Our Blog

Tips for Winter Showings

December 16, 2014

If you are considering selling your home during the winter months or currently have yours for sale, there are a few things to remember. Looking at homes in the winter time can be a bit difficult when everything is covered by snow and hard to view. The Better Living Group is here to help and assist you make the sale of your home during the winter months as smooth as possible.

Keeping your driveway plowed and walks shoveled is very important. Even though we will be wearing our snow boots when looking at homes, it is still important to make everything easily accessible. Snow removal is an easy and efficient way to make potential buyers comfortable when viewing the home.

We all know how icy the side walks can be, even if you cannot see it. Salting or sanding your walk ways makes it a bit safer for people walking to and from your home.

If you would like to go a bit further, you could also shovel off your roof. This is a bit of a tedious task, however, it makes it easier for people to view the roof and see the general condition. The roof is a fundamental part of the home and is important to any who intend to purchase.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home and/or selling your current home, contact the Better Living Group today! We are here to provide you with information on purchasing a home and a free market analysis for the home you are considering to sell. The Better Living Group are Real Estate professionals in the Twin Cities and Greater Metro areas who are ready and able to assist with all of your Real Estate needs and goals and to provide only the best Real Estate service to all of our clients past, present and future.

The Better Living Group

Realtors- GRI, ABR, CDPE

blghomesmn@gmail.com or 763-496-2911

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Freshen up your home: Home Renovation Ideas

November 20, 2014

Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or your home just needs a little TLC, there are simple renovations you can do that won’t break the bank. Most people shudder at the thought of spending thousands of dollars without knowing if it will pay off in the end. Many people are not willing to put in an extensive amount of money when putting their home on the market. Here are some options that we see often and that may be suitable for you to get the best bang for your buck. In our first blog we will be focusing on reasonable updates to your kitchen and your bathroom.

Kitchens: Why Kitchens? The kitchen may be the single most important room for many prospective buyers. Not only is this where you will spend a lot of your time, but when you have guests over for a gathering, we all know they spend the most of their time in the kitchen as well! Here are some significant changes you can make that may have the potential buyers rejoicing!

• Refacing or Refinishing your cabinets. Refacing involves replacing your cabinet doors while leaving the actual cabinets intact. This is a quick and much less expensive way of getting “new” cabinets without the larger price tag for new ones. Refinishing your cabinets is a very easy update that will also give the whole room a new look and feel!
• Changing the countertops. As we are sure most of you know, granite is one of the most luxurious types of countertop (which is why it is becoming a standard in most new construction). Granite is a great option, however, there are other options that may be more cost effective. Such as, corian, laminant, stainless steel and many more!
• Upgrading appliances. As granite is to countertops, stainless steel is to appliances. Switching to energy-efficient Energy Star appliances will not only improve your kitchen’s appearance, it will also save you money. There are many places you can go that offer package deals for stainless steel appliance, which may help with your budget as well.
• Updating accessories. Small changes like replacing outlet covers, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls can give your kitchen an entirely different look and feel. When you consider that the average kitchen can be upgraded with new accessories for as little as $100-$200, it is a great option to keep you within your budget and still get the effect you were looking for.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are another area of the home that many buyers look further into. There are many updates and repairs you can make in your bathrooms that will increase not only the value, but also the interest of many buyers.

• Vanity and Sinks. Depending on the size of your vanity and the number of sinks you would like to install, home improvement stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, etc. offer very nice and affordable vanities with either single or double sinks. Adding the new vanity or sink with some freestanding cabinets for extra storage, can make your bathroom stand out in ways it previously was not.
• Updating the shower/tub. Just like your kitchen, tiled back splash is really a hot trend in bathrooms. It is a simple update that can transform the look of your bathroom while again, staying in your budget.
• Replacing Flooring. When selecting tiles, try to gravitate towards the more neutral shades. These colors can make a smaller floor look larger and truly open up the space.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home and/or selling your current home, contact the Better Living Group today! We are here to provide you with information on purchasing a home and a free market analysis for the home you are considering to sell. The Better Living Group are Real Estate professionals in the Twin Cities and Greater Metro areas who are ready and able to assist with all of your Real Estate needs and goals and to provide only the best Real Estate service to all of our clients past, present and future.

The Better Living Group

Realtors- GRI, ABR, CDPE

blghomesmn@gmail.com or 763-496-2911

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

The Importance Of Using A Realtor To Sell Your Home

October 28, 2014

Why is it so important to use a Realtor when selling your home? There is an abundance of reasons as to why working with a Realtor in the sale of your home is so important. They are here to help in pricing your home at the correct figure, to all negotiations and finally, getting you to the closing table.

Pricing your home to fit the current market in the area is very important in having the sale of your home be successful. All homes will sell when they are priced appropriately and to match the market. When we are pricing a house, there are many factors we work in to make sure we come out with the correct figure. This includes (but is not limited to) other properties in the area and the size and updates your home has.

When you receive an offer on your home, negotiations come in to play. Both parties, in most cases, will not agree on everything right away. There are particular items that may need to be discussed and even removed from the offer in order for it to work. Whether that is a home warranty or adjusting the price, your Realtor will be there to help and give you the best advice and guidance in order for you to make an informed decision on the sale of your home.

Closing is right around the corner! Getting to the closing table is what both buyer and seller look forward to. Your Realtor will make sure you are paired with only the best title company to assist in getting you to the closing table!

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home and/or selling your current home, contact the Better Living Group today! We are here to provide you with information on purchasing a home and a free market analysis for the home you are considering to sell. The Better Living Group are Real Estate professionals in the Twin Cities and Greater Metro areas who are ready and able to assist with all of your Real Estate needs and goals and to provide only the best Real Estate service to all of our clients past, present and future.

The Better Living Group

Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Update: Current Mortgage Rates

May 13, 2014

When purchasing a home there are many factors to consider. One major factor, is mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are constantly in a state of ups and downs with weekly, if not daily changes. This is something to keep in mind and consider when you are thinking about purchasing a home and/or selling your current home.

In a recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey, mortgage rates, for the week of April 17th on a 30 – year fixed mortgage were at 4.27% compared to 4.34% the week prior – still up from 3.42% in 2013. For a 15 – year fixed mortgage, rates fell from 3.38% to 3.33% – still up from 2.64% in 2013.

Speaking with a mortgage lender prior to looking for a home is very important. They are able to give you all of the information needed to make an informed decision on the current interest rates and how they will effect your monthly mortgage payment. They are also available to answer any questions you have regarding the lending side of purchasing a home.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home and/or selling your current home, contact the Better Living Group today! We are here to provide you with information on purchasing a home and a free market analysis for the home you are considering to sell. The Better Living Group are Real Estate professionals in the Twin Cities and Greater Metro areas who are ready and able to assist with all of your Real Estate needs and goals and to provide only the best Real Estate service to all of our clients past, present and future.

Chelsea Knutson and the Better Living Group

Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Just Listed – Coon Rapids SF Home

March 21, 2014

Our team, the Better Living Group at Keller Williams Classic Realty NW in Maple Grove, MN has just listed this beautifully updated single family home in Coon Rapids! This home has many wonderful amenities including a fully updated and renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite countertops, as well as a large center island for plenty of counter space.

This home features 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms, both of which have been remodeled. There are new utilities: furnace, water heater and water softener. Beautiful hard wood floors accompany this home along with a new sliding glass door on the upper level leading to the deck, which over looks a large pond. This pond can be utilized as an ice rink in the winter and great for sitting on the deck and watching the ducks and geese in the summer.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Coon Rapids area, contact me today for a private viewing of this wonderful home – you don’t want to miss this!

The Better Living Group are licensed Realtors in MN, working in the Twin Cities and greater Metro Areas and we’re dedicated to providing the very best service to all of our clients – past, present and future. We know the current market trends and have some fantastic and reputable lender referrals available, all who are ready and able to assist you in purchasing your new home.

Chelsea Knutson and the Better Living Group

Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Just Listed – Updated One ½ Story home in Roseville

February 6, 2014

My Team, the Better Living Group at Keller Williams Classic Realty NW in Maple Grove, MN, has just listed this beautifully updated one ½ story home in Roseville, MN. This home includes over 1,800 sq ft of space including 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, one on each level. The beautiful and original hard wood floors are sure to catch your eye!
Off the back of the home there is a beautiful 3-season porch, it stays nice and toasty when enjoying your morning cup of coffee and sitting by the fireplace! Also including a large deck with plenty of space to entertain throughout each season.
If you are interested in this property, are thinking about purchasing a home in the Roseville area and/or need to sell your home, contact us today! We know the current market trends and have some fantastic and reputable lender referrals available, all who are ready and able to assist you in purchasing your new home.
The Better Living Group are licensed Realtors in MN, working in the Twin Cities and greater Metro Areas and we’re dedicated to providing the very best service to all of our clients – past, present and future.

Chelsea Knutson and the Better Living Group

Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Just Listed: Move-In Property with Elm Creek Park Reserve Access

January 23, 2014

Our team, the Better Living Group, in Maple Grove, MN has just listed this beautiful single family home! This home has many great amenities including an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite countertops. It is a 4-bedroom house with 2-bathrooms, equipped with plenty of living space and extra storage.
An easily accessible location with front to back tree coverage, large backyard, a fire pit and a horse shoe pit – all made to entertain on those beautiful summer days & nights that are about to come our way! The backyard backs up to Elm Creek Park Reserve trails, with miles of fun for winter or summer activities.
If you are interested in this property, are thinking about purchasing a home in the Maple Grove area and/or need to sell your home, contact us today! We know the current market trends and have some fantastic and reputable lender referrals available, all who are ready and able to assist you in purchasing your new home.
The Better Living Group are licensed Realtors in MN, working in the Twin Cities and greater Metro Areas and we’re dedicated to providing the very best service to all of our clients – past, present and future.

Chelsea Knutson and the Better Living Group

Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Open House Saturday 9/7 & Sunday 9/8 12-2pm

September 5, 2013

Open House September 07, Saturday 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM September 08, Sunday 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Address 8256 Olive Court, Maple Grove, MN   Click for Directions!   Price Click For Current Price 4 beds 5 BATHROOMS (3 full, 2 half) 4660 Square Feet   View Property Website for more information, pictures, current price, maps, schools and more! Description Executive Home on cul-de-sac, expansive Master Suite, Sunroom, New hardware/carpeting & walk-out Lower Level with work-out room, built-in bar & performance stage – an Entertainer’s dream! Minutes to Rush Creek Golf Course & Elementary, Maple Grove Hospital, trails, parks and shopping.   Maple Grove Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale What is Your Home Worth? Listing Details Chelsea Knutson Keller Williams Classic NW 763-496-2903 cknutson@kw.com