Brandl Anderson Homes’ employees donated gifts this Christmas season through the Community Action Council (CAC) in Dakota County. The CAC’s program “Armful of Love” pairs those willing to donate with families in need during the holidays.

Employees donated enough gifts and a Cub gift card for a family of four. “It’s really shocking to see the basic items these families need,” stated employee Lynn Gliniany, “It makes me grateful for what I have.”

One afternoon Brandl Anderson employees shared Christmas cheer as they listened to carols and wrapped the gifts before they were dropped off at the donation center.

For more information on becoming a sponsor visit www.communityactioncouncil.org

Brandl Anderson Homes welcomes these new homeowners that have recently become new neighbors in the following communities:

Hunters Crest in Minnetrista – Pearce & Katherine, Scott & Julie, McCord & Christine, David & Mariela
Calumet Oaks in Savage – Marley, Troy & Ashley, Kim & Moises, Jason & Lindsay, RedLin
Foxfield in Rochester – Sandra
Coldwater Crossing in Mayer – Joshua & Judith, Doug & Amy, Lucas & Rebecca
Spyglass in Lakeville – Bill & Tammy, Tom & Kristy
Shadow Stone in Lonsdale – Kyle & Brandi, Shannon & Tami
Harvest Ponds in Lonsdale – Troy, Paul and Kimberly
Sierra in Waconia – Steven & Deborah
Blackduck Point in Hammond - Mounir
On Your Lot – Walter and Leslie

Brandl Anderson Homes would like to extend their appreciation to these families who selected to build their new home. If you have friends or family members that are interested in a new home please let us know – call 952-898-0230.

The Real Estate Market Shows Improvement

With the 2006 closing many pundits are trying to predict how the 2007 Real Estate market will perform. There has been a rash of articles published that are cause for celebration. Here is a sample list:

“Optimists are calling 2007 the year of recovery” – Star Tribune, December 28, 2007 “A hopeful sign for housing” - Association Press, December 27, 2006 “Listing glut of 2006 may shrink” – Star Tribune, December 28, 2006 “Best moment in the decade to buy a home” - msn.com, December 21, 2006

As I contemplate these article titles and what they mean, I can’t help but notice the contrast to all of the negative articles promising a real estate bubble that was to burst. As perception becomes reality it would seem that the media as a whole has a new mantra for 2007, and that is a buyer’s market.

I for one am glad for some positive news to be spun out of our spin doctors. And again, I am glad the only bubbles that will be bursting are from the campaign bottles being uncorked to a prosperous real estate market in 2007!

With 2007 just beginning many of us are starting thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. This year let’s consider resolutions for the place where we spend most of our time…our homes. As we move into a new year, here are some tips to keep your home in top condition.

1) Check Your Smoke Detectors - Each month check your home’s smoke detectors to make sure they are in good working condition. This is your best defense in case of a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, only 3.7% of all residential fire deaths from 2001-2004 occurred in homes with working smoke detectors.

2) Spruce up Your Home - Whether a simple paint job or a complete home remodel - make your home look its best. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to add value to a home is through a fresh coat of paint, breathing new life into a room. Don’t forget about the outside of your home. Your home’s exterior is what creates the first impression, so be sure that siding, paint, landscaping and any other outside areas look well tended.

3) Save More Energy - With energy costs on the rise, homeowners can always benefit from looking for ways of cutting costs and saving energy. Try replacing incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). They use at least 2/3 less energy than standard bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.

4) Organize Your home - The longer we live in a home, the more we accumulate. Basements, garages and closets can frequently become so cluttered that they aren’t even used for their main purposes. Take the time to get rid of the clutter and make your home be the best that it can be.

Taking the time to make (and keep) these resolutions will ensure a happy and healthy New Year — for you and your home.

Just imagine – a brand new home nestled in the woods of a small neighborhood, walk-out lower level and all amenities within minutes included! Sound too good to be true? Brandl Anderson Homes is proud to present just that at Calumet Heights in Savage.

Visit our model home and discover why this is your dream home. We feature our Crestwood home complete with maple hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, a plethora of built-ins, a second level laundry, and luxury owner’s suite.

At Calumet Heights in Savage we offer several home plans, which can be customized to fit your needs and a great location - quiet and quaint yet minutes from County Road 42. Homes start in the upper $300,000’s. Our model home is open Thursday – Monday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information call Rich at 952-292-2655.