Barker and Hedges Real Estate Blog

It’s springtime again!  That means the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) lake monitoring program has resumed.  This program measures water quality in district lakes, then summarizes the data with a grade for each the lake.  A recent press release from MCWD announces that 2007’s lake water grades have been made public.Even though rainfall was below normal last year between the months of April and July, the water quality grades held steady for the most part with some minor changes in water quality from 2006 to 2007.  Usually, hot, dry weather leads to an increase in algae growth.  The unprecedented rainfall during the months of August and September may have balanced overall water quality.

During the 2008 season, MCWD’s water quality staff will continue collecting water quality data for 34 lakes and 12 streams in the watershed.  There will also be water depth measurements at 10 stream monitoring sites.  Additionally, a comprehensive scan of Lake Minnetonka’s water depth will be recorded for the creation of a detailed map of the underwater contours of the lake. The most recent publicly available map of this sort was created in 1957.

To calculate lake grades, MCWD’s water quality monitoring staff measure water clarity, nutrient levels, and algae growth throughout the open water season.  Those results are averaged into a numerical score which is translated into a lake grade between A and F.

Lakes are graded on a curve; the C grade means that a lake is typical for lakes in the seven-county metropolitan area.  C lakes may not be ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing due to summer algae growth. Lakes in the A grade range have clear water and are suitable for recreational activities. B-quality lakes are considered good for recreational use but may suffer from algae growth later in the season.  Lakes stamped with an F have severe algae problems and aren’t recommended for recreational use at all. To see what lakes MCWD has evaluated and their grades, the report card can be located here.

Having your kids at home while selling does not need to drive you crazy. Sellers can retain their sanity by getting their children involved with the selling and staging process.

Once your house has been initially staged, it is necessary to retain your staging standards for last minute showings. A daily checklist can be used to keep your house in peek condition. By using a list, your staging chores will be structured and time will be used efficiently.

To further ease your daily duties, make a separate checklist for your children to follow. Little ones as young as two years old can learn about personal responsibility by cleaning up their own toys. The children’s chore list should be easy to follow and age appropriate.

Although seemingly impossible, keep a positive attitude during the selling process. Children easily sense when their parents are stressed. If you stay calm and remain positive your children will reflect that behavior. Finally, be sure to give your little helpers plenty of praise for a job well done!

Staging your home will give you the best chance of selling your house. Maintaining your staging during the non-school months will further ensure a favorable response from buyers!

KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.

This weekend, there are two great Twin Cities events occurring.  The Edina Arts Fair begins on Friday and ends on Sunday.  Grand Old Day, which takes place in St. Paul, will occur on Sunday. 

Edina Art Fair

In Edina, the summer can’t officially start until the Edina Art Fair is held!  Now in its 42nd year, this event occurs this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!  Located at 50th and France, 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the second-largest art fair in the state.  This year’s Edina Art Fair will feature 400 artists from around the country.  There won’t just be a vast selection of fine paintings, watercolors, photographs, engravings, wood carvings, jewelry, and glasswork.  There will also be music, entertainment, games, and plenty of food!

The Edina Art Fair will run Friday May 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday May 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday June 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The full Art Fair Program is available as a PDF document here.

Grand Old Day

St. Paul’s first rite of summer is also happening this weekend! That’s right!  The Grand Avenue Business Association has once again invited the public to attend the 35th annual Grand Old Day celebration this Sunday, June 1.  This is parade and event takes place along Saint Paul’s historic Grand Avenue.  Grand Old Day is the Midwest’s largest one-day festival!  It includes a parade, sporting events, seven stages which feature live music, an art fair, a family fun zone, a teenage battle of the bands, and international performances.  Because this year is the 35th anniversary of the first Grand Old Day, the theme of the festival will celebrate its 1970s roots with a “Flashback to the ’70s.”  Organizers hope that festival-goers will don their bell-bottoms and platforms.  All of the street’s stores and restaurants will be open for food, drink, and shopping. 

Free parking is located in the University of St. Thomas parking lot at Summit and Cretin.  Attendees of Grand Old Day are encouraged to carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation.   Free shuttle rides are available to Grand Old Day guests along Summit Avenue between Cretin and Dale.

A full Grand Old Day event guide can be found here! Don’t miss it this year!  Grand Old Days promises a fun-filled day.

This weekend is certainly going to be full of festivities!  Let’s hope the weather warms up a little bit so they may be truly enjoyed!

The Powderhorn community of Minneapolis is just south of the Phillips community. Because the community has a strange L-shape, its borders are confusing and vary, but a map of Powderhorn can be found here. The area takes its name from Powderhorn Lake, a small lake shaped like a powder horn at the heart of the community. The lake, and the surrounding Powderhorn Park, is a central feature. At 65 acres, it is Minneapolis’ largest neighborhood park. It features a bandstand, ball fields, basketball courts, fishing dock, ice rink, walking paths, picnic areas with grills, horseshoe pits, and a community center with teen center. Powderhorn Park is also a name of one of Powerhorn’s neighborhoods. More about the neighborhood later. The population of Powderhorn is diverse, including residents of African-American, Asian, European, Latino, Somali, Tibetan and Scandinavian decent. Powderhorn community is within easy walking or bussing distance to downtown Minneapolis.

Now, let’s begin to explore the neighborhoods of the Powderhorn community!

Bancroft - The Bancroft neighborhood is located in the southern portion of Powderhorn. It lies between 38^th Street East to the north and 42^nd Street East to the south, and between Chicago Avenue on the west and Cedar Avenue on the east. The neighborhood was named after a school, as many other Minneapolis neighborhoods are. The Bancroft elementary school was named after George Bancroft, an American historian born in 1800. The Bancroft neighborhood is also home to the newly opened school, El Colegio/ CreArte center for the arts. The neighborhood provides convenient access to downtown via Interstate 35W, the Hiawatha Corridor, and the airport and Bloomington area via Cedar Avenue. For residents who like recreation, Bancroft lies just blocks north of Lake Nokomis, the Hiawatha Golf Course and the scenic Minnehaha Creek.

Bancroft is a small but vibrant residential community. More than 80% of the structures within the neighborhood are single-family homes built before 1940. Many are primarily owner-occupied. The neighborhood also has some commercial development along Bloomington Avenue and 38^th Street.

Bryant - Bryant neighborhood is in the southeast portion of Minneapolis’s Powderhorn neighborhood. It is bound on the west by Interstate 35W, on the south by 42nd Street East, on the east by Chicago Avenue, and on the north by 38th Street East. The neighborhood was named for William Cullen Bryant, an American poet who lived from 1794 to 1878. The neighborhood area was incorporated by the City in 1887. By 1930 it was fully developed. In 2000, Bryant’s population was 2,789.

The Bryant Unity Development Garden is located at East 40th Street and 3rd Avenue South. It was founded in 1994 by Bryant Residents Judy Anderson, local artist, and Sharon Parker, local publisher. Phelps Park, also located within Bryant’s boundaries, is home to a Boys and Girls Club.

Bryant is a residential neighborhood with mostly single-family dwellings. There are some multifamily buildings interspersed mainly in its northwestern quadrant.

Central - The Central neighborhood is bordered by Lake Street on the north, Chicago Avenue to the east, 38th Street on the south, and Interstate 35W to the west. The Central neighborhood is named after Minneapolis Central High School, which was one of the city’s largest schools. The school was built in 1878, closed in 1982, and razed shortly after.

This is a residential neighborhood. Here, single-family dwellings are interspersed with multifamily low-rise buildings. There is a high proportion of renters in this neighborhood, though home ownership is on the rise in Central.

Corcoran - Corcoran neighborhood can be located between Lake Street East and 36th Street East and between Cedar Avenue South and Hiawatha Avenue. This neighborhood was named in honor of William Wilson Corcoran, who lived from 1793 to 1889 and who founded the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The light-rail stop at Lake Street gives the neighborhood an easy connection to Downtown, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. Plans to develop the Lake Street corridor as a commercial thoroughfare are under way, and are sure to have a direct local impact. Corcoran is home to Minneapolis South High School.

The Corcoran neighborhood is primarily residential. Housing in Corcoran is about evenly divided between rental property and owner occupied housing. About 60% of the real estate in the Corcoran neighborhood is devoted to single family detached homes.

Lyndale - Lyndale neighborhood of the Corcoran community of Minneapolis is bound on the north by Lake Street, on the east by Interstate 35W and Stevens Avenue, on the south by 36th Street and on the west by Lyndale Avenue South. To explain where the name Lyndale comes from is actually quite lengthy. The neighborhood was named for Lyndale Avenue, which in turn takes its name from Lyndale farm. The 1,400-acre farm, owned by Hon. William S. King, was named in honor of Mr. King’s father, Rev. Lyndon King, an itinerant Methodist minister of northern New York. The Reverend was named for Josiah Lyndon, colonial governor of Rhode Island in 1768-1769. That’s a long line of naming!

The Lyndale Neighborhood has over the past 30 years worked together to fight crime, promote economic development, provide youth enrichment programs, rebuild the neighborhood’s housing stock, and most importantly build community spirit. The Lyndale Neighborhood developed and operates under the “Lyndale Model.” This model is a nationally recognized asset based model of community organization which encourages individual residents to propose, develop, and lead programs for the neighborhood. This philosophy has helped Lyndale develop one of the strongest and most active neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Lyndale’s programs and activities involve over 1,000 Lyndale residents each year as both volunteers and participants.

The neighborhood is predominantly residential, with about 36% of the real estate occupied by multifamily residential structures. This neighborhood is pretty evenly split between families and people living alone. Commercial uses of real estate tend to be concentrated along Lake Street.

Random Fact: The Lyndale neighborhood has one of the highest populations of artists in the nation.

Powderhorn Park - The Powderhorn Park neighborhood is bound on the north by Lake Street, on the east by Cedar Avenue South, on the south by 38th Street East, and on the west by Chicago Avenue. As noted previously regarding the name of the community, it is named after Powderhorn Lake. The neighborhood was annexed by the City in 1887. In 1986, its southern boundary was moved from 36th Street to 38th Street.The Powderhorn Park facility in the northwestern part of the neighborhood includes Powderhorn Lake, playing fields, playgrounds, and a park building that hosts community education classes. The park and lake are also used as the setting for the last act in the city’s annual May Day parade, which is actually a traveling play that has been put on by the In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre since 1975. As the parade moves south along Bloomington Avenue, participants wear a variety of costumes or manipulate giant puppets to produce a story based on sociopolitical themes. The story changes each year, but the emphasis is primarily on peace, environmentalism, current events, and more.

Approximately 9,000 people live in this neighborhood. Powderhorn Park is a predominantly residential area consisting of single-family homes on narrow residential lots. There are also quite a few duplexes and brownstone apartment buildings. Most of the housing was built between 1905 and 1920.

Standish - The Standish neighborhood is bound on the north by 36th Street, on the east by Hiawatha Avenue, on the south by 42nd and 43rd streets, and on the west by Cedar Avenue. This neighborhood was named after a local elementary school, which had been called Miles Standish after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem “The Courtship of Miles Standish.” The area was considered the outskirts of Minneapolis until mostly Swedish and Norwegian immigrants began building their homes here early in the 1900s.

This neighborhood allows quick access to Downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, and some of the best parks in the City. The new light-rail train line along the Hiawatha Avenue corridor connects the neighborhood with downtown, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America. New homes are being built along this corridor.

Standish is a mainly residential neighborhood with a population of around 7,000. Oddly, it shares a neighborhood organization with the Ericsson neighborhood, though Ericsson is part of the Nokomis community. Signs within the neighborhood boundaries welcome visitors to “Standish-Ericsson.”

Whittier - The Whittier neighborhood is bound on the north by Franklin Avenue, on the east by I-35W, on the south by Lake Street West, and on the east by Lyndale Avenue South. Having been originally settled in the 19th century, it is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It was named for the influential American Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who lived from1807 to 1892 and was an ardent advocate of the abolition of slavery.

About 60% of the real estate in Whittier includes a wide variety of uses including eclectic restaurants and neighborhood businesses. In fact, the area is known for its diverse restaurants, coffee shops and Asian markets. Nicollet Avenue is even commonly referred to as “Eat Street”! The neighborhood is also home to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Jungle Theater, the Children’s Theatre Company, and the Hennepin History Museum. The neighborhood presently has a neighborhood action plan that maps out a strategy to continue to improve the neighborhood and attract residents back to the area.

Blaisdell and Third avenues have some of the oldest houses in Minneapolis. Some of the homes along Stevens Avenue have been beautifully restored. Almost 40 percent of this neighborhood’s 348 acres are used for multifamily housing, and almost 90 percent of those housing units are renter-occupied.

In June 2007, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Powderhorn, MN was $172,078.

Browse homes in the Powderhorn Community of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Browse other communities in Minneapolis.

Just a few years ago the choices for entry-level home buyers in the Twin Cities were so meager that many put off buying a house until they could afford it. With the turn of the market in the last two years, the home-buying dreams of renters are more likely to come true. According to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, this month more than 2,600 houses were on the market at less than $120,000 — a 608 percent increase over the same period in 2005. The inventory for all price ranges increased 62 percent over 2005.

The return of the starter house is the upside of the down housing market. And buyers are taking notice. The only segment of the market which has shown any sign of growth are home sales in the sub-$120,000 price range. Though sales across the board fell 34 percent, sales of homes below $120,000 rose 79 percent during the past three years. Many of the bargains are foreclosures and condominium conversions in inner-cities, but there are also hundreds of single-family houses and townhouses in outlying suburbs within this price range.

Though prices had already begun declining in 2006, the subprime mortgage crisis, the tightening of credit markets, and record foreclosures and defaults has increased low-priced home listings. Still, the mortgage interest rate shocks aren’t over. The biggest wave of adjustable-rate mortgage hikes will strike yet later this year, bringing with it the threat of more foreclosures.

Bargain seekers should be prepared to roll up their sleeves and do some work, however. The former occupants of homes bought in a short sale or foreclosure most likely didn’t take great pains at clearing out the home or cleaning it. If the home has been empty for several months, it may have been robbed of copper plumbing or wiring. Houses which have been standing empty for a long period of time most likely have water damage as well due to leaky roofs, windows, and seals.

There are bargains to be had though, as because of the flooded market, some very beautiful and decent housing is priced low as well. Some well maintained and well cared for homes are out there in the sub-$120,000 range just waiting to be found. Check out this listing in Camden, this home in Northeast, this house in Powderhorn, or this home in Longfellow. Looking for a home in St. Paul? How about this home in Dayton’s Bluff, this one in Hamline Midway, this gem in Payne-Phalen, or a home in the North End.

Oh boy, there is a fitness challenge happening in the Twin Cities right now. The Hennepin County Public Health Promotions is sponsoring its first annual Step To It Community Challenge. It’s a competition pitting five metro suburbs against each other to see whose residents can accumulate the most steps taken in a four-week period. Other forms of exercise, like jogging or biking, can also be converted to step equivalents to be counted in the final tally.

The reason for this is because of a troubling trend. From 1998 to 2006, Hennepin County records showed that the percentage of adult residents classified as overweight or obese had increased from 48 to 54. The HCPHP is hoping the competition will spur more residents to seek a more active lifestyle. The idea was to get people doing an activity nearly everyone can do: walking.

The challenge began last Friday in the cities of Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park. The Step To It Challenge has been a big success at the neighborhood level in Minneapolis, where walking paths have been in place since 2004. There are still three weeks to go, so you can join in now and still get yourself moving. There are designated walking routes in the suburbs available, though it isn’t necessary as long as you’re just getting out and walking.

Here are some resources to help you embark on your walking quest.

Brooklyn Park – Parks & Recreation Website – Parks, Trails, and Amenities

Crystal – Parks & Recreation Website

Golden Valley – Parks & Recreation Website – Parks & Trails

Robbinsdale – Parks & Recreation Website

St. Louis Park – City Website – ParkFinder

You can submit the steps you logged here at this registration site. Happy walking, running, or biking!

This is the time of year when most homeowners deep clean the house. This tradition is even more important as homeowners prepare their homes for the spring selling season. When you’re performing your regular cleaning this spring, it’s also time to complete routine maintenance, either doing it yourself or by hiring help. Having your home in the best shape and condition possible will also help to attract potential buyers.

Let’s start with the relatively easy task of spring cleaning. Walk around the inside and the outside of your home, taking note of the following items. Then, it is time to get cleaning.

• Interior carpets. A professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months is recommended. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the sooner the carpet cleaners can be there to clean that coffee stain out of the carpet from last November.
• Gutters. Every spring and fall, you should check your gutters and clear any debris which may have accumulated. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage.
• Siding. You can use a garden hose to remove the dirt left behind on your siding and deck from snow and rain. You can use a soft-bristled brush if you need some help. Use a mild cleanser to clean tougher spots.
• Yard. Remove any leaves and other litter from around your deck, front porch, and anywhere else in the yard where debris may have accumulated. Accumulated rubbish such as this can trap water, as well as cause mold and fungus to grow. It can even create an ideal environment for termites.

Okay, now its time to move onto the more complicated subject of maintenance. Snow, ice and wind can damage your home over time. It’s important to evaluate the structures on your property in the spring and fall. Finding problems early can prevent further damage. Recognizing trouble spots ahead of time can prevent the damage from happening in the first place.

• Crawl space. Inspect this area for water accumulation or excessive moisture. Inside, inspect the sub-floor and joists beneath the kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas for any water damage.
• Roof. It’s important to inspect your roof for damage inflicted during the winter. Depending on the roof, you may want to use a ladder and a pair of binoculars to look for damage from a distance. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, call a trusted professional to come and take a look at the roof for you.
• Weather stripping on doors and windows. The cold of the winter season may have caused cracking or other damage. Remove any storm windows and replace with screens. It will soon be summer, after all!
• Water valves. This includes where water enters your house, outdoor faucets, valves to toilets, bathroom and kitchen sinks. Turn each off and on several times to identify any leaks.
• Outdoor walking surfaces. Spring is a good time to examine your asphalt driveway’s surface for damage. Regular resealing is the best way to protect the surface and keep it in good shape. The freezing and thawing of the ground can cause movement in concrete, stone, and brick sidewalks. Check to make sure that the surfaces are still level and that any cracks or gaps haven’t developed to create a tripping hazard.

Finally, regular maintenance on major home appliances can help to extend their life. It can also ensure they run efficiently.

• Air conditioner. Clean the vents of the air conditioner as well as the filter. If it hasn’t been serviced in a while, have a technician take a look at it. It may need to be recharged or have something minor replaced.
• Garage Doors. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks with a light household oil, ensuring not to use a petroleum-based lubricant. Don’t attempt this on the garage door opener, however. Your garage door opener can be one of the most dangerous appliances around your house. Call a professional to take care of this.
• Water Heater. Maintained properly, water heaters will last for years and deliver gallon after gallon of hot water. Left alone, they’ll quickly lose efficiency and start costing you money. Have your water heater inspected be a professional.
• Sump pumps. To check and see if your sump pump is works properly, fill the sump pit with water. Then go outside to make sure the pump is actually discharging water. You can remove build-up in the system by pouring white vinegar through it.

It doesn’t take too long to inspect these points on your home. Odds are, you won’t find something major, but if you do, you’ll be happy you caught it before it got worse. Proper inspection and regular maintenance can help you to avoid costly repairs in the future. It can even help you save money on your utilities!

Camden is a community in Minneapolis, covering the upper western half of the north side. Its boundaries are 53rd Avenue North to the north, the Mississippi River to the east, Lowry Avenue North to the south, and Xerxes Avenue North to the west. The community is composed of seven smaller neighborhoods. It also contains the Camden Industrial Area and the Humboldt Industrial Area, neither of which are assigned to an official neighborhood.

Cleveland - The Cleveland neighborhood can be found on the very edge of the city of Minneapolis. Its boarders extend from Dowling Avenue North to Lowry Avenue in the south and from Penn Avenue in the east to Xerxes Avenue to the west. The neighborhood is named after Grover Cleveland, who was born in 1837 and was president of the United States two times.

The Cleveland neighborhood has a suburban feel to it, despite its location in the city. The residences which can be found here are mainly single-family detached houses. Cleveland has a larger proportion of owner occupied housing than most of Minneapolis. The price of homes here also tends to be less than the median Minneapolis price.

The local neighborhood school, Lucy Craft Laney School, is a major draw for city residents. The K-8 school offers special programming for gifted and talented students, an all day kindergarten and classes in the performing arts and choir as well as Language Learner programming in the Hmong language.

Located next to the school is Cleveland Park, a vital part of the Cleveland neighborhood. Its amenities include picnic areas, a tot lot and wading pool, an arts and crafts room with regularly scheduled activities, and playing areas for basketball, baseball and softball. The facility also has meeting rooms and rest rooms available to the public.

Folwell – The Folwell neighborhood extends north to south from Dowling Avenue North to Lowry Avenue North and east to west from Dupont Avenue North to Penn Avenue North. The neighborhood was named after Folwell Park, which in turn was named for Dr. William W. Folwell, the first president of the University of Minnesota.

Folwell Park is the neighborhood’s anchor. It is a very popular spot for recreation within the neighborhood. Also located at Folwell Park is the Folwell Recreation Center. It provides activities year round for residents. The regularly scheduled programs include youth mentorship programs, cooking classes, senior recreation programs and more.

Folwell neighborhood first began development at the beginning of the 20th century. The housing stock is mainly single-family housing on small lots and set at a moderate price. Many of the homes here were built in the 1970s.

The Folwell Neighborhood Association is very active, encouraging home ownership and responsibility in the neighborhood. It has programs for first time home buyers, assistance with repairs and renovations, and prizes for homeowners who beautify their properties with exterior improvements and gardens. They also run a volunteer organization that will help elderly and low income residents with exterior renovations.

Lind-Bohanon - Lind-Bohanon is bounded on the north by 53rd Avenue North on the City’s and extends east to the Mississippi River. An industrial area comes between Lind-Bohanon and the river, causing the neighborhood’s eastern border to shift at 48th Avenue North to Lyndale Avenue North. This border extends south to the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. On the west, the neighborhood’s boundary is Humboldt Avenue North. Lind-Bohanon covers just over 500 acres and is smaller than one square mile. The neighborhood and its elementary school are named for Jenny Lind, a famous Swedish soprano born in the first half of the 19th century.

The neighborhood has a low resident turnover rate, with some families residing there for two or three generations. The homes are generally modestly priced compared to the rest of Minneapolis. Since 1990, the value of homes has risen, but homes in this part of the city are still cheaper than the average home price in Minneapolis. Many homes here are in the $65,000 to $85,000 price range.

McKinley - McKinley neighborhood is bound on the north by Dowling Avenue North, on the south by Lowry Avenue North, on the west by Dupont Avenue North and on the east by the Mississippi River. The neighborhood and its elementary school are named after William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States. The North River Industrial Area is located along the river and extends to Interstate 94 just to the north of McKinley.

Most of the homes in this area are original and were built between 1910 and 1930. Singly-family, two-story houses with wooden frames are the most common. Many are bungalows or stucco Tudors. There are a number of parks and business catering to families found in McKinley, making this a nice neighborhood for settling down with a family.

Shingle Creek - The Shingle Creek neighborhood is bound on the north by 53rd Avenue North, on the east by Humboldt Avenue North, on the south by 49th Avenue North and on the west by Xerxes Avenue North. Located in the northwest corner of Minneapolis, the neighborhood’s northern and western border is also the City limits.

The neighborhood is named after the Shingle Creek, which runs from the north to the south through the eastern half of the neighborhood and flows into the Mississippi River. In 1852 the first shingle mill in Hennepin County was built near the mouth of the creek, hence the name of Shingle Creek. The creek is surrounded by parkland, where people have picnics and fish in the summertime.

With around 3,300 people in residence, Shingle Creek’s population is made up largely of families. Shingle Creek is dominated by 1950s-style residences, including compact three bedroom homes, and larger one-and-a-half story residences. The area has an owner-occupancy rate of more than 90%, which is much higher than the average of the rest of the city. A small number of commercial districts are located here, as well as an industrial corridor located along the Northern portion of 49th Avenue.

The Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association works with other local organizations and the government to refurbish and renovate older homes. A Homebuyer’s Assistance Program is also in place attract first-time home-buyers to the neighborhood. The SCNA is also committed to protecting and preserving natural environments, especially its namesake.

Victory – The Victory neighborhood is located west of Penn and Newton avenues, east of Xerxes Avenue, between Dowling Avenue on the south and the Humboldt Industrial Area on the north. The neighborhood was named after Victory Memorial, a memorial to World War I veterans and fallen soldiers. Victory Memorial Drive is part of the Grand Rounds parkway and bike path circuit.

In the early 20th century, the Victory neighborhood was home to factory and mill workers. Today, the neighborhood contains many homes from the 1920s and 1930s. Most of the homes here were built before 1970. Many of them are being lovingly rehabilitated. The older appearances of the homes in Victory give the neighborhood a pleasant atmosphere. The larger homes which dominate the area attract many families. Victory is also very popular with first time homebuyers.

Webber-Camden – Webber-Camden extends from Interstate 94 on the east and Penn and Newton avenues to the west to Dowling Avenue on the south and Webber Parkway on the north. Webber-Camden was named after Camden, New Jersey. In fact, until 1995 the neighborhoods name was simply “Camden.” In that year, the neighborhood added “Webber” to the original name “Camden,” changing the name to “Webber-Camden.” This was for Charles C. Webber, who donated a portion of the land for Webber Park and whom the Webber Parkway is named after.

The Webber-Camden community is a mixture of middle-class and working class homes coupled with some industrial zones. This mixture of homes and industrial areas makes Webber-Camden a great choice for people who work in the industrial area. Many middle-class families, singles and retirees also enjoy living in the Webber-Camden neighborhood.

In June 2007, the average home sales price for a single family house, town home, or condo in the Camden Community of Minneapolis, MN was $123,873.

Browse homes in the Camden Community of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Browse other communities in Minneapolis.

As many people have probably heard by now, a major deck collapse happened at a Little Canada apartment building on Friday.  An investigation is currently underway to determine what caused a third-story deck at Montreal Courts to fall to the ground without notice, injuring four people.  A previous visual inspection did not indicate anything was wrong with the structure.  Representatives of Goldmark Property Management in Bloomington, which manages the complex, have instructed the renters of 280 units with balconies not to use them until an independent structural engineer can inspect them. 

Ironically enough, May is Deck Safety Month, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association.  It is a good idea to check decks for problems before they become dangerous like in this situation.  Regular inspection and proper maintenance can prevent many such tragedies from happening.  In an effort to prevent injuries and save lives, they have on their website a 10 point safety checklist for the average consumer to use when inspecting their deck.  Here is a brief description of their checklist, but you should really check out the detailed list!

1.  Split or Decaying Wood. Check several different areas of the deck to be sure the wood is still sound.  Where the deck attaches to the house is a common place for the wood to become soft or crumble. Look for discolored wood as well, as this could be a sign of mold or fungus.

2.  Flashing.  This is the metal or plastic guard that directs water out and away from sensitive areas of the deck, to keep moisture and debris out. If the flashing shifts or cracks, water can collect between the house and the deck, contributing its possible failure.

3.  Loose or Corroded Fasteners.  Tighten any screws which may have worked their way loose.  Pound any nails which may have popped up.  Replace any which are corroding, as they can cause deterioration in surrounding wood.

4.  Railings and Banisters.  Lean on them heavily (and carefully) to be sure they are on solidly and won’t give under force.  They should also be high enough, usually 36 to 42 inches.

5.  Stairs.  Always keep stair pathways clear of planters, décor, toys and other items that can present a tripping hazard.  Check for loose or rotting boards on steps. 

6.  Cleaning and Maintenance.  Clean away debris such as leaves, which may cause the wood to develop mildew.  If the deck coating has worn away, take the time to apply a waterproof coating to prevent mildew, decaying wood, and loosened fasteners.

7.  Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys, Heaters, and Candles.  Obviously, we’re talking about fire risks here.  These items may provide a cozy atmosphere, but they can also be a fire hazard.  Protect the deck surface from heat to prevent it from combusting.  Also keep it away from other things which may catch fire.

8.  Lighting and Electrical. Make sure all lighting is working.  Trim any plants or tree limbs that may be blocking light.  Be sure all electrical outlets, appliances and features are in good condition and childproof if children are present.

9.  Outdoor Furniture and Storage.  Test all outdoor furniture to be sure it is sturdy. Avoid placing seating right at the edge of the deck. If you have a swing or hammock installed, don’t forget to test the chains, ropes, and whatever it is hanging from to be sure it is secure.

10.  Surrounding Trees.  If you have trees overhanging your deck, make certain there is no danger of decaying limbs breaking free and falling from trees surrounding the deck.

The collapse of a deck even just a few feet off the ground can cause injuries.  Inspection and maintenance can prevent such things from happening.  Use the NADRA’s checklist to thoroughly evaluate your deck, patio, or balcony.  The organization also recommends that any decks positioned on the second story or higher to be inspected by a qualified professional. 

The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, have provided in the consumer section on their website a list of the five most common mistakes first-time homebuyers often make.  If you’ve been considering purchasing a home for the very first time, you should know that there are plenty of costly errors which can be made!  Fear not, you can avoid the common mistakes that first-time homebuyers tend to make if you are aware of the pitfalls. 

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal.

Making the right choice when finally signing your name to your first home mortgage can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in interest paid over the long haul.  For many, this 15 to 30 year mortgage commitment is the most important financial decision they’ll ever make.  When you think about it that way, it makes sense to collect as much information about the financing of your home as possible.  Don’t rush into anything that involves buying a house.  Take the time to thoroughly investigate all financing options available to you.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

The purchase of a first home can be a lifelong commitment which requires time, thought, and contemplation in order to reach a decision.  At the same time, hesitation can cause you to lose the house of your dreams as someone else makes a move.  In a seller’s market, buyers will tend to look at fewer homes and make a decision to buy a home quickly because other buyers could be waiting to snatch it up.  In a buyer’s market, people will take their time choosing.  But either way, you never know when a home is going to sell.  If you find a house that you like within your price range, make an offer.  If you wait, someone else may purchase it and then you’ll be back to searching for the right home.

3. They don’t find the right real estate professional who is willing to help you through the homebuying process.

It is just as important that you chose the right Realtor as it is to pick the right home. This person will be representing you and helping to lead you to the home of your dreams.  Having the wrong person during this transaction can lead to stress and irritation.  The right Realtor will be helpful to you throughout the home purchase process and can match you up with the right mortgage, the right neighborhood, and the right home. 

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look good to a seller.

If your offer isn’t attractive to the seller, the home you seek could be sold to another buyer with a more appealing offer.  Pre-qualification can give an idea of how much money you might be able to borrow, but a loan has not been applied for and your financial information has not been verified.  A firm approval from your lender will let you know exactly how much you can spend on a home. It will also let sellers know just how serious you are.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

If you don’t plan on staying in the home for more than five years, knowing what other people want in a home will make selling the home easier when it is time to move on or move up.  Do some research ahead of time in order to find out what most buyers want in a home.  Knowing what other people are looking for will help give you an idea on what is worth compromising on and what is not.  Planning this way can also give you a little extra equity when resale time arrives.

But wait!  I said that MAAR had provided five home-buying errors, but the title of this post says there are ten common mistakes.  What gives?  Well, we here at Barker & Hedges feel that there are a few important points which MAAR didn’t address.  We’ve included them as errors 6 through 10.  Here are five more common mistakes which were not covered by MAAR’s list:

6.  They don’t think about paying off existing debt first.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make before buying their first home.  They focus so much on saving money for a down payment that they don’t think about paying down other debts first.  Your existing credit can affect your buying power just as much as your down-payment can.  Eliminating high-interest debt and credit-cards is important, even if it means collecting less for your down payment.  Lenders won’t allow your total monthly debt service to exceed 40% of your gross income.  Pay down existing debts first before taking on the immense debt of a home mortgage.

7.  They aren’t the first person to look at their credit report. 

You can get a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months thanks to Federal Law.  Knowing what kind of information is on it before anyone else does can help you enormously when you try to discover how much you can borrow.  The information in your credit report will determine your credit score, which will in turn determine how much money you can borrow.  If there is incorrect information on your credit report, you can dispute it with the credit agency to have it changed or removed.  Disputing errors can help raise your credit score.  Generally, the higher your credit score, the better interest rate and loan you can get.  If your score is low due to late or missed payments, you can take action by making your payments on time to slowly raise your score.

8.  They get in too deep.

Whatever you do, do not venture outside of your budget or over-extend yourself when buying your first home. You could be disappointed you don’t get approved for that much mortgage.  Or it could be worse: you could get the loan and end up in foreclosure if you are unable to make the payments later on.  There are steps you can take to avoid getting in too deep.  Monitor your expenses for several of months.  From this information, develop a budget that reflects your lifestyle accurately.  Talk to a Realtor about what expenses you can expect with a new home.  Then, review the budget you made.  You may find that it needs revision.

9. Waiting until you find a house to get pre-approved. 

During the search for a home, in addition to finding the perfect house, buyers must take a hands-on approach to finding reliable financing.  Before you start looking, move beyond pre-qualification and get pre-approved through your chosen lender.  Though pre-qualification can tell you how much you can afford, pre-approval will actually clear you for a loan of a determined amount.  When you find that home, you don’t want to be scrambling for pre-approval to make your offer more appealing to the seller.  Someone else with more forethought can simply pounce and make an offer.  By the time you’re ready, someone else could be moving into your dream home. 

10.  They alter their financial picture prior to closing.

Imagine this: you have been pre-qualified for a loan, found that perfect house, and closing is just one week away.  Does this situation scream “Buy a new car?” No, no, no, this is not the time to be financing large purchases (besides your home) and it is not the time to open a new high limit credit card.  Adding on a car payment or revolving debt which did not previously exist when you began your home search could ruin your chances when it comes to closing time.  Even slight alterations in your credit ratios could cause a loan application to be denied.  Wait for that new car or credit card until after the deal has been sealed.

These mistakes can be avoided as long as you are aware of them!  There are others out there lurking, of course, but these are the big ones.  Make your first home purchase a positive experience by researching and educating yourself.  Then set out for a smooth transaction!