612.208.2421
July 27, 2021
In many households, we have been slowly recovering from the pandemic and families have started to travel again this summer!
For many, life’s feeling “normal” and it feels so good!
We officially still have a month of summer left to enjoy and it is not too late to take a road trip to a different destination here in Minnesota. My family is personally taking a “road trip” to Duluth and the North Shore.
Here are a few of our own state’s roadside attractions to check out:
* Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – Bemidji, MN
* Otto the Otter – Fergus Falls
* Pelican Pete – Pelican Rapids
* Jolly Green Giant – Blue Earth
* Cuyuna Lakes Area – enjoy the main street of Crosby & check out mine lake
* Grand Portage – located almost to the Canada border & has the highest waterfall in the state
* Taylor’s Falls – enjoy hiking, paddling & local cafes
Tell us what your first travel experience was like post pandemic. Did you have hiccups, did you feel the appropriate safety precautions were put in place?
Happy traveling!
Darcy Warcken – Realtor
Darcy@AvenueRealtyMN.com
952-500-3166
Better Living Group/Avenue Realty
Posted in: Better Living Group team
April 28, 2014
There are many questions that buyers have when purchasing a home. All relate to the entire transaction from start to finish. As your local Real Estate Economists, we ensure all of our clients know what the process is to purchase a new home, every step of the way. We hear many of the same questions from buyers who are in the market to purchase a home and here are the answers to those frequently asked questions.
What is earnest money and where does it go? When writing an offer on a home you put down, what is called earnest money. This is to let the sellers know that you are earnest about purchasing the property. This earnest money is put into the Listing Brokers trust account within 2 business days of final acceptance and goes towards your loan at closing.
How do you (my Realtor) get paid? When working with a Licensed Realtor many clients ask how we get paid. There is typically a commission payout amount that the seller has previously agreed to pay to the listing agent, as well as the selling (buyers) agent. The buyer does not pay the commission.
Is this home worth the list price? Prior to writing an offer we do a Current Comparable Market Analysis to make sure the home you are looking to purchase is priced appropriately. There are many things that go in to this analysis. This will give us the correct price range at which the market suggests it is worth and will better prepare you for the price you choose to offer.
If you are thinking about purchasing a home and/or need to sell your home, contact us today. We go over current market trends and have fantastic lender referrals available, all who are ready and able to assist you. My team and I are licensed Realtors in MN, working in the Twin Cities and greater Metro Areas. 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
Posted in: Community, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
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
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
Posted in: Community, Open House, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
October 24, 2013
When you are in the market to purchase a home, there are many things you’ll want to take into consideration. There are aspects of the home purchasing process you’ll need to understand, some more important than others.
First and foremost, start with preparing yourself with the wants and needs of your new home, as well as what sacrifices you’re willing to make – because there will be sacrifices, no house is perfect, not even new construction. Our team ensures our clients are as prepared as possible when they’re ready to move forward. It’s our sincere pleasure to see our Buyers find the house that they’re excited to call home.
Next, you’ll want to determine what type of financing is going to work best for you. There are many different options out there and each type of financing has it’s own rules and regulations to follow, some even have stipulations on the property’s overall condition. Lean on your Realtor and Loan Officer when it comes to knowing if the home you are looking at may cause a financing issue, they should be able to give you a good indication if the purchase will go through, prior to writing an offer.
Now we’re on to house shopping! You’ll want to keep an eye out for the condition of the major systems and mechanics of a home, i.e. the furnace/boiler, air-conditioner, water heater, roof, windows, etc. These are expenses that are more costly to replace, especially if you’re not prepared for them. When you’ve found a home that fits your needs, take a second look at these systems with your Realtor, write your offer accordingly and most importantly, get a home inspection. A home inspector will look at things that are not easily visible to you or your Realtor, you will need this inspection to understand how to care for your home and to determine if there are any items that should be discussed with the Seller.
Being an informed Buyer and aware of these few steps will make looking at homes much more enjoyable. While some properties may seem to be a great deal, they may also turn into a money pit if you don’t take the necessary precautions. On the other hand, many will be just what they seem to be – a not quite perfect yet fantastic home, at a fair market price.
Our Team looks forward to all of our clients finding the home of their dreams and we’ll be there to help with these and all the other steps in the home purchase process. We are here for the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.
If you are thinking about purchasing a home and/or need to sell your home, contact us today. We will go over current market trends and have some fantastic lender referrals available, all who are ready and able to assist you. My team and I 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
Posted in: Community, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
October 16, 2013
If you are thinking about purchasing a home and are concerned about getting a loan due to what you’ve heard about and/or previously experienced when it comes to getting approved for a loan, it’s time to take another look.
A recent study by Housingwire, says that lenders are starting to ease up on borrowers. Lenders are beginning to approve more loans for those who have credit scores under 700. This is great news for all homebuyers who have some debt or discrepancies that held up the approval process in the past. Whether it is higher student loans, credit cards or a past short sale or foreclosure, you may now have the opportunity to purchase your new home, depending on your current credit score. The fact that lenders are easing up on requirements will make it easier for homebuyers to come in and get a loan to purchase the home of their dreams.
The Housingwire study also stated that banks have started to lend larger amounts of money while requiring a lower down payment. The minimum down payment for a Conventional loan could be as low as 3 to 5% and FHA is 3.5%, which is a low down payment for those who have cash flow, however, want to keep some of their nest egg in the bank.
If you are thinking about purchasing a home and/or need to sell your home, contact me today. We will go over current market trends and set you up with some fantastic lenders who are ready and able to assist you. I am a licensed Realtor in MN, working in the Twin Cities and greater Metro Areas and am dedicated to providing the very best service to all of my clients – past, present and future.
Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW
Posted in: Community, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
October 3, 2013
This charming one and a half story 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has just hit this hot Real Estate market! This home includes beautiful hard wood floors and an open floor plan throughout – great for entertaining guests! Also including a large two-tiered deck with a nice open yard. This home is close to nearby shopping, entertainment, freeway access and a hospital.
With properties going fast, you don’t want to miss this! Contact me today for a confidential showing of this lovely home in South Minneapolis near 62!
Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW
Posted in: Community, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
September 26, 2013
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Posted in: Local Festivities, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
September 12, 2013
Just listed open and spacious town house in Plymouth, MN. This is a 2-bedroom 2-bathroom townhouse with large rooms. It has an extremely open concept with updated appliances as well as newer major systems. Close freeway access and also close to shopping, parks, trails and entertainment. This is a MUST SEE!
Contact me today for a confidential showing of this wonderful townhouse! I look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve all of your Real Estate goals!
I am a licensed Real Estate Professional in the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota Areas and strive to provide the best real estate service, with the support of my team the Better Living Group, for all of my past, present and future clients.
Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW
Posted in: Community, Real Estate News, Updates & Trends
If you would like to speak with a Better Living Group agent, contact us and one of our qualified Realtors® will be happy to assist you.
Phone: 612.208.2421
Email: Contact Us Now!
