Circle Pines Townhome Value!

No, this beautiful townhome is not featured in a magazine spread but it could have been. The amazing thing is, it is priced $60K less than the price paid just a few years ago. Only the banks are giving better deals...But this home is NOT bank owned or a short sale. The seller is very flexible on move in dates so a quick closing is possible. You could be serving Thanksgiving dinner in a your first home...a real dream home...that could have been featured in any home beautiful magazine!
NEED MORE INFO and Photos? Visit my website terieckholm.com and click featured links.

5 GREAT Reasons Minnesota Townhomes Make an Easy Transition from Apartment Life!

The low interest rates and recent reports have many apartment dwellers considering making a first home purchase. House prices are making buying a very attractive option for many who want the investment potential and tax benefits that being a responsible homeowner can provide. But some on the fence might not like the idea of cutting the grass every summer weekend or shoveling a driveway before going to work on a Minnesota winter day. These fence dwellers should consider a townhome and dive into the market to receive the benefits of homeownership but retain some of the worry free aspects of apartment life!

Here are five reasons that a townhouse might be the perfect first home:

1. No Yardwork! In most cases the association is responsible for all grass cutting, trash and snow removal.


2. No Exterior Maintenance! Painting the siding and putting on a new roof are decisions made by the homeowners association. Exterior hazard insurance is covered by a policy for the entire association and paid for with monthly or annual association fees.


3. Community Amenities. Want an inground pool? Like nature trails, walking paths and lakeshore living? Need a fitness center or large room to entertain in? Love the idea of living on a golf course? Amenities like these can be found in many northern Twin Cities townhome developments.


4. Close Neighbors Provide Better Security! Complaints of that nosy neighbor disappear when they notice that something unusual is going on next door and thwart a robbery in progress. People in townhomes live in close proximity to one and other, like those in apartments. This closeness can provide comfort to those who like the idea of neighbors looking out for one another.


5. More Space for the Money. In the price verses square footage scenario, townhomes win hands down for getting more space for the dollar. With less dollars being tied to the land, more of your money goes into buying actual living space. Townhomes are designed with space efficiency in mind, giving you more living area at a lower cost.

Need another reason? Townhomes are amazingly affordable throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties! The Minnesota townhome market developed too quickly in early the early 2000’s creating more supply than demand. Add to it the overall slow down in real estate, builders started making deals about two years ago from Blaine to Forest Lake and Wyoming to Coon Rapids to keep new developments selling. With builders making deals, traditional sellers have dropped their prices too. Townhomes are selling at unbelievable prices. Read More About Townhome Deals HERE!
Ready to get off the fence and buy a Minnesota townhome and need help from a professional Realtor? Give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Blaine and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Is NOW the Time to Consider a Minnesota Townhome? You Betcha!

The media reports can be confusing and contradictory about the changed real estate market. One day a report comes out showing declining values on Twin Cities houses and a day or two later, reporters are indicating it is the time to jump off the fence and buy that first home. Meanwhile, the average Joe (or Josephine) sits in the apartment paying the landlord’s mortgage wondering if there will ever be a good time to buy a house! Just like buying any investment, there is no sure thing and no one answer. But from the prices on townhomes I am seeing as a Realtor working in the north and east metro, townhomes might be one segment of the market where someone on the fence will want to jump into the fray!

Townhomes are Affordable—Amazing DEALS!

Throughout Anoka, Chisago, and Washington counties in the late 1990’s there was a shortage of affordable alternative homes for the first time homebuyer. Transitioning out of an apartment where the landlord took care of maintenance also weighted heavily on those considering home ownership for the first time. Downsizers who also wanted a maintenance free lifestyle in their old neighborhoods increase the demand. There was a need and in the early 2000’s townhome development exploded from Hugo to North Branch and Forest Lake to Coon Rapids.

Unfortunately, the explosion was a little too big compared with the pace of buyers entering into the market. This overabundance of newly constructed townhomes has lead to high inventory levels in this segment of the real estate market. Developers recognizing the slowdown indicators and with dozens of projects in the works, started cutting prices and offering deals on financing as far back as 2006.

Now fast forward to today. Many townhome owners have life changes since they bought in the early 2000’s. Townhome and condo owners throughout the Twin Cities are forced to sell their well maintained and much loved properties in this changed market in order to accept that perfect new job out of state or have enough room for a second child. These homeowners face competition from the specials offered on new construction units by developers and compete with the discounted prices of distressed properties like foreclosures. Time after time, I witness homeowners choosing to sell at tens of thousands less than their county assessed value or even the price they paid a few years ago to attract today's buyer!

This is a GREAT opportunity for today’s townhome and condo buyer! Wonderfully maintained townhomes are available throughout the north metro at discounted prices!

Here are two AWESOME Examples:

Mint! 2BR/2BA Rambler Townhome in Coon Rapids with Basement and private 2 Car garage attractively priced at only $181,900

Model Perfect! 2004 Built 4BR/4BA/2 Car with Master Suite & ALL the Upgrades and Extras in Circle Pines. Unbelieveably priced at just $204,900! Over 2200+ Square feet finished. 

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com