Apple Valley, MN – Freedom Days

Date June 29, 2009

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Apple Valley Freedom Days will kick off on Friday, June 26, and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show on the 4th at Johnny Cake Ridge Park. In between these two marquee events, there will be plenty to do for people of all ages and interests. Admission fees apply to some of these events.

2009 Apple Valley Freedom Days Schedule of Events

Friday, June 26 Apple Valley Ford Car Cruise Apple Valley Ford to Bogart’s Free to First 100 Cars
3:00 p.m. – Registration 7200 W 150th Street 100 Car Maximum
4:30 p.m. – Cruise

Friday, June 26 Apple Valley Freedom Days Bogart’s Place $100 For A Booth Space
5:00-10:00 p.m. Vendor Fair 14917 Garrett Avenue

Friday, June 26 “Dancin’ & Cruisin” Bogart’s Place $10 Admission to Bogart’s
6:00-10:00 p.m. – Car Show 14917 Garrett Avenue Car Show – Free
6:00-8:00 p.m. – DJ Sounds
8:30 p.m.-Midnight – Casablanca Orchestra
200+ Classic Cars, “DJ Sounds”, live music by headliner Casablanca Orchestra and a wide variety of food offerings from Apple Valley restaurants. All gate proceeds directly support Apple Valley Freedom Days events.

Friday, June 26 Adapted Dance Apple Valley Teen Center $5 Pre-Dance
7:00-9:00 p.m. Grades 6-12 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road $8 At the door. A great mix of music in a festive atmosphere. Food and beverages provided.

Sunday, June 28 Music In The Park Hayes Park Free
7:00-8:30 p.m. MN Over 60 Band 14603 Hayes Road
For over 40 years the Minnesota Over 60 Band has performed in communities throughout the state. You will hear music from the 40’s, 50’s, as well as polkas and waltzes. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

Tuesday, June 30 Tots Tennis Carnival Apple Valley Sports Arena (@AVHS)
9:00-11:00 a.m. (4 & 5 Year Olds) 14452 Hayes Road
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (6 & & Year Olds)
Kids age 4-7 are invited to discover tennis in a fun and festive atmosphere. Call 952-953-2366 for details.

Wednesday, July 1 Fast Start Youth Tennis Tournament Apple Valley Sports Arena (@AVHS) $10
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Singles Tournament for ages 8-14 14452 Hayes Road
(Short Court)

Wednesday, July 1 Kids Fishing Derby Lac Lavon Park Free
6:00 p.m.-Dusk 15607 Highview Drive
Kids age 5-11 are invited to showcase their fishing skills and catch the “big one”. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. Bring your fishing pole. Bait will be provided. Sponsored by the Minnesota Valley In-Fisherman.

Thursday, July 2 Fast Start Youth Tennis Tournament Apple Valley Sports Arena (@AVHS) $10
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Doubles Tournament for ages 8-14 14452 Hayes Road
(short Court)

Thursday, July 2 Skateboard Demo Johnny Cake Ridge Park -West Free
5:00-9:00 p.m. 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road
Volume Skateboards & Zombie Shop will be doing skateboarding demonstrations at the outdoor skate park next to the Apple Valley Teen Center. There will also be food, product samples, contests and an opportunity to see their latest equipment.

Friday, July 3 Kids Carnival Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East Tickets purchased on site
5:00-9:00 p.m. Rides/Games/Food 5800 140th Street West

Friday, July 3 Cub Foods Family Fun Night Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East (Fees Apply- See Below)
5:00-9:00 p.m. 5800 140th Street West
Good old fashion family fun! Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, Guitar Hero Contest, kid’s dress up parade, “Kids Dance”-DJ, kids parade, puppet shows, appearances by Apple Valley police, fire and A.L.F. ambulance and festival food.
(Fees will be charged for food, drink and some amusements.)

Saturday, July 4

6:30-7:30 a.m. Fun Run Registration Hayes Park Pre-Registration $7 Race Only
14603 Hayes RD. (Ends June 30 @ 10 p.m.) $15 Race & shirt
Day of Event $14 Race Only
$22 Race & Shirt
8:00 a.m. Fun Run Hayes Park
14603 Hayes RD.
A two and five mile fun run will begin and end in Hayes Park. There is also a Half Pint-Half Mile for kids at 9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Kids Carnival Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East Tickets purchased on site
Rides/Games/Food 5800 140th Street West

1:00 p.m. Freedom Days Parade

Apple Valley Freedom Days Parade (All ages)
1:00 p.m. Parade Pennock Ave. (N) to 145th St. (W) to Hayes Rd. (N) Free
One of the state’s largest and most respected parades begins promptly at 1 p.m. The parade begins at Pennock Avenue & Fireside Drive and travels north, turns left (west) onto 145th street, turns right (north) onto Hayes Road and concludes at Apple Valley High School. Spectators are reminded that they are not allowed to place their belongings on sidewalks, streets, adjacent properties and boulevards until 24 hours before the start of the parade. This is a city ordinance that will be enforced.

6:00 p.m. APPLE VALLEY FORD Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East (Fees Apply- See Below)
PRE-FIREWORKS ENTERTAINMENT 5800 140th Street West
“DJ Sounds” and food vendors will be at Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East leading up to fireworks. The Carnival will be in full swing too.
(Fees will apply to food, beverages, rides and some amusements.)

10:00 p.m. Fireworks One of the Twin Cities’ best fireworks show! (Johnny Cake Ridge Park, 140th Street and Johnny Cake Ridge Road)

10:00 p.m. Fireworks Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East Free
5800 140th Street West
One of the best fireworks shows in the Twin Cities! Begins precisely at 10 p.m.

FIREWORKS RAIN DATE: JULY 5 @ 10:00 P.M. (FIREWORKS ONLY)

Twin Cities Real Estate Market Update for Week Ending June 13

Date June 22, 2009

Another great week for home sales! And there are several signs that the Twin Cities Real Estate Market is slowly trending toward recovery. 

Here’s a quick look at homes for sale in the Twin Cities for both a short and long term perspective.  For the longer term view we’ll be comparing last week’s numbers to the same week in 2008.  This is the pattern needed to continue our slow move to a more balanced market.  Let’s start with a look at those numbers in more detail:

Down: New listings for the past week came in at 1,970 which is down 2.6% from last year’s.

Up: by 33.8% the number of homes that went pending, coming in at 1,210.  This is ever so slightly down from last week but still a great trend for 2009! 

Down: Total active listings are now at 26,857 compared to 33,435 during this same week one year ago, a drop of 19.7%

 The short term numbers are good this week.  Although active listings are slightly up, the new listings down and the pending sales up are both good signs.

The common theme this week is MULTIPLE OFFERS!  If you are a buyer you need to make sure that your offer is as strong as possible.   Homes are priced to sell and they are selling.  Multiple offers means that you are up agains other buyers competing for the same house and the price you will need to offer could be forced up if you are willing to play the game.  If it is a house that you truely want you will need to go in with your best foot forward. 

I would recommend you attend one of the free seminars we put on as part of our radio show.  There are classes for first time buyers, move up buyers, investment property buyers and a class on How to Buy Bank Owned Homes.  If you are interested in any of these, let me know and I’ll shoot you some more information.  As always, like everything we do, these seminars are No Hassle, No Pressure and No Bull.

Thank you for coming to Scottwollmering.com,  this blog is updated several times a week.  For more information on Moving to Apple Valley, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Burnsville, Farmington or District 196 check out the homes for sale and please check out more of this blog or email me swollmering(at)minnesotahomes(dot)com.

Luxury Living in The Wilds – Prior Lake Home For Sale

Date June 18, 2009

545067_500

15035 Wilds Parkway

Prior Lake, MN

$485,000

Beautiful 2-story colonial with 5 bedrooms, 4 bath in The Wilds of Prior Lake

Beautiful open floor plan, great for entertaining with large kitchen and living room.  Kitchen has cherry cabinets and hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, large center island with granite top with breakfast bar.  4 bedrooms in upper level with large master and private bath.

patio_500Lower level is fully finished with large family room and wet bar, spare bedroom and 3/4 bath, Beautifully landscaped yard with perennial gardens and water feature creates a very private setting.

Buying New Construction Bank Owned Property in the Twin Cities

Date June 9, 2009

This is the perfect time to purchase new construction homes.  There is a pretty significant inventory of homes in the Twin Cities that are partially completed bank owned homes.  There has been a problem getting financing for them in the past, but not any more.  Alec Grebis at Cornerstone Mortgage has a new loan program that allows you to purchase an unfinished new construction home, contract the work and move in!  It can be a conventional or FHA mortgage with very little down payment required.  To find out more about how to find these homes give me a call!  Thanks

Thank you for coming to Scott wollmering . com.  For more information on South of the River homes for sale and District 196 homes for sale please check out more of this blog or email me swollmering(at)minnesotahomes(dot)com.

Rosemount Home for Sale

Date June 6, 2009

Rosemount Home for Sale

Schedule a Showing

13389 Danube Circle

$650,000

Visit the Virtual Tour of Danube Circle

Remarks: Beautiful craftsman executive home on nearly acre lot. Lots of upgrades; KT w/sub-zero&Vik appl! custom maple cabinets, granite ctops, in-ground pool, mn fl office, lg 2 tiered deck& hot tub, 5(6) BR, 4 BA, 3 car, almost 5000 sq ft,much more, see suppl!
Property Type: (SF) Two Stories
Listing Status: Active
Style: (SF) Two Stories
Year Built: 2002
Sqft. Total: 4755
Sqft Above Ground: 3689
Sqft Below Ground: 1066
Foundation Size: 1613
Garage Capacity: 3
Garage Description: Attached Garage, Driveway – Asphalt, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Insulated Garage
Heating: Forced Air
Air Conditioning: Central
Water: City Water – Connected
Acres: 0.93
Lot Dimension: 51×148x179×241x174
Lot Description: Tree Coverage – Medium
Zoning: Residential-Single
 
FEATURES & AMENITIES:
Amenities: Deck, Exercise Room, Hardwood Floors, In-Ground Sprinkler, Kitchen Window, Multiple Phone Lines, Natural Woodwork, Patio, Porch, Tiled Floors
Appliances: Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Exhaust Fan/Hood, Freezer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Wall Oven, Water Softener – Owned
Fence: Full, Rail
Fireplace: Y
Fireplace Location: Amusement Room, Family Room, Gas Burning
Total Fireplaces: 2
Lake Waterfront: Pond
Map Page: 163
Roof: Age 8 Years or Less, Asphalt Shingles
Special Search: 4 BR on One Level
 
ROOM INFORMATION:
Rooms: Amusement Room, Deck, Dining Room, Family Room, Fifth (5th) Bedroom, First (1st) Bedroom, Fourth (4th) Bedroom, Informal Dining Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Office, Second (2nd) Bedroom, Third (3rd) Bedroom
Basement: Daylight/Lookout Windows, Drain Tiled, Finished (Livable), Full, Sump Pump
Bedrooms: 5
Total Full Baths: 2
3/4 Baths: 1
1/2 Baths: 1
Bathroom Description: 3/4 Basement, Full Master, Main Floor 1/2 Bath, Private Master, Separate Tub & Shower, Upper Level Bath, Whirlpool
Family Room Description: Great Room, Main Level
 
ROOM SIZES:
Room Level Approx. Size
Dining Room: Main 14×12  
Family Room: Main 18×17  
Kitchen: Main 22×12  
Bedroom: Upper 17×14  
Bedroom: Upper 25×17  
Bedroom: Upper 12×12  
Bedroom: Upper 12×11  
Fifth (5th) Bedroom: Lower 12×12  
Amusement Room: Lower 25×23  
Deck: Main 27×14  
Informal Dining Room: Main 11×10  
Laundry: Upper 9×9  
Office: Main 13×12  
 
SCHOOL INFORMATION:
School District: District 196 – Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eag
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Listing Price: $675,000
Annual Taxes: $8,073
Average Annual Association Fee: $15
Tax With Assessments: $8,073
Tax Year: 2008
Assoc Fee: $180
Assoc Fee Includes: Other
Assoc Fee Paid: Yearly
Assoc Fee Y/N: Y

or Maybe Not…

Date May 18, 2009

FHA is now taking back the anouncement that they put out about the $8,000 tax credit being used as down payment.  The information is no longer posted on thier web site.  I will keep you updated on any new developments.

$8,000 Tax Credit as a Downpayment?

Date May 14, 2009

Breaking News- Taken from the National Association of Realtor’s Website

Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a downpayment.

Donovan’s remarks came in an address to several thousand Realtors® gathered this morning at The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy, a special daylong session at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.

Secretary Donovan said that important changes, which the National Association of Realtors® has been calling for, will help consumers purchase a home. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a downpayment,” Donovan said. According to Donovan, the FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Donovan said the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs hat the market overall is stabilizing,” said Donovan. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said, “As the leading advocate for housing issues and homeownership, NAR continues to take a leadership role in promoting ideas for improving our economy by stabilizing the housing and real estate markets. Today we have the best of the best to begin a dialogue, develop solutions and initiate action toward real estate and economic recovery.”

The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. The 13 panelists and Realtors® in attendance examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.

The list of distinguished panelists include Dr. Martin Feldstein, professor of Economics from Harvard University; Dr. Barry Bluestone, professor of Political Economy from Northeastern University; John Taylor, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition; Maria Kong, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers; and Sarah Rosen Wartell, executive vice president for the Center for American Progress.

“Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.

“We must make sure FHA and the GSEs are supported,” added the Wharton School’s Susan Wachter.

“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” McMillan said. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”

The real estate summit is part of the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here through Saturday. During the week, more than 8,500 Realtors® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.

District 196 Names Berenz to be Next Superintendent

Date May 12, 2009

After completing second interviews of its two finalists for superintendent on May 5, the School Board was unanimous in its decision to offer the position to current Director of Teaching and Learning Jane Berenz.  The board is expected to officially approve Berenz’s selection by vote at its May 11 regular meeting. As part of that action, the board is also expected to direct its Personnel and Negotiations Committee to work with outside legal counsel on negotiating a contract with Berenz. Once a tentative contract is reached, it will be brought back to the full board for consideration.

Pending approval of the contract, Berenz will take over July 1 for John D. Currie, who is retiring at the end of the school year after serving as superintendent for the past six years.

Berenz has a long history with District 196 schools, dating back to her days as a kindergarten student at Rosemount Elementary School. She graduated from Apple Valley High School and has worked in District 196 for the past 22 years in a variety of high-profile leadership roles.

Since 2004, Berenz has served as the district’s director of teaching and learning, overseeing curriculum, instruction and assessment at all grade levels. Prior to that, she was director of elementary education for four years, a principal on special assignment for two years, principal of Parkview Elementary School for three years, and a special education and elementary classroom teacher for her first eight years in the district.

Thank you for coming to Scott wollmering.com,  this blog is updated several times a week.  For more information on South of the River homes for sale and District 196 homes for sale please check out more of this blog or email me swollmering(at)minnesotahomes(dot)com.

Buy Bank Owned Property, MN – Seminar

Date April 28, 2009

Learn from professionals you trust!  Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, move -up buyer or an investor, we can help you find the best deals in bank-owned property.  Please join us for our complimentary seminar.

Thursday, May 7th

6:30 pm

at

Cornerstone Mortgage Company

436 Gateway Blvd.

Burnsville, MN  55337

 

Presented by Scott Wollmering and Alec Grebis

of the MN Real Estate Show

To register, please email njunker@minnesotahomes.com or call 952-431-0457

 

First Time Home Buyer Programs Offered Through Dakota County

Date April 23, 2009

Two new home buyer programs are being made available by the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) to help with home ownership.  The programs are now available through local mortgage companies,  as always we recommend you contact Alec Grebis at Cornerstone Mortgage, 952-808-2829.

Give Yourself Credit! 

This program provides home buyers with a Mortgage Credit Certificate which allows them to take an annual federal income tax credit.

Down Payment Assistance

Home buyers utilizing Give Yourself Credit! can also apply for down payment assistance of up to $10,000, depending on household income.  The Down Payment Assistance Program loans are deferred with no interest or monthly payments until the homeowner pays off their primary mortgage, no longer resides in the home as their primary residence, refinances, or sells the home.  Home buyers applying for a down payment assistance loan must contribute at least $750 of their own money towards the home purchase.

Income and eligiblity limits can be found on the CDA’s website at www.dakotacda.org/homebuyers.htm.

 

Thank you for coming to Scottwollmering.com,  this blog is updated several times a week.  For more information on South of the River homes for sale and District 196 homes for sale please check out more of this blog or email me swollmering(at)minnesotahomes(dot)com.