Mike Carlier's blog

We all complain about the postal service and its inefficiencies.  We even use the phrase "Going Postal" when we are speaking of a certain type of behavior.  Many folks consider the service inferior to alternatives, the reliability a bit less than the old poem, and the cost of using the postal ser...

If you're thinking that this may be the year to make the commitment to residential independence, it's time to stop thinking and start acting.  You are not the only person who has a lease that is scheduled to renew in April or May, and you aren't the only one who is unhappy about the rent increase...

Apple Valley and the five cities it borders have consistently increased sales activity over the last three years. There are a lot of numbers that can be cited to support the particular direction that we feel the housing market is heading.  They all have their benefits and shortcomings.  For insta...

According to the New York Times, the majority of births to women under thirty years old occur outside marriage.  The article suggests that a lack of commitment is the prevailing cause for women choosing to go it alone.  With our social standards seeming to be evolving to striving for mediocrity, ...

Another major commercial development may be destined for Eagan.  The current location of the Lockheed Martin campus has been sold to a developer, CSM Equities, and the tentative plans are for a 47 acre development to include largely retail space.  The company is in the process of requesting the n...

Burnsville's annual Home Remodeling Fair will be held on Saturday, April 14, from 9:00AM to 2:00PM in the Burnsville High School, located at 600 East Highway 13.  The Home Remodeling Fair is a great place to browse for remodeling and decorating ideas, as well as an opportunity to talk to a number...

There are about a half generation of homeowners who are underwater today, and some are looking at options.  The group can be separated into people who are comfortably meeting their payments and those who are having some trouble, maybe serious trouble.  Those two groups can be further divided into...

Since 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been held in New York.  It is the second longest running sporting event, bested by the Kentucky Derby.  Although it's not my preferred dog activity (I'm partial to agility and hunting retriever field events), it's not the worst way to spend a c...

During the "Accidental Homeowner" era, I'm sure that most of us came across people who had to buy a home because they did not have sufficient funds to cover the deposit and first month's rent required if they didn't buy.  Many of those folks became accidental homeowners, and many of them cried fo...

Year Over Year Permit Fees Take Huge Jump According to information reported in the Dakota County Tribune, Lakeville building permits for the month of January were for a total valuation of just over $6.6 million, compared to about $2 million in January, 2011.  Most of the increase was in single fa...