St. Cloud, MN - Real Estate Blog

In the midst of this great recession, I have found myself too busy to handle my own work load.  Crazy I know.  I therefore have scoured the area for the most talented individual to help me with my real estate business.  It turns out, the former Operations Manager at Executive Express in St Cloud, MN was the perfect fit.

Now that she is all done with her schooling and ready to go, it is time to unveil my new secret weapon to the real estate world in St Cloud and anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home in the Central Minnesota area...

Everyone, say "hi" to my wife, Laura as she starts her new career as my partner in real estate sales.

This addition will allow me to field my calls immediately, respond to Internet inquiries at speeds that the public was accustomed to, and allow me to take more than one day off per month:)  I am definitely looking forward to this new set-up.

Now, we just have to teach her the ropes.  My request - if you have a real estate related question that you need answers, try giving Laura a call at (320) 492-8706.  Heck, just call her with silly real estate questions so that we can keep her on her toes:)

Lastly, the team name.  How does everyone feel about t²

   Laura's  new contact information:

   e-Mail:  Laura@StCloudEdina.com

   Phone:  (320) 492-8706

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud, MN.

http://StCloudEdina.com - Home of the e-Market Analysis (free online home value estimator).

http://JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com - Search homes for sale in St Cloud, MN.

Best on the Internet for Real Estate in St Cloud MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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There has been a new regulation passed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that revolves around bloggers and them giving testimonials or reviews to businesses.

I have blogged for several years now and have a section on this blog devoted strictly to business testimonials.  I have been giving these testimonials for to people I work with (or who have worked for my clients) that do (or have done) outstanding work.  I want to be clear that I am not personally affiliated with any of these businesses nor do I receive any monies for providing my testimonials.  Most of the time, the person receiving the testimonial doesn't even know it's there until they do a Google search for their name.

If you want to learn more about the new Federal Trade Commission Guidelines, visit their website at http://www.ftc.gov/, or you can read an article about this subject from the New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/05/technology/AP-US-TEC-Bloggers-FTC.html?_r=1.

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN

http://StCloudEdina.com - Home of the e-Market Analysis

http://JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com - Find opens houses in St Cloud MN

Best on the Internet for Real Estate St Cloud MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I just wanted to quickly send everyone my best wishes for a wonderful Christmas day.

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

www.StCloudEdina.com - Home of the e-Market Analysis (Free on-line home value estimator)

Posted by Jason Tangen at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Like most home owners, I tend to put off some of the basic checks on household items to save money.  For example, how many of you have had your water heater serviced and drained in the last year?  two years?  ten years???

Exactly.  We all tend to use something and not think twice about it and then - BOOM - it no longer works.  I was reminded of that simple fact bright and early this morning when my wife woke me up.

Why did she wake me, you may ask?  Because our house was a balmy 52 degrees.  Brrrrrrrrr.

Once again for effect - Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

All I can say is thank goodness we weren't on vacation.  It would have really stunk to come back to busted water pipes.

Oh well, I've got it working now so hopefully it keeps working.  Mental note *I should really call someone and have them service my furnace.

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

http://StCloudEdina.com - Get all the bank owned properties on the St Cloud MLS.

Home of the e-Market Analysis

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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It is sometimes just so nice to unwind and take a little time off to re-group.

That was the case this year as I took the longest vacation of my life.  My family and I spent a little over 2 weeks (85% in San Diego and 15% in Vegas) recharging our batteries, meeting with family, and just having an all around good time.

Too often I forget the value of getting away (even if it is just for the weekend).  Between work, family, and other commitments it can seem like there is never enough time to take a breather.

My advice to the rest of you who are feeling like you are "over-worked" and "under-played" (notice the play on words):

1. Spend 15 minutes everyday alone.  Just relax and be at one with yourself.
2. GO ON VACATION at least once every year.  One week minimum.
3. If no one is looking... run for the exit.  No seriously, every once in a while it is healthy to play a little hooky.  Just don't make a habit of it.

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

http://www.StCloudEdina.com - Search Real Estate in St Cloud MN.

http://JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com - View open houses in St Joseph, MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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That's right, it is time to take a little vacation.  They say the best way to spark business is to try and schedule some time off.  We'll see how that works for me.

While I am in San Diego, I plan on trying to look at some properties in their distressed market.  I am seeing homes on-line that are selling for similar prices as they had back in 1999 when I left!  Hopefully something jumps out at me and I can buy a new home.

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

http://StCloudEdina.com - Get a list of the bank owned properties available to purchase in Minnesota.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 06:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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This ought to be fun:

I have decided that I am going to run for President of the United States in 2012 as a candidate independent from any party.  This will give me lots of time to prepare.

Why, you may ask, have I waited so long to run for President?  Well it is because I haven't been old enough to run the country until this election.

What is my platform?  I will tell you.

1. Abortion - I don't know why we still consider this an issue.  There is never anything that will be done at a national level to cure this dilemma.  We are too divided as a nation on this issue.  I suggest that we put it on the individual states ballots and let the locals decide for themselves.  Then, if North Carolina says that abortions are illegal and you don't agree, you can move to another state that agrees with your morals and ideals.
2. Campaign Fund Raising - Any money I receive will be turned over to local charities.  I hope that other candidates put at least 10% of their campaign funds to charity as well.
3. Campaign Ads - You can only use the "I" form of advertising (be it radio, TV, or whatever).  The moment you say anything about your opponent (good or bad), you lose your right to advertise on that medium.  Speak only about yourself and the issues at hand.
4. Line Item Veto - We can get rid of the pork.  I understand that most things in congress get done under the dust cloud of some other bill, but no more.  If a bill hits the President's desk, he/she can cross out the things that don't belong in that bill.  The rest has to go back and get re-voted on through Congress and the Senate.  I would hate to be the first person who votes for war against Canada just because they got $10 Billion for their state to clean up a cheese factory spill.
5. Balanced Budget - We only get to spend within our budget.  Millions of Americans struggle every month to stay within their means, it is the government's job to do so as well.
6. Social Security - It will be long gone by the time I'm old enough to receive it so how about if we work on our escape plan.  Nobody my age or younger will receive any social security.  Deal with it.  That isn't the worst.  People born on or before 01/01/2020 will have to pay into social security until they are 30.  Anyone up to the age of 45 by the time I am in office only gets 33% of their entitlement, and beyond that as much as we can afford.  The rest of us, we had better start saving now.
7. Health care - The VA is not necessarily the greatest health care in the world, but it is definitely better than it seems like most people have now.  We will work to have everyone get the same health care afforded to our military personnel.
8. Taxes - I always liked Steve Forbes' idea of a flat tax, but I think that we need to phase it in over time somehow.  Maybe we start with a 1% across the board sales tax increase on everything the first year (plus regular income taxes) and every year get a little bigger on the sales tax but collect a little less in property and income taxes.  That will soften the blow rather than imposing a nearly 20% sales tax on everything year on year one. 

We know our current system is flawed and needs some help, but we are all too afraid to try something else.  I say, rather than promising a ton of things, we try to accomplish a few.

What do you think?

Posted by Jason Tangen at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I have seen or heard about 10 different endorsements for Barack Obama as the next President of the United States recently.  The obvious ones included Colin Powell and the New York Times.  The less obvious include former Governor Arne Carlson.

What got me thinking was this:  I haven't heard of anyone endorsing John McCain recently. 

It could be that I am not in the right place at the right time.  But I watch a lot of news programs, read a good amount of news articles, and listen to probably too much talk radio.  I would like to think I would have caught one somewhere.

It could also be that it is the norm to see endorsements for McCain and therefore it isn't news.  Somehow I don't believe that as the polls state that only 40% of people support McCain and that would lend to the idea that he shouldn't be getting the majority of endorsements.

So here is the question I pose out to everyone:  Who was the last major endorsement John McCain received?  I want a major endorsement from an influential person that has been in the national news - no, not "Joe the Plumber."

Jason Tangen- GRI, e-PRO -Real Esate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

http://StCloudEdina.com - Get a free list of the bank owned properties listed on the St Cloud MLS

http://JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com - Search for open houses in St Joseph MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 12:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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While I am no "Joe the Plumber," I do enjoy me a good debate every now and again (in a deep red neck accent).

This year's Presidential Debates have not disappointed at all.  I watched the greatest people available to run our country speak very affluently about a bunch of nonsense.  The best is that we all know that they will never deliver on anything they are saying, but we still drink the Kool-Aid.  Politics as usual.

My favorite moment of all three debates was in the second "town hall" style debate.  Obama was first asked to state what could be done to help correct or save Social Security.  To which he promptly did not answer.  Then comes McCain.  In grand fashion he enters with his rapier wit and quickly points out that Obama did not answer the question... but he will.  He then proceeds to not answer the question.

Neither of these two characters have a single clue how to balance the budget, reform health care, social security, or really fix any of the problems facing our nation.  Once again, politics as usual.  Change would be someone who can run a business effectively or maybe just balance a checkbook.

So what do you do?  Vote for your lesser of two evils.  For me, I'm thinking that Jerry Tangen (my Dad) might be a good vote as a write in candidate.  What's your thoughts?

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-PRO - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN.

http://JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com - Search open houses in St Cloud MN and surrounding areas.

http://StCloudEdina.com - Get a free list of the foreclosed properties listed on the St Cloud MLS.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I am proud to say that I have completed my e-Pro course from  the National Association of REALTORS.  By learning some new tools, I now have even more at my disposal to ensure that my buyers and sellers receive the ultimate service in their real estate transactions.

My e-Pro designation goes along with my other designations for real estate: licensed real estate broker, Certified Negotiations Specialist, e-Marketing Specialist, and Graduate of the REALTOR Institute (GRI).

Jason Tangen - GRI, e-Pro - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

http://jasontangen.edinarealty.com - Search open houses in St Cloud MN and surrounding areas.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I just got done sending my oldest off to her first day of kindergarten today.  She was very exicited to go.  I, on the other hand, was very sad to see her get on the bus like such a big girl.  Mississippi Heights Elementary School in Sauk Rapids MN (more specifically Mrs. Maas) is getting a good kid today.  It seems like only yesterday that she was just barely walking.  What's next?  College?

It is amazing how the time flies by when we look back on things.  I hope that I can always remember this day and how it felt to see my little girl all suited up with her backpack, heading out to learn and do great things.

To Abbie on Her First Day of School:

Have fun, try your hardest, say "Hi" to everyone you meet, and remember that you will always be my little girl.

Jason Tangen

www.StCloudEdina.com

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say hello and invite anyone that I might have forgot to my yearly NFL Pick'em League.  If you think you know who will win the games and want to take a little bit of my money, send an e-mail to jason@stcloudedina.com.  I look forward to the competition.

Previous winners include: Jeremy Snoberger of Crossroads Church, Andy Jacobs of Jacobs Financial, and Laura Tangen (I will never live this one down).  It is free to play and the prize breakdown is as follows:

$100 - First Place

$50 - Second Place

$25 - Third Place

$20 - Weekly Winner.

I'd like to thank everyone for their continued support of my real estate business.

Jason Tangen, Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

Posted by Jason Tangen at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I am so thankful that Hilary Clinton is dropping out of the Presidential race today.  I have two little girls and couldn't be happier that Hillary will not be the first female president of the United States.

Why you ask?

Because if she had succeeded I would need to think of something else to use as an inspiration for my daughters.  Something grand that they could achieve in their lifetimes.  I don't know how many times I have told my oldest that she can be whatever she wants when she grows up - even the first female president of the United States.  With Hillary out of the picture, now this dream is still alive. 

There is just no motivation to the phrase, "You could be the 2nd female president of the United States."  I also wasn't real keen on the "first female on the Stanley Cup" phrase.  Beyond that, most of the things that are generally reserved for just men I wouldn't necessarily want my daughters achieving.

With that, I would like to give a big "Thank you" to Hillary Clinton for finally stepping aside and leaving the dreams of millions of little girls unscathed.  You had us scared for a little while, but now all of my cliché phrases for parenting are still in tact.

Jason Tangen - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN

www.StCloudEdina.com - Get a free list of the foreclosed properties on the St Cloud MLS

http://jasontangen.edinarealty.com -Lakefront and recreational land real estate search in Minnesota

Posted by Jason Tangen at 05:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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If you haven't caught it in the media recently, we are headed for the "R" word.  Early last fall I started hearing this proclamation about how we are headed for a recession and there is nothing that anyone can do to stop it.  The government even went so far as to pass the economic stimulus package to send out billions of dollars to prevent this so called recession from happening.  I think it's working (even before they sent out the money).

So here we are, half way through the second quarter in 2008 and we have yet to have the negative numbers necessary to declare a recession.  We haven't even had one quarter's worth of decline in the gross national production (it takes two consecutive quarters to declare a recession).

So my question is, why do I keep hearing about this inevitable recession?  Anyone??

My guess - it's an election year.  Read into that phrase whatever you would like.

My hope - we don't have a self fulfilling prophecy and create a recession by constantly stating that there is going to be one.

Jason Tangen, GRI - real estate broker associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search the MLS for real estate in Sartell MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Attached below is a spreadsheet breaking down all real estate sales from Sartell MN off the St Cloud MLS to aid a gentleman thinking about buying a home for his elderly mother.

Download file

Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search real estate in Central MN.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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My Sister (Jodi Bartley) and her Husband (Caleb Bartley) are leaving to start their Appalachian Trail walk this afternoon.  They are going to drive down to Georgia and start to walk North on the trail from there.  They have decided to try and make this little trek worth something a little bigger by deciding to try and raise some money for breast cancer research and treatment while on their hike.  Please visit Jodi's blog and more specifically her entry regarding how to join her Google Group to follow her trials and tribulations along the trail and more importantly, donate to a worthy cause.

The link to her blog with directions to join Jodi Bartley's Google Group is: http://wrinklednotes.blogspot.com/2008/03/our-google-group.html

Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty St Cloud MN

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search real estate for sale in central MN.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I would love it if everyone could do me a big favor.  My sister is an aspiring writer looking to get her first publishing deal.  She has told me that it would help her chances if she could get a large number of people to visit her blog and post comments.  With that being said, I would like to get her at least 100+ or so comments for her within the next month or less.  Please take the time to help this "starving artist."  She is what I would like to describe as the new age Andy Rooney with her random thoughts.

Jodi Bartley's blog is located at www.wrinklednotes.blogspot.com

If you want to read my favorite post of hers read the one about the her walking through cement and trying to escape (if only in her mind).  My personal thought is that it is going to be tough to cover up cement covered footprints leaving the scene of the crime.  The link to this article is http://wrinklednotes.blogspot.com/2008/02/cement.html

Thank you for helping,

Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud

Posted by Jason Tangen at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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They say you are only as old as you feel.  That makes me either 62 or 5 depending on when the aspirin kicks in.

I threw out my back today trying to help my youngest daughter (Vivian) learn how to walk.  Her big sister (Abbie) and myself were working pretty hard to get the littlest Tangen member to become a biped today.  As it turns out, it worked.  With just a little encouragement from her big sister, Vivian cleared the whole living room floor without falling.  This was repeated several times (we had to verify that it wasn't a fluke).

It is with this information that I am putting my stamp of approval on it.  With Abigail's help, Vivian Ruby Tangen took her first steps (without falling) and accurately maneuvered around a room at just under 11 months of age.  I am such a proud Dad.

Either the aspirin is kicking in or the thoughts are making me feel better already.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I was listening to the news yesterday and a strange fact hit me.  I was told that the Clinton and Obama campaigns had raised a combined 80 million dollars last month.  Granted, February was a leap year this year, but doesn't that seem like a ton of money to you?  We'll break it down

$2.759 million/day

$114943/hour

$1916/minute

Wow, at that rate, we as a country could theoretically raise over 1 billion dollars every year without raising our taxes a dime.

I realize that it takes money to run a campaign for president, but we should ask ourselves, is this really what we should be spending our hard earned money on?

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hey everyone, super Tuesday has finally come.  I encourage everyone to get out and do what they feel is correct when it comes to their own political beliefs.  With issues like the budget deficit, health care, Iraq, and the economy on everyone's minds, be sure to get your individual voice heard.  If you are unsure where you need to go during this portion of the election process, visit the Caucus Finder at  http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.  Here's to hoping that we all get out and get the candidates that we want on the ballot.

Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty in St Cloud MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I wish I could remember which conservative radio personality said this, but I cannot.  The phrase was basically:

"This new economic stimulus plan is being given to the people who don't make a lot of money because they will not save it or put it toward their existing debts.  They will instead buy new TVs or other items that will push the economy forward."

I hate to hear that philosophy.  It's tough enough to get a "freebie" from the government when there is so much more that they could do with that money.  Social security, affordable health care, and paying down the national debt are just a few possibilities.

But no, this "stimulus plan" is being set forth because we, as lower and middle class Americans, are viewed as frivolous spenders that cannot manage our finances properly.  We will wastefully spend any money we receive from the government according to this radio personality's philosophy.

I suppose with that philosophy, you can't honestly believe that we should push forward any form of privatized health care because the majority of us are too busy watching "Hee-Haw" to properly manage our own money.  Wouldn't that go against some of the prominent conservatives' philosophies and platforms?

Now before you go attacking me because I am taking the liberal side of this issue, remember that this was endorsed in landslide fashion in the House and Senate.  Both sides of the isle believe that this will help our economy.  I say that again in different terms -  Both the Democrats and Republicans believe that lower and middle class Americans are stupid and will spend any extra money they receive and not sensibly manage their household finances.

Let us take this chance to prove our government wrong.  Take the money use it for your kid's schooling, bills, credit card debt, retirement or whatever (but spend it wisely).  We seem to manage our specific household budgets and we would like our government to adhere to the same principles.

By the way, where are they coming up with this money that will afford most lower and middle class tax payers $600-$1200 dollars?  I'll give you a hint if you need one.

I'd love to hear some other takes on this issue.

Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty St Cloud, MN

www.StCloudEdina.com - REAL ANSWERS for REAL ESTATE in St Cloud MN

     (and I guess some political commentary as well:)

Posted by Jason Tangen at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In honor of Veterans Day, I thought it only appropriate to give a very big "Thank You" to everyone who has served in the armed forces.  It is sometimes a thankless job protecting our freedoms because of the politics that are always associated with any military action.  I encourage everyone to call the Veterans they know and thank them personally for the time they served our country.

I also would like to propose that the following four movies are the greatest war/military movies of all time.  I might be slightly biased in my choices due to my age and prior military service.  What do you think?

1.  "Saving Private Ryan" - Tom Hanks' line to Matt Damon and following scene with the elder Private Ryan emotionally hit me every time.

2.  "Platoon" - I love the distinct differences in the leadership styles of Tom Berenger's and Willem Dafoe's characters.

3.  "Full Metal Jacket" - R. Lee Ermey in one of the finest military roles of all time.  The closest depiction of Marine Corps boot camp available.

4.  "Glory" - A powerful Civil War masterpiece that captivates and motivates anyone who watches it.

Others needing serious consideration:  Gone with the Wind, Schindler's List, Letter's from Iwo Jima, Flags of our Fathers, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, M*A*S*H, Apocalypse Now, Patton, Heartbreak Ridge, Pork Chop Hill, The Deer Hunter, The Patriot, Good Morning Vietnam, Black Hawk Down, and We Were Soldiers.

Jason Tangen, Veteran of USMC

www.StCloudEdina.com

Posted by Jason Tangen at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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