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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

How to Prevent Water Intrusion in Your Home

August 30, 2013

When showing homes there are many things that Real Estate Professionals and potential homeowners will want to look out for, one major item to keep in mind are signs of water intrusion. When there is dampness on the basement walls and/or floors, a wet and musty smell, or water-marks in the ceiling, these may be signs that there has been water in the home, whether it has been recent or in the past. Of course, there are many different ways to prevent this sort of intrusion from happening in your home.

First, check to make sure there are gutters around the exterior of the property, if they are not currently there, they should be and may be something to discuss with your Realtor if this is the home you want to purchase. Gutters are a key component in water intrusion prevention, they should be properly installed and come out at least 6 feet from the foundation of your home. This will lead the water to run away from your home. When gutters are leading water any closer then 6 feet away, it may not prevent the water from running back to the home’s foundation and potentially cause water intrusion. If this is not corrected, it could eventually cause foundation problems in the future. Needless to say, gutters are a much needed component when it comes to the prevention of water intrusion.

The second key component in water prevention is properly landscaping and grading the dirt/land away from your house. Site grading is one of the easiest and cost effective solutions to properly drain water away from your home. Bringing the dirt to slope away at least 6ft, at a 1 inch slant down for every foot, so that the water drains away from the house is how you’ll want it done. You may hire a professional Contractor/Landscaper to do the grading or doing it yourself is also an option.

Keeping these home maintenance tips in mind will be a great benefit to you in preventing water from entering your home. As you may have gathered, water damage can sometimes make or break a sale.

If you have any further questions on water intrusion prevention, the process of buying a new home, or selling a home, please contact me today. 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

Condo Living on the Trails of Anderson Lakes

August 28, 2013

This hot property, located right off of Nesbitt Preserve Park and minutes away from the outstanding walking trails on Anderson Lakes, is a must see! Just minutes away from the Eden Prairie Center with all the shopping one would desire.

This is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo that includes a Master Suite with two closets and a ¾ bath of its own. Also including stainless steel appliances, laminate flooring and new carpeting throughout. Enjoy the screened-in porch with southwest views. This condo is on the top floor and equipped for one-level living that is completely move-in ready.

This is the condo for you! Contact me today for a private showing and for any questions you may have regarding this condo or any other properties on the market, I look forward to hearing from you!

If you have any further questions on the process of buying a new home, or selling your home please contact me today. 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

Appraisals: Who’s Paying for it Anyway?

August 12, 2013

Once you have found the right home and are ready to move forward from your inspection, your lender will then perform an appraisal of the home. Unless you’re paying in cash, this will be a required step for your loan approval process. The lender being used to purchase your home needs to ensure the home you’re looking to buy, is currently valued at the price you have chosen to pay.

With that, an appraisal is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the Buyer and usually occurs prior to closing. The bank will order a third party appraisal company to go out to the property, review the property with its most recent comparables, check current market trends and bring back an estimated value. The appraiser is an individual who’s professional opinion will be one of the deciding factors that will effect the final approval of your loan.

Lenders require appraisals due to the fact that they don’t always come out with the value we all may expect. If your appraisal comes in lower than your purchase price, you and your licensed Realtor will look at the different options to move past the issue. If your appraisal comes in high, your loan will move forward and you’ll know you are purchasing the property for less then what it has appraised for and may have instant equity.

If you have any further questions on the process of buying a new home, or selling a home, please contact me today. 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. My clients, are my friends.

Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

The Importance of a Home Inspection

August 2, 2013

When a purchase agreement has been signed, it is usually because the Buyer(s) have found “the one” and have already begun an emotional attachment to the property. As a Licensed Realtor in Minnesota, I am here to look past the emotional side and look for things that could adversely affect the Buyer’s use or enjoyment of the home. For example, I may preview for the condition of the roof, siding, windows, cracks in the foundation and possible water damage yet I am not a Home Inspector, a Home Inspector is the person who will climb onto the roof, go into the attic, inspect the electrical box, etc. – all things that are needed to make an informed decision on the condition of the property.

When a Home Inspector goes through a property they look at everything, from the exterior to the interior to the condition of the major systems that run the home. This is all to determine the home is safe and sound and won’t end up being a money pit. They are also there to make sure you know how to care for and maintain the home you are purchasing, no matter how long you intend to stay there.

Getting a home inspection is vital to becoming a successful homeowner. We encourage our clients to get a home inspection because no house is perfect, there will always be imperfections and being prepared for them is the best way to move forward. As a licensed Realtor, I want my clients to close on their new home feeling confident about their purchase, and the information given to them throughout an inspection is one of the ways I ensure that outcome.

Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

July 2013 Real Estate Trends

July 30, 2013

House prices are on the rise and it is a great time to sell! If you are thinking about selling your home… contact me today for some great information on the current market in your area and how I can be of service to you and best fit your Real Estate needs.

Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

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Who do I meet with first, my Realtor or my Lender?

July 23, 2013

Many people are unsure of who to meet with first, a lender or a Realtor. To understand what you can get for the money, meeting with a loan officer is the first step every Buyer should take. This will give you the knowledge of what price range will work best with your budget. Getting pre-approved is an important piece of the puzzle and is a requirement in order to purchase a home. The approval letter not only gives you the power to buy, it also lets the sellers know you are approved for the amount you are offering. It’s never fun to fall in love with homes that aren’t affordable or don’t work with your specific financing.

Once you’re approved, meeting with a licensed Realtor is the next step. You may do your research via recommendations from family and friends, or search the internet for the right Licensed Realtor for you. Finding the Realtor that best fits your needs is very important when you are making, potentially, the largest purchase you will ever make in your lifetime.

Not ready to purchase your home quite yet? If you plan to purchase a home 6+ months down the road, it is still good to meet with a Realtor. An experienced and licensed Realtor will help you understand the ins and outs of a new home purchase and will likely have referrals in the lending business, if you are in need. You will learn more about the current market you will be looking in and get a professional opinion of what may work with your new home needs.

Keep in mind that the market is continuously changing. Housing prices are currently rising and mortgage rates seem to be following the trend. Of course, no one person could truly know what months down the road will hold, what we do know is that now is the time to buy AND sell.

If you have any questions about the selling market in your area or the process of a new home purchase, please leave a comment below or feel free to contact me anytime. My team and I are keeping up to date on the current and changing market trends throughout the Twin Cities Metro and greater Minnesota areas, and we’re here to assist you in all of your real estate needs.

Opportunity Knocks in Maple Grove |Two-Story Executive Home For Sale

July 20, 2013

I am thrilled to showcase this move-in ready, single family home in the heart of Maple Grove. There are many wonderful features to this property including a 4-seasons porch with a large, walk-out deck that will bring you peace and enjoyment whether sitting inside or out, reading a good book or grilling with family and friends.

This is a well built and well maintained property with many nearby amenities as well, located minutes from Rush Creek Golf Course, parks & walking trails, shopping and the Maple Grove Hospital.

This home is made for long-term living, with 4,660 finished sq ft it has plenty of room for family time in the main-level living areas and entertaining guests in the lower level living area – which includes a performance stage and wet bar. Situated on a large lot and cul-de-sac, this home offers top notch neighborhood enjoyment.

If you have any questions regarding this home listed in Maple Grove, or any other properties on the market, please feel free to contact me anytime. I am proudly licensed with Keller Williams Classic Realty NW and am a real estate professional who strives to give both buyers and sellers the best and most rewarding service possible.

Chelsea Knutson
Realtor- GRI, ABR, CDPE
763-496-2903
the Better Living Group
Keller Williams Classic Realty NW