Dreaming of life on AFFORDABLE Minnesota Lakeshore? New Listings at GREAT PRICES throughout Washington County

Are Minnesota lakeshore owners hoping the real estate market has turned a corner? Maybe. Or is it just a mid-summer night's dream for lakeshore owners?

I noticed an interesting phenomenon in early July that is continuing into August. Lakeshore homes that traditionally list as soon as the ice drops in April were being listed after Independence Day in July. And it was not just the usual handful of slowpokes that added a late summer listing…several lake properties listed in Washington County after July 1st. These are not relisted homes either…You know the ones that are cancelled so they "look new on the market" with a different MLS number every 3-6 months. About a dozen new lakeshore listings hit the market as bona fide new listings in the past six weeks.

Now there are a few newly listed homes where are still dreaming of yesteryear's pricing. But a good number of the new listings were priced competitively...And these are not foreclosures either.

Here are some Washington County "priced-to-sell" Lakeshore Listings that just hit the market:

• Lake Sylvan 1BR/2BA/2car rambler under $155K


• 70’s built Split-level 4BR/3BA/2Car on Forest Lake for $199,900 ($50K below tax value!)


• 2 Heated Cottages on huge lot on Forest Lake’s 3rd Lake. Adorable and priced at $320K.


• Stunning executive home on 100 ft of Forest Lake’s 2nd Lake shoreline. 3400 sq ft 2 story priced in the $770’s


• Affordable 3BR rambler with 132 ft of lakeshore on Lily Lake in Stillwater listed for under $225K.

So those who have lakeshore dreams, this may be the year to take a look at what has listed at the end of the season. There is still time to enjoy a fall campfire on your own piece of shoreline. And, that ice fishing excursion could be much closer to home this winter...right out your own backdoor!

Need to learn more about the size, depth and water quality of Washington County lakes? Check out these links to a few of the most popular lakes in Washington County. For other lakes in the Twin Cities, check the Minnesota DNR Lake Finder.

· Big Carnelian
· Big Marine
· Bone
· Forest
· Jane
· Lily
· White Bear Lake

More Articles on Buying a Minnesota Lakeshore property that might be of interest:

• Buying a Minnesota Lake Home? MN Lakeshore is Affordable; But is the Water Safe?
• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!

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.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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

Washington County Lakeshore, Acreage and New Construction Foreclosures that are Move-In Ready for Homebuyers!

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

Good news is that foreclosures are no longer always trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.Here are a few of the treasures I noted on the Twin Cities MLS in Washington County this weekend:

• 2003 Built Forest Lake 2 Story. Picture-perfect 3BR/3BA/3Car home with over 2100 square feet of living space finished and unfinished basement. Last year listed at $425K bankpriced at $255K.


• 4BR on one level 2Story in Landings of Summerfield Forest Lake. Built in 2006 with all the bells and whistles…Master suite, granite counters, maple cabinets. Tax valued $430K…Bank asking $309K.


• Lakeshore Beauty!! Almost 4700 sq ft finished, 6BR, 2 story with bank of windows to view Forest Lake. Previously listed at 700K, bank listed for under $460K.


• 2BR/2BA end unit townhome with vaulted ceilings in Forest Lake. Originally sold in 2005 for $173K…Bank asking $119K.


• Rambler on 1/2Acre with Egg Lake View in Hugo! 4BR/3BA with 3 car built in 2005 and sold for $539K now asking $449K and not even in foreclosure!


• 4BR/2BA on 5Acres in Hugo. Sold in 2006 for $345K bank asking $180K includes seller pd new septic system!


• New Construction Home in Victor Gardens Hugo with 2100 sq ft finished tudor with creek view priced originally at just under ½ a million but bank has listed for $369K.


• West Lakeland Executive 2.8 acre Estate. 4BR/4BA/3car 2story home with nanny’s quarters and inground pool. Originally asked $900K, bank priced $580K.

If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed home, time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different than when working with a traditional seller.

Seven Tips for homebuyers considering a foreclosed home:

1. 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.


2. Banks reject lowball offers...often with no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.


3. Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.


4. Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. Buyers must be prepared to make all necessary repairs out of their own pocket after closing.


5. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. 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.


6. 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.


7. 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 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/