• In 2005, 20% of my clients were sellers and 80% were buyers, compared to 35% and 65%, respectively, in 2004. Over the past five years (time period 2001 to 2006), 29% of my clients were sellers and 71% were buyers.
• In 2005, 60% of the buyers I worked with were first-time homebuyers and 40% were repeat buyers, compared to 35% and 65%, respectively, in 2004. Over the past five years, 62.5% were first-time homebuyers and 37.5% were repeats buyers.
• In 2005, 75% of my clients were gay and lesbian, up from 65% in 2004. Over the past five years, the gay and lesbian population has accounted for 60% of my business. Interesting Facts: The Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the 12th largest metro MARKET in the United States, are home to one of the largest GLBT communities in the United States. Minneapolis has the second highest percentage of GLBT population in the United States, second only to San Francisco. The 2000 U.S. Census ranks Minneapolis as having the third largest concentration of gay and lesbian couples.
• In 2005, 30% of my clients were single, 55 % were gay and lesbian couples, and 15% were married or unmarried heterosexual couples. Over the past five years, 41% of my clients were single, 34% were gay and lesbian couples, and 23% were married or unmarried heterosexual couples.
• In 2005, 10% of my business originated from ad calls, 20% from referrals, 45% from repeat customers, 15% from the Internet, and 10% from other sources. Over the past five years, 22% of my business originated from ad calls, 31% from referrals, 30% from repeat customers, 11% from the Internet, and 7% from a variety of other sources (including telemarketing, personal promotion, open houses, yard signs and classified ads for listings).
• In 2005, half of my ad calls came from Lavender Magazine and half from the Minnesota Women’s Press. Over the past five years, 71% of my ad calls came from Lavender, 26% from the Minnesota Women’s Press or annual Minnesota Women’s Directory, and 3% from ads in event programs.
• In 2005, 80% of my clients purchased or sold single family homes and the other 20% purchased or sold townhouses or condo/coop units. Over the past five years, 79% of my clients purchased or sold single family homes, 13% purchased or sold townhouses or condo/coop units, and 7% have purchased or sold duplexes.
• In 2005, 70% of my clients purchased properties in Hennepin County, 20% in Ramsey County, 5% in Dakota County, and 5% in Anoka County. Over the past five years, 66% of my clients have purchased or sold properties in Hennepin County, 21% in Ramsey County, 9% in Dakota County, 2% in Washington County, with the remaining 2% in Anoka, Isanti, Pine, Scott, and Sherburne counties.

I’m happy to report that in 2005, all my clients choose exclusive representation (Seller’s Agent or Buyer’s Agent contracts). I have only rarely engaged in Dual Agency, a matter of personal choice.

• The biggest news of the year is that MAVRIK REALTY doubled in size. In April, Mark Norris joined MAVRIK REALTY. Mark is a past client who decided to get a real estate license. He worked for Coldwell Banker Burnet for his first two years in the business. Mark specializes in investment properties, being an investor himself. He’s provided vacation coverage for me in the past, but now he can do it as an official member of the MAVRIK REALTY POSSE (and I for him).
• The second biggest news story of 2005 was what I didn’t do. I didn’t hold my annual customer appreciation BBQ in August. I was had to remove my dilapidated deck mid-summer and its replacement must await the completion of my upcoming home remodeling project, tentatively scheduled to begin in February. I’ve been working with an architect for what seems like forever and selected a contractor who’s preparing his bid for the proposed work, which when all is said and done will include: tearing down the 3-season porch over my existing single stall garage, building a great room with gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling over my existing garage, adding a 16x 24 attached garage, removing the existing solarium off the back of my house, and extending my kitchen area out about 15 feet. My new kitchen will include stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, maple floors, and an island with seating for two plus an informal dining space facing the backyard with a wall of windows. I can’t wait to have you all over once the work is completed (probably just in time for the annual BBQ).
• I served on the Minnesota Association of Realtors 2005 Professional Standards Committee. I’ve learned much over the past year from hearing ethics complaints and arbitration cases. I’ll be serving again in 2006. Learning from others’ mistakes will make me a better realtor if I put it to use.

I hope you are doing just fine and that we’ll get to see more of each other in 2006! Wishing you hope, peace and equality this holiday season and throughout the New Year,

Ann Leviton

Ann Leviton (aka the real estate fairy)
Broker/Owner – MAVRIK REALTY

Got my life, got my friends
got my memories of time spent
of time spent with my friends
all my life I've lived for them.

Got myself, which I can give
got my mind to create with
to create with so I can give
God gave life that I should live.

Got my dreams that need be shared
got tomorrow, hope lies there
hope lies where our dreams are shared
get together, we're half way there.

Made a promise, I try to keep
made to all whom I love deep
when I love deep my heart weeps
weeps for joy, now, joy is sweet.