“They Don’t Need an Agent!”—How First Time Homebuyers Find their Way Home!

My cell phone rang as I pulled into the parking lot of my RE/MAX real estate office in White Bear Lake one afternoon. The caller said he and his fiancée had just driven by a listing of mine and could I show them the inside. My first question is always, “Are you working with a real estate agent?” “No”, he answered. The meeting was set for the next evening.

The young man and his fiancée arrived with an entourage of parents and assorted other friends and relatives. Being first time buyers, they wanted assistance and approval on their very first home purchase. Looking over the home from top to bottom, they liked what they saw but needed time to think. I asked the question I always ask, “When you are shopping for a home, are you shopping for a REALTOR®?” One of the dads quickly answered. They don’t need an agent and won’t be signing any contract with a buyer’s agent. They will get a better deal working directly with the listing agent.

I explained why this wasn’t true but could tell from the look on this dad’s face, he wasn’t about to believe me.

I avoided the debate but went on to explain agency to the young couple. I asked them to sign the disclosure on agency as required by the State of Minnesota. Buyers need to understand that with any of my broker's listings, I am under contract to work for the seller and protect their interests. However, if the couple decides to sign a buyers’ representation agreement with me, they would be in a DUAL agency when looking at any property currently listed with RE/MAX Specialists. They had seen many homes over the last several weeks with dozens of other REALTORS®, but I was the only listing agent who explained agency to them or asked them to sign the required disclosure.

Days later, a decision was made; the young couple wanted to make an offer on my listing. A contract was signed for buyers’ representation for the specific home only. Dual agency now applies. As an agent working for both parties, I could not do anything that would hurt either the buyer or seller. Because the agreement was only for the specific home, I could not discuss other property options. An offer was presented, but terms could not be agreed upon. The buyers went away.

A few weeks the price was reduced on my listing. I called this young couple to see if the lower price would be enough to renew their interest. It would. But there was also another new construction house in a different area that was being considered.

Another showing. They were sure that they had it down to between the two homes. I could see the indecision and confusion on their faces. I asked about the other home they were considering to help them contrast it to my listing to help my selling clients and put their home in a better light. As with most homes, neither home was a perfect fit. I am a firm believer that after weighing all of the pluses and minuses, homes will sell themselves if they are the right home. A week passed. No offer came forth.

Finally a phone call came from the young man. We have made a decision. We are not going to offer again on your listing. It is not the right home for us. In fact, neither home is right. We are starting over and think we need our own agent. "Would you help us find a home?"

Now as their buyers’ representative, I got to work. For the next few weeks, we visited half a dozen or so homes from the hundreds currently on the MLS that met their criteria. Traveling from Stillwater to White Bear Lake and Hugo to Forest Lake, we narrowed down the field of potential homes to a couple of favorite houses. Finally, one sparked enough interest for a second showing with the parents, but this home also had a few quirks that raised concerns. That same evening, since we were out, I set up another showing for a home in a development that hadn't considered but I knew would be a very good match for their needs. As it turned out, the second home was perfect for these buyers!

With the perfect home, there was no delay or hesitation in signing the offer. Things fell into place. With every visit to the home for the inspection and showings, the young couple became more excited about their first home.

At the final walk-through, with minutes to go before they were to receive the keys to their first home, I asked them, “So, are you glad that you decided to sign with a REALTOR®?”

They answered together, “Yes!! You made it so much easier to find the right home! Especially for first time buyers.” I don’t make this stuff up…Those were their exact words.

After the closing, I received a hug and sincere, “thank you for everything”, from my young clients. As they set off to begin life in their dream home a thought struck me, I absolutely LOVE my job!

Counties in Minnesota.



Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

White Bear Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics MidYear 2010

Just about everyone who grew up in the Twin Cities north and east metro is familiar with the White Bear Lake community. Whether your memories are of passing the iconic gigantic snow white bear statue at Polar Chev, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone seems to know something about the community. But few know the legends that surround the lake and that Manitou Island is at the center of it all. The legend has been documented by several writers but the most notable was Mark Twain who wrote of the Indian warrior who killed the great monster of a polar bear to save himself and his lover in his book, “Life of the Mississippi”.

Legends aside, today the White Bear Lake community is a vibrant area that is continually growing while preserving its rich heritage. There is no doubt that the shores of White Bear Lake are the most well known as one of the largest lakes in the north metro as it spreads from Ramsey County into Washington County. But there are two other lakes in the City of White Bear Lake: Birch Lake and Goose Lake as well as Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Township. This town is the home of the White Bear Lake School District #624 and Century College while encompassing 11 square miles of land. Real estate opportunities include both historic homes and recently constructed residences. First time buyers, executive home buyers, retiring downsizers and luxury lakeshore buyers have a wide variety of options if the choose to call White Bear Lake home.

Mid Year 2010 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

· All Homes $ 207,697
· Single Family Homes $ 216,994
· Townhomes/Condos $ 166,640

Mid Year Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

· All Homes 132
· Single Family Homes 121
· Townhomes/Condos 184

Mid Year 2010 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 45 Active Listings, 21 Pending Listings, 60 Sold Listings, 102 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~50 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 35 Sold Listings, 113 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, 88 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 167 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 205 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 7 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 856 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 5 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 856 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 9 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 183 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 7 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 257 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 6 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 6 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

Mid Year 2010 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000 ~ 44 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 18 Sold Listings, 161 CDOM

$200,000-300,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 245 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 205 CDOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 156 CDOM

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area
20 Active Listings

White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $244,900-$3,200,000

5 Homes on Birch Lake
4 Homes on Bald Eagle Lake
11 Homes on White Bear Lake

For additional information on any current White Bear Lake real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in Blaine contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-336-7073.

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

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 , Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. 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 2010 Teri Eckholm 

White Bear Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics First Quarter 2010

Just about everyone who grew up in the Twin Cities north and east metro is familiar with the White Bear Lake community. Whether your memories are of passing the iconic gigantic snow white bear statue at Polar Chev, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone seems to know something about the community. But few know the legends that surround the lake and that Manitou Island is at the center of it all. The legend has been documented by several writers but the most notable was Mark Twain who wrote of the Indian warrior who killed the great monster of a polar bear to save himself and his lover in his book, “Life of the Mississippi”.

Legends aside, today the White Bear Lake community is a vibrant area that is continually growing while preserving its rich heritage. There is no doubt that the shores of White Bear Lake are the most well known as one of the largest lakes in the north metro as it spreads from Ramsey County into Washington County. But there are two other lakes in the City of White Bear Lake: Birch Lake and Goose Lake as well as Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Township. This town is the home of the White Bear Lake School District #624 and Century College while encompassing 11 square miles of land. Real estate opportunities include both historic homes and recently constructed residences. First time buyers, executive home buyers, retiring downsizers and luxury lakeshore buyers have a wide variety of options if the choose to call White Bear Lake home.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes $186,735


• Single Family Homes $192,195


• Townhomes/Condos $150,823

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes 146


• Single Family Homes 133


• Townhomes/Condos 153

Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 51 Active Listings, 33 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, 119 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~69 Active Listings, 31 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, 135 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 13 CDOM)
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 217 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 205 CDOM)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 29 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 643 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 16 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 436 CDOM)
$1,000,000 and Up ~12 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 8 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:
Under $200,000~ 53 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~ 14 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 502 CDOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 2 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area
30 Active Listings

White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $249,900-$3,200,000

4 Homes on Birch Lake
11 Homes on Bald Eagle Lake
15 Homes on White Bear Lake

For additional information on any current White Bear Lake real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in White Bear Lake contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-336-7073.
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/10 through 3/31/10.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

Year End 2009 Snapshot of White Bear Township, MN Home Sales Statistics

The stability of real estate in White Bear Township in 2008 unfortunately did not continue into 2009.There were many more sales in White Bear Township, Minnesota in 2008 versus 2009 with closed sales up 40%. This northern Ramsey County township escaped much of the affects of 2008 but could not escape it into 2009. DOM went up a whopping 49% while the average home price dropped over 15%. From 2007 to 2008, prices were only down 3% so this 15% drop was a significant in prices for the area. The average sales price for a home in White Bear Township is now just under $225,000.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

Year End 2009 Snapshot of White Bear Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics

Like most other communities in the north east Twin Cities metro, White Bear Lake has seen more closed sales but at lower prices in 2009 compared to 2008. In this Northern Ramsey County city home sales dropped just over 16%; that’s almost 30% over a two year period! Inventory levels are going down as there are just slightly less (4.1%) of new listings that came onto the market this past year. The average days-on-the-market statistic is down by 10% so homes are starting to sell faster in White Bear Lake. The bulk of sales has been in the lower price points as nearly 67% of all homes closed in 2009 were sold for less than $200,000. Another 27% were sold for prices in the $200,000-$300,000 range. Traditional sellers considering a move up in White Bear have an opportunity this year as there are so few starter homes but many higher valued homes to select from. 
 

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm  

White Bear Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics 2009

Just about everyone who grew up in the Twin Cities north metro is familiar with the White Bear Lake community. Whether your memories are of passing the iconic gigantic white bear statue at Polar Chev, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone seems to know the area. But few know the legends that surround the lake and that Manitou Island is at the center of it all. The legend has been documented by several writers but the most notable was Mark Twain who wrote of the Indian warrior who killed the great monster of a polar bear to save himself and his lover in his book, “Life of the Mississippi”.

Legends aside, today the White Bear Lake community is a vibrant area that is continually growing while preserving its rich heritage. While the shores of White Bear Lake are the most well known as one of the largest lakes in the north metro as it spreads from Ramsey County into Washington County , there are two other lakes in the community: Birch Lake and Goose Lake. The community is home to White Bear Lake School District #624 and Century College encompassing 11 square miles of land. Real estate opportunities include both historic homes and more recently constructed residences. First time buyers, executive home buyers, retiring downsizers and luxury lakeshore buyers have a wide variety of options if the choose to call White Bear Lake home.

Single family home inventory levels are at very manageable levels in the City of White Bear Lake. In the price category under $200,000, there is under 3 months worth of homes currently listed as we start January. There is just under 6 months of absorption for homes priced from $200,000-$300,000, while it will take just over a year to sell all the homes listed in the $300,000-$500,000 price range. Things are not quite so rosy for the beautiful lakeshore and executive homes in the half-million plus category. At the current rate of sales, it will take over 3 years before all of the current listings sell .

White Bear Lake townhomes are selling a slightly slower pace. There is just under a 6 month absorption rate for townhomes and condos priced under $200,000 while it will take about a year to sell the current inventory of homes in the $200,000-$400,000 range. But high-end townhomes and condos are in the same predicament as with single family homes as they have about 3 years of inventory to sell through at the current rate of sales.
2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:
All Homes $186,735
Single Family Homes $192,195
Townhomes/Condos $150,823

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

All Homes 146
Single Family Homes 133
Townhomes/Condos 153
Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 36 Active Listings, 11 Pending Listings, 161 Sold Listings, 112 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 0 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 246 CDOM)
$200,000-300,000~34 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 67 Sold Listings, 162 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 301 CDOM)
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 214 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 325 CDOM)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 3 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 149 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 8 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 118 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 7 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 13 CDOM)
$1,000,000 and Up ~5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 901 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 5 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 901 CDOM)
Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:
Under $200,000~ 24 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 54 Sold Listings, 188 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~ 6 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 351 CDOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 3 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 198 CDOM
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 708 CDOM
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 52 CDOM
For additional information on any current White Bear Lake real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in Blaine contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-336-7073.
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/09 through 12/30/09.
 

 

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Almost Speechless Sunday--Found the 3 Bears But Where's Goldilocks?

Anyone that knows and loves White Bear Lake, Minnesota knows that you cannot be a long time resident of the city without at least considering buying a statue of a white bear. (Note these are NOT statues of Polar Bears...They are WHITE Bears as Polars live in North St. Paul!) It seems that almost every other house in White Bear Lake has a cement statue or some sort of tribute to the city and high school mascot!

Heck even the Chevy dealer has had a giant statue above its cars for decades (but that is a Polar...Remember it is Polar Chev!)

Sometimes you need to do a double (or triple) take when you drive through the area at the number of statues gracing the front lawns and hiding in the landscape of this north metro community!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

RE/MAX Specialists Literally Flying Above the Crowd in White Bear Lake!

I never miss an opportunity to take a great photo. Years before we were married, my husband and I ventured out to take photos of the hot air balloon race during the St. Paul Winter Carnival. We froze our fingers that day but took some awesome photos so of course I jumped at the chance to photo the RE/MAX balloon as it took off from the White Bear Lake.

I thought I had missed out on the flight as it was suppose to fly over the Governor’s Fishing Opener on White Bear Lake this past weekend. I was busy showing homes in Chisago County on Saturday so figured the balloon fly over was just a memory.

On Sunday afternoon, my colleague Rose Hildebrand dropped by my Wyoming open house. She also was holding an open in the same neighborhood and wanted to see my listing. When she casually mentioned the RE/MAX balloon was a go for Sunday evening, I couldn't wait!

The takeoff point was Benson Field just south of Hugo in White Bear Township. It was a beautiful evening. It was a good thing my husband was there, the balloon team needed a bit of help to get the balloon off the ground. There is a bit of work to getting the balloon set up and put away. My fellow RE/MAX Specialist REALTOR®'s Julie Jarvis and Rose Hildebrand were allowed to go along for the ride of their lives. I chose to keep both feet firmly on the ground and capture the adventure in photos.

When asked where they planned to land the balloon, the answer was, wherever the wind takes us. (This wasn't a joke.) We followed the van to assist the team in putting the balloon back in the van and had to chase after the balloon; stopping and assessing along the way. They tried to set down in the Mahtomedi practice field but the wind had other ideas.

They literally ended up landing on the front yard of a home in Mahtomedi. Before landing, the van driver did ask the homeowners permission...Her teenager thought the hot air balloon was amazing and took out a cell phone to snap a few pictures of his own. But their dog, Daisy, who is afraid of regular balloons, was having her worst nightmare. For me however, it was just a fabulous adventure! If you ever have a chance to assist in a RE/MAX hot air balloon adventure of your own, don't turn it down. It was a great way to spend a Sunday evening!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Year End 2008 Snapshot of White Bear Township, MN Home Sales Statistics

Home sales were pretty stable in White Bear Township, Minnesota in 2008 versus 2007. In this northern Ramsey County township has weathered 2008 much better than the neighboring City of White Bear Lake. Home sales dropped just 7.4% and the average sales price held at just over $265,000 down only 2.9%. The days-on-the-market (DOM) was up by only 3 days for the year. White Bear Township is fortunate to have experienced a somewhat stable market in 2008.

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/

Year End 2008 Snapshot of White Bear Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics

Home sales took a bit of a hit in White Bear Lake, Minnesota as home less homes closed for less dollars in 2008 versus 2007. In this Northern Ramsey County city home sales dropped just over 14% but inventory levels should stay the same as there were just over 13% newly listed homes too. The average sales price took a 20% hit as fewer homes over $250,000 are selling anywhere in the Twin Cities. Days on the market it up as it took over a month more time to sell a home in 2008 than in the previous year. With affordability up and prices and interest rates down, now is a great time to consider purchasing a White Bear Lake 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

Weekend Fall Photo Tour of White Bear Lake, Minnesota--A Tapestry of Color!

Saturday was a perfect autumn day in Minnesota if you enjoy Mother Nature's eye candy! The fall colors were just starting to burst in White Bear Lake area. Around every corner there was another tree showing the signs of the crimson red, golden yellow, bittersweet orange or burgundy that was soon to appear. It was the perfect time to take a break from photographing interiors and exteriors that are so common in real estate and take some fun photos of the natural beauty unfolding in the Twin Cities.

Here are just a few of shots I took that showcase some of the beauty found on an autumn day in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Boaters along the shore of White Bear Lake.

End of the season sail across the lake. Just look at the color starting to burst across the water.

Street shot of White Bear Lake Minnesota with a tapestry of color.

Beginnings of fall color near Manitou Island Bridge.

Another view of Manitou Island bridge.

Playful Bear Statue at the park in Washington Square just east of Highway 61.

Washington Square Gazebo with flower baskets that will be but a memory in the weeks to come.

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. 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 2008 terieckholm.com

Twas the Week Before Christmas and all through the County—I’m Showing Houses!

Here it is a week prior to the Christmas Holidays and I am frantically getting ready as I always do this time of year. But in the midst of shopping for presents, sending packages, wrapping gifts and baking cookies, I have to set up and show homes to clients.

A normal year would see a slow down around the holidays but this year real estate has been anything but normal. Buyers have been out there all year long but with change on the horizon for 2008 in the mortgage industry, some buyers are very motivated to find the perfect home now!

So off we went this weekend for showings throughout White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and Hugo and Ham Lake….Surprisingly most of the homes we saw were well prepared for our visit. Christmas trees were lit and added extra sparkle. Sidewalks were shoveled at most homes. And the chocolate chip cookies were a nice touch…Hope they were meant for us and not Santa.

Not all stockings were hung with care in preparation for our visit. The one home owner that did not bother to shovel their driveway after the huge 8-12 inch snowfall last week, did miss out on a sales opportunity. The home was not bad inside but when a homeowner doesn’t bother to maintain the exterior, the interior is reviewed with an extra critical eye. The potential sale was lost as my buyers trekked up the hard packed uneven snow banks to the front door. The Rainbow Goldfish crackers left in a pile on the table were not as appealing as the cookies at the other home either.

Sellers make the most of this week and the opportunity it presents! If a buyer requests a showing on your home, make it available and make them welcome. Many buyers are very serious this time of year! A beautifully prepared home could mean the best present of all for a seller; an acceptable offer all wrapped up for the holidays!

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. 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 2007 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Buying a car in the north and east Twin Cities metro usually means a trip down Highway 61. It is the mecca of new and used cars! Ever since I can remember one a huge Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction, the big polar bear at Polar Chevrolet, has been greeting auto buyers from the shore of Goose Lake just outside of the city of White Bear Lake. There were years where the polar bear donned sunglasses and a painted swimsuit in the summer or a scarf to ward off the winter cold but this year he is just bare.

For nearly half of a century, the giant bear has towered over cars enticing buyers and delighting youngsters. As toddlers, my own kids loved to pass the bear as we traveled up from North St. Paul to Forest Lake. From time to time we still take the slower route up Hwy 61 when returning from Maplewood Mall or my Keller Williams Real Estate office in Vadnais Heights. It is always fun to pass by and wave at the huge bear!


Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville

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. 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 2007 www.terieckholm.com