Housing to drive economic growth (finally!)

The title of the article basically says it all: housing, which has been the scapegoat of the economy for the past 5 years, is now poised to “lift us out of the doldrums.”

Most of the article is the same stuff we’re heard a lot recently. Interest rates are lower than ever, prices are steadily rising, etc. But what’s adding even more fuel to the fire is the shortage of inventory in the marketplace--too much demand for housing, not enough properties to go around.

This of course drives new construction, which in turn creates more jobs and demand for appliances and general consumption.

This is GREAT news for people looking to sell their own homes. There’s more opportunity to list right now than there’s been in years which so few houses on the market.

Twin Cities' Central Corridor attracts $1.2 billion in real estate development

This week one of the more interesting articles regarding real estate in the Twin Cities comes from none other than Progressive Railroading, a site devoted to railroading professionals. Naturally. The Twin Cities’ Central Corridor light-rail route is scheduled to begin carrying passengers in 2014. The line, which runs west-east from Target Field Station to Downtown St. Paul, has attracted a lot of attention from developers.


Over $1.2 billion in developments are already underway, and in December the Metropolitan Council awarded development grants to continue “to spur job growth, housing and economic development along the corridor.”

This is great news for the real estate market in the metro Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Major upgrades like the Central Corridor can revitalize or add to a lot of area in a short amount of time.

Full Article Here

2013 Positive Outlook

The outlook for real estate in 2013 is positive, and these two articles are just a sample of the evidence. In November 2012, prices in the Twin Cites were up almost 17% from what they were the year before. Per the twincities.com article, “The median sale price for the entire Twin Cities' region was $173,000, up 16.9 percent from $148,000 a year ago.”


Even the national median, which takes into account markets not as strong as Minnesota's, is forecasting growth throughout 2013. This article from CNN points out the projected improvements, while providing a few simple pieces of advice for those looking to buy or sell their home.

Home prices are up, home sales are up, iterest rates are incredibly low and 2013 is looking even better than 2012 (which was a very strong year).

The important trend is making itself obvious: the real estate market is on the move again.

Twin Cities home prices, sales up in November
http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_22176168/twin-cities-real-estate-prices-sales-up-november


Real estate: Find opportunity next year
http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/01/real_estate/housing-outlook-2013.moneymag/index.html?iid=EL

Deed Scam



Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning consumers not to be duped by a company that’s offering homeowners copies of their property deeds for an exorbitant price - in some cases more than 40 times the price consumers would pay if they were to purchase the same copies themselves at their county offices.

The company, Deed Retrieval Department (which also does business as Deed Retrieval Services and Record Retrieval Department), has been sending Minnesota and Wisconsin homeowners letters that appear to be a bill for $87 from the U.S. government for a property deed. However, despite the fact that it looks official, it's not a bill nor is it from the U.S. government. The letter says, "Why do we believe you need a copy of your current Grant Deed and Property Profile? State Record Regulation Department recommends that all U.S. homeowners obtain a copy of their current Grant Deed." At the bottom, the letter states that the "product or service is not endorsed by any government agency." However, the BBB believes that consumers may overlook this fine print.

"In most cases, homeowners don't even need a copy of the deed to their home," said BBB President and CEO Dana Badgerow. "And if you want a copy, we advise against paying $87 to this firm or any other when you can get one for a fraction of that price from your local County Clerk's or Register of Deed’s office."

Letters from Deed Retrieval Department list an address in Champlin, Minnesota – which is a UPS Store. The company, operating under different names, also claims two additional addresses in Wisconsin; a Milwaukee address and a Madison address, both of which are UPS stores. It's likely that mail sent to any of these boxes is forwarded out of state. An alert has been added to the company's BBB Business Review, informing consumers about the BBB’s concerns regarding this company and their marketing tactics.

Consumers who receive questionable offers or have concerns about mailings that appear to be official or have governmental ties, are encouraged to contact the BBB at 1-800-646-6222.

HCPUNKREALTOR.COM is a proud sponsor of OUT OF STEP RADIO!!!
Out of Step is a podcast based in Minneapolis, MN that plays the best in punk, hardcore, garage, and all the other subgenres of punk rock. The show is an effort by volunteers who love the music and want to spread the word about awesome bands.

Out of Step started in 2000 on the Minneapolis college radio station, Radio K. In that time we've had hundreds of guest DJs and bands on the show including Off with Their Heads, Bodies Lay Broken, Dillinger 4, Banner Pilot, Getting Even, Soviettes, Goddamn Doo Wop Band, Pandamonium, Youth Brigade, Against Me, Hope You Choke, the Dwarves, Nobunny, Paul Collin's Beat, Regulations and tons more.

After 10 years on Radio K, the show moved to a podcast on July 3rd, 2011 to better be able to serve the punk rock audience near and far from Minneapolis and continue to promote punk rock music.

Go to http://outofstepradio.blogspot.com or the iTunes store to subscribe!

GRINDCORE SUNDAY!!! Tune into Radio K am770 this Sunday. I'll be guest DJing a one hour g-core set from 2-3.

10 Questions with Jason Aronen

Jason just turned 40! More 40 year olds should be active in the hardcore scene. He's been in many great bands over the years, was a long time extreme noise volunteer, show booker, etc. Recently he got popped in the eye while singing at a basement show. Sweet. (thanks for the photo Adam DeGross, and the Cro-Mags one too)

1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Northeast Minneapolis. NE is a great area that is close to everything and still has a nice quiet neighborhood feeling to it.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
It's a mid-century ranch style with a tuck-under garage. And has an amazing finished basement with tongue-in-groove knotty pine paneling, which makes it feel like you are in a cabin up north. The basement is what sold me on it.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
We bought just before getting married and my wife who did not own a house was able to take advantage of the tax rebate.

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
Most is the sense of pride that comes with owning a home. It's a great feeling knowing it's yours.
Least is that when something breaks you are the one to get it fixed.

5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
We were quite lucky with this house that all we have done are cosmetic changes like painting. It's in great shape. Our next big project is tearing up all the carpet because there are perfect hardwood floors underneath.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
I have been the singer in Anchor (I think we played 5 or 6 shows), Article 184 (only played a couple of shows), Killsadie, The Real Enemy, Bodies Lay Broken, Hope You Choke and currently Getting Even.

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Cro Mags last summer. Did a lot of stage dives at an age when I shouldn't.

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
I have sold a lot over the years and am down to more or less what I will always keep. All the Converge, American Nightmare and all the Rev youth crew stuff I will always hold onto.

9) What was the last great record you bought?
I mainly listen to a lot of comedy podcasts these days (comedy deathray, Pod F. Tompkast, Adam Carrola, Doug Loves Movies, etc) that takes up more space on my ipod. But I really like the new Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Blacklisted, Fucked Up, Integrity, Ceremony. I wish Cold World would put out another record.

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?
Look at a LOT of houses. It sounds weird, but you will know the house that is for you when you see it. But really look at a lot of them. Get a feel for what is out there. You may think you know what you want and then see some that will completely change your mind on what you like. And maybe Steve will have a 5 Star playlist for you to listen to while driving around.

Stupid Stuff I See in Houses that are for Sale.





I see so many ridiculous things in houses that I decided I need to start taking pictures and documenting them. From poor design decisions to embarrassing (or even illegal) things left out for all to see. I always tell clients, "looking at houses is fun, we'll see some crazy stuff."




Gross bathroom. As bad as this looks, believe me, the picture cannot fully convey the ickiness of this home. Kitchen was disgusting and the living room had a spot on the wall that looked like someone blew their head off with a shotgun. The home sold in multiple offers in one day.





This was actually an appealing feature - expose brick in a loft, but upon closer look... there was some graffiti





This property was listed as having a full basement - it just happened to be a gravel floor with a ceiling height of 3.5 feet.

Gravity furnaces are always a bit shocking - especially when covered with mold spores

Hard to tell what's going on here... This is a boiler (hot water heating system) that has had the copper pipes cut.

Nothing wrong with a Colt 45 neon sign - except that it's not plugged in!!!

10 Questions...

I'm going to post these mini-interviews with past clients from time to time. Let's start this week with two.

First up is Felix Havoc: Twin Cities Hardcore Legend. Besides his great bands, Felix been critically involved with the Twin Cities scene in nearly every capacity. He runs the essential Havoc Records and has booked many shows over the years - including the epic Thrashfests I - V.

1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Minneapolis, Standish Ericson. I chose to live near the light rail.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
A classic craftsman style bungalow.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
The end of bachelorhood.

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
Most-getting to fix up and decorate the house to exactly my tastes. The worst Minneapolis Property taxes.

5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
Whole house remodel! Nothing was untouched.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
Destroy, Code 13, Damage Deposit. vocals.

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Kakka Hata 77 at the Rathole

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
Bad Brains "ROIR" sessions. Discharge singles.

9) What was the last great record you bought?
Heratys s/t LP

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?
look really carefully, don't be suckered by a house that's been "remodeled" as often these are cosmetic changes covering bigger problems. Be leery of any house that changed hands during the housing boom as it might have been flipped with only cosmetic work and still needs major repairs beneath the surface. Try to find a classic well built home that hasn't been remodeled too much. If you must by a newer home, research the builder and talk to other people who bought homes from the same builder. A builders reputation good or bad can last for decades in a neighborhood.
You are better off paying more up front for a house in better condition, better location than trying to save money by buying something that needs a lot of work or is in a sketchy neighborhood. But if you DO want a project and buy a fixer upper, give me a call, as remodeling houses is what I do. I just see a lot of eager homeowners buy projects that are way bigger than they can handle. I've seen a lot of people start small and wind up spending more money on their "cheap" starter home in a marginal location than they could have spent on a turnkey deal uptown.

Great advice. Check out Felix's amazing work at http://www.metropolismn.com/ He does unbelievable work.

Next up, short answers from Tim Sieler. Tim plays guitar Ambassador Gun, killer death grind from Minneapolis. Check out the "when in hell" CD (available at Relapse.com). He also works at Humm's so say hi when you're in there.

1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Phillips/ Midtown. Close to downtown, uptown & campus.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
Two bedroom house.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
Just sick of paying rent. (& tax rebate)

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
No landlord is great, city taxes are not.

5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
Potentially finish the fence this summer.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
AMBASSADOR GUN, guitar & vox

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Weedeater & the T Rock

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
The Beatles Abbey Road

9) What was the last great record you bought?
Rotten Sound "Cycles"

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?

Be patient!

Bands I've Worked With...

The Action Slacks

Ambassador Gun

Amp 176

A Summary Execution

Attention

Autumn Leaves

Bellwether

Betty Gone Bad

Billingsgate

Bloodline

Bloodsport
Bodies Lay Broken

Bombsite

The Box Thieves

Cliffhanger

Code 13

Complete Waste

Condominium

Damage Deposit

The Deaf

Defect

Del Toro

Destroy

Dillinger Four

Dink

Dog Day

The Effigies
Elks

Flounder

Formaldehyde Junkies

Getting Even
The Great Depression

Killsadie

Half Fiction

The Hang Ups

Hello Lonely

High Steppin' Nickle Kids

A Hitchcock Blonde

Holding On

The Holy Ghostriders

The Hoolies

Hope You Choke

The Hot

Icepick

Kontrol Panel
The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group

Listen Up!

Martyr A.D.

Matt Marka

Menstrual Tramps

Model Children

Motion City Soundtrack

Naked Bob

Oswald Armageddon

Pandamonium

Pilot

The Real Enemy

Regret

Saddest Girls Story

SAUNA

Season of Fire

The Stereo

Stockpile

Strike Under

Strut and Shock

Three Minute Access

Teenage Remains

Trial By Fire
Unavowed

Western Curses
Working Classless

The Yoleus

It's Clobberin' Time!!! Jan 19th at The Triple Rock!


Pretty stoked for this show. I've seen Sick of it All 4 or 5 times over the years (starting in 1991) and honestly I probably wouldn't have gone if it was at a big club or a dumb metal club in St. Paul. The fact that this is at the Triple Rock is really awesome. Plus I really like the openers. I think Hope You Choke played with Outbreak years ago in a basement - sweet fast hc and Alpha Omega (though named after the worst Cro-Mags record) are really fucking great! Old dudes, show up early and watch some local old dudes. Young dudes, sorry, you can't cross over - you’re stuck with us. Awesome artwork done by past client, Bill Hauser

STAND UP AND SHOUT - What a house!

Ronnie James Dio's (RIP) house is up for sale. Of course, it's just as you'd imagine it - castle like, swords on the wall, English pub, AWESOME!

Just check out the agent's write up

Full of Grace and Old World charm this 5 BD/5BA 5,000 plus sqft English mansion was built w/custom original pieces taken from Europe. Features include 200 year old wood flrs from France, pub bar from the Kings Arms in Chiqwell Essex, England c. 1820 & custom stained antique windows from the 18th & 19th centuries. Spacious cooks kitchen w/all Viking & Meile products. Master BD w/ antique cathedral windows imported from England c. 1790, hand-painted Griffin wall paper as seen in Greystone Manor, 2 walk-in closets, hardwood flrs & master BA. Downstairs level includes a custom built music studio.

For a mere $3,333,000 it could be yours. Seems under-priced, clearly worth $3,666,000. Courtesy of Gibson International Real Estate, the agent Marko Babineau is my new realtor hero (i wonder if he has heavymetalrealtor.com registered?)

I still remember when I got the Holy Diver LP in the mail from Columbia House records. I had to hide the record afraid my parents would find it. And when a friend showed me how you could spell devil out of the Dio logo when it was upside down, I knew this was my kind of record.

Now or Later?

Interesting analysis... Borrower is concerned that home prices are not done falling. Assuming that the home drops $10,000 next year, but the rate increases - how does this impact the monthly payment?

Today:
Sale Price $250,000
Rate 4.375%
Payment $1,248

Next Year:
Sale Price $240,000
Rate 5.875%
Payment $1,420

With a $10,000 drop in price, the monthly payment will increase $172 per month or $2,064 per year!

Interest rates are ridiculous right now - it certainly doesn't seem like they could go down any further. Home pricing is mostly improving to flat, not even negative - this all adds up to a great time to buy.

Eight Year Anniversary

Hard to believe I've been at this for Eight Years now - time flies when you're having fun. Here are some more numbers.

200 - successful closings

25 - avg transactions per year

30 - most transactions in one year

3 - times I had thirty transactions in one year

5 - most transactions with one client

51,077,991 - total cost of the two hundred houses in dollars

4,598,296,168.68 - total cost in Japan Yen

255,389.96 - avg home cost per transaction

41 - cities I've had transaction in

70 - most transactions in one city (Minneapolis)

2 - states I'm licensed in (MN & WI)

1,061 - number of songs in my itunes library less than thirty seconds long

321 - different bands with less than thirty second songs

43 - most sub thirty second songs by the same band (Nasum)

0 - ideas for more goofy number listings

The $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is Extended!
· Now, qualified first-time home buyers would receive their $8000 tax credit if they sign a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.
· The home purchased must be their primary residence
· Buyer cannot have owned a home during the past three years
· Tax credit is up to 10% of the home value (not to exceed $8,000)
· Annual income caps to qualify for the tax credit have increased ($125K for single filers / $225K for joint filers). Partial tax credit can be granted for incomes up to $145K for single filers / $245K for joint filers.


PLUS New $6,500 Tax Credit for Current Home Owners Purchasing a Primary Residence
· Eligible home buyers must have lived in their current home for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 years.
· The new home does not have to cost more than the old home.
· Eligible for homes with purchase agreements signed between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010
· Annual income caps to qualify for the full tax credit are $125K for single filers / $225K for joint filers. Partial tax credit can be granted for incomes up to $145K for single filers / $245 for joint filers.

Buy a piece of Twin Cities Hardcore History Part 2!

You missed out on Jaysin's house in NE Mpls - someone with no idea of the hardcore significance swooped in and scooped it up. So now's your chance to keep Columbia Heights Hardcore. Jason Parker (and his wife Tracy) are selling their home and moving to Milwaukee. You probably now Jason from his many years of volunteering at Extreme Noise on Thursday nights, from hosting Out of Step on Radio K, from his days of putting out THD records or maybe, just maybe from his enormous dreadlocks that he had 20 years ago.

(this is Jason, but not at the house)

3827 Reservoir Blvd NE, Columbia Heights $204,900

Features

• Fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bath Columbia Heights home - truly move-in condition!
• Well maintained, stylishly painted & decorated throughout + many updates including: ceramic tile floors, copper piping, water heater, garage roof, carpet, chimney swept & duct work cleaned
• Mother-in-law apartment in the walkout lower level with its own kitchen and family room
• Large living room with cork floors, cove ceiling and access to dining room
• Good sized kitchen with new appliances, breakfast bar and plenty of cupboard and counter space
• 100 amp circuit breaker electric service, gas furnace and central air - both new 2002
• Large lot with tile patio, nicely landscaped w/ plants, shrubs & mature trees
• All appliances stay: 2 x refrigerator, 2 x stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer
• Attached garage accessible from kitchen plus additional off street parking
• Two bedrooms on the main floor, bedroom and nursery up, plus bathrooms on both main and lower levels
  

Additional HC Cred... Andy Hart of Holding On, The Real Enemy, Martyr AD and the Box Thieves lived in the mother-in-law apartment

Buy a piece of Twin Cities Hardcore / Punk History... sort of.

Jaysin - the original singer of Kill Sadie and Bodies Lay Broken and the only singer of The Real Enemy, Hope You Choke and Getting Even (so far) is selling his house!

It's a nice little house up in Northeast Mpls, on the hill near Audubon Park and it qualifies for the MPLS ADVANTAGE Program. Really, you'd be stupid not to buy it.

Features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, nice large yard for growing vegan treats, dining room, nice living room and a good sized kitchen. All appliances stay including the ideal refrigerator to support you breaking edge. New furnace 2009!

All this and so much more $140,000

I Want Free Money! I Want Free Money! I Want Free Money! I Want Free Money!




Attention first time home buyers - the government wants you to buy a home. What are they doing about it? How about an $8,000 credit on your taxes? If you owe $500 at the end of the year - you get $7,500 refund. If they owe you $500 at the end of the year - you get $8,500!

• Buy between January 1st 2009 and December 1st 2009
• Any type of home (condo, townhouse, single family home) - must be your primary residence
• Must make less than $75k a year as single person or $150k as a married couple - above that money still available, just less - up to $95k and $170k
• First time buyer is a first time purchaser OR someone who hasn't owned in 3 years
• No repayment if you own for 3 years (recaptured on sale if sold before 3 years)

Of course there is fine print and you should consult a tax professional - but this is a significant improvement over the plan previously approved.