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Brainerd, MN Real Estate News

By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
    Yesterday I took my Ethics class  in the morning and then our Greater Lakes MLS  Association rules in the afternoon. While most were common sense and The Golden Rule there of course were things that had not occurred to me as I had never encountered them.  One was that directions be given from a neutral site or landmark and not your office. In doing my last Comparative Market Analysis I noticed several properties in our MLS system that gave directions from THE OFFICE. No advertising allowed on the MLS. Another was that no Real Estate signs be shown in the photos or in virtual tours.  Ooops have seen those as well.  No people, no pets- ooooops again.     If those were your listings then here is the Heads up to fix then .  There is an automatic fine for some of these infringements. You...
Comments 16
By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
    Filming for " Epic:  It's Gonna Be Big" continues at our house, tonight. Darth Ominous will be playing with fire as the Ninja Village is set on aflame. Be sure to attend the upcoming B.A.Y. Rally at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd, Minnesota on Wednesday, January 28th at 6:00 P.M. This video will be the second in the series and if you get there early, you can watch a replay of Part One. Brainerd Area Youth Rallies are a great time for teens  from all over the Brainerd Lakes area to get together and spend a night in singing, corporate worship  and hear an inspiring Christian message. The auditorium will be jumping and full so get there early for the best seating. Bring along a friend or neighbor to share the excitement.  Parents feel free to accompany your younger children if you ch...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
Structure The ceiling structure of a home is not normally built the same as it would be if there were to be a living space above.  The wood structure may need to be beefed up or a new floor reframed on top of the ceiling for additional support. Weight That extra addition will add a lot of weight.  If dormers or gables are added, the roof weight will be increased and put pressure on the foundation.  The foundation may need more support (i.e. wider). Height A minimum height for habitable space is 7 feet. Clearance Door frames and the like need to be properly positioned to be able to be used in this space. Appropriate clearance with the pitches is a critical aspect of remodeling an attic. Insulation The framing usually used is 2×6 and that is not deep enough to fit standard insulation.  I...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
    In an average winter in Minnesota, we go through only two to three days in a row that is 20 below or lower.  Well, we are in for a long haul as another clipper is on the way. The cold claimed the life of one sleepwalker and some frozen digits on another.  This winter is extremely dangerous.  In watching the evening news I saw people without coats, hats or mittens on the sidewalks of Minneapolis with today at 50 below with windchill. THIS IS NO TIME FOR FOOLISHNESS.     We go for the layers and put up with the 20 pounds heavier look. Warm boots that are easy to get on and off are great, as hopping around on one foot becomes more difficult with all that bulk. Scarfs add color and fashionability as well as extra warmth.   photo by tomsaint11       Kathleen Lordbock REALTOR/Staging Spec...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
       Our current Miss Brainerd Lakes, Emily Wyman, our pageant director,Vickie Randall and I left early in tne morning for St. Paul and the Miss Minnesota gown viewing  & her send off for Miss America. On the way we ate breakfast at the Clearwater Truck Plaza and it was excellent.  I had a Denver omelet and they went for the Fritter bread made into French Toast and eggs.  Wow, huge portions nicely presented and delicious. They had wild rice sausages, which were unusual and very tasty.  My personal favorite is the Artisian white bread toasted.     After food and coffee, we were ready for the Director's meeting and the the gown showing.  Angela looked really good and has been working out with Kim Remington, a trainer.  The results were a toned body with muscle definition but not bulk. T...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
    Homes are selling but they are not selling for as high a price nor are they selling as quickly.  Does that sound familiar in your area?       As a Keller Williams REALTOR/Staging Specialist, I know at least a partial solution to the problem. In order for your home to sell better and faster than those of the competitions' it needs to be properly presented and be priced competitively, from the start. A home that shows well both outside and inside is going to get offers.  When prospective buyers make an emotional connection with the home - they want it!  Home staging is more than cleaning and decluttering (although a lot of MLS photos are also missing that element). Color, traffic flow, highlighting focal elements, curb appeal, up grades that pay back - use my expertise to get your pro...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist)
    One recent cold and snowy winter day, I drove to Willmar, Minnesota and took my State and National licensing exams.  After studying for several weeks, I was ecstatic to not only pass but get 100% on the National portion.  Now I have finally signed on with Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes.  To all those agencies I did not choose, thank you for your time and kindness.  You made the decision very difficult and I did not make this choice without considerable thought.  In the end I went with what seemed to be the best fit for my staging business and my agent status.       My staging company will still continue to work with all agents and home sellers regardless of their affiliations. Perhaps you will sell some of my listings, as my plan is to have them properly prepared for the mark...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
This is the last in the series of interesting quotes to start out your New Year with some wit.     Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. -Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850) Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -Ronald Reagan (1986) I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. -Will Rogers If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! -P.J. O'Rourke In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. -Voltaire (1764) Just becaus...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
This is the second in the series of quotes to start out your New Year with some wit.   "If you don't read the newspaper  you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed."       -Mark  Twain              Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress.... But then I repeat myself      -Mark Twain               I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying  to lift himself up by the handle..     -Winston  Churchill                      A  government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.     -  George Bernard Shaw     A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.     -G Gordon  Liddy  ...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
       Paul Bunyan is part of the new 2008 Holiday Village located in the Westgate Mall Brainerd/Baxter Minnesota.  Paul the Doll and his big wooden chair were found on E-Bay and were created by Designer & Fabric Artist Marilyn Lee and Craftsmen Kenny Kraeplin.  His creators donated him to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association.      This Paul is not small and it took 3 people to move him to the Holiday Village.  He rode there in the Shores & More Realty van.      Paul will be  promoting the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway , which is a 54 mile long Nationally designated driving route, which goes through Crow Wing and Cass counties.      The Holiday Village is open now and will stay open until Christmas Eve.  Come talk to Paul , see some holiday performances and check out the beautifully deco...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
     The early Americans were acutely aware that all they had was given to them by the hand of God.  Whether they were in times of good and plenty or suffering through hardships, drought or war - they gave thanks to God for all that He provided and for all that He was.      America's history is deeply rooted in faith in God.  Many today are threatened by that faith.  They want to rewrite history and downplay God as just one of many things that some people seem to take comfort in believing. After all they think there are many roads to salvation and their goodness will surely get them admitted to Heaven. God's Word says otherwise and He is neither a liar nor a deceiver. Listen to some voices from our past:   Samuel Adams, father of the American Revolution: "It is therefore recommended ......
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
Proverbs 20:14 - "Its no good, its no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. Proverbs 23:10 & 22:28 - Do not move an ancient boundary stone Proverbs 10:9 - The man of integrity walks securely but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 11:13 - A gossip betrays a confidence but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 14:1 - A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down Proverbs 24:3-4- By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beatuiful treasures. And for those in a slow market   Proverbs 15:16 - Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
    With more homes going into foreclosure in our area - the former owners think that they have a right to strip out any valuables.  This is not the way it works legally and they are unknowingly setting themselves up for more problems. Not only are they stripping homes, they are actually vandalizing the homes upon leaving.  Somehow they feel that by taking their frustrations with their lenders (or themselves) out on the home - they will gain something.          The following items are assets, fixtures that should not be removed from a home that is in foreclosure:   Cabinets and counter tops Appliances such as stoves, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, etc. Furnaces and air conditioning units Plumbing and copper pipes Romex or other electrical wiring Light fixtures and ceiling fans Doors ...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
    This is big hit with my family and all our guests.  Simple and delicious- now what could be better?  We also love homemade whipped cream and that is exactly what will best top off this dessert. Ice cream also goes well if you are serving this hot out of the oven. Give it a try and comment back so others will know that you have taste tested and approve. PINEAPPLE~CHERRY CAKE 1~ 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple in heavey syrup   1~ 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling   1 package  (18.25 ounce) of yellow cake mix ~ do not mix   1  cup of chopped pecans or walnuts   3/4 cup  of butter or margarine     Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.  Spread pineapple with its syrup evenly in the pan. Spoon pie filling evenly over the pineapple.  Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly ...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
Question: What is America's first line of missile interceptor defense that protects the entire United States? Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard. Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty? Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of         Alaska's National Guard? Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism? Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either         candidate of the Democratic party Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
                                                          Staging is Fashionable             This is not an article on how cool and hip staging is, but we stagers do think that.      Rather I am focusing on the aspect of properly dressing a home. In the world of fashion for women, often the basic black cocktail length dress is touted as the ultimate in versatility. A basic well tailored men’s suit in a neutral color would fulfill the same role for men.  With the basic piece such as the black dress, the addition of jewelry, heels, a crop jacket and a purse would form a complete outfit. Change the earrings to diamond drops, the purse to a clutch, the heels to sky high Manolo Blahnik’s and you have changed the whole effect.     The same is true of staging a home. If you start with a neutra...
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
    Heritage Assembly of God in Baxter, Minnesota is again sponsoring The Great Candy Adventure.  The year's title is THE GARDEN OF EATIN'. The cost is $2 per child and the ages are Pre-school through 6th grade.  All Pre-schoolers must be accompanied by an adult.  The date is Friday, October 31 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. There will be the ever popular extreme inflatable games, special activities for Pre-schoolers, food and fun fun fun. No scary, evil or violent costumes will be admitted.     If you do not believe that candy grow on trees, come see for yourself. Attendance is usually 1500- 2000 so you will be in good company. All workers have had background checks and careful screening, so this is a safe place to bring your child. All candy will be still wrapped as it comes from the store....
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
    A few of you already know that I am in school once again and this time am taking Real Estate classes. I already knew a fair amount about real estate and am learning even more - amortization schedules, Minnesota laws,  & government programs. My goal is to stage and sell my own listings and continue to stage for others, on a smaller scale. I want to work a little closer to home and will now be restricted mostly to Minnesota. I will still stage in Florida, but my daughter there will be taking over for the most part.     I think that being a Realtor will enhance my income and my staging experience will enhance my career as a Realtor. With both my daughters now young adults and starting their own businesses, I needed to hire or change how I do things. So I did.  Will I love it? That rema...
Comments 41
By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
Northland Arboretum is hosting a "Haunted Trail" on  Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  Experience the thrills and chills as you walk through the dark woods of the Arboretum.  Young children should be accompanied by an adult.  No flashlights, please.  There will be a bonfire and cider for all.  Cost is just $3.00 at the door.  Proceeds to benefit the "Arb."   We went last night and stood in line for one hour. It was a great time of meeting old friends and making new ones.  The walk took us about 45 minutes and was really fun. Lots of screaming children, chainsaws, and goolish displays. The weather was cool but not cold - just perfect.
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By Kathleen Lordbock, Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(Keller Williams Realty Professionals)
     Most buyers are looking for a well-maintained house in apple pie order. They will be looking to buy as much house as they can get and still leave a little dough for changes to adapt things to their personal taste.  That doesn't mean that they will be looking to dive right into major home improvements, because they won't. The down payment on your home will take most of their savings.  After the monthly mortgage payments, taxes and insurance, there is no room in their budget for major repairs. Many buyers today will not consider a house that needs remodeling and improvements. Those buyers are called flippers and need to buy property as cheaply as possible to make needed repairs and enhancements and still clear a profit. Nothing personal - it is their business.    Your house will stan...
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Brainerd, MN Real Estate Professionals