experts are looking at the same information? Lastly, if you’re trying to sell your Minneapolis loft condo, can you really afford to be pessimistic?

Here’s a hint: the attitude you have about your chances of selling will carry over to the results you achieve. Think positive, even when you hear about downturns.  You’ll have a better chance of getting your Minneapolis loft condo sold than other Minneapolis condos for sale!

If you’d like to sell your Twin Cities condo loft, I can help. Call me at 612.877.1676 or email me at ben@cityoflofts.com for more information.

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Buyer’s Market? Minneapolis Real Estate Agents to the Rescue

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Minneapolis real estate agent

“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  This is a true buyer’s market, where supply far outweighs demand. So how do you go about selling your Minneapolis loft condo in these conditions?

Interview Minneapolis Real Estate Agents
Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives a new Range Rover may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Minneapolis real estate agents in the area and interview them. Ask:

•    About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by
•    What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable
•    How they would market your Minneapolis loft condo

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up
While interviewing, Minneapolis real estate agents will look at your Minneapolis loft condo (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the Twin Cities loft. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price
These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what Minneapolis condos are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate.

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your loft repairs up to the buyer and overprice your Minneapolis loft condo. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 612.877.1676 or email me at ben@cityoflofts.com for more information.

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