Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Local realtors near me | Modern Market Realtors

We’re based in Fargo-Moorhead and it’s the only place we want to be. You won’t find stock photos here. We honor the culture of our city (and suburbs!)

When you list your home with a knowledgeable local real estate agent, that agent will use all of his or her professional resources to find you the best buyer and the best price. Local real estate agents understand the nuances of pricing the diverse housing stock in our neighborhood, know the local real estate market and have many marketing and professional resources at their disposal.

Buying, Selling or Relocating to Fargo-Moorhead?
Looking to buy, sell or relocate to Fargo ND or the surrounding suburbs? Moving to or through Moorhead? Let us find the best home for you. Using a patented brand of personal touch combined with state-of-the-art real estate analytics, we’ll quickly help you secure your own piece of the Red River Valley.

Modern Market Realtors sells homes for less fees. No hidden fees. Contact Jim Christl or Shannon Barnum today.

 #Fargo #ND  #Realestate #Homesforsale #Homeowner

Modern Market REALTORS
1306 24th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56550
(701) 205-5517

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Modern Market Realtors Fast Growth in Real Estate

The Easiest & Most Trusted Way to Find The Best Fargo-Moorhead Agents. Top Agents Only. Fargo/Moorhead Realty Information Services (MLS). Let Jim Christl or Shannon Barnum Be YOUR Fargo Real Estate Agent! ... Whether you are selling or buying, Shannon, an established Realtor® and one of the top Real Estate Agents in Fargo,ND. Modern Market Realtors sells homes for less fees. No hidden fees. Contact Jim Christl or Shannon Barnum today.

Modern Market REALTORS
1306 24th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56550

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Moorhead, Minnesota Real Estate Agents

Modern Market Realtors top-rated local Fargo, North Dakota real estate agents. Find great Fargo-Moorhead real estate professionals See information about the housing market and Find the right Fargo-Moorhead real estate agent on. Choose from the Best Real Estate Agents in Your Area - Save Time and Money! we know Fargo Moorhead. Unparalleled integrity, responsiveness, market knowledge and customer-centric service are what set us apart. Our firm of Realtors is comprised of experts on every area of Fargo, North Dakota. Whether you’re looking for a family home in West Fargo or a studio Downtown, there is a Modern Market Realtor perfect for the job. We love what we do and are committed to exceeding the expectations of our clients. Our real estate agents love finding ways to support, volunteer, and raise awareness for the many wonderful charitable organizations in town.

Give us a call today and get started Call 701-491-2000

Monday, November 11, 2019

Jim Christl

Jim Christl is located in Moorhead MN 56560 and works at Modern Market Realtors. Jim has been in the Real Estate business for 19 years and is the the Broker/owner at Modern Market Realtors. if your looking to buy or sell a home in Fargo Moorhead give him a call.

Modern Market Realtors
1306 24 ave S Moorhead, MN 56560
(701)205-5517
https://fargohomesearch.com 
https://g.page/FargoRealtors

Friday, October 25, 2019

If you are looking for licensed realtors or real estate agents in the Fargo ND or Moorhead MN

Modern Market Realtors 
1306 24 ave S
Moorhead, MN 56560
(701)205-5517
https://fargohomesearch.com
https://g.page/FargoRealtors

If you are looking for licensed realtors or real estate agents in the Fargo ND or Moorhead MN area? Fargo-Moorhead agents and realtors have extensive experience in helping first-time home buyers. We can help you search and locate the houses that match your budget, your designed location and your criteria. As agent members of FMAAR MLS, Modern Market Realtors have unlimited access to the MLS database and will be happy to search the ideal home for you. At our web site, we have the house listings search tool that you can use at your convenience to browse homes that interest you. Our agents stand ready to arrange showings of MLS listed homes for you.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Glyndon Homes For Sale | Modern Market Realtors

If your looking to buy or sell a home in Glyndon MN Call Modern Market Realtors®. Modern Market Realtors is a real estate company. Modern Market Realtors® is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act. Brokers/Realtors at Modern Market Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors® and held to the highest of ethical standards.Operated by Jim Christl and Shannon Barnum.

Proudly Serving the Fargo,Moorhead,West Fargo Real Estate community.

Modern Market Realtors® is a full service Realty and Consultant Company.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Modern Market Realtors: 3772 7 Street E, West Fargo, ND 58078

$346,770.00
 NO STEPS, NO SNOW, NO MOWING!
Workmanship & quality are 2 things you get w/this meticulously thought out main level design. 1822 sq' of main living featuring a private master suite, 2 add'l bedrooms, & an add'l bathroom. Kitchen comes equipped w/an island breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, soft close pots & pans drawers that hold up to 100lbs each, convenient storage pantry & raised dishwasher. Sunroom, vaulted ceilings & open concept floor plan bring an abundance of natural light. To top it off the attached 3 stall garage includes natural gas heater & floor drain! Fully sodded yard included. HOA handles snow & lawn care. This design of home enhances main level living allowing rooms in the home to relate to one another with a natural flow maximizing space while minimizing effort to use it.



Sunday, March 31, 2019

Modern Market Realtors: 3772 7 Street E, West Fargo, ND 58078

$346,770
3772 7 Street E, West Fargo, ND 58078
MLS #19-1418
HOA handles snow & lawn care.
 55 + Communities for sale in West Fargo ND. Workmanship & quality are 2 things you get w/this meticulously thought out main level design. 1822 sq' of main living featuring a private master suite, 2 add'l bedrooms, & an add'l bathroom. Kitchen comes equipped w/an island breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, soft close pots & pans drawers that hold up to 100lbs each, convenient storage pantry & raised dishwasher. Sunroom, vaulted ceilings & open concept floor plan bring an abundance of natural light. To top it off the attached 3 stall garage includes natural gas heater & floor drain! Fully sodded yard included. HOA handles snow & lawn care. This design of home enhances main level living allowing rooms in the home to relate to one another with a natural flow maximizing space while minimizing effort to use it.

FargoHomeSearch.com
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Shannon Barnum, Fargo ND Realtors

Shannon Barnum, Fargo ND Realtors
Serving the Fargo ND Real Estate community for 20 yrs.  Shannon Barnum owns and operate Modern Market Realtors in the Fargo area. Shannon works with both buyers and sellers in the real estate community. Shannon Barnum expertise is providing real estate representation for home sellers.




Fargo Home BUYERS!
We have a common goal: Making you a homeowner. Let's make it happen!
Ensuring you exceptional service at every step of your home buying process.

    Search listings from the convenience of your home.
    Be the first to get new listings that match your criteria.
    Get real estate market watch updates for listings in your area.
    "For Buyers" - Your source for the latest tips, checklists and free reports.
    Personal Consultation - Vast experience and knowledge you can rely on.
    Financial advice - Loans, Mortgages, interest and tax benefits.
    Community information and Utilities.

Find knowledgeable agents who know how to get the job done, get a good deal and are responsive to all your real estate needs. Providing you prompt service, personal guidance and professional competence from contract to settlement.

Fargo Home SELLERS!
Allow me to list your home for a quick sale. As a real estate specialist, I know what it takes to sell your home. I bring expert knowledge, valuable experience blended with the latest technology, a well-defined marketing plan, a cohesive network, energy, enthusiasm and the excitement of a job well done.

    Detailed Home Evaluation Report and advice on the best price to list your home.
    Vast exposure to your listing.
    Virtual tours to distinguish your listing.
    "For Sellers" - Your source for the latest tips, checklists and free reports.
    Personal Consultation - Vast experience and knowledge you can rely on.
    Relocating - Everything you need to know about the neighborhood and transferring utilities.

If you are planning to place your home on the market, browse my website for valuable information on preparing your home for sale, pricing your home right, marketing it effectively and the home inspection processes.

I am passionate about my job, love my neighborhood and keep up with the latest trends and strategies so that I can pass them on to my clients.



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Social Media: Homes.com
Social Media: Trulia.com
Fargo Moorhead Association of Realtors


Modern Market Realtors   
1306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (701) 205-5517
FargoHomeSearch.com

Friday, March 8, 2019

Voted Best Realtors in Fargo ND | Modern Market Realtors

Super Real Estate Agents 2019. Fargo Moorhead's best for facilitating the home buying process based on client satisfaction.

Modern Market Realtors
FEATURED AGENTS | Shannon Barnum and Jim Christl
Our vast experience (20+ years) sets us apart while our earned designations show our commitment to continuing education and keeping up to date. Averaging over 35 transactions annually, with a 95% referral rate from past clients, We provide top notch service in every facet of the business. By using the "Team" concept and strategies, I (and The Home Team), offer both service and results that can't be beat in the Fargo Moorhead area. Modern Market Realtors prides itself as a community leader in the Fargo Real Estate Market.

For information on the services provided by Modern Market Realtors go to Modern Market Realtors


Modern Market Realtors  
1306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
 Phone: (701) 205-5517
FargoHomeSearch.com

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Modern Market Realtors | Home Staging Secrets

Find out why Modern Market Realtors stages your home for FREE. Modern Market realtors stages every home they list on the market in Moorhead MN. If your looking for Realtors who believe in home staging and how it will maximize your home sale and bring you the most bang for the buck. Feel free to download our short book called "Home Staging Secrets" By Shannon Barnum and Jim Christl, both real estate agents for Modern Market Realtors.

Find out why Shannon Barnum says "*****ATTENTION SELLERS****If you are at the point where you want to get started getting your house ready to sell, it’s a good idea to call us and we will walk thru your house with you, we will give you tips and suggestions on what to do and what you don’t have to worry about spending money or time on. Once you’ve decided to move forward with listing your home, we will also provide a staging consultant to walk thru your home and do the same. If you would like to do this staging step earlier so that you have time to do all of the suggestions that the staging consultant may have for you, feel free to let us know and we can arrange to have that step completed ahead of time. This is completely free of charge if you list your home with us.

Read the full Book Home Staging Secrets Here




Modern Market Realtors  
1306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
 Phone: (701) 205-5517
FargoHomeSearch.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Modern Market Realtors | Members of Fargo-Moorhead Area Association-Realtors

Modern Market Realtors are proud members of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association-Realtors, 42nd Street South, Fargo, ND, USA. We have members since 2010 and love serving the Fargo Real Estate community.  Modern Market Realtors are true professionals that really care about every real estate transaction.
For more information

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Fargo Homes For Sale | Modern Market Realtors

Looking for a billboard of Real Estate advertising on your home for sale?
Call Modern Market Realtors and get that home sold today

Modern Market Realtors Website

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Modern Market Realtors  
1306 24th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
 Phone: (701) 205-5517

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Moorhead Real Estate | What are home interest rates looking like in 2019?

The outlook for real estate in the Fargo Moorhead area looks strong even with all the head winds we have had in 2018. Our thoughts at Modern Market Realtors are that rates will remain stable thru 2019, in spite of the tariffs and the govt shut down.  Chances look great for business as ususal in the Fargo Moorhead area.  But Don't take our opinion here is what the big boys say.

Read More Here

Friday, December 14, 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Modern Market Realtors: 366 Edgewater Dr, West Fargo, ND


$400,000
NO SPECIALS!! Immaculate, beautiful home in desirable Charleswood Neighborhood! Welcoming porch entry. Vaulted ceilings & neutral paint colors throughout. Enjoy all new carpet on Main Level. Living room has lovely picture window & gas fireplace. Open concept dining & kitchen area with SS appliances, granite counter tops, island, tons of cabinet space, & pantry. Also on Main Level is large family room with gas fireplace, laundry, half bath, & den. Upstairs, find the spacious Master Suite with walk-in closet, jetted tub, walk-in shower, & double sinks. Also on this level, 2 bedrooms & full bath. Downstairs is additional family room, 2 bedrooms, & full bath. 3 stall finished garage, heated with floor drain. Fenced backyard, MF deck, & sprinkler system. New Roof in 2017.
 

 

Modern Market Realtors: FargoHomeSearch.com: Jake and Lori Scott Another H...

Modern Market Realtors: FargoHomeSearch.com: Jake and Lori Scott Another H...: Jake and Lori another happy customer! Thanks guys, you were so much fun! hope you enjoy your new home and life. FargoHomeSearch.com  T...

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Generation Z and the Crushing Effects of the Great Recession still linger in 2019


When the housing market collapsed 10 years ago, conventional wisdom held that millennials would become a lost generation — a generation that would persue settling down due to the trials experienced by their parents during the recession of 2008 in Fargo. They became more risk-averse, afraid to meet the same fate of previous generations.

Millennials And Gen Xers

While demographic and lifestyle choices, as well as a desire for nonconformity, have contributed to the high rates of renting over owning among millennials, one of the main factors pricing millennials out of homebuying is, ironically, high rents.


While baby boomers and Gen Xers saw homeownership as an opportunity to build wealth and as a place to settle down, millennials do not. Millennials are often unable to forgo renting in favor of homeownership, in part because of the high cost of living in the cities they choose to live, as well as the high debt load they carry following graduation. This is potentially problematic for the financial future of their generation, as homeownership historically has been a tool for wealth-building in the United States.

Another millennial preference has been to leave the suburban and rural life, which has pushed demand for more urban-friendly apartments over private homes.

Changes Are Coming

Although so much time and effort have been spent on understanding the millennial generation and their homebuying preferences, the market is on the cusp of yet another shift in homebuying trends as Generation Z prepares to enter the market and make their own mark.

If history is prologue, Gen Z seems more interested in suburban living as opposed to life in the big city. Gen Z renters are willing to sacrifice location for space, amenities, value, connectivity and community.

Coming of age in the shadow of the Great Recession, Gen Z is more financially conservative but remain optimistic. Gen Z has been entering the housing market as renters with their sights set on homeownership; an estimated 101,000 have already purchased homes.

An Chanvce For Workforce Housing

Despite having aspirations for homeownership, we do not have enough data to know where Gen Z will end up as far as homeownership is concerned, and with rising interest rates it is unclear whether their optimism will lead to substantial changes in the marketplace.

With that uncertainty, there is plenty of opportunity now in workforce housing. There is a niche that has formed for suburban property owners who have been enticing these younger buyers who prefer suburban living but also want access to public transportation and desirable amenities at an affordable price. Our firm, for example, incorporates community into our properties, offering a variety of events and programs, including speed dating, game nights and sports leagues, in addition to some of the other luxuries many have become accustomed to, from swimming pools to gyms and playrooms for children.

It is important for property owners within the workforce housing space to familiarize themselves with their residents. Rather than assuming that what worked for one community will work for another, widen your outreach program to include roundtable discussions or focus groups that garner direct feedback from your residents. Determine what is important to them and renovate or update your properties accordingly. There is no rule of thumb for what makes a workforce housing property successful. Instead, take the time to understand the needs of your residents and what improvements will heighten their sense of community.

Responding to consumer demand is necessary to keep up with the market, but it’s important to know who is driving that demand and to recognize when the market and buying power is beginning to shift. For now, millennials remain in the driver’s seat, as they are currently the largest market and the right age to buy and rent homes. However, in a few years, Gen Z will take over and become the drivers within the market, changing the way developers and owners approach their properties. Make sure you’re ready, because it’s coming.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Shannon Barnum

Modern Market  Realtors
1306 24 Ave S
Moorhead MN 56560
Office-(701) 205-5517
Home Phone-(701) 491-2000
Mobile- (701) 491-2000
Email: Shannon@ModernMarketRealtors.com

Website: FargoHomeSearch.com
Social Media: Facebook
Social Media: Twitter
Social Media: YouTube
Social Media: Linkedin
Social Media: Realtor.com
Social Media: Zillow

Jim Christl

Modern Market Realtors
1306 24 Ave S
Moorhead MN 56560
Office -(701) 205-5517
Home Phone -(701) 205-5517
Mobile-(701) 205-5517
Email: Jim@ModernMarketRealtors.com

fargohomesearch.com
Social Media: Facebook
Social Media: Linkedin
Social Media: Twitter
Social Media: YouTube
Social Media: Realtor.com
Social Media: Zillow
Social Media: Homes.com
Social Media: Trulia.com
Fargo Moorhead Association of Realtors
FargoCityGuide

For Sale: 3133 5th St E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA


Check Out This Home For Sale in West Fargo ND
3133 5th St E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA
Call Jim Christl
701-205-5517

Monday, May 11, 2015

Exterior Home Staging Tips

Do you have a house to sell. If so, take a few minutes to read about how you can make your house loo

from Modern Market Realtors's Blog http://fargohomesearch.com/blog/Exterior+Home+Staging+Tips
via IFTTT

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Buying A Home Plan For Younger People Make Sure To Plan Ahead

Granted, few young people spend much time day-dreaming about buying their first home. They're natura

from Modern Market Realtors's Blog http://fargohomesearch.com/blog/Buying+A+Home+Plan+For+Younger+People++Make+Sure+To+Plan+Ahead
via IFTTT

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Fargo Homebuyer ALERT What Is A Credit Score

Our credit score can mean the difference between being denied or approved for credit, and a low or h

from Modern Market Realtors's Blog http://fargohomesearch.com/blog/Fargo+Homebuyer+ALERT+What+Is+A+Credit+Score
via IFTTT

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Find out the current value of your home HERE! - "Quick & Easy"

You will receive this information quickly, by email and without having to speak with an agent!

Complete the required information on your home and you will receive a complimentary Computer Analysis indicating your home's approximate present value on the market today.
Simple...Automated...Dependable...


Saturday, March 30, 2013

20 Signs You Need a Financial Makeover

1. You charge group dinners on your card and keep your friends’ cash to spend. I actually don’t mind doing this myself as it saves me a trip to the ATM if I need the cash, but if you’re just being stupid and thinking it’s “free money” to go and blow anytime then yeah – you need a financial makeover.

2. You spend more than 40% of your total income on rent. The last time I calculated this we were spending 37% of our total (net) income on mortgages. And I’ll admit it’s not very savvy. But I’ll also point out that we got ourselves into this BEFORE Mr. J. Money came about ;) So I agree with this one here – ya gotta keep your rent/mortgages way below that 40% line.

 3. You’re constantly transferring your balance to get 0% interest on your credit card debt. Bad if you don’t know what you’re doing, but good if you’re Jonathan from My Money Blog (the expert in xfering $20,000+ and milking the extra hundreds of dollars in interest every year;)

4. You pay off one credit card with another. Yes, BAD!!

5. Less than 10% of your income goes to your retirement savings. (Or worse, zero percent!) I wouldn’t say you need a total makeover if you were saving 10% really, even though everyone would love to see you saving 15% or even 25%, but definitely saving 0% is a troubling sign.

 6. You have a credit card that doesn’t give you anything in return, like cash back or airline miles. Haha…well this isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it is a good idea to check and makes sure you’re getting *something* in return for doing nothing ;) You don’t have to do anything different than you’re doing now!

7. You don’t know what IRA means outside of Ireland. (is that supposed to be a joke?)

8. You pay the minimum balance on your credit card each month.Not the best habit to get into, that’s for sure. If at all possible you should be adding in at least $25-$50 more every month to help knock it away as fast as you can. I once paid $2,000 for a $1,200 computer back in the day because I kept just telling myself “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Make tomorrow, today!

9. You don’t open your credit card statement because you can’t bear to see how high the balance is. Oh yeah, definitely not a good sign. You HAVE TO KNOW what you’re dealing with so that you can fix it and get right back on track! And this goes for savings and investments too. If you don’t KNOW what’s going on you’ll just keep sinking and sinking until it takes something tragic to snap you out of it.

10. You don’t keep receipts because they remind you of what you’ve spent. Haha…that’s actually pretty clever ;) STUPID, but clever. Maybe these people should switch to debit cards instead? (I’m assuming they’re using credit cards which allow them to spend way more than they have due to credit limits and such. With debit cards though, you have a breaking point! Once you hit $0.00 you can’t pick up anything else.)

 11. You know your company has a 401k plan, but you have no idea what that is. My favorite tool ever! Just call up HR real quick (right now, actually, stop reading this!!) and ask how much your company matches. Then, tell your sweet old HR lady (or man) that you’d like to contribute that exact same # and make sure to fill out whatever forms you need to do ASAP. Even if you never look at it again, that one move you just made will hook you up years and years to come. So do it!

 12. You withdraw cash frequently from ATM’s that aren’t affiliated with your bank. I don’t know if this one applies as much as maybe it used to. Many banks now reimburse you for your fees so it doesn’t matter where you go (at least online banks do – like my fave USAA, baby!)

13. The number of credit cards in your wallet is higher than the number of dates you’ve had this year. Hahahhahaa…..didn’t see that one coming :)

14. You buy so much on eBay that they’ve awarded you VIP status. Wha wha wha….

15. You want to start a savings account, but then sale season starts again! Is it me or are these going down hill?

16. You don’t have an emergency fund to pay bills should you lose your job. Back in action! YES, emergency funds are KEY to any financial game plan. Whether it’s $100, or $1,000, be sure to be stashing some aside for when you least expect it!

17. Your monthly extra cell phone minute charges are bigger than your monthly electric bill. (I had to go look up my own electric bill to see if this is a good gauge or not, and indeed I think it may. Although if we’re talking about overall cell phone bills and not just “minute charges” then the iPhone kills us!)

18. You overdraw on your checking account more than once a year. Hmmm… once is kinda strict. I’d say not more than 3 times a year cuz sometimes weird things just happen. Although if you were really on top of it you’d sign up for overdraft protection (the kinds that don’t cost you any money!) so that you’d be safe just in case you got a little crazy here and there.

19. You live paycheck to paycheck. This should be the #1 sign you need a makeover, hands down. Living paycheck to paycheck is a recipe for disaster, and I know 80% of you reading this right now are in this boat :( I was too!!! For 25 years of my life! If you haven’t been serious about making a change, please start today. There are plenty of ways you can get yourself in better position, you just have to get on it and really commit. Start tracking your money and finding where all your spending leaks are! Picking up a hustle on the side will help too.

 20. You spend more on new shoes annually than you save. Oh wow, that would not be good. I think I’ve spent around $200 so far on shoes this year – and 2 of those were on new cleats that needed replacing. I would punch myself in the face if I was saving less than that every year :(

 Were any of you surprised with your answers to some of these? Did it get you to double check and see if you’re truly on track or not? Again, some of these were pretty crazy and more entertaining than anything, but hopefully it moved a few marbles upstairs and will prompt you to start researching any areas that may need improvement. It’s always a work in progress :)

Source

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Home Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in Over Six Years

Home-price appreciation is accelerating in much of the U.S., offering the latest confirmation that the housing market is turning after the most severe property downturn since the Great Depression.

Prices rose by 8.1% in January from a year earlier, the largest such gain in 6½ years, according to figures from the S&P/Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major metropolitan cities released Tuesday. All 20 cities posted annual increases.

Take Charge When Buying a Home

If you approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to emerge with a house you'll be proud to call home.

Approaching the task of buying your next home can be overwhelming. There's so much to consider.

How much house can I afford, and how can I find the best loan? Where will I come up with a down payment, and how much will I need? Should I buy a new or resale home, and which will go up in value? Should I use an agent or look at homes on my own?

And these questions are just the beginning. Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions in your lifetime, yet we don't teach about it in school. You're just supposed to pick it up along the way.

Well, as you start down this road, let me give you a little advice. Here are the two most important things to remember no matter where you are on the road to ownership:

1. You can and should understand everything that is happening in the home buying process. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that is so complex that it can't be easily explained to anyone with average intelligence, and you've got more than that. Just because we don't apply for a thirty year mortgage once a week doesn't mean we have to take the first one that comes along. You'll need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to understand what you're getting into. If anything happens at any point in the process that doesn't make sense to you, simply demand a full and complete explanation. If it still doesn't make sense, seek help from someone you trust like your CPA, your banker or maybe your friendly online real estate columnist.

2. In the world of real estate sales, YOU are the most important person in the entire process. It's easy to think that everyone else carries more weight than you. The agent talks fast and has an answer for everything. The lender may decline your loan application, and on and on. But the truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in this transaction that makes it all happen. If you decide to not buy, the entire process comes to a grinding halt. So flex your consumer muscle and take command of this process. Surround yourself with a team of professionals that you have confidence in and make them work for you.

If you plan from the beginning to approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to emerge at the end of the day with a house you'll be proud to call home, and the knowledge that you made the right decision.

Source:

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Buying A Home Plan for Younger People – Make Sure to Plan Ahead

Granted, few young people spend much time day-dreaming about buying their first home. They're naturally preoccupied with academics, athletics, parties, dating and future career possibilities. Nonetheless, there are a number of good reasons to start learning early in life about the costs of buying a home and the responsibilities of homeownership. For example, a college student's misuse or abuse of credit cards can preclude his or her buying a home later on.

Here are five recommendations for young people who want to position themselves for homeownership:

1. Establish good credit habits and a favorable credit history. Get a credit card and use it responsibly. Apply for an automobile loan and make your payments on time every month. If you're renting an apartment, put your own name on the lease and the utility bills and make sure the rent and the bills are paid every month. If you're already struggling with credit card debt or have large student loans, take a free workshop from the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Call (800) 388-2227 for information.

2. Start saving for a down payment and closing costs. It's possible to purchase a first home in many parts of the country without much in the way of savings. But in high-cost housing areas, starting to save early can be enormously beneficial because you'll get the advantage of compounding interest and have a longer period of time to grow your investments. Open a savings account or a stock brokerage investment account and make regular deposits.

3. Read some books. Your local library and bookstore probably have at least a few shelves of books about financial management and buying a home. Take notes. Make a financial plan for yourself.

4. Research where you'd like to live. Many young people assume they'll continue living in their own home town when they get older, but people are more mobile than ever and chances are good you'll one day live in another city or even another state. Again, the library, bookstore and Web can be excellent resources for information about housing costs and homeownership opportunities around the country.

5. Tap your real estate agent relatives for advice. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or older cousins in the real estate business can give you good information about the cost of housing in the area where you want to live and what it takes to buy a home. Questions to ask: Is housing affordable in this area? How much money would I need to save in order to buy a home? What advice would you give me about planning my financial future? Would you recommend some books that I might like to read about buying a home? Don't be shy. If you have a question, ask someone in a position to know the answer.

Source:

Thursday, March 21, 2013

How Much Money Do I Have to Save to Buy A Home?

The first thing to understand about buying a house is that you don't have to have all the cash saved up in order to make your purchase.

The good news is that there are lots of folks out there who are very interested in lending you as much as 95% of the purchase price of your home, at very favorable interest rates. Furthermore, they are willing to spread out the payments over a long period of time so that you can afford the house you want.

Just to cover the basics, let's elaborate on the points in the last paragraph:

If you have a steady job and a reasonable credit history, there is a good chance that you can find a home lender who will lend you most of the purchase price of your new house. Home loans are also called "mortgages," which comes from a Latin phrase meaning "pledge unto death." While lenders don't take your promise to pay quite that seriously, they DO expect to get repaid on time. Just to make sure you remember, lenders take an ownership interest in your house until the loan is paid in full.

Home loans typically are offered in amounts of 80%, 90% and 95% of the price you are paying for the house. You are expected to pay the remaining amount in cash from your own savings. As you might imagine, the lower percentage loans are somewhat easier to qualify for.

The reason the lender is willing to lend you up to 95% of the value of your house is that history has shown real estate to be such an excellent investment. Lenders expect that your home will be worth more in the future than it is today - so their investment in your home is considered very safe.

That's also why the interest rate you can obtain on a home loan is one of the best around. Consider that America's largest and strongest corporations borrow at what is called the "prime rate," and that today you can borrow a home loan - fixed at the same rate for many years - at substantially less than the prime rate. Lenders have found that home loans tend to be excellent investments, and you benefit every month when you make your loan payment.

Finally, home loans are available to be repaid over terms of usually 15 or 30 years. The shorter term loan offers a slightly lowered interest rate, so if you can afford the higher monthly payments, you'll save in interest costs by choosing the 15 year loan. At today's interest rates, a 15 year loan costs about 27% more than a 30 year loan in terms of your monthly payment. But the amazing thing is that lenders are even willing to offer a fixed rate loan for that time period. It's better financing than you can get on just about any other investment.

Source:

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Understand Your Credit - Find out about your credit and correct any errors now!

Thinking about buying a house? Then think about your credit history...the folks who lend money do!

How well you have handled your credit obligations in the past is of utmost importance to lenders today. The good news is that this information, for the most part, is available to you.

Your credit history is maintained by three different private companies called credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Their websites and phone numbers are listed at the end of this article. Everyone can pull their own credit once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com. If you’ve already done that or need to pull it again. You can order your report by phone and charge it to your major credit card if you like. It usually takes about a week to arrive. You can even order your report online directly from each of the three agencies, but they have to verify your identity before you can obtain any private information. By the way, avoid services that offer to obtain all your reports for you in exchange for a fee. You want the information directly from the reporting agency, blemishes and all.

It's a good idea to get a copy of all three reports, because if an error exists on even one of the reports, it may negatively affect your chances of getting the loan you want. Your credit report lists all the consumer credit that has been extended to you over the past seven years. It will show what your highest balance has been and what your current balance was on the date last reported by the creditor. It will also show how many payments you made on time and how many late payments were late. Late payments are grouped into categories showing how late you were. For example, if your credit card payment was over 30 days late one time, it might not be considered too serious. But if payments were over 60 days late four times, over 120 days late two times and over 180 days late one time, you have had a serious problem. That problem is going to impact your ability to borrow money.

It just makes sense to find out about your credit and correct any errors now. Regardless of how many credit problems you have had in the past, there are two good points to remember.

First, negative credit information can be reported in your credit file for only seven years. After that, it drops out and cannot even be considered. The one exception is bankruptcy, which can be reported for 10 years. But after that you start with essentially a clean slate.

Second, lenders are much more concerned about how you have handled your credit recently than with what happened several years ago. Even if you have had a bankruptcy, if you have kept your nose clean and paid your bills on time since then, it is possible you could qualify for a loan after as little as two or three years.

One of the best developments in the world of lending has been risk-based pricing. That's a five dollar term for the ability of lenders to offer higher priced loans to borrowers based on their demonstrated ability to repay. In other words, even if you have slightly fractured credit, you can still likely get a loan. It just may cost you a little more.

Equifax (www.equifax.com) can be reached at 800-997-2493. TransUnion (www.transunion.com) can be reached at 800-888-4213. Experian (www.experian.com) can be reached at 888-397-3742.

Source:

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Calculate Your Income Vs. Debt

Most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe.

As you think about applying for a home loan, you need to consider your personal finances. How much you earn versus how much you owe will likely determine how much a lender will allow you to borrow.

First, determine your gross monthly income. This will include any regular and recurring income that you can document. Unfortunately, if you can't document the income or it doesn't show up on your tax return, then you can't use it to qualify for a loan. However, you can use unearned sources of income such as alimony or lottery payoffs. And if you own income-producing assets such as real estate or stocks, the income from those can be estimated and used in this calculation. If you have questions about your specific situation, any good loan officer can review the rules.

Next, calculate your monthly debt load. This includes all monthly debt obligations like credit cards, installment loans, car loans, personal debts or any other ongoing monthly obligation like alimony or child support. If it is revolving debt like a credit card, use the minimum monthly payment for this calculation. If it is installment debt, use the current monthly payment to calculate your debt load. And you don't have to consider a debt at all if it is scheduled to be paid off in less than six months. Add all this up and it is a figure we'll call your monthly debt service.

In a nutshell, most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe. Although every lender has slightly different formulas, here is a rough idea of how they look at the numbers.

Typically, your monthly housing expense, including monthly payments for taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28% of your gross monthly income. If you don't know what your tax and insurance expense will be, you can estimate that about 15% of your payment will go toward this expense. The remainder can be used for principal and interest repayment.

In addition, your proposed monthly housing expense and your total monthly debt service combined cannot exceed about 36% of your gross monthly income. If it does, your application may exceed the lender's underwriting guidelines and your loan may not be approved.

Depending on your individual situation, there may be more or less flexibility in the 28% and 36% guidelines. For example, if you are able to buy the home while borrowing less than 80% of the home's value by making a large cash down payment, the qualifying ratios become less critical. Likewise, if Bill Gates or a rich uncle is willing to cosign on the loan with you, lenders will be much less focused on the guidelines discussed here.

Remember that there are hundreds of loan programs available in today's lending market and every one of them has different guidelines. So don't be discouraged if your dream home seems out of reach.

In addition, there are a number of factors within your control which affect your monthly payment. For example, you might choose to apply for an adjustable rate loan which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Likewise, a larger down payment has the effect of lowering your projected monthly payment.

Just plan on contacting and investigating a number of lenders to find a loan program that meets your needs.

Source:

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Making the Transition from Renting to Buying

Most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe.  

As you think about applying for a home loan, you need to consider your personal finances. How much you earn versus how much you owe will likely determine how much a lender will allow you to borrow.  

First, determine your gross monthly income. This will include any regular and recurring income that you can document. Unfortunately, if you can't document the income or it doesn't show up on your tax return, then you can't use it to qualify for a loan. However, you can use unearned sources of income such as alimony or lottery payoffs. And if you own income-producing assets such as real estate or stocks, the income from those can be estimated and used in this calculation. If you have questions about your specific situation, any good loan officer can review the rules.  

Next, calculate your monthly debt load. This includes all monthly debt obligations like credit cards, installment loans, car loans, personal debts or any other ongoing monthly obligation like alimony or child support. If it is revolving debt like a credit card, use the minimum monthly payment for this calculation. If it is installment debt, use the current monthly payment to calculate your debt load. And you don't have to consider a debt at all if it is scheduled to be paid off in less than six months. Add all this up and it is a figure we'll call your monthly debt service.  

In a nutshell, most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe. Although every lender has slightly different formulas, here is a rough idea of how they look at the numbers.  

Typically, your monthly housing expense, including monthly payments for taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28% of your gross monthly income. If you don't know what your tax and insurance expense will be, you can estimate that about 15% of your payment will go toward this expense. The remainder can be used for principal and interest repayment.

In addition, your proposed monthly housing expense and your total monthly debt service combined cannot exceed about 36% of your gross monthly income. If it does, your application may exceed the lender's underwriting guidelines and your loan may not be approved.  

Depending on your individual situation, there may be more or less flexibility in the 28% and 36% guidelines. For example, if you are able to buy the home while borrowing less than 80% of the home's value by making a large cash down payment, the qualifying ratios become less critical. Likewise, if Bill Gates or a rich uncle is willing to cosign on the loan with you, lenders will be much less focused on the guidelines discussed here.  

 Remember that there are hundreds of loan programs available in today's lending market and every one of them has different guidelines. So don't be discouraged if your dream home seems out of reach. 

In addition, there are a number of factors within your control which affect your monthly payment. For example, you might choose to apply for an adjustable rate loan which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Likewise, a larger down payment has the effect of lowering your projected monthly payment.   Just plan on contacting and investigating a number of lenders to find a loan program that meets your needs.   Source:

Friday, March 8, 2013

Make Moorhead Home New Construction Property Tax Rebate Program

 

Instructions:

How do I qualify for the new construction rebate?

To qualify, the property must:
Be located within Moorhead City limits and classified as 1a,1b,2a,4b or 4bb (1-3 unit residential). The classification of your property can be found on your property tax statement or by contacting the City Assessor. The property must be new construction with no part of the structure commenced prior to January 1, 2012. Construction of the property must commence prior to December 31, 2014. Construction is deemed to have commenced if a city building permit has been issued and the mandatory footing or foundation inspection has been completed.

What is the benefit?

For property classified as 1a,1b,2a,4b or 4bb (1-3 unit residential) the rebate is the entire market value of the land and new improvements. The rebate includes the two payable tax years that correspond with the two assessment years after construction commenced.

How does the new construction credit work?

Builders or purchasers of new homes for which construction commenced between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014 are eligible for a rebate of some or all general real estate taxes for the first two years following home construction. There is no minimum or maximum market value limit, and land value is included. Special levies such as school bond referendum, watershed, and economic development are not included in the rebate. Special assessments are not part of the rebate.

What if the residence sells during the rebate period?

Once an application is submitted and approved on a residence, the parcel is eligible for two payable tax years even if the ownership transfers. If the residence is constructed on or before August 31, 2012, I understand my rebate will be smaller than homes built after September 1.
 

Will I get the full amount the second year?

No. Construction activity that began prior to September 1, 2012 is not eligible for the Clay County portion of the tax payments for either year of eligibility. 

When will I get my rebate check?
Tax payments are required to be paid as due on May 15th and October 15th of each year. A rebate of the eligible portion of the tax payments will be mailed by the Clay County Treasurer in December of each year of eligibility. 

How do I apply?

Complete the application and return it to the City Assessor. Completed applications must be returned by January 31 of the year following the commencement of construction. Click here to download Application.

How we use information

The county/city assessor may share the information contained on this form with the County Auditor, County Attorney, Commissioner of Revenue or other federal, state or local authorities to verify your eligibility for the rebate. You do not have to provide this information. However, refusal may disqualify you from consideration for the rebate. 

Penalties 

Making false statements on this application is against the law. Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.41 states that giving false information in order to avoid or reduce their tax obligations can result in a fine up to $3,000 and/or up to one year in prison. 

For more information contact:
City of Moorhead
ATTN: Assessor Dept.
500 Center Avenue
Moorhead MN 56560
(218) 299-5310
Assessor@cityofmoorhead.com

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Seller’s Checklist

• Hire a stager, inspector, photographer and other professionals as needed. • Pressure-wash sidewalks and decks. • Clean windows. • Clear gutters and downspouts. • Remove weeds; mulch; plant flowers. • Clear cobwebs, leaves from porches, patios. • Re-grout bathtubs and faucets. • Have air conditioning and furnace checked. • Paint trim, baseboards and nicks if needed. • Clear counters, tables, bookshelves. • Organize closets and storage areas. • Clean carpets. • Ask a friend to give an honest assessment of your home.
Source: Washington Post
For more information on selling your home click here: Selling My Home in the FM Area

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Fargo Buyers Alert: Don't waste your time on Zillow,Trulia and Homes.com



Most real estate home buyers are obsessed with finding the next great deal.  So much so that they stay up into the wee hours of the night scouring the internet for properties,  As real estate agents know, our livelihoods depend on the accuracy of the data we analyze and for that reason I’m begging you to PLEASE stop searching for real estate on nationwide portals like Trulia, Zillow and Homes.com - amongst many others!


For the past 12 months brokerage after brokerage has decided to withdrawal their listings from the nationwide real estate search portals citing, among other things, horribly inaccurate information and in some cases outright scams.


Very Inaccurate Real Estate Search Results
National portals like Trulia and Zilliow are slow to show new listings.  When a property is listed for sale it hits the local MLS in a matter of minutes, usually about 15, but can take as long as 9 days to populate to nationally syndicated sites according to studies on the subject.  To real estate investors ready to pounce 9 days might as well be 3 months.  By the time the home owner sees the listing, sees the property and submits an offer sufficient time will have passed that there could be one or more competitive bids or quite possibly the property could have sold already.  A seasoned real estate agent knows how important timing is and getting all of your real estate listings even 24 hours later than your competitors will cause you to miss out on great deals.

Bad Data
The real estate company Redfin was hired recently to assess the accuracy of sites like Trulia and Zillow and their study found that approximately 36% of the listings shown as active on Zillow and Trulia were no longer for sale in the local MLS, compared with almost 0% on local brokerage websites.  The study further found that brokerage sourced listings using their local MLS feed displayed 100% of the MLS homes listed for sale on their websites but Trulia only displayed 81% and Zillow 79%.  So let me summarize – over 1/3rd of the listings you are seeing are NOT ACTUALLY FOR SALE and you only get to see 4/5th of the listings that are actually for sale.  LOL.  I could go on but really there’s no need.  Obviously anyone searching for properties in a city would like to have access to all of the listings that are for sale and none of the ones that aren’t.

What’s My House Worth? (Don’t Ask Zillow)
I considered writing an entire post of the accuracy…or inaccuracy, of real estate portal pricing tools like the famed Zillow Zestimate.  For those who aren’t familiar with Zillow the website offers an opinion of a listed house value called a Zestimate and it is prominently displayed on each property’s listing page.  Sounds great right?  Unfortunately the Zestimate values aren’t even close to the actual values that the properties sell for.  If you’re wondering how I can be so sure it’s because, to Zillow’s credit, they actually publicize the accuracy of their Zestimates city by city. To measure the accuracy of the Zestimate Zillow compares the actual home sale prices of homes with their Zestimate and they’ve found that the Zesimtate is within 5% of the actual sale price around 33% of the time and within 10% of the sale price around 50% of the time.  What To Do?

For real estate home buyers in need of accurate and timely data national search portals like Trulia and Zillow are not as reliable as other options available.  Instead of searching for properties on these websites real estate investors should focus on smaller, local brokerage based websites, establish relationships with local real estate agents or get a real estate license and pay to join the local MLS where they invest.  These steps will assure that you are getting the most accurate and up to date information and will give you a competitive advantage over those who are searching for real estate with websites like Trulia and Zillow.

Find out the value of your home from a local real estate professional, using local market data and accurate listing information. Find out your homes value here.

What do you think? Do you use Trulia or Zillow?

Finding a good real estate agent / broker

Finding a good real estate agent / broker is essential to enjoying a painless real estate transaction. The saying is "20% of the agents do 80% of the business," and it is true. The question is how can you find a good real estate agent? The best agent for you doesn't necessarily work at the largest brokerage, close the most transactions or make the most money. The best agent for you is an experienced professional who will listen to you, conduct herself in an ethical manner and knows your market.

1. REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents

All Realtors® are licensed to sell real estate as an agent or a broker but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. Only Realtors can display the Realtor® Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors and pledge to follow the Code of Ethics, a comprehensive list containing 17 articles and underlying standards of practice, which establish levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law. Less than half of all licensees are Realtors®.

2. Referrals


Most real estate agents stay in business because satisfied clients refer them to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. Ask the people around you who they have used and ask them to describe their experiences with this real estate agent. Successful agents make customer satisfaction their number one priority and put their customers' needs before their own. Try to find an agent who goes above and beyond her responsibilities. She'll be the agent whose praises your friends sing loudest.

3. Search Online for Agent Listings


There are plenty of Web sites that will refer agents to you but that is no assurance of quality. The agents they refer are those who have paid the Web site owners a fee to be listed in their directory. A better bet is to Google the top real estate companies in your area, go to those Web sites and look up profiles of individual agents at offices near you. Agents who are experienced will tell you but newer agents might have more time to spend with you. Look for customer testimonials.

4. Attend Open Houses


By going to open houses, you can meet real estate agents in a non-threatening working environment and interact with them. Collect business cards and make notes on them. If you're thinking about selling your home, pay attention to how the agent is showing the home. Is she polite and informative; appear knowledgeable? Does she hand out professional-looking promotional material about the home? Is she trying to sell features of the home? Or is she sitting in a corner reading a book, ignoring you?

5. Track Neighborhood Signs


Pay attention to the listing signs in your neighborhood. Make note of the day they go up and when the sold sign appears. The agent who sells listings the fastest might be better for you than the agent with the largest number of "for sale" signs. Results speak volumes.

6. Using Print Advertising


Real estate agents run real estate ads for two purposes. The first is to sell specific real estate. The second is to promote the real estate agent. Look in your local Sunday newspaper for ads in your targeted neighborhood. Then look up the Web sites of the agents who are advertising. These agents could be specialists in your neighborhood. Call and ask them about their experience.

7. Recommendations from Professionals


Ask other real estate agents for referrals. Agents are happy to refer buyers and sellers to associates, especially if the service you need is not a specialty of the agent who is referring you. Some agents specialize in residential resales while others work exclusively with new home builders. Other agents sell only commercial or investment property. Mortgage brokers are also a resource for agent referrals as many brokers have first-hand knowledge of exceptional agents. Pros tend to refer pros.