A Tapestry of Fall Color in Ham Lake, Minnesota

Sunday was a perfect day for an autumn walk down our Ham Lake road. We are blessed to live on a quiet road with nature all around us. It is amazing that just a few minutes north of the bustle of city life in the communities of Blaine and Shoreview there is an Anoka County community with acreage lots that allow residents to escape every evening to a natural paradise. Ham Lake still has a farm or two. Horses are allowed and many families have riding rings in their yards. Another common sight are the huge fields of Kentucky Blue Grass that stretch across many acres throughout the area as Ham Lake is known for its lush green sod farms.

We are fortunate to live in an area where it is common to see raccoons and fox; a family of deer romping through the yard is a daily sight! We can look out our back window anytime of day and see wild turkeys wandering around in the grass. And let me tell you those birds are more fun to watch than the gaggles of Canadian Geese that have overtaken many Twin Cities parks. In addition to the squirrels, bunnies and chipmunks that are common in most residential communities, eagles, hawks, turtles, and even an occasional bear have been known to live in our neighborhood.

Though the natural beauty is wonderful year round, capturing the beauty of Ham Lake on a crisp October afternoon was a joy that needed to be shared. Here are a few snapshots of the tapestry of color that I experienced last Sunday as I walked through my neighborhood.

Apple, oak and aspens in our side yard to the north.



Catalpa, aspen, red oak, white oak and pines in our side yard to the south.




A bank of beautiful oaks across the prairie to the east.


Colorful beauty across a Ham Lake sod field.



Amazing burst of golds, oranges, crimsons, and greens accented by the white bark of the birches that have already lost their leaves.


Autumn beauty upclose!

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 3rd Quarter 2008

Lino Lakes continues to grow and real estate is affordable. Conveniently located near the junction of the 35E and 35W split north of the Twin Cities, Lino Lakes is a 33 square miles treasure. With 13 lakes and acres of beautiful protected wetland, the community is served by three school districts; Centennial District #12, Forest Lake District #831, and White Bear Lake District #624. The gem attraction is the pristine 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is situated within the heart of the city. Lino Lakes is committed to maintain this treasure and its natural settings and wildlife habitats for years to come.

Real estate in Lino Lakes, MN in Anoka County is still selling. During the third quarter, single family homes had a cumulative days on the market statistic (DOM) of 151 days or about five months average selling time in the Lino Lakes area. While encouraging, these are summer numbers and it will be interesting to see if the momentum continues into the fall and winter. Active homes priced under $300,000 seem to be selling well and with thirteen in pending, it seems there is still some momentum as we head into October in this category. There currently is about a six month absorption rate meaning it will take six months for the current inventory of homes to be sold if no additional homes are listed. Lino Lakes existing homes continue to compete with available new construction in Hugo and Blaine. But as it is in southern Anoka County, its sales figures do not tend to be as stagnant as northern Anoka County communities like Ham Lake and Linwood.

High end home sales are starting to move in Lino Lakes. This is welcome news as no high end homes were sold in the first quarter of 2008. There were still just a handful of sales in the $400,000-$500,000 category but the 6 sales over $500,000 is an encouraging sign.
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~ 50 Active Listings, 13 Pending Listings, 22 Sold Listings, 145 DOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 30 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, 145 DOM
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listing, 181 DOM
$500,000 and Up~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 152 DOM

Lakeshore available in the City of Lino Lakes:
4 Active Listings
Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $324,900-$698,000

1 Home on Baldwin Lake
1 Home on Otter Lake
2 Home on Reshanau Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes:

12 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $89,900-$799,900
2 property listed on 3-5 Acres priced at $264,900-$550.000
3 properties listed on 5-10 Acres priced at $319,900-$579,900
1 property listed on 10-15 Acres priced at $689,900
1 property listed on 20 Acres priced at $429,900
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 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.
Articles on Lino Lakes, 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!


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


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


• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville

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

Whose Home Would YOU Buy in the Hundred Acre Wood?

Imagine you were going to buy a home in the Hundred Acre Wood. Let's pretend that for a minute that Pooh and all his friends have their homes up for sale. Whose home would you choose?

• Eeyore’s? Not a chance. An A-Frame built of sticks without a proper foundation that a butterfly could knock down in a second isn’t worth consideration.


• Gopher’s? Though Gopher’s actual home is never shown, it would appear to be underground. Underground, earth berm homes lack the curb appeal necessary for most buyers.


• Owl’s? The tree Owl’s house is built in doesn’t seem to support the weight of the home. On a very blustery day, the whole thing could be blown down.


• Pooh’s? Now at first glance, Pooh’s place looks sturdy but I’d question the upkeep of a home maintained by a bear of very little brain. When a homeowner cannot even take down the name plaque of the previous owner, Mr. Saunders, it is doubtful that he would have the ability to do the upkeep on the interior. Besides when the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down, much of it was inside Pooh’s house.


• Rabbit’s? Now this is a character that cares for his property! Rabbit always seems to have a rake or broom in his hand. His garden is fenced and laid out perfectly, but he does seem to have a egress problem with his door. If a guest cannot have dinner, or several pots of honey, without getting stuck on the way out, there is a problem.


• Tigger’s? It seems that Tigger may be the homeless resident of the Hundred Acre Wood as he is always bouncing up to his neighbor’s homes but never appears to be at his own.


• Christopher Robin’s? Though probably the best choice of a home as it is currently being occupied by humans, Christopher Robin’s home is not located in the Hundred Acre Woods and so it does not meet your buyer criteria.


• Kanga's? Given this specific buying criteria, I would choose Kanga’s home. She seems to have a lovely, well maintained rambler with a covered front porch. We know it is a two bedroom because Roo has his own bedroom. All other homes appear to be one room efficiency dwellings. To me, Kanga’s two bedroom gem appears to be a perfect little cabin in the woods.

The question above is whimsical and not unlike what an actual buyer might go through when considering homes for sale currently listed in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

I have shown a few foreclosures this past year that were not much better than Eeyore’s pile of sticks. This is especially true of a few unmaintained decks. Several are so rickety, clients and I avoid being on at the same time if at all.

There have also been homes with narrow hallways and doorways. Though, I only recall one home where a full grown person could have gotten stuck in the floor opening of a spiral stairway, there were several others where I had to recommend that buyers consider how furniture would get in and out due to tight corners and narrow spaces.

And maintenance, or lack there of, by people whose heads seem to be a little “stuffed with fluff” is a common occurrence. I have seen homes where repairs were quite literally made with duct tape rather than a proper replacement.

Most home buyers strive to find the well maintained gem similar to Kanga’s house. Buyer’s dream homes usually are properties where all repairs and replacements have been made to code with proper materials. It is a house that is usable and accessible to everyone in the family without ducking their heads or turning sideways to squeeze through a doorway. Sometimes a buyer will even choose to look outside their original location parameters and consider a home on the edge of the preferred community to buy the exceptional home of their dreams.

Finding and buying the perfect home takes time but the process is made much easier when working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® that can tell an Eeyore pile of sticks from a comfortable cabin like Kanga’s.
*Note All Character Photos were shots of Disney® Pins in a personal collection.

Are you searching for a perfect little Minnesota home and need help from a professional REALTOR ® to tell Kanga’s Gem from Eeyore’s A-frame? 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

Wildlife Encounter in Ham Lake, MN Makes Memorial Day Memories!

Living on acreage can bring encounters with wildlife from time to time. We have hawks, eagles, blue jays and cardinals flying overhead. There are raccoons, skunks and every color of squirrel that run through our yard. We have seen grouse, pheasants and wild turkeys too.

A few of these encounters have been unusual. A few summers ago, a baby blue jay was kicked out of his nest and too frightened to fly. It spent the day in our lilac bush until it bolstered up the nerve to fly away. Two years ago we had a male pheasant that decided to feast along with the smaller birds out of our deck feeders day after day. That year a hawk also decided to make our yard home and we witnessed him feeding on smaller animals as he sat in the catelpa tree outside our home. Last fall we had a wild turkey knocking on our basement window a week before Thanksgiving. (What was that bird thinking?) And earlier this spring we had an opossum living under our back steps.

Yesterday, we had a strange encounter on our acreage with white-tailed deer. Now our property is surrounded by trees and tall grass that are perfect deer habitats and we live very near Coon Lake. We often see does, fawns and an occasional buck run across the yard. Since Anoka County soil is very sandy, my boys loved making plaster casts of their hoof prints when they were younger. But this was different.

Our 16-year-old dog, Tikki, is still with us but requires special care and gets up very early in the morning to go out to do his business. At 5:30 am, he went out to his favorite spot a few yards from the house. At his age he no longer wanders and thank goodness doesn't see well either. By the time I got my jacket on, he was having a stare down with a huge doe! So I clap my hands to distract Tikki. As blind as he is, he didn't chase the white-tailed deer as he would of a few years ago. After getting Tikki inside, I noticed the doe was standing her ground. Odd...but thought, what a great picture. I went in for my camera. With her still posing, I snapped a few shots but the light was very low. The pictures were very grainy...not much to share with my blog readers after all.

An hour later, Tikki had to go out again. I looked out first and saw a younger deer running through the same area of the yard. Figuring that I spooked it when I opened the door, I let the dog out but stayed to watch just in case. When Tikki reached his favorite destination between our back door and grass-infested, overgrown firepit, the deer bound out of the woods just in front of the fire area. Our almost blind dog was again confronted by a deer. But seeing me, this younger animal was skittish and bound right back into the woods.

Yesterday was yard work day. It was a cold spring so this was our first lawn cutting of the year. Weeds, sticks and overgrown grass needed to be addressed...After seeing Indiana Jones of course. So mid-afternoon as we pulled into the driveway my youngest son was given the chore of picking up all of the branches that had fallen over the backyard from the oak trees. These branches are thrown into the firepit for future evening activities including roasting hotdogs and marshmallows.

All of the sudden, my son is streaking across the yard for my camera. He came back and showed me the photo of a fawn in the overgrown grass by the firepit. "Should we call the DNR to have them get him? I think he has been abandoned."

Thinking back to the morning adventures, I think the fawn's mom might have just delivered the little one when Tikki made his first trip out in the morning. When I checked on the baby (and took a photo or two of my own) it appeared the fawn's legs were not yet strong enough to move. I was certain that the others were out there waiting until darkness to coax their new family member into the woods.

As dusk fell we watched from a safe distance inside our home. Just before the thunderstorm hit last night, three larger deer circled the firepit and encouraged the fawn to use his unsteady legs. The young white-tail was off with his family but gave us a Memorial Day experience we will never forget.

Ready for your own Minnesota Wildlife Adventures? 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

Minnesota Fire Restrictions Blew In with the Wind!

Yesterday, spring blew into Anoka County quite literally. As I noticed the flags flying and trees bending, I also noted how dry last year’s grass is. This is normal every occurrence in Minnesota. Dry grass is a huge fire hazard until spring rains green up lawns. Take time to notice the Smokey Bear signs by the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve in Columbus and Linwood. The Minnesota DNR has replaced the winter “Drive Safely” sign to either a green, blue, yellow, orange and red fire danger warning signs too! Yesterday I noted the blue “moderate” fire danger warning as I drove down Broadway from Forest Lake. Grass fire season is here and 2008 has the potential to be very active. We are still in a bit of a drought.

With the brisk spring breezes here, spring burning restrictions are in effect in various counties throughout the state of Minnesota. The restrictions went into effect on April 14th and include Anoka County. After a very long winter with lower than average snow, they are necessary. CLICK HERE for DNR 4/14/08 press release.

Living near Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area, I won’t soon forget how quickly a small fire that was improperly extinguished turned into a major fire that burned for days and destroyed several homes in Linwood. The smoke in the air and blazing orange nighttime skyline is burned into the minds of many Anoka and Chisago County residents.

Fires start most often in this windy weather from sparks from trains, careless smokers and backyard fire pits. Be cautious and as Smokey says, “Only YOU can Prevent Forest Fires.” Acreage homes often butt up against the forests and wetlands. It is very important to be careful and aware of the fire danger in your community and your own back yard to protect your property.

Fire Facts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

• April and May are months when local, state and federal agencies respond to the highest number of wildfires.


• Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during this period.


• The burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota.

Open burning will be restricted in April and May, but even after the restrictions are removed remember to be vigilant when having that backyard bonfire.

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Lakeshore available in Lino Lakes

1 Active Listings

Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $544,900

1 Home on Otter Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes

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

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

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

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

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



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



• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

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

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/

The Thousand Dollar Gamble—Why Buyer’s Representation is Essential!

I love working with home buyers! First Time Buyers. Move up Buyers. Relocation Buyers. You name it—I love it!
That is why a few weeks ago when a young couple called for a showing on a home I have listed, I was excited. I pulled together my Home Buyer’s Packet with information and tips for anyone considering making a move and headed off to the home.

Now I know that most people do not fall in love with the first home they are shown. But, I am also aware that buyers scour the internet for weeks, even months prior to calling a Realtor. So after a few pre-qualifying questions, I knew this young couple was ready to buy their first home.

I arrived to the home first and turned on all the lights to brighten up the place. A few minutes later several cars pulled up. The young couple and both sets of parents got out to inspect the property. After looking everything over, I asked the young people the big question:While you are out looking at homes, are you looking for a Realtor at the same time?
Usually the answer is vague so I am ready with my speech about choosing a Realtor. This time one of the dad’s spoke up. “They don’t need an agent because the will get a better deal without one.”
OK. I just met the young couple and their parents so I had to tread lightly here. I wanted a further explanation of what this guy was thinking, so I asked. It was his belief that with both sides of the commission on the table a better deal could be negotiated.

Well maybe, but usually not. Yes, there can be variable commission rates with dual agency so the offer could be a bit more attractive to a seller. But that amount is negligible in the grand scheme of things when buying a first home.

The total commission paid by the seller on a $200,000 home will run anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000. Now unless the agent is the listing broker, a percentage of the commission will go to the brokerage; usually 25-50%. Now we are down to a total commission for the agent of $4,000 to $7,000. How much of that will the buyer see in a lower purchase price? Maybe $1,000 to $2,000. Is it worth a thousand bucks to gamble that a great agent is going to be the listing agent on YOUR dream home?
In the alternative, if a first time buyer signs a buyer’s representation agreement with a Realtor, the savings can be in the tens of thousands. When you work with a Realtor to show you properties, that agent will help you through the negotiations, prepare a market analysis for the neighborhood, and assess each property with you. When you walk into a home unrepresented, the listing agent is working for the seller until you sign and agree to dual agency. The agent owes the fiduciary duties only to the seller, including disclosure and confidentiality, so everything you say about your financing and interest in the home is disclosed to the seller as required by the listing contract.

Minnesota state law requires that I disclose that I am working for the seller when I first meet with buyers. When I explained the Minnesota agency disclosure document to this young couple, it was the first time they had seen or heard of it after viewing several homes with various agents. It was obvious to them that not all agents are following this law.

This is where I will leave the story of these first time buyers but I want anyone considering buying a home to remember this, buyer’s representation with a Realtor will save you money. Here are a few examples of how this savings can work:

New Construction—When buyers visits a model home, the sales agent in the house will quote the list price and discounted savings that the builder is offering. That's it...End of Story. But, if buyers sign with their own agent, often a better price can be negotiated with the builder. I had clients who saved an additional $15,000 last year on their dream home from the price quoted by a sales agent. Had my buyers walked into the model without me as their Realtor, they would have paid more for their home.

Existing Homes—As I walk through each potential home with buyers, I point out concerns to address in the purchase agreement. Will the upgraded fixtures stay with the home? Is that discoloration a moisture problem? The carpet, roof, furnace needs replacing, can it be done prior to closing?

As a buyer’s agent, I will discuss these issues with you on the home and assist you structuring an offer addressing the defects in the home and repairs that will be needed. I also assist my buyers in determining a fair initial offer on the home based on comparable homes that have been recently sold in the area. If the home is overpriced, we can often negotiate a lower sales price. If the roof needs replacing and we are able to negotiate a new roof, that can be $4000-6000 in savings alone.

Will the listing agent point out all concerns or that the home is overpriced? The answer is no, as they are working for the seller. Unless it is a material fact about the property, there is no duty to disclose to the unrepresented buyer.
Septic Systems and Wells—These are important and very expensive issues when considering purchasing an acreage property. Some Realtors who work mostly in the Twin Cities will not know how to address these home features. If after agreeing on a price for the home, the septic or well does not pass an inspection, who pays the thousands of dollars for the repair or replacement?


If you are looking at an acreage property, having a Realtor that understands how the testing process works and how to write a purchase agreement to address these important issues is essential. The cost of replacing a failing septic system can be well over $10,000, not including replacing landscaping for the new drain field. Wells can have a similar price tag if complete replacement is required.

Service Professionals—Whether you need a loan officer, title company or inspector, many Realtors have a list of service professionals at their fingertips to get the job done efficiently and at the lowest possible cost to you. Most buyers do not have first hand knowledge to make a great selection for these professionals. When making the single largest purchase in your lifetime do you really want to take your chances asking DEX? I work in this industry everyday and know when it is worth it to pay a few dollars more and when the savings is not worth the cost.

The bottom line when buying a home is, you need a knowledgeable advisor in your corner. Partner with a Realtor you trust before you find that dream home. Not only can it save you thousands, it can save you headaches as well.


More Articles on Buying Real Estate that might be of interest:

• Are You a BUBBA?


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


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


• Rent VS Buy? It's Time to Revisit the Question!


• How to Choose a Realtor—Why a Good Friend is Not Always a Good Option


• How to Choo-Choose a Realtor and Avoid a Train Wreck!

Featured Listings:
3608 Woodland Drive, Ham Lake
20685 Georgia Ave N, Forest Lake

Ready to buy in the Twin Cities without taking a gamble? If you are considering 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

Time to Give Thanks to a Dear Friend--But How Do You Say Goodbye?

Everyday for the past several years, after I sent my family off to school and work, I have a faithful companion by my side. He would follow me into my office and be my alarm if when someone drove up the driveway or knocked on the door. Sitting at my feet, thumping his tail, Tikki has been our family dog for nearly 16 years. I am lucky and thankful for my wonderful canine companion!

Tikki is an Australian Shepard mix that was thrust upon us by some family friends years ago. He was a playful pup that grew up with the kids. Tikki's sheparding instincts kept the kids from running too far. The boys weren’t too happy about the dog biting the tops of their shoes. When you are a wobbly toddler it doesn’t take much to knock you down!

When Tikki joined the family, we still lived in a North St Paul neighborhood. He had a fenced yard and great insulated dog house for protection. Although, he only went inside the structure once, to pull out all of the insulation! Tikki preferred the company of his boys! He loved to run and play with his kids! He was tough on the house though. Puppy chewing was a problem, but with training we kept the damage to a minimum. Dog hair was another issue all together. Having baby gates allowed us to keep the family pet confined to the downstairs and the hair problem to a minimum.

When we moved to our Ham Lake acreage, Tikki was in his glory. He had more room to run; more places to explore. We added to kittens to the family and our pet allotment was complete.

Two and a half acres in the country beats a double city lot any day! Tikki spent entire days on the front porch in the sun watching for bunnies and squirrels to chase; gophers and moles to dig up in the yard. He never did get one of those fast moving rodents but did manage to a scare up a mole once on a walk with my son. I don’t know who was more alarmed, the mole, the dog or my son as they were all within inches of each other.

In the past few years we have noticed that Tikki was slowing down. People would make comments like, “You still have Tikki? How old is he?” And “15 years, that’s old for a dog.” We started to research older dog health. My husband designed a website, www.olddogpaws.com with the information that we compiled. It was a goal to keep our friend as an integral part of our family for as long as possible.

A year or so ago, we noticed that Tikki’s limp had gotten worse. His bark had turned into a raspy noise that we call the “old dog bark”. His back right leg would shake and go out on him completely from time to time. We would watch, worry and warn our boys that their beloved dog wouldn’t be with us forever.

Around this same time, my husband and I started that big discussion remodel or move again. With Tikki aging, the discussion turned into a big circle and has put everything on hold. The dog could never be confined to one room and his toenails would ruin hardwood floors like they have ruined the decade old vinyl flooring in our kitchen and laundry room. Accidents have been happening more frequently which damage new carpet, sometimes beyond repair. Being in real estate, it is hard to watch your pet destroy parts of your home. One door has been scratched up as he recently started to paw at the door to get our attention. He is no longer able to bark. Repairs would have to be made to sell. New flooring could be damaged if remodeled so we continue in a holding pattern for our friend’s sake.

Then suddenly last fall, one of our beloved family cats died of heart failure. The boys were devastated as there was no preparation and no time to say goodbye. For the past year, thankfully, our Tikki-Dog stayed with the family, somewhat healthy and able to help the boys through their sadness.

About a month or so ago, we noticed the limp was getting worse. Tikki didn’t want to go inside the house after walking and doing his business. He couldn’t walk up the steps with his arthritic back legs. Looking closer his right leg had started to atrophy and twist. He rarely put pressure on his right foot at all. His thumping tail wagged no more.

We can no longer avoid the inevitable. My husband and younger son built Tikki a ramp a few weeks back…Carefully designing one that is sturdy but is not permanently attached to our new cedar steps. Now Tikki can go in and out of the house more easily. But as days go on we realize that the time is getting closer to when we will have to say goodbye. We live in Minnesota and the ice and snow are coming. Tikki needs strong back legs to avoid slipping on the sidewalk in the winter.

Last week, after a particularly bad day, I made the call to the veterinarian for information on euthanasia. Even though it was only for information so we know the procedure when the time comes, even thought nothing is scheduled, I broke down on the phone. There is a reality that hits when you form the words; have the discussion. It is very hard.
My family continues to take Tikki’s condition day by day; spending time with our friend. Petting him and talking to him. But we know that actual day to say farewell is coming soon. We are thankful for the many years we have had with our beloved pet. But how do you say goodbye to a friend who has been at your side for a third of your life? Or, like my boys, all of your life? The answer is very, very slowly.

Well, today’s not the day…Come on Tikk…Let’s go for your walk!

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

It’s Hard to Show the Unhandy-Andy, Weasley Burrow!

As a Realtor, showing homes can sometimes be more of an adventure than others. This past summer, I had a wonderful family of clients looking for a hobby farm so they would no longer have to board their horses. They wanted to be located near the schools and employment in the Twin Cities, needed a minimum of 5 acres and the ability to keep at least 2 horses on the property. Age and condition of the home were secondary considerations as long as it was in the price range and met the three main criteria.

So we began the journey! We scoped out homes from Scandia to North Branch! We trekked all over Washington, Anoka and Chisago Counties and checked out properties from Linwood to Stacy, even a few in northern Ham Lake and East Bethel.

On one such adventure, we visited a home that sounded in the MLS like a real find. A 1998 built split level home with a 3 car garage, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a mother-in-law apartment. Pulling up to the home, we noted the unique layout…A standard split level home was enhanced with an additional third garage stall and an apartment above. Since the home was a walkout, the third stall was at a lower elevation than the other two. It was unusual but not concerning.

Entering the main front door, the home did appear to be a standard 2 bedrooms up and two bedrooms down split but that is where the normalcy ended. The upper level deck was an obviously-abandoned, work-in-progress, missing railings and several floor boards. When you walked through the two car garage of the main home, there was a service door that lead to a long dark hallway. If you took a sharp right, you would fall down steep stairs. We headed straight and went into a weirdly designed mother-in-law apartment complete with swinging saloon-style doors to gate off the kitchen and fake parquet inlayed floors. At this point, I turned to my sellers and stated, "Oh my gosh, we are in the Weasley house!"
Okay, maybe it was because I had just stayed up several nights in a row to finish the final installment of Harry Potter but this home hit me as a knock off of the Burrow. If the Potter Series is only in film version in your mind, you might miss the analogy as the Weasley home only makes a quick appearance in one film. J. K. Rowling gives architecture a whole new meaning in the wizarding world with moving staircases and disappearing/appearing townhomes. (Can you even imagine a muggle Realtor trying to find Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black’s family estate at 12 Grimmauld Place?) But the description of the Burrow is very vivid in the literary version as a convoluted maze of a home.
My clients agreed and couldn’t leave the property fast enough. It actually took longer for the homeowners to leave the house than it did for my clients to view the home and make their decision.

The sad thing is this wasn’t the only Weasley home that we visited before the clients located their dream home. In many country homes people are foregoing common sense, reason and building permits when putting an addition on a home or making home repairs. We saw an odd, 3-story home where the additional floors got smaller just like a home created by Dr. Suess. Then there was the home that had a spiral staircase removed to put in hardwood but the owner didn’t make the opening large enough for an adult human to go up and down. In another home, with a very rustic interior must have been a bit drafty in the winter winds as they had used expanding foam insulation between the boards in the main family room!

I avoid listing Weasley homes. If an unhandy-Andy did improper home “improvements” or added onto the home without permits, I won’t list the home until the repairs are made and properly documented.
We are still in a buyers market in the Twin Cities. There are dozens of properties listed that buyers can choose from. Homes with weird layouts, mismatched siding, unfinished decks and stairs that go nowhere, don’t sell. Buyers have options and will move on to the next home. So before you head out to Home Depot or Menard’s for the next weekend project, ask yourself if relocation is possible in the near future. If it is a possibility, make certain the work is done correctly and properly permitted.

As much as the Weasley family loved their home and it worked for them, I wouldn’t want to have to sell it!

Featured homes in Ham Lake and Forest Lake:

• 3608 Woodland Drive


• 20685 Georgia Ave N
  

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

New Acreage Homeowner? Attend a Class to Understand Your Septic System

If you just moved to Ham Lake, MN, you have a septic system. The City of Ham Lake does not have a city sewage system. All homeowners have private sewer systems that must be maintained properly. In fact there are many other communities through out Anoka County where septic systems are the norm. Whether you are in Columbus, Wyoming, Lino Lakes, Forest Lake or Linwood, if you are on acreage, chances are that you have a private sewage system.

When my family moved to our acreage home over a decade ago, we came from North St. Paul with city water and sewer. We knew replacing a septic system would be expensive and were told to “protect” our system but didn’t know what that meant.

Our builder made a point of explaining that it is important that nothing heavy runs across the system or drainfield. They should be left alone…So how heavy is heavy? Car- heavy? Lawn tractor- heavy? We didn’t have a clue.

Our family was told to be careful of the products we used. Avoid pouring chemicals down the drain. No more bleach? Ever? Could we wash out a paint brush?

No garbage disposal. No powdered detergents. No running the faucet. Don’t plant trees or bushes. Have the system pumped periodically. The rules are endless regarding septic systems. But as a Realtor living and working throughout Anoka County, I know that it is imperative to protect my septic system as part of my home investment and avoid a sewage backup.

On October 15, 2007 the University of Minnesota Extension Service will be giving the class, Homeowner Education for Septic Systems. The two hour program costs $5 and will be held from 7-9pm at the Bunker Hills Activity Center. Preregistration is required.

Don’t worry if the class doesn’t fit into your schedule. The program is offered periodically throughout the year. In the meantime The University of Minnesota Extension Service Septic Owners Guide is available as an online HERE. Get your septic system answers for with the click of a mouse!

Additional articles for acreage homeowners:What is a Minnesota Unique Well Number?
Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
Dreaming of life on MN Acreage? What YOU need to know before YOUR Move!
Time to Pump it Out! Septic Service Provides Comic Relief Too!
Minnesota Lakeshore Is Affordable Again!
Featured homes available in Anoka and Washington Counties:

• 1988 Robin Lane N


• 3608 Woodland Drive


• 20685 Georgia Ave N

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

Time to Pump it Out! Septic Service Provides Comic Relief Too!

It’s a dirty business and somebody’s gotta do it. At least once every three years in the city of Ham Lake. . I’m talking septic pumping and inspection here. 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, 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, most cities will hire a contractor for you and assess the charges on your property taxes.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

Dangers Lurking in the Underbrush on Minnesota Acreage

Anoka and Chisago Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage properties in the state. As a Realtor in the Ham Lake, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes area, I have to walk acres with my buyers to assess the land. I walk the perimeter of properties with potential sellers to understand the property lines. Whenever showing homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There are dangers lurking in the underbrush.


Poison Ivy--Be very aware of these poisonous plants as they are all over in Minnesota yards and wooded areas. Many property owners don't even realize the plants are poison ivy. Poison ivy is found all over the US while a close relative poison oak is found most often in the west. The plants to have a similar look and exposure to either of these plants will cause a similar, painfully itchy reaction.


Poison Ivy in Summer

• Classic poison ivy in full swing.



• Some leaves are notched.



• Some leaves are not.



• New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish.



• Older leaves are duller.

Photo courtesy of http://www.poison-ivy.org/


Poison ivy can be a ground cover, a vine or a bush. One small neglected patch can spread very quickly to a huge area. Exposure to this plant is an itchy nightmare that can last for several weeks unless treated with prescription medicines, usually steroids. These plants can leave oil on clothing which can spread in the laundry. Be aware of this hazard when walking in any wooded area that you are unfamiliar with.

Can you detect poison ivy? Take the poison ivy PHOTO QUIZ


Wood Ticks/Deer Ticks—While the woods are often a haven for white-tailed deer, the beauty of these animals is overshadowed by a frightening reality. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease; a painful disease that can be quite debilitating if untreated. Deer ticks (or Blacklegged ticks) are rarely found in maintained yards and are very tiny and often not noticed even after having bitten a host. The best defense is prevention of a deer tick bite.

• Dress Appropriately—When walking acreage with underbrush or on property that has not been maintained, wear long sleeves and tuck in pant legs.



• Use Bug Spray—Effective repellents include DEET and Permanone. Spray clothing with Permanone repellent prior to wearing as it is not to be sprayed directly on the skin. DEET can be used on clothing and/or skin.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

terieckholm.com
Copyright 2007 

Caution! Wild Turkey Crossing—On Every Major Roadway in MN!

Minnesotans have long been aware to keep an eye out on roads for wildlife hazards. Most state residents have had at least one family member encounter a white-tailed deer either head on or as a near miss. We learn as soon as we hit the road at 16 years old with the ink wet on our licenses, to keep an eye out for those 4-legged hazards that jump out of the ditch and can total a car with a direct hit.

But have you ever encountered a wild turkey? Although the wild turkey had nearly disappeared from Minnesota at the turn of the century, these birds have made a comeback as of late. It is estimated their population is over 30,000 according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Living in Anoka County I know this first hand. As a Ham Lake resident with a couple of acres, our wooded area has been home to a flock of wild turkeys for the past year. The eighteen birds are beautiful but we have a sort of love/hate relationship. You see, I know first hand how stupid these beautiful birds are.

OK. What would prompt such a statement? A few years back as I traveled with my boys home from a birthday party down Lexington Avenue, I had an encounter with a wild turkey. Or rather my windshield did. We were just coming up on one of the S-curves with almost no shoulder and a deep ditch. This is a two-lane, 55 mph road edged with tall grass. Another car was approaching us in the other lane when all of the saddened this stupid bird darted out onto the road. As the other car approached, the wild turkey attempted flight and was able to get just high enough to hit my windshield square in the middle and bounced off the top into the ditch.
We were lucky. Our new van only lost a windshield…The dumb turkey lost its life. And NO, we did not take it home with us to eat it!

It could have been much worse. A week later we saw on the news a woman who hit a wild turkey going 70 mph on the interstate. The bird went through the windshield and ended up in a pile of blood and feathers in the lady’s back seat.
As a Realtor, I am driving all over the countryside from Blaine to Chisago. And from North Branch to White Bear Lake. The wild turkey population is thriving in Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties. If you travel through this area and see wild turkeys near the road, try to give them room as they cannot fly as high or as quickly as a pheasant. If I see them near the side of the road, I proceed with caution. I hope to never have hit a 30 pound dead weight with my car again!

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Dreaming of life on MN Acreage? What YOU need to know before YOUR Move!

About 10 years ago out family came across a home being renovated on 3 acres in the country. It was a bit of a drive from North St. Paul and Maplewood; the quiet little suburbs where we had spent most of our lives. But there was something intriguing about the beautiful landscape with dozens of towering oaks and pines. We loved the idea that our two preschool boys could play hide and seek and ride their bikes right in our own yard. We made the leap without considering all of the differences that faces us switching from a city to a rural life.

As a Realtor in the north metro, I show homes to other families looking for the same escape from the city that we sought a decade ago. I notice that the same questions continue to come up whether considering a hobby farm in Columbus, an acreage lakeshore home in East Bethel, a horse property in Scandia or an executive estate in Ham Lake. Though the properties that are being considered are only 15-20 miles from the nightlife of downtown Minneapolis, there are significant differences in the way of life out in the country. Here are some important questions and considerations that face my clients as they make their move from the city to the acreage in Anoka and Chisago Counties.

**Does the home have a Septic or Private Sewer system?
Most rural homes have a private septic system. Not all systems are created equal. They are designed for the specific property and size of the home. Even a new septic system can fail if not properly maintained. How do you know if the septic system is working? Require the seller to supply a report of compliance from a certified septic inspector in your purchase agreement. If you have never lived on a home with a septic system, it is important to educate yourself on how to best maintain your system. Additional information on Septic Systems.

**Does the home have access to city water or a private well? Do I need a water softener or other water treatment system?

Families new to the concept of well water have many questions regarding its safety. Traditionally, well water is tested for bacteria and nitrates at the time of sale by the seller. A lead test for well water is required only for FHA loans. If you want the well test for your property to include other contaminants, it must be specified in the purchase agreement. Annual water testing is recommended for all home owners with wells.. Additional information on Private Wells. Locate your MN Unique Well Number.

One question often asked by home buyers considering a property with a private well is about water treatment options available. Many homes with private wells have water softeners to treat the water in the home. Some will go one step further and have a reverse osmosis water treatment system in the kitchens as a drinking water supply. Additional information on Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Drinking Systems.

**Is there a natural gas supply to the home or will a propane tank be located on the property?
Often people looking at acreage will have questions about the huge propane fuel tank located near the home. These tanks are usually see only at gas stations where homeowners fill their small propane tanks for the weekend BBQ. In the country, the large tanks are in many backyards as the source of fuel to heat the home and run appliances. As a fuel source the differences are not noticeable. Propane is the least expensive cleanest fuel if a home does not have access to natural gas. Additional information on the differences between natural gas and propane.

**Does the home have access to cable or high speed internet or will a satellite connection be required? Can I get high speed internet through the phone line? Does the property have cable access? What are the alternatives if DSL is not available through the phone or cable lines?

A decade ago, these were not questions that few people cared about in the rural communities. Today our interconnected world brings these questions to the forefront. There are many homes in Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and East Bethel that do not have cable lines or high speed internet available through the phone lines. If your family lives on the internet and could not live without a high-speed connection, it is essential to find out whether a home has access. The alternative of direct satellite high speed internet is significantly more expensive.

**Is the road frontage paved? If the road is not paved, how often is it maintained by the city/county?
When our family first moved to our home to a rural area in MN, the road was not paved. We were nearly a mile down this soft, sandy dirt road. We moved in the late fall and had no idea of the extremely poor condition of the road in the April rain of spring. It was treacherous at times. The regrading was done by the city on a schedule so we would have a pot-holed road for days. Our road has been paved for years now but the memories still remain.

If you are considering acreage, remember many rural roads are not paved. Try to visit the property on several occasions and under differing conditions to determine the condition of any unpaved road. Talk to the city and county to understand the maintenance schedule for the road. Also be sure to ask if there are any plans to pave the road in the future and what would be assessed per property owner for the project.

**Is there wildlife?
Well maybe not lions and tigers, but we have had bears and cougars seen near our home. We also have pheasant, hawks, bald eagles, raccoons, several varieties of squirrels and deer. A flock of 18 wild turkeys have made their home on our block. And an owl and a hawk both nest in trees in on our property. I rarely saw blue jays, cardinals or hummingbirds in the city, but in our rural home we see them on a daily basis. While exciting, the downside is sometimes the wildlife comes in. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t have an occasional field mouse enter their home.

**Is hunting allowed?

In some rural areas hunting is still allowed depending on the amount of acreage, the development restrictions and city and county rules. It was a rude awakening for us to discover our neighbors were allowed to hunt. Imagine our shock that first deer opener when the hunters came out in blaze orange to hunt in the woods next to our home. The property owner, at our request, posted the land and the hunters left. The land has since been developed but it is something everyone moving should understand before buying any acreage home. Check with the city and county for all ordinances regarding firearms.

**Where are the schools?

The public school districts in rural communities can be vast. In Forest Lake District 831 in Minnesota for example, students come from communities as far west as Ham Lake, as far south as Lino Lakes, as far east as Scandia and as far north as Stacy! It you drive from the western border to the eastern border of the district, it takes almost 45 minutes, one way! This particular school district has only one high school so your children’s best friend from school could literally live almost an hour from your home. It pays to research the school district prior to any housing decisions.

Also school alternatives can be limited. Communities in the city have dozens of private and charter school options. These options are much lower in rural areas due to the smaller population. Additional information on Educational Alternatives in the North Metro.

**Can we have a bonfire and burn all this debris?

There are strict state and local restrictions regarding burning of construction debris and yard waste. There are restrictions on the size of the fire and what can be burned. Many construction materials cannot be burned because they release chemicals into the air that pose an environmental hazard. There are times of the year where burning is only allowed by permit and sometimes not at all. Before burning it is best to check the local restrictions as well as the DNR. More information on MN Fire Restrictions.

**Where do we shop? How far to the nearest corner store, gas station, shopping center and mall?

Depending on how often you like to shop, this may or may not be a big concern. But it is always nice to know how far you will have to go for a gallon of milk for breakfast or a gallon of gas for the lawn mower.

**How long does it take to cut the grass?
If your yard is over an acre with few trees, you might consider a lawn tractor. Many people on acreage only cut certain areas leaving the rest to grow to a natural prairie. Another consideration would be whether or not to install an irrigation system for the sod near the home.

**Wow! There are a lot of trees! Do I have to worry about oak wilt?
Oak wilt is a big concern in Anoka and Chisago counties. Many of the communities have information and programs to help protect and save the oak trees from this disease.

**What about emergencies? How far to the nearest hospital? Where is the nearest fire station? Who provides police protection?
No one wants to think about these things when moving but accidents and illnesses do happen. It was a long hour drive to Children’s Hospital in St. Paul when my 6 year old fell and needed stitches in his upper lip. If the nearest fire station is staffed with volunteers and over five miles away, it will seem like a lifetime during those 5-10 minutes while you wait for the fire truck to show up to YOUR home. Many rural communities do not have police officers but are patrolled by the county sheriff’s department. Understand your options before an emergency occurs because it will likely take a bit longer if you are in a rural area.

With a little planning your move to a home on acreage can be a great one!

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com