Its Been One Year - Here's What I Have Learned!

Today is my daughter's first birthday. It has been an incredible year of learning, laughter and adjustments for me. My daughter is truly the most amazing gift. In honor of her, I thought I would take this opportunity to share what I have learned over the last year as it pertains to real estate.

First of all, sellers with children have my highest admiration. I pride myself on being a good housekeeper but my home could not be shown to a prospective buyer on anything less than a full day of scrubbing, organizing, catching up on laundry and dishes. I have no idea how sellers contain the "stuff" that comes with having one tiny extra person in the home!

As far as desired features in a property, I have definitely changed my tune. Open floor plans are no longer on the top of my list. What I wouldn't give right now for doors to close off space that can't be entirely child proofed and to have smaller rooms that can contain a very curious child. An entire level of hardwood floors may look great but I now envision the many falls and tears of a newly walking baby when I see them. Stainless steel appliances are no longer a sleek and stylish amenity but a display fingerprints that appear faster than I can wipe them off. I am already dreading the day she discovers that the loft provides a perfect opportunity to play her favorite game of dropping things and watching them fall.

This first year was definitely an eye opener and I look forward to the adventures ahead!

Looking for Activities To Enjoy With Your Baby?

I feel fortunate to live in an area that offers some good programs for families. I have tried three programs for me and my infant daughter through School District 196 Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and intend to continue to participate. Their Aquatics program offers swim lessons for ages 6 months to 36 months. I liked being able to swim with my daughter and help her get comfortable in the water for a reasonable cost. We took eight 30 minute lessons for $54 at the indoor pool at Scott Highlands Middle School in Apple Valley. It was a small group of parents with their babies and a very friendly instructor. My little girl was 9 months old at the time and only cried when we had to get out of the pool to give you any indication of how much fun she had at the classes.

We also attended the baby shower sponsored by ECFE. All parents with children born in the last year were invited to attend at no cost with their baby. I received an overview of the early education program, played a few games and even received a gift bag with presents for the baby including a rattle, blanket, PJs and a book. It was so good to meet other parents with a baby around the same age and to see everyone interact with their child.

Last week I took my daughter to the family playtime. She enjoyed "playing" (she is now 11 months old and mostly walked around delivering toys to the other parents and trying to kiss the babies). There is a wide array of toys, costumes, books and activities. I really liked meeting the other parents in an informal setting. The teachers seem to enjoy what they do. I think I'll try one of their classes next.

If you want to check out these activities or any other ones offered by ECFE, here is the 2011/12 winter catalog .

Energy Efficient Upgrades

Apple Valley offers financing for Energy Efficient Upgrades!

Is your home in need of upgrades before the winter chill hits? The city of Apple Valley is offering 3% financing for qualified homeowners to upgrade their home. Eligible upgrades include insulation, high efficiency heating, air sealing and more. Ice dams are caused by insufficient insulation, so if you found yourself calling for help at 10pm, its time to insulate and be proactive!

Interested in the program? More information can be found on the City of Apple Valley Website: http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=154

Halloween Fun!

Looking for something to do this Halloween weekend? There are plenty of themed events in the south metro area, and close to you! Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Valleyscare Halloween Haunt

Trail of Terror

Frightmares at Buck Hill

Halloween at the Art Park

Follow any of the links above for more information!

Live On Youtube!

Over 5 million people have found and subscribed to a friend's channel on Youtube. 5 million? Wow! Now, does that statistic include you? Youtube is the second most visited site on the web, making it a beacon for literally any topic your heart desires. The JAM Team at RE/MAX Results has taken note of that statistic. We have created a Youtube channel that is both informational, and fun! Looking for our listings? You'll find them! Looking for information about your area? You'll find that too! Looking to throw a rocking halloween party? Why you will find everything you need to make that happen! Personally, I would just like some simple decorating ideas that I can easily complete myself, so I've made that information accessible to all as well. Subscribe to our channel today, and keep up to date about what the JAM Team has to offer!

Follow the link below:
http://bit.ly/jtyou

Fall Harvest

Fall is our favorite time of year at JAM Realty. Wells Fargo and the MN Zoo have paired up to offer family friendly activities every weekend in October.

Each weekend they will feature a live band and have crafts, face painting and fall themed demonstrations (spinner and apple press demonstrations). There is also an animal themed scarecrow alley, a hay maze and milking demonstration. The activities are free after you pay your admission into the zoo. Hours and times for the events can be found here.

http://www.mnzoo.org/events/Events_harvestweekend2011.asp

"Around Town"

Are you looking to learn more about an area in the south metro? The JAM Team at RE/MAX Results in Apple Valley, MN is looking to help! We are starting to produce short video segments highlighting different areas of the south metro in Minnesota. Our video segments will highlight different places to eat, host family gatherings, different entertainment venues & events, wildlife areas and more! We have just finished our first clip promoting Kelley Park in Apple Valley!

Check it out! Visit our YouTube channel today!

www.youtube.com/jamrealty