14 Essential Tips When Making a Move to Minnesota Acreage

Making a move from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro to a more rural area is a dream of many city home owners. But the actual logistics of this type of move can seem overwhelming. As a REALTOR® in the north and east metro, I know there are less amenities and public utilities in country communities; many of which are often taken for granted by urban residents. When my family made our move out to Anoka County acreage, we had to learn this differences first hand and quickly. I have guided many homebuyers over the years and there are many common questions.

Here are 14 important considerations homebuyers should ask prior to moving to acreage in Anoka, Chisago and Washington County.

What is a Septic or Private Sewer system?

Most rural homes have a private septic system. Not all systems are created equal. They are designed for the specific property and size of the home. Even a new septic system can fail if not properly maintained. How do you know if the septic system is working? Since not all communities require point-of-sale inspection, have your REALTOR® require the seller to supply certification of compliance from a certified septic inspector in your purchase agreement. This certification should be no more than three years old. Also, if you have never lived on a home with a septic system, it is important to educate yourself on how to best maintain and protect your private sewer system.

Is there a city water utility or a private well?  Will I need a water softener or other water treatment system?

Families new to the concept of well water have many questions regarding its safety. Most buyers will request the water be tested for bacteria and nitrates in the purchase agreement. This is usually paid for by the seller. If you want the well test for your property to include tests for other contaminants, like lead, it must be specified in the purchase agreement. Annual water testing is recommended for all home owners with wells. 

One question often asked by home buyers considering a property with a private well is about water treatment options available. Many homes with private wells have water softeners to treat the water in the home. Some will go one step further and have a reverse osmosis water treatment system in the kitchens as a drinking water supply.

Is there a natural gas supply to the home or will a propane tank be located on the property?    

Often people looking at acreage will have questions about the huge propane fuel tank located near the home. People from the city usually only see these tanks outside of the gas stations where they pick up the small refills for their gas grills. In the country, the large propane tanks are in many backyards as the source of fuel to heat the home and run appliances. As a fuel source the differences are not noticeable. Propane is the least expensive cleanest fuel if a home does not have access to natural gas.  

Does the home have access to cable or high speed internet or will a satellite connection be required?  Which cable services are available to the home? What are the alternatives if DSL is not available through the phone or cable lines? Do I have to have cable or a dish to get television reception? Will I have cell phone reception?

A decade ago, these were not questions that people worried about in the rural communities. Today our interconnected world brings these questions to the forefront but no worries; there are tons of alternatives today to keep you connected. From hot spots to internet cards there are options to keep your family connected even out in the woods. Even today there are  homes in Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and East Bethel that have limited cable lines and restricted options for high speed internet available. And there are cell phone dead zones no matter how numerous or close those towers seem to be. We have one less than a mile from our house and still have to have a . So if your family is very dependent on their cell phones and cannot survive without a high-speed connection, it is essential ask questions to figure out how to get the best access and reception.

If the road is gravel or unpaved, how often is it maintained by the city/county?

Our road was not paved when we first moved to Ham Lake. We were nearly a mile down a soft, gravel/sand road. When we moved it was late fall and were very surprised when the spring rains and snow melt left the road extremely poor condition. It was treacherous at times. The re-grading was done by the city on a periodic schedule so we had to negotiate the pot-holed road for days. Our road is now paved but the memories still remain.

If you are considering acreage, remember many rural roads are not paved. If the acreage property you are considering is on a gravel or dirt road, try to visit the property on several occasions and under differing conditions. It might be a good idea to talk to the city and county to understand how the road is maintained. Also be sure to ask if there are any plans to pave the road in the future and what would be assessed per property owner for the project.

Is there wildlife?

Well maybe not lions and tigers, but we have had bears and cougars seen near our home in Anoka County. We also have pheasant, hawks, bald eagles, raccoons, foxes, several varieties of squirrels and deer. A flock of wild turkeys have made their home in our neighborhood and continue to nest year after year. And an owl and a hawk have nested in trees in on our property. I rarely saw blue jays, cardinals or hummingbirds in the city, but in our Anoka County acreage home, we see them on a daily basis. While exciting, the downside is sometimes the wildlife comes in. I don't know anyone on Ham Lake acreage that hasn’t had an occasional field mouse enter their home.

Can we have a horse? (Or cow, chickens, goats etc.)

If your move to acreage is for having horses or other farm animals in your backyard, keep in mind that most communities have restrictions on how many, if any, animals are allowed. Whether you can have horses, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, sheep or goats will be determined by the local city regulations. Even the amount of domesticated dogs and cats can be restricted on acreage property, just as it was in most urban communities. So if you plan to run a dog kennel, breed cats or train horses, for business or pleasure, do your due diligence and make sure it is allowed in your new rural community prior to writing an offer.

Is hunting allowed?

In some rural areas hunting is still allowed depending on the amount of acreage, the development restrictions and city and county rules. It was a rude awakening for us to discover our neighbors were allowed to hunt….and it seemed right outside our door too! Imagine our shock that first deer opener when the hunters came out in blaze orange to hunt in the woods next to our home. The property owner, at our request, posted the land and the hunters left. The land has since been developed but it is something everyone moving should understand before buying any acreage home. Check with the city and county for all ordinances regarding firearms.

Can I ride ATV’s, Snowmobiles and Dirt Bikes?

In many cases, this is allowed on acreage but even rural communities can have noise ordinances. Much will depend on the size of the property, proximity to neighbors and how often the riding takes place. Take time to learn what the rules are before starting up the engines and racing around the yard. On the plus side, there are several snowmobile trails throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties which can be just down the road from many homes.

Can we have a bonfire and burn all this debris?

There are strict states and local restrictions regarding burning of construction debris and yard waste. There are restrictions on the size of the fire and what can be burned. Many construction materials cannot be burned because they release chemicals into the air that pose an environmental hazard. There are times of the year where burning is only allowed by permit and sometimes not at all. Before burning it is best to check the local restrictions as well as the DNR.

Where do we shop? How far to the nearest corner store, gas station, shopping center and mall?

Depending on how often you like to shop, this may or may not be a big concern. But it is always nice to know how far you will have to go for a gallon of milk for breakfast, a propane refill for the BBQ or gas for the lawn tractor.

How long does it take to cut the grass?

If your yard is over an acre with few trees, you might consider a lawn tractor. Many people on acreage only cut certain areas leaving the rest to grow to a natural prairie. Another consideration would be whether or not to install an irrigation system for the sod near the home.

Wow! There are a lot of trees! Do I have to worry about oak wilt and emerald Ash Borers?

Oak wilt is a big concern in throughout Minnesota. Many of the communities have information and programs to help protect and save the oak trees from this disease.  Recently people have been extremely concerned with the emerald ash borer that has been found in Ramsey County and now Anoka County too. These insects bored into ash trees and tunnel under the bark eventually killing the tree. There are programs to control the spread of the insects.

What about emergencies? How far to the nearest hospital? Where is the nearest fire station? Who provides police protection?

No one wants to think about these things when moving but accidents and illnesses do happen. It was a long hour drive to Children's Hospital in St. Paul when my son fell and needed stitches. If the nearest fire station is staffed with volunteers and over five miles away, it will seem like a lifetime during those 5-10 minutes while you wait for the fire truck to show up to YOUR home. And big fires in dry areas will need the water trucked in due to limited water hydrants, if any, like in the city. Many rural communities do not have police officers but are patrolled by the county sheriff's department. Understand your options before an emergency occurs because it will likely take a bit longer if you are in a rural area.

With a little planning, and a good REALTOR®, your move to Minnesota acreage can be a great one!

READY to Make YOUR Move? 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

Speechless Sunday (Almost) Thinking Spring!

The unexpected temperatures nearing 60 degrees this afternoon in my Anoka County backyard are making me think that our crab apple blossoms may actually bloom soon. Spring is here on the calendar and warmer temperature have the real estate market really heating up. Buyers are out, but the housing supply is limited right now throughout the Minneapolis/St Paul metro. This is giving home sellers the upper-hand right now but only until the spring housing supply catches up. If you were waiting until spring to list your home, now is the time!

 
Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Buying a Home in October in the Halloween Capital of the World!

It is almost time for one of my favorite holidays, Halloween, and it is not just because I live in Anoka County, Minnesota either.  Anoka, Minnesota is the  "Halloween Capital of the World" which puts tricks and treats on the minds of many young people (and those young at heart) in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes". 

Minnesotans are often referred to as "Minnesota Nice" and when a home closing is closed to a holiday it does put the buyers and sellers in festive moods. Halloween is no exception. As an Anoka County REALTOR®, I have witnessed many a late October closing with "interesting" and topical questions asked by the new buyer of the home seller to a new home buyer. 

In Minnesota it is traditional for all parties to sit down in the same room for the closing transaction. After all the signing is done, the title company representatives  leave the room to make copies of the documents and to prepare the checks from the final settlement. During this time,  home sellers take a few minutes to share some idiosyncrasies of the home and pass over the keys, Often these are expected concerns like how to change the code for the electronic garage door opener, has the sprinkling system been blown out for the season or where the water shut off is located.

In late October the questions are often a bit more "festive". New homeowners buying into  neighborhoods big and small often want to know how many kids are in the neighborhood  which quickly translates to how many bags of candy will be needed.

A few years ago I attended a closing for a home in Anoka, County. The seller lived on a dead end street with only a handful of neighbors as is quite normal in this area filled with acreage homes. The seller made share the wants of young neighbor girl who had recently lost a front tooth (or two). She had stopped over with a request for "Reethe's Pee-thes" as her preferred Halloween Candy. 

Have a festive, fun and safe HALLOWEEN!

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Real Estate Word of the Day: Easement

I was talking to an old friend recently who mentioned new company had moved into Minneapolis/St. Paul area named FICO. I was taken aback by the confusion because most people living in the Twin Cities north metro are aware the business analytics company, Fair Isaac Corporation, has been located in Shoreview for decades. So the "new" company was just  Fair Issac being renamed as it's acronym, FICO. But it was eyeopening that few outside the real estate and mortgage industry may have made this connection.

Once again, I was a bit surprised that such a simple term I use everyday as a REALTOR® would be unknown to others. But then it got me thinking of all the times a glazed look came over a buyer’s eyes when I talked about escrow or earnest money. These can easily be confused with other real estate and mortgage terms like down payment or cash to close. It is totally understandable because most home buyers do not buy houses everyday.

There are so many terms that could possibly confuse a First Time Home buyer that I thought an online glossary of real estate terms might be helpful. So over the next several weeks I am going to have a series of posts for the first time homebuyer with explanations of the most often used (and sometimes confusing) real estate terms. This way you can skip buying that big “how to buy a house” book or attending that First Time Home Buyer Class and have a quick resource at your fingertips. Today’s Real Estate Term is:

Easement—A right given by the landowner for a specific use of a portion of his/her property granted to a third party. Once the right is given and recorded on the title it continues unless vacated by the entity that received it. Common easements include utility and driveway easements. There can be more than one easement on any given property. When buying a home it is important to understand where the easements are as they can dictate what you can and cannot do with the land.

For instance, a new septic system, storage shed or flower garden cannot be constructed in a utility easement as the easement holder uses the easement for access to under and above ground utilities. Likewise a drainage easement could literally wash away your landscaping investment.

Driveway easements allow access to a landlocked property. While such agreements often provide an acceptable solution for access, they can cause headaches for neighbors who aren’t respectful of each others.

Easement holder does not own the land but has a right to use the land as specified in the easement agreement. This differs from an encroachment where a third party uses the land without permission.
 

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Blown Over Tree Cancel Your Home Sale? Understanding Risk of Loss

We are currently experiencing a real estate market rebound and though it may seem unrelated a crazy storm weather pattern. With the summer storm season is upon us and sold signs appearing on homes throughout the Minneapolis/St Paul metro, there are bound to be homes that will sustain storm damage before closing.  

So what if the unthinkable happens and a few weeks prior to the closing, straight-line winds blow through town and damage your property. Maybe picturesque hundred year old oak trees that gave the home character have been uprooted. Or worse yet, what if one of the huge oaks fell onto your house severely damaging the roof. What happens now?

What you might not realize is that this situation has been addressed in the purchase agreement you have signed. Risk of Loss is one of those “boiler plate” clauses on page four of the purchase agreement used for almost every real estate transaction in the State of Minnesota. Being preprinted, some agents and/or their clients will gloss over this clause when dealing with closing dates and net prices but it is a very important concept to understand, as is every other line in the document you sign to buy or sell a home.

This paragraph clearly states that the risk of loss due to any reason whether an act of God or the acts of vandals will be the responsibility of the seller from the time the purchase agreement is signed until the date of closing. That means if there is a fire or accident the seller will be required to bring the home into the condition that it was in at the time the contract was written and signed.

So if that temperamental decade old washing machine goes on the fritz, the seller is required to replace it. If a neighbor backs over the mailbox at the end of your driveway, it must be repaired or replaced with a new one. Final walk-throughs of the property are essential to ascertain the condition of the home is acceptable to the buyer prior to signing the closing documents. 

But what happens if it is irreplaceable picturesque trees that have fallen on the roof?
 

Even if there is substantial time prior to a closing, for the seller to call their insurance company and have the home repaired, that may not be enough. But, Is it the same house? And more importantly does the buyer still have to buy the home? In a word, no.

The clause goes on to say that in the case where there is substantial damage to the home or property, it is the buyer’s option to cancel or continue with the purchase agreement. The situation outlined above is common situation where the landscaping is changed due to storm damage. Often this cannot be replaced. The damage to the home could also result in an insurance claim that would now be reflected in a CLUE insurance report. This could affect the cost to insure the home. Buyers can opt to cancel the contract in this situation with all earnest money refunded.

Risk of loss comes into play from time to time in residential real estate transactions. In most cases the repairs are made quickly to both the buyer’s and seller’s satisfaction and the contract will close on time. But when the property sustains significant damage as determined in the buyers' eyes, they have the option of continuing to closing or walking away from the deal. Boilerplate or not, risk of loss is an important clause to understand when buying or selling a home.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Why Should a Home Seller Pay the Buyer's Closing Costs?

Sellers are excited about being in the driver's seat again...yes, it is a sellers market in the Minneapolis/St Paul north metro again. When I do a market analysis on a home for a potential home seller, I give always net sheet of estimated of closing costs associated with closing the sale of the home. 

One of the items on the list is “Seller contribution to the Buyer’s Closing Costs.” This particular cost doesn't sit well with most homeowners. Every now and again,  a seller will verbally scoff and say something to the effect of, “My own closing costs are high enough. Why would I want to contribute to the BUYERS too?”
 
But even in this seller's market, the answer is quite simple: So they can BUY your house!
Today most buyers are required to put down a minimum of 3-5% of the purchase price of the home as a down payment. The closing costs for a buyer include title insurance, home owner’s insurance, appraisals, loan origination fees, name search fees, filing fees and more. As a REALTOR® in the communties throughout Anoka County and the north metro Twin Cities, I see these closing costs will run anywhere from $6000-$8000 for a first time buyer. Couple this amount with a required down payment and few buyers have the funds to purchase a home. 

It's not just first time buyers that need the help either. Many move up buyers are getting out of their small starter homes that they purchased just before the housing market downturn. The market has recovered enough now that these families can break even at best. They don't have a huge down payment, but want to make the move up to a larger home so they often ask for closing cost assistance from the seller to make the deal work.

The bottom line is: homebuyers have the option of waiting and saving for additional closing costs or asking for seller assistance. In many cases a financial institution will allow a seller to assist a buyer by paying either points to reduce the interest rates and/or closing costs.

How does this work? Let’s say that a home is on the market for $200,000. The buyer writes their offer for $195,000 and their financial institution allows up to 3% seller’s assistance with fees and closing costs. They decide to ask the seller in their purchase agreement document for $5000, thus the net offer to the seller for the home is $190,000. 

If a seller does not want to pay the closing costs, the buyer in many cases will not be able to purchase the home. It the offer is accepted, the seller’s proceeds at closing would then be reduced by the $5000. Sellers do not have to come up with the funds in cash if there is sufficient equity in the home to cover both the buyer's and the seller's costs.

When an offer comes in on a home, it is sometimes confusing to sellers what the sale price versus net number is. In the case above, the $195,000 would be the sale’s price on the purchase agreement but by paying the $5000 in closing costs, the seller’s net number is really $190,000 less the seller's own closing costs including all fees and commission.

If as a seller you decide to counter on the original offer, you can counter on the sales price of the home or the amount of closing costs paid. When counter offers are involved, a seller needs to make certain that they understand what the net proceeds will be in each offer and counter offer.

This is where the assistance of an experienced, professional REALTOR® comes into play. As a real estate agent, I provide my clients with a seller's net sheet that outlines all costs and fees that has been updated after receiving the offer. When counter offers start going back and forth, I reiterate at each step what my seller's net number to help eliminate the confusion.

Assisting a buyer with closing costs can be the ticket to getting your home even in a seller driven real estate market. Understanding the process is simple with the assistance of a knowledgable real estate agent!

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

14 Important Tips for Homebuyers Moving to Minnesota Acreage

Tips for Moving to Acreage in Minnesota

Home prices are rebounding and many city homeowners are thinking this is the year we can sell and have enough money to move to a larger home. For some, it is not just the size of the home that they want to increase, many people dream of living outside the city on a hobby farm or small acreage. Making such a move can be overwhelming if you don't know the differences between city and country life. It's not just more space and less neighbors, many times there are less amenities or public utilities too.

Moving to Minnesota acreage doesn’t have to make you feel overwhelmed. Good planning can ease the transition from life in the city to your new life on a Minnesota hobby farm or small acreage!

As a REALTOR® who works throughout the north and east Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, I show homes to other families looking a bigger backyard. My family made a similar move years ago. At first we were frustrated with our decision and wanted to sell our new Anoka County home and move back to our old North St. Paul neighborhood where we had lived for years. But after a few showings of city homes we quickly realized, you cannot go back….the yards in the city looked too small after a year on 2 acres. Yes, acreage has its appeal.

It took about a year before we fully embraced life on our Ham Lake acres. And now working as a REALTOR® , I have assisted several friends and old neighbors make similar moves out of the city to Anoka and Chisago County hobby farms and acreage homes. In each of these transactions, I notice that the same questions continue to come up whether considering a hobby farm in Ham Lake, an acreage lakeshore home in Lino Lakes, a horse property in Columbus or an executive estate in Andover. Though the properties that are being considered are only 15-20 miles from the bustling city life of downtown Minneapolis, the airport and the Mall of America, there are significant differences in the rural way of life.

Here are 14 important questions and considerations homebuyers should ask before they move from the city to acreage in Anoka and Chisago Counties.

**What is a Septic or Private Sewer system?

Most rural homes have a private septic system. Not all systems are created equal. They are designed for the specific property and size of the home. Even a new septic system can fail if not properly maintained. How do you know if the septic system is working? Since not all communities require point-of-sale inspection, have your REALTOR® require the seller to supply certification of compliance from a certified septic inspector in your purchase agreement. This certification should be no more than three years old. Also, if you have never lived on a home with a septic system, it is important to educate yourself on how to best maintain and protect your private sewer system.  Additional information on Septic Systems.

**Is there a city water utility or a private well?  Will I need a water softener or other water treatment system?

Families new to the concept of well water have many questions regarding its safety. Most buyers will request the water be tested for bacteria and nitrates in the purchase agreement. This is usually paid for by the seller. If you want the well test for your property to include tests for other contaminants, like lead, it must be specified in the purchase agreement. Annual water testing is recommended for all home owners with wells. Locate your MN Unique Well Number.

One question often asked by home buyers considering a property with a private well is about water treatment options available. Many homes with private wells have water softeners to treat the water in the home. Some will go one step further and have a reverse osmosis water treatment system in the kitchens as a drinking water supply. Additional information on Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Drinking Systems.

**Is there a natural gas supply to the home or will a propane tank be located on the property?    

Often people looking at acreage will have questions about the huge propane fuel tank located near the home. People from the city usually only see these tanks outside of the gas stations where they pick up the small refills for their gas grills. In the country, the large propane tanks are in many backyards as the source of fuel to heat the home and run appliances. As a fuel source the differences are not noticeable. Propane is the least expensive cleanest fuel if a home does not have access to natural gas. Additional information on the differences between natural gas and propane.

**Does the home have access to cable or high speed internet or will a satellite connection be required?  Which cable services are available to the home? What are the alternatives if DSL is not available through the phone or cable lines? Do I have to have cable or a dish to get television reception? Will I have cell phone reception?

A decade ago, these were not questions that people worried about in the rural communities. Today our interconnected world brings these questions to the forefront but no worries; there are tons of alternatives today to keep you connected. From hot spots to internet cards there are options to keep your family connected even out in the woods. However, there are many homes in Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and East Bethel that do not have cable lines or high speed internet available through the phone lines. And there are cell phone dead zones no matter how numerous or close those towers seem to be. We have one less than a mile from our house and still have to have a Sprint Airave to get continuous cell phone reception. So if your family lives on the internet and could not live without a high-speed connection, it is essential ask questions to figure out how to get the best access and reception.

**If the road is gravel or unpaved, how often is it maintained by the city/county?

Our road was not paved when we first moved to Ham Lake. We were nearly a mile down a soft, gravel/sand road. When we moved it was late fall and were very surprised when the spring rains and snow melt left the road extremely poor condition. It was treacherous at times. The re-grading was done by the city on a periodic schedule so we had to negotiate the pot-holed road for days. Our road is now paved but the memories still remain.

If you are considering acreage, remember many rural roads are not paved. If the acreage property you are considering is on a gravel or dirt road, try to visit the property on several occasions and under differing conditions. It might be a good idea to talk to the city and county to understand how the road is maintained. Also be sure to ask if there are any plans to pave the road in the future and what would be assessed per property owner for the project.

**Is there wildlife?

Well maybe not lions and tigers, but we have had bears and cougars seen near our home in Anoka County. We also have pheasant, hawks, bald eagles, raccoons, foxes, several varieties of squirrels and deer. A flock of wild turkeys have made their home in our neighborhood and continue to nest year after year. And an owl and a hawk have nested in trees in on our property. I rarely saw blue jays, cardinals or hummingbirds in the city, but in our Anoka County acreage home, we see them on a daily basis. While exciting, the downside is sometimes the wildlife comes in. I don't know anyone on Ham Lake acreage that hasn’t had an occasional field mouse enter their home.

**Can I have horses?

If your move to acreage is for having horses or other farm animals in your backyard, keep in mind that most communities have restrictions on how many, if any, animals are allowed. Whether you can have horses, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, sheep or goats will be determined by the local city regulations. Even the amount of domesticated dogs and cats can be restricted on acreage property, just as it was in most urban communities. So if you plan to run a dog kennel, breed cats or train horses, for business or pleasure, make sure it is allowed in your new rural community prior to writing an offer.

**Is hunting allowed?

In some rural areas hunting is still allowed depending on the amount of acreage, the development restrictions and city and county rules. It was a rude awakening for us to discover our neighbors were allowed to hunt….and it seemed right outside our door too! Imagine our shock that first deer opener when the hunters came out in blaze orange to hunt in the woods next to our home. The property owner, at our request, posted the land and the hunters left. The land has since been developed but it is something everyone moving should understand before buying any acreage home. Check with the city and county for all ordinances regarding firearms.

**Where are the schools?

The public school districts in rural communities can be vast. In the Forest Lake School District 831, students come from communities as far west as Ham Lake, as far south as Lino Lakes, as far east as Scandia and as far north as Stacy! It you drive from the western border to the eastern border of the district, it takes almost 45 minutes, one way! There is only one high school in the district, so your children's best friend from school could literally live almost an hour from your home. But the opportunities to get to know kids from all areas can outweigh any negatives. The bottom line here is, it pays to research the school district prior to any housing decisions.

Also school alternatives can be limited. Communities in the city have dozens of private and charter school options. These options are much lower in rural areas due to the smaller population.  Additional information on Educational Alternatives in the North Metro.

**Can we have a bonfire and burn all this debris?

There are strict state and local restrictions regarding burning of construction debris and yard waste. There are restrictions on the size of the fire and what can be burned. Many construction materials cannot be burned because they release chemicals into the air that pose an environmental hazard. There are times of the year where burning is only allowed by permit and sometimes not at all. Before burning it is best to check the local restrictions as well as the DNR. More information on MN Fire Restrictions.

**Where do we shop? How far to the nearest corner store, gas station, shopping center and mall?

Depending on how often you like to shop, this may or may not be a big concern. But it is always nice to know how far you will have to go for a gallon of milk for breakfast, a propane refill for the BBQ or gas for the lawn tractor.

**How long does it take to cut the grass?

If your yard is over an acre with few trees, you might consider a lawn tractor. Many people on acreage only cut certain areas leaving the rest to grow to a natural prairie. Another consideration would be whether or not to install an irrigation system for the sod near the home.

**Wow! There are a lot of trees! Do I have to worry about oak wilt and emerald Ash Borers?

Oak wilt is a big concern in Anoka and Chisago counties. Many of the communities have information and programs to help protect and save the oak trees from this disease. And Additional information regarding oak wilt. Recently people have been extremely concerned with the emerald ash borer that has been found in Ramsey County communities including St. Paul and Shoreview. These insects bored into ash trees and tunnel under the bark eventually killing the tree. There are programs to control the spread of the insects. Additional information on the Emerald Ash Borer

**What about emergencies? How far to the nearest hospital? Where is the nearest fire station? Who provides police protection?

No one wants to think about these things when moving but accidents and illnesses do happen. It was a long hour drive to Children's Hospital in St. Paul when my young son fell and needed stitches. If the nearest fire station is staffed with volunteers and over five miles away, it will seem like a lifetime during those 5-10 minutes while you wait for the fire truck to show up to YOUR home. And big fires in dry areas will need the water trucked in due to limited water hydrants, if any, like in the city. Many rural communities do not have police officers but are patrolled by the county sheriff's department. Understand your options before an emergency occurs because it will likely take a bit longer if you are in a rural area.

With a little planning your move to a home on acreage can be a great one!

Copyright 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Wordless Wednesday (Almost) I Smell Fabulous!

Cinnamon loves playing with ribbons and this one that came with my Christmas gift is no exception. She smells nothing like Coco though...and when your home is on the market it is important to remember that pet odors can make or break a sale.

Here are a few additional tips for selling a home with pets:

• Keep your pet well groomed to reduce odor, hair and damage caused by nails & claws.

• Get a pet bed for your dogs and cats. (Several are available at OLDDOGPAWS.com. It not only is more comfortable than the floor, it keeps dirt and sweat from their fur from going into the carpet fibers. Move the bed from room to room or buy a couple for their favorite spots. Pet beds are considerably cheaper than replacing carpet. Cats like beds too...especially if positioned in front of  windows.


• Have a proper sized kennel or cage for exotic pets and clean often.


• Clean all accidents immediately. Use special pet cleaners to remove odors and stains.


• Cover all exposed woodwork especially around windows. Pets love to jump up and look out windows. Use gates to limit your pet's access to soft wood floors like birch or cherry wood. scratches from nails will often require the floor to be completely sanded down before refinishing which can be costly.


• Avoid chaining your dog to the side of your house for long periods of time. Chains and bolts can cause both cosmetic and structural damage to your home.

• If your pet shows behavior problems such as chewing, clawing etc, address them immediately to avoid damage to your home.

 

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Act NOW on that Real Estate SLEEPER Before it is SOLD!

Maybe you don't know what I mean by a "sleeper". Well, if there's a home you have been watching for a  few months that seems to be priced right but just isn't selling. It's not a short sale but it just isn't moving. In some ways, compared to some of the homes recently listed, it is a steal of a deal. Yet you are kind of waiting on the sidelines, not sure if now is the time to buy a home. You are timing the market so to speak, waiting for the perfect moment to make your move and watching to see if seller of that real estate "sleeper" is going to drop the price. Well wake up bargain hunters...You might not be the only one with an eye on that sleeper and if you wait too long it will be SOLD!

A real estate "sleeper" is a home that is priced fantastically and is a great deal but few people, if anyone, is paying attention to it. It is a solid property, in a good location, structurally sound and priced well but has not sold. In a buyer's market where there is significant home inventory but few buyers, sleepers are abundant. And surprisingly, while inventory has gotten tight with few new listings coming on the market, there are still some sleepers out there too!

How does this happen? Maybe the home was originally over priced and though price reductions have brought it into line, it is continues to be overlooked. Some buyers only look at just listed homes and avoid houses that have high days-on-market statistics.

Possibly several very similar homes went on the market at the same time and maybe this one just didn't compete as well in decor. Picture for a second, three homes listed during the same week in a cookie-cutter development where all the homes have roughly the same floor plan. All the home are the same age, condition, and priced very well, but only one homebuyer comes through the neighborhood during the first few weeks. So after 30 days, there are two sleepers left that didn't sell. Since the two houses are essentially the same as the neighboring home that sold, it's wasn't because the homes aren't properly priced. This is another scenario that will cause a sleeper.

But if you are sitting on the sidelines and just watching your perfect home for another price reduction, beware. I have recently had a buyer working through the numbers and watching a sleeper in northern Washington County. In this case, nothing was happening on the property but there was one price reduction, then another and suddenly the home was SOLD straight into pending! In this particular cases, if wasn't the cookie-cutter variety either. It was a beautiful new construction model in Scandia. The home was in a perfect location with a nice private lot. 

And then are my listed homes after being on the market for a few months suddenly will have over half a dozen serious buyers take a look at the home. Agents and their buyers are nonchalant when I stress the home has had a sudden surge of interest. Many even "pooh-poohed" the idea and mildly accused me of trying to coerce an offer. When the first offer came in, sellers don't want to wait and see if another offer might materialize. They make their decisions and the homes are suddenly sold!

If the sleeper phenomena had happened only one time this past year, I would consider it a fluke but I have experienced this situation on homes throughout Ramsey, Washington, Chisago and Anoka Counties recently. In some cases I was the listing agent and others I was representing buyers.

So homebuyers heed my warning, if you are on the fence watching a sleeper, now might be the perfect time to make your move...Before someone else beats you to it!

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

Amazing Anoka County Acreage Foreclosures: Home Sweet Home on a Budget!

Looking for a foreclosure, bank-owned or short sale but need to be able to live in the home immediately after closing?

It's time to stop thinking of foreclosures as a dumpy, unmaintained home that will sit on the market waiting forever for someone to write up a lowball offer! In many instances, that is absolutely NOT the case. People are snapping up deals all over Anoka County on acreage foreclosed homes that are in awecome condition and priced to sell. Some are bank-owned foreclosures but many are sellers just pricing their homes properly to sell in this changed real estate market. As a buyer, you have to be ready to see a home as soon as it lists as the good homes are selling FAST! Also, buyers must be aware--The best homes are getting MULTIPLE offers the day they list!

Here are a few Anoka County homes that I noted that sold in DAYS:

• Blaine 2003 built townhome near Tournament Players Club. Perfect 3BR with 2 baths and garage stalls listed at $110K. Sold in 1 day.


• Coon Rapids Classic 1956 3BR rambler with 1/2 acre yard in move in condition. Bank owned price at $69.9K sold in 10 days.


• Coon Rapids 1998 built 2BR/2BA/2car townhome with whirlpool bath and built-in entertainment center. Listed at $80K and sold in 9 days..


• Ramsey 1992 built, 4BR/2BA split w/kitchen appliances and family room w/wet bar and wood stove. Listed at $97.5K sold with multiple offers in 7 days.

This economy has home builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in excellent condition. Some may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are houses that are move-in ready too.

There are more deals out there too…Here are a few of the treasures I noted on the Twin Cities MLS in Anoka County today:

• Bankowned Anoover 4 level 3BR/2BA 4 car  built in 2002 listed for $216K...jacuzzi tub and gas fireplace too! Home originally sold without finished basement for $270K 
• 1995 Built Blaine Townhome with 2BR/3BA/2Car near TPC golf course for $104,900...Previously listed at $180K. A price drop of $75K!
• 5BR/2BA/3Car on wooded 1/2 acre lot in Blaine on located across from playground with a tax value of $208K.
• Cute 2BR/2BA/2Car Centerville townhome built in 1998. Sold for $167K in 2004 now lender bargain price is $89,900.
• 4+Acres and Polebarn in Columbus A 3BR/1BA/2Car 1967 rambler  with original hardwood. Previously listed at $350K bank priced at $179,900.
• 5Bedrooms on almost 5Acres in Columbus New stainless steel appliances and carpeting in this 1987 built 4 level. Original list price was $295,000 now lender bargain price is $232.9K.
• Ham Lake Executive Two Story on 4.5 Acres! 4BR/4BA/3Car treasure corner whirlpool tub and custom built-ins throughout home. Originally sold for $620K in 2004. Bank listed at $429K

If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed home, get your ducks in a row because homes are being offered at rock bottom prices. Here are a few tips for those considering offering on a foreclosed home.

• Be Prepared for Multiple Offers! Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first and quickly. Every offer I have submitted on a bank-owned home in the past year has had to compete in a multiple situation and sold for MORE that it was listed for in the MLS. Expect this trend to continue as inventory is low and interest rates are very attractive.

• Banks LOVE clean offers. Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won’t be considered.


• Banks will reject lowball offers…no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.


• Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. In most cases repairs will not be made.


• In most cases a banks will not pay for inspecting the septic system or well. Those will be the buyer’s responsibility along with all other inspections. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500. (The exception to this rule is the communities where there is a point of sale inspection requirement.)


• Personal property is not included as part of the sale. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don’t guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace.


• Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank. In many cases, the bank will not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the bank…the listing agent is required to tell the bank everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The agent works only for the bank.

 Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

One Size Does NOT Fit All When Selecting a REALTOR®

One of my family's favorite places to visit on a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is the Animation Building in Disney’s Hollywood Studios There is a spot after the animation tour where a couple dozen would-be illustrators can go for a half hour class with a Disney artist. The class gives step-by-step directions on how to draw a beloved Disney Character. It the past we have had the chance to draw Mickey , Goofy, Pluto, Stitch and even Jack Skellington and Scrooge McDuck. Thankfully, talent is not required and the only art on display is the actual instructors. At the end of the session, everyone leaves with a drawing that somewhat resembles the character that is up on the screen.

The best part of the day is when we compare our drawings Here are examples of my family’s drawings from when my sons were in grade school. Though all of our drawings look like Walt’s old pal, Mickey Mouse, none are identical to each other (and definitely NOT as expert as the one draw by the instructor!). Lesson learned? Everyone who can hold a pencil and follow simple instructions can draw Mickey Mouse, but it takes talent and experience to become a great Disney artist!

Now in real estate, there is a similar situation; anyone can take a real estate class but not all REALTORS® are exactly the same.

Though, REALTORS® do take the same required classes and tests to become agents and adhere to a very specific code of ethics, we are people not machines. As people, we are individuals with different life experiences and talents. Not every real estate agent does things exactly the same way. We all come into each experience with our own talents, abilities and backgrounds. Through education, we may become similar but not identical.

So what does working with a REALTOR® really mean to a buyer or seller?

REALTORS® do abide by a Code of Ethics. In my Minnesota real estate practice, I take these rules very seriously. It is considered the standard of practice that I work under as I truly believe it is the right way to do business. Although there are many details to the complete code of ethics, here are a few points I would like to highlight:

REALTORS® pledge to protect and promote the interests of their client.
REALTORS® do not mislead on property value.
REALTORS® must disclose material defects and facts on properties.
REALTORS® must not discriminate.
REALTORS® must disclose dual agency.
REALTORS® are required to be accountable for funds.
REALTORS® must disclose accepted offers.
REALTORS® are required to provide competent service.
REALTORS® are not lawyers and cannot offer legal advice.
REALTORS® preserve the confidential information of their clients.

When selecting a REALTOR® make sure that the person is on the same page with you and can draw up and present the contract in a professional manner. Take the time to research and select a professional REALTOR® that will be your partner and advocate. Work with a person you like and trust to help you understand the process and negotiate the best deal for you!

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

Love Your Pet! Protect Your Home!

Tips for protecting home from pet damage

Just yesterday I was out showing homes in northern Anoka County. We were at a lovely, well kept home in East Bethel. As we pulled into the driveway, we could hear barking from the garage. The two kenneled dogs did not bother the showing at all. But as I inspected the home with my buyers, we noticed chew marks on the oak door frame near the floor.. In this particular case, my buyers discounted the small flaw in an otherwise meticulously well kept home, Pets do make a difference when selling a home.

Americans LOVE their pets! Dogs, cats, bunnies, snakes, hamsters...you name it. Some people let them sleep in the bedroom or eat in their kitchens. Others will cook fresh food for the dog, while nuking a frozen meal for the family. People dress their pets up and treat them like a member of the family (well, they are, aren't they?) But it is important to remember the damage a pet can do to your home.

As a REALTOR® working in the north and east Minneapolis and St Paul metro area, I have seen some strange pets inside of some homes...everything from lizards to a tank of fresh trout and a rabbit with the run of the house. And of course, there are people who have dogs and cats too. Many homeowners take great measures to protect their homes and property but some do not.

A few years ago I walked into a vacant home that was clean to the eye yet the potential buyers who were able to pick out the exact closet where litter box used to be located. Not only have I have seen puppy's teeth marks on the sides of oak door frames, I have seen similar damage to cedar decking and claw marks on wood floors. I have walked through extensively landscaped yards destroyed by holes dug by chained dogs. I have witnessed the family cat of a seller jumping up and attaching itself to the screen apparently to notifiy its owner it was time to come back inside. One home had a huge terrarium full of noisy crickets and a note letting all potential buyers that this was the food for the lizards in the other room. There was a family of sellers with the horse in the front yard leaving droppings by the entrance. But the loose rabbit hopping through the home leaving droppings (that were NOT jelly beans) had to be the worst!

While these "petscapades" are amusing to read about, it's not so funny when you go to sell your home. When if you are trying to sell and haven't addressed pet damage and odor issues, you may find yourself discounting your selling price significantly to attract a buyer.

Odors are the worst. People who keep pets in carpeted rooms even in cages or kennels can have serious problems. Clean any accident immediately with a special cleaner designed to remove pet urine odors. In extreme cases the odor will not be removed with a simple steam cleaning. In this situation the carpet should be replaced. Homeowners with poorly trained pets may find that they are not only replacing the carpet but also the padding and  the sub-flooring to eliminate the smell.

But smells aren't the only problem. Stains from accidents or the ground-in dirt from a favorite sleeping spot can be impossible to remove. Our cats knocked down a just-watered plant onto our light-colored carpeting a few years ago. The damp potting soil never completely was removed from the carpet. We plan to replace that carpet prior to selling our home. When our dog started to stain the carpet by sleeping in the exact same spot day after day, we invested in a few dog beds. By strategically placing the beds around the house, we protected our carpets from further discoloration.

It is possible to love your pet and protect your home!

• Keep your pet well groomed to reduce odor, hair and nail damage.
• Get a pet bed for your dogs and cats. Dogs loves the extra comfort and it keeps dirt and sweat from his coat from going into the carpet fibers. We will move his from room to room during the day so he can stay with us. If this is too much trouble, buy several. They are considerably cheaper than replacing carpet. Our cat uses his bed daily too. It is positioned for his easy access in front of his favorite window so he doesn't jump and leave marks on the woodwork.
• Have a proper sized kennel or cage for exotic pets and clean often.
• Clear all accidents immediately. Use special pet cleaners to remove odors and stains.
• Cover all exposed woodwork especially around windows. Pets love to jump up and look out windows. Use gates to limit your pet's access to soft wood floors like birch or cherry wood. Nail marks require the floor to be completely sanded down before refinishing. It can get very costly.
• Don't chain your dog to the side of your house. Chains and bolts can cause both cosmetic and structural damage to your home.
• If your dog shows behavior problems such as chewing, clawing etc, address them immediately to avoid damage to your home.

Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm