Love at First Sight is Reality--For Home Buyers too!

I believe in love at first sight. Do you?

Yesterday there was an wonderful story on the national news about the longest married couple in America. The enchanting couple, 99 years young, have been happily married for 81 years. When asked how they met he said he just drove by and saw her on the front porch and that was it.
Decades ago as a handsome 20-something, blue-eyed man walked through the door of a local restaurant, his eyes connected with the sparkling eyes of a young girl. A short while later they talked and their lives changed forever. I still remember that first moment and the twinkle in the blue eyes of my future husband.

These days I get to see that starstruck look of love every time my buyers fall in love with a house. Whether they are first time buyers or moving up or downsizing, I can see it in a buyer's eyes when it is the one!

• It is not always the best house.


• It is not always the most expensive.


• The property is not always perfectly staged.

But something about the home pulls at the heartstrings of these buyers. I can see it in their eyes they are home!
I am a firm believer in houses selling themselves.
For most home buyers, a housing purchase is unlike any other investment; it is an emotional decision. My job as a buyer's representative is to provide stable, unbiased support and assistance throughout the home buying process. So while my buyers are starry-eyed looking at the warm paint colors, brilliant hardwoods and room sizes, I check out the nooks, crannies and seller's disclosures to discover things that might be overlooked through the starstruck eyes of my client. While not an inspector, it is my job to point out potential issues to question the sellers about (and home inspector should the buyers decide to write an offer). Sometimes flaws are hard to see with stars in our eyes.

Falling in love at first sight is a wonderful experience whether with a person or a home. It is important to take the time to get to know that object of your affection before making a commitment. As a professional REALTOR®, I guide my excited clients through the home buying process so their dream home is a continued love story. My job as a real estate agent when representing buyers is to look out for my clients’ best interests so they can remain in love with their dream home as long as the live there.

♥ Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!♥

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

Copyright 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Question from First Time Homebuyer--Is a Home a Good Investment?

 “Is buying a home really a good investment?" That question is asked quite often these days especially as the real estate market continues to show signs of recovery. As the market heats up and there are more homes with multiple offers due to low interest rates, some first time homebuyers continue to wonder whether buying a home is a good financial investment.

For decades, buying a home was considered one of the safest investments a person could make. It was "The American Dream". But then came came the crash or burst bubble and people became more cautious about real estate investing. Now, homes are selling again but the question does remain; Is owning a home a good financial investment?

In my opinion, YES, buying a home can be a wise investment and not just because I am a REALTOR®, but because I, too, am a homeowner. The key is treating your home like the investment that it truly is. It takes discipline and time for your investment to grow. And like any other investment, if you have to sell when the market is down, there is a chance that you will not realize as much profit as you may have expected.

So what are some of the key points that must be considered when investing in your first home?

• Buy Smart

**Price **Interest Rate **Type of Mortgage **Resale Potential **Equity Builder?

• Maintain and Protect Your Investment

**Home maintenance **Insurance

• Don’t Put in Your Asset in Jeopardy

The best way to have a healthy balance sheet when you decide to sell your home is to Buy Smart in the first place. Buying smart is not just about getting the home at a low price though that is a very important piece to the puzzle. Homes were a at rock bottom prices a few months ago and when coupled with extremely low interest rates, many people started thinking now may be the time to buy that first home. But with more buyers in the mix, multiple offers are becoming the norm. It is important not to over extend and get caught up in a bidding war that you cannot afford to get that "perfect" home. 

Buying smart also means getting a mortgage that you can afford and that is safe, preferably at a fixed rate rather than an adjustable rate, that can fluctuate into something that you cannot afford. Interest rates are at record-breaking low rates. Talking to a knowledgeable loan officer is a great way to get started in the home buying process and find out what options are available to first time buyers now.

But buying smart goes beyond the price paid and the loan used to finance a first home. It is also buying with resale in mind. Many, who purchased homes in the price climbing frenzy of before the market crashed, snatched up any home they could  get an offer accepted on. They were tire of submitting multiple purchase agreements and being beat out by other buyers in multiple offer situations. They stopped worrying about the perfect floor plan or caring whether the home was on a busy road or next railroad tracks. As the market picks up, buy smart and always think about the need to potentially resell the home.

As a REALTOR® who works often with first time buyers, I spend time helping my them to understand the positives and negatives of the location of each property they view. I point out how something quirky like having no basement or having a hot tub built in to a bedroom could affect the resale value by limiting potential buyers. Paint and wallpaper can be easily changed but foundation, plumbing and property location are much more expensive to deal with. Oddities it a home can drastically affect value when it is time to sell.

Lastly, buy smart by determining whether equity can be built with good old fashioned hard work! If the home hasn’t been updated, a good sprucing up could raise its value. A house that has an unfinished basement, could build equity if it can be done at a reasonable cost. Don’t take shortcuts and avoid permitting because that can be costly if you go to sell. Is landscaping your forte’? Look for a home with a yard that can be upgraded over the years. Just be frugal and realistic in what your resale will be in the end.

Beyond a smart buy, maintenance is essential as is proper insurance to be certain a home owner can afford the required repairs should the unexpected happen. Time after time I have to bear the bad news when presenting a market analysis at a home where the interior and/or exterior has not been repaired or replaced in decades. These homes are not worth what a neighboring, updated home is worth. Doing several projects over time allows a homeowner to enjoy the improvements while retaining the property value. Likewise, not insuring a home properly can be a huge risk. Worse yet, are the homeowners that make a home insurance claim and receiving payment for a repair but opt to use the money for something else.

Finally, it is important for a homebuyer to not put their investment in jeopardy. Many of the people who lost their homes in the market downturn put their homes in jeopardy but taking risky loans against the equity. Some people took home equity loans at reasonable rates but didn’t use the funds to improve their home. Some of these loans were at very high adjustable rates and as the payment rose, the homeowners just couldn’t make the payment. When I was growing up, I remember learning to never take a risk with anything you couldn’t afford to lose. I think a home falls into this category.

Like any investment, a home’s value will fluctuate. But a house is unique as an investment because it serves a dual purpose: It is a your place to live as well as a way to increase your net worth. By using the money that would be paid for rent and putting it toward a house you can afford with a plan to protect and maintain your property, a home purchase is still a good investment. 


 Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

All the Single Ladies! SF Looking for Affordable Townhome in WBL or Hugo

Going solo on a home purchase for women is a trend in today’s real estate market. It’s not surprising to me. As a REALTOR® with over a decade of experience in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I know several self assured women who have leaped off of the home-buying fence and purchased a home on their own. And believe me, age does not matter. Women in their 20’s and on up into senior years buy homes without a male cosigner. In fact, the WSJ online reported that single women now outpace single men in home purchases.

What type of home is the best option for someone buying solo? The sky is the limit!! If my single gal friends and clients are any indication of what single buy, it really is as diverse as any other segment. I have one friend in her early fifties who started with a west metro condo in her late 20’s but traded it for a brand spanking new townhome in Roseville a few years later. She wanted more of a backyard for her pets but didn’t want the yardwork that came with owning a single family home.

Another female friend of mine wasn’t afraid of a little home maintenance and purchased her family home while in her mid-thirties. She loved the MacGroveland area of St. Paul where she grew up and wanted to keep the turn-of-the-century treasure in the family.

Even senior buyers don’t always shy away from maintenance, while many senior women will opt for a townhome or condo when downsizing, I know another tenacious gal who was 60 years young when she bought a 4BR two story in Maple Grove with a full basement workshop to do projects in.

Single Gals (and Guys) should listen up…Renting might not be the best financial option today for those who live in the north and east Minneapolis/St Paul metro. Homes in many communities are amazingly affordable….and you don’t have to settle for a rundown foreclosure either. There are new and existing townhomes and single family homes in all price ranges in communities like Blaine, Hugo, White Bear Lake, Oakdale, North St Paul and Shoreview. Combined with the unbelievably low interest rates that people are locking now (30 year loans at under 4% in some cases!), it is unfortunate if someone (man or woman) is too intimidated to go it alone.

Buying a home does not have to be intimidating. Finding a good REALTOR® who listens to what you want in a home and guides you through the process step-by-step is key. I have assisted many people—single men and women, couples and families—find their perfect place to call home. (Check out some of the testimonials I have received.)  I have outlined the home buying process in a simple, Homebuyer Success Guide and that I quickly email out to any potential Twin Cities homebuyer that asks for one. (you can request one using the link below). I also happily answer my cell phone when a new potential buyer calls with a question. We can organize a game plan to get you qualified and start your search for the best home options that fit your needs, wants and budget. Don’t let being single keep you out of the one of the best real estate buying opportunities in years.

 

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

First Time Buyer Question—Is a Buying a Home a Good Investment in 2012?

Is Buying a Home a Good Investment?

“Is buying a home really a good investment?" Great question huh? Especially in this slowly stabilizing economy. For decades buying a home was for decades regarded one of the safest investments a person could make; the epitome of the American Dream. But now first time buyers are confused as home values and average sales prices plummeted. Is the real estate market current downturn a opportunity to grab one's piece of the American Dream? Does owning a home make sense as a financial investment?



MOST AMERICANS say YES! In a January 2012 survey of voters by the National Association of Home Builders, "74 percent said that despite the ups and downs in the housing market, owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make." That is 3 out of 4 voting Americans who still believe in the value of home ownership!

And I agree,  buying a home is a wise investment and not just because I am a REALTOR®, but because I, too, am a homeowner. The key is to treat your home like an investment. It takes discipline and time for an investment to grow. And like any other investment, if you have to sell a stocks, mutual funds or a home, when the market is down, there is a chance that you will not realize as much profit as you may have expected.

So what are some of the key points that must be considered when investing in your first home?

• Buy Smart

**Price **Interest Rate **Type of Mortgage **Resale Potential **Equity Builder?

• Maintain and Protect Your Investment

**Home maintenance **Insurance

• Don’t Put in Your Asset in Jeopardy

The best way to have a healthy balance sheet when you decide to sell your home is to Buy Smart in the first place. Buying smart is not just about getting the home at an extremely low price. With many homes at rock bottom prices, it is a good time to consider buying a first home. But buying smart also means getting a mortgage that you can afford. One that is safe, preferably at a fixed rate rather than an adjustable rate, that won't fluctuate into something that you cannot afford. Interest rates are at record-breaking low rates. Talking to a knowledgable loan officer is a great way to get started in the home buying process and find out what options are available to first time buyers now.

But buying smart goes beyond the price paid and the loan used to finance a first home. It is also buying with resale in mind. Many, who purchased homes in the price climbing frenzy of a few years ago, snatched up any home they could after submitting multiple purchase agreements on several homes. They often overlooked an unusual floor plan or that the home was railroad tracks with several trains passing by at all times of the day and night. They adjusted their needs to accept the powerlines in the backyard or the noise from Interstate 35 just a few blocks away. But now if these same families are faced with trying to relocate, they are frustrated that buyers refuse to compromise on same aspects that they overlooked.


As a REALTOR® who loves to work with first time home buyers, I spend time helping my them to understand the positives and negatives of the location of each property we view. I point out how something quirky like having no basement or having a hot tub built in to a bedroom could affect the resale value by limiting potential buyers. Paint and wallpaper can be easily changed but foundation, plumbing and property location are much more expensive to deal with. Oddities it a home can drastically affect value when it is time to sell.

Lastly, buy smart by determining whether equity can be increase with good old fashioned hard work! If the home hasn’t been updated, a good sprucing up could raise its value. A house that has an unfinished basement, could build equity if it can be done at a reasonable cost. Don’t take shortcuts and avoid permitting because that can be costly if you go to sell. Is gardening your hobby? Look for a home with a yard that can be upgraded over the years. Just be frugal and realistic in what your resale will be in the end.

Beyond a smart buy, maintenance is essential as is proper insurance to be certain a home owner can afford the required repairs should the unexpected happen. Time after time I have to bear the bad news when presenting a market analysis at a home where the interior and/or exterior has not been repaired or replaced in decades. These homes are not worth what a neighboring, updated home is worth. Doing several projects over time allows a homeowner to enjoy the improvements while retaining the property value. Likewise, not insuring a home properly can be a huge risk. Worse yet, are the homeowners that make a home insurance claim and receiving payment for a repair but opt to use the money for something else.

Finally, it is important for a homebuyer to not put their investment in jeopardy. Many of the people who lost their homes in the market downturn put their homes in jeopardy but taking risky loans against the equity. Some people took home equity loans at reasonable rates but didn’t use the funds to improve their home. Some of these loans were at very high adjustable rates and as the payment rose, the homeowners just couldn’t make the payment. When I was growing up, I remember learning to never take a risk with anything you couldn’t afford to lose. I think a home falls into this category.

Like any investment, a home’s value will fluctuate. But a house is unique as an investment because it serves a dual purpose: It is a your place to live as well as a way to increase your net worth. By using the money that would be paid for rent and putting it toward a house you can afford with a plan to protect and maintain your property, a home purchase is still a good investment. 

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of RE/MAX Specialists, a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

First Time Buyer Question—Is a Home Still a Good Investment?

Since the economy, in a word, tanked a few years ago and the values of homes in some areas plummeted, I often get asked the question, “Is buying a home really a good investment?" It was for decades considered one of the safest investments a person could make; the epitome of the American Dream. A few years ago, skyrocketing values seemed to put home ownership out of reach for many but with the market downturn many would be first time homebuyers are confused. Does owning a home make sense as a financial investment?

In my opinion, YES, buying a home is a wise investment and not just because I am a REALTOR®, but because I, too, am a homeowner. The key is treating your home like the investment that it truly is. It takes discipline and time for your investment to grow. And like any other investment, if you have to sell when the market is down, there is a chance that you will not realize as much profit as you may have expected.

So what are some of the key points that must be considered when investing in your first home?

• Buy Smart

**Price **Interest Rate **Type of Mortgage **Resale Potential **Equity Builder?

• Maintain and Protect Your Investment

**Home maintenance **Insurance

• Don’t Put in Your Asset in Jeopardy

The best way to have a healthy balance sheet when you decide to sell your home is to Buy Smart in the first place. Buying smart is not just about getting the home at a low price though that is a very important piece to the puzzle. With many homes at rock bottom prices, it is a good time to consider buying a first home. But buying smart also means getting a mortgage that you can afford and that is safe, preferably at a fixed rate rather than an adjustable rate that can fluctuate into something that you cannot afford. Interest rates are at record-breaking low rates. Talking to a knowledgable loan officer is a great way to get started in the home buying process and find out what options are available to first time buyers now.

But buying smart goes beyond the price paid and the loan used to finance a first home. It is also buying with resale in mind. Many, who purchased homes in the price climbing frenzy of a few years ago, snatched up any home they could after submitting multiple purchase agreements on several homes. They didn’t worry about the perfect floor plan or that the home was on a busy road or next railroad tracks or if it had a weird small room that could not be used for anything. Now, if they are faced with trying to relocate, they are frustrated that buyers refuse to compromise on aspects that they overlooked.
As a REALTOR® who works often with first time buyers, I spend time helping my them to understand the positives and negatives of the location of each property they view. I point out how something quirky like having no basement or having a hot tub built in to a bedroom could affect the resale value by limiting potential buyers. Paint and wallpaper can be easily changed but foundation, plumbing and property location are much more expensive to deal with. Oddities it a home can drastically affect value when it is time to sell.

Lastly, buy smart by determining whether equity can be built with good old fashioned hard work! If the home hasn’t been updated, a good sprucing up could raise its value. A house that has an unfinished basement, could build equity if it can be done at a reasonable cost. Don’t take shortcuts and avoid permitting because that can be costly if you go to sell. Is landscaping your forte’? Look for a home with a yard that can be upgraded over the years. Just be frugal and realistic in what your resale will be in the end.

Beyond a smart buy, maintenance is essential as is proper insurance to be certain a home owner can afford the required repairs should the unexpected happen. Time after time I have to bear the bad news when presenting a market analysis at a home where the interior and/or exterior has not been repaired or replaced in decades. These homes are not worth what a neighboring, updated home is worth. Doing several projects over time allows a homeowner to enjoy the improvements while retaining the property value. Likewise, not insuring a home properly can be a huge risk. Worse yet, are the homeowners that make a home insurance claim and receiving payment for a repair but opt to use the money for something else.

Finally, it is important for a homebuyer to not put their investment in jeopardy. Many of the people who lost their homes in the market downturn put their homes in jeopardy but taking risky loans against the equity. Some people took home equity loans at reasonable rates but didn’t use the funds to improve their home. Some of these loans were at very high adjustable rates and as the payment rose, the homeowners just couldn’t make the payment. When I was growing up, I remember learning to never take a risk with anything you couldn’t afford to lose. I think a home falls into this category.

Like any investment, a home’s value will fluctuate. But a house is unique as an investment because it serves a dual purpose: It is a your place to live as well as a way to increase your net worth. By using the money that would be paid for rent and putting it toward a house you can afford with a plan to protect and maintain your property, a home purchase is still a good investment.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm