Ah, to be a 'first-time' home buyer in 2009!! What a wonderful, wonderful opportunity. Did you know any person that has not owned a home in the last three years may qualify for a tax refund up to $8,000? It is true!
There are certain income limits and rules related to home occupancy but - in a nutshell - a qualified buyer could get a 10% tax refund on the purchase of a primary residence - not to exceed $8,000 maximum.
To illustrate: Purchase a $50,000 home and get $5,000 back. Purchase an $80,000 home and get the maximum of $8,000 back. Purchase a $125,000 home and receive the maximum - $8,000.
This is a great, great deal! Not certain if you qualify? Call me and we'll find out!
Take care -
Jon Drews
Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista
(218) 770 35000
Monday, June 15, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Minnesota Evening
I always enjoy visiting with folks from around the country regarding my living in Minnesota. People usually ask, 'How can you stand the winters?' It is true; winters can be a little tough sometimes. After nearly 50 years I still haven't gotten quite used to the -100 degree wind chills . . .
But seriously, one Minnesota, moon-lit evening whilst drawing warmth from a lake-side camp fire - loon-song drifting through the stillness . . . Trust me, enduring a little winter chill is WELL worth the exchange.
Minnesota summers are like nothing else - they explode on the senses. You can feel them, you can see them, you can hear them, you can taste them, and you can smell them.
Breathe deep the sweet, fragrant bouquet of fresh-cut hay whisping through a June evening. Witness the healing glow of a lake-view sunset. Nibble some fresh-picked strawberries, feel the sugar sand between your toes, and hear your own restful sigh as you discover this place - YOUR place - in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Take care –
Jon
Associate Broker, Century 21 Vista, Inc.
www.C21Vista.com
But seriously, one Minnesota, moon-lit evening whilst drawing warmth from a lake-side camp fire - loon-song drifting through the stillness . . . Trust me, enduring a little winter chill is WELL worth the exchange.
Minnesota summers are like nothing else - they explode on the senses. You can feel them, you can see them, you can hear them, you can taste them, and you can smell them.
Breathe deep the sweet, fragrant bouquet of fresh-cut hay whisping through a June evening. Witness the healing glow of a lake-view sunset. Nibble some fresh-picked strawberries, feel the sugar sand between your toes, and hear your own restful sigh as you discover this place - YOUR place - in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Take care –
Jon
Associate Broker, Century 21 Vista, Inc.
www.C21Vista.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The 'REAL' in REAL ESTATE
I have lost track of the times a friend has shared with me, 'Buying this property was the smartest thing I ever did!' I believe my father-in-law says it best when he observes, 'Buying land is smart because they are not making anymore.' For whatever reason I can relate to that.
Indeed, there is nothing more 'REAL' than real estate. Our homes - they are where we live and where we gather and share with family and friends. Lake homes and vacation homes represent escapes from our fast-paced lives. Hunting woods! Ah, for the memories and friendships. And what about the 'family farm'? I am from a farming background. I can understand the bond that develops between individuals and families and generations . . . and land.
Are you considering purchasing your first 'home' in the near future? Do you need to find a new 'home' that best serves your current needs? Are you thinking about selling your 'home' or the 'family farm' and desire the matter to be handled with the respect it deserves? Call me today. I'd like to visit with you regarding your plans!
Jon Drews
Associate Broker
Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Fergus Falls MN
(218) 770 - 3500
Indeed, there is nothing more 'REAL' than real estate. Our homes - they are where we live and where we gather and share with family and friends. Lake homes and vacation homes represent escapes from our fast-paced lives. Hunting woods! Ah, for the memories and friendships. And what about the 'family farm'? I am from a farming background. I can understand the bond that develops between individuals and families and generations . . . and land.
Are you considering purchasing your first 'home' in the near future? Do you need to find a new 'home' that best serves your current needs? Are you thinking about selling your 'home' or the 'family farm' and desire the matter to be handled with the respect it deserves? Call me today. I'd like to visit with you regarding your plans!
Jon Drews
Associate Broker
Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Fergus Falls MN
(218) 770 - 3500
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memorial Day 2009
THIS IS IT!! Memorial Day Weekend 2009! This weekend is typically hailed as the start of summer. Graduations, sunshine, fishing, golfing, boating - and a host of fabulous outdoor activities. Otter Tail County explodes with life - typically on this weekend. There is probably no finer place to be than in Minnesota on Memorial Day Weekend.
But as we are roaring into high gear for a summer of endless adventure let's also pause to reflect on the true heart and soul of Memorial Day. My hope is for each of us to pay tribute to our nation's freedom and resolve by remembering those who have died in service to our great country.
This is Memorial Day Weekend - the 'unofficial' start of summer, a rite of passage for area graduates, it is a time for walleye fishing and sharing stories around camp fires and, most importantly, a time to remember.
Stay safe, live well, and always . . . remember.
Jon Drews, Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
But as we are roaring into high gear for a summer of endless adventure let's also pause to reflect on the true heart and soul of Memorial Day. My hope is for each of us to pay tribute to our nation's freedom and resolve by remembering those who have died in service to our great country.
This is Memorial Day Weekend - the 'unofficial' start of summer, a rite of passage for area graduates, it is a time for walleye fishing and sharing stories around camp fires and, most importantly, a time to remember.
Stay safe, live well, and always . . . remember.
Jon Drews, Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Property Bargains?
Yes, indeed! There are bargains to be had for property buyers in our current market - and NOW is the prime opportunity to explore what is available. ESPECIALLY with the amazingly low interest rates being offered on financing.
To assist real estate shoppers, I have designed my primary website, www.SearchFergusFalls.com, so that foreclosed property searches can be conducted from the main page.
In addition, I have included a number of customized searches that are drawn straight from our regional MLS (multiple listing service) data base. The information is ALWAYS current and ALWAYS available.
Check it out - it is a GREAT way to become informed in the both the Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County regional real estate markets.
Have a super weekend!
Jon Drews - Associate Broker for Century 21 Vista, Inc.
To assist real estate shoppers, I have designed my primary website, www.SearchFergusFalls.com, so that foreclosed property searches can be conducted from the main page.
In addition, I have included a number of customized searches that are drawn straight from our regional MLS (multiple listing service) data base. The information is ALWAYS current and ALWAYS available.
Check it out - it is a GREAT way to become informed in the both the Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County regional real estate markets.
Have a super weekend!
Jon Drews - Associate Broker for Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cabin Fever?
It happens every year to most folks up here in Minnesota: Cabin Fever. It is marked in part by the absence of friends and neighbors as they make their annual break for sunshine and sandy beaches. Upon returning, these people are tanned and content - knowing there are places on the planet that still offer warmth. Additionally, they know - once we get to February - winter WILL be coming to an end eventually. The longer periods of daily sunlight and the warmth of sunshine entering our homes, they both bring hope.
In addition to taking vacations to escape the cold, another past-time includes dreaming - and planning - for great summer adventures. There is not another place on the planet that can exceed the beauty and splendor of our Minnesota lakes in their summer glory. If there are thoughts of a new lake home or get-away in your future, NOW is the time to start doing your dreaming - and research!
On-line real estate information is very much available. Grab a cup of coffee and surf some properties - all from the comfort of your home. I offer a website to do just that: http://www.searchfergusfalls.com/. It is a very easy site to use - with no hassles. You can search all properties listed in our area - and I don't ask for names or emails to do so.
Just use the site and search - relax and have fun dreaming. In addition, I have created custom searches if you only want to look for lake homes or lake lots or hunting land. Check it out - enjoy! If you find something you like, drop a line. I'm here to help you when you are ready.
Jon Drews - Associate Broker, Century 21 Vista, Inc.
In addition to taking vacations to escape the cold, another past-time includes dreaming - and planning - for great summer adventures. There is not another place on the planet that can exceed the beauty and splendor of our Minnesota lakes in their summer glory. If there are thoughts of a new lake home or get-away in your future, NOW is the time to start doing your dreaming - and research!
On-line real estate information is very much available. Grab a cup of coffee and surf some properties - all from the comfort of your home. I offer a website to do just that: http://www.searchfergusfalls.com/. It is a very easy site to use - with no hassles. You can search all properties listed in our area - and I don't ask for names or emails to do so.
Just use the site and search - relax and have fun dreaming. In addition, I have created custom searches if you only want to look for lake homes or lake lots or hunting land. Check it out - enjoy! If you find something you like, drop a line. I'm here to help you when you are ready.
Jon Drews - Associate Broker, Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The time is now
Things are looking up!
Greetings! Do you know what my first piece of advice is for folks interested in buying or selling real estate in Otter Tail County? Just this: Turn off the TV, stop reading the newspaper.
Thankfully, our local economy is doing much, much better than what we see nationally. Yes, we have some challenges. Yes, a person needs to be careful with spending.
However, the purchase of a new home – with energy-efficient features – or a downsizing from a current home might be exactly what is needed to bring about greater financial security in your own situation.
The REAL PLUS is interest rates are ridiculously low. Combined with the fantastic selection of properties currently available I can only ask: What are you waiting for!?!
The opportunities available in the current real estate market are not going to last. If ever there was a time to make a wise real estate move, the time is NOW!
Until next time –
Jon Drews
Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Greetings! Do you know what my first piece of advice is for folks interested in buying or selling real estate in Otter Tail County? Just this: Turn off the TV, stop reading the newspaper.
Thankfully, our local economy is doing much, much better than what we see nationally. Yes, we have some challenges. Yes, a person needs to be careful with spending.
However, the purchase of a new home – with energy-efficient features – or a downsizing from a current home might be exactly what is needed to bring about greater financial security in your own situation.
The REAL PLUS is interest rates are ridiculously low. Combined with the fantastic selection of properties currently available I can only ask: What are you waiting for!?!
The opportunities available in the current real estate market are not going to last. If ever there was a time to make a wise real estate move, the time is NOW!
Until next time –
Jon Drews
Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Diary of a Fergus Falls Snow Shoveler
December 8: 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our coffee and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow - covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a lovelier place in the whole world? Moving here from Arizona was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a kid again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snow plow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry; we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought an SUV. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like sin. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of this flaky crud last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Wretched snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're sold out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the miserable crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today but the blowing wind made 4 foot drifts in the driveway. I can’t stand it. The city sent me a bill for $150 to remove my snow. They must be nuts. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she...nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow that I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the bugger who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his nose. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy standing on the front steps watching for the snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches fell tonight. Snowed in - again. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate snow! The snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I whacked him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's insane. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to commit myself.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.
December 28: Warmed up to above -25. Still snowed in. The wife is driving me crazy!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. How stupid does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The SUV is buried. The snow plow driver is suing me for the bump on his head. The wife took a flight home to her mother. Another 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. Burned the shovel too. No more shoveling. Started walking back to Arizona – in my slippers and robe.
January 8: Where am I? I feel so good. There is a picture of a tropical island hanging over my window. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry; we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought an SUV. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like sin. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of this flaky crud last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Wretched snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're sold out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the miserable crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today but the blowing wind made 4 foot drifts in the driveway. I can’t stand it. The city sent me a bill for $150 to remove my snow. They must be nuts. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she...nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow that I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the bugger who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his nose. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy standing on the front steps watching for the snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches fell tonight. Snowed in - again. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate snow! The snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I whacked him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's insane. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to commit myself.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.
December 28: Warmed up to above -25. Still snowed in. The wife is driving me crazy!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. How stupid does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The SUV is buried. The snow plow driver is suing me for the bump on his head. The wife took a flight home to her mother. Another 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. Burned the shovel too. No more shoveling. Started walking back to Arizona – in my slippers and robe.
January 8: Where am I? I feel so good. There is a picture of a tropical island hanging over my window. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
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