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Saint Michael, MN Real Estate News

By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
  I love bringing deals and information to my local people from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.       And this is great news….     More Families Eligible to Receive Our Military Kids Grant Our Military Kids supplies the families of deployed service members with funding so military children can either start or continue extracurricular activities while parents are deployed. Information expanding on those eligible to receive the $500 grant has recently been released. Applications are being accepted for families who meet the following criteria: - Army National Guard and Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Reserve families - Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard families - Families of severely injured service members - Families of a fallen service member More Info: Learn how to apply here [http:...
Comments 13
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
I fielded this question AGAIN at a St. Michael Minnesota listing appointment last week.   This tax is not a transfer on real estate sales and like transactions.  Many people have been misled.  And, in fact, I have gotten emails from some people…blanket emails at that,,,that would lead one to believe that any real estate transfer would be subject to this “health tax”.    It simply isn’t true.  The National Association of Realtors  prepared  this helpful post.  Top 10 Things You Should Know About the 3.8% Tax.   Also the new tax does NOT eliminate the exclusion benefit of the $250,000.00 sale of a principal residence.  Only those properties above that threshold would be included in the AGI and could be subject to the new tax.    So, please, before you panic and forward these misleading em...
Comments 11
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
On September 13, 2012, Sharry Berning retired from the City of St. Michael. Sharry worked as the clerk for Frankfort Township for seven years before their merger with St. Michael. After the merger, Sharry was hired to work in the City's finance department where she continued to work for 16 more years.   When I first moved to St. Michael, Sharry was the voice and greatest asset and source of information on how to get things done in Frankfort Township (which has since merged with the City of St. Michael).    Sharry was always upbeat, knew what she was talking about and NEVER told me that she would have to “find out.”    She was a walking, talking encyclopedia of knowledge not only about Frankfort Township but about how the county worked, too.    I am sad to see her leave.  She was one of ...
Comments 8
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The voter pre-registration deadline for Minnesota is October 16, 2012. Here’s information on how you can register in time for the November 6th elections: Voter Registration If you have recently moved, changed your name, or have not voted in the last four years, you may want to pre-register to save yourself time on Election Day. Pre-registration forms are available at City Hall and can be picked up during normal office hours. Forms must be received by October 16th in order for the pre-registration to be effective for the November election. Absentee Voting Absentee ballots are available at St. Michael City Hall for anyone who cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, but still wants to vote. Ballots can be picked up anytime during normal office hours until Monday, Nov. 5. St. Michael C...
Comments 5
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The Crow River Senior Center has a new piano....but it comes with a caveat. Purchase the Piano It is a Roland, complete with weighted keys, pedal, bench and stand. They need to raise $800 to cover the cost. There will be an opportunity for people to "Pay for the Piano" by signing up to purchase a key or keys. There is a paper keyboard mounted on the door at the Center. Sign your name and make a donation at the desk. They already have received $350! The piano will be used by the choir and for other musical programs offered at the Center. If you play the piano and just want to sit down and play a tune, just ask and they will turn it on for you. This is a great way that the community can help the whole community because oftentimes people use the space at the Senior Center for other events....
Comments 10
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
Now, with Pinterest, FB, Twitter and AR, I have one more thing to do.  Post to my new Word Press blog, McLaughlin Homes.    I had a great deal of trouble making it work because it would NOT accept my valid email address so I had to do a workaround for that.    I posted one new blog and will try to keep up with it at least a few times a week for regular St. Michael, Albertville and Hanover happenings.    And, then if I like it, I might try creating a Word Press website for myself.  We will see.    I am not sure when I am supposed to be actually selling real estate now.  It seems that a good deal of my day is spent typing.  And that is not really what I want.    Maybe that will be my entry into the Makeover contest.  What do you think?
Comments 17
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
My wonderful client had a few bumps in the road in her travels to her first-time home at 11099 Frankfort Parkway in St. Michael Minnesota, but it worked out in the end.  A delayed closing by two days didn’t get in our way.   A reluctant contract underwriter learned a few things, too, I would guess.   At any rate, 11099 Frankfort Parkway was sold and closed in just over a month.  Not too bad!    This was a “regular” sale.  And, the sellers were great.  The unit itself while not looking like much from the outside is a bilevel with three bedrooms, two baths, living room, kitchen, breakfast area and a huge lower level family room with lots of light.    This is the second unit I have sold in this Association, and it won’t be the last.    All the lawn care is provided by the association and ...
Comments 13
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The Preserve in St. Michael along with West Village and East Village contains some of the finest homes in St. Michael, Minnesota.    Many of the homes are brick facades, there are pools here and there, Big Woods Elementary and the Preserve City Park with its ball field, soccer field and playground are all either in or adjacent to the Preserve.  The City Trail System also runs throughout East Village, The Preserve and West Village.  Hans Hagen is the builder in this development, and the quality of workmanship shines. Immaculate lawns and curving roads with flower beds and trees interspersed are abundant along with three lamp lightposts.          Easy access to US 169 makes commuting a breeze.  There is also a daycare right near the freeway access and a gas station and convenience grocery...
Comments 7
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
St. Michael Minnesota is home to so many great walking and bike trails in addition to its award-winning schools, a vibrant Senior Center, the Great River Regional Library and many, many parks including County and Regional Parks, the Pelican Wildlife Reserve,  a great business community.   Rambling Creek happens to be located along the creek that runs through the town and is just off County Road 19 or LaBeaux Avenue.  But, it also has great access to County Road 241 for an easy commute to either St. Cloud or the Twin Cities.  It is also adjacent to Recreation Center Park and Crow Hassan Regional Park..   There are groves of trees along the creek which makes a refreshing walk in either summer or winter.  Pride of ownership is evident throughout the development.    When you add up all the ...
Comments 8
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
Meadow Ponds in St. Michael is just slightly west of County Road 19 or LaBeaux Avenue off of County Road 241 which makes an easy commute to St. Cloud (35 miles northwest) or Minneapolis (25 miles southeast).    This development has a Homeowners Association which keeps the grounds mowed and sprinkled and provides sanitation services.  And there is a community pool.  There are homes with three to five bedrooms and two to four baths predominantly.  Most are two stories, modified splits or bi-levels.  Some have walkout basements make the lower level much more liveable.    Average sold prices in the last year from 6/1/2011 through 6/1/2012 average about $185,000.  There are just two active listings as of today, one at $154900 and the other at $269900.   The association fee is $110.00 per mon...
Comments 12
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The Fields of St. Michael Minnesota are affordable townhomes with great views of trees and, well, fields.  Country living and easy access to either St. Michael or Hanover make this a great spot for small families, singles, couples and downsizing seniors.  And, perhaps some combinations I haven’t thought of!    The Fields have townhomes that were built between 2003 and 2006, two and three bedrooms, two and three baths are common.  Median taxes are $2300 per year and square footage averages around 1850 per unit.    Association fees are $165 per month and  that includes sanitation, snow and lawn care, outside maintenance, hazard insurance, building exterior, and professional management.    Dogs and cats are allowed subject to the covenant provisions.    Some units have fireplaces and decks...
Comments 11
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
  Coming home to the Landings at Crow River is a great feeling. The neighborhood abounds with friendly neighbors and great homes.   The Crow River lies just to the east of the Landings and the Crow Hassan Park is just beyond the River (over the river and through the woods....).   When you are looking for single-family homes in the St. Michael - Hanover area in Minnesota, you will want to check out this great development.   Most of the homes were built between 2002 and 2007, however, there were three or four new construction homes in just the last year here. I recently sold a four bedroom, three bath home for $199,900 so there are bargains to be had. Many lots are in the .27 to .33 range, but some are a little larger and most are between two and four bedrooms with three to four baths.   ...
Comments 11
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
  Forest Oaks located just south of St. Michael on County Road 19 or LaBeaux offers beautiful mature trees, winding roads and, in some cases some pretty nice views of the surrounding countryside.      Homes in this development are between new and about 10 years old.  The lot sizes are fairly average ranging between .29 acres and in some cases nearly .50 depending on location and whether the lot backs up into some of the mature trees.        Average total finished square footage is about 2500 square feet and there are homes with two to six bedrooms with three to four baths being the norm.  Most homes are two-stories, but there are ramblers tucked in here and there.  Some of the homes have walk-out basements for added living space.   Of the sixty to seventy homes located here, only thirte...
Comments 11
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The Highlands of St. Michael Minnesota is a development where the homes are newer, meaning most were built between 2003 and 2006.                    Located between St. Michael and Albertville, there are four main entrances into the development, one on the North, just  off 50th Street or County Road 18, one on the East, just off MacIver, and two just off Frankfort Parkway.    The homes are generally three to four bedrooms , but there are the occasional six bedroom homes as well.  The total finished square footage ranges between 4,036 and 1,657.  Lot sizes average between .23 acres and .37 acres with some homes backing up to green space.    Getting to the freeway (I-94) to drive to St. Cloud (36 miles northwest) or Minneapolis (25 miles southeast) is about three miles to the north of the...
Comments 11
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
The 2012 Matt Spaeth Charity Golf Tournament will be held June 29th, 2012 at Fox Hollow Golf Course.  Register here.   Last year, Matt raised $7,000 for the Hanover Food Shelf.  This year, all the Title Sponsors are SOLD OUT.  However, there are still Hole Sponsorship available at $200.  For more information,  contact Keith Cornell, 524 4th St. NE, St. Michael MN  55376, 763-464-6112, or keithc@stma.k12.mn.us Again, it is the   Matt Spaeth Charity Golf Tournament Fox Hollow - 4780 Palmgren Lane,  St. Michael, MN 55376 Friday, June 29, 2012 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM   Event Schedule10:30am: Registration & Open Range 11:45: Pre-Tournament Meeting Noon: Hit the links Post Tournament: Dinner, Raffles, and Prizes   Come on out and have (a) some ball(s)!  
Comments 15
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
St. Michael Albertville Minnesota birds are rising at around 4:30 am, and beginning their mating songs.  We have seen several nests in and around our arborvitae.  The robins are working hard to get the first brood raised.  Very often they will nest again near the first “house”.  And, of course, our birdhouses were rented very early this year, too.  All ten of them!   Someone asked about robin songs in a comment on the last post, and so I included that in this list, too.    Here are some of the other birds you can hear either in the woods or lakes around St. Michael Albertville Minnesota:                     American robin:            612-573-5630                                         Bufflehead:                  612-573-5639                  American kestrel:          612-573-5640    ...
Comments 15
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
Apparently, some St. Michael - Albertville and Hanover residents are getting scammed when trying to rent in the local area.  See the Patch blog post here.   I just wanted you all to know that the Minnesota Department of Commerce has MANDATORY training this year for every real estate agent and broker in the state who wants to keep his or her license.  And, that training is on leasing or renting. Now, we all have to take at least 15 hours of additional training every year to keep our licenses.  Did you know that?  And, this year the State has decreed that we spend some of that time learning the ins and outs of leasing or renting property.  This is a great thing for the consumer.  It means that we will have more knowledge to help people find LEGITIMATE rentals.  While Craigslist serves a w...
Comments 12
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
While the temperatures are still a little nippy for humans to go swimming in St. Michael or Albertville, Minnesota, it is still warm enough overnight for the tender tomatoes, peppers and other warm weather crops now.   We were able to get quite a few plants in the ground yesterday and staked in hopes of tremendous growth of our little seedlings.    I had planted onions and radishes in the garden, but they would have to be pretty good swimmers to survive the lake bed over them now.    Another hundred year rain, just like last year’s.   But hope always springs eternal in a gardener’s heart!
Comments 15
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
Oh, the cardinals, the blue jays, and the chickadees are calling me to get up early in the morning now.  They start their songs at about 4:30 here in St. Michael, Minnesota.   We have to remember that it takes a lot of energy for these birds to sing their melodies for mates.  And, while they get a good portion of their food from nature, a little help with some suet or black sunflower seeds would certainly be appreciated.    And, don’t forget the birdbath.  We are fortunate to have two in our yard here in St. Michael, and a lake across the street.   If you would like to hear some recordings of bird songs, you can call the following numbers.  Press 9 to repeat the recordings.  This could be fun for your little ones, too.    612-573-5650      Baltimore oriole 612-573-5623      Eastern blue...
Comments 15
By Suzanne McLaughlin, Sabinske & Associates, Realtor
(Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael))
I Can’t Find Inventory for My Buyers.   This is a great problem to have if you are a listing agent.   But, in this instance, every property that my buyer is showing an interest in has an offer in play.    In some ways, this is a great motivator for the buyer.  She knows she can’t sleep at the wheel.  When something hits the market that she knows she might like, off we go…immediately.   With offers on all the properties, and multiples in some instances, this is a great market to sell right now.    If you have been thinking about selling in the St. Michael or Albertville, Minnesota area, but you decided to hold off until prices got better, you might reconsider.  There is a backlog of demand right now, and things might never get this good again.    We never know what will happen tomorrow, ...
Comments 13