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!!

‘Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs . . .’ *

Spring has arrived in Minnesota – and ‘everywhere there’s signs’!!

I was listening to my favorite radio station when the commentator asked: ‘What marks the arrival of spring for you?’ I guess some folks had posted comments at the station’s website that varied from hearing Spring Peepers to getting the urge to hunt for Morel Mushrooms. Hmmm . . . mushrooms and toads . . . Not exactly what I had in mind. And so it became my challenge: to frame the ‘arrival of Spring’ in my own mind . . . and my own words.

I turned the radio off. I was focused. I was in search of . . . Spring! In just moments the silence was sliced with the haunting cry of a warp-drive Wood Duck. Truly a sign of Spring!

A short while later - reflecting in our living room and mesmerized by the setting sun – I realized it was getting close to 8:00 PM . . . and the sun was just setting. Another sign of Spring – more daylight!

The next morning – on a pre-dawn road trip – a deer chose to launch itself across the highway not much beyond my front bumper. With my left foot frantically pumping the breaks - and white knuckles - I realized I nearly broadsided this most recent ‘arrival of Spring’.

At sunrise I’m dodging down a township road. The coffee I’m trying to sip splashes up on my nose. It is a typical gravel road - but with an abundance of frost boils. Notes of Spring have struck a chord with the roads - and they are unable to contain themselves. Note to self: make appointment with mechanic. Spring has just sprung . . . my front-end alignment.

Seconds later the adjacent fence line is flickering with the dazzle of electric Blue Birds. Zigzagging Mourning Doves and streaming Wood Ducks cutting through the morning light at the pasture’s edge. On a near, oak-capped hillside is a strutting Tom Turkey. Wow! All these ‘signs of Spring’! How will I possibly frame the ‘arrival of Spring’ when there is no canvas large enough to contain it?

Spring’s arrival is winter’s celebrated departure, life’s renewal, and the resurgence of hope.

As season’s come and go – and winter’s bridge ascends, I again find myself feeling outward beyond that frozen realm. Winter silence, chilled landscapes, ice-blue daylight fleeting – vaporized by the most radiant of seasons. I know – as do all living things – I stand at the garden gate. I recall youthful energies. I reaffirm my dreams. My senses are full and I am delighted. All I see, taste, feel, smell, and hear are consumed and still I am unable to comprehend the marvelous arrival of Spring.

Longing for your own slice of Springtime in Minnesota? Call me today!

* lyrics by The Five Man Electrical Band

History repeats itself

The hibernation is over! It is time for our senses to be stirred with spring’s much awaited arrival!

Once again we are at the cusp of warmer weather – which, by no great coincidence, will be ushering the way to another year of brisk real estate sales! (Woo-hooo!)

I worked hard this past year with buyers and sellers – and we were able to put together a number of mutually beneficial property transactions. When the season chilled with winter's arrival - and the real estate market drifted into slumber - I managed to ‘invest’ a little time (quite a little) on our frozen Otter Tail County lakes and enjoyed some very good hard water fishing! (Which reminds me: If anyone would be interested in a brief snorkel dive this summer in search of my lost glasses, feel free to drop a line! I know exactly where they are as I marked an ‘X’ on the ice.)

But back to business: Assisting customers and providing quality service to clients is my primary focus in real estate. That said, I was very honored when I received the ‘Century 21 Quality Service Award’ this last year! The recognition is based on the responses and feedback of my clients and customers! Thank you - one and all - for your support and kind comments!! Heading into the 2011 sales season my commitment remains firm: Leading with Service – every day, every transaction, and every individual.

But wait – there is more!! I have just launched three new websites!! Again, I owe thanks to my customers and clients (as well as one of the best web designers in the world). I am always seeking ways to better serve folks with their real estate needs – and the people have spoken – and I have listened! The result is three brand-new custom websites as follows:

www.realestatefergusfalls.com – this website is specifically designed to serve the needs of individuals with buying and selling interests specific to the Fergus Falls community.

www.realestateottertail.com – this website is specifically designed to provide information and property listings within the greater Otter Tail County area.

www.ottertaillakes.com – this is perhaps my favorite new site! This site provides a summary of lakeshore residential properties and waterfront currently available for sale in our area. Plus, I have included links to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ‘LakeFinder’ service for all listed lakes located in the greater Otter Tail County region. This website provides not only current lake property listings but also information specific to the lake!!

Looking for a great Walleye lake? NO problem!! How about great sand and super water clarity? You can do all your research at www.ottertaillakes.com. Check it out! A note to lake property sellers: Are you seeing what this marketing opportunity can do to give your listing greater, real-world exposure? (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)

Take a moment to review the above three websites. They are designed for anyone interested in Otter Tail County and Fergus Falls real estate. If there is information you cannot find at one of my websites . . . it is probably because you don’t need it! (just kidding . . . sort of). As always, if you have suggestions to make these great sites even more amazing feel free to drop a line!! Thanks again!

Now, LET’S GET MOVING – before all the great real estate deals are gone!!

Questions and Answers

Hi there! It has been too long since my last post but, wow, I have been busy selling houses!!

I didn't really know how busy I had been until my Broker shared with me that I am among Century 21's top ten agents for the state of Minnesota!! I am most grateful for the opportunities - and challenges - that have been set before me. That said, it is not where we are that matters, it is where we are headed! Where am I headed? My goal will be for tomorrow what it is today and has been yesterday. My goal is unwavering: to provide the best possible service to every client and customer I meet.

This is my pledge to you: I will take the time to listen to your real estate needs. I will offer specific suggestions that fit your real estate situation. I live and breath real estate. I stay current on the 'big picture' issues. I do so to better serve my clients and customers.

You know, the news on the housing market - at a national level - is pretty bleak. Our local market has been effected as well, but we are hanging in there! I know plenty of people that have been forced to make major life changes - rough patches. Again, it is not where we are at, it is where we are headed.

For those that are struggling in the housing market: HANG IN THERE!! Can I help? Please contact me right now - I'm betting if we put our heads together, we can find a solution.

As I started mentioning in the introduction of this post - yes, I have been selling homes - making things happen - helping folks chart courses for a brighter future.

Do you have questions regarding your personal housing situation - or general questions related to the housing market? Drop a line!! Over the next few posts I am going to be taking questions - and offering guidance.

Looking forward to hearing from you! I can be reached at: jondrews@century21vista.com

Until then, MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!

Jon Drews, Associate Broker with Century 21 Vista, Inc. in Fergus Falls MN.

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

Wild about Minnesota

I was traveling between Fergus Falls and Elbow Lake the other day and happened upon a fellow parked along the highway. At first I thought it might have been vehicle trouble but as I approached I could see someone leaning on the hood of his truck. He was glassing a distant slope with his binoculars. I was curious.

I slowed down to scan the landscape. A frozen lake sprawled across the foreground with some characteristic bulrush and wooded bank breaking far across the distant shoreline. There are on a secluded hillside I spotted the subject of interest: a mature coyote. This one was a grand animal – full bodied, defiant, wild, free - and on high alert. At that moment it was difficult to determine who had taken the greater interest in this match-up.

Even from across the ice-capped lake I could feel the heated intensity of the untamed dog’s piercing gaze. Coyote have become plentiful in this area and, for the most part, are not greatly appreciated. Coyotes are wild animals, and they can be very ruthless. It is the nature of the wild and coyote are passionately true to their nature. If the ‘wild’ had a face it would be the face of a coyote.

Regardless of how people feel towards coyote, few animals can stir my senses like this rouge predator can. Their wailing cries slash the inky-deep stillness of the Minnesota twilight. Haunting howls from distant corners search for camaraderie. Persistence pays off for the coyote as evidenced by a returning cry. And then another . . . and another. The calls can be heard from all directions and consume the senses with their soulful refrain. If the ‘wild’ had a voice, it would be the coyote’s voice.

Minnesota’s ‘wild’ is many things - and becomes much bigger than life in absence of things. It is as much the isolated timber tracts and unspoiled lakes as it is the absence of concrete, cell phones and traffic noise. There is nowhere else I can be that will heal so deeply as this. It is a re-birth of the senses. It is clarity of thought. My breath draws deeper. Color returns to my vision. I feel calm and connected.

My spirit cries out as if the coyote’s own calling. I understand my place and my purpose – and that of the coyote. Our passions – mine and the coyote – we see the land through one heart. It is here that we are free and defiant. It is here where we struggle and survive. It is here that we live and know peace.

Ramblings by Jon Drews, Broker Associate with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Get connected with Minnesota - call me today. (218) 770-3500
www.FergusFallsRealEstate.com

Tickity-tockity: Let's Beat the Clockity . . .

Home sales have been brisk the last couple of weeks as folks rush to take advantage of the tremendous home buyer tax credits that are presently available. This is an amazing opportunity but it is ending soon! As the deadline draws near it is great to see so many people able to act on the opportunity.

If you haven't already done so - and a home purchase is in your future - Let's Get Movin'!!

Call Now -

Jon Drews, Broker Associate with Century 21 Vista, Inc.
www.FergusFallsRealEstate.com
(218) 770-3500