Kaplan's Woods Winter Wonderland

Boy, did I ever pick THE best year ever to buy cross country skis. It has been an amazing winter for skiing. We've spent hours on the wonderfully groomed trails throughout Kaplan's Woods and certainly know most nooks and crannies by heart - even in the dark. Speaking of night skiing, we are outfitted with our headlamps and can manuever our way through every twist and turn along the trail while under the stars.
A week ago we skiied through Rice Lake State Park (about 7 miles from Owatonna) during the Candlelight ski event. What a great evening! The friends of Rice Lake Park were offering treats and had a roaring bonfire going.
We are so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful trails and parks so close to home. Even though we've been experiencing a pretty solid Minnesota winter, I've come to enjoy this season just as much as the other seasons that we get to experience. To top it off, I'm getting a heck of a physical work out - along with a wonderful release from and stress or tension - there's nothing like exploring Mother Nature's great outdoors.

Owatonna - 6th Annual Chili Cook Off

About two years ago I attended my first Chili Cook Off and was immediately inspired and intrigued – mostly due to the fact that I was totally thrilled to learn about white chili. I’m not a big red meat eater so to find out that chicken chili exists opened all sorts of cuisine possibilities for me. I decided that when the hockey schedule (my son’s) would permit I find a way to enter my own white chili concoction in the cook off. It took two years to allow for the aligning of the hockey schedule and the Chili Cook Off, but the wait was worth it. I joined forces with a couple of friends and we created a one-of-a-kind recipe for our white chili.

We conducted a bit of a marketing campaign prior to the big day, and not knowing quite what to expect in our first attempt, we approached the event with a lot of enthusiasm. In addition to a large appetite for chili, we have a big appetite for fun, which we had a lot of as we prepared our chili the day before, and it carried over to the actual event.

The Chili Cook Off is in its 6th year and is organized by the Bill and Marie Lawrence family as a fundraiser for a scholarship that they started to honor the memory of their son, Andrew. The evening was a huge success as they served over 900 people who each paid $7 to attend the Cook Off to sample over 47 kinds of chili. T-shirts were available for purchase, as were beverages and dessert treats. Every taster can vote for their favorite chili – and (drum roll please) guess who won the people’s choice for white chili? We were thrilled as first year entrants to win first place in our category – quite an honor because we had some great competition. Even better, we knew that we were a part of such a wonderful community event. That’s just some of what makes Owatonna a special place to live, work and play – people genuinely care about one another – and really go out of their way to make a positive difference.

Recap for 2009 Real Estate in Owatonna Minnesota

What’s the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?

Sales during October and November picked up and we finished year with an increase in sales (by 28 homes) over 2008. It seems that the first time buyer stimulus plan has been working. We’ve seen a strong presence of those buyers in our market and that helps everyone.

We predicted that first time home buyers would be the mainstay of the 2009 market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs, and it appears to have panned out that way. One of my lending experts, Brenda Bednar (through Advisor’s Mortgage) noted that 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 507-455-1858. 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 321 closed residential listings in Owatonna for 2009. The average sale price of the sold properties is $143,424 which is down from 2008 when the average sale price for the year was $159,120. I believe this trend is due to an increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time was 117 days which is actually down from 130 in 2008. The market has changed, in particular housing prices.

At the start of the year we have 198 active residential listings with an average list price of $176,880. They’ve been on the market for an average of 185 days which has been increasing.

Interest rates continue to hover near their lows, and the tax credit provides a strong incentive for first time and repeat buyers to make the most of the values that are out there in our local market.

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.

Home Buyer's Seminar in Owatonna Minnesota

Home Buyer's Informational Seminar in Owatonna Minnesota
This Saturday marks the first Buyer's Informational session that we'll be offering during January. Every Saturday this month starting at 12:30 we'll host a seminar for potential buyers to answer their questions and provide relevant information about purchasing a home. The sessions will be informal and geared toward the attendees and their informational needs.

Any potential buyers (first ot repeat) are welcome to stop by the Coldwell Banker Home Connection office to get up to the minute info about our current local market. Interested buyers can also call me (Lynn Johnson, Broker) at 507-390-6109 or Chad Hacker, Realtor at 507-363-4404.

Chad and I work together as the Owatonna Real Estate Pros through Coldwell Banker Home Connection in Owatonna. By working together we bring experience, knowledge and marketing expertise that provide an unbeatable real estate experience.

What's the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?

What’s the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?

What happened to the summer weather? Boy, our summer has been marked by cooler temps, but the market has been heating up.

First time home buyers continue to fuel the activity. 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 507-455-1858. 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 142 closed residential listings in Owatonna. The average sale price of sold properties is $136,915. I believe this trend is due to an increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time is 115 days for those homes that have sold.

At this time 46 homes are pending sale with an average list price of $143,775, and we have 236 active residential listings with an average list price of $194,677. They’ve been on the market for an average of 158 days.

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 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.

Running from the 3rd of April through April 6th, is the Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre.

There will be a Minnesota Chamber Federation Legislative Call Update at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office on April 4th, April 11th, and April 18th from 7:30 am to 8:00 am.

There will be a lecture regarding business leader Dan Gainey, entitled “Man With Vision” at the Village of Yesteryear on April 8th starting at 1:00.

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 12th from 12:00 – 5:30 pm. If you’ve never participated in the cake auction before, take some time to stop in and enjoy the fun.

The Knight of Nights silent and live auction will be held at St. Mary’s School on April 12th. It’s a fun-filled evening for a good cause.

A class is being offered on April 14th “How to Sell Like A Pro”

April 19th 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. I’m a Big Sister and I know my little and I will be bowling that day. Come on out to Southpark Lanes and have some fun.

The Little Theatre of Owatonna is presenting “Funny Money”, which runs starting 4/18 and ends on 4/26. You can check the Little Theatre’s website for production times.

The Retrofit Companies are hosting a Free Household Electronics Recycling on April 19th from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

April 19th marks the day of the Shriner’s Application Day.

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will be held on April 22nd from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. at Infinia of Owatonna. This is a great time for Chamber members to network and socialize.

A delicious end to the month will be held on April 24th from 5:00 until 7:30 pm. with the annual “Taste of Steele County” with vendors providing samples of a variety of foods from around the county. All proceeds raised during the event will be donated to CONTACT.

Owatonna, MN Affordable Home

Lynn Johnson | Coldwell Banker Home Connection | 507-451-8080 140 E. Fremont, Owatonna, MN Cute and affordable home with updates galore 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $75,500 Year Built 1885 Sq Footage 1,664 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size .1 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Newly painted interior, new furnace, new water heater, new vinyl siding, newly updated bathroom fixtures - don't miss out! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Walk-in closet Living room Dining room Refrigerator Stove/Oven Basement Laundry area - inside Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking Storage space(s) OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Nicely updated throughout ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Lynn Johnson Coldwell Banker Home Connection 507-451-8080 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Feb 22, 2008, 10:37am PST

Saturday Open Houses in Owatonna

Address:534 Dunkirk Pl SW,

Owatonna, MN 55060
Price: 149,900
Property Type: Residential MLSArea: Owatonna Bedrooms: 4

Total Bathrooms: 2

Total SqFt: 1787

Garage Type: Attached
List #2929880

New Lower Price! Delightful split with great decor ready for you to move right in, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, nice yard with deck on a quiet cul-de-sac, many updates, maintenance free exterior--just what you are looking for!

Open House on Saturday, February 16th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m.
Call Lynn Johnson, CRS, GRI for more information at 507-390-6109
Or view listings at http://www.myowatonnarealestate.com/ or
http://www.cbhomeconnection.com/

This is one of my favorite winter views. This bridge was newly installed and serves as a footbridge which connects one of many walking/biking trails through the Owatonna parks.

We're so fortunate to have so many enjoyable places to use year round. There are several skating ponds near this bridge, and the cross country ski trail is just to the south of the bridge. This winter I rented snow shoes at the park chalet, and snow shoed with a friend through the beautiful wooded park.

It's amazing what you can see in the woods this time of year without all the leaves on the trees. It's beautiful.