Nowhere to go but UP!

As 2008 comes to a close and stocks mark their worst year ever, 2009 will be the start of a very slow and painstaking recovery.

If this is the worst that can be thrown at us, we will take it!!

Every day, we encounter people, at the bank, who are struggling: hours cut, 401ks down,
savings lower, debts higher. But, when you start asking the questions, you realize that they made it. They made it through 2008 with their family in tact, their health in check, and food in their cupboards. We all made it.

Now, where are we heading?

2009 should be better, but stocks won’t rise in a straight line to recovery. But, by the end of 2009, most analysts expect anywhere from a 10-25% improvement in the S & P.

At some point in 2009, the tailwinds of lower gasoline, fiscal stimulus, housing stabilization, and auto sales recovery should generate a sustainable rally. This is a very big “should”. We have not witnessed an economy quite like this before.

What does this all mean? It means that the rates should stay low for a little while longer. We shouldn’t expect the prime or the mortgage rates to increase in the near future.

Also, housing prices should stay lower for awhile- at least for the first half of 2009.

This is the time to think about buying a new home or refinancing your existing home loan. It is time to look at your housing situation and make some big decisions. The first half of 2009 just may be the last opportunity.

Housing prices are down. Interest rates are down. Inventories are up. If you are sitting on the fence, now is the time to make your move.

Some of our first time homebuyers are having the best year ever!! They are buying homes with instant equity and cashing in on these historic rates.

Once the economy starts recovering, the marketplace will change, and the opportunities out there will be lost. A few years from now, we will fondly look at this economy and wish we ‘would have’.

Have a wonderful and prosperous 2009!

www.LaBeauandAssociates.com
www.ratzlaffhomes.com
Wells Fargo
Ryan Berg & Betsy Kozulla

Credit scores
Most people who have obtained credit from a bank or retailer
have a “credit score”.
When applying for a mortgage loan, a credit report is always
required.
Although a mortgage underwriter will look at the entirety of an
application, the credit score and history are extremely important.
Here is a guide to scoring that may help you if you obtain a report:
Excellent credit: 750-850
Good credit: 660-749
Fair credit: 620-659
Poor credit: 350-619
If your credit report is at or below the “fair” range you could be at risk
for a denial or you may be forced to pay a higher rate.
For more information on your credit score, please feel free to call.

Whether buyer, selling, remodeling or building new, LaBeau and Associates, ReMax Advantage Plus and Ratzlaff Homes, Inc. have a team to help you with all your real estate needs. Call today....952-898-5800.

First time home buyers and home ownership

Over the past 2 years, housing affordability has improved, with incomes rising, home prices failing, and conforming mortgage rates at near historic lows.
Never has there been a better time to obtain the dream of homeownership.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, this is, certainly, a dream come true!
For the first time, in a long time, house prices are affordable and payments are manageable. Buyers are excited and surprised to realize that their new mortgage payment is comparable to what they pay in rent!
We have been in the business of helping folks, in this area, for over 20 years. Being familiar with the area, certainly, has it’s advantages!
To find out more about the benefits of homeownership, contact us. We truly want to help your family obtain the dream this year. http://www.labeauandassociates.com/

Merry Christmas!
Christmas Gift Giving Season Is Nearing Are you wondering what to give the special people on your Christmas gift list? What's going to be 'hot' for 2008? Below is a small selection of the most searched for Christmas products and gifts. These products are likely to be the top selling christmas gift ideas this year.Don't just guess this Christmas! Amazons prices are updated every hour so you will always be able to buy the most popular gifts at the cheapest prices. Don't panic. Online gift shopping is a good start.No need to fight the traffic and the crowds. No carrying a tonof presents. No searching for a parking space. You can actuallykick back with your favorite drink or snack and let your fingersdo the work.You can uncover a plethora of fancy, funny, entertainingchristmas ideas, without even leaving your comfort zone.Who cares if it rains or snows, how crowded the malls are or ifthe traffic is moving at a snails pace. You can be in your jammies keeping life simple. No need to ante up big bucks to show your appreciation whenbuying multiple gifts for those special friends and loved ones.The internet has something for everyone and the prices areusually lower than real world shopping. We have done the research and discovered the most searched for and purchased gifts for the top 10 christmas toys for 2008. Don't know any kids? That's okay, we also have a list of gifts that teens are goingcrazy over. You will find suggestions and gift ideas for all agegroups. Something for him or her. There is a galaxy of choice presents ready and waiting for you.Don't resort to a tie for dad or cheap perfume for mom. With the huge selection of christmas gifts online, you can spend just a bit of time and find the special unique off the wall gift thatthey will love. Online shopping has become very popular in the last few years.Christmas especially. Some gifts sell out very fast. So if the present you have selected is a must have, don't neglect to order now to miss the seasonal rush. Of course, there are quite a few gifts on the list of ChristmasToys 2008 got to-haves. Take a little time and be the best Santa you can.

And a great time to buy that home you have been looking for with interest rates at an unbelievable low rate. For additional information, look at www.labeauandassociates.com and give us a call!

Investment with big return!

Want an investment that can pay a guaranteed rate of return in the double digits? The average American household carries $9900 of debts on cards with a typical rate of 14%. Paying it off is like giving yourself a 14% return! What’s more, credit card companies are cutting their credit limits, which can hurt your credit score if you don’t reduce your spending. Charge only 30% of your limit to keep from hurting your credit.

If you would like additional information, contact the LaBeau and Associate team at 952-898-5800 or visit our website at www.labeauandassociates.com.

Deer hunting

Traditionally traditional deer camps in Minnesota and around the country have been dominated, to the point of almost exclusivity, by males. However, more and more women are taking to the woods, rifle or bow in hand, during Minnesota’s deer hunting season.
We know that deer hunting participation among women is actually increasing in the state. The numbers of women in the field is growing, particularly among young girls who seem to feel deer hunting is not just for the guys.
Here are some stats about deer hunting in Minnesota that you may not be aware of:
Minnesota deer hunters spend 4.6 million days in the field.
Deer hunting alone generates $236 million annually in retail sales, and 5,000 jobs each year in Minnesota.
Hunting is a tradition passed on from generation to generation, stimulating a stewardship ethic for habitat and wildlife, and promoting positive values.
The two largest whitetails by body weight killed in North America were both taken in Minnesota, one in 1926 near Tofte, by Carl J. Lenander Jr., and one in 1981 by George Himango on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation. Both animals weighed 402 pounds field-dressed, with estimated live weights of about 511 pounds
In 2002, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty began hosting the Governor’s Deer Hunt. Governor Pawlenty’s support and presence at the deer opener is a valuable endorsement and brings statewide and even national and international attention to this outdoor sport in Minnesota. This media attention helps Minnesota promote the tradition of deer hunting in the state. The Governor’s Deer Hunt is intended to celebrate Minnesota’s deer hunting heritage and tradition; showcase its impact on economic development and tourism; and highlight Minnesota’s quality natural resources.
The Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener celebration is a unique event in the entire country; paid for by sponsorships, not state dollars.
deer camps in Minnesota and around the country have been dominated, to the point of almost exclusivity, by males. However, more and more women are taking to the woods, rifle or bow in hand, during Minnesota’s deer hunting season.
We know that deer hunting participation among women is actually increasing in the state. The numbers of women in the field is growing, particularly among young girls who seem to feel deer hunting is not just for the guys.
Here are some stats about deer hunting in Minnesota that you may not be aware of:
Minnesota deer hunters spend 4.6 million days in the field.
Deer hunting alone generates $236 million annually in retail sales, and 5,000 jobs each year in Minnesota.
Hunting is a tradition passed on from generation to generation, stimulating a stewardship ethic for habitat and wildlife, and promoting positive values.
The two largest whitetails by body weight killed in North America were both taken in Minnesota, one in 1926 near Tofte, by Carl J. Lenander Jr., and one in 1981 by George Himango on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation. Both animals weighed 402 pounds field-dressed, with estimated live weights of about 511 pounds
In 2002, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty began hosting the Governor’s Deer Hunt. Governor Pawlenty’s support and presence at the deer opener is a valuable endorsement and brings statewide and even national and international attention to this outdoor sport in Minnesota. This media attention helps Minnesota promote the tradition of deer hunting in the state. The Governor’s Deer Hunt is intended to celebrate Minnesota’s deer hunting heritage and tradition; showcase its impact on economic development and tourism; and highlight Minnesota’s quality natural resources.
The Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener celebration is a unique event in the entire country; paid for by sponsorships, not state dollars.

www.labeauandassociates.com

Remodeling? Or Selling?

With a softer market in the Twin Cities area, many people who considered selling are now contemplating remodeling their current home. Adding on, finishing a lower level or redecorating the living area.

Ratzlaff Homes, Inc has a full-time decorator/stager on staff who can help answer your decorating and/or finishing questions. With a combined experience of over 60 years, the LaBeau and Associates team has significant experience with buying, selling, remodeling and building. Let them help you make the right decision.

Ratzlaff Homes, Inc. decorator also helps sellers stage their home to maximize that “first” opinion by buyers. In addition, can help increase the selling price of the home.

So – whether you are buying, selling, would like to remodel or build a new home, We are ready to help you!!!

Call today!