St. Cloud, MN - Real Estate Blog

I would like to publicly thank Bill Pennings of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in St Cloud, MN for his outstanding work as a home mortgage consultant.  I have done so many deals with Bill over the years and can honestly say that I have never had any financing troubles or homes not close on time when he was the loan officer.  That's a pretty good record.  It is for this consistent hard work that Bill delivers to all of his clients that I write this little "Thank you."

One of Bill Pennings' biggest strengths as a home mortgage consultant is his knowledge of military moves and VA loans.  Bill is a military certified lender through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and can assist you in all aspects of transfers as active duty or moving the home front as a veteran.  As a veteran myself, it is good to have someone who knows the ins and outs of the VA system when it comes to buying a home.  For those of you who are veterans out there, you know what I'm talking about when I say the VA can be a little difficult to understand and get things accomplished through sometimes.

If you would like to learn more about Bill Pennings and the work he does at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in their downtown St Cloud location (The Wells Fargo Building), visit his website at https://www.wfhm.com/wfhm/bill-pennings/about.page.

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

E-Mail:  jason@stcloudedina.com

Phone:  (320) 492-2667

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search real estate in St Cloud MN and surrounding areas.

Posted by Jason Tangen at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I have to say a quick "Thank you" to Dan Stolt of Bremer Bank in St Cloud at their downtown location.

Dan was party to the worst real estate transaction I have had to date.  I won't go into details here because I would probably start to interfere with the "don't speak poorly of other agents/offices" clause in the real estate professionals' handbook.  Sufficed to say, the closing was over one full month after the original closing date and both buyer and seller were highly aggravated.  Dan was very soothing to my buyers, willing to set them at ease through several sticky situations, and he also came to the table with several great ideas of other avenues that would keep both buyer and seller happy throughout the transaction.

If would like to learn more about Daniel Stolt or Bremer Bank in St Cloud MN, visit Dan's website at http://www.bremer.com/Home/Personal/MortgageLender.aspx?id=361.

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

www.StCloudEdina.com - Get a free list of foreclosed properties in Central MN

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I just had some outstanding results from requesting a real estate professional to help a friend of mine that I met while in the Marine Corps. 

Norm (my friend) has stayed in the San Diego area and is thinking about starting the home buying process.  I told him that I would get him in touch with my contact out in San Diego  to help him start getting prepared to buy a home.  I had someone in the San Diego area previously that I utilized to keep me up to date on the market conditions and help me whenever one of my in-laws might be thinking of moving.  My wife grew up in PB (Pacific Beach) and we still know a lot of people in Southern California that are close friends or relatives.  Unfortunately, my contact is no longer in the real estate community and I needed to find someone else to help.

I could have used the relocation network within my company, but I wanted to ensure that my new contact was a tech savvy individual to keep me abreast of situations.  Consequently, I used ActiveRain's real estate referral network.

Within 8 hours of posting my request for a real estate agent in the Santee CA area, I had over 30 real estate professionals reply for the potential client. 

WOW! 

It is definitely a testimonial to the ability of the ActiveRain community to connect real estate professionals with other real estate professionals in a very short period of time.

It is also a sign of how much more tech savvy the real estate agents from Southern California are compared to the real estate agents in Central Minnesota.  I'd bet that there are only a handful of real estate professionals in the St Cloud area that have response times to Internet queries of under 1 day.

Now my dilemma is which agent to choose.

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

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search Homes for Sale in St Cloud MN

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I would like to say "Thanks" to Cheri Carlson, PhD at Still Pointe Natural Health Center in Sartell, MN.

For any of you who know what it feels like to have your back go "out," you know what type of pain and discomfort a person can be stuck dealing with on a daily basis.

Dr. Carlson started me on a program to help develop the muscles in my back and also scheduled some regular visits to adjust my back and neck properly.

I am happy to say that it has now been over two months since I last tweaked my back.  Most of the stiffness surrounding my trouble areas has been disappearing as well.  I have never been a big believer in chiropractors, but I do feel that this program has been a great benefit to my well being.

If you would like to learn more about Cheri Calson or the staff at StillPointe Natural Health Center, visit their website at http://www.stillpointe.net/index1.html or give them a call at (320) 203-8266.  I know that I am just touching on the tip of the iceberg of what the entire staff at StillPointe Natural Health Center can do for you.

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

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

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I had an issue the other day with one of the local builders not wanting to give lien waivers on their property.  With how many builders are suffering right now and not making payments on work completed, I think that this is something more people need to take into serious consideration when purchasing a newly built home.  More on that in a later post.

Thanks to an ill-cooperative builder, my home buyers had to change horses mid-stream and close on their new property at a different location than they had originally intended.  Their original closing was to have taken place with a friend of the family at a different title company.  Anyways, with only two business days left until closing, we changed title companies.

Brenda Roettger of Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty in downtown St Cloud, MN was the person tasked with finishing off the paperwork for my home buyers to close on time.  Immediately upon hearing the news of the switch she contacted everyone involved in the transaction (myself, the buyers, seller, lender, and the other title company).  With some quick moves, she tidied up all loose ends and we closed without any problems.

I have worked with Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty in the past and they always seem to do an outstanding job.  From their title work for closings to the outstanding customer service they provide, they are definitely one of the top notch title companies in and around the St Cloud, MN area.  To put a cherry on top of their heads, Tri-County Abstract and Guaranty is also an active member in the St Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

If you have any questions about Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty in St Cloud, MN visit their website at http://www.tricountyabstract.com/, or give them a call at (320) 253-2096.

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

www.StCloudEdina.com - Home of the e-Market Analysis (Free Home Value Estimator)

www.jasontangen.edinarealty.com - Search homes for sale and real estate in St Cloud MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 07:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I probably should have done this post when I first opened this blog, but I didn't remember to thank Dave Jacobs until I started getting my taxes ready for him this year.  Dave is not only the financial planner extraordinare and retirement guru in St Cloud MN, he is also the king of making sure that I do my taxes correct.  I can't thank him enough for that.

I had the pleasure of listening to Dave present to an audience of REALTORS this past year regarding the importance of retirement planning.  This is a big deal when you calculate the benefits package that comes with being a real estate salesperson (there is no such benefits package).  Above planning for our own future, it is imperative that we as real estate professionals provide more than just advice on homes.  Knowing people like Dave, who can truly make people have safer and more financially stable futures makes good business sense.

I know that Mark Timpane (Edina Realty Mortgage) has used Dave Jacobs' services in the past to help his clients achieve their future financial goals.  It's all part of being more that just a loan officer to his clients; he is an overall financial help.

The last feather in the cap that I want to add in about Dave Jacobs and the the Jacobs Agency is their willingness to give to the community.  Every year they sponsor a golf tournament that is dedicated to raising money for several non-profit organizations in the St Cloud area.

Want to know more about Dave Jacobs and the Jacobs Agency (family run with Dave, Father - James Jacobs, and Brother Andrew Jacobs) visit their website, http://www.jacobs-financial.com/, or give Dave a call at (320) 217-6009.

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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As many of you know, I came over to Edina Realty from the Coldwell Banker system late last year.  I am still trying out some of the great tools that Edina Realty offers to its clients and recently got to see Mark Timpane in action.  Mark is the St Cloud area manager for Edina Realty Mortgage.

I recently had a buyer looking into purchasing a foreclosed property.  For most of you who haven't gone through the process of buying a foreclosure, there can be a ton of problems getting information and signatures back from the bank handling the foreclosure.  In this situation, we were waiting on a signature for a gift letter to the buyers.  The gift letter was sent (via fax) a couple of weeks prior to the closing.  Mark was instrumental in getting the signature we needed on time.  I know, it seems like a couple of weeks is plenty of time to get a signature on a piece of paper.  Unfortunately, I've seen where it doesn't happen.

Long story short, after many calls and e-mails Mark received the signature we needed and the loan was closed on time.  Because of his efforts, my buyers will be able to move in to their new home within the schedule that they had already prepared around the closing date.

It is for this reason that I say, "Thank you to Mark Timpane at Edina Realty Mortgage in St Cloud."

If you would like more information about Mark Timpane or Edina Realty Mortgage in St Cloud MN, visit his website at www.MarkTimpane.EdinaRealty.com.

Mark Timpane has received several awards from Edina Realty Mortgage recently.  I think his pride and joy should hang on the fact that he had the highest rated customer satisfaction of any Edina Realty Mortgage professional.

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

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I had the pleasure of meeting with Wayne Sieling the other day as he performed a home inspection for one of my clients.  I had not used his services in the past, but he was recommended to my client through her work at Thermo-Tech.  I guess Wayne has performed many window installations for Thermo-Tech in the Central Minnesota area.

Wayne was a wonderful home inspector who checked everything from potential hazard areas to the temperature of the tap water for safety.  It was kind of nice to hear that Wayne was an accomplished electrician, general contractor, and very knowledgeable about the inner workings of a home.  I was definitely impressed with Wayne's professionalism, attention to detail, and custom service.  I will use Ability Home Inspections in the future with some of my clients.

If you need more information about Wayne Sieling at Ability Home Inspections, give him a call at (320) 290-8880.

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

Phone:  (320) 492-2667

E-Mail:  jason@stcloudedina.com

Posted by Jason Tangen at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I would like to thank Scott Anderson with Statewide Home Inspections of St Cloud MN for his outstanding customer service, loyalty, and knowledge.

I have done business with Scott for many years now and he consistently gives real estate consumers a wonderful and detailed home inspection at a fair price.  Not only will Scott go over the home to look for problems, he also will give great advice on everything from general home maintenance to naming trusted local businesses for different tasks around the home.

Recently, I asked Scott if he still had on file an old home inspection for a potential home seller.  This seller had purchased the home with a different agent and wanted to be able to offer to buyers the previous home inspection that was performed.  Indeed Scott had the home inspection and we were able to offer it to potential buyers as they viewed the home.  This came in very handy and my seller was happy to receive an offer within a month of listing the home for sale.

Another great attribute of Scott Anderson at Statewide Home Inspections is his willingness to come back to a property if the new home owners have a question.  I've heard of him coming back to a property for anything from re-testing gas lines for leaks around a stove to checking for proper installation by the new owner of outlets on a wall.  Now that's service.

If you'd like to know more about Scott Anderson and Statewide Property Inspections of St Cloud, MN - visit his website www.StatewidePropertyInspections.com.

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

www.StCloudEdina.com - Home of the e-Market Analysis (Free Home Value Estimator)

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I feel a little sheepish giving this testimonial (because my wife works at Executive Express), but I have to thank them for the wonderful service that we experienced when traveling to and from the Minneapolis Airport with Executive Express of St Cloud.

Recently, my family took a little vacation to San Diego to visit my wife's family.  Why we came back, I'm not real sure.  It's cold here.

Executive Express (for those of you who do not know) is an airport shuttle, event charter, and delivery service based in St Cloud, MN.  Not only did we save on the gas and potential airport parking expenses, we also had wonderful drivers who were willing to help us with our bags.  This comes in very handy when you are traveling with an infant and a small child.  As a side note - kids get to ride for FREE during the holidays!  If you would like to learn more about Executive Express in St Cloud and how they can assist you in your travels, visit their website below:

www.ExecutiveExpress.biz - Executive Express "Providing Transportation Relaxation"

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

www.StCloudEdina.com - Search Homes for Sale in the St Cloud MN Area

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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For those of you who do not know the "Egg-Man" (aka Chad Groetsch), you may want to check out his website and find out what he can do for you.  Chad Groetsch is not only the best "Computer Doctor" in Central MN, he also is extremely active in civic organizations like the Jaycees and the St Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.  I am personally thanking Chad in this post for the educational class he provided to myself and several other local REALTORS earlier today.  Wells Fargo Home Mortgage sponsored the event that revolved around the use of technology in real estate sales and services.  Unfortunately for potential buyers and sellers of homes in Central Minnesota, too many real estate professionals are behind the power curve when it comes to the new real estate technology.  Chad was kind enough to break down how to build a blog to approximately 20 of the most influential real estate agents in the St Cloud area.  Hopefully, this course will start to get more agents up to speed with what the general public is demanding of real estate salespeople.  He also touched base on webinars, virtual photography, and many other technology tools that are available to most real estate professionals at very little out of pocket expense.  If you would like more information about Chad Groetsch and the Groetsch Technology Group, please visit his website or blog located in the links below:

 http://www.GroetschTech.com/ - "Bigger, Stronger, Faster... We have the Technology"

 http://chadgroetsch.com/ - Sherburne County Backroads - Chad's Personal Blog

Jason Tangen - Broker Associate with Edina Realty St Cloud MN

www.StCloudEdina.com

Posted by Jason Tangen at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I would like to give a big thank you to Ted Mikle at Insty-Prints in St Cloud.  Ted and the staff at Insty-Prints have been printing my "Tangen Report" for over two years now and always do a wonderful job.  I am pleased to say that Insty Prints has been able to print off the 1100 copies I need for the St Cloud Chamber of Commerce's "Chamber Pack" in a very timely fashion time after time.  If you are in need of some packing materials or printing, I highly recommend Ted Mikle and his staff at Insty-Prints of St Cloud.  Come see their new location behind the Short Stop.

Insty Prints of St Cloud, MN

353 37th Ave N.

St Cloud, MN 56303

(320) 253-7445

www.insty-prints.com

Jason Tangen, GRI

Edina Realty St Cloud, MN

JasonTangen.EdinaRealty.com

Posted by Jason Tangen at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I'd like to say thank you to Melinda Tamm (formerly Brockopp) owner and operator of Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio in Waite Park.  Melinda was my oldest daughter's dance instructor and did a wonderful job of teaching Abigail the joy of dance.  Laura and I look forward to taking some classes with Melinda as well (my wife loves to dance).  If you are interested in learning more about what Ms. Melinda's is all about, visit their website below.

http://msmelindas.com/ - Ms. Melinda's - Where Dreams Begin with a Dance

Jason Tangen, GRI

www.StCloudEdina.com

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

Posted by Jason Tangen at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I would like to thank Art Buhs for inviting me to the monthly Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) meeting at Trobec's Event Center on Oct. 10th.  The CMBA meets monthly in this fashion to go over general housekeeping items and to network with one another.  I was thoroughly impressed with turnout of over 200 people.  The event was hosted by Liberty Savings Bank of St. Cloud, MN and Mark Bragelman of Liberty Savings Bank brought Glen Sonmor (Fighting Saints, Gophers, WHA and Northstars fame) out to regale us with stories of hockey in days past.  It might have been a bit much for some people, but if you are a hockey aficionado like myself, it was great to hear stories someone who has been around great hockey players and minds for 60 years.

Thanks again to Art Buhs of Art Buhs Construction - Where everything they build is a work of Art.

You can see Art's homes on-line at http://www.artbuhsconstruction.com/ or see his current model home in The Villages of Creekside in Sauk Rapids, MN.

Jason Tangen

www.stcloudedina.com

www.stcloudedina.com/blog - REAL ANSWERS for REAL ESTATE in St. Cloud, MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I thought that I would add this to the St. Cloud, Minnesota - Edina Realty Blog as a way of saying "Thank You" to the St Cloud, MN businesses that I utilize when helping my clients in their home purchases and sales.  If you have utilized a local business somewhere near St Cloud, MN and would like to say thank you for their great service, feel free to post them here.

My first big "Thank You" goes to Aaron Reznechek of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.  I have used Aaron for a couple of my own personal home purchases in St Cloud and Sauk Rapids, as well as for helping some of my clients get into their homes all over the Central MN area.  Aaron has never faltered under the pressure of short time frames for closing a deal.  In one situation, I wrote an offer on a place on Tuesday and closed the deal on Friday.  That was three business days to get everything pulled together for the mortgage package!  Thank you to Aaron Reznechek for closing every deal on time and working well under pressure.

Jason Tangen

www.stcloudedina.com

www.stcloudedina.com/blog - REAL ANSWERS for REAL ESTATE in St Cloud, MN

Posted by Jason Tangen at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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