The Chris Fritch Team

WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI          You need approval to do stuff to your house in a planned community, even if that stuff is going to be an improvement over what it currently looks like. It's not the only potential downside, but there are also plenty of advantages associated with an HOA. And with more than 40 million U.S. households "or 53% of the owner-occupied households in the America" living with an HOA, according to  HOA-USA  - a number that's on the rise with new construction, of which more than 60% have an HOA - it's something you might have to deal with. Get to know the pros and cons so there won't be any surprises. Pro : An HOA protects your investment. "HOA rules and regulations help ensure homeowners keep their homes well maintained and in compliance with overall appearance standards,"  said Signature Homes . "Combined with proper care of amenities and common areas, the value of your home is more protected than o...

Stunning Rambler model home is complete and built by CaliberHomes!   1083 166th Ave NW Andover MN 55304  OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY THRUSUNDAY 12-6!  PARADE of HOMES MODEL #159! Home for sale in Andover! Enter this Caliber built home from the covered front concrete porch. The foyer is large and bright with white enamel woodwork and metal spindles perfectly spaced in the railing. The kitchen is loaded with tons of storage and natural stone enhances the expanse of counter space. Impressive ceramic covers the backsplash and adds a hint of modern style. A hidden walk-in pantry keeps things organized and out of sight. Grab a snack to enjoy at the additional counter seating or the casual dining space as you gaze out at the view beyond. A gas burning fireplace rests quietly in the corner of the generous living room and is ensconced in stunning stone. Cozy up to it on the chilly Minnesota winters! 3 bountiful bedrooms complete the dwelling- the master sui...

Instead of the traditional lemon and dill lineup, our Spicy Tuna Melts take a cue from Tex-Mex cuisine and employ some southern flavor with a little kick. Serves: 4 Hands-on time: 9 minutes Total time: 15 minutes INGREDIENTS: 8 oz pouched low-sodium tuna or canned low-sodium water-packed tuna, drained 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1 rib celery, diced 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp each chile powder and ground cumin Pinch cayenne pepper Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste 4 slices whole-grain bread, lightly toasted 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella-cheddar cheese blend INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, yogurt, celery, onions, lime juice, chile powder, cumin and cayenne. Season with salt and black pepper. Place bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread tuna salad on each slice, dividing evenly. Top each with 1/4 cup cheese. Bake in oven for 4...

'Honey Do' List for Fall Maintenance on your home Fall "Honey Do" list for #football season #homemaintenance Fall can be one of the most beautiful seasons that we Minnesotans get to experience. Much like summer, it goes by way too fast. While it is still relatively nice out, you may want to consider tackling that "honey do" list before the cold sets in.  1. Neutral Zone - Check ceilings and surfaces around windows for any evidence of moisture, caulking around showers, tubs, sinks, and toilet bases. You may want to inspect the ceilings beneath the bathrooms to ensure there is no leakage. 2. Blind Side - the fan belt on your furnace should have adequate tension and shouldn't make any unusual noises. If you have a boiler system, check the water level and shut off valve for leaks. 3. Intentional grounding - Periodically check for any exposed wiring and or cables. Replace asap. Look at lamp cords, extension cords, and receptacles for wear and te...

This Caliber Homes Inc. 2015 Reggie Award winning magnificent 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2 story rests in the much sought after city of Andover MN . Open House Thursday thru Sunday 12-6! Complete with a 3 car garage with carriage doors, there is plenty of room to grow and entertain your guests in style! This award winning two-story home is adorned with beautiful archways, stately pillars, and is perfectly suited for this traditional neighborhood. As you enter this home from the poured concrete front porch, you are greeted by a wide open foyer that is adorned in rich, warm, cocoa colored hardwood floors leading to the office/den accented with the stately pillars and the gourmet kitchen beyond. The hardwood floors are hand scraped Birch from Casa Bella. They are created so that there is no sanding involved and welcome the dings and scratches of daily use as it adds to the character of the dwelling. Designed with space in mind, the gourmet kitchen is equipped with a granite top...

Courtesy of The Chris Fritch Real Estate Team ~ Anoka County Residential Real Estate Specialists Myth #1 - "It's Cheaper To Rent Instead Of Own" If you buy a property that is within your budget and your mortgage terms allow you to make comfortable monthly payments, the cost of rent can often be higher than mortgage payments. Sure, there are other expenses associated with owning a property that you wouldn't be responsible for if you were renting, but one thing that many people forget is the fact that renting does not allow you to build equity. The ability to build equity into a property that you own is like paying into a savings account, if you buy a home for $200,000, and pay down your mortgage to $175,000 in 5 years, you'll have $25,000 in home equity that can be tapped into later if you need a lump sum of cash to pay for other large expenses. Myth #2 - "The Perfect Home Is Out There - I Just Have To Wait For It" Buyers have a tendency to focus too...