Blaine MN | A Tale of Two Markets...or Three

Blaine, MN | A Tale of Two Markets...or Three

While it is said that all real estate is local, the market in Blaine, Minnesota is following a pattern seen across the country, there is a discrepancy across markets. There is a continued lack of inventory in the starter homes while in high end homes there is an abundance. 

One difference I am seeing in and around the greater Blaine 55449 zip code is that there is a bit of a leveling off of the mid-range or move-up homes sales as the market seems to be come a bit more balanced for this price point. A quick look at the MLS today showed that there were only 7 homes available under $200K but more than triple the amount in the $200K to 300K price point with 21 active homes. Over $300K there were quadruple active listings with 109 homes currently available.

Real estate is often the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime. Understanding the nuances of the local neighborhoods is essential. 

Today I would like to explore this further with A Tale of Two Markets 

Six months ago, I reported that the mismatch between the type of inventory of homes for sale and the demand of buyers in the US was causing the formation of two markets.
In the starter and trade-up home categories, there were significantly more buyers than there were homes for sale, causing a seller’s market. In the premium, or luxury, home categories, the opposite was true as there was a surplus of these homes compared to the buyers that were out searching for their dream homes, which created a buyer’s market.
According to the National Association of Realtors latest Existing Home Sales Report, the inventory of existing homes for sale in today’s market is at a 4.2-month supply. Inventory is now 6.5% lower than this time last year, marking the 27^th consecutive month of year-over-year decreases.

Looking at the latest report from Trulia, we can see that not much has changed, and in fact, recent natural disasters across the country have made inventory conditions even more dire.
Trulia’s market mismatch score measures the search interest of buyers against the category of homes that are available on the market. For example: “if 60% of buyers are searching for starter homes but only 40% of listings are starter homes, [the] market mismatch score for starter homes would be 20.”

The results of their latest analysis are detailed in the chart below.



Nationally, buyers are searching for starter and trade-up homes and are coming up short with the listings available, which is leading to a highly competitive seller’s market in these categories.

Premium home buyers, on the other hand, have the best chance of less competition and more inventory of listings in their price range with a 14.7-point surplus, which is creating more of a buyer’s market.

Bottom Line

Real estate is local. If you are thinking about buying OR selling this fall, let’s get together to discuss the exact market conditions in your area.

Source: KCM Teri Eckholm Blog

READY to Make YOUR Move? It IS essential to have a knowledgeable agent at your side. 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 at 651-336-7073 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 2017 terieckholm.com

Septic Systems Maintenance is No Joke! But they do have funny slogans

Every three years like clockwork, I put in a call to Olson's to have our septic pumped out. It’s a dirty business and somebody’s gotta do it. The City of Ham Lake where we live, does not have a public sewer system. We all have individual sewage disposal or septic systems in our yards. The septic pumping and inspection is mandatory every three years. Getting your septic pumped and inspected is a requirement of most Twin Cities metro municipalities. State and county codes are not specific on the subject of on-site or individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS) or septic systems, leaving it up to each Minnesota city to adopted their own rules for inspection.

We have had Olson’s Sewer Service of Forest Lake maintain and inspect our system since we moved to our Ham Lake acreage. Their slogan, “keeping your sewer in the pink” and hot pink trucks are seen all over Forest Lake, Columbus, Lino Lakes, Wyoming and Ham Lake. When the pink reminder postcard arrives in the mail, we schedule our inspection right away.

Olson’s slogan while catchy is tame compared to others as septic professionals really have a sense of humor about the role they play in the community. Here is a list of some favorites that have been seen on sewage and plumbing trucks all over the US:

· Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
· We're #1 in the #2 business.
· You Dump It, We Pump It
· After the first whiff, call Cliff.
· A good flush beats a full house
· We do Pump 'N Right
· We'll take crap from anybody.
· Satisfaction guaranteed or your merchandise cheerfully returned.
· Your poop is our bread and butter!
· Your brown is our green.

If you have a septic system on your property, check with city hall for specific time frames. While once every three years is required in Ham Lake, it is once every two years in Lino Lakes. Most cities require that the tank, drain field and baffles of the system be checked at the same time. The licensed contractor will provide a completed permit to the city to document the inspection.

This is not an optional inspection. If you choose not to inspect your system, the city might do it for you. Then you could be on the hook for additional fines and charges from your city.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Real Estate Resolutions for Minnesota Home Buyers and Sellers in 2012

As 2011 comes to a close, I noticed a change in the real estate market across the north and east Minneapolis/St Paul metro area.  Home sellers were seeing a more active market during the last quarter and many received purchase agreements. Home buyers who for several years had the luxury of the upper hand in negotiations, suddenly found they were in multiple offer situations when they submitted a contract for a seller's consideration. While there still is a good range of inventory in the higher priced categories, first time buyers had less options than a year or two ago.  Yet a tenacious Twin Cities home buyer can still find good options in almost every price range throughout the metro area. Town homes, single family, split levels, ramblers, two stories, remodels, foreclosures, short sales and new construction.

As a REALTOR® serving Lino Lakes, Ham Lake and communities in the Forest Lake School District, I keep a close eye on the north and east Twin Cities real estate market. During the last few months of the year, I noticed bit of a change in the wind. Activity has continued to improve. Motivated sellers are pricing their homes to be attractive to the more educated home buyers of the current market. Buyers teetering on the edge of the proverbial home buying pool took the plunge and wrote offers as interest rates hit record breaking lows. Negotiations were made and offers accepted. The Minneapolis/St Paul real estate market took one tentative step toward as 2011 came to a close.

So what does that mean for those considering purchasing a home or selling their property in 2012? From Ham Lake to Forest Lake and Lino Lakes to Shoreview, we have begun to build a strong foundation in our real estate market again. Keeping the property value base strong is essential to all Minnesotans. In 2012, homeowners should  RESOLVE to be Real Estate Savvy!

Resolutions for Home Sellers

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*Set the right price when first listed
*Make all necessary repairs
*Declutter
*Make each showing count by staging the home for sale.
*Be ready and willing to negotiate.

Resolutions for Buyers

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*Get pre-approved for a mortgage  before you start your home search. Check in with your Loan Officer on a regular basis to discuss any change in your financial status or the loan market.
*Write realistic offers that encourage negotiation.
*Understand the foreclosure and short sale process—While prices can seem like a deal, the assumed risk to buyers on an as-is sale is great.

Resolutions for Homeowners

*Even if you do not plan to sell your home in 2012, there are things a homeowner should be doing to maintain and retain property value.
*Keep the interior and exterior of your home in good repair on a continual basis rather than deferring until time of sale.
*Stay current with your mortgage and discuss any financial problems with lender immediately.
*Be a good steward of your neighborhood.

Resolutions for Investors

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*If holding the property, offer a safe and maintained residence at a fair price to the renters
*If flipping or repairing/reselling the property, be realistic with the numbers. Don’t over invest in materials and curb enthusiastic inflated resale estimates. 2012 home buyers are educated in the value of real estate and won't over pay!
*Be a good steward of your properties and the communities in which they are located.
*Maintain the properties to retain value for your portfolio as well as the neighborhood.

If buyers, sellers, homeowners, investors and real estate professional alike work together to maintain slight momentum in the market that started at the end of 2011, 2012 could make additional strides toward recovery for the Twin Cities real estate market.

Copyright 2011 www.terieckholm.com

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

It's Tornado Season! Understand the Risk of Loss Clause--Know WHEN a Contract be Cancelled!

Imagine for a moment the following scenario: After months of searching for the perfect place to call home, you wrote an offer on a picture perfect lakeshore rambler in Ham Lake, Minnesota. After a little negotiation, the offer was accepted and with the inspection over, you are on schedule to close in 60 days.

Three weeks prior to the closing, straight-line winds blow through Anoka County. Concerned, you drive up to your dream home and see that the picturesque oak trees that had given the home character have been uprooted. Worse yet, one of the huge trees fell onto the house severely damaging the roofline. You are devastated as this was no longer the dream home you wrote an offer on a few weeks ago. So, what happens now?
Risk of Loss is one of those "boiler plate" clauses on page four of the purchase agreement used most often in the State of Minnesota. Being preprinted, some agents and/or their clients will gloss over this clause but it is very important to understand, as is every other line in the document you sign to buy a home.


Line 147 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 is 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 dishwasher goes out, the seller would replace it. If a neighbor backs over the mailbox at the end of your driveway, it is the seller who must repair the post and replace with a new one. Final walkthroughs are essential to ascertain the condition of the home prior to signing the closing documents. But what happens to those irreplaceable picturesque trees that have fallen on the roof?

Three weeks prior to a closing, there could be plenty of time for the seller to call their insurance company and have the home repaired. 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. In the situation outlined above, which was a real situation that occurred last summer, the landscaping was changed and could not be replaced. The damage to the home caused an insurance claim that would now be reflected in a CLUE insurance report that could affect the ability to insure the home. The buyers opted to cancel the contract as was their option in the clause with all earnest money refunded.

Risk of loss can come up when buying or selling a home during severe weather season in Minnesota. 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, the buyer has 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 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Minnesota Mortgage Opinions Please! Is It Harder to get a Home Loan?

With all of the seemingly continuous changes in the mortgage industry recently, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) is asking the question, “Are home loans harder to get?”
As part of their Public Insight Network, MPR wants real answers from real people like you. It is an opportunity to share what you know with others about this important financial topic.

I find this question extremely interesting as I am certain other professional REALTORS® will as well. I will be even more interested in tuning in to hear the stories and subsequent discussions that arise from the survey. I want to hear stories from first time buyers and those attempting to buy a second home or investment property. I would love to hear examples from loan officers as to what has changed when qualifying a new client. As home prices have dropped considerably, there are deals out there, but can interested buyers get the loans? This is a very timely topic and a great opportunity for the average person to share their personal view.

Have you or someone you know recently applied for a home loan or tried to refinance?

Whether you are a homeowner, buyer, loan officer or real estate agent, MPR wants your story. Here is a forum to share your experience good or bad.
CLICK HERE to Visit MPR Public Insight Network to complete the form and share your experience. Your opinion and story could be used in an upcoming show and/or you could be contacted to provide additional information and opinions on your experiences. It is a way for the individual to have to have a voice by sharing real world experiences in regard to home loans and mortgages. Rest assured that your opinion and information will be confidential. MPR will not quote you on the radio or web without your permission.

Not familiar with Minnesota Public Radio? Minnesota Public Radio® is a non profit public radio organization. Headquartered in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota Public Radio is a premier organization operating a regional network of 37 stations, from Minnesota to areas in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa and Idaho.

**********************************************************************************

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

With No Nehemiah or Genesis for Homebuyers, What will Cause the First Domino to Fall?

Most people understand the concept of the domino effect on the real estate market. The starter homes must sell first so the owners of the starter home can move up to the next price level, which allows another home to sell and another; much like a child’s game of dominos.

Fortunately the real estate market has had continued to have a reasonable pool of first time buyers in the mix these past few months due to low interest rates, home prices and unique assistance programs. Early this year, the government gave the controversial but beneficial programs like Nehemiah and Genesis a reprieve. These seller funded non-profit organizations had been scheduled to be disbanded early in the year but were allowed to continue to fund first time buyers. These programs give buyers down payment assistance for FHA loans that require a 3% down. With additional assistance from the seller for closing costs, a first time buyer with a good job and credit score, is able to purchase a home without having to save up for a down payment.

The reprieve may be over. This weekend I read an alarming news release from a Minnesota mortgage broker pointing out how the Mortgage Bailout Bill could slow the recovery of the real estate market. The senate version of the new mortgage bail out bill will put a stop to all programs offering down payment assistance. They will in essence remove the finger that starts the first domino to fall. First time buyers will again be required to save up for that down payment. With prices increasing everywhere from the corner grocery to the gas station down the street, it will be a daunting task to become a first time homebuyer.

I expect that like in the 1980’s and earlier, young people will start saving again for that first home as soon as they graduate either high school or college. But back in the decades of big hair, 8-tracks and parachute pants, homes were priced more reasonably. It was much easier to save up 3% of $60,000 ($2,000) for normal Minnesota starter home in 80's than it will be to save 3% of a $200,000 ($6000) for a starter home at today’s prices.

So whose finger will give the push that starts the domino’s chain reaction in today’s real estate market? Loans funded by the Veterans Administration? That is one possibility. VA loans have always been available to those who have served in the armed services as a way to homeownership with little or nothing down. It is a very good program that I anticipate we will be seeing more service men and women taking advantage of in the future. But those who have not served will be forced to save.

Bottom line is the mortgage bailout will save some homeowners from losing their homes but at what cost? Will it delay the recovery of the real estate market? Only time will tell.

***********************************************

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

Circle Pines & Lexington, MN Real Estate Market 2008 Mid Year Sales Statistics

Circle Pines is a small city, approximately 2 square miles, in Anoka County. The neighboring community, Lexington is even smaller encompassing less than one square mile of land. Both little communities are often overlooked since they are sandwiched between Blaine, Lino Lakes just to the north of Shoreview.

Circle Pines might be small but is thriving and has a unique history. According to Circle Pines and Lexington History, it was one of the first cooperative communities started in 1946 in an area between the townships of Blaine and Centerville in Southern Anoka County. According to the Circle Pines website, the symbol of the cooperative was a pine tree with a circle around it; thus the name Circle Pines. Though the unique development idea only lasted 3 years due to financial and leadership problems, the name remained. One benefit of its cooperative past is that Circle Pines is the only suburban city that operates its own natural-gas distribution company which serves part of Lino Lakes. The community is a part of the Centennial School District is home to Golden Lake and acres of wetlands.

Real estate in the communities of Circle Pines and Lexington is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. First half of 2008 numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 160 days. When broken down to single family homes versus townhomes/ condos, the single family homes have a 158 average CDOM while townhomes/condos are selling a bit more slowly with a 181 CDOM. Prices reductions on townhomes are drastic in this area due to the abundance of new construction in the neighboring community of Blaine. Amazing deals can be had for the astute first time condo home buyer.

The cumulative days on market numbers for Circle Pines are comparable favorably with other areas of the north metro like Blaine, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes and Ham Lake where homes had 1st quarter cumulative days-on-market rates (CDOM) ranging from 150 to over 200 days. (Links to statistical reports for these communities are listed below.)

Inventory levels of single family homes under $200,000 in Circle Pines are reasonable as most homes fit into that under $300K price catagory. Lower days on the market can be partially attributed to fewer high priced homes and the central location to the downtown areas. New construction townhomes in Lexington that have been on the market since 2005 also skew the DOM results.

2008 Mid Year Sales Statistics for Circle Pines residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 15 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, CDOM 151

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 15 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, CDOM 140

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 0 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, CDOM 265

$400,000-$500,000~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

$500,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

2008 Mid Year Sales Statistics for Circle Pines residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, CDOM 181

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

**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.

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

Photo Featured Listing in Circle Pines Listing :401 Village Parkway, Circle Pines, MN 55014

Other Anoka County Listings:
601 86th Lane NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
15139 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304


Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Anoka County Foreclosures Rate Highest in Metro—How Does this Affect Homeowners?
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
• Blaine, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008
• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008
• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008
• Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st 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

First Time Home Buyer in Minnesota? Low Interest Loans Available!

Anoka County first time homebuyers are in luck. More than $5.1 million dollars of low interest funds have been made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to qualified borrowers.

Qualifying home buyers can use the funds for a new or existing Anoka County home valued at up to $298,125. Additional funds may be available to help with down payments and closing costs too.

The program runs through December 14, 2008 or when the funds are spent.

All buyers must use an MHFA approved lender and are strongly encouraged to attend a home buyer education class.

The Anoka County Community Action Program offers the “Home Stretch” class to explain the buying process and guide potential buyers in the home buying process.


*******************************************************************

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

Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008

Real estate in Lino Lakes, MN in Anoka County is still selling. Active homes in the lower price ranges seem to be up a bit but also continue to sell more quickly than homes in the higher priced categories. Lino Lakes existing homes continue to compete with available new construction in Hugo and Blaine. But as it is in southern Anoka County, it’s sales figures do not tend to be as stagnant as northern Anoka County communities like Ham Lake and Linwood.

High end home sales continue to struggle for sales. No homes were sold in the last 3 months, for sellers in above the $500,000 price and just a handful of sales in the $400,000-$500,000 category. The DOM seems skewed by the quick sale of two listings compared to a 215 DOM last quarter. No doubt these homes were priced to sell from the time they were listed.

Acreage opportunities are abundant in the Lino Lakes area! From one acre parcels to 15 acre hobby farms, Anoka County as quite a selection of homes in the Lino Lakes area. 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 acreage!

1st Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 54 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 15 Sold Listings, 156 DOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 31 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 215 DOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1Sold Listing, 68 DOM

$500,000 and Up~ 16 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings N/A DOM

Lakeshore available in the City of Lino Lakes

1 Active Listings Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $450,000

1 Home on Otter Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes

9 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $189,900-$859,900.

2 properties listed on 2-3 Acres priced between $254,000-$269,900

1 property listed on 3-5 Acres priced at $269,900

2 properties listed on 5-10 Acres priced at $319,900-$379,900

1 property listed on 10-15 Acres priced at $408,900
1 property listed on 80 Acres priced at $6,000,000

**All Sold and Pending 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.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Lino Lakes, 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

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Black Bear in Columbus....GRRR!

Daily trips from Ham Lake to Forest Lake are a part of my routine. If I have to travel to the south part of town my options are limited due to the wetlands in the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve which stretches from Anoka to Chisago County.

My favorite short cut through Columbus, Minnesota is well traveled. County Road 19 or Potomac can shave several minutes off a commute to Forest Lake Senior High by avoiding the stoplights on Broadway. My daily travels take me down this 55 mph road but I often slow down when I pass this wonderful piece of chainsaw art...the black bear and tree.

The first time I saw it, I marveled at the detail in the bear contrasted to the tree he is entwined with. The tree is as smooth as a piece of driftwood. Both figures seem to be carved out of the same tree…but yet they don’t.

At either rate, it is another wonderful example of a uniquely Minnesota roadside distraction!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

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



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train



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



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



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



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



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

Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! 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 1st Quarter 2008

Even though existing single family home sales in Ham Lake, Minnesota remained sluggish during the first quarter of 2008, there were some indications of better days ahead. The Days on Market (DOM) statistic was reduced slightly from 220 to 214. Conversely, homes in the higher price categories have been worse than stagnant. There is a complete lack of any sales at all! Only 2 in pending and one sold in the over $400,000 price category all quarter. With over 60 listings currently on the market, Ham Lake is over saturated with high end homes.

Under $400,000 there is some good activity. Currently there is about 10 months of inventory in this price category which is similar to other communities in the north and east suburbs of the Twin Cities. And if you look just at the homes under $300,000 the inventory level is even more promising with approximately 8 months of inventory on the market.

This presents a great opportunity for the move up buyer. If you have a starter home in good condition and well priced, it should sell in a decent time frame. These buyers then have quite a selection of homes to chose from in the higher price categories. After 300+ days on the market, many sellers are waiting to negotiate with a strong, non-contingent buyer!

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

Under $300,000~ 35 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, DOM 195 (All existing homes)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 27 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, DOM 301 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 27 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, DOM 163 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 36 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings, DOM n/a (New Construction Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake
5 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $699,900-$1,450,000

2 Homes on Coon Lake
3 Homes on Lake Amelia

**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.

Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota: 15139 E Vermillion Circle NE

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 Ham 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/

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/

Forest Lake High School Rangers House Construction Project Complete—And Up for Bids!

After the successful sale of last year of the home built by Forest Lake construction students in the parking lot of their school, did it again! Forest Lake High School Students built an awesome 3BR/2BA in 2007 which sold for $65,000 and was moved by its new owners to its permanent location this past spring. The proceeds from the sale of the home funded a new construction project during for this school year. Now that the second home is complete, let the bidding begin!

As you can see, from these pictures taken at the beginning of second quarter, the students hit the ground running in September. The one story rambler home was framed and the exterior work complete prior to the cold Minnesota winter.

As a Realtor in the north metro, I have watched the construction of many homes throughout the Forest Lake School District. From what I can see, there is not a crew out there that can match the passion and dedication as the construction students of the Forest Lake Rangers!

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to buy this solid 3BR/2BA home. This year’s home even features a gas fireplace for added warmth during the Minnesota winters. Bids will be accepted on Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. Minimum bid is $49,900 plus Minnesota sales tax of 6.5%. All bids require a bid security of $1000 at time of bid submission.

CLICK HERE to see a floorplan and details of the house in this pdf brochure.

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

• Forget Jack! This is the House Students Built—Forest Lake High School Students—And Now its For Sale!
  
• Forest Lake High School Rangers are Pounding Nails Again—New Home Under Construction!
  
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!
  
• Seeing the Minnesota Forest Through the Trees at Linwood Elementary
  
• Goodbye Summer! As the MN State Fair Ends, Another School Year Begins in Forest Lake.
  
• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007
  
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in 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 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Wildlife in Ham Lake—Is a Possum Possible this far North? You betcha!

They say you cannot pick your neighbors but this one picked us. A few weeks ago as our family returned and stomped into our Ham Lake house in our usually way, my youngest son noticed a ball of fur sneaking out from under our cedar steps. The animal cautiously moved along the cement block of our basement wall; away from the noise of the groceries being brought in. We had an opossum living under our porch!

Living on acreage in Anoka County, we have seen our share of wildlife. We see deer almost nightly and have had raccoons in the trash. An assortment of squirrels, black, red, white and gray, play in the trees. Though we rarely spot them, we are aware that an occasional skunk will wander through the property. Our sandy soil is perfect for painted turtles come up from Coon Lake and lay eggs in the grass. There was the spring a few years back when the neighbor came over to let us know that a bear had been on their deck. And last fall we had a turkey knocking on the window to get in!

My experience with opossums was limited to Disney’s, A Goofy Movie, when Goofy and Max visited Lester’s Possum Park while on vacation. This guy didn’t have little x’s for eyes but did have the long ratlike tail! I had to read about them in the Opossum Wiki to see if it was some kind of threat or if it would swing from it’s tail and drop down on me. (It won’t thank goodness!)

The opossum hid himself under our front porch before I could get my camera out that day but this past weekend he was out in the yard again. I ran and got my camera. It took about fifteen minutes before I found him “playing possum” behind one of our giant oaks.

Don't play possum in your real estate transactions! If you are considering buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota acreage 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/

It’s Historic! It’s Irish! It’s St. Patrick’s Day with a Minnesota Flair!

Or Flaherty…In this case! Though many consider Minnesota to be the home of Swedish and Norwegian immigrants, the Irish have very deep roots in Minnesota’s soil. Railroads and farming opportunities enticed Irish immigrants in the late 1800’s to the state to settle in colonies along the Mississippi. Of course on St. Patrick’s Day every Minnesotan has a bit of the Irish in them. The traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade in St. Paul was held this past Saturday as to not conflict with holy week but Minneapolis is holding true to a celebration today.

Growing up in St. Paul as a Flaherty, we did participate from time to time in the St. Paul St. Patrick's Day parade and watch the Gaelic events. I think we may have had a traditional familiy corned beef and cabbage dinner once or twice too. Whether as a spectator or walker, it was fun to watch the celebration of our heritage. The Irish dancing and music are a unique cultural experience, though I doubt my hair would have ever held those tight ringlets.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share some fun Minnesota Irish websites. Enjoy!

• Meet St. Patrick


• History of Irish in Minnesota


• Irish Songs and their lyrics


• Irish Recipes


• St. Paul St. Pat's


• St. Patrick's Day Online Games


• The Irish Gazette


• Official Government Website of Ireland
  

And here is the chorus of my favorite Irish song:

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.

In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing.

When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay.

And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.

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/

Dispute Resolution—Understanding Arbitration in Minnesota Real Estate

This past week I received an email from a reader of my blog who was upset after receiving an arbitration ruling that did not go in his favor. He had read one of my past posts What is a Septic System? How does it differ from a city sewer system? He and his wife had recently purchased a home in Andover, Minnesota and filed for arbitration after discovering a significant problem with their septic system and that the disclosure forms their received were incomplete.

The arbitrator ruled in favor of the sellers, agent and broker and the frustrated homeowner doesn’t understand how this could have happened. He strongly cautioned me to never let my buyers agree to arbitration. I don’t know all of the details of his situation but he was obviously frustrated with the system.

Fortunately, I have not had any clients with outstanding disputes following closings that lead to arbitration or litigation. When clients on both sides of the transaction take the time to:

• Disclose all defects in the home
• Perform all inspections
• Opt to purchase warranties if necessary
• Review all documents
• Discuss any and all aspects of the home honestly and thrououghly

Then buyers have a good understanding of what they are purchasing and the limitations of the existing home. Good honest disclosures will prevent most disputes.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Minnesota will be confronted with the question, “Do you agree to arbitration?”
It's a tough question as most clients do not understand the system they are agreeing to when they receive the disclosure form. Disputes can arise in real estate transactions, so understanding the process of arbitration is essential prior to sitting down to sign the purchase agreement.

When we purchased our first home, prior to my becoming a Realtor, I remember the explanation of the arbitration system given by our real estate agent. “It’s an inexpensive alternative to the legal process and frankly anyone who doesn’t agree to it is a fool as an attorney can cost thousands more.” We couldn’t wait to sign the form.

As a Realtor, I am more diligent when explaining this arbitration system. Though I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, I am required to explain this document to my clients. Here is a synopsis of what I say when I explain this form:

“When there is a dispute after the closing, buyers and sellers can choose to arbitrate or litigate for a resolution. By signing the arbitration form, you give up your right to litigate and agree to binding arbitration. Though parties can hire an attorney to assist them with the process, they cannot take their case to a court; they must file a request for arbitration. After the arbitrator makes a ruling, all parties MUST comply with the findings of the arbitrator.”
In Minnesota, the arbitration system for residential commercial property is Construction Arbitration Services (CAS). In reviewing the CAS website, I discovered that hiring a team of arbitrators is not inexpensive. While for small situations under $3000, the fees are relatively low, starting at $250 for one arbitrator to review documents, the numbers are significantly higher for larger claims. If you want to speak with the arbitrator to present your case, the cost jumps to $650 on a case under $3000.
For the situation described above, one arbitrator for a three party case would be $1,200-$1,500 and hiring a 3 member panel would be nearly $2,500! The party bringing the claim would be required to pay the amount upfront for the service and would only receive reimbursement if the decision was in their favor. The arbitrators are not employees of CAS but are neutral third-parties trained in dispute resolution and could be anyone of a number of trained professionals from a variety of backgrounds.  


So what should a buyer or seller do when confronted with this form, sign or not sign?

Again, I cannot give legal advice but a popular option is to decline signing at the time of writing the purchase agreement. This is not an outright refusal to ever agree to arbitration. It is a way to keep your options open in the event a dispute arises. This way a buyer or seller could chose to hire an attorney, file for arbitration or present your case to a small claims court judge if need be.



***************************************************

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/