Sue Coulter's (brainerdlakesrealtor) Blog

We have been reading about all the reforms in mortgages and lending to remedy some of the previous problems in this business. Some of these are probably much needed. One that does concern me the most is appraisers appraising property from outside the area and outside their areas of expertise. Alt...

Buyers unfamiliar with lakeshore buying are not sure what to look for. Realtors know that buyers will not find the perfect home on the perfect lot, so setting priorities is extremely important. The price range of the buyers is extremely important. Lower price ranges will most often only buy prope...

Just yesterday something happened that I haven't seen for years. A listing that had been on the market for about one week had a first showing. The buyers liked the home. Several hours later I had a purchase agreement that was very GOOD, cash, 30 day closing and no contingencies. Hmmmm. What would...

It seems we are told that Realtor.com is one of the most used web sites for buyers to find properties. I have not paid for the enhanced listings and am wondering what results others have had using these listings.

With the challenges of the recent months and consumers waiting for things to stabilize before making any major decisions, it appears that things are on the upswing. I can measure activity from my web site and in inquiries and showings. Finally, the savvy buyers are starting to take advantage of t...

There is another kind of ICE that is helpful for all to remember. I learned about this in one of my CRS classes. Emergency responders and workers are taught to check cell phones of people who have accidents, become ill or need help. They check phones for ICE, In Case of Emergency. Help save valua...

It's time to come to the Brainerd area to have some winter fun!! Recent snowfall has about 12 inches on the ground. The low temperatures are building ice making the lakes safer for recreational uses. Get away this weekend and come enjoy the ambiance of the Brainerd/Crosslake area.

Just about every buyer, looks through their HUD before closing and all the expenses to close on a property. Invariably, the cost of title insurance is questioned. I have never sold a property to a buyer without title insurance but it has been questioned many times. This past week as the paperwork...

With the snow starting to fall in the Brainerd Lakes area and deer hunting beginning, it is truely a good time to scout out land and property. Foliage is at its minimum and it is easier to see the lay of the land and other land characteristics typically hidden by grass, trees, shrubs, etc. Lakesh...

Many of us in the midwest areas encounter Lyme disease on a daily basis. This past spring/summer, I was treated for Lyme disease 2 times. Because I ams so aware of this disease, I saw my dr. right away. Many are not so fortunate. Our son has probably been living with Lyme disease for 7 years. Aft...