First Time Buyer Class – Thursday, February 9th, 2012

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyer Financial Info, Buyer Incentives, Buyers, Home Buying How To's

*REGISTER HERE*

Are you thinking about buying your first home? Well, the first step towards home-ownership is getting educated about the process and finding a Team of Professionals you can trust and feel comfortable with.

That’s where we come in.  Join us for a very informative FREE 90 minute home-buying seminar where you will learn everything you need to know about buying your first house.  We’ll show you the importance of getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage, how to Search for Properties on the Internet, and how to become an Expert Negotiator in the home-purchasing process.

Rest assured, this is not a “Sell-a-thon” like some other seminars on home-buying.  It’s totally free, we have no products to sell you, and there are no contracts to sign.  We’re all about educating buyers in order to help you with the biggest financial decision of your life.  If you’re a fan of a low-pressure and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home!

Our two experts - Steve Howe and Carrie Guarrero – have teamed up to give you the full spectrum of buying your first home in the Buyer’s Market today right here in MN.  Learn how getting the right loan can save you Thousands of dollars a year.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

If you are thinking about buying a home in the next 1 to 2 years we would love to answer your questions and help you make a solid home purchase, without paying too much.  Any potential First Time Home-buyers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area of MN should come on down to one of our monthly seminars.

Here’s the info:

  • What - First Time Home Buyer Class
  • Where - Cornerstone Mortgage; 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, MN
  • When - Thursday, February 9th, 6:30-8:00pm

Upcoming Dates for 2012: February 9, March 15, April 19, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 27, October 18, November 15, December 20

Space is limited so please REGISTER HERE.

IMPORTANT: All attendees will receive a free copy of their CREDIT REPORT and CREDIT SCORE courtesy of Cornerstone mortgage.  You must attend the class to receive your report.

***It should also be noted that this is NOT the Home Stretch course needed to qualify for some of the local first time buyer programs and grants.  Our suggestion is that you get educated about the process first, then get pre-approved and figure out if you will, in fact, be eligible to receive some sort of assistance that would require you to go to the Home Stretch Class.  That class is 8 hours long and there is a fee to attend.***

Would you like to learn what your Buying Power is? Get the facts on the Real Estate Market today!

For more information on First Time Home Buyer Programs and Tips of how to purchase your first property, contact Steve Howe with the Minnesota Real Estate Team. We have been the #1 Team in MN since 2006. We would love to help make your dreams of home ownership come to reality. Fill out the Contact form to receive exclusive info, or Subscribe to this blog via the RSS feed. Thanks for Reading!

Home Showings During The Winter Months

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyers, General Information, Home Buying How To's

The nice thing about searching for homes in the wintertime is that you don’t have much competition from other buyers.  The bad thing is that it’s usually cold and dark when you’re out in showings, unless you happen to take off work or see homes on the weekend.


Would you like to learn what your Buying Power is? Get the facts on the Real Estate Market today!

For more information on First Time Home Buyer Programs and Tips of how to purchase your first property, contact Steve Howe with the Minnesota Real Estate Team. We have been the #1 Team in MN since 2006. We would love to help make your dreams of home ownership come to reality. Fill out the Contact form to receive exclusive info, or Subscribe to this blog via the RSS feed. Thanks for Reading!

December 2011 Twin Cities Housing Market Update

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyer Financial Info, Buyers, General Information, Sellers

Another month’s information on the Housing Market in Minnesota, made by the MPLS Association of Realtors.  Lots of good data in this vide below, as usual.

Some highlights that both sellers and first time home buyers should note are:

Many more “Pending Sales” in November than the past few years.  This combined with a low number of homes for sale means the tables are turning towards the sellers a little bit.  However home prices are still declining somewhat consistently, so buyers are still getting a good deal on properties.

This combined, with some more positive national economic news on jobs, and we may be finally starting to see the turnaround in the MN Housing Market.

Check out the full video for all the info!



If you want to learn more about what your buying power will be make sure to subscribe via the RSS feed.

Buying your first home? Want to start the process but don't know how? A smart buyer turns into a happy home owner. Steve Howe specializes in First Time Home Buyers in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Learn how he can help you buy your first property without paying the commission.

First Time Home Buyer Class – Thursday, January 19th, 2012

By On · 1 Comment · In Buyers, Home Buying How To's, Upcoming Event

*REGISTER HERE*

Are you thinking about buying your first home? Well, the first step towards home-ownership is getting educated about the process and finding a Team of Professionals you can trust and feel comfortable with.

That’s where we come in.  Join us for a very informative FREE 90 minute home-buying seminar where you will learn everything you need to know about buying your first house.  We’ll show you the importance of getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage, how to Search for Properties on the Internet, and how to become an Expert Negotiator in the home-purchasing process.

Rest assured, this is not a “Sell-a-thon” like some other seminars on home-buying.  It’s totally free, we have no products to sell you, and there are no contracts to sign.  We’re all about educating buyers in order to help you with the biggest financial decision of your life.  If you’re a fan of a low-pressure and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.

Our two experts - Steve Howe and Carrie Guarrero – have teamed up to give you the full spectrum of buying your first home in the Buyer’s Market today right here in MN.  Learn how getting the right loan can save you Thousands of dollars a year.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

If you are thinking about buying a home in the next 1 to 2 years we would love to answer your questions and help you make a solid home purchase, without paying too much.  Any potential First Time Home-buyers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area of MN should come on down to one of our monthly seminars.

Here’s the info:

  • What - First Time Home Buyer Class
  • Where - Cornerstone Mortgage; 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, MN
  • When - Thursday, January 19th, 6:30-8:00pm

Upcoming Dates for 2012: January 19, February 9, March 15, April 19, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 27, October 18, November 15, December 20

Space is limited so please REGISTER HERE.

IMPORTANT: All attendees will receive a free copy of their CREDIT REPORT and CREDIT SCORE courtesy of Cornerstone mortgage.  You must attend the class to receive your report.

***It should also be noted that this is NOT the Home Stretch course needed to qualify for some of the local first time buyer programs and grants.  Our suggestion is that you get educated about the process first, then get pre-approved and figure out if you will, in fact, be eligible to receive some sort of assistance that would require you to go to the Home Stretch Class.  That class is 8 hours long and there is a fee to attend.***

Take advantage of this Buyer's Market! Learn how to buy your first property today!

Steve Howe works with First Time Home Buyers in Minnesota. As a part of the MN Real Estate Team, he specializes in guiding new buyers through the real estate transaction. Attend a free First Time Buyer Seminar to get started today!! You may also want to Subscribe to the RSS Feed. Thanks for reading!

2012 New Year Housing Market Numbers

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyer Financial Info, Buyer Incentives, Buyers, General Information

The Twin Cities Housing Market has had a busy fall and winter so far.  Here is some information on where the market is right now, and what it means for you as a buyer or seller.

Enjoy!



Would you like to learn more about buying your first home? Don't wait - Get Educated Today!

Steve Howe is a licensed Realtor in the state of Minnesota, and specializes in First Time Home Buyers from start to finish. Don't begin the process without getting the facts first. You can subscribe to his blog via the RSS feed, or contact him to receive exclusive information on buying your first property.

Success Story: Robbie and Stephanie

By On · 1 Comment · In Buyers, Success Stories

Sometimes an accepted offer doesn’t really mean you have a deal.  Or at least that’s how Robbie and Stephanie experienced things while trying to buy their first home.

This young couple was looking to purchase a property in St. Paul, and luckily after a few weeks of looking found a nice home that they felt confident about buying.  The biggest concern: it was a Short Sale!

Despite the name, a Short Sale usually takes a long time to get approved by the seller’s lender(s), which was exactly the case for Robbie and Stephanie.  We made our offer in early May, and anxiously awaited news on the bank’s approval.  After weeks and months of asking for updates, we finally got word in late October: DENIED!

The seller’s bank wanted $40,000 more than we had made our offer for over 5 months ago, which was not going to be possible.  So after almost half a year of waiting, it was “back to the drawing board” to search for a home.

Fortunately, we were able to find a property after another few weeks of searching and after a couple of repairs the house was as good as theirs!

This new sale was not without its challenges either, since it was a Foreclosure and needed some work as well.  But by being flexible and patient, Robbie and Stephanie we able to close and move in within a month of writing their offer.

The moral of the story: even though you have an accepted offer from the seller on a Short Sale, don’t get your hopes up until you have Final Bank Approval from the seller’s lender.

Luckily these buyers kept looking and were able to find another home that fit their needs relatively quickly.  I’m so proud to help so many new homebuyers like them.  It truly makes the job worthwhile!

Congratulations you two!

November 2011 Twin Cities Housing Market Info

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyer Financial Info, Buyers, General Information

For another month in 2011, we saw some positive signs that the MN Housing Market is beginning to “recover”.  This month’s video, produced by the MPLS Area Association of Realtors, tells us that demand is definitely picking up compared to the past couple years.  However prices are still dropping in the overall housing market.

The national economy is also seeing some positive signs of life, which will help fuel real estate sales and eventual price increases as people get more jobs and make more money.

What does this mean for you, as a buyer?

Well, you’re still getting great mortgage interest rates, low prices, and there’s still a good number of homes to pick from on the market.

Check out the video for all the details!



Learn how to begin the Home Buying Process by attending a free First Time Home Buyer Class.

We help new home buyers learn how to take the appropriate steps towards home-ownership by educating them and allowing them to choose when they are ready to start the process. If you're thinking about buying a home we invite you subscribe to the RSS Feed or contact us and we will assist you with your real estate needs.

Seller Paying Closing Costs?

By On · 2 Comments · In Buyer Financial Info, Buyers, Home Buying How To's

I’ve seen a lot of first time homebuyers searching online for the term “Seller Paying Closing Costs?” I’ve written a few articles in the past about asking the seller to pay some or most of your Closing Costs and Prepaid items.  But I figured it would be good to link to my best post on this topic of Seller Paid Closing Costs, and also remind home buyers that this is not a given in any transaction.

Some sellers will reject this if you ask for it, so make sure you aren’t 100% counting on this funding source of funding.

Always consult with your Mortgage Coach and Real Estate Agent when negotiating with a seller.

Would you like to learn what your Buying Power is? Get the facts on the Real Estate Market today!

For more information on First Time Home Buyer Programs and Tips of how to purchase your first property, contact Steve Howe with the Minnesota Real Estate Team. We have been the #1 Team in MN since 2006. We would love to help make your dreams of home ownership come to reality. Fill out the Contact form to receive exclusive info, or Subscribe to this blog via the RSS feed. Thanks for Reading!

First-Time Homebuyer Class – Thursday, December 15th, 2011

By On · Leave a Comment · In Buyers, Home Buying How To's, Upcoming Event

*REGISTER HERE*

Are you thinking about buying your first home? Well, the first step towards home-ownership is getting educated about the process and finding a Team of Professionals you can trust and feel comfortable with.

That’s where we come in.  Join us for a very informative FREE 90 minute home-buying seminar where you will learn everything you need to know about buying your first house.  We’ll show you the importance of getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage, how to Search for Properties on the Internet, and how to become an Expert Negotiator in the home-purchasing process.

Rest assured, this is not a “Sell-a-thon” like some other seminars on home-buying.  It’s totally free, we have no products to sell you, and there are no contracts to sign.  We’re all about educating buyers in order to help you with the biggest financial decision of your life.  If you’re a fan of a low-pressure and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.

Our two experts - Steve Howe and Carrie Guarrero – have teamed up to give you the full spectrum of buying your first home in the Buyer’s Market today right here in MN.  Learn how getting the right loan can save you Thousands of dollars a year.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

If you are thinking about buying a home in the next 1 to 2 years we would love to answer your questions and help you make a solid home purchase, without paying too much.  Any potential First Time Home-buyers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area of MN should come on down to one of our monthly seminars.

Here’s the info:

  • What - First Time Home Buyer Class
  • Where - Cornerstone Mortgage; 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, MN
  • When - Thursday, December 15th, 6:30-8:00pm

Upcoming Dates for 2011: December 15

Space is limited so please REGISTER HERE.

IMPORTANT: All attendees will receive a free copy of their CREDIT REPORT and CREDIT SCORE courtesy of Cornerstone mortgage.  You must attend the class to receive your report.

***It should also be noted that this is NOT the Home Stretch course needed to qualify for some of the local first time buyer programs and grants.  Our suggestion is that you get educated about the process first, then get pre-approved and figure out if you will, in fact, be eligible to receive some sort of assistance that would require you to go to the Home Stretch Class.  That class is 8 hours long and there is a fee to attend.***

Steve Howe is a First Time Home Buyer Specialist working with the Minnesota Real Estate Team. If you have questions about owning your first home, or would like to get more information about the process, fill out the contact form to receive Tips and Advice on getting a loan, searching for properties, and writing an offer.

Subscribe via the RSS feed to keep yourself updated on topics in the real estate market. Thanks for reading!

First Time Homebuyer Class – Thursday, November 17th, 2011

By On · 2 Comments · In Buyer Incentives, Buyers, Home Buying How To's, Upcoming Event

*REGISTER HERE*

Are you thinking about buying your first home? Well, the first step towards home-ownership is getting educated about the process and finding a Team of Professionals you can trust and feel comfortable with.

That’s where we come in.  Join us for a very informative FREE 90 minute home-buying seminar where you will learn everything you need to know about buying your first house.  We’ll show you the importance of getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage, how to Search for Properties on the Internet, and how to become an Expert Negotiator in the home-purchasing process.

Rest assured, this is not a “Sell-a-thon” like some other seminars on home-buying.  It’s totally free, we have no products to sell you, and there are no contracts to sign.  We’re all about educating buyers in order to help you with the biggest financial decision of your life.  If you’re a fan of a low-pressure and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.

Our two experts - Steve Howe and Carrie Guarrero – have teamed up to give you the full spectrum of buying your first home in the Buyer’s Market today right here in MN.  Learn how getting the right loan can save you Thousands of dollars a year.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

If you are thinking about buying a home in the next 1 to 2 years we would love to answer your questions and help you make a solid home purchase, without paying too much.  Any potential First Time Home-buyers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area of MN should come on down to one of our monthly seminars.

Here’s the info:

  • What - First Time Home Buyer Class
  • Where - Cornerstone Mortgage; 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, MN
  • When - Thursday, November 17th, 6:30-8:00pm

Upcoming Dates for 2011: November 17, December 15

Space is limited so please REGISTER HERE.

IMPORTANT: All attendees will receive a free copy of their CREDIT REPORT and CREDIT SCORE courtesy of Cornerstone mortgage.  You must attend the class to receive your report.

***It should also be noted that this is NOT the Home Stretch course needed to qualify for some of the local first time buyer programs and grants.  Our suggestion is that you get educated about the process first, then get pre-approved and figure out if you will, in fact, be eligible to receive some sort of assistance that would require you to go to the Home Stretch Class.  That class is 8 hours long and there is a fee to attend.***

If you want to learn more about what your buying power will be make sure to subscribe via the RSS feed.

Buying your first home? Want to start the process but don't know how? A smart buyer turns into a happy home owner. Steve Howe specializes in First Time Home Buyers in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Learn how he can help you buy your first property without paying the commission.

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