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The Rochester Roundtable

A blog about Real Estate, all that is Rochester, and the occasional random thought.
Foreclosure Prevention

If you or someone you know may be facing foreclosure, please follow the links below to learn more about what can be done to prevent it from happening.  The foreclosure rates in Minnesota have been steadily increasing in recent years, but there are resources available to help slow that machine down.

"One mortgage foreclosed for every 54 households in Minnesota from 2005-2007.
If 2008 foreclosure projections hold true, approximately 28,000 more
Minnesota mortgages will be foreclosed by the end of the year. This would translate
into one mortgage foreclosure occurring for every 31 households4 from the
beginning of 2005 to the end of 2008." - Minnesota Foreclosure Report (2008)


Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Key Facts

HOPE for Homeowners 2008

Foreclosure Counseling Services Map

Tips for Talking with Your Lender

Understanding Mortgage Workout Options

MN Foreclosure Timeline

Homeowner Rights During the Redemption Period

Rochester Area Remodelers Tour Oct. 18 & 19

Looking to get some ideas for a remodeling project you have on your mind?  From 10 AM to 5 PM, on both Saturday and Sunday, you can tour homes on the Remodelers Council 4th annual "Remodelers Tour."  Tickets are $5, can be purchased at all homes on the tour, and will allow you entry in to all the homes on the tour.  Have fun...take note of what you like and don't like...then let's talk about your home and what you have in mind.

Home Renovation Consulting

Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 12/14/07

There are currently 1115 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $235,244 and an average market time of 225 days.  18 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $202,076, an average SOLD price of $202,526 and an average market time of 73 days.  17 homes went sale pending, and 13 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 12/14/07.

Enjoy your weekend! 

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Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 12/07/07

There are currently 1134 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $235,199 and an average market time of 221 days.  41 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $205,994, an average SOLD price of $202,337 and an average market time of 135 days.  24 homes went sale pending, and 35 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 12/07/07.

Enjoy your weekend! 

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Single Story For Sale in Lake City

wfrontview

• 3,600 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® #2935918  

 -  Privacy will be yours in this wonderfully spacious, superbly maintained home, nestled on 6.5 wooded acres! There's a 21 x 30 main floor family room w/ fireplce that will have you never wanting to leave home again. The dining room and kitchen were made for entertaining the entire family, and include newer, matching appliances. And dining out back, while enjoying nature, will be a breeze as the deck is right off of the kitchen. The four bedrooms are all on the main floor, and have beautiful hardwood floors (the master has a huge walk-in closet!). The lowever level is completely finished with another family room, plenty of storage, and a game room (pool table optional!). Outside you'll find an additional 2.5 car, insulated, heated garage for all your toys! You won't be disappointed in this home!

Property information

Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 11/23/07

There are currently 1192 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $235,437 and an average market time of 211 days.  32 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $204,241, an average SOLD price of $190,202 and an average market time of 133 days.  14 homes went sale pending, and 17 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 11/23/07.

 A few weeks ago, there were just over 900 homes currently listed.  The number has gone up significantly.  Sellers...it might be time to consider a price reduction, if you want your home to sell before the Spring thaw, especially if your Realtor's been advising that you need to do so.  Buyers....give me a call, it's a great time to buy and you've got plenty to choose from.

Enjoy your weekend! 

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Great news! Rochester is Minnesota's Most Affordable City

Apparently, "Business Week" magazine has released a new survey that reports Rochester offers the most affordable homes in the state.  If you don't believe it, watch the news report on KAALtv.com.  I've tried to locate the survey on-line, but haven't had any luck, as of yet!  See?  It's not all doom and gloom in the real estate world.  Rochester is its own market...remember this tonight when you're watching the nightly news. 

It's nice to see the media actually report a positive story in regards to the housing market.  Thanks, KAAL.

 

Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 11/09/07

There are currently 922 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $215,068 and an average market time of 171 days.  34 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $188,290, an average SOLD price of $181,859 and an average market time of 137 days.  20 homes went sale pending, and 4 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 11/09/07.

 Have a great weekend!  

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Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 11/02/07

There are currently 917 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $216,272 and an average market time of 169 days.  52 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $171,412, an average SOLD price of $166,919 and an average market time of 109 days.  29 homes went sale pending, and 47 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 11/02/07.

 Have a great week!  

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After leaving the closing table, is it time to say goodbye?

I read a blog post today that really struck home with me (yes, I'm a blog reader...in fact, I know I read too much, and don't write enough, but I'm working on it!).  Vicki Moore at Agent Genius described perfectly a situation I find myself in often. 

While working with clients, I often get quite attached to them.  It doesn't always happen, of course, but I can honestly say that it happens more often than not.  I learn about them, their families, their pets (a mutual love of dogs is always a bonding moment!) and their lifestyles.  I listen to their stories, their wants & needs, and spend hours in their company while looking at houses...searching for the right one, the one that will be their home.

If I'm not given the opportunity (yes, it's an opportunity...not a burden) to drive them around town while house hunting, I miss out on getting to know them...and I love to get to know people.  I love learning new things, and hearing about other people's experiences is a great way to do that (the 10 minutes in between houses is a great time learn more!).  And sharing what I know about real estate, especially with first time buyers, is always a great way to spend the drive time between houses.  Can you understand why I get disappointed when, for whatever reason, my clients are following behind, rather than riding along?

So, we've spent a week, a month, or even a year (it happens!) looking for & pursuing the right home, and now we're sitting at the closing table.  It's a happy day, of course, but sometimes it's bittersweet for me because I know that after today (until the next time you need to buy or sell), I no longer fill a need for you.  Sure, you may call with a question or two (do you know a good roofing guy?), but for the most part, like Vicki wrote in her post....I'm no longer a part of your day to day life, and it can be a little disconcerting.  Unless, of course, we've become friends throughout the process, which thankfully, quite often happens.

I like staying in contact with most (like 99.9%) of my clients (yes, there are a few that I have the same fondness for as I do a distant relative...they're distant for a reason, right?) , and can happily say that I've become friends with many of them.  So, even though they're happily situated in their new home, I can call them up just because I want a chat, or a lunch date.  And that is one of the great perks of my job.  So, thankfully, leaving the closing table doesn't always mean "goodbye."

Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 10/29/07

There are currently 944 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $219,615 and an average market time of 161 days.  38 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $164,339 an average SOLD price of $160,115 and an average market time of 121 days.  48 homes went sale pending, and 19 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 10/26/07.

The average days on market is creeping up slightly, but this isn't a surprise, given that we're coming in to Fall...and the Holidays (Yes, Christmas will be here all too soon!).  We had a nice increase in homes that went sale pending, though...so hopefully it means that Sellers are beginning to come to terms with the current market conditions, and are making appropriate adjustments to their asking prices.

 Have a great week!  

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Cardboard Box City - Friday, October 20th at Soldier's Field

In an effort to raise awareness and money for the organizations that support and house the homeless in Rochester, Soldier's Field will be home, temporarily, to Cardboard Box City.  For one night, Rochester citizens are invited to stay in Cardboard Box City (in either a box or tent, which you bring along) to help the estimated 200 homeless people in the Rochester area that find themselves without shelter on any given night.  The local organizations (the Dorothy Day House & the Interfaith Hospitality Network) that currently provide food and shelter to anywhere between 15 and 37 people per night, are hopeful that Rochester will continue to support their efforts, by spending the night in Cardboard Box City, and by collecting "rent."  The money donated to the event will be used by the Dorothy Day House, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, and the Salvation Army to continue their mission of helping our homeless Rochester citizens.  Learn more about Cardboard Box City.

Donations and/or pledges may be sent to:

Joanne Markee
811 7th St. NW
Rochester, MN  55901

Please make checks payable to IHN of Greater Rochester.

Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 10/05/07

There are currently 979 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $218,340 and an average market time of 148 days.  46 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $173,467 an average SOLD price of $169,686 and an average market time of 118 days.  22 homes went sale pending, and 28 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 10/05/07.

 Have a great weekend! 

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ARTStoberfest! The Art Walk

I received this announcement from the Rochester Downtown Alliance this morning.  I haven't been able to attend the Art Walk for the past few years, so I'm looking forward to going tonight.  I used to fancy myself as something of an artist, back in college when I would sit at the liquor store I worked at, drawing portraits of my customer's kids.  I entered one of my drawings in an art show once, but didn't even get a nod from the academy, so to speak...it was so disheartening!   Anyway, I've always had an appreciation for art, so I'll be going down to see what I can see!

 

The 5th Annual ARTStoberfest gets in full swing beginning October 4th, downtown on 1st Avenue from 4-7pm.   Help celebrate the ARTStober Kick Off! Meet local artists, see live entertainment and enjoy food and drinks. There is something for everyone and best of all... it's FREE!


The Art Walk

Bring the family and celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of the ARTS in our community during the Art Walk beginning at 7pm on October 4th. Galleries, studios, restaurants and stores are opening their doors for your chance to take a closer look! They will stay open until 10pm for your mingling pleasure. And that's not all... check out the skyway art contest and our many surprise Aart Attacks throughout the month along with those previously scheduled by local art groups. Get involved, join the fun and support our local ART!

For more information on ARTStober!

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Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors Market Statistics Report 9/14/07

There are currently 951 homes for sale in the City of Rochester, with an average list price of $215,792 and an average market time of 138 days.  17 home sales closed in the past week, with an average list price of $170,606 an average SOLD price of $166,323 and an average market time of 64 days.  35 homes went sale pending, and 9 homes expired off the market.  For more information on the current market in Rochester, read the entire report for the week ending 9/14/07.

 Have a great weekend!

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