3 most expensive Stillwater homes sold in September
Here are the 3 most expensive homes sold in Stillwater during September:
903 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $1,825,000
4290 McDonald Drive N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $690,000
135 Rutherford Road, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $530,000
3 least expensive Stillwater homes sold in September
Here are the 3 least expensive homes sold in Stillwater during September:
715 Hickory Street W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $134,000
1103 Bergmann Drive, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $158,000
1206 3rd Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Sold Price: $159,000
Stillwater Diabetes Walk
23.6 million children and adults in the Unites States suffer from diabetes. The American Diabetes Association will have a walk to fight the disease on October 4, 2008 starting at Pioneer Park in Stillwater. Choose from either the 3-mile out and back walk or the 5-mile loop. Walk through the scenic neighborhoods and return to Pioneer Park for a light breakfast and free massage. Some facts about diabetes:
- About one in 10 American adults now has diabetes.
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the U.S.
- One out of every three Americans born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime if present trends continue.
- Nearly 5.7 million people (nearly one-quarter) of the 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. living with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease.
Diabetes can, and does, lead to a wide range of other serious health complications, such as cardiovascular problems, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, lower limb amputations, and much more.
Register today by calling 1-800-DIABETES.
4 tips for helping appraisers
If you’re selling or refinancing your home, more than likely a real estate appraisal will be required. As a Certified Residential Appraiser I’ve inspected nearly 2,000 properties over the past 7 years. Here are 4 tips that will help the appraisal process go smoothly:
1. Make the ENTIRE home accessible
In some cultures it’s common for many generations of family members to live in a home. In these situations a bedroom often becomes a sanctuary and may be locked to keep others away. 99.9% of the year this is ok - just not on the day I appraise your home. Is there a secret drug factory behind that door? Probably not. But most appraisals require a visual inspection of all interior rooms. Coming back for another inspection = more time and gas = trip fee. Guess who ends up paying for it?
Another example of areas that become inaccessible are utility/storage rooms. Laser measuring devices are available but I find that the battery doesn’t last long and they are too bulky to carry. Plus I have to be able to point the laser at the opposite wall and avoid “measuring” the furnace, water heater, cardboard boxes, holiday decorations, etc. At least clear a path so I can walk from one end of the room to the other with a tape measure.
2. Clean (or at least pick up) the home
After inspecting hundreds of homes a year I get used to looking past everyday clutter. And, despite what some may think, I’m also a human being. A clean home can leave a good impression which can translate into a higher home value.
A side note: Occasionally I’ll try to schedule an inspection where the homeowner says something like, “Can we schedule it for next _____ because we need to clean the house first.” GREAT! If this was actually the truth I wouldn’t have a problem. Usually this statement comes from homeowners who haven’t cleaned their home in the past 6-60+ months. Really, can you clean that mess in a few days??
3. Keep it maintained
I’m not real handy, nor do I expect all homeowners to be. But fixing leaky faucets, replacing broken door knobs or installing missing trim work can go a long way. I’ve never used a service like Mr. Handyman so I can’t fully endorse them. But for whatever it’s worth, actor Richard Karn - the 200th host of “Family Fued” and also Tim Allen’s sidekick on “Home Improvement” gives them a thumbs up.
4. Ask about special conditions
If you’re lucky enough to have the Federal Government lending money on your home (FHA) there are additional items the appraiser needs to look at. Homes older than 1978 can’t have visible peeling paint. There also can’t be faulty or defective mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing and heating). Ask about these and other conditions so you can avoid situations where the appraiser has to come back and re-inspect your home.
Following these tips will help your appraiser and may even increase your home’s value.