Market Watch for January

Greetings! Winter has arrived (sort of) in Minnesota. By that I mean it is colder than blazes! This is making the ice fishing fraternity very happy - but the snowmobiling crowd is still facing some pretty tough sledding (mainly because we have NO SNOW!). Crazy.

Of course we still have the Super Bowl to look forward to - and taxes don't need to be done for a while. All in all it is the PERFECT time to stay inside and start planning for a home upgrade, or downsizing, or the perfect lake spot! (Remember - those perfect lake spots can do wonders for ice fishing as well!!)

Granted, the market is calmer than it was a couple of years ago but nice properties are bringing a respectable price for sellers - and interest rates are ridiculously low for buyers!

And here is one more tidbit I want to share: I have been working hard on putting together a set of websites to serve both the Fergus Falls real estate market as well as the greater Otter Tail County area. In addition, I have a website designed to specifically serve the needs of those interested in lake properties!

Here are the sites: FergusFallsRealEstate.com, OtterTailHomes.com, and OtterTailLakes.com. Check them out. And, please, if you have any suggestions to better serve your needs just drop a line. I would love to hear from you!

In closing, yes, it is cold enough for me - you need not ask! Cheers!!

Life After the Tax Credit

The tax credits offered by the IRS for new and existing home buyers have expired as of April 30, 2010. All I can say is, 'WOW, what a run we had on home sales!!'

The response to this program was simply phenomenal. I have never before witnessed any type of tax incentive that has had so much positive outreach to so many people. The program literally changed lives for the better in countless situations. I am sincerely honored to have been a part of this amazing economic recovery boost. To witness first-hand the elation - the tears of joy - home buyers expressed as they realized their dreams is something that will always remain with me.

What is the future of the home buyer tax credit? The future remains uncertain at this time. It may well be the program has run its course. If there is any breaking news, I will be certain to report it right hear at my blog, my REAL blog, for Fergus Falls REAL Estate.

In the meantime, it appears the economy is starting to move forward in our neck of the woods. There is evidence of home buyer demand. There are some great, great properties on the market, and interest rates are amazing.

Thinking of buying a new home . . . or selling your existing home? We need to talk! Give me a call at your earliest convenience for all the real estate news you can use!!

Stay tuned -

Jon Drews, Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc. in Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County.
(218) 770 - 3500
www.FergusFallsRealEstate.com

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