Minnesota, what a place to live!

About three months ago I had the pleasure of chatting on the phone for about 1/2 an hour with a prospective relocating buyer. Now this buyer was potentially moving from Chicago but was concerned about our climate. She was very unaware of the similarities in the climate of our two communities so much so that I think she was trying to get me to answer whether we had grass or if she would need cleats for her ice boots year round! Where did she say she was moving from?!

She continued to ask me about local activities and if there was anything to do up here. If you know me well, you know I passionately talk about a lot of things but when it comes to knowing this great state that I grew up in, I get a little juiced up when I get to share my knowledge.

I have to tell you, after some recent events in my life, I wish I had the chance to talk with her for the first time all over again. If I had that chance, I would share these three experiences with her:

Experience #1: The Minnesota State High School League Boys Basketball Tournament.

The B-Ball Tourney is nothing new for me, in fact, my dad and I were talking and we have only missed one year since I was a freshman in high school. We were on a family vacation out of state the year we missed. That means dad and I have shared our annual tradition for 18 years. Wow, how time flies. This year was one of the best sets of games we have seen in recent years. Every year it seems we talk about the Red Lake vs. Wabasso game that we witnessed during the late 90's. It was a multiple overtime game with both teams scoring in the 100's. I don't think any game will ever top that one! Minnesota puts on quite a tournament every year featuring some very good teams.

Experience #2: My daughter in the great outdoors in March.

We have been having a very early spring complete with some temps in the 70's but the day I witnessed my daughter on her scooter on our driveway, the temps were more February like than June like. She decided she should put on her snow boots and helmet and ride around the driveway a bit. Now this normally would have been a great March activity if her main article of clothing wasn't a leotard. I think the neighbors were pretty close to calling someone. Note for my new Chicago friend: In Minnesota you can get by with hopping on your scooter in March in snow boots and a leotard.

Experience #3: Target Field (And the Twins too!)

Wow! Did I say wow? After painfully sitting for years in the blue plastic seats of the Metrodome which are more appropriately positioned for a monster truck rally, the fans of the Minnesota Twins are in for a treat that may just bring a tear to the eye. My brother-in-law Brad and I witnessed this past Saturday's Twins exhibition game at Target Field against the Cardinals. The weather could not have been more perfect. The food was great, the seats were pointed at home plate, and we got to see multiple jet airliners pass between us and the occasional white fluffy cloud in the mostly bright blue sky. There are so many perfectly planned little details around the stadium.  One of my favorites was seeing the photos of all of the fans and small town ball fields throughout Minnesota at the Town Ball Tavern. If you haven't made plans yet to see the stadium, make sure you make it a priority this year. You can still get tickets at the Twins official website or you can visit stubhub.com to buy tickets from a season ticket holder.

Don't forget, you don't have to be a relocating buyer to take advantage of and appreciate all our state has to offer. I have already been having a blast in 2010 and we haven't even gotten the boat out yet!

Leave a comment and share with me some of your favorite Minnesota experiences!

I've Got the Fever...

And the only cure is more cow bell.  Oh, wait, that is a Saturday Night Live Skit.  I think the real cure for my fever is going to be a trip to Target Field.  It seems every where I turn or whoever I talk to the topic these days seems to be on our Minnesota Twins and their new stadium that they will be debuting this coming weekend with a couple of exhibition games.

Speaking of Twins, yes that is right; your NewmanSellsHomes.com spring magnet is on the way featuring your Minnesota Twins’ 2010 schedule!

It became quite apparent over the last few years that this little tradition of sending out Vikings and Twins magnets has a bit of an impact on my “fan base.”   For example, this last summer/fall I was a bit behind on getting my Vikings magnets out.  I received a phone call from one of my past clients making sure I hadn’t forgotten to send their Vikings magnet to them. This last week I had a similar experience. I was at a funeral visitation and I had one of my long time magnet recipients come up to me and ask where his Twins schedule was.  I’m not sure how you feel about my real estate related mailers but I know one thing for sure, if I didn’t send out the sports magnets I might have an uprising on my hands.

Have no fear, you have my commitment that the annual Twins and Vikings magnets that I send out will be coming your way until I retire or someone stops me from sending them out.  Whichever comes first.

If you aren’t currently on my mailing list and would like to be added, shoot me an email with your phone, email, and mailing address and I will gladly add you to my list.  Here is to another successful Twins season and the beginning of a new era for our Minnesota team!

A Sunday Off For A Realtor, Priceless!

Sundays are generally a key day of the week for Realtors as we usually hold open houses or show homes to buyers. In fact, I can't remember the last time I have had a Sunday completely off. That streak ended today!

So what did I do with my day off? I spent some much needed time with my family! I started the day sleeping in. Okay, Tate actually woke me up at 6am as usual but I did get to take a little bit of a snooze on the couch while he watched Sesame Street.

After breakfast, Tate and I headed to Holiday to fill the Jeep with some gas, grab a coffee, and run the truck through the car wash. Tate loves when the car wash squirts the "colors" on the windows.

We all headed off to church at 11am, followed by lunch at Panera, with a quick stop at Menards. (Jessi ran in while I hung out with the kids in the car.) We made it home just in time to get the kids down for a nap. Okay, Avery had already started her nap in the car but was happy to continue it in her crib.

I decided to take Wrigley out to play some fetch with his favorite pheasant dummy while the kids napped. Wrigley was obviously in the house a lot this winter as it was pretty easy to wear him out this afternoon. While Wrigley took a break to drink some water, I decided the time was now to get my Christmas lights off the house. Yes, this is one of the latest dates I have removed my exterior illumination but the icy 2nd story roof prevented me from taking them down earlier. That excuse clearly was now invalid on this 70 degree day!

After the Christmas lights were packed away, I pulled the grill out of the garage, had my neighbor Troy help me get it up on my deck, and grilled some marinaded chicken. After supper we loaded the kids in the stroller and headed out for a walk. Tate even got to hold Wrigley's leash for the first time and it actually worked out pretty well. We finished the evening by reading books and putting the kids to bed.

Not only have I not had a Sunday off in months, I can't remember the last time I have had a day full of such quality family time. On a weekend that started with a slight feeling of guilt for not holding an open house on Sunday ended with a feeling of complete happiness and relaxation. A day off with my family has completely rejuvenated me and recharged my batteries for another busy spring market that is already underway. I am expecting my increased energy and production levels over the weeks ahead will more than outweigh any business that did not get completed on this unusually mild March day.