Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Free Money? Not Really--The True Story of Seller Paid Closing Costs



It is a very exciting day! You've just met with your loan officer and are pre-approved for your first home loan. You are ready to start shopping! You are certain you have enough money in the bank for your down payment. After all, your loan officer said, the seller will pay your closing costs, so you're covered right? 

Well, not so fast! It's not like sellers are handing out free money. So what's real story?

When a home buyer writes up an offer for a home, they can ASK the seller to pay closing costs up to a certain percentage allowed by the loan program. But the seller does not have to agree. If they do agree, it is like asking the seller to reduce their price. 

For example, if a buyer writes an offer of $200,000 on a home listed for $200,000 and requests the seller contribute $5000 to their closing costs, it is not a full priced offer. The seller will only get $195,000 for the sale. 

This is very important for a first time home buyer to understand when negotiating a home purchase. Starter homes in the Minneapolis/St Paul area are being snapped up very quickly. Most homes listed under $200,000 will have multiple offers shortly after hitting the market. If in a multiple offer situation, you need to write an offer that is attractive to the seller. Sellers do not want to give away money to you or anyone else. However, sellers do pay reasonable closing costs for buyers all of the time. It is all part of the negotiations.

Need More Tips on How to Write an Offer on YOUR First Home? Let me help! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. 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 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

How Do I Sell My Hugo Minnesota Home?



Are planning to sell your home in Hugo, Minnesota soon and need more information on where to start? 

When you need to sell a home in the Hugo area, I will help you get the process started quickly. My innovative marketing and top notch negotiating skills will get you the best possible price too.  A market analysis by a professional REALTOR® is your first step in the process.

The Hugo market is HOT! Home buyers are looking for homes right now because inventory is extremely low in the north and east Minneapolis/St. Paul metro. Since June 1, 2015, 19 homes went into pending status and 12 homes have sold in Hugo. Homes listed in the 55038/Hugo area sold quickly too with in an average 27 days on the market. Prices ranged from the affordable townhouses to the high end, newly constructed acreage estates.

For additional information about working with me, visit my website and read testimonials from past satisfied clients. Or better yet call me, Teri Eckholm/Boardman Realty 651-336-7073 and arrange a no cost/obligation market analysis on your home today.

FYI-- I do answer my own phone so when you call, you will be talking directly to me!


(Sales statistics from Northstar MLS/Minnesota real estate listings as of 7/7/15).


Need to know more about buying or selling a Twin Cities home? Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. 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 2015 www.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 ...