Sunday, February 17, 2013

Prior Lake: Education is Important

Prior Lake Real Estate
Logo: City of Prior Lake
If you are looking find your next home in Prior Lake, MN I'd like to tell you a little bit about this fine town.

My first experience of being in Prior Lake, MN was back in 1989 when my eldest sister moved her family here. At that time is was an up and coming community with many of the road still dirt or gravel. There was only two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. My first thought was, wow my sister is moving out to the country. Little did I know that in a short 11 years I too would find myself moving to this city.

I grew up in Burnsville, MN so a move to Prior Lake wasn't too far away. It didn't take me all that long to appreciate the conveniences of living here.

Schools
At the time of my move my four children were going to be starting 4th grade, 2nd grade and pre-school. Five Hawks Elementary was the school in the Prior Lake-Savage School District 719 that my children attended. It was a breath of fresh air having teachers who truly took the time to sit down and individually work with the children. The staff was always very welcoming when I walked through the doors. It always amazed me how they always remembers children's names and unique trait of the children. Since we moved here Prior Lake has since added 2 more elementary schools for a total of five elementary schools in our district.

  • Five Hawks
  • Jeffers Pond
  • Glendale
  • Redtail Ridge
  • Westwood
From elementary school the kids ventured on to the middle school. One elementary school has since become two, converting the former high school into another middle school right across from each other. The middle school is now for grades 6-8. Many feel that 6th grade is a little too early for middle school, but rest assured that the staff at both these schools do a great job helping the kids get acclimated to a larger building and the changing of classes. It isn't all about math and reading, Prior Lake has their own robotics team
  • Twin Oaks
  • Hidden Oaks
Our only high school, Prior Lake High School is home of the Lakers. I have had the opportunity to watch my children play on the high school baseball and lacrosse teams. Whether your student likes sports or academics there is a group for your student. 

If you are looking for a private school experience, Prior Lake also has a few private schools:
  • Prior Lake Christian School (k-12)
  • St. Michael's Catholic School (k-8)
  • St. Paul's Lutheran School (k-8)
  • Aspen Academy Charter School (k-6)
Obviously for me school was a big part of our family. I now only have one left in high school and they are getting ready to graduate very soon. 

As you begin your Prior Lake real estate search. Take in to consideration the wide variety of options that you have available to you. As a real estate agent from this community I would be happy to talk with you about the options and show you the homes available to you by the school you most preferred.

Leslie Mueller, Realtor
Keller Williams Preferred Realty
952-239-3368




Security Systems: Making Your Home Safer

Prior Lake Real Estate Agent
Photo: Microsoft images
As a Prior Lake real estate agent I want everyone wants to feel safe. When you think of the word home, you think of the place where you can find refuge, food, warmth and most of all, safety. One burglary or break-in is all it takes to take away that feeling of safety.

Even though many burglaries actually take place when you are away or out of town, it doesn't make you feel any better than if you were home when it all happened. 

Locking doors and windows sometimes is not enough to deter your home from being targeted by a thief. Consider getting a security system. These simple steps can help you find the right home security system and help you create a safer and more secure home for you and your family. 

2. What can you afford? Deciding first how much you can afford will help make picking a home security system that much easier.

1. Do you want your system hardwired to your home or is a wireless system right for you? Many people like the use of wireless for a variety of reasons. 
  • Wireless uses lithium batteries vs. use of your electricity
  • Easier to install, less intrusive than hardwired. 
  • Less time to install vs. having to install wire throughout your home.
3. How many entrances are coming into your home? Don't just consider the doors. Any access to your home from the outside should be considered as an access to your home. Some systems charge differently and knowing this number can help when doing your research. 

4. Contact local security companies. Take the time to call different security companies, and get quotes from each place. 

5. Make a list of features that are important to you. You may have to pay extra, but decide which items are the most important. Some things to consider when putting this list together:
  • Fire alarm
  • Warranty, do they have one and what does it cover.
  • Own or rent the equipment

6. Ask a lot of questions. Most home security systems will require you to sign a contract, so before putting your signature on any paper of any kind, make sure you understand just what it is you are signing. Most sites also have FAQs on their page review and compare the lists. This is a great way to get you thinking. 

7. Get referrals. If you do not have a neighbor who uses a system, reach out to other friends and relatives who do have one. Get their feedback on what has worked or what they would maybe change with their current system.

Here's to a little more peace of mind.

Leslie Mueller, REALTOR
Keller Williams Preferred Realty