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/

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

After the successful sale of last year of the home built by Forest Lake construction students in the parking lot of their school, the are at it again! The 3BR/2BA rambler built by Forest Lake High School Students in the previous year 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 were put right back into the next project. That new construction endeavor began with the school year in September.

I have it on good authority that because of this real world building project, the shop classes in Forest Lake High School have a waiting list! Beginning woodshop is the stepping stone to working on this new home construction project.

As you can see, the first quarter students made excellent progress on the home. The framing is done and the windows are in and roofing finished; the siding is also nearly complete on the modest rambler. It looks like this time there might be a detached garage for sale along with the house. The roofing is well underway for that structure too. Just in time for to keep the elements out as old man winter is starting to arrive in Minnesota. Our first big snow could be any day. Working in a real environment gives a real timeline to the construction process.

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! It will be a fun project to watch to completion!

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!



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



• Seeing the Minnesota Forest Through the Trees at Linwood Elementary



• Mid-Year 2007 Real Estate Market Statistics for Forest Lake Minnesota--Including Lakeshore Statistics



• Goodbye Summer! As the MN State Fair Ends, Another School Year Begins in Forest Lake.



• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2007



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
  

Featured LISTING in Forest Lake:20685 Georgia Ave N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
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 www.terieckholm.com

Mortgage Fraud—Important Reminders For Buyers, Sellers and Agents

Last summer while driving home from an appointment, I received a call on my cell from an agent who had just shown one of my listings. The listing was a little town home in the north metro of the Twin Cities. Since there were several other properties listed in the development, my seller had just reduced the price by nearly 10% to generate activity. This particular buyer’s agent was very excited. Her client loved the property and they were going to sit down that afternoon to write an offer. Before the did, the agent had a question: “Since buyer had some financing issues, could the seller do a contract for the down payment?”

My seller was not in a position to do that and I said so. She then asked if the property would appraise for $10,000 over the amount. If it could, then we could write the offer for $10,000 more than the asking price if the seller could agree to write up a contract for deed that would be immediately forgiven at the closing. As I maneuvered down the road to a stoplight, I paused a second. After taking a breath I asked the other agent, “Do you realize that what you just suggested is Fraud?!”

The buyer’s agent said that the loan officer had suggested this method and it was perfectly legal. The agent didn’t sound very experienced so I suggested that she check with her broker regarding the situation and call back. When the phone rang again, a few minutes later, there was a nervous, distraught agent on the other end of the line. She would not be writing an offer after all. She was distraught because she was a brand new agent and had just closed on a similar deal a month ago. She was at risk of losing her license.

This is not an isolated case. Mortgage fraud is not common but it is out there.

According to the FBI webpage on mortgage fraud, there are two specific types: Fraud for Property and Fraud for Profit

The scenario outlined above was Fraud for Property or Fraud for Housing. This is where a specific borrower misrepresents information on the loan application, appraisal, property or other document for the purchase of a specific property. Often buyer’s really want to be home owners but are not able to qualify through the correct channels. This type of fraud accounts for an estimated 20% of all mortgage fraud.

Fraud for Profit is more newsworthy. It is when industry professionals, real estate, title and mortgage agents, generate multiple loans for multiple properties. There are many different scenarios where unsuspecting individuals have signed documents and given social security numbers for a variety of reasons. Then realize months down the road that their information was used to fraudulently purchase properties.

To learn more about the different types of mortgage fraud schemes visit the FBI mortgage fraud webpage .

So how do you protect yourself?

Know your Realtor—Check out all credentials with local board of Realtors. Check with the state and local licensing board. Ask and check references.

Know your Loan Officer—Just as with your real estate agent. Check credentials, licensing and references. Deal directly with the loan officer and don’t arrange loans through third party services.
Don’t Sign ANY Blank Documents—Or any documents with omitted, incorrect or blank information Make certain you understand everything you sign. If you are unsure of any document, check with your attorney or legal representative before you put your name on the bottom of the page.

Do not agree to refund any money to the Buyer after closing—This is a common mistake. Often at the final walk through, a buyer will notice something they would like repaired, but the closing is in an hour. In order to facilitate the closing, the seller will agree to an amount to pay the buyer to have the repair made. If the mortgage company is not informed, it could be considered fraud. How should the situation be handled? The seller could agree to pay the service person directly. If a repair needs to be made, make it. If something needs replacing, replace it. If the funds can be escrowed for the repair, escrow the funds. All documents and agreements must be approved by the lender.

Get Copies of Everything you Sign—Protect yourself. Make certain when you leave the office you are given a complete set of documents including everything you have signed.

Copyright 2007—Teri Eckholm

Moving with Pets--Important things to remember!

Moving can be especially difficult on one of your most important, but often overlooked, family members: your pet. I often hear from clients that their pets begin acting up weeks before the actual move. The resulting behavior can cause destruction in the home you are selling as well as concern for the pet’s reaction in their new location. If Fido or Kitty is a senior pet, a new home can be particularly traumatic. How do you relieve your pet’s anxiety? Preparation is the key.

Before the Move

Visit the Veterinarian for a complete examination. Verify and document that all vaccinations are up-to-date. Inquire about medications for stress and the options of administering before or during the move depending on your pet’s particular needs. Keep copies of your pet’s medical records, including a current photo, in an accessible place.

Check homeowners association and local authorities for pet restrictions before purchasing your home. Many cities and neighborhoods have restrictions on the type, size and number of pets you are allowed to keep in a home. Requesting this information prior to making an offer can save the heartache of your beloved pet being restricted from your new home.

Keep to a regular routine. If your move will require the use of a carrier, find one of good quality that is sturdy, comfortable and insulated. It needs to be large enough to accommodate your pet and allow movement. Have it out in your house and use it routinely, so that your pet is familiar with his temporary home and comfortable in it.

Moving long distance and traveling by car? Many hotels are pet friendly but some are not. Plan in advance your route and check with area hotels for the ones that will allow your pet to stay with you. Your pet will appreciate the chance to get out of the carrier in the evenings and spend time with you.

Moving Internationally? Pets could require 6-12 months of surveillance or quarantine before being allowed into a different country. Check restrictions and make preparations well in advance of the move so there are no surprises for your family.

Day of the Move

Make sure your pet is safe. Keep in a safe room/kennel or at a trusted neighbor’s or pet sitter’s home while your belongings are being loaded into the truck. (A pet sitter directory is available at http://www.olddogpaws.com/ ). Make sure it is a place your pet is familiar with as to not create additional stress. If you do leave your pet in a room in your home, remember to check in frequently. Leave a litter box for cats and let dogs out on a leash for breaks to avoid accidents.

Identify your pet. Make certain that your pet’s collar or tags have current information with a cell phone number and/or the new home information so you can be contacted in the event of an escape.

Time to load the pet carrier. Put in your pet’s favorite blanket, toy or bed along with food and water for the trip. Remember a container of additional food and water in case of spills. It is a good idea to pack paper towels and wet wipes to clean up any messes from sickness or accidents during the ride. Don’t leave your pet unattended for more than a few minutes at a time in his transportation kennel.

At Your New Home Sweet Home

Expect some behavior changes as your dog or cat becomes accustomed to his new surroundings. Use as many familiar items from your pets past to make him feel at home. This is not the time to try out a new food or bring in the new pet bed. Bring in his old toys, dishes and blankets to make your old friend comfortable. With lots of love and attention, Fido and Kitty will be back to normal in no time.

Real Estate Agent Selection Primer—How to Choose the BEST Realtor for YOU! (Part Two of Two)

The Twin Cities Fox News affiliate’s investigative team recently ran a new segment on mortgage and real estate fraud. A man was allegedly bilked out of nearly half a million dollars by a loan officer and real estate agent he met in a bar! The story is not a new one but what struck me was the “in a bar” statement. How many people are selecting their advisor on real estate over a beer in the local tavern? Let’s think about this a minute. One of the biggest, most important investments in a person’s life and they rely on an acquaintance in a bar? I hope they at least ordered some appetizers before they signed the contracts!

The average American will buy or sell a home only 2-3 times during their lifetime. It is imperative to have a logical process to select a real estate agent. Purchasing and selling a dwelling for your family is a very emotional situation. If you chose an agent wisely, you will be confident that your Realtor is on your side through the entire purchase and/or sale even when emotions are running high.

As a Realtor in Minnesota, I love assisting people to find the perfect home. My clients come from the referrals of past clients as well as open houses and other marketing avenues. When I meet a potential client, I expect questions about myself and my business. I answer additional questions about the Twin Cities metro real estate market and specifics about homes available. Not all of these potential clients ask relevant questions. They can already be caught up in the emotional buying process or a major life change. There is an easy step-by-step approach that can be used to find the best real estate agent for your family. In part one, I discussed how to prepare yourself mentally for meeting with potential real estate agents. (View part one of the article at http://www.mnrealestateupdate.blogspot.com/ ). Here is final step in my step-by-step approach to selecting the perfect Realtor for you.

Six questions to ask a potential agent

Do you have an introductory flyer or personal resume that you could send me prior to our meeting?The way an agent promotes him/herself will give you a good idea of their professionalism. If you receive high quality, well thought out marketing materials in the mail within the next day or two, the agent is on the ball. A well written, professional personal brochure should be part of a Realtor’s marketing materials. If you receive something of less quality or nothing at all, the agent might not be able to pay attention to detail throughout the transaction.

Do you work independently or as part of a team?

If you are part of a team, who will I be working with most often? If you prefer to have someone who can immediately answer the phone and track down an answer, you might like working with an agent that is part of a team. But it is important to understand how the team operates. Some teams will operate with the agents being interchangeable where you will have one agent showing you homes to buy, one agent handling listing your home, and another holding the open houses. Often teams will have unlicensed assistance handling the incoming phone calls.

If you want to work with the same person throughout the transaction, you may prefer an agent that works independently. Often when you call their office, the agent will pick up the phone. They handle all the details throughout the transaction and can answer your questions directly without waiting to contact another source.

Can you give me the names of past clients?

An experienced Realtor will have worked with any number of clients and will be able to provide you with a list of previous clients that you can contact as references. When talking with the references, it would be a good idea to ask if they had any problems during the transaction. If they did, ask how quickly and professionally they were resolved. Also ask how they met their agent. If the agent gives you only a list family members and best friends from high school as references, it may be concerning.

(For Buyers) Can You Help Me Understand My Financing Options?

If you are pre-approved for a mortgage but do not understand the financing paperwork after meeting with your loan officer, a good real estate agent should be able to peruse the documents to note any fees that do not seem correct. Sometimes a phone call by a Realtor to the loan officer on your behalf can resolve the issue. If not, most real estate agents have several good mortgage professionals that they have developed professional relationships with they can call upon. It could be in your best interest to visit with another loan officer to verify that all fees charged are necessary and that you are in the best type of loan program for your situation. Any real estate agent unable or unwilling to assist you in finding the tools to understanding your financing options might not be the best choice.

(For Sellers) What is your listings-to-sales ratio?
Some agents seem to have every house on the block or every house in a neighborhood listed. You see their signs in yards throughout the town. There ads are in your local newspaper and in your mailbox. This is may be an indication of a successful Realtor. But the big question is “Did the homes sell?” In this slower buyer’s market, there are many more homes on the market than buyers. Do you want an agent that can successfully get you to list your home or one who will actually get the home sold? If the agent is unsure of their ratio, you can figure it out for them. Ask how many homes they listed last year. Then ask how many listings they sold. (Make sure that the agent doesn’t include sales of homes where they represented the buyers.) Divide the listings sold by the total number of listings to get the ratio. If the ratio of listings-to-sales is less than 50%, you might want to select a different agent. Successful agents won’t sell every home they list, but their success ratio will be over 70%, even in a slow year.

(For Sellers) How will you market my home?
A comprehensive marketing plan should be prepared for your specific home prior to signing any contract. Good agents establish a marketing plan for each home they list. Your Realtor should provide you with a schedule of advertising and open houses. They should outline what publications and websites your home will be listed in and the timing for their inclusion. If there is going to be a sign in your yard, your agent should tell you whether their will be a brochure box with flyers for potential buyers driving by. Anything from the number of pictures in the MLS or whether there will be a virtual tour should be discussed and outlined.

It's COLD out there...Time to think about Carbon Monoxide Safety

With the subzero wind chills of the past few days, more Minnesotans have been hunkered down in their homes with the fireplaces roaring and furnaces blowing away. Unfortunately, some fellow Minnesotans will be exposed to carbon monoxide during this cold snap. In the past five years more than 2500 people have been hospitalized and 140 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Minnesota. There are simple and inexpensive ways to protect your family from this deadly poison. The time is now to take those steps!

So what is carbon monoxide and where does it come from?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced when fuels like coal, wood, natural gas and propane are burned. This gas cannot be seen and does not have an odor. In a properly ventilated home, CO gas would go up the chimney flue and not accumulate. But poorly maintained appliances, tuck-under or attached garages, and even heavy cigarette smoke can cause a build up of CO when there is not proper ventilation. When homes are tightly sealed against the elements, there is a higher risk of poisoning.

How can I tell if I have been exposed to Carbon Monoxide?

That's the sad thing about CO poisoning. Most people die or become seriously ill because they think they have the flu. The initial symptoms are similar: nausea, headache, fatigue. When a person has been seriously exposed there is confusion. This combined with severe drowsiness is often a lethal combination as the affected person or persons cannot think straight and often just lie down and go to sleep without knowing that they are being poisoned.

In January 2007, a new law took effect requiring that all new homes and apartments constructed in Minnesota to have carbon monoxide detectors installed within 10 feet of each bedroom. Existing homes will be required to have them in 2008 and existing apartment buildings by 2009. But don't wait for the law to take effect. Protect yourself and your family by purchasing a CO detector with an alarm. For less than $40, it is one of the best gifts you can give to your loved ones.