Dreaming of Owning a Minnesota Lakehome?

The temperatures in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro won't be breaking any records this week but Minnesotan's will undoubtedly be breaking out the shorts (and dare I say, flip flops) as the thermometer edges close to 70. It won't  be long before the huge sheets of ice blanketing the surface of our 10,000+ lakes will drop. Ice out is when the ice finally drops to the bottom of the lake and in Minnesota that is when the people take start taking steps toward making their lake home dreams a reality.
 
If you have been contemplating life on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, consider the north metro. There are options that will fit many budgets from very small starter homes or cabins to high end executive estates.  There are many options for the would-be lake shore owner  on a full recreational, multi-use lakes like Coon Lake in Anoka County or Forest Lake in Washington County.  There are other smaller lakes perfect for kayaking or swimming that restrict motors that are options as well. Surprisingly lake shore properties in the north and east metro can be offered at prices comparable to homes without a shoreline. 

How can homes on Minnesota lakes in the north metro be so affordable? It appears that prices are not rising on lake properties as quickly as in other categories especially just north of the Minneapolis/St Paul metro. From what I have seen, prices have edged up a bit more slowly than on other types of homes. But prices on all homes are starting to recover significantly and lake shore will too. With continued low interest rates, 2015 might be your best opportunity to realize your lake home dream.

Want to learn more about Buying or Selling a Minnesota Lake Home? Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2010

The City of Ham Lake has a rich history. Incorporated in 1974, Ham Lake became a city after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The area was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. Though, I can only assume that the lake itself got its name due to its unusual “ham hock” shape, the community started out with a different name. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of “beautiful valley”. Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved but the community was resettled again. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as Ham Lake. Anoka County officially was recognized it as a township in 1871. In the early 1900’s Central Avenue (Highway 65) was a slow commute as it was a wagon trail through the sand and swampland. And we think going through stop light after stop light slows traffic. Though it was graveled and paved at some point, it 1954 before was expanded to four lanes.
Those four lanes are in full use now as more and more people look to buying acreage, executive, luxury and lakeshore homes in the Ham Lake area. The real estate market is not quite as sluggish in Ham Lake, MN as it was in early 2009. Homes are selling again. There are bright spots across the board with homes selling in all price categories under $400,000. New construction sales have picked up a bit with 2 sold and 4 pending compared with zero sold in the first quarter of 2009. The average Cumulative Days-on-Market (CDOM) is down for the first quarter in Ham Lake at 181 days compared to 249 for the same time period in 2009 so there are signs of an improving market. However, first quarter average sales prices were much lower at $216,291 compared with an average sales price of $247,748 for all of 2009. (See homes sales snapshots below for additional details.)
Inventory is down in Ham Lake from the levels seen in 2009; most notably in the higher price points. There are currently 101 homes active on the market compared to 110 in January of 2009. Homes listed at higher prices continue to take months to sell but lower priced inventory seems to sell. There still are more Ham Lake homes than Ham Lake buyers but there are only a handful of homes over $500,000 this year compared to 20 last year. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the Twin Cities north metro is approximately 6-8 months. Right now inventory levels indicate there is about 11 months of inventory in the Ham Lake area and homes are selling again in every price point. But as in 2009, having your home properly priced and prepared for showings is essential to sell a home in this Anoka County community in 2010.
First Quarter 2009 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 19 Active Listings, 15 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, CDOM 82 (All existing homes)

$200,000-300,000 ~ 41 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, CDOM 295 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 22 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, CDOM 260 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, CDOM 174 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 6 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, CDOM 525 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake11 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $135,000-$774,900

5 Homes on Coon Lake
3 Homes on Ham Lake
1 Home on Lake Netta
1 Home on Little Coon Lake
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/10 through 3/31/10.



Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Year End 2008

Forest Lake, Minnesota is well known throughout the Twin Cities area. Many people from the city remember the northeast St. Paul suburb fondly from years gone by as a summer vacation spot, an annual ice fishing tournament tradition or as a destination when going for a Sunday a drive in the country. Today, the lakeside cabins have been replaced with year round residences, the fishing tourney is but a memory and the farms are few and far between in this third ring St. Paul suburb. Though housing sales have slowed down considerably in many northern suburbs during the past few years due to continued concern of increased gas prices, Forest Lake is holding its own.


Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County continues to sell. A total of 125 single family homes were sold in Forest Lake and Forest Lake Township during 2008. The Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) Statistic ran at 165 days for all homes sold during the year. In the first and second quarter the CDOM was well over 211-286, so at the end of the year homes started selling at a faster pace.


Not surprisingly, the price category of under $200,000 is the high point of the year. With 49 listings sold at an average CDOM of just under 4 months, it appears buyers are out there shopping for homes under $200K. It is a bit slower in the $200,000-300,000 category in this market, 6 months worth of inventory is very manageable.

All year, high end homes struggled for sales. In the second half of the year three times the number of homes sold in the $300,000-400,000 category than in the first six months. Sellers are becoming more realistic on pricing and inventory is starting to move. Homes over $500,000 have sales at a near standstill. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with nearly 5 years of inventory in this price range and no relief appears to be in sight.

Great homes are currently on the market in Forest Lake at amazing prices; many are lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, sellers will need to be flexible on pricing. It might be the perfect time to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home!


Lakeshore opportunities have been abundant in the Forest Lake area throughout 2008! There are more listings than ever before at incredible prices too! The inventory is awesome…40 lakeshore homes are currently active and some at attractive and affordable price points. Many have been on the market for several months. With the amazing low interest rates and few buyers looking at frozen lakeshore, it could be a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!


Year End 2008 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:


Under $200,000~ 35 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 49 Sold Listings, 118 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 0 Active, 2 Pending, 1 Sold)

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 35 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 45 Sold Listings, 168 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)


$300,000-$400,000 ~ 22 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 19 Sold Listings, 240 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 5 Sold)


$400,000-$500,000 ~ 10 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listing, 144 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)


$500,000 and Up~ 27 Active Listings, 9 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings 349 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 24 Active, 0 Pending, 4 Sold)



Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area:


47 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings


Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $224,900-$2,100,000


35 Homes on Forest Lake
3 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Shields Lake
1 Home on Howard Lake



**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 12/31/08.



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

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


• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!


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


• Think Now is a GREAT Time to Make a DEAL on a MN Lakeshore Home? You Are SO Right!


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


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

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Third Quarter 2008

Forest Lake, Minnesota in the northeast metro Twin Cities area holds a special place in the hearts of many Minnesotans. Many residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul or one of the first ring suburbs will remember Forest Lake fondly from decades ago as a summer vacation spot or place to go for a drive in the country. Today, the lakeside cabins have been replaced with year round homes and the rural nature is all but a thing of the past in this thriving St. Paul suburb. Though housing growth has slowed down drastically in the past year or two in many northern suburbs due to ever increasing gas prices, Forest Lake is holding its own.

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County continues to sell but slowly. The Days on Market (DOM) Statistic is currently running at about 167 days for all homes sold. When the six month numbers showed area homes had stayed on the market an average of 211days, this is welcome news.If we look at sold homes in the under $300,000 category the absorption rate is at a 7 month level which is down from 11 months at mid-year and significantly lower than the first quarter 24 month high. Summer weather for selling lakeshore may have contributed to this lower statistic. But high end homes continue to struggle for sales. Only eight homes sold in the 3 summer months in the $400,000 plus price category. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with over 4 years of inventory when factoring in the sales of the first three quarters sales on high priced homes. Great homes at amazing prices are out there on lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, sellers will be forced to consider offers and be flexible when negotiating if they NEED to sell their home. However, it is an ideal time for and astute buyer to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! There are more listings than ever before at incredible prices too! The inventory levels are awesome…49 lakeshore homes currently active. 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!

Mid Year 2008 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 86 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 38 Sold Listings, 164 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 175 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listing, 138 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 35 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings 231 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 30 Active, 1 Pending, 4 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area:

49 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $210,900-$2,100,000

43 Homes on Forest Lake

3 Homes on Clear Lake

1 Home on Shields Lake

1 Home on Heims Lake
1 Home on Comfort Lake

**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 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!
• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!
• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Wyoming, 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

Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!

Last week I wrote about the deals that can be found on Minnesota Lakeshore in the north and east metro Counties of Anoka, Washington, Ramsey and Chisago. Lakehomes are selling for tens of thousands less than just a few years ago. Click Here to read Think Now is a GREAT Time to Make a DEAL on a MN Lakeshore Home? I Do!

A few years back, when prices were seemingly out of reach, I wrote another article, Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore, that remains to this day one of the most popular pages on my website. It was written for those dreaming of a lake home but unable to afford the rising costs MN shoreline. Now with real estate values correcting from the inflated pricing of the past few years, these variations on traditional lakeshore are now extremely affordable—usually not much higher than a home without water’s edge. With this in mind, it is once again time to review some of the lakeshore options in the Land of 10,000 Lakes to get the average Joe (or Josephine) into an extremely affordable lakehome!

• Channel Shore Shoreline along a channel is a great option for a full recreational lake. Many large lakes will have channels or narrow extensions that lead to other lakes or ponds. Usually there is not a place for a beach but you can have a slip or short dock for your boat. The channel will provide access to the main lake. The view will probably include homes on the opposite shore of the channel but if your goal is affordable use of a full recreational lake, this is a great alternative.


• Smaller Lake with Channel to Full Recreational Lake Often the lakes in Minnesota are connected to one or several smaller lakes. This can be a great opportunity. Shoreline that is shallow or weedy is not considered prime but if it has access to a larger lake, it could provide the same enjoyment at a much lower price.


• Small Acreage Lake Smaller lakes can be of interest to the more laidback water lover. Often there will be restrictions disallowing motors or only small motors. These smaller lakes can still be great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Some will allow docks and beaches but check with the DNR for specific restrictions. A small lake will still offer wonderful natural views at a significantly lower price than a full recreational lake.


• Environmental Lakes and Wetlands (Sometimes referred to as a NEDS Lake) These are very shallow lakes that are wonderful for privacy but not great for recreation. If you are looking for a home with awesome views of wildlife, this may be something to consider.


• Deeded Access Many homes and associations near a full recreational lake have been developed with deeded access providing use of the lake. The ability to have a dock, use the beach, or moor a boat, will be outlined in a legal agreement specifying what uses are allowed. Not all deeded access is created equal! Request a copy of all of the specific uses and rules before writing an offer so you can fully understand the access available as a home owner.


• Lake View A home with a beautiful lake view but no shoreline or lake access, can provide the wonderful picturesque views everyone dreams of without the high lakeshore taxes.


• Location with Public Access Nearby A final option is to look for a home that is near a park with public lake access. I sold one such home where the public access to a good-sized full recreational lake was about a quarter mile down the street. This family uses the lake to canoe, cross country ski and fish without driving or trailers. There was none of the additional cost or taxes associated with lakeshore property but all of the benefits!

LAKE RESOURCES
Department of Natural Resources Lake Finder Comprehensive search engine to find information regarding the size, depth and condition of Minnesota lakes by county and lake name. There is even information on approximate numbers and types of fish found in the listed lakes.
Need to know if you can have a dock? Put in a beach? If the water is safe? This site offers a directory of who to call for the most often asked water, lake and shoreline questions.
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

Think Now is a GREAT Time to Make a DEAL on a MN Lakeshore Home? I Do!

As recently as five years ago, the prices on Minnesota lakeshore were out of reach for many buyers. Prices shot up in the late 1990’s. Lake lots on Coon Lake in Anoka County that went on the market in 1998 for $60,000 were re-sold three years later for over three times that at $200,000. Homes on lakeshore saw similar increases. At the time, there didn’t seem to be an end in sight to what someone would pay for lakeshore in the Twin Cities. Well times have certainly changed.

A couple of years ago, “The Buyer’s Market” hit the Twin Cities and communities in the north metro. If there is one silver lining to the real estate woes of late it is the newly affordable prices for would-be lake home owners. As the buyer’s market has continued for several years, the price of lakeshore properties is once again within reach of many average Minnesotans. For years, lake-lovers only affordable options were channel shore and deeded access. Now actual shoreline is affordable again.
The affect the buyer’s market has had on the prices of lakeshore in Minnesota is nothing short of drastic. With so many homes available, buyers have had a selection of properties that hasn’t been seen for nearly a decade. This array of homes includes the wonderful lakeshore homes coveted by Minnesota sportsmen and nature lovers.

To see what kind of an impact the buyer’s market has had Minnesota lakes, I did some research on lake homes sold in first eight months of 2008. As a Realtor working in the north east metro for several years, I knew it was difficult to find reasonably priced Minnesota lakeshore in just a few years ago…especially properties located in areas with a quick commute to downtown. I wanted to see if the change in the market had made lakeshore more affordable. What I found is that an in-town lake home is not only affordable, there are several lakeshore properties available at ALL price ranges.
Focusing on the north east metro counties of Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington, I discovered some interesting facts. I set up a search for lakeshore homes SOLD that had at least 3BR/2BA and a garage and closed after January 1, 2008. The homes had to be a single family dwelling, not a town home or condo. There were 94 homes that met these criteria. I then took a closer look homes that sold for the lowest and highest price in each county. Since most homes sat on the market for several months, there were some unbelievable price concessions by sellers. The 94 listings were on the market an average of 233 days. But when I looked closer at the listings, I realized the cumulative days on the market was significantly higher. Many of the homes were cancelled and re-listed so the DOM would start again at zero. (In my estimation, the average time on the market for north metro lakeshore is 18 months to 2 years.)

So where are the deals on Minnesota Lakeshore? All over the north metro!

Here are some of the highlights:

Anoka County
Lowest Sold Price $203,000
Highest Sold Price $750,000
Average $380,348
Total Homes Sold 23

The lowest priced lakeshore home sold to date in 2008 was in southern Anoka County in Spring Lake Park. It was a 1988 three level split in foreclosure on Spring Lake with 5BR/3BA and a 3 car garage. It sold for $203,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, just to the north in Blaine, a 2005 built home sold with picturesque views of Sunrise Lake. It originally listed over 2 years ago for $974,900 but sold for just $750,000. This newly constructed home is a two-story home with 4BR/4BA and a 3 car garage.

Chisago County
Lowest Sold Price $150,000
Highest Sold Price $640,000
Average $366,057
Total Homes Sold 15

Both the lowest and highest priced sold homes were located in Chisago Township about 45 minutes northeast of downtown St. Paul. The lower priced home boasted 200 ft of shoreline on South Center Lake. It was a 20BR/9BA former group home built in 1900 and sold for just $150,000 after being on the market for over two years. Its original list price was $495,000. On the high end, there was a 2004 built lake home on Spider Lake with 211 ft. of shore. It was bankowned new construction with 4BR/5BA, a 4-Car garage on 3.28 acres and originally listed in 2005 at $999,900.

Ramsey County
Lowest Sold Price $229,900
Highest Sold Price $2,275,000
Average $705,370
Total Homes Sold 24

Ramsey County is the heart of the east metro and is home to the capital city, St. Paul. Surprisingly, there were some lakeshore bargains here as well. On the low end of the spectrum, there was a 3BR/4BA/2Car Moundsview home built in 1974on White Oak Lake. It originally listed in early 2007 for $295,000 but after a year on the market sold for $229,900, over $60K less!

On the more expensive side was a North Oaks executive home Black Lake. The home is on a 6.64 acre parcel in a private community. The brick rambler was built in 2005 with 4BR/5BA/6Car and 6300+ finished square footage. After being on the market for just 30 days, it sold for $220,000 less than asking price.

Washington CountyLowest Sold Price $216,284
Highest Sold Price $2,400,000
Average $594,628
Total Homes Sold 32

The average price of a lakeshore home took quite a tumble since 2007 in Washington County as there were many homes sold at very good prices.. At the low end a corporate-owned lakeshore home in Scandia, on Lake Sylvan sold $216,284 with a $12,000 seller paid contribution. This home originally listed four years ago for $309,900. The Washington County high ticket home sold so far in 2008 is located in Dellwood. The unique executive home with 140 ft of sandy beach on White Bear Lake sold after 175 days for $305,000 less than asking price. The home has 3BR/3BA/3Car and 3 fireplaces!

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 9/10/08.

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