Hello, friends!

It’s Friday and 60 degrees out! We’ve been waiting over six months for this, so all I can say is that you’d better get out and appreciate it. Suck up some of that Vitamin D and purge the “winter yuck” from your system. We’ve got blue sky, birds, buds on trees, and lots and lots of mud. It’s gorgeous!

My stint as a “new construction specialist” is over as well. Yay! Personally, I’d much rather overhaul a century-old house than discuss condo upgrades. Unfortunately, I’m very transparent. And considering enthusiasm is contagious, I think I need to get back to what I get excited about: old houses!

Strong Redesign has gotten a tidal wave of business (thank you, referrals!). Everything from bathroom renovations to 2-story additions. So if you ever need a second opinion on a DIY project, or need a plan/estimate/construction crew for a major project, just give me a call. I’ll help however I can.

Now, if only I could take that crew into this house on Nicollet… You wouldn’t believe the potential in this place!

4905 Nicollet Avenue South, Tangletown Neighborhood
OPEN SUNDAY 3/25 1-3 p.m.

$345,000
3 BR/ 2 BA
1-car garage
1,700 above ground square feet
Built in 1924

Potential in Tangletown!
Yes, this house has been on the market awhile, and I have to say that I’m pretty disappointed about that. What that says to me is that none of you Buyers have any imagination! The house has the coveted large kitchen, main floor ½ bath, three large bedrooms upstairs, huge yard, and fireplace. What more do you want? Yes, we need some updating, but having the right structure is most important. Changing the fit and finish is the easier part. Tangletown is one of my favorite neighborhoods because of the winding streets and varied topography. It’s one of the few areas where you forget you’re in the middle of the Minneapolis grid system. And you can walk to the Creek and the retail shops just south at Diamond Lake and Nicollet.

I hope to see some of you this weekend. Heck, while you’re breaking in the Creek trails, take the Nicollet exit and head north a couple of blocks. Who knows, I might have cookies for you.

Take care!
Samantha

Hello, friends!

This week’s message is just a quick reminder that I’ll be working on mid-rise new construction condo projects through the end of the Parade of Homes 3/18.  So no homes to snoop, unless you’re looking for a well-priced condo.  But I’ll be back on the circuit 3/25, doing my best to feature the character-filled, South Minneapolis homes that appeal to most of you.

If you’d like more information on the new construction projects I’ll be working, check out www.themetrolofts.com or www.corridorflats.com.  Corridor Flats (Saturday 12-5) is an awesome entry-level product (1 BR condos start at $140K!) near the light rail and quickly changing Lake/Minnehaha neighborhood.  The Metro Lofts are a semi-green new construction project/ entire neighborhood being constructed at University and 280.  If you stop into the Metro on Sunday (12-6), I can get you free coffee at Dunn’s.  So if you’re in the neighborhood anyway, nothing beats free coffee!    

In the meantime, if you’re looking to jump into this market via house or condo, please don’t hesitate to call.  And if you’re in your new home, but just can’t stand looking at that dated kitchen anymore, I can help with that too.

Get out this weekend and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  We’ve waited long enough!

Hello, friends!

I think we’re on the verge of something great.  I wish I could say it was the end of global warming, a declaration of world peace, or even universal health care, but rather it’s the end of the freakin’ freezing part of winter!  From tomorrow until as far as theweatherchannel.com would take me into the future, there are no more single digit high temps.  In fact, all are 20 and up, even 30s!  I get really into the weather thing, not only because my toes and fingers are numb half the year, but I wanted to be a meteorologist (more specifically a tornado chaser) back in college.  Yep, I’m a weather nerd.  Someone needs to buy me one of those Sharper Image portable weather stations which will fit in nicely next to my 101 bird feeders (sorry, Mom).

This weekend I’ll be working Crocus Hill and East Harriet.  Since it’s going to be nicer out, you really have no excuse not to stop by and see these beauties. 

904 Dayton Avenue, Crocus Hill/St. Paul
OPEN SATURDAY   2/17   1-3 p.m.

$299,900

4 BR/ 2 BA

2-car garage
Built in 1901
1440 above ground finished sqft

4021 Bryant Avenue S, East Harriet/ S. Minneapolis
OPEN SUNDAY  2/18           1-3 p.m.

$329,900
3 BR/ 2 BA
2-car garage
Built in 1909
1,645 above ground finished sqft, 2,057 total fin sqft

Hello, friends!

Whenever I hear that expression (in my head, usually), I think of an amalgam of Long John Silver and the pirate from The Simpsons.  But I have no idea what it means!  I guess, in the case of The Simpsons pirate (I’m sure some of you know his name), he has wooden limbs, If he’s cold, the expression makes sense.  Not for me.  When I’m cold, I can’t move, so nothing’s shivering.  I turn into a human popsicle pretty darn quick.  Good thing I didn’t go on that Antarctic expedition back in college.  It was either there, which would’ve been amazing, or the Bahamas.  I don’t tan either, but at least a little sunburn won’t cost me a limb.  And it gives me an excuse to wear a ridiculously large hat.

Boston wasn’t much better last weekend than it is here right now.  “Coldest day in years!”  Go figure.  Thank goodness for the company.

Since it’s 2 degrees out, and SuperBowl weekend (Go Bears!  Yes, I’m from Chicago and the last time I had anything to cheer about was in ’84 punctuated by singing the SuperBowl Shuffle in front of my 3^rd Grade peers), I’ll only be holding one house open this weekend.  For you brave house hunters, it’s worth the trip.  Under $200K!

3830 20^th Avenue South, Nokomis
OPEN SUNDAY 2/4  12-2 p.m.

$199,900
2 BR/ 1 BA
1-car garage
800 finished square feet
Built in 1910

Perfect first-time opportunity in Standish!

Beautiful, low maintenance stucco and stone two-story in prime neighborhood.  Backing up to a park, your yard seems to go on forever.  Home features a large kitchen, refinished hardwood floors throughout, new furnace, aluminum soffit and fascia (no exterior maintenance), and new combination storm windows.  Two generous bedrooms upstairs with charming sloped ceilings and decent closet space.  All of this for the price of a condo.  And low taxes at just over $110/month!

The neighborhood is brimming with activities: the new Rain Garden is 2 blocks away, Lake Hiawatha is 4 blocks, and light rail is less than a mile away.  You’re in the middle of everything.

http://www.craigslist.com

Hello, friends!

Today I’m writing to you from my new 50’s office chair.  Black leather/pleather (can’t quite tell), chrome arms/pedestal and even chrome wheels!  The profile is sweet, and the price even sweeter.  Some of you may think I’m overreacting to my new acquisition, but for those who know me well, it’s perfectly appropriate.  I get really excited about the little things.  Hunting, for me, is sifting through the non-stop garage sale that is Craig’s List to find that one item that will make your living situation just a little more special.  In my case, I found two.  Man, you should see my new chrome lamp!  Straight out of the late 50’s, this Kovacs lamp spoke to me.  And it matches my chair!  Finally, my office has some so desperately needed style.  Ironic that as a designer, I never take the time to outfit my own space.  What was that story about the cobbler’s children?

If I’m going to keep shopping, then I need to work to pay for this stuff!  Two opens this week: a Longfellow repeat, and a gleaming Nokomis Tudor.  Come on by!

3805 46^th Avenue South, Longfellow Neighborhood
OPEN SUNDAY 1/21    12-2 p.m.

4242 25^th Avenue South, Nokomis
OPEN SUNDAY 1/21  2-4 p.m.

Hello, friends!

I imagine most of you are basking in the success of those well-kept New Year’s resolutions, or at least patting yourselves on the back for giving them the old college try.  Like I said last week, I like to keep my expectations realistic.  But, wow, nothing could’ve prepared me for the onslaught of house-related questions and design projects that have come up in the last week.  Whatever the rest of the nation is feeling with “the burst of the housing bubble” is definitely not happening here.  Yes, prices are climbing at a much more reasonable pace (score 1 for the buyers), but enthusiasm for renovations has not slowed down a bit.  Kitchens are hot right now.  I have three projects underway at the moment, and yes, I promise pictures.

I’ve had a lot of questions from first-time buyers who are wondering what they can get for under $200K.  Does such a thing still exist?  If it does exist, is it just waiting to fall down?  Let me tell you, when I bought my first place 6 years ago, I was in the “under $80K” bracket.  Oh yeah, there was a lot of junk for that price.  But after a lot of looking, I found my little cape cod gem.  If I could do it, I can definitely help you do it too. 

But to prove a point, both of my opens this Sunday will be under $200K.  Stop by and see what you can get.

3805 46^th Avenue South, Longfellow
OPEN SUNDAY 1/14       12-2 p.m.
$179,900
2 BR/ 1 BA
2-car garage
Built in 1922
702 finished square feet

3632 40^th Avenue South, Longfellow
OPEN SUNDAY 1/14       2-4 p.m.
$196,900
2 BR/ 2 BA
2-car garage
Built in 1915
1,261 finished square feet

Hello, friends!

Happy New Year!

For those of you who’ve made resolutions (and haven’t broken them yet), stay strong.  It’s Day 5, and your new approach to life should become more natural with each day.  Really!  I may sound schmaltzy, but I’m a big optimist when it comes to the opportunity change brings.  No, can’t say that I’ve kept every resolution I’ve ever made.  If I took the time to think of something that needs changing, at least I can put a little time into initiating that change.  If it doesn’t stick, it wasn’t the right time.  Heck, there’s always next year.  (Did I mention that I’m a realistic optimist?)

’07 Resolution (of many): do what I say I’m going to, sometimes more, but never less. 

What’s yours? 

Maybe it’s not a resolution, but a goal of mine is to reinstate some integrity into real estate.  Too many people have told me horror stories of sleazy tactics and predatory salespeople.  Unfortunately, most people need an agent to help them buy or sell a home, and good ones are hard to find (like a trustworthy and affordable contractor!). 

Buyers, price inflation has all but disappeared.  Take your time and get a good education of what’s out there.  With rates staying low, this will be a great year to buy.  Sellers, we’ll have to be realistic when pricing, and put a little more elbow grease into your home to make it irresistible (but we’ll sell it, don’t worry).

To start this year out with a bang, I’ll be out there this Sunday.  Hope to see you!

4500 43^rd Avenue South, Longfellow Neighborhood
OPEN SUNDAY  1/7 12-2 p.m.

3544 36^th Avenue South, Longfellow Neighborhood
OPEN SUNDAY  1/7   2:30-4:30 p.m.

Hello, friends!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew you should do something, or “X” would happen?  And then you don’t do it, and, surprise, “X” happens?  For example, say you were doing some exterior remodeling, and in the process, let’s say a small hole was uncovered that went straight into the attic.  “Hmm, I should fill that hole with expandable foam, or even insulation, just to keep nature from coming in.”  Believe me, with all of the fun we’ve had with pigeons and raccoons this year, more wildlife is the last thing I want.  Of course, this is all hypothetical.  But let’s say, just for fun, that this hole remained uncovered for, oh, 6 months. 

Well, just yesterday, freakin’ sparrows started shooting out of that hole like it was a bird cannon.  Ahhh!  I can’t say if they just showed up, or if they’ve been there since Day 2.  But I can say that they’re there now, and I can’t get them out!  The frustration with myself, and those pioneering birds, is gargantuan.  Hypothetically, of course.  But if you should come to my front door, you might want to wear a large-brimmed hat.

To distract myself, I’ll be holding two open houses this weekend.  Bird-free, I hope.

4843 Portland Avenue S, Nokomis
OPEN SATURDAY  1-3 p.m.

4945 Bryant Avenue S, Lynnhurst
OPEN SUNDAY  2-4 p.m.

Hello, friends!

I love that name, Jackson.  My dad’s name is Jack, and his friends would always greet him with “Jackson”.  Jackson Strong, sounds like a president. 

But I have been really busy this week!  In addition to drawing up plans, selling some houses and (perpetually) finishing my master suite project, I’ve found another thing to pursue.  I think you guys might appreciate it.  There’s a Realtor “master’s degree”, if you will, in all things associated with green building/remodeling/real estate.  It’s called “EcoBroker”, and I will be enrolling shortly.  Most of you are already very socially and globally conscious of your footprint on Earth and employ all sorts of activities to lessen the damage.  I hope to use this education to help more people understand what is green, and what can be made green, in every house they buy or sell.

In case I haven’t said it before, please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would be interested.  I’m always happy to help a friend of a friend.

Heads up, next weekend is Thanksgiving Weekend, and I’ll be visiting the parents in Chicago.  There will be NO open houses next weekend.

BUT there are this week!  Well, one really great one.

311 15^th Avenue NE, Northeast Mpls, 55413
OPEN SUNDAY 11/19   11-1 p.m.

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