Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Blaine, MN Home Sales Statistics
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Anoka County Has It's Own Government Watchdog--Trying to Take a Bite Out of Waste!
Whether your concerns or questions are on the city, state, county or school board level, it is covered. Live in Ham Lake, Andover, Coon Rapids, Blaine or any other Anoka County community? Concerned about the Anoka Hennepin, Centennial or Spring Lake Park Schools? Wondering about light rail? Questions about stadiums? Wondering where your tax dollars are being spent in your community? The Watchdog is a great place to start! Heck…you can subscribe for email updates to always be informed on what is happening in Anoka County!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Remodeling Investments for 2009: Kitchens Still Sizzle!
The statement “Kitchens and Baths sell homes” is second only to “Location, Location, Location” in the real estate playbook. Okay we don’t really have a playbook but the annual Cost VS Value Report for home remodels consistently shows that a higher percentage of funds used for a kitchen or bath remodel will be recouped on a sale than most other remodeling projects. In late December, the NAR released the 2008-2009 Cost VS Value Report for home remodels. This study looked at cost data, resale value and percentage recouped for 25 different projects in 80 housing markets across the United States. In Minnesota, if an homeowner does a major, mid-range kitchen remodel, he can expect to recoup about 72.7% of their expenses which is a little lower than the national average of 76% percent return on investment. A minor kitchen remodel, spending roughly $21,000 in Minnesota will be recouped at a rate of 73.3% again this is less than the national average of 79.9% but a reasonable return. (View all the statistics from the Cost vs. Value Report 2008 for the Mpls/St Paul area.)
Take a Family Lifestyle Inventory
- Consider cooking habits: One cook or two? Baker? Left-handed? Do you do dishes as you cook? Lots of Gadgets? Buy in Bulk? One oven or two?
- Consider eating habits: Family gatherings? Everyone for themselves? Eat outdoors? Need morning sunshine? Entertaining?
- Other Considerations: Flat screen TV in kitchen? Computer or home office needs? Homework? Laundry? Recycling? Will the family grow? Older relatives? Handicap Accessibility requirements?
All of these are things to consider when making a decision on whether and how to remodel your kitchen. Work with a designer or use a remodeling design software that will take into account the important specific needs of your family.
Hot Trends for Today’s Kitchens
For a remodel to add value at resale, you must consider current needs and trends. So what are the hot for trends for kitchens today?
- Open to Family Room or Great RoomCustom cabinetry in a variety of heights with lots of moldings and unique woods…Maple and Cherry are preferred to Oak.
- Retro-look Appliances with Energy Star ratings.
- Energy saving induction cook tops separate from ovens.
- Ceramic tile back splashes.Green flooring choices like bamboo, cork and eucalyptus.
- Sinks with instant hot water systems.
- Pantries and abundant, easy access storage.
- Multiple types of lighting (bright to work, indirect for mood). Avoid track lighting.
- Windows for Natural LightQuartz-based granite-like product like Cambria, Silstone and Zodiac, for counters and islands, as health conscious people trend away from granite. Too expensive to do the whole kitchen in quartz? Consider just the island in the expensive stuff and do the rest of the kitchen counter in a complimentary colored laminate.
Stick to Your Budget
It can be easy to get caught up in the remodeling process and go over budget. Take time from the start to reflect on your family’s needs and reasons for the remodel. Consider options that make the most sense for your family, budget and neighborhood. Make certain that the kitchen isn’t designed and constructed at a quality far beyond the value of the rest of the home. Remember remodeling for family use tends to cost more than a remodel for resale.
If remodeling specifically to put your home on the market, go for the minor remodel and take into consideration the quality and condition of the rest of home. Remember you will not recoup 100% of your investment. The changes are being made to make the house more saleable in a down market. A good REALTOR® will give you the best advice as to what is necessary and what is over the top. If you are in an upscale neighborhood where homebuyers will expect high-end quality, don’t make discount-store decisions. Likewise, if your home is in an area of modest or lower value homes, skip the granite and go for the laminate to replace the counters. Understanding the market place you live in will help make the best choices to recoup the most from your investment.
Spending a little extra time in the planning stage can reduce the headaches and heartaches of a construction project that does not meet expectations. Taking your time will allow you to make the wise decisions that add value to your most important financial investment, your home.
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 2009 Video Update on the Twin Cities Real Estate Market
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Do You Question that we are Living Exponentially?
Ever feel like you are being left behind by technology? Don't think anyone is using facebook.com or twitter.com? Not even sure what Facebook or Twitter are? Think it doesn't really make a difference in today's world?
Here is an eyeopener for you...This great video that gives snippets and facts that reinforces the belief that things are changing faster than ever before. Well worth the four minutes of your life it takes to watch. The numbers are mindblowing....Enjoy!
Thanks to Ken Brand and his 411 blog for bringing this awesome video to my attention!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Centerville Market Statistics
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Coon Rapids Market Statistics
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Remodeling Investments for 2009: Bathrooms Continue to be a Good BET!
- Who and how the bath will be used?
- One sink or two?
- Shower and tub combination or just a shower?
- Storage, electrical outlets and counter space needs.
- Private areas or completely open?
- Will there be handicap accessibility needs now or in the future?
- Pedestal sinks
- White Fixtures
- Subdue shiny fixtures…Chrome is out. Choose warm copper and bronze fixtures instead.
- Free standing, soaker bath tubs.
- Heated, ceramic flooring.
- Separate tub and shower.
- Furniture-look to cabinetry
- Bathroom suite with coffee maker and flat screen.
If remodeling specifically to put your home on the market, take into consideration the quality and condition of the home. A good REALTOR® who knows your neighborhood can assist you here. In most cases, costs for a seriously spendy remodel are not going to be recouped in the short run. Working with someone who really understands your particular marketplace will help you get your home staged to sell within your budget and sold more quickly.
Spending a little extra time in the planning stage can reduce the headaches and heartaches of a construction project that does not meet expectations. Taking your time will allow you to make the wise decisions that add value to your most important financial investment, your home.
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Chisago City, MN Home Sales Statistics
Year End 2008 Snapshot of East Bethel, MN Home Sales Statistics
Monday, January 19, 2009
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Linwood, MN Home Sales Statistics
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Andover, MN Home Sales Statistics
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Circle Pines, MN Home Sales Statistics
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Hugo, MN Home Sales Statistics
Friday, January 16, 2009
Teri and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Subzero MN Winter Day
There is no other way to describe subzero, bone-chilling weather…30 degrees below zero weather is NASTY with a capital N! The wind freezes the skin in a matter of seconds. Dress in layers takes on a new dimension as people, who never wear hats, gloves, boots or scarves, swaddle themselves in mismatched accessories and ugly holiday sweaters in order to walk out to warm up their cars…If the cars will start that is.
Thank goodness I didn’t have to show houses during the snap. As a Minnesota REALTOR®, it is cold enough when trying to show a winterized, heatless, and foreclosed home on a 30 degree day. In this weather, taking off your gloves to work a combination lock box can be a painful reminder of how quickly frostbite can overtake essential extremities…like fingers!
Our 17 year old dog, Tikki, played dead when I try to coax him out the door to take care of business. When I was finally able to push him out and down his dog ramp, he was too cold to do anything and he sat on his tail with his frozen paws in the air. I had to put on boots to go out and lift him back to his feet to get him inside. A few minutes later, we had an accident in the house.
School was delayed or even cancelled in many communities for fear that kids will freeze at bus stops or walk to school in their usual jacketless, bootless, gloveless and hatless state. I guess common sense still isn’t being taught at Minnesota schools…or maybe it is just that teenagers still don’t believe that minus 30 is COLD! Heck as a Minnesota teen, I chose style over warmth too no matter how low the temperature got.
Those who have to venture out in this weather have all the supplies…gloves, blankets, boots, hats and energy bars in their winter survival kits…Who am I kidding? It is advised to carry one of those kits in your car but I don’t know one Minnesotan that has one. I did see someone get one as a Christmas gift once but I’d bet the Hershey’s bars were eaten long before any possible incident where the car hit black ice and went into the ditch.
On days like this week brought us, if I have to go out, I make certain to wear boots and thick, woolly socks. Once your feet get cold in this weather, they never warm up!
There was some frigid weather fun…The news people froze a wet t-shirt into a pancake-flat work of art in a matter of minutes and overnight a banana hardened into a “bammer”…fruit so hard it could pound in a nail. Hot water thrown in the air creates an instant cloud and blown soap bubbles freeze and shatter like glass. Great times…Yeah right!
It was over 90 straight hours of below zero temps before we started to warm into the single digits…Next week it may be just warm enough to wash the thick, white crust of salt residue off the sides of my car. That groundhog better NOT see his shadow in a couple of weeks! It is SO time for spring! OR maybe a move to Australia!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Year End 2008 Snapshot of White Bear Township, MN Home Sales Statistics
Year End 2008 Snapshot of White Bear Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics
Year End 2008 Snapshot of Ham Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics
Thursday, January 15, 2009
2008 Year End Snapshot of Columbus, MN Home Sales Statistics
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
2008 Year End Snapshot of Lino Lakes, MN Home Sales Statistics
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
2008 Year End Snapshot of Wyoming, MN Home Sales Statistics
Listen Up! Mortgage Rates Could be Dropping Further and Soon!
Brian Brady NOW knows why mortgage rates will drop to 4.5% (soon)
Brian makes it all SOUND so Simple!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2008 Year End Snapshot of Forest Lake MN Home Sales Statistics
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Decisions. Decisions….A Homebuyer’s Dilemma—Hundreds of Homes! How Many Should I See?
Inventory and affordability are a buyer’s dream situation. Fortunately for home buyers in the Twin Cities real estate market, that is the situation we currently find ourselves in today! As a REALTOR® specializing in lakeshore and acreage properties in Anoka County, I have had several clients with very loose selection criteria end up with several hundred homes in their initial MLS search. The amount of homes is overwhelming to the buyer going it alone. By working with an experienced REALTOR®, homebuyers can get that list of homes down to a manageable level it quick order!
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website indicated, an average homebuyer will see 15 homes before writing an offer. In my experience this is fairly accurate. Most buyers get bored with the process after seeing a dozen or so homes. The homes start to look similar and buyers have trouble remembering keeping them all straight. In a buyer’s market, with so many choices, how does a homebuyer stay focused?
- Write down what you Must Have in a home. Need an attached garage? Want a fireplace? Can’t live without central air conditioning? Must have a wooded backyard? Electric heat a deal breaker? Weed out the homes that don’t fit the bill by writing down the must haves and must not haves.
- Select a neighborhood, area or school district. If you must be within a few miles of work or you want your children in a specific school district, make certain to specify in your criteria.
- Work with a REALTOR®. Although the internet searches have become specific, they are still not as detailed as the ones used by licensed agents. Real estate agents are skilled at asking questions to narrow down your needs then set detailed searches to find your dream home.
As a case in point, I was working with a family that started looking for homes in throughout the northeast metro. When we set the initial search by map search and price point alone, they had an overwhelming 300+ homes to choose from. When questioned further, they really wanted to be within 20 minutes from work in Shoreview and relatively close to downtown Minneapolis and the airport. And, they really preferred to keep their children in the Centennial school district. After initially showing four homes, I learned from the family that a 3 car garage was a “must have” and foreclosure homes in disrepair were not going to be considered. After setting a search and reviewing the homes, I emailed the family two dozen homes that met their specific needs. They chose to see about half of the properties and after viewing the homes, the list was down to a few homes for second showings and possible offers.
Had this family chose to go it alone, they would have been overwhelmed, distracted and frustrated driving around to several homes that would never really consider. By setting specific criteria and working with me, an experienced REALTOR®, the number of homes became a manageable. The buyers remained focused and were able to narrow down to an ideal home rather quickly.
So what happens if you are in a buyers market and there are no homes that are meeting all of your criteria? The beauty of a buyers market is affordability and inventory so buyers have an opportunity to key in on more of their wants and needs for their dream home. But since no home is ever 100% perfect, if too many wants are specified, there may never be a home that measures up. If the list of homes available is too short, reassess those “must haves”.
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Year End 2008
Those four lanes are in full use now as more and more people look to buying home on acreage in the Ham Lake area. Though the sluggish real estate market has affected Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in 2008, homes did sell. Homes are stayed on the market longer with an average Cumulative Days-on-Market (CDOM) of 158 days for homes during 2008. Note that CDOM for homes over $500,000 are the only homes with extremely long market times, selling with an average CDOM of 287.
While there are 13% fewer homes on the market in Ham Lake now compared to January 2008 (110 versus 126 active listings), homes are taking a bit longer to sell so there continues to be more homes on the market than buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the area is approximately 5-6 months but inventory levels indicate a different story. Inventory levels are manageable for homes under $200,000 with about 12 months of inventory. But it rises to 18 to 24 months in prices between $200,000 and $500,000. Over $500,000 there is over five years of inventory. Having your home properly priced and prepared for showings will be essential if planning to sell a home in this Anoka County community in 2009.
Year End 2008 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 27 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, CDOM 144 (All existing homes)
$200,000-300,000 ~ 29 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 17 Sold Listings, CDOM 166 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)
$300,000-400,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 18 Sold Listings, CDOM 157 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, CDOM 156 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)
$500,000 and Up~ 22 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 287 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)
Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:8 Active Listings
Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $245,000-$945,000
3 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Ham Lake
2 Home on Little Coon Lake
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/08 through 12/31/08.
Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota: 17721 Durant St NE
Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:
- Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota
- Do you Have your Eye on a Real Estate SLEEPER?
- Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
- Buying a Home on Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!
- Dreaming of Life on Minnesota Acreage? Must have INFO Before YOUR Move!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com
Rent Continues to Rise in Minneapolis & St Paul MN
The September Rent report just released by ABODO shows te average rate to lease a one bedroom apartment in St Paul to be increasing ...
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Minnesota's state motto claims we live in the land of 10,000 lakes, yet there is actually over 12,000 in this great northern state. ...