What's Going on in Owatonna, Minnesota?

What’s Going On In Owatonna in April?

April is Fair Housing month. Realtors abide by all the fair housing and non-discrimination regulations, and it’s a good time to make consumers aware of the laws we that affect our industry and the public.

Don’t miss the Southern Minnesota Family Expo on Saturday, April 2nd at the Four Seasons Centre.

The Galaxy of Quilts will be featured at the Owatonna Arts Center. The show opens on April 3rd.

The Eagles Club will host a special luncheon featuring speaker, Patty Wetterling – Healing the Hearts of our Children on Tuesday, April 5th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

Running from the 9th of April through April 10th, is the Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre.

There will be series of lectures this month at the Village of Yesteryear kicking off on April 5th starting at 6:30 pm.

Jose Cole’s Circus is back in town on 4/13 at the Four Seasons Centre – fun for the whole family.

The fun-filled Young Life Cake Auction will be held at a new location this year. Owatonna High School Gym will hold the festivities this year on April 16th from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. If you’ve never participated in the cake auction before, take some time to stop in and enjoy the fun.

The Antique Show is being held this year during the weekend of 4/16 and 4/17 at the Four Seasons Centre.

April 16th marks the date for Big Brother’s Big Sister’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake. It’s a great day to bowl, have some fun, and raise some money for a great organization. Come on out to Southpark Lanes and have some fun.

The Little Theatre of Owatonna is presenting “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”, which runs starting 4/28 and ends on 5/7. You can check the Little Theatre’s website for production times.

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will be held on April 26th from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. Hosted by the Hometown Credit Union. This is a great opportunity for Chamber members to network and socialize.

Lynn Johnson

Broker Owner - Licensed in MN

Coldwell Banker Home Connection

ljohnson@owatonnahome.com

www.myowatonnarealestate.com

The ability of homeowners to use the mortgage interest deduction is a key financial benefit of homeownership. There is a bill being introduced that will help protect the MID. http://ping.fm/w6VtP

Many sellers wonder if they should try to sell now or wait out the market. It all depends on your situation and motivation - here's another view.
http://ping.fm/2H0Hc

- Owatonna's real estate market finished 2010 with 266 homes sold at an ave. sale price of $129,343. Currently have 153 homes on the market for buyers to choose from. Good values!

Nice House, Small Price, Big Value! 113 E. North Street, Owatonna

Lynn Johnson & Chad Hacker | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | (507) 451-8080 113 E. North street, Owatonna, MN Cute, clean and nicely cared for with newer windows, 3-season porch, 3 bedrooms, oversized single car garage, tidy basement and appliances included. 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House offered at $65,000 Year Built 1916 Sq Footage 1,552 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 5,227 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Cute, clean and nicely cared for with newer windows, 3-season porch, 3 bedrooms, oversized single car garage, tidy basement and appliances included. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Hardwood floor - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Dining room - Appliances stay - Well cared for - well maintained - Attached oversized garage - Newer windows - 2 baths - 3 bedrooms - Some new flooring - 3 season porch ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Lynn Johnson & Chad Hacker Coldwell Banker Home Connection (507) 451-8080 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 21, 2010, 11:42am PDT

What's the Buzz in Owatonna Real Estate?

What’s the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?

Things were picking up in April and the outlook is brighter with increased activity. It seems that our spring market is about a month behind – just like our spring weather.

We’re predicting that first time home buyers will be the mainstay of this market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs. According to my lending expert Brenda Bednar (through Advisor’s Mortgage) she is taking applications from those two buyer niches. Property issues are becoming more of a challenge with the increase in foreclosed properties, many of which have deferred maintenance issues to contend with. If you have any financing questions you can contact Brenda at 507-214-2580. Her expertise will get you moving in the right direction.

According to the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors MLS our year to date activity is showing 72 closed residential listings in Owatonna. The average sale price of the sold properties is $132,187 which is lower than what we’ve seen historically. I believe this trend is due to an increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time for properties is 112 days.

At this time we have 231 active residential listings with an average list price of $171,887. They’ve been on the market for an average of 172 days. We have 285 active building lots on the market – so there are plenty of great building lots to choose from for any budget range.

Market cycles affecting housing come and go, just like all segments of the economy. Right now may seem like a challenging market, but it’s also a market of opportunity. Investors and first time home buyers will be the obvious winners, but existing homeowners can profit, too. If you’re looking to move up into a larger home – it’s a great time to make that move. The inventory and prices of move up homes have never been more plentiful and attractive. Call or e-mail me today to learn about how this market can be beneficial for you. It’s time to get moving.

What's the Real Estate Buzz In Owatonna Minnesota?

Well, we’re two months into 2010 and so far 33 homes have sold in Owatonna. The average sale price of the homes that have sold is $118,175, which is down dramatically from 2009, but we do expect to see that number rise as we add more sales. The homes that have sold have done so in an average time of 88 days on the market. The activity that we’ve seen reflects the influx of investors, first time buyers, and the impact of bank-owned properties on our market.
Right now there are 235 homes for sale on the market at an average list price of $172,262 which shows quite a disparity between what’s available and the homes that have sold. The available homes have been on the market for an average of 173 days – which has lengthened over last year.
It’s vitally important for sellers to be realistic about the market when they are pricing their homes, present their homes in top-notch condition, make any necessary repairs, and create a welcoming, WOW impression for potential buyers.
Buyers are presented with an incredible opportunity – historically low interest rates, plentiful selection of homes, affordable prices, and a tax credit incentive. It’s a great time for buyers – in all price ranges.