The sales season up in Bemidji is pretty short, so I would expect to see a few more bargains late summer. But you also tend to see less inventory as well. While primary residences here in the cities have taken a beating pricewise, it seems like (from what I hear from affiliated agents) there are fewer and fewer bargains for vacation and retirement homes around the lakes.

Consult your agent; he or she knows the market in your area and can help you sort through what appear at times to be the mysteries of pricing. Of course your agent can help you make what you believe is a fair price offer and negotiate on your behalf. E Fuller, 612-986-4105 Associates Realty, LLC

Homes are priced the way they are for many different reasons - some people have a higher price because they truly believe their home is worth that amount others owe more than what the home is worth or perhaps they have not gotten good advice. This is why it is important to have a buyers representation agreement with a full time real estate agent that is familiar with the market you are looking in to assist you.

You may be surprised to learn that when a home sells the list price at the time of an offer averages only 6% higher than the sale price. Have you seen a lot of homes that appear to be priced too high?