Your "Big Why" is what gives you your focus, your purpose, and your determination to keep going and to stay positive.  In Gary Keller's book, "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent", he uses the following example to show how a "Big Why" works. Ever see anyone work the day before a vacation?  It is truly amazing!  No matter how they approached yesterday, today they have become a model for the entire world on how to get things done.  Why?  Because if they get it all done, they get to go play!  That's a pretty Big Why!  So the day before we leave for vacation, we're on a time-management mission!  We don't sit around idly and surf the Internet or chitchat with fellow workers.  We screen our calls, ignore trivial emails, and toss out junk mail with abandon.  Maybe we even eat lunch at our desk o... 12/30/2008

In his book, "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent", Gary Keller talks about the Big Why... that diving force that keeps us focused and motivated. The Big Why is about having purpose, a mission, or a need, that in turn give you focus.  High achievers always have a Big Why powering their actions. Though our "immediate why" might be money to pay the bills, or perhaps some other superficial desire, our Big Why will always be something that can sustain us through the ups and downs of our everyday business.  It's the one thing that motivates us to keep doing what we're doing. So you have to be careful when you're trying to discover your Big Why.  We hope that what motivates you isn't just money or a comfortable retirement.  The truth is, you can achieve those things faster than you think; then,... 12/16/2008

"People do business with those they know, like and trust." "It's not what you know, or even who you know, it's how well you know them." "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." "People will forget what you've said.  People will forget what you've done.  But they will never forget how you made them feel." The common thread in all these famous quotes is the concept of knowing people and treating them in a way that makes them feel important.  But even the most attractive social butterfly will fall short of their income goals if they miss one key component of networking... "You have not, because you ask not." Think about your mom for a moment.  In most cases, she knows you well.  She likes you.  She wants the best for you.  She's likely one of your biggest r... 12/08/2008

Maple Grove is one of the state's fastest growing and dynamic cities. Strong City management and excellent location has allowed high quality residential, commercial and industrial growth to take place. Portions of the City still have a unique rural flavor and the City has an exceptional parks and recreation program with over 40 developed parks. Maple Grove is truly one of Minnesota's most exciting cities. Maple Grove is located in the north central part of Hennepin County and during its early history it was inhabited only by the Winnebago Indians who were relocated by the Federal Government.  The were moved from Wisconsin because at the time Maple Grove was devoid of people. In 1851, Louis Gervais and Pierre Bottineau changed that perception when they were the first settlers to staked ... 11/10/2008

Check out this new listing in Maple Grove.  Located on a cul-de-sac with a walking trail.  This home has a fenced in yard and a THREE CAR GARAGE.  3 bedrooms on one level!  The main floor features the kitchen, dining room and living room on the main floor!  Close to schools, parks and shopping.  Quick drive to Arbor Lakes Shopping.  Cute house with newer carpeting, appliances, AC roof and more.  Move right in and enjoy! 12628 91st Place N, Maple Grove $244,900 visit www.betsyrewald.com for more information or contact me directly. 10/22/2008

Based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF MINNESOTA, INCfor the period of July 1, 1007 through July 31, 2008. Participant in the *National Real Estate Stimulus Program* Buyers: Receive a CASH BONUS of 2% of the sale price up to a maximum of $10,000.00 after closing when you purchase a home with Patti Ann Kasper. Sellers: Your home SOLD in 39 days or less GUARANTEED, or I'll pay you up to $10,000 after closing!  That's right, a tax free cashiers check is mailed after closing, upon receipt of proof of purchase, and verification of identity.  Could you or someone you know do something with that? If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, call Patti Ann Kasper to find out howyou can receive your own National Real Estate Stimulus Program CASH BONUS!   For more... 09/01/2008

Going into its 10th year, the Maple Grove Farmers Market has become a year-round tradition in the community and northwest metro area.  Our theme is "Good Food from Great People", and the focus is connecting customers with the vendors who provide their locally grown/produced items, establishing relationships, and keeping the customers coming back throughout the market season. What will you find at the Farmers Market? Sixty vendors offering their own grown/produced items Products are brought fresh every week Product availability and selection varies throughout the season (so visit often!) Note:  We are animal lovers and know that you may be too, but please take note that Maple Grove Park Board policies do not allow animals in active park areas, including the Farmers Market. Products and s... 06/18/2008

In this video, Dave Kosmecki explains what an "REO" is.  He describes the pros and cons to purchasing an REO. REO or bank owned property can be a real value but Buyer beware! When you consider this type of purchase, be sure to get expert advice on condition. Based upon my 30+ years of experience, I consider this type of property a real value BUT that does not mean it is the correct option for every Buyer. 04/01/2008

In this short video, I explain the confusion about "NO COST LOANS". All mortgages have closing costs. The "no cost" option really refers to who pays the closing costs. No Cost Loans can be a "good deal" in some cases. In other cases, it's a bad deal. The question that determines what's right for you is How Long Will I Keep This Mortgage? < 04/01/2008

January was a slow month across most of Hennepin County.  Maple Grove, however, showed signs of shrinking choice for buyers.  New listings fell by 8 units versus last January.  Combined with an increase in closed sales over last January of 10 units to 56 total closed may will result in a decrease in inventory.  This is good news for sellers in this high demand area.  This came at a price, however, as average sale price declined by 10% month over month.  Average days on the market until sale increased to 162, 20 days higher than January 2006.  All and all inventory in Maple Grove is shrinking and the competitive homes are selling.  Sellers, price 'em right and be patient.Thanks for reading and remember for help with Maple Grove homes or any Hennepin County real estate call or e-mail Coac... 03/01/2008

Maple Grove weathered the storm pretty well all things considered.  Sales were down for the year as predicted, finishing at 882 units,  New listings were also down, 52 units less for the year.  This is one of the early indicators of inventory being moved.  Potential buyers should take note of the declining inventory.  It may be the early stages of the pendulum starting to swing back toward the seller.Maple Grove real estate did, again, demonstrate it's general strength.  This demonstration came primarily in average sale price.  Average sale price for Maple Grove real estate increased by 6% for the year.  Many areas declined.  Also impressive was the fact that average percentage of list price received at closing stayed above 95%.   That is one of the strongest figures in Hennepin County ... 02/06/2008

Mls Number 347923810615 103rd Avenue N , Maple Grove, MN 55369 Spacious Boundary Creek Two Story! 4500 Finished Feet, Seven Bedrooms plus Three Full Baths, Main Floor Family Room w Stone Fire Place & Hardwood Floors.Master Bath w Jacuzzi Whirlpool.1995 Addition. New Siding 2004.New Carpet 2007. Directions: 169N to 101st Ave West to Valley Forge Lane.Turn Right Valley Forge turns into 103rd. Home on Right 01/06/2008

Mls Number 3464328Quaint home with loads of potential in quiet family neighborhood. Freshly painted, Updated kitchen and bathroom 2003, Newer stove, refrigerator, Washer and dryer. Just blocks from schools. Home overlooks a lovely pond and neighbors are spread out..Directions I94 to Hwy 25 to School Blvd to S on Fallon to E on Sterling to R on Mallard        01/06/2008

When selling your home there are no guarantees that a buyer willsimply walk through the front door. In many cases you may have tobring your home to the buyer. Effective marketing will help ensurethat your property receives maximum exposure to attract a ready,willing and able buyer. The appearance of your home, a buyer's firstimpressions, and other considerations can also affect the sale of yourhome. Be sure to explore tips for increasing your home's value. Haveyou considered that home prices in your neighborhood and the value ofyour property are also factors used for pricing your home? Increasing the Value of Your House - When you're preparing your housefor sale, remember the importance of first impressions. The marketisn't the only factor that influences whether you get your askingpric... 01/06/2008

Getting Settled * Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances. * Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses and for filing your income tax returns. For more information on tax-deductible moving expenses, consult an Accountant or Tax specialist. * Check with the post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start. * Have your medical and dental records transferred after selecting a family physician and dentist. * You may want to select a Lawyer discuss laws pertaining to your destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes and the like. Most laws affect a family as soon as residenc... 01/06/2008

At Your Destination * Contact the destination Moving Company, whose name appears on the forms signed, as soon as possible and indicate where and how you can be reached. * Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives. If you have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection service. * Be on hand to accept delivery of your household goods. Otherwise authorize an adult as your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the Moving Company of the person so authorized. On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and make an appearance at the residence if unable to reach you. If no one appears to accept the sh... 01/06/2008

Moving Day Loading Your Belongings * Be on hand when the movers arrive. Otherwise, it is important to let the moving company know to whom you have given authority to take your place. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Remember the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges. * Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory. * Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and the van operator has a clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is ... 01/06/2008

Complete a "Take-with-Me Inventory" checklist.  Check contents of drawers. Remove all things that can spill or break.Soft goods such as blankets, pillows, blouses, shirts and lingerie maybe left in drawers. Pin clothing to hangers if it is to be moved inwardrobe cartons to keep it from slipping off. Remove items left inthe attic or other storage areas. Empty the refrigerator and freezerso they can dry at least 24 hours before moving. Be careful not tooverlook the defrost water pan. Failure to have the appliancescompletely dry can lead to mildew and unpleasant odor. Be sure thewater is emptied from your steam iron. Launder all soiled clothingprior to the day the appliance service technician is expected. Takethe telephone directory with you for contacting former doctors,dentists, supplier... 01/06/2008

 Three Days before Moving Day Instant Aid Box Pack a box for instant needs on arrival. Mark the box "To be loadedlast and Unloaded first." Package each group of items separately inlabeled paper bags. Here are some suggestions. Cleaning - * Powdered detergent* Sponge* Paper towels* Dish towels* Dish cloth* Kitchen cleanser* Window cleaner* Scouring pads Kitchen -  * Paper plates, cups and napkins* Plastic knives, forks and spoons* Small saucepan* Serving spoons* Aluminum foil* Snacks* Easy-to-open cans of pudding* Dry soup mix* Sandwich spreads* Jars of cheese* Package of crackers* Boxes of dry cereals* Instant coffee, tea, chocolate* Instant creamer, sugar, salt Bathroom -  * Towels and face cloths* Toilet tissue* Facial tissue* Soap, hand lotion, deodorant* Toothbrushes and toothpaste ... 01/06/2008

  Four to Six Weeks before Moving Day Planning Your Packing  If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting suitablecontainers. You can purchase specialized containers from most movingcompanies, such as: * Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools). * Wardrobe containers * Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys). * Medium-sized cartons for bulkier but not so heavy items (towels, linens, and small appliances) Collect other packing materials * White paper* Tissue paper* Paper towels * Non-printed paper * Newspapers * Tape or Strong twine for sealing containers* Scissors or Sharp knife (keep out of children's reach) * Felt marker to mark containers* Notebook & Pencil for listing contents * Labels or Stickers (Available from moving ... 01/01/2008