Did you know that there's a difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved? It may seem to be 'tomatoes, tomatos...potatoes, potatos' but not knowing the facts could cost you. For example, what is a 'no cost loan'...should you lock in at a rate...how do you get the best rate for your mortgage? An informed buyer is a prepared buyer. Knowing the facts about these important points and knowing what questions to ask is the first step towards buying your next home.

Note this article as it outlines key facts about your mortgage that could translate into big savings over the life of your loan,

Yahoo! HOMES article What You Need To Know Before You Get A Mortgage

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As our economy revives, the real estate market has proven to be on the buyer's side leading many to feel that they can take their time while selecting a new home. However, the promise of a healthier economy has interest rates on the rise.

Procrastinators Beware! Stalling and failure to commit to a purchase can cost you valuable dollars on the bottom line--which in turn could mean the difference between the house of your dreams and second best!

So perhaps it's time to ask yourself, 'What are we waiting for? '

Yahoo! HOMES article - Your Cost for WAITING to Buy A Home

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Coldwell Banker Burnet Press Release:

Barry Berg Named Top Sales Producer for 2012 

EDINA, MN (July 16, 2013) – Barry Berg, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Burnet, was recently recognized for his outstanding real estate sales performance in 2012. Berg, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet’s Minneapolis Lakes office, was ranked number one in sales for 2012 out of nearly 1,800 sales associates in the company. 

Berg achieved the company’s number one agent ranking by completing more than $50 million in sales, representing 60 transactions in 2012.  

“Barry specializes in upper bracket properties and continually ranks among the top one percent of all Coldwell Banker agents nationally,” said Matt Baker, branch vice president. “Barry and his…

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Warmer temperatures and the colors of summer are here at last!

With improved weather, buyers are actively in the market seeking summer and fall occupancy. Lower interest rates, appropriately priced properties, and reduced inventory have led to a more active real estate market than we've experienced over recent years.  Buyer confidence is on the rise -- a good sign for both buyers and sellers.

Whether you desire to move up or downsize, or just need real estate help for your parents or children, let us put our professional services to work for you. 

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Whether you skirted the worst of this weekend's storm or still find yourself without power, the effects of Mother Nature's latest temperamental rant are profoundly widespread. Patience and neighborliness have become the theme as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to get back on track.

Below are links to helpful articles which we hope will help guide you through the clean up process, and to be well prepared for the next!

Best wishes to all our friends and neighbors for a speedy safe recovery! 

KARE-11 'Post-storm Clean-up Tips'

THIS OLD HOUSE 'Smart, Safe Storm and Snow Cleanup Tips'

wikiHow 'How to Prepare for a Power Outage (checklist)'

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While preparing your home for the Spring Market over the long winter months, you've likely spent the majority of your time and efforts improving the interior living spaces. Now that the clouds have broken and we're finally seeing the sun, people are out in droves to soak up what sunshine they can. This is also when buyers begin to cruise through the neighborhoods that they are considering, in order to purchase a property as their future home.

Consistently, the biggest deal breaker has been the lack of curb appeal. Fabulous homes on the inside may draw a buyers' attention on the internet only to have the the buyers change their minds upon arrival for a showing-some even refusing to get out of the car! What a sad oversight. Don't let this happen to…

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From taking our first step, expressing individuality has helped us to grow while balancing awareness of the need to fit in and remain generally excepted.

For this very reason buyers seek out a home that they feel 'fits' them in a way that isn't cookie cutter, yet doesn't stand out in such a way that turns others off.

When you are planning to move and are making your property ready for the market, you'll want to give serious consideration to curb appeal. There have been many buyers who were interested from viewing photos online, but never stepped foot inside of a property because the curb appeal was lacking.

What should be done? The answer is as simple as 1-2-3.

1 - Clean, clean, clean

2 - Update and Refresh both inside and out

3 -…

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As one school year comes to a close, planning for the next school year begins.

A major criteria for many parents is the school district that their new home lies within. Not everyone has the option of private or home schooling, so the quality of the public school system bears much weight when determining which property is the best fit for a family.

US News Top Ranking Minnesota Schools

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When competing in the marketplace at its busiest, first impressions are the most lasting. The lack of staging can be what prevents a potential buyer from connecting emotionally with a property, and envisioning themselves living there.

What can be done? Often times it's as easy as a little elbow grease and simplifying. Going the extra mile could mean extra dollars in your pocket and a successful purchase agreement on your house.

Less Is More article

Make A Statement article

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Market recovery is a process. Last year has proved that stabilizing of today's real estate marketplace has properties moving faster. The confluence of lower interest rates and appropriately priced properties has led to more sales and reduced inventory.  As we progress into a more active real estate market than we’ve experienced over recent years, we are finding buyer confidence is on the rise -- a good sign for both buyers and sellers.

Contact Barry or Chad to schedule a consultation to determine how the Barry Berg Group can put their professional services to work for you!

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