The Art of the LOWBALL offer on Real Estate—How Low is it Safe for a Home Buyer to Go?

So you have scoured the internet for the perfect home and you found it! But it is tens of thousands overpriced compared to similar homes. Is there an art to submitting a lowball offer in this changed real estate market? Where do you start? 10% less? 20% less? 50% less? And is it the percentage less than the original list price or the current asking price?

Welcome to the reality of the real estate market today! There is no one-size-fits-all answer on this one. It really depends.

As a REALTOR® working in the north and east Twin Cities metro for several years, I have seen my share of sellers who were insulted by a buyer’s offer. And not just in a market where buyers have the upper hand either. A decade ago, anything but a full priced offer was insulting. Buyers were afraid to request a few thousand toward closing costs lest the sellers would balk and accept the next offer in line. So buyers would skip inspections and write offers thousands more than asking just to get into their "dream" home.

Those days are but a memory now...Sellers throughout Anoka, Washington and Chisago Counties are anxious to sell. They know that they are competing with short sale sellers (those who have to sell and owe much more than their home is currently worth) and foreclosed homes. Few traditional home owners with “for sale” signs in the yard are naive enough to expect a full priced offer in this changed market.

The problem is that there are naive buyers who believe sellers are desperate to take ANY offer. But in reality most sellers can't or won't accept just “ANY” offer. An offensive lowball offer could put the buyers’ dream home purchase in jeopardy.

How to Coming up with an Acceptable Starting Point:

• Ask Your REALTOR® to do a Market Analysis for the Home. In this market, I always pull the comparables to see what has sold recently in the neighborhood before my buyers decide what to offer on a home. Many sellers are listing homes at or below current market value. If the home is properly priced, anything less than 15% of the current asking price could be considered an insult. Currently, in the Twin Cities market, most homes are selling for about 990-95% of asking price. This percentage does not include seller paid closing costs either which does reduce the net offer. By looking at the neighborhood comparables, my buyers better understand what offer will be considered reasonable.

Keep in mind that if you are working directly with the listing agent who is under contract with the seller, they cannot ethically prepare a market analysis for a buyer. As a dual agent (working for the buyer and the seller) they must remain neutral regarding price negotiations.

• Consider the Original List Price. If someone has come down 25-30% or more from when they originally put their home on the market, they have made improvements since listing to the condition and now the market analysis shows the home is priced fairly, writing an offer over 10-15% less could be insulting. If this truly is THE home for my buyers, we discuss whether it makes sense to offer closer to the asking price rather than hitting the seller with a lowball offer.

• The Overpriced Home. If the market analysis shows the home to be significantly overpriced and the offer will be more than 20-25% less than current the current asking price. I provide the comparables to the seller. Sometimes when the offer is accompanied by documentation to back up the offer, the seller is less offender especially when it is explained that these are the same comparables that will be used by an appraiser. If the home doesn't appraise, the offer will have to be renegotiated in most circumstances.


• Buyer’s Plans to Remodel and Update. Be careful when using documentation for changes that reflect cosmetic and personal taste. Many sellers will be insulted when a buyer’s offer indicates that they are offering tens of thousands less due to paint, carpet and other cosmetic changes that a buyer wants to make. If the updates are necessary due to age or wear, make note of the fact and consider whether the home is currently priced to reflect the condition or not. Slamming a well maintained and updated home to justify a low offer is insulting.


• Avoid Considering Price Paid for Home. Many buyers think that if someone purchased a home a decade ago they mus have tons of equity. This could be true but it is not a hard and fast rule. Many sellers have taken the equity out of their home for improvements or for other reasons. Keep the negotiations focused on the fair market value of the home.

Most sellers are in waiting impatiently for that non-contingent buyer to write an offer on their home. In most cases, they understand the market and have worked hard to prepare their properties to entice an offer. But buyers must think through their offers; the perfect starting point for negotiations must contemplated thoroughly. Discussions can go south very quickly between buyer and seller when the initial offer is deemed rude. If you want to try a lower offer to see how low a seller will go but are prepared to pay more, make sure a note or letter accompanies the offer saying this is a starting point for negotiating on the beautiful home and property...a little kindness often goes a very long way.


Copyright 2011www.terieckholm.com

January and February 2010 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Updates—A Video Double Feature!

The February Monthly Skinny from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® was released last week. They say time flies when you are having fun...Well, I have been having fun working with several buyers and traditional sellers to get their homes prepared for the spring market so I missed posting the January Skinny. So...It is Double Feature time!

The January Skinny was a year end update for 2009 as we closed the book and took a huge step toward a balanced market in the Twin Cities. As many of the community snapshots I have posted over the past 3-4 weeks have stated, this is due to many factors. Most noteably, historic affordability, low interest rates, the first time buyer tax credit and pent up demand.





The February Skinny recaps a slow start to 2010. While traditional sales were finally up, home prices are stabilizing and market times are down, there is still reason to be concern. The tax credit for homebuyers that has spurred home sales over the past few months will soon expire. Add to that, the Federal Reserve has announced it will no longer purchase mortgage backed securities which is predicted to cause interest rates to rise...2010 will be an interesting year for buyers, sellers and home owners.









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

December 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Continuing Signs of Recovery!

In the December Monthly Skinny from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® provides a snapshot of the Twin Cities real estate market as we wrap up 2009.
Though there still are challenges in the upper brackets of the housing market, there has been a continued trend of recovery. Though we did still see a 3% month-to-month drop in median home prices, from $175,000 to $170,000, this is lowest drop in two years. Strong home sales added to shrinking supply equates to a stabilizing home market. This month's Skinny notes that our Twin Cities was affected by the $8000 tax credit as part of this recovery. There is hope that the extended and expanded tax credit will continue to stabilize the Twin Cites home marketing into 2010 but only time will tell. Also predictions for the 2010 national market by Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS® were shared in this month’s report.
Enjoy the last video update for the Twin Cities real estate market for 2009.



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

November 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Affects of the $8000 Tax Credit!

As we cruise into the cold of winter, we can take a few minutes to review how the fall market energized the Twin Cities real estate market as we view the November Monthly Skinny from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®.

This month's Skinny examines how the Twin Cities was affected by the $8000 tax credit in the month of October. The announcement of the extension and expansion came late enough into the month that many buyers did not want to risk missing the original November 30th deadline. Almost 4700 purchase agreements were signed in the month of October. The affects of the first time buyer credits were most noteable on homes under $200,000. Also the inventory of foreclosure homes is down considerably now while homes in a short sale position are not selling so quickly. The obvious reason for this is that the approval of the purchase for a lender-owned home is within days while a home in a short sale position will take weeks or even months to obtain all of the approvals required for a closing. As noted in the video it will be interesting to see how the extended and expanded tax credit will affect the real estate market during the next few months. Most first time buyers that wanted to buy may have already purchased a home to meet the original deadline but the expansion for previous homeowners does create a new wild card.

Enjoy the video and lets hope these positive signs for Twin Cities real estate continue into 2010.



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

October 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Not a Total Comeback but Still Moving Forward!

Althought it is the last day of October, there is still time to share this month's update from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®.

The October Monthly Skinny points out that even in the cooler September temperatures, theTwin Cities real estate market was hotter than average for early fall. The Twin Cities area saw a 23.5% increase in pending sales in September 2009 as compared to September 2008. Many of these purchase agreements were for homes in the very affordable under $120,000 price range. No doubt due this surge in sales contracts were due to the soon to expire tax credit for first time home buyers. That credit has been such a boon to the lower priced homes that it has really worked down the amount of bank owned properties and there is considerably less inventory in that category going forward. Short sale properties did not see nearly the same amount of action as there is often timeframe issues when placing an offer on a home that is in a short sale position. With the tax credit deadline looming few first time buyers want to take a chance on a short sale not closing prior to the November 30, 2009 expiration date of the credit as it stands today. Yes, the credit could be extended but it is obvious from the numbers that few buyers wanted to take that chance.

So how does this compare to the real estate market is that for single family homes in Anoka County, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and throughout the Twin Cities north metro? The north metro market has had a similar pattern to the rest of the metro area. We are still dealing with a stagnant townhomes and condo market and single family homes in the higher price points. In both of these catagories, there continues to be some amazing opportunities for buyers as compared to just a few years ago. Move up buyers and downsizers can benefit in this market if they own a home valued under $200,000, the price-point where most first time buyers are looking. Seniors who are down sizing from a reasonably sized/priced home can sell to first time buyers and obtain a condo at a steal of a price. Young families who have overgrown their starter home can move up to a larger home in the $250,000-$300,000 price range and have quite a selection to choose from.

Enjoy the video and remember that positive trends don't equate a comeback as there are still many challenges facing the Twin Cities real estate market. But we are moving forward.



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

September 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Real Estate Statistical Crystal Ball Fuzzy after Tax Credit Expires

In the September Monthly Skinny produced by the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®, it appears there are indications of a continued improving market. We have now experienced fourteen consecutive months of increased pending sales as compared to the same month the year before. Of these sales, 40% were still lender mediated (bank owned, foreclosures and short sales) but traditional sellers are starting to see more action. This is especially true for those with homes priced under $150,000. As most of this activity has been generated by the soon to expire, first time buyer tax credit, the crystal ball is fuzzy going forward as to whether the momentum of the 2009 market will continue into 2010.

My take on the market is that this report is spot-on for single family homes in Anoka County, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and throughout the Twin Cities north metro. What it doesn't mention is that townhomes and condos still have stagnant sales as have homes in the higher price points. In both of these catagories, there continues to be some amazing price opportunities as compared to the previous few years. Move up buyers and downsizers can benefit in this market if they own a home valued under $200,000, the price-point where most first time buyers are looking. Seniors who are down sizing from a reasonably sized/priced home can sell to first time buyers and obtain a condo at a steal of a price. Young families who have overgrown their starter home can move up to a larger home in the $250,000-$300,000 price range and have quite a selection to choose from.

Enjoy the video and lets hope when the crystal ball clears for 2010, the real estate statistical news remains just as positive as it has been this past year!

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

August 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Assessing the Seesawing Real Estate Statistics

The supply and demand seesaw is showing more positive indicators in the Twin Cities housing market according to the Minneapolis Association of Realtors® monthly skinny for August 2009. Pending sales numbers are the best they have looked since 2005…up for the 13 consecutive month in a row. Inventory is down 22% since July 2008…another great indicator of a recovering market. Days on the Market are also down significantly. But a significant amount of the sales continue to be lender mediated short sales and foreclosures so while we can be optimistic, it is best to remain cautiously optimistic when considering the Twin Cities real estate market.



If you are a first time buyer interested in taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit, don’t delay! I am continuing to field questions daily from excited first time Twin Cities north and east metro homebuyers on the specifics of this unique $8000 Tax Refund opportunity. (If you have a question call on the program, just let me know with a call or text to 651-336-7073 or just send a quick email.)


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

July 2009 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Half Time Show for the 2009 Real Estate Statistics!

The year is half over and the Minneapolis REALTORS® Association's July Monthly Skinny, it a half time show worth viewing. The report, while not completely rosy, does show that the market has improved significantly since the first of the year. Lender mediated sales are a nearly half of the market at nearly 46% but traditional sellers are starting to get into the game on more and more occasions. Home inventory levels are continuing to move down; there is currently 22% less home listings on the market today as compared to the same time last year. However the total inventory is still in the 7 month range (a balanced market would be 5.6 months). The Twin Cities real estate market is much better than at the beginning of the year. With the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit coming to a close, there is anticipation of continued activity in the second half of 2009 as well.






First time buyers hoping to take advantage of the credit really have to get moving or they may run out of time. Getting approved for a loan can take a few days but finding a home can take a while. Great REO, bank-owned properties and well priced homes owned by traditional sellers in the lower price points sell in days! A home priced under $150,000, in move-in condition will more than likely have multiple offers within a day of listing in north metro communities like Blaine, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes. I have received several calls from buyers’ agents on a listing I have in pending; “My buyers are very interested in the home, if the deal falls apart.” With little inventory coming on the market but more first time buyers coming in everyday, procrastinating buyers may be disappointed in the selection and frantic pace of the current market. Recently, every time I try to set showings of first time buyer/ starter homes in Ham Lake, Blaine, Hugo or the Forest Lake area, an average of 6 of 10 are under contract, had offers or were sold pending inspection.
If you are a first time buyer interested in taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit, don’t delay! I am continuing to field questions daily from excited first time Anoka County buyers on the specifics of this unique $8000 Tax Refund opportunity. (If you have a question call on the program, just let me know with a call or text to 651-336-7073 or just send a quick email.)


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

Finding a GREAL Deal on Real Estate on Cyber Monday

Everyone knows that today is the day all computer lines will be buzzing with online shoppers trying to get the best deals on Christmas bargains from online retailers. Websites will be slow as millions surf the web to take advantage of discounted prices. So while millions are overloading shopping sites looking for deals on electronics and holiday gifts, now would be the perfect time to search out a great real estate deal.

No I am not kidding. Real estate sites often have tons of widgets, photos and video links that can slow searches. But while others flock to save a few bucks, a savvy homebuyer can save tens of thousands by looking for a home to buy now. Not only are there bank owned properties, pre-foreclosures and short sales on the market, there are homes owned by families that have relocated, there are estates that must be sold and there are houses that are being sold due to family changes such as a new baby, marriage or on the downside, divorce. These homes won’t be removed from the market due to the holiday season. But you can bet that the owners don’t want to face a winter of maintenance on an empty property.

These homes are featuring drastically reduced pricing. Yep, I am seeing listings on homes, tens of thousands off the price from even a few weeks ago. Whether you are looking at a starter home, a town home or lakeshore, great deals can be found! And with the masses of other people buying holiday gifts, a home buyer won’t be faced with as many multiple offer situations. (Yes, there can be multiple offers on a home in this market when the home is priced well!) So home buyers, take advantage of Cyber Monday as a time to shop till you drop for a home bargain! Come January, those distracted buyers will be back in the game.

Here are a few GREAT Deals on Anoka and Chisago County Real Estate:

• 4BR/2BA Townhome $199,900
• 2.5 Acre Rambler w/heated 2nd garage/shop $279,900
• 3BR/2BA/3Car on Pond $204,900

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.

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

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

November Video Update on the Twin Cities Real Estate Market

November's video Twin Cities real estate market update was just posted this past week on YouTube from the Minneapolis Association of Realtors. It gives a very good snapshot of condition of the Twin Cities real estate market and explanation of where it is today. It is cautiously optimistic about the housing market conditions this fall. Take a look...




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.

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

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Smashing Pumpkins--An Alternative Housing Mantra?

Okay, I am not a metal-head but I do enjoy alternative rock from time to time and have teenagers so 93X is one of the preset stations on our family vehicle. Yesterday, while driving through Forest Lake, MN and flipping stations away from the annoying recorded political ads, I paused on the rock station and heard these lyrics: “Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage”. It was the chorus so the mantra was repeated a few times. Although catchy, I know from experience, the rest of the song might not be as lyrical so I laughed as I switched the station, but the line stuck in my head.

It started me thinking about all of the rage I have been hearing lately. Not teenaged angst but rage at the housing market. It’s in all the papers and on the news, hundreds of thousands of people enraged at the current financial crisis and the housing/mortgage mess that was the catalyst of it all. I get calls from potential home sellers who are frustrated when they hear the number in their market analysis and realize their homes are not worth as much as they thought. There are homeowners contact me angry at the low value received on an appraisal for a refinance and wonder where these numbers are coming from. There are upset foreclosure buyers who didn’t do their homework prior to closing on a “deal” and realize the “As-Is” bargain of a property has problems that were not fully disclosed. And there are those homeowners who are panicked, frustrated and resigned at the reality of being foreclosed upon.

So I started thinking, maybe these alternative rockers are on to something here. Because despite all the rage that surrounds us, many people are feeling caged in a situation they cannot control.

When I reached my office, the first thing I did was Google search the lyrics and discovered The Smashing Pumpkins and their song, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” was the catalyst of my muse. (October is the perfect time to showcase the song of a band with the name Smashing Pumpkins too, don’t cha think?) According to Wikipedia this song was a Grammy award winner in 1997, but this part of the song lyrics speaks to me a decade later regarding the financial situation of today. It was very ironic that the chorus also included the line, “someone will say what is lost can never be saved”. How profound. Consider this, some seniors facing retirement will not have time to wait out the current financial crisis for their biggest investments: real estate, usually the family home and the stock market, usually in a 401K or mutual fund to comeback. What has been lost cannot be saved.

So as rats in our cages, what can we do? It’s time to rethink rather than be enraged. Anger does not solve any problem. We need to refocus; to shift our way of thinking. Pick up that much acclaimed self-help book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” and change how to think about your life.

• Sellers forget what you think your home is worth…It is only worth what a buyer will pay today.
• Buyers need to do their homework with their REALTOR® and trusted mortgage professional to find the right home and right loan.
• Homeowners facing foreclosure cannot stick their heads in the sand. Take a realistic look at your situation and contact professional agencies to come up with a solution that fits your specific needs.
• Buyers looking at foreclosures and short sales need to be patient and do their due diligence on every purchase because some of those bargains have “skeletons-in-the closet”.

Rage and anger gets us nowhere. It is impossible to move forward if you are angrily looking in the rearview mirror. Look at where you are today and make a move to pull yourself out of that financial cage you feel trapped in. The sooner you assess your current situation and make moves to change and improve it, the sooner you will recover from the crisis. By taking one positive step at a time, one person at a time, we as a nation will find a way out of this crisis.
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

Blaine, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

Blaine is expanding by leaps and bounds in the north metro of the Twin Cities. The residential real estate construction boom in Blaine during the past decade has slowed but not stopped making new and existing home purchase opportunities very affordable. Conveniently located along 35W and Highway 65 and connected by Highway 10 just north of the Twin Cities, Blaine is an attractive location for both business and residential development. The community is served by three school districts; Anoka Hennepin District #11, Centennial District #12, and Spring Lake Park District #16. Blaine is best known for the National Sports Center a sport and meeting facility that hosts an annual worldwide soccer event and Tournament Players Club golf course where the PGA Senior tour is played every summer.

Real estate in Blaine, MN in Anoka County is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. The third quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 162 days. Single family homes are selling faster than townhomes/condos with an average of 154 CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) verses 183 CDOM. And newly constructed homes are out pacing existing homes with 107 CDOM to 164 CDOM. The overall CDOM statistic for Blaine compares with other areas of the north metro like Lino Lakes with a 151 CDOM, Forest Lake with a 167 DOM and Ham Lake with 210 CDOM. (Links to statistical reports for these communities are listed below.)

Last year, homes in Blaine were selling a bit faster than other areas of Anoka County but the slowdown in existing sales seems to have overtaken this community as well. New Construction is a bright spot with homes selling at a brisk 107 CDOM and in less than 6 weeks in some price points.

Buyers looking at single family homes under $300,000 in Blaine have an inventory over 200 homes to choose from currently on the market. At a rate of 30 per month sold, the inventory is manageable. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales for single family residential homes priced under $300,000, there is about 7 months of inventory as it stands today. This is up a bit from last year at this time when there was about 5-6 months of inventory at the same time period.

Higher price homes are selling faster than last year. Still, they have to compete with new construction for the buyers. Note that one third of the homes sold over $300,000 sold in the 3rd quarter are new construction. If you have a higher priced existing home on the market, be aware of the builder incentives being offered as they do affect your ability to sell.

The townhome and condominium market has exploded in Blaine and builders have pulled out all the stops bringing pricing down. There is considerably less new construction townhome inventory on the market with only about 8 months of inventory compared with nearly 3 years of inventory at this time last year. Existing townhome sellers still must make their prices very attractive even though some of the builders’ inventory is down. There are still a significant number of builders with new townhomes available in the same area and they are making deals as evidenced by their very low 40 CDOM compared with 183 CDOM for existing townhomes and condos.

3rd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 222 Active Listings, 36 Pending Listings, 95 Sold Listings, 152 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 17 Active, 2 Pending, 6 Sold, 167 CDOM )

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 51 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 143 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 15 Active, 5 Pending, 10 Sold, 49 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 26 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, 135 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 8 Active, 3 Pending, 3 Sold, 44 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 47 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 285 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 12 Active, 2 Pending, 2 Sold, 77 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 0 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

3rd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $300,000~ 143 Active Listings, 26 Pending Listings, 64 Sold Listings, 183 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 36 Active, 5 Pending, 18 Sold, 40 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 10 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold )

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 6 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

For additional information on any current Blaine 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 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Lakeshore Market Statistics for Forest Lake, MN—Clear Lake & Forest Lake Sales


• Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Circle Pines & Lexington, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Third Quarter 2008


• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 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. 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

Coon Rapids, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid-Year 2008

In spite of the real estate slow down Coon Rapids continues to evolve as it has for over 150 years. It has changed from the community’s humble beginnings of a dirt road farm community to the 9th largest city and 5th largest suburb in the state of Minnesota. The affects of the real estate market change on Coon Rapids is tempered by its convenient location to downtown Minneapolis and its easy access to Interstate 35, Hwy 65 and Hwy 47/10 for a commute to a lakeside cabin. Coon Rapids is a community with something for everyone: encompassing 23 square miles it boasts several neighborhood and regional parks, indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks, softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, swimming pools, a golf course, and two major regional shopping developments.

Like its neighbors Blaine and Andover, the residential real estate construction boom in Coon Rapids during the past decade has slowed but not stopped making new and existing home purchase opportunities very affordable. Conveniently between Anoka and Blaine, it is connected by Highway 10 just north of the Twin Cities, Coon Rapids is an attractive location for both business and residential development. The entire community of Coon Rapids is served by one school district; Anoka Hennepin District #11.

Real estate in Coon Rapids, MN in Anoka County is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. In the first six months of 2008, numbers show single family homes are staying on the market an average of 143 cumulative days or just under 5 months. But when broken down to single family homes versus townhomes/ condos, the single family homes have a 127 average CDOM while townhomes/condos are taking nearly two months longer with a 180 CDOM.

Cumulatively inventory levels of single family homes in Coon Rapids are selling in a reasonable timeframe and approximately 9-10 months of inventory. Inventory levels for homes under $200,000 are a much more manageable 7 months. While the total town homes and condos in all price ranges are struggling high inventory levels that won’t sell out for 18 months if no more properties are listed.

As Coon Rapids’ real estate is for the most part moderately priced, it should adjust to the changed market relatively quickly but its significant condo/townhome market will take time to recover as it continues to compete with new townhome developments in the neighboring communities such as Blaine.
1st Quarter Coon Rapids residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 160 Active Listings, 15 Pending Listings, 131 Sold Listings, CDOM 115

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 126 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 59 Sold Listings, CDOM 132

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 31 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 15 Sold Listings, CDOM 210

$400,000 and up ~ 14 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, CDOM 190

1st Quarter Coon Rapids residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 207 Active Listings, 15 Pending Listings, 82 Sold Listings, CDOM 170

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, CDOM 296

$300,000-$400,000 ~, 6 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings, CDOM N/A

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/08 through 6/30/08.

Other Real Estate Articles that might be of interest:

· Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
· 5 GREAT Reasons Minnesota Townhomes Make an Easy Transition from Apartment Life!
· First Time Home Buyer in Anoka County, MN? Low Interest Loans Available!
· Is NOW the Time to Consider a Minnesota Townhome? You Betcha!
· Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
· Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
· Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008

Featured Townhome Listing in Anoka County:
601 86th Lane NW, Coon Rapids, MN

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

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

A Lowball Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market—How Low is it Safe for a Home Buyer to Go?

When is a lowball offer insulting? 10% less? 20% less? 50% less? And is it the percentage less than the original list price or the current asking price?

Well, my answer is it depends.

As a Realtor working in the north and east Twin Cities metro for the past several years, I have seen my share of sellers who were insulted by a buyer’s offer. And not just in a market where buyers have the upperhand either. A few years ago, anything but a full priced offer was insulting. Buyers were afraid to request a few thousand toward closing costs lest the sellers would balk and accept the next offer in line.

However times have changed. Sellers throughout Anoka, Washington and Chisago Counties are anxious to sell. They know that they are competing with new construction homes and foreclosed homes. Few home owners with “for sale” signs in the yard are expecting a full priced offer in this changed market.

In fact some situations may lead buyers to believe sellers will take ANY offer. But in reality most sellers won't accept just “ANY” offer. An offensive lowball offer could put the buyers’ dream home purchase in jeopardy.

How to Coming up with an Acceptable Starting Point:

• Ask your Realtor to do a market analysis for the home. In this market, I always pull the comparables to see what has sold recently in the neighborhood before my buyers decide what to offer on a home. Many sellers are listing homes at or below current market value. If the home is properly priced, anything less than 10% of the current asking price could be considered an insult. By looking at the neighborhood comparables, my buyers better understand what offer will be considered reasonable.


• Consider the original list price. If someone has come down 25-30% of the value of the home already and now the market analysis shows the home is priced fairly, offering 10% less could be considered insulting. If this truly is THE home for my buyers, it might make sense to make an offer closer to the asking price.


• The Overpriced Home. If the market analysis shows the home to be significantly overpriced and the offer will be more than 10% less than current the current asking price. I provide the comparables to the seller. Sometimes when the offer is accompanied by documentation to back up the offer, the seller is less offended.


• Buyer’s Plans to Remodel and Update. Be careful when using documentation for changes that reflect cosmetic and personal taste. Many sellers will be insulted when a buyer’s offer indicates that they are offering tens of thousands less due to paint, carpet and other cosmetic changes that a buyer wants to make. If the updates are necessary due to age or wear, make note of the fact. But slamming a well maintained and updated home to justify a low offer is insulting.


• Avoid Considering Price Paid for Home. Many buyers think that if someone purchased a home 5-10 years ago they have a ton of equity. This can be true but not always. Many sellers have taken the equity out of their home for improvements or for other reasons. Keep the negotiations focused on the fair market value of the home.

Most sellers are in waiting impatiently for that non-contingent buyer to write an offer on their home. In most cases, they understand the market and have worked hard to prepare their properties to entice an offer. But buyers must think through their offers; the perfect starting point for negotiations must contemplated thoroughly. Discussions can go south very quickly between buyer and seller when the initial offer is deemed rude.
Need help coming up with that perfect starting point for your home offer? 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

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County is still selling. Activity is up in the Forest Lake market as I can attest from the increased traffic at my open houses and my website. The Days on Market (DOM) Statistic for most homes show that many of the properties that did sell in first quarter were on the market for much of last year. Inventory is up in the under $300,000 price category and down in the over $500,000. Check fourth quarter statistics here. The reduction in inventory in the upper bracket has less to do with sales and more to do with timing as many lake homes were removed from the market. This is common as it is difficult to sell lakeshore properties in the winter when the shoreline is frozen.

The first quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 287days, which is up considerably from the 166 DOM in the fourth quarter. The jump is probably due to the fact that few new listings come on during this time period and that the homes available had been on the market since early in 2007. We should see the average DOM go back down in the second and third quarters but only time will tell.

If we look at sold homes in the under $300,000 category for the first quarter alone, the absorption rate has skyrocketed from 10 months in 4th quarter to 20 months. But as January and February are historically slow this is likely not a trend. Using solds and pendings, the Forest Lake absorption rate is still approximately 9-10 months if all homes close.

High end home sales continue to struggle for sales. Only one home sold in the last 3 months, sellers in the $400,000-$500,000 price category skewing the DOM to two days. But compare and average with the 429 DOM for the $500,000 and up category, it is an average of 265 DOM for the higher priced Forest Lake homes.

Spring seems to always bring out new buyers and sellers. Hopefully it will be a year of negotiation as there is still plenty of housing inventory to work with. Great homes at amazing prices are out there on lakeshore and acreage properties. When the ice finally drops off the lakes, it might be the year to consider a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! I expect that more listings will return as soon as the ice is off the lake. There is still an amazing inventory of 44 lakeshore homes. Many have been on the market for a quite a while. With continued low interest rates, it is a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!

1st Quarter Forest Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 79 Active Listings, 13 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, 254 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 36 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 278 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 9 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 20 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listing, 2 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 32 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings 497 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 28 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Forest Lake

44 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $279,900-$2,900,000

33 Homes on Forest Lake
7 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Shields Lake
1 Home on Sylvan Lake
1 Home on Little Comfort Lake
1 Home on Neds Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 3/31/08.

Articles on Forest Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!
Forest Lake High School Rangers are Pounding Nails Again—New Home Under Construction!
Forest Lake High School Rangers House Construction Project Complete—And Up for Bids!


If you are buying, selling or relocating to Forest Lake, 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 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Change the Clock and Spring Forward on that Housing Purchase!

In the debate on daylights savings time, I am on the progressive side who likes the change. Sure it messes with some old software so a clock or two is out of sync, but the tradeoff is well worth it. We get an hour more of evening daylight weeks early than in the past. This is a tremendous help to buyers, sellers and Realtors!

The traditional winter slow down in housing sales can be attributed to a plethora of reasons: cold, snow, holidays, school year, etc., but it really boils down to one factor. People don’t buy homes in the dark. It the winter daylight hours are short. Most people work that 9 to 5 shift so are not able to view homes in the daylight during the work week. It is tough to tie up weekends looking for homes so the process is delayed until spring and summer when people have more flexibility and more light in their evening schedules.

In this changed real estate market many homes are vacant. It is difficult to assess the condition of a foreclosed home that has the utilities turned off without light. Sure a flashlight, or better yet a half dozen flashlights, would help. But it stigmatizes the home further by giving it an “old haunted house” feel. Most vacant properties look a bit better in the light of day! Sunshine gives a better perspective on the work that would need to be done on the home.

Owner occupied homes also look better with the warm spring rays shining through the windows! People get a better idea of the colors and space inside the home. It is also easier to view the exterior for features or necessary repairs and to walk the property lines in the late afternoon sunshine!

Spring forward and get in gear! If you are thinking of making a move this year, you have been given a few extra weeks in the spring market to see homes. Remember it is the early bird that catches the worm! The first spring buyers have an awesome selection of properties across the Twin Cities metro! And those savvy sellers who put their homes on the market in the early spring attract those motivated family buyers who want to move as soon as the school ends.

Featured Homes “JUST LISTED” in the North and East Metro:

15139 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
29541 Shoreview Circle, Lindstrom, MN 55449

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

Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007

Real estate in Lino Lakes, MN in Anoka County is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. The community is conveniently located near the junction of the 35E and 35W split, just north of the Twin Cities, Lino Lakes is a 33 square miles treasure. With 13 lakes and acres of beautiful protected wetland, the community is served by three school districts; Centennial District #12, Forest Lake District #831, and White Bear Lake District #624. The gem attraction is the pristine 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is situated within the heart of the city. Lino Lakes is committed to maintain this treasure and its natural settings and wildlife habitats for years to come.

The fourth quarter numbers show area homes were selling just a bit faster than the previous quarter with an average of 141 days on the market for sold properties (DOM) compared with 159 days DOM in the third quarter. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 10-12 months of inventory. So with fewer homes selling and more coming on the market the absorbtion rate has gone up as in the third quarter it was closer to 6 months of inventory. Hopefully things will pick up again as the snow melts away.

While homes under $300,000 in Lino Lakes have a manageable inventory level, similar to other areas of the Twin Cities, high end homes are selling at a slower pace. Based on the 4th quarter statistics it will now take about tow years to sell the current inventory of homes above the $400,000 price tag. Though better than communities to the north, like Ham Lake and Forest Lake, which have about 3 years of high-end home inventory, Lino Lakes high end absorption rate is starting to edge upward.

4th Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 45 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 132 DOM


$300,000-$400,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 98 DOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 12 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 308 DOM

$500,000 and Up~ 13 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 128 DOM

Lakeshore available in Lino Lakes

1 Active Listings

Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $544,900

1 Home on Otter Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes

8 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $174,900-$589,900.
4 properties listed on 2-3 Acres priced between $220,970-$375,000
1 property listed on 3-5 Acres priced at $280,800
1 property listed on 5-10 Acres priced at $329,900
1 property listed on 10-15 Acres priced at $408,900

For additional information on any current Lino Lakes real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in Lino Lakes 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 10/1/07 through 12/31/07.

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"



• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!



• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

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

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County is still selling. The first big December snowfall and holidays didn’t deter savvy buyers from getting out into the market and writing offers. The inventory levels are down from the third quarter statistics, but sales during the last three months of the year were only slightly lower than the previous quarter. The fourth quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 166 days, just slightly lower than the 171 DOM in the third quarter. Looking at current inventory levels for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 9-10 months of inventory at the 4th quarter rate of sales.

High end home sales continue to remain stagnant. With only one home sold in the last 3 months, sellers in the over $400,000 price category are looking at a market time in the years rather than months if the rate of sale continues at this snails pace. Of course spring always brings new buyers out…They will have plenty of wonderful homes to select and negotiate on. When the ice thaws, it will be time to consider a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! The combination of an amazing inventory of 32 lakeshore homes, long market times, and low interest rates, creates the perfect situation as sellers should be ready to negotiate an acceptable deal for the sale of your piece of shoreline!

4th Quarter Forest Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 69 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 22 Sold Listings, 133 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 37 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 292 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 10Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listing, 265 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 18 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings 429 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 12 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Forest Lake
32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $234,900-$2,900,000

22 Homes on Forest Lake
8 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Sylvan Lake
1 Home on Neds Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 10/1/07 through 12/31/07.

Featured Listing in Forest Lake Minnesota: 20685 Georgia Ave N

Articles on Forest Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"



• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!



• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore



• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!



• Forest Lake High School Rangers are Pounding Nails Again—New Home Under Construction!

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

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007

The sluggish real estate market continues to affect Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in the fourth quarter of 2007. Homes are staying on the market longer with an average Days-on-Market (DOM) of 220 days for homes sold in the 4th Quarter (compared to 157 DOM during the 3rd Quarter). Note that DOM for homes under $300,000 is a significantly lower time on the market, selling with an average DOM of 155.

While there are 30% fewer homes on the market in Ham Lake, 110 versus 158 at the end of the third quarter, homes are taking a bit longer to sell so there continues to be more homes on the market than buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the area is approximately 5-8 months. A home must be properly priced and prepared for showings to sell effectively in the Ham Lake market today.

Additional 4th Quarter Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 36 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 10 Sold Listings, DOM 155 (All existing homes)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, DOM 222 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 20 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, DOM 257 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 30 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, DOM 390 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 9 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:
6 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $267,900-$945,000

1 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Ham Lake
1 Home on Lake Netta
1 Home on Mallard Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 10/1/07 through 12/31/07.

Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota:
3608 Woodland Drive

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota


• What Makes a House a Home-Ham Lake, MN


• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


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

A Snapshot of Real Estate Across the Twin Cities and the US

This week I took part in a real estate experiment of sorts. Actually it was more of a survey of days on the market (DOM) for homes sold across the US. Several of my colleagues and I are tired of the gloom and doom numbers being touted by the national media. While things are slower in certain areas of the nation, the overall numbers are not as bad as the talking heads on the nightly news suggest.

See, real estate is local. Remember the real estate mantra…Location. Location. Location? We have to consider the location to get a true picture of the real estate market place.

Based on this theory, Ashley Drake Gephart, Keller Williams Realtor in Albuquerque, New Mexico compiled current information from Realtors throughout the US for her post, US Real Estate Agents Weigh In. Ashley wanted honest numbers from communities across the nation from actual agents. So as she puts it, “without any fluff or twisting of numbers, here they are…”

Looking at these numbers without the added analysis from someone working the market, you might be concerned about a 248 DOM for November. But what I pointed out to Ashley is that Ham Lake is a very specific area in the north end of the Twin Cities. Only dozen or so properties sell each month. During November, three high-end properties were sold. These homes list priced at $475,000-$750,000 take a significantly longer time to sell as I have indicated in previous Ham Lake market posts. The fact that three high end properties sold in one month, though skewing the DOM, is actually a good sign for the Ham Lake market.

Here is a picture of how the Ham Lake DOM stacks up against the county DOM for the north and northeast Twin Cities metro:

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 9/1/07 through 11/30/07.

DOM numbers are cumulative meaning that if a home was re-listed several times with the same or a different Realtor, ALL of the days on the market counted. It also includes every residential property whether in foreclosure or new construction; townhome or single family. When unique situations or designs are broken out, the numbers can change dramatically. Townhomes are taking longer to sell as are homes in foreclosure. New construction homes can be on the market for one day when a buyer sees a model but selects a different lot not currently MLS listed.

Note the other anomaly in Chisago County in October with a 229 DOM. Out of the 39 homes sold, one had a 1083 DOM. Yes, that is nearly 3 years! Some homes for whatever reason, can take that long to sell but it does not present a true picture of the market. Notice that in November, the Chisago County DOM was back to 130 days.

In my market, I tell people considering selling their home that the average time on the market in the north and northeast metro is approximately 4 months. The further from the Twin Cities and the higher your price, the longer it will take to sell your home. If your home is not in the optimal condition, it will take longer.

I also tell buyers looking to buy that first home or move into something bigger, it is a great time to buy! Just look at all of the options you have with so many great homes on the market AND low interest rates. A great combination for home buyers!

Bottomline here is this: If you want a true picture of the real estate market call an experienced Realtor who works in that community and ask. It’s not gloom and doom all over.

Need more information on the Albuquerque market or any of the other markets listed? Here are the links to the agents that provided the information for Ashley’s article.

• Ashley Drake Gephart Albuquerque NM real estate


• Missy Caulk Ann Arbor MI real estate


• Terry McDonald Charlotte NC market reports


• Cyndee Haydon Clearwater Beach FL real estate


• Chris Tesch College Station TX real estate


• Susie Roscoe Brandon, FL real estate


• Stephanie Edwards-Musa Houston, TX real estate


• Janis Gagliardi Port Orange, FL real estate
  

FEATURED Listings in Ham Lake and Forest Lake Minnesota:

• 3608 Woodland Drive, Ham Lake


• 20685 Georgia Ave N, Forest Lake

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/