Gary Halverson

Another problem with the housing crisis

2011-02-27T16:54:00Z

Look at the number of homes now in foreclosure. Understand that most of the homes have repairs that are needed, before a home owner may purchase a home with a loan from the government. Yet most of the people trying to buy the homes will not be able to purchase a home because of the needed repairs. FHA does have a program to assist with this process, yet most potential homeowners are not able to put a house deal together because of the process of getting a permit to repair, cost estimates needed, hiring someone to make the repairs. Most homeowners will not be able to do the repairs themselves because of local restrictions to obtain a permit because of license law in this state. IF the homeowner is able to complete the process, and jump through the hoops, the costs will then most likely become unaffordable for the homeowner. Also, will the home then appraise at a price where the mortgage company will make a loan? Further, our government has rules in place to delay the purchase of the foreclosed home by investors. I understand the idea of allowing prospective homeowners “first chance” to purchase a home. This usually will cost the homebuyer more money IF they are able to put a purchase in place. Why? It’s because the bank will hold the price of the home as high as possible to recover the lost mortgage money. That is the concept…… In reality, the homeowner is not able to buy the home, again because of what I mentioned regarding home repairs, and the red tape involved to correct the repair issues. Since the home will usually not sell to a homeowner, in comes the investor. The investor will pay cash for the home, usually at a lower price than the homebuyer who will use this home as a primary residence. Our friends in Washington view this as a negative. But for those that now own a home, and is trying to sell in a neighborhood with foreclosures, the investor is helping homeowners trying to sell their home that is in saleable condition, to great condition. The investor will buy the home, taking it off the market, repair it, and resell it to usually a more qualified, stable buyer. This will help all homeowners now trying to sell. Further, the home in most cases will be repaired by a licensed contractor who will have the ability and knowledge to repair the home in a correct, safe and durable manner. What is my point in the end? Expecting Washington to manage their way out of the housing mess that they created is expecting too much. The present policy of purchasing a home in need of repair is a tax on the homeowner who is making their payments and keeping the home in great condition. The investor is a good thing, not a negative. It creates jobs, and is helping the stability in housing to return. Lastly, the home will sell sooner because it will not require an appraisal or bank approval. I suggest the Washington representatives remove the handcuffs of the investor, thus helping the present homeowners restore the value of their investment.

Here is something to think about.

2011-02-08T02:54:00Z

Here is something to think about. We are facing 6.2 billion financial deficit in Minnesota. It is my feeling that we will as a people be forced to lay off public employees and staff in public schools. This is a thought that will cause pain for us all. IF this is to happen, I believe we must keep the employees who are the best workers and look at the merit of the employee. We must move beyond seniority and keep the employee who deserves to be kept because of their work performance and not just because they are the first hired or the longest in seniority. By adapting this policy, we will be more efficiently served by the employees of the city, county, state or school district. I am not saying the longest in seniority needs to go, nor am I saying that the last one hired is to be protected. We as tax payers should expect our administrators to have a system in place for this next decision. Then again, we should evaluate our administrators as well.

What to do if you or someone you know is falling behind on the mortgage.................

2009-11-19T01:41:00Z

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payment, understand that you are not alone. Today, one home in eight is in trouble. The market over the last three years has not been kind to homeowners. We all have experienced falling values on our homes. I have contacts all over this great country, and I know that many people, couples, families, are in pain. I also believe that we still live in the greatest country in the world. So, we must also remember that the best days are coming.

So what to do? I know the holidays also add to the pain we feel. I suggest that you be proactive in your actions. I believe I can assist. Most everyone at one time or another has "to much month at the end of the money". You will have many more options to saving credit, and your financial health if you start sooner rather than later in taking a proactive attitude in your mortgage payment problem. Call me so that we can discuss your options. You have several options. The call and conversation will remain confidential. Lets get started on a new direction, a new path. Also, if you are wondering, there is no fee associated with this call or appointment.

Do you know of someone who is having trouble meeting his or her mortgage payment? If it is a friend, relative, or child, I know we can be of assistance. There are other options to foreclosure. Call us.

Gary Halverson

Pricing your home, in todays market......................

2009-09-01T01:58:00Z

Pricing your home today is more than a gut feeling. As a Realtor, I am able to view every home on the MLS. This gives me information about thousands of homes. It gives me information that the public most of the time is not able to see, on any web site. Do you ever wonder about why a home will sell, and others will not? At Four Tier Realty, we are able to view all homes on the MLS. Both past and present listings. It is not difficult to understand why homes will sell and yet others will not. Hint number one is it is not the size of the real estate office, or the number of agents. It is not whether you list with a national franchise or not. You can pay 7 percent and have a home that will not sell in the next 1,000 days, if it is over priced. Most of you can afford to pay a high commission to sell your home, but why? No office or individual broker is larger than the market its self. No office or broker can sell your home faster than anyone else. Why? Because the "market" will dictate the selling price. Not a homeowner, Realtor, or broker. The market will always win.

So if you are thinking about selling, give Four Tier a call. We hold the answer to the question of why or what needs to be done to sell your home. We can show you examples of why a home will sell or why it will not.

Enjoy your days and nights. The Minnesota weather is great this time of year!

Gary Halverson,
Broker, Four-Tier Realty

Minnesota Lake Shore Properties

2009-05-14T03:39:00Z

The season is here! The 2009 fishing opener has officially marked the "summer" season in Minnesota!

Life is good! I hope the entire sportsman and sportswomen in the state enjoyed their opener. It's not about the number of fish caught, but about the memories gained, and times spent with friends and family. It is time to forget about the day-to-day issues we all deal with in our lives. It is a time to give thanks for the friends, and for the families we have been blessed with. In this season of spring, turning to summer in a few weeks, remember to give thanks for the opportunity to spend time in God's Country. Minnesota, a land that many wish they had the opportunity to spend time on the lake, or being able to scout the shores of our lakes, looking for what treasures can now be found.

Along with the weather change, we also see life begin once again, when the birds come back to raise their young. The deer will soon share thier fawns, black bear with cubs, and one of my favorites in the north woods, the mother raccoon and her brood of 5 or 6 young following her up the tree. But then we can also watch the mother duck and her flock swimming right behind her. In the evening, the cry of our state bird, the Common Loon.

Take time; search out the things in life that are important. Thank the good Lord for the beautiful country we live in and for our freedom. Which also reminds me to thank our troops, our men and women in uniform, as well as to the guys and gals in uniform, who allow us to sleep at night, and watch over us while we work, our police and sheriffs departments.

Yes, life is good. Be positive, our economy will come back. Interest rates are at an all time low. Properties have not been this affordable in decades. Give Four Tier Realty a call, when the time to buy or sell real estate.
You will be many dollars ahead. It pays to buy or sell with Four Tier Realty.

Enjoy the season!

Gary Halverson, broker

FREE MONEY! Well, almost.........

2009-05-01T14:59:00Z

Four Tier Realty has been getting calls on the first time home buyer credit. Many have great questions, and interesting ideas have come about from the calls. Four Tier Realty is committed to providing the best service to anyone who is in the market for buying or selling a home.

If you, or your children, or grandchildren will be in the market for a real estate purchase, give us a call. We would be happy to set an appointment, and show you what we at Four Tier Realty have been up to in the first time home buyer area. We hold the key to our
title above of "Free Money". If you are looking into turning $8,000 government dollars into $8,600 give us a call. We will be happy to show you what our homework on this program has produced. AND, don't be afraid to tell your friends, relatives, or co-workers. But you must purchase a certain date later this year to qualify. Four Tier Realty is all about service.

A Quote I would like to share.........

2009-03-30T22:08:00Z

Ever wonder where people come up a saying or a thought that becomes so profound, or so strong that it never leaves you? I found such a quote in 1987, it has been somewhere in my office or on my desk since. Its like the Bible, always having meaning. I have shared this thought with people from time to time, and felt the need to post it to my blog today. I hope it has as much of an impact on you as it has with me.

Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is to play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

A quote from Charles Swindoll

Thanks for visiting my web site.

Gary Halverson

Home Sales Up 5.1% Reported Today

2009-03-24T02:00:00Z

Good news for all of us in the USA. It was reported today that home sales were up 5.1%, for February 2009. Adjusted sales were 4.3 million. What does this indicate? Things are improving, slowly, and yes people are buying.

Is this a good time to buy, is a question that I have been asked at almost every public event I have attended. My answer is simply, "Yes". Think about it, home affordability is at its highest point in several decades. For those of us baby boomers, this is one of the best times to take advantage of a second home, a lake home, or to diversify your portfolio of investments. (Which by the way the stock market was up nearly 500 points today) And remember the low interest rates available to us all. As I checked this morning you could buy a 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 4.5%. Selection is almost at an all time high as well or at least since the early 1980's. Why not take advantage of this opportunity for diversification? Stop by Four Tier Realty, or give us a call. We take pride in showing you all that the market has to offer. Happy house hunting!

Home affordability at it's highest point in years.

2009-03-06T14:28:00Z

With all of the doom and gloom out in the world today, we must remember that it is most likely the best time to buy a home, quite possibly in our life time. Remember just a few short years ago, many Realtors had bidding wars with their listings.

Looking forward, the government is providing or attempting to provide a boost to our economy, not just here in the USA, but world wide. Many are saying that this will eventually lead to high inflation. So, you might ask, what will this do for you going forward? The answer to this is historically, high inflation is a friend to real estate owners.

So it makes sense to put dollars to work in a tool now. To mention Warren Buffet and his philosophy of investing is this: “When others get fearful, get greedy”. Well, I suggest that now is the time to “get greedy”. Of course we all must manage our finances, and risk control, but in the proper menu of investment and capital management, it only makes sense. I for one think Warren Buffet, who is the 3^rd wealthiest individual in the world, might just know what he is talking about.

Open House in Heritage Estates on Saturday

2009-03-06T14:27:26Z

Heritage Estates, Owatonna - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 885 22nd Street SE on March 7 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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