Minnesota State Fair Time!

Every year people look forward to the Minnesota State Fair. The anticipation of the hot temps, the endless food options, animals, rides, games, and seeing friends and family! The time is upon us and I cannot wait to sample some of my favorites. For homes near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds click here.

The best place to start is to purchase your discounted tickets for admission, games, and rides. You can find these tickets until August 20th at most Cub Foods locations around the Twin Cities while supplies last.

The fair runs from Thursday, August 21st until Monday, September 1, 2014.

 

A new feature this year, in addition to the wacky foods, is the mobile app!

Now you can navigate where your favorite foods, the haunted house and the big yellow slide all from your phone!

The information below has been provided by the MN State Fair website.

2014 STATE FAIR GATE ADMISSION

& FEE SCHEDULE

REGULAR ADMISSION AT THE GATE

• Adults (13-64): $13
• Seniors (65 & over): $11
• Kids (5-12): $11
• Children (Under 5): Free

2014 PROMOTIONAL DAYS

THRIFTY THURSDAY (Aug. 21)

• Adults (13-64): $11
• Seniors (65 & over): $11
• Kids (5-12): $8
• Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS & KIDS DAY (Monday, Aug. 25)

• Adults (13-64): $13
• Seniors (65 & over): $8
• Kids (5-12): $8
• Children (Under 5): Free

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY (Tuesday, Aug. 26)

Active military, retired military and veterans receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service.

• Active military, their spouses and kids: $8
• Retired military and their spouses: $8
• Military veterans and their spouses: $8

READ & RIDE DAY (Wednesday, Aug. 27)

Public library card holders receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present a valid library card. (One discount per card.)

• Adults (13-64): $11
• Seniors (65 & over): $8
• Kids (5-12): $8
• Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS DAY (Thursday, Aug. 28)

• Adults (13-64): $13
• Seniors (65 & over): $8
• Kids (5-12): $11
• Children (Under 5): Free

KIDS DAY (Monday, Sept. 1)

• Adults (13-64): $13
• Seniors (65 & over): $11
• Kids (5-12): $8
• Children (Under 5): Free

How to get to the fair:

If you live nearby, biking is the best, most Eco-friendly option to avoid parking chaos. The second option is the State Fair Express Bus Service. Various locations around the Twin Cities offer service to and from the State Fair every 15-30 minutes. If you want to get there for free, there are several Park and Ride locations to accommodate you. The last option is to drive. There are so many places to park, but be prepared to be patient! Here is a list of parking lots available.

No matter how you get here, what foods you eat, or how exhausted your feet become, the MN State Fair is the biggest (and best!) state fair in the nation. It's a great time for everyone! If you're looking for a home in Minnesota, so you can be a regular at the fair, contact me today!

What are you looking forward to most about the Great Minnesota Get Together?

Twin Cities Water Parks

In addition to the 10,000 lakes, there are plenty of water parks in the Twin Cities where you can cool off and have some fun! Before summer winds down in Minnesota, it's time to get out there and enjoy the warm temperatures with the kids.

Living near one of these fantastic water parks has many advantages, especially in the summer months when the kids are out of school. Whether you're looking for a family day, a fun play date idea, or get your teens outside and active, these parks offer fun for everyone!

1.  Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
The outdoor water park is open from June thru August and the admission is $9 per person. The water park includes water slides, a lazy river, diving board, zero depth entry for toddlers and babies. Swimming lessons are also available. The center also has ample space for picnics or just lounging in the sun. Homes for sale near Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center.

Photo via City of Apple Valley, MN

2.  Cascade Bay Water Park 

There are plenty of things to do and see at Cascade Bay! The water park is located in Eagan, MN and has an admission price of $10 or less depending on your height and age. The water park includes Captain Ship Slides, a lazy river raft ride, miniature golf, lap pool, zero depth entry, and Sand Piper Beach. This water park also offers a variety of classes and camps during the summer months. Homes for sale near Cascade Bay Water Park.

Photo via Acehopper

3.  Valleyfair - Soak City

Valleyfair has been a huge attraction in Shakopee since May 1976. The park has grown each year to include new thrill rides as well as the water park known as Soak City.  Regular admission to the park is pricey at $36.99 per person, however you get access to the entire park including rides, Planet Snoopy, live entertainment, Dinosaur's Alive, and Soak City.  The water park showcases a wave pool, raft rides, splash pad, and body slides to name a few.  Who wouldn't want to spend a beautiful summer day outdoors enjoying Valleyfair? Homes for sale near Valleyfair.

Photo via Valleyfair.com

4. Water Park of America

This indoor water park is the mecca of all water parks, even in the winter! The Water Park of America is located in Bloomington near the Mall of America. It's an indoor space and you can purchase an all day pass for $30-40 depending on the date. Homes for sale near Water Park of America.

Photo via travelandleisure.com

Contact me for more information on any of these great South Metro areas. Now step away from the internet and go soak up the rest of Summer!

  

A day in the life of a Real Estate Agent

A day in the life of a Real Estate Agent...what does that look like? If you are looking for a great agent or are curious about becoming an agent, this is a great tool to give you a glimpse of what we do.

A common misconception is that real estate agents work a few hours a day and spend the rest of their time shopping or on a golf course. This is far from the truth! A full time agent will be working 40+ hours a week to accommodate your client's needs (and happy doing this!)

The first thing I like to do is get up and MOVE!!!

Time to hit the treadmill for a walk or run...it's a great time to clear your mind and mentally prepare for a great day. I find that starting the day out with a workout really boosts my mood and keeps me focused during the day.

The next thing I do is get ready and drive into work.

I love being greeted by our Director of First Impressions, Kelsey. She is an amazing asset and works so hard to help us with everything!

I spend the majority of my morning talking to people who are interested in buying and/or selling real estate. It's great to set an appointment so I can help them reach their goals of home ownership. Most people appreciate the fact that I take the time to walk thru to process of putting your home on the market for sale and explain the process for purchasing a home.

Midday our office has a team meeting, where we discuss industry updates, market trends, goals, and accomplishments. 

After our team meeting, I meet with our Team Leader, Olivia Manson, for one-on-one coaching. She motivates me to reach my weekly, monthly, and annual goals.

My afternoons with clients vary from showing appointments, listing appointments, or closings!   
   

I get to end my day with my wonderful family!

At the end of the day, I am so fortunate to lead my career in real estate. Find all for sale homes in the Twin Cities South Metro to start your home buying experience with me!