River Park Lofts

According to the pending home sales index of the National Association of Realtor’s, home sales were up 3.2% in July, on top of a 3.6% increase in June. The increase in sales are part of a six month streak in rising home sales.

Julianne Pepitone of CNN Money writes, ” The first-time home buyers tax credit, passed earlier this year as part of the economic stimulus package, is worth 10% of the home purchase price up to $8,000. People who have not owned a home in the previous three years are eligible for the credit.

However, the tax credit expires on Nov. 30 and it usually takes about 90 days to close on a house after a contract is signed. As of Sept. 1, there were only 90 days left before the credit ends.

The average middle-income family can now spend less than 25% of monthly income to buy a median-priced home
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Music for all: Concrete and Grass serves up yet another year of a wide array of music. Bringing together performers from all genres and backgrounds, Concrete and Grass runs from Fri. Sept, 11 to Sun Sept. 13. The event is free and food/beverages will be for purchase from local restaurants.

Schedule of Bands for Concrete and Grass

Friday, Sept, 11, 2009
Main Stage:
3:30pm Story City
5:00pm The Warblers, with Chris Osgood and Dave Ahl
6:30pm The Minnesota Opera
8:30pm Freddy Fresh, with Special Guest Mark Wheat

Acoustic Stage:
6:00pm Dan Newton
7:30pm Papa John Kolstad, with Clint Hover

Sat., Sept 12, 2009
Main Stage:
12:00pm McNally Smith Student Ensemble
1:00pm Idle Hands
2:30pm Aviette
4:00pm Moore by Four
5:30pm Desdamona
7:00pm The Ordway
8:30pm Romantica

Acoustic Stage:
5:00pm Alicia Renee
6:30pm Spider John Koerner
7:30pm Kid Dakota

Sun., Sept. 13, 2009
Main Stage:
12:00pm Gospel, with Ginger Commodore and Tanner Taylor
1:30pm The Schubert Club
3:00pm Jelloslave
5:00pm The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
6:30pm Heiruspecs

Acoustic Stage:
4:00pm The Flatwheelers, featuring Martin Devaney and Jake
6:00pm Luke Wallrich