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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Blog about Twin Cities Minneapolis St. Paul real estate, Neighborhood blogs and property reseach, info for buying and selling real estate in the Twin Cities area</description>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/housing-supply-decreases-good-for-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/housing-supply-decreases-good-for-market.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Housing Supply Decreases... Good for Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the latest release of the National Association of Realtors' Existing Home Sales report, there were some very interesting facts.  The NAR said the pace of sales in the first three months of the year marked the strongest first quarter since 2007.


But the best news is the inventory data.  The nation's glut of unsold homes is easing, as inventories fell to 2.37 million. Realtors in some markets have even reported shortages of housing stock. A decrease in the amount of homes on the market is always good for housing as it stabilizes and even drives prices upward.  Nationwide, the median price for a home resale rose to $163,800 in March, up 2.5 percent from a year earlier.


An improving labor market has realtors upbeat about sales prospects for the rest of the year.

Distressed home sales accounted for only 29 percent of resales, down from 34 percent in February, which is also a very positive trend. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:55:24 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/minneapolis-3br-2ba-2gar-265k.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/minneapolis-3br-2ba-2gar-265k.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Minneapolis 3BR 2BA 2GAR $265K</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Just Listed... gorgeous remodel in South Minneapolis.  Check out the Virtual Tour http://goo.gl/3x78d or full listing details at http://goo.gl/jlKmq ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:36:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/protecting-your-privacy.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/protecting-your-privacy.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Protecting Your Privacy</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Protect Your Passwords, Accounts, Searches and Emails

        Search engines make life easier. We've become so accustom to simply typing in a few words and hitting "search" that we don't even realize how much data is being generated with every click…or what that data says about us. Last week, however, this topic was forced front and center.   


What Happened Last Week?


Google's new privacy policy went into effect last week. Based on the new policy, all data collected about you - including search queries, sites visited, age, gender and location - will be gathered and assigned to your online identity represented by your Gmail, Google Plus, and YouTube accounts.   


Prior to that, information about your Google searches and sites visited was kept separate from Google's other products. The wall between those products has now been removed and more of your information than ever is potentially floating around in cyberspace.   


All of this provides a good reason to revisit your privacy settings and your own habits when searching information or conducting business online.   


Why Does It Matter?


The history stored in a browser can contain sensitive information, such as your phone number, account numbers, passwords, emails, and so on.   


In addition, your search queries can also reveal information about you, including private information like health concerns. In fact, privacy experts have raised concerns about that type of information being gathered in the event that it may be used when you apply for credit, a new job, car or life insurance, and even health care coverage.   


Finally, if you work in a business where you help people with private financial matters (such as purchasing a home, improving their credit score, and so on), the need for privacy is even greater.   


The Good News Is…


The first piece of good news is that major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and AOL recently agreed to install a do-not-track button in Web browsers to make sure that you can browse the Internet with more privacy. But it'll take a while before this button actually arrives in a browser near you.   


The second piece of good news is that you already have a simple step that you can use in the meantime to help keep sensitive information from being recorded.   


What can you do now?  Tell Your Clients, Business Partners, and Friends…


Most browsers already feature a privacy setting that can be turned on. When you activate the private browsing setting, the actions you take are kept private - which means caches, browser history, forms, passwords and other temporary files are not permanently recorded. Instead, once the window is closed, the data is erased. So you can feel more comfortable working online without worrying that bank balances, emails, or passwords are being captured.   This is especially important if you use a shared computer in a business setting or a public computer (such as a computer at a public library or Internet café).   


PCWorld recently provided the following quick instructions for setting your browser to privacy mode:   




Internet Explorer 9: Ctrl-Shift-P       


Chrome: Ctrl-Shift-N       


Firefox: Ctrl-Shift-P       


Safari: Go to the "Edit" menu and choose "Private Browsing"       




But Don't Forget!


Even if you use a privacy setting, you'll need to quit a browser when you're done. That's because the "back" button still works in privacy mode, so someone else could easily click back to previously viewed pages, such as an email or financial account if you step away.   


Finally, remind your clients and friends that social media sites may ask for a lot of information, but that doesn't mean you should share it. Phone numbers, your full date of birth, and social security numbers should never be part of your profile.   
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:25:15 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/feb-4th-uptown-luminary.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/feb-4th-uptown-luminary.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Feb 4th Uptown Luminary</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Enjoy the magic of 1000's of luminaries winding a path through the Uptown Lakes on Feb 4th.  Registered skiers, snowshoers and walkers can start and end the journey on The Mall adjacent to the Walker Library.  Lighted ice pyramid, bonfires, coffee, cocoa and cookie stations along the way are just part of the evening.  Check out www.cityoflakesloppet.com for more details! ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:59:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/green-apps-for-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/green-apps-for-your-home.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Green Apps for Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
GoodGuide Many products claim to be green, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re eco-friendly. GoodGuide uses your phone’s camera to scan bar codes, then gives you the real green info on that product from the app’s database, which contains more than 90,000 products. Whether you’re shopping for appliances, cleaning products, food, and other items for your home, GoodGuide gives you a rating on that product’s impact on your health, environment, and community.  Read more:


Green Outlet Help lower your monthly bills by identifying how much energy your appliances use. Set your profile by identifying the square footage of your house, the typical temperature inside your home, how many people live there, and the cost per kilowatt hour in your area. Then, identify all the electronic appliances in your home by searching Green Outlet’s database, and enter how many hours per day you use them.


When you’re done, Green Outlet will tell you how many pounds of carbon your home releases, along with suggestions about how to be more efficient. The app can be a bit tough to figure out at first glance, but the “Welcome” tab includes helpful instructions.  Read more:


iRecycle Unsure which of your local recycling centers will take odd stuff, such as Styrofoam and window glass? Provided by Earth911, this simple app helps you be a better recycler. You just enter your location and what you want to recycle, then the app gives you a list of the nearby recycling centers that will accept it. It’ll tell you where the center is located, its hours of operation, contact information, and a list of all the materials it accepts.  Read more:


Bulb Finder When a light bulb burns out, use this app to find the best replacement to help you save energy with home lighting. Enter the type of fixture, bulb style and features, the wattage you want, and how many hours a day you expect to use it, and the app will suggest which new bulb is right for you. It’ll include information on price, brand name, and how much money and energy you’ll save by using it.  Read more:
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:03:47 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/river-bluff-dr-eagan-under-85k.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/river-bluff-dr-eagan-under-85k.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>River Bluff Dr, Eagan under $85K</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 3BR, 2 BA Move -in ready! Incredible opportunity to get into a great floorplan featuring 3 BR, 2 Bath, attached garage and nice development with outstanding shared amenities! Sellers willing to consider Contract for Deed, see this one in person before its gone!  CHECK IT OUT ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:53:30 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/new-condo-listing-in-minneapolis-124k.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/new-condo-listing-in-minneapolis-124k.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>New Condo Listing in Minneapolis $124K</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Beautiful Historic Condo next to Nicollet Field/MLK Park.  Newly converted interior.


Upon entering this home, you'll immediatly notice the barrel ceiling in the foyer and the door archways.  At that point you'll realize there isn't a single thing you'll need to upgrade.  Its all been completed for you!


The living room features hardwood floors, windows on two sides, build in media area and plenty of space.  Walking through the arched doorway into the dining area, there is another oversized window and continuation of the hardwood floors.  From there, you'll see the totally remodeled kitchen, with slate tiled floors, new glass subway tiled backsplach, granite counter tops, an undermount stainless steel sink, and all stainless steel appliances, specialty lighting, and custom cabinetry, plus a breakfast bar with pendant lighting.


Down the hall, you'll see an all-new bathroom with tiled floors, tiled shower, new plumbing fixtures, and new toilet and pedistal sink. The bedroom is spacious with dual windows, hardwood floors and ceiling fan.


You'll appreciate all the new updates including new paint and new windows.  There is an on-site laundry room and your own storage locker as well.


You'll also enjoy outdoor entertaining and cookouts on the stone patio.  An EXCELLENT location and value!


More Info Including a Virtual Tour-&gt;


 


 


 


 


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:09:39 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/1-satisfaction-award-by-home-buyers-and-home-sellers-j-d-power-associates.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/1-satisfaction-award-by-home-buyers-and-home-sellers-j-d-power-associates.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>#1 Satisfaction Award by Home Buyers and Home Sellers: J. D. Power &amp; Associates</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We're proud to be part of the nation's #1 Top Rated Real Estate firm by J. D. Power and Associates for this year!  Study was based on over 3800 evaluations and measures opinions of home buyers and sellers.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:34 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/gutter-helmet.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/gutter-helmet.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Gutter Helmet</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Although you may have missed avoiding the mess of cleaning out the leaves from your gutters, its not too late to install heat strips and/or tapes to your roofing to avoid the nasty ice dams we've seen the past two winters.  A great solution from "Gutter Helmet" allows the heat strips to be hidden in channels underneath the helmet.  Not only do you avoid the leave debris in your gutters... but also the damage caused by ice dams in the spring.  Check it out at www.gutterhelmet.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:50:22 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/design-your-decor.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/design-your-decor.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Design Your Decor</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Choose window treatments, bedding, furniture, accents with this new online feature at JoAnn.com/DesignYourDecor ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:46:37 -0600</pubDate>
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