Jeff Schulz: Planning Your Success in Waconia

Spacious Home For Sale in Young America

Jeff Schulz — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:22:00 GMT

Waconia Schools! 5 acres w/ pole shed

• 2,343 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $415,000

Young America, Norwood Young America - Waconia Schools! Premier Country setting. Completely Updated Home with beautiful 4 Season Porch providing Breathtaking Views year round. Spacious Bedrooms & Family Room to Entertain! 120x60' New Pole Shed with 15'x10' T&G Office. Home has a new roof. No Gravel. Truly A Must See!

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Financial Resources and Information For The Waconia Home Buyer

Jeff Schulz — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:26:00 GMT

The home owners tax credit that was extended into 2010 will be ending soon so if you are considering purchasing a home, keep this in mind. A valid purchase contract needs to be signed by April 30, 2010 to qualify for the credit. Most Waconia buyers will need to finance their home, so I've provided brief financial information to help get you started.

FHA Loans are subject to loan limits that are frequently updated. MortgageLoanPlace.com is a great resource for current information on FHA loans. The current FHA limit for Carver county for a single family home is $365,000. To view other counties please visit MortgageLoanPlace.com.

The United States government offers a number of benefits to its Armed Forces members and veterans for their service. One important example is the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, which helps veterans and active-duty personnel to purchase and retain homes. Because the Veterans Administration guarantees the loans, Active Duty, Reserve and Guard personnel can receive low-interest rate mortgages, often with little or no down payment required. By visiting the Department of Veterans Affairs website home loan section, you can obtain all of the necessary information to see if you qualify for a VA loan.

The Rural Development Loan Program is a good alternative for those needing to finance all of the loan. The major benefits are:

100% financing
Zero down payment and there is no minimum contribution required.
No limit on seller concessions or gift
No mortgage insurance required
30 year fixed rate only
Low interest rates, this is not a sub-prime mortgage
Flexible Credit Guidelines

Contact me, or visit USDA website for more information about this great financing option. If you need to determine loan amounts, mortgage qualification or affordability, visit my website to use the free mortgage calculator.

Open House in Waconia on Sunday

Jeff Schulz — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:07:00 GMT

Waconia, Carver County - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 440 E 1st St on March 7 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

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Single Story For Sale in Waconia

Jeff Schulz — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:56:00 GMT

• 1,550 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $169,900

Waconia, Carver County

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2009 Real Estate Activity Report for Twin Cities Area

Jeff Schulz — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:17:00 GMT

The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors recently released their Residential Real Estate Activity Report. The information below is taken from this and reflects information for 2009.

Last year, mortgage rates continued to decline and housing prices remained soft. Sales were also higher in the affordable price segments due to the first-time home buyer tax credit and increased lender-mediated sales. Also, total dollar volume was boosted by the increased number of transactions after declining over the last three years.

The average square foot of homes bought in 2009 declined slightly, which makes sense since there was a rise in 'affordable home' sales. The price per square foot of area home sales also declined.

Historical levels of lender-mediated activity are taking place in the Twin Cities housing market which is not surprising. Foreclosures and short sales are more likely to be single-family detached homes than they are townhouses or condos. Builders are waiting until the economy recovers before building new construction, so 2009 was slow for home builders in the Twin Cities.

Carver County had 406 total sales in 2009 and 146 of those were lender mediated. Only 47 of these homes were new construction. The average price of homes sold was $204,675 and the average days on the market until the home sold was 147. In 2008 the average sales price was $240,161 and in 2007 it was $256,979.

If you have any questions about this information, do not hesitate to give me a call.

Home Prices and Sales Statistics in Waconia and Surrounding Areas

Jeff Schulz — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:04:00 GMT

It's nice to know if home prices are going up or down in the nation, but most people want to know what is happening in their own back yard. Real estate is local and home owners want to know the value of their own home. I have gathered statistics provided by the Northstar MLS. The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and includes all homes and town houses listed on the MLS in the area stated.

Design Trends for 2010 From the NY International Gift Fair

Jeff Schulz — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:23:00 GMT

Designers, manufacturers and shop owners gather every year at the New York Gift Fair. Here are some design trends that are hot now.

Wall decals were everywhere! Basically these are a temporary form of wallpaper made into a design and stuck on the wall. They are relatively easy to put up and do not harm the walls when removed. They come in many designs from blossoming cherry trees, to race car tracks for a boy's bedroom to custom made decals.
The color brown was predominant again this year. But there were a lot of other bold colors as well. Orange was popular as was turquoise.
Lace inspired designs were prevalent. Examples of this include stoneware with a tapestry pattern and rubber coasters that look like lace doilies.
Nautical themed decor - such as an anchor rug by Jonathan Adler.

And speaking of Jonathan Adler, his new Junior line was a big hit. Adler is the king of happy-chic decor and his new children's collection consists of rugs, furniture, lighting and wallpaper featuring Adler's signature ceramic menagerie and fruit themes. This line is sure to inspire other designers to do the same.

Open House in Waconia on Sunday

Jeff Schulz — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:12:00 GMT

Waconia, Carver County - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 21 Alva Court on February 21 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

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Churches in the Waconia Area Offer Many Options

Jeff Schulz — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:07:00 GMT

When searching for a Waconia home to buy it is important you also take note of what the community has to offer. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence. Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are. This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods. Are there parks nearby? Is it scenic and visually appealing? What is the proximity to schools? Are there community events or organizations?

If you are a churchgoer it is also important to look at what churches are in close proximity. Below is a list of churches in Waconia.

Promise Community Church - 141 Depot Drive - is a Christian church that provides uplifting worship, biblical preaching and a fun children's ministry. They meet at 10am on Sunday
St Joseph's Catholic Church and School - 41 E 1st St - is a Catholic church located in downtown Waconia and serves the spiritual needs of their parish family marking important milestones throughout their lives. They meet Saturday nights at 5:15 and Sunday at 8:30am.
Trinity Lutheran Church and School - 601 E 2nd St - is a community of believers where all members are reaching out in love to others and maturing as disciples with a commitment to Christ. They meet Saturday nights at 5:30 for a casual, traditional service and Sunday mornings at 8:15 for traditional service as well as 10:45am for contemporary service.
Parkside Church - 9560 Paradise Lane - is a Christian church on a journey to know Jesus Christ and to help others get to know Him. They meet Sunday mornings at 10:00am
Oakwood Community Church - meets at the Waconia High school at 9am and 10:30am on Sunday mornings. The purpose of Oakwood Community Church is to honor God by leading People to Christ and developing mature followers of Christ.

Each church listed has websites that gives more, in depth information about the ministries they offer. We encourage potential buyers who are interested in attending church look at all Waconia has to offer. If you need further help please contact me.

Living on Lake Waconia Is Now Possible!

Jeff Schulz — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:11:00 GMT

How would you like to live at the end of this blue arrow, waking up every morning to the view of a magnificent 3,000 acre lake. If you lived at 1240 Waconia Parkway North, you could. The natural beauty of Lake Waconia is a constant source of joy and inspiration. It is the second largest lake in the Metro and one of the cleanest in the area. Sailors, windsurfers, boaters and fisherman flock here and now is your chance to purchase a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Owning a gorgeous home on Wagener's Bay is a rare opportunity.

During the summer you can enjoy swimming and picnicing on the facilities provided by Lake Waconia Regional Park. In the winter this cozy lake community morphs into life sized snow globe scenes. The lake freezes and the ice fishermen arrive. Thousands of ice-fishing houses are erected while fisherman catch crappie, pike and walleye. The lake also becomes a winter wonderland for snowmobile riders and cross country skiers.

Sugarbush Park is located on Waconia Parkway as well. This 4 acre park has play equipment, a ball field and trails. The charm of small town life is prevalent in a city only 30 miles from Minneapolis. It is no surprise the community continues to grow.

Stunning Lake Waconia rambler on .82 acres For Sale

Jeff Schulz — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:44:00 GMT

Lake Waconia Rambler

• 3,046 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - $799,900

Waconia, Carver County - A complete “wow factor” home, from the breathtaking views of Lake Waconia through the wall of windows across the back and the James Hardie cement board siding to the refinished hardwood floors in this stunning home that sits on .82 acres. The maintenance free deck overlooks 75 feet of lakeshore on Wagener's Bay. The private setting is made possible by the long driveway leading to the home.

Enter into the wide foyer that leads to the open floor plan overlooking this hard to find setting. A light-filled great room invites you in with a beautiful fireplace and wonderful built-ins. The kitchen has had a complete transformation offering granite and new appliances in 2009.

Retire to the main level master suite which features more views of the lake. The tiled master bath features a soaking tub and large separate shower. Three more generous bedrooms are located on the home's lower level.

Walk through the lower level glass doors located in the enormous family room to the lake's dock with shore power. The lower level also features another full bath.

Upscale upgrades include: 3 car insulated garage, central vacuum, underground sprinkler system, gutters tiled to lake, new carpet in 2009, Anderson windows and so much more.

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Wi-Fi Hotspots in Waconia Provide Convenience

Jeff Schulz — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:17:00 GMT

What would people do without Wi-Fi? Every year more and more businesses offer free internet access to attract customers. It is called having a 'wi-fi hotspot'. What this means is a user can access the internet on their laptop through the router located in the establishment. Barnes and Nobles Bookstore as well as Starbucks have been known for their internet access but recently other businesses have begun providing it as well.

Many of the Waconia wi-fi hotspots are free, but some do charge a nominal fee. If the service is free, be sure to purchase something out of courtesy.

McDonalds restaurants are in the process of offering free access at all of their restaurants. McDonalds on Strong Drive currently provides wi-fi. Brandts on Oak Avenue beside the Waconia City Park also offers free access. Public libraries provide internet for citizens and they also have desktop computers available. The Carver County Public Library is no exception.

If you are staying at the AmericInn hotel internet access is provided as a courtesy service. This is located near the Ridgeview Medical Center. Americas Best Value Inn on East Frontage Road is another hotel with wi-fi.

Having so many hotspots in the area makes it convenient for anyone that needs to jump online while they are out shopping, in between classes, or on their lunch break.

Waconia Lions Club has 28th Annual Wild Game Dinner

Jeff Schulz — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The dinner will be held at the Waconia Event Center this Saturday, February 6th, 2010 from 4-7:30. The evening will start with hors d’oeuvres at 4 p.m. Dinner ends at 7:30 p.m. There will be great door prizes and raffles. Prizes include trips as well as sixteen different guns. A silent auction will be held and live music is provided by Clark Machtemes and Peter Gustafson of Traveled Ground with special guests, Jenn Bostic and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas.

Advance tickets are available at Bob’s Barber Shop, Hardware Hank, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods and Waconia Ford Mercury. Tickets are also available at the door. See you there!

Price Reduced on 246 Sunset Boulevard in Waconia

Jeff Schulz — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:28:00 GMT

Waconia, Carver County - Announcing a price reduction on 246 Sunset Boulevard, a 5,164 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $549,900 - .

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Tips on Staging your Home So it Sells Quickly

Jeff Schulz — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:07:00 GMT

According to over 4,000 Realtors surveyed by Homegain in 2009, Home Staging is reported to be the 2nd most valuable home improvement project when it comes to selling a home by return on investment (ROI). 82% of Realtors nationwide recommend home sellers perform DIY (do it yourself) home staging.

Home Staging is the process of preparing your home for sale to make it most appealing to the highest number of potential buyers. This means highlighting the home's strengths as well as downplaying its weaknesses. Most agents agree the first impression is the key factor in selling your home.

Other statistics reported by Homegain include: 12.7% of U.S. Realtors nationwide recommend professionally staging a home to sellers and 44.8% think a home sells weeks faster when it is professionally staged.

But you do not need to always hire a professional to obtain the desired results. Here are some simple and inexpensive staging tips that make a huge difference:

DE-CLUTTERING is probably the most important thing you can do! Pick one area at a time and either donate or trash everything that you do not need or use. If the area still looks cramped, rent a storage unit. You want a minimal amount of 'things' in each room. The less you have, the bigger the area looks.
REMOVE PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHS from walls and tables or keep them to a minimum. Buyers tend to be distracted by these as they want to imagine their own family in the home.
FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN as it is the heart of the home. Clean cabinetry is a must and new hardware gives it an inexpensive 'face lift'. Remove functional items such as small appliances, baking pans, phone books, keys, vitamins, dish soap. You want clear counters except for one or two decorative items, like fresh fruit in a bowl. If you cannot leave your counters free of appliances all of the time, at least store them prior to a showing. Clean all notes, calendars, pictures, magnets off of the refrigerator. (notice the before and after photos on the left)
LESS IS MORE - Too much furniture is a mistake many home sellers make. Professional stagers often whisk away as much as half of the owner's furnishings, and the house looks much bigger for it. Christopher Breining, owner of HomeStagers Inc states "You really only need two pieces of furniture per wall: a bed and a nightstand, or a dresser and a chair".
LOOK AROUND and notice what your eyes are drawn to. If you can ask a friend or relative to help, even better. When they scan a room, what do they notice? You are looking for 'problem areas' like chipped paint, nail holes, peeling wallpaper. Fix the chipped pain with white out and glue the wallpaper.
DO YOU REALLY NEED HEAVY CURTAINS? Linda Russell, owner of HouseDressing says ""We almost always take off old, heavy drapery and put something light, airy and gauzy in its place". This ushers in natural light and makes a previously closed-in space seem larger.
FRESH FLOWERS OR GREENERY is a must. You do not need to spend a fortune. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter will work. Or clip branches or twigs from the yard and put in a decorative vase.
CREATE A WARM ENTRANCE - Remember the first impression is the most important one, and you will never get another chance to make that first impression. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see. Christopher Breining suggests "a quart of glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door; new hardware (or a little elbow grease to clean and polish the existing knocker, lockset, porch light, house numbers and mailbox); a new mat; and a trio of seasonal potted plants on the landing to dramatically brighten and refresh your home's entry and make visitors feel welcome."
LET IN SOME AIR - About 20 minutes before you leave your home prior to a showing, let some fresh air in. There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy house or one that smells of pet odors.
KEEP IT BRIGHT - Dimly lit rooms tend to look small. Keep your blinds open!

In a future article I will address each room of the house and offer suggestions on how to de-clutter prior to selling your home. In today's market every little change can only help.