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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/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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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/great-reasons-to-buy-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/great-reasons-to-buy-a-home.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>Great Reasons to Buy a Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys. 


Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!


1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For the areas that have seen harder times since the recession, experts feel that the housing market will recover. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth. A home bought for $10,000 in 1960 is most likely worth 10 times that in today's market. 2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Some people sign year leases while others are in the community for much shorter terms. Apartment complexes also tend to have less common shared space for people to meet, greet, and socialize. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress. 3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it's predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans. The sub-prime crisis meant many homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages saw their monthly payments rise and then rise some more. Homeownership, though, generally comes with a predictable table of expenditures. Even the big purchases are predictable. You know most roofs last just 15 years (or so). You know that each year you'll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, and so on. 4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you "own" your home. That comes with some incredible perks, though! You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart's desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks (if the HOA allows!). The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak! 5. Great Deals: It's a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. We're talking 4.0 percent instead of 6.0 or higher. This means big savings for today's buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, then be sure to talk to your local real estate agent about what homes in your area could be a fit for you. Homeownership can be a real joy. It's time to get off the fence and into a home that is right for you!  Thnaks to Carla Hill for this article. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:45:40 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/hud-offers-reo-homes-for-100-down.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/hud-offers-reo-homes-for-100-down.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>HUD Offers REO Homes for $100 Down!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
HUD has approved a program aimed at putting foreclosed homes back into the hands of owner-occupant buyers.


In select states (including MN), from now into October of next 2012, buyers need a down payment of only $100 to purchase a HUD-owned REO home.


The buyer must be an owner-occupant, utilizing financing insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Standard FHA underwriting guidelines apply, and the sale must be for the full amount of the current list price.


HUD’s $100 down payment incentive program can also be applied to an FHA 203k loan, which can be used to fund repairs and renovations on the home. The 203k program allows buyers to finance both the mortgage and additional money for rehabilitation needs with a single government-insured loan.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:24:19 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/more-affordable-to-buy-then-rent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jimbergteam.com/blog/more-affordable-to-buy-then-rent.html</link>
            <author>info@jimbergteam.com (Jim Berg Team)</author>
            <title>More affordable to Buy then Rent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Volatile markets and low home sales are colluding to force mortgage rates to historic lows and sellers to mark off home prices, making actual home purchases less expensive than renting in cities across the United States. Buying a home fell below renting costs in 74 percent of the country’s 50 largest cities over July, with 12 percent of cities seeing higher price tags for apartments than for houses, according to real estate Web site Trulia. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:59:12 -0500</pubDate>
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