Hello, friends!

Wow, I’ve been caught up in the busy day-to-day and hadn’t realized weeks have gone by since my last email.  Well, I can tell you this, our housing market is picking up, and I mean really picking up.  Prices are great, interest rates are low, the FHA loan limits have finally gone up to $417,000 (from $276K), as a first-time buyer there’s so much to be excited about.  For you article readers, here’s what CNN Money has to say- “Best Time to Buy in Four Years!”- CNN Money Article

I’ll back that up with the fact that I’ve got four first-time buyer appointments today.  Either the market is making a turn for the better, or my enthusiasm is contagious.  Perhaps a bit of both?

And for those of you enjoying your homes, but think they need a little spruce up (or major overhaul), this agency provides really great financing for fix-up and energy efficient updates.  The MN Center for Energy and Environment has provided several of my clients the funds to make their ideas a reality.  And the process is fairly painless- when compared to a standard Line of Credit app.  Take a look for yourself at http://www.mncee.org/programs/.

And for you dreamers out there, the 14^th Annual South Minneapolis Housing & Home Improvement Fair is this Saturday, 3/8, from 10-3 at South High School (3131 19^th Ave).  It’s a great community event that brings together information and ideas on how to create (or have someone else create) your urban dream home.

I have a new listing over in the CARAG neighborhood, a cute 1 BR/ 1 BA upper-level condo in a charming brick 4-flat, with off-street parking.  It overlooks Bryant Square Park and is convenient to everything Uptown has to offer.  At $159,900, it is a must-see.  3140 Bryant Ave S #4

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME is this Saturday night.  Please remember to move your clocks ahead 1-hour before you go to bed, or you’ll miss that brunch date.  I have a friend who gets this sort of info from my emails, and maybe she’s not the only one…

As always, if you have a real estate, interior design, or construction question, please give me a call.  More than anything, I want to make sure that my friends and their friends are treated fairly in these industries where, sadly, that isn’t always the reality.

Have a great weekend, learn something new.  Take care!

Hello, friends!

It’s that time of year: parties, lots of food, fighting lines at every retail venue.  Ah, the holidays.  I hope you’re managing to stay sane (and warm).  Myself, I try to avoid the whole darn thing.  No, I’m not a scrooge, but I do feel a great sense of “holiday cheer” when my gifts go towards something that doesn’t create more clutter in my life (already buried).  My particular soft spot is for the Animal Humane Society.

I do have one request for this holiday season: when you’re ripping open those presents and packaging, take a moment to sort the “trash” and recycle what you can.  Growing up, my mom would always ask us to open the presents carefully (kinda hard for a hyped up 5-year old to do).  I thought it was weird, and excessively thrifty, but she would collect all of the used wrapping paper and save it for the next year.  There was this one Santa-face paper that visited me for 15 years straight!  I can still see his bulbous, all-knowing cartoon face.

I’ll be heading home to Chicago for the holidays.  Family time at the Strong household is something to behold, only to be rivaled by a good David Sedaris memoir.  I’m sure to come back with a new batch of stories. 

In the meantime, I’m still available to meet with clients considering purchasing, selling, or remodeling a home.  Money is still cheap, so keep your eyes open for opportunity!

I wish you all a happy holiday season with your friends and family.  See you in the New Year!

Sam

Hello, friends!

My little Gene Wilder/ Young Frankenstein reference.  Love that movie!  But it also applies to my much belated announcement. 

I’ve taken my 7 years of construction and interior design experience and finally taken the plunge.  In July, I launched a full-service, sustainably-minded, design/build firm- Metamorphosis.  We remain socially and environmentally responsible, while providing practical and beautiful design solutions.  And yes, we are licensed, bonded, insured, the whole ball of wax.  So far, we’ve worked with clients on a wide range of projects- everything from color consultations to major remodels and additions- within an even wider range of budgets.  Also, by knowing what grants and low interest loans are available through city and community programs, we can help our clients make that project affordable. 

This is in addition to helping urban clients buy and sell their homes.  You see how all of these disciplines nicely tie together?

If you are thinking of changing anything about your home, and you’d like some third-party input, please call.  I’ll do my best to assess your situation and see what we can do that will add functionality, beauty, and most importantly, value. 

Hello, friends!

The busy season has started again.  Seems everyone either wants a new place, or is reinventing their existing space, in time for the Holidays.  You won’t hear me complaining, but I’ll be busy most of this weekend.  So no Open Houses.  It’s probably going to rain anyways, and if it’s rain or football, my guess is that most of you will choose the pigskin.  I prefer faux pigskin myself.

For those of you planning next year’s remodeling projects, it’s great to get going in December/January since most of the trades are slow and are very willing to cut deals.  We’re talking 10-20% savings!  Give me a call if you have any questions about your project. 

Many of you have responded to my “go green” mailings looking for more information.  While I was on the lookout, I found this one- Greener Living Tips.  In summary, GLT is “Earth friendly advice for a greener planet. Reducing costs, consumption & impact on the environment!”  Sounds like a good mantra.  What I really love is that they plant a tree for each new registered subscriber (and they don’t spam you!).  Be sure to read all about their noble reforestation efforts- Tree Planting Program.

Back to the trenches.  I hope everyone has a great weekend, indoors or out.  Take care!

Hello, friends!

I know, far from it.  But it does fell like a Mamas & The Papas kind of day- cloudy with some bleak sun shining through.  A taste of what’s to come in the very near future.  There, have I depressed everyone yet?

I’m back!  Eight weeks of busting my butt has paid off, and now I can get back to doing the things I love that don’t incur blisters, bruises, and slight head injuries.

While I was gone- from the computer- I’ve noticed a few things: 1. this real estate slump is bunk, as I’ve been out shopping up a storm with new buyers, 2. housing prices have not dropped in S. Mpls the reported 12% that the rest of the market has, 3. sellers are willing to negotiate, and there are “deals” to be had, but people are not desperate to give their houses away, 4. interest rates are LOW and may even drop some more, so if you’re a buyer and aren’t actually buying, get off your duff and take advantage of your best opportunity in a DECADE.

Some of you may have seen the WCCO segment on Radon last night.  Living in Minnesota- one of the highest risk states for Radon induced cancer- you should know what it is and how you can test for it.  Check out the Minnesota Department of Health for more information.

Okay, I’ll be back on the OPEN HOUSE kick this weekend.  I’ll be over near the Cardinal, so stop by and play some darts before checking out this beautiful home.

3812 27^th Avenue South, Nokomis Neighborhood

OPEN SUNDAY  9/16   1-3 p.m.

Pristine farmhouse convenient to everything!
MLS 3430461
3 BR/1 BA
1,424 above ground sqft
2-car garage
Built in 1909

$209,000 !!  (Remember what I said about deals?)

Hope to see you this weekend.  And if you’re camping and can’t make it, you’re forgiven.
Take care!
Sam

Hello, friends!

Thank you all for your prompt replies last week.  Now I know what it takes to get a response, put everyone on TV!  I’m in negotiations with the producers now.  We’ll see what happens, and for those of you procrastinators who are interested, it’s not too late.  Send me an email with your situation (i.e. single buying first place, parent and kid buying investment property, two friends buying together, etc.).  They are always happy to have more options to present to the network.

I’ll be spending the weekend lounging, and working, in a hammock in Wisconsin.  Well, I may have to reconsider my set up.  Have you ever tried to work with drafting tools in a hammock?  PIA.

Hope you all are getting your necessary dosage of R&R.  We’ve only got 5 weeks left. 

We’ll be back in the trenches next week.  Until then, have a great weekend!

Samantha

Hello, friends!

I got an email yesterday from a producer at TLC.  Seems that they are looking to “green” their show, My First Home.  They’re calling on us EcoBrokers, and our educated clients, since we’re specifically trained in sustainability and energy efficiency.   

But it’s not as easy as just signing up.  First, I need to pitch the scenario.  Then they choose which situations/buyers they find most interesting.  The selected buyers will not only be broadcast across the country, but will receive a free fully decorated room for their new house (furniture and all).    

So what does it take to be selected for this show?

“What we are looking for is this….

Interesting first time buyers whose story is compelling for some reason (or even that they are great TV characters!)… difficulties with mortgage, building inspection, decision-making.. who will be CLOSING (signing papers and moving in) on their first home purchase anywhere from July 30th to November 2nd. (We are currently casting our first shows… with folks who will be closing in the beginning of August.)

Our production crew would travel to you (we are based in Los Angeles) and spend one week on site, filming the closing as well as recreating other events (as they happened) with the realtor and his/her buyer(s)…. home visits, inspection, meeting with lenders, etc.

Preferably we like to cast couples (the dynamic is often better) but this is not essential, especially if the buyer will go on home visits with another friend or family member. We are always interested in presenting a diverse group of buyers… ethnically, economically and regionally… so we rule out nothing, although most of our buyers end up being in their 20s and 30s. And TLC is generally more interested in a single family home purchase, although we also do not rule out condos or trailers or anything else. In fact, we like the unusual.”

Okay, I know most of you reading this, and can honestly say (with pride) that each and every one of you is either interesting, dynamic, or unusual.  If you’re a first time buyer, and you’re up for a little fun and public humiliation, there should be nothing stopping you.  

I’ve already spoken to a few of you about this, and I’ll do my best to pitch each and every buyer that wants to try to get on this show.  I think it’s a great opportunity, and I’ll whatever I can to win you that free velour loveseat.

They’d like to hear from me in the next week.  Contact me if you’re interested, or if you know someone who would be.

Have a great weekend!
Samantha

Hello, friends!

What a whirlwind July has turned out to be!  Last time I checked, it was my birthday (June 17^th, for anyone marking a calendar), and now it’s July 13^th.  Friday the 13^th!    I’m not exactly superstitious (heck, I have two black cats)!  But for those of you who are, resist the desire to hide under your bed.  Rather, keep your chin up, break out the Jason movies, and make an ‘80’s night of it.

In the near distance, I hear the exasperated cuts of a circular saw.  It’s my neighbor.  We’re in the middle of a major kitchen remodel, and they are doing a lot of the work themselves.  I’m empathizing, as can any of you who’ve had a “smooth” project suddenly throw you a big wrench.

I have a big announcement to make, but I have to wait another couple of weeks before I can really announce it.  Just know that something’s brewing, and it will benefit any of you who will buy, sell, build, or remodel a house.

But for now, I’m back to my opens.  I’ll be in Nokomis this week, directly south of downtown.

4336 Oakland Avenue South, Nokomis  55407                 OPEN SUNDAY  7/15  1-3 p.m.
MLS 3365975
$299,900
3 BR/ 2 BA
1 car garage
2,321 finished square feet
Built in 1932
Radiator Heat
Hardwood Floors
Wood burning Fireplace

Cabin in the city!
Beautiful stone and stucco Tudor overlooking pond and wildlife in South Minneapolis.  Kitchen has been completely updated.  Don’t miss the Master Suite, complete with walk-in closets and private bath.  Main floor bath features noteworthy glass tile.  This home still retains its classic detailing, as seen in the cove molding, plaster details, fireplace, and hardwood floors.
Easy access to 35W, downtown Mpls, 48^th & Chicago, and Minnehaha Parkway.

Hope to see some of you this weekend.  Take care!
Samantha

Hello, friends!

You know that saying, “when it rains, it pours”?  That’s been pretty consistent both literally and figuratively these last two weeks.  It’s been so busy, I can’t even tell you what I had for dinner last night.  Oh, that’s right, I forgot to eat. 

But I did make time to venture to Brooklyn Park between appointments in Moundsview and Coon Rapids (Since when am I big in the ‘burbs?), to my favorite fabric warehouse, S.R.Harris!  For those of you who like to sew, you have to get out there.  1 million bolts of fabric all stacked in random order, 30 feet into the air.  It’s dust allergy city, so bring a hankie.  But you’ll find everything from Maharam modern patterns to fake fur to lycra spandex. 

My parents are coming to town next weekend for the first time in four years.  My mom is sweet, but very particular, especially when it comes to undone projects.  If you’ve seen my living room, it’s one enormous undone project.  I’m hoping I can fix that by making new pillows and recovering some chairs. There’s nothing like the scrutiny of an out-of-town Mom to get you in motion. 

I’ll be finishing up a “designed to sell” project this Saturday (I should’ve taken pictures!).
I’ll be in Longfellow on Sunday.  Check out this newly listed charmer!

3804 E. 36^th Street, Longfellow neighborhood
OPEN SUNDAY   6/10        1-3 p.m.

Come and see this beautiful Craftsman in the Longfellow neighborhood, smack in-between Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Location is ideal, just a block from Longfellow Park and near the 38^th St/ 42^nd Ave Business District (Riverview Theater!).  Six short blocks to the River means access to bike trails and people-watching year-round.  Nearby 38^th Street LRT gives you quick access to Downtown Mpls or the airport.

The house speaks for itself.  Much larger than it looks from outside, this home has every convenience you’re looking for, but still maintains its 1925 charm.  You’ve got to see it!

$314,900
MLS 3385707
1,628 fsf above ground
Unfinished, but clean and dry, lower level with expansion potential.
4 Bedrooms (3 up, main floor master)
2 full baths (1 up, 1 main)
Beautiful french pane windows flanking original brick, wood-burning fireplace.
Open plan kitchen with new cabinets, granite, and energy-efficient stainless steel appliances.
Breakfast bar for casual dining, perfect for entertaining.
Newly refinished hardwood floors throughout main.
New Low-E windows upstairs.
Brand new furnace, A/C, and water heater.
All work done by licensed contractors, and have the permits to prove it.
South-facing for great sunlight year-round.
Meticulously landscaped, with large, fenced backyard.

Hope to see you this weekend.  Take care!

Samantha

Hello, friends!

I’m sorry for my inconsistency over the past few weeks.  Honestly, I’ve been really busy (which is great!), but I haven’t been as diligent as usual about my emails.  I apologize if I’ve left anyone out in the cold.  Remodeling season is here, and I’ve been everywhere from Little Canada to Lakeville, helping people make progress creating their dream homes.  Good news: I think we’re making the Twin Cities a little more beautiful with every stop.

I’ve seen a growing interest in “green” building/remodeling, so I’m doing my best to stay on top of what’s new in the industry.  If you ever have any questions about a product for your project, shoot me an email and I’ll help however I can.

On a side note, did any of you Hennepin County residents buy a rain barrel/collector?  If you have one, I’m curious how that’s working for you.

Since it’s Easter, and family’s in town, I’ll only be out on Saturday.  This Nokomis house is gorgeous, and with the recent price drop, is begging for someone to buy it.  Maybe it should be you!

4242 25^th Avenue South, Standish-Ericsson (Nokomis) neighborhood
OPEN SATURDAY  4/7        1-3 p.m.

$304,900
3 BR/ 2 BA
Master Suite w/ bath and walk-in closet
Fireplace
1-car garage
1,970 above ground finished square feet
Extra-deep lot (40×170, that’s an extra 50 feet!)

Adorable Tudor priced to sell!
You may have visited me at this home a couple of months ago.  At that time, I was saying it was a great deal, just a few steps from Lake Hiawatha, Nokomis, and the trails.  You can even see Lake Hiawatha from the living room!  The lot itself is worth more because of the additional 2,000 square feet.  That’s a whole 1/3 larger than almost any other city lot.  It’s on a quiet one-way street.  The original details are still intact, from the beautiful fireplace to the dining room built-ins.  Sure, it could use a couple of updates in the kitchen and bath, but at this price, that’s affordable. 

My personal approach to real estate is that it’s all about the land.  Look for distinguishing features like lakeshore, amazing views, or huge lots.  Then, as long as the house isn’t falling down, you should secure that premium land at the lowest price you can.  You can work on updates as you can afford them.  But that’s just me being practical.  Oh, and did I mention that Tudors are the most popular style of house in the Twin Cities?

You should come by and see for yourself.  I’m pretty sure you’ll see it in a new light.

Take care!
Samantha