Winter Acreage Home Bargains in the Twin Cities North Metro… Deals are TOO Good to last until Spring!

Looking for a bargain on an acreage home in the Twin Cities north Metro?

Think all the good deals are gone or won’t hit the market until next spring?

Think again! Here are 10 BEAUTIES that JUST LISTED in Anoka County, Northern Washington County or Northern Ramsey County.

Some of these deals are on foreclosures or bank-owned homes. Some are short sales which will take a bit longer to negotiate with the seller and the bank. But many are being offered for sale by traditional sellers and are still awesome deals!

Winter can be a great time to buy a MINNESOTA home and with the Homebuyers Tax Credit of 2009/2010, it makes more sense than ever to get your home search started as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that foreclosures are no longer trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.

Here are TEN OPPORTUNITIES that listed since December 1st that I noted while perusing the Twin Cities MLS today:

• 4BR/2BA Lino Lakes Short Sale. 1967 rambler with a one car garage on just over an acre for less than $130K


• 5BR/3BA/2Car on 1.5 Acres in North Oaks!! Almost 3000 sq ft finished, with custom woodwork throughout. Asking over $150K less that assessed value at $330K.


• 2.7 Acres and 4 Car Garage in Ham Lake! 4BR/2BA built in 1981 backs up to Carlos Avery game preserve. Listed under assessed value at $250K.


• 4BR/3BA/6Car One Story in Ham Lake. New construction in 2007, bank-owned home on just over an acre. Some handicap accessible features. Builder listed at $429K …Bank asking $280K.


• 2 Story with 3 Pole Barns on 40 Ham Lake Acres! 3BR/3BA completely remodeled in&out. Traditional seller asking $500K.


• 3BR/4BA/3Car New Construction in Forest Lake. BANK-OWNED built in 2005 home on 1.6 acres with city water and sewer. Full Master suite. Builder price $489,900…Bank asking price $175K LESS at $315K.


• 5BR/4BA Brick 2 Story on Forest Lake. 1+ Acre lot. 100 ft shoreline on First Lake. 5200 square ft executive home built in 2000. Originally listed at 1.5 Million….now bargain priced at $850K.


• 8.7 Acres Split Level in East Bethel! 2BR/2BA built in 1993. Third bedroom and family room just need carpet. Bank-owned fixer-upper price $138K.


• 1 Acre Rambler with view of Coon Lake. 3BR/2BA/3Car Quiet East Bethel community. Traditional seller listed at $199,900.


• 2.5 Acres in Andover Spectacular Short Sale! 4BR/4BA/3Car 2 story built in 2006. All the bells and whistles included. Sold for $505K three short years ago…now listed at $385K.

If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed, short sale or traditionally sold home, it is time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different than when working with a traditional seller.
Seven Tips for homebuyers considering a foreclosed home:

1. Banks LOVE clean offers. Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won't be considered. (Note: Traditional sellers rarely look at offers without proof of funding either.)
2. Banks reject lowball offers...often with no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.
3. Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.
4. Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. Buyers must be prepared to make all necessary repairs out of their own pocket after closing.
5. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500.


6. Personal property is not included as part of the sale. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don't guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace.


7. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank. In many cases, the bank will not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the bank...the listing agent is required to tell the bank everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The agent works only for the bank.

FEATURED Acreage Listing in Oak Grove. Minnesota


Oak Grove 9+Acre estate being offered by a traditional seller for $259,900! Bring the horses and ATV’s! Contemporary 1-1/2 story 4 Bedroom home with 5+ Mechanics Dream Garage.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008

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

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County continues to sell but slowly. The Days on Market (DOM) Statistic is currently running at about 211 days for all homes sold. When the first quarter numbers showed area homes had stayed on the market an average of 287days, this is welcome news.

If we look at sold homes in the under $300,000 category the absorption rate has come back an 11 month level from earlier this year where it was nearly 24 months. But high end homes continue to struggle for sales. Only five homes sold in the last 6 months in the $400,000 plus price category. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with nearly 5 years of inventory if sales continue at this slow pace on high priced homes. Great homes at amazing prices are out there on lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, sellers will need to be flexible on pricing. It might be the perfect time to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! There are more listings than ever before at incredible prices too! The is inventory awesome…47 lakeshore homes currently active. Many have been on the market for a quite a while. With continued low interest rates, it is a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!

Mid Year 2008 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $300,000~ 99 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 47 Sold Listings, 194 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 39 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, 268 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 8 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listing, 167 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 37 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings 385 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 31 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold)
Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area:47 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $269,900-$2,300,000

38 Homes on Forest Lake
7 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Shields Lake
1 Home on Heims Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 6/30/08.
Articles on Forest Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!
• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008
• Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 1st Quarter 2008
  

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Owning Minnesota Lakeshore—Is the Water Really Safe?

Owning a lakeshore home is a dream of many Minnesota residents. Living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, one would be hard pressed not to drive by a lake, pond or river on a daily basis no matter if you are in Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, Washington, Hennepin or any other county in our great state. Almost every day on the news there is something happening on or in one of our wonderfully wet natural resources. Some of the news is not always so great: Eurasian milfoil, mercury in the fish and polluted waters are a concern. Even those who live in the city are being asked to prevent grass clippings from going into the street and sewer systems as the chemicals that make our lawns so beautifully green, go through the storm drains and into our lakes. So how do you know if the sparkling pristine blue water of that Minnesota lakehome you want to buy is as clean as it looks?

As a Realtor working in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I do get asked questions regarding the quality of our lakes. After buyers are dazzled by the view of a lakeshore sunset, they want to know about water quality before they sign a purchase agreement. Lakeshore owners want to be able to fish, boat and swim in the water. So questions arise.

*Is the lake polluted?

*Are the fish safe to eat?

*Is there milfoil present?

*Should we swim in the water?
Finding these answers is simple. I direct my lakehome buyers to http://www.checkmylake.org/, a wonderful website devoted to MN lakeshore and recreation published by Conservation Minnesota. The site gives information great information on all of Minnesota’s lakes that have been tested for water quality.

A potential lakeshore buyer can find out whether the lake water is safe to swim in and whether the fish are safe to eat on a case by case basis. The lake search is very simple to use. Just put in the name and or county of the lake you are interested in and hit GO. I found that when I was looking for a big lake that is located in more than one county, like White Bear Lake, entering the lake name is best because it will only be listed in one county. (In the case of White Bear Lake, it listed as Washington County not Ramsey.)

Pollution status is not the only feature of checkmylake.org. The website is updated daily with water facts, lake news and beach reports. You can also sign a petition to protect our lakes, volunteer to monitor lake quality, or submit a story about your favorite lake.

Ready to buy a Minnesota Lakehome 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

Affordable Beauty and Privacy! Homes on Minnesota Wetlands

While browsing through the Q&A section of the real estate website, Trulia the other day, I ran across a question from a Twin Cities resident who was considering purchasing a home on a Minnesota wetland. This homebuyer was wondering whether buying a home with environmental lakeshore would be a huge mistake.

I found this question very interesting. As a Realtor who works mainly in the Anoka, Chisago and Washington County areas there is an abundance of wetland and lakeshore homes. From Hugo to Wyoming and throughout the communities of Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Blaine, there are properties abutting wetlands and natural environmental lakeshore. Many Minnesotans find these properties extremely desirable but as with any home it is a personal preference.

So how do you decide if a wetland or natural environmental (NEDS) lake home is for you? Take time to consider some of the positives and negatives.

Positives:

Wildlife—White-tailed deer, raccoons, turtles, ducks, loons, eagles, and a host of other animals have been spotted living near Minnesota wetlands.
Privacy—Whether the wetland is 20 acres or 200, it cannot be built upon so a property with a wetland or NEDS lake shoreline will limit neighbors.
Affordable—NEDS lakeshore and wetland properties are significantly less costly than lakeshore on a full use recreational lake.
Activities—Though there could be some limits on the use, wetland ponds, environmental lakeshore and NEDS Lakes have been used winter skating, summer canoeing or kayaking and more depending on the water depth.

Negatives:

Mosquitoes—Yes, wetlands are known to attract the other Minnesota State bird too.
Drainage Issues—If the home is on a smaller lot, the owner must pay special consideration to the foundation. A drain tile system and sump pump could be required. Also homes on private septic systems would have special DNR (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) considerations if the system were to fail.

Need to know more about buying home on a Minnesota Wetland? If you are buying, selling or relocating and considering a home on a Minnesota wetland and would like the assistance of 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 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

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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 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County is still selling. The first big December snowfall and holidays didn’t deter savvy buyers from getting out into the market and writing offers. The inventory levels are down from the third quarter statistics, but sales during the last three months of the year were only slightly lower than the previous quarter. The fourth quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 166 days, just slightly lower than the 171 DOM in the third quarter. Looking at current inventory levels for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 9-10 months of inventory at the 4th quarter rate of sales.

High end home sales continue to remain stagnant. With only one home sold in the last 3 months, sellers in the over $400,000 price category are looking at a market time in the years rather than months if the rate of sale continues at this snails pace. Of course spring always brings new buyers out…They will have plenty of wonderful homes to select and negotiate on. When the ice thaws, it will be time to consider a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! The combination of an amazing inventory of 32 lakeshore homes, long market times, and low interest rates, creates the perfect situation as sellers should be ready to negotiate an acceptable deal for the sale of your piece of shoreline!

4th Quarter Forest Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 69 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 22 Sold Listings, 133 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 37 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 292 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 10Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listing, 265 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 18 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings 429 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 12 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Forest Lake
32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $234,900-$2,900,000

22 Homes on Forest Lake
8 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Sylvan Lake
1 Home on Neds Lake

**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.

Featured Listing in Forest Lake Minnesota: 20685 Georgia Ave N

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

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



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



• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore



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



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

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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 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County is selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. The third quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 171 days. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 7-8 months of inventory as it stands today.

While homes under $300,000 have a manageable inventory level, similar to other areas of the Twin Cities, high end homes are selling at a much slower pace. Note the abundance of existing inventory in the over $400,000 category. With 23 homes to sell over $400,000, there is currently 2 years of inventory. Looking at properties priced over $500,000, there are 32 homes on the market and with four homes selling every 3 months, it will take nearly three years to sell the entire inventory if home sales do not pick up.

The real story is that lakeshore is available in Forest Lake! The combination of an amazing inventory of 50 lakeshore homes, long market times, and low interest rates, creates the perfect situation as sellers should be ready to negotiate an acceptable deal for the sale of your piece of paradise!

3rd Quarter Forest Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 78 Active Listings, 9 Pending Listings, 20 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 47 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 12Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 23 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 12 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 32 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 23 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake Area:

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $250,000-$2,900,000

41 Homes on Forest Lake
7 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Sylvan Lake
1 Home on Neds Lake

For details on Forest Lake listings and lakeshore homes available, contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-3336-7073.

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/07 through 9/30/07.
Featured Listing in Forest Lake Minnesota: 20685 Georgia Ave N

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

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


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


• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore


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

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/

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2007

The sluggish real estate market continues to affect Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in the third quarter of 2007. Homes are staying on the market longer with an average Days-on-Market (DOM) of 157 days for homes sold in the 3rd Quarter in the Ham Lake area. While homes under $300,000 have a manageable inventory level similar to other areas of the Twin Cities (about a 10 month supply), high end homes are selling at a much slower pace. Note the abundance of existing inventory in the over $500,000 category. With 47 homes on the market and two homes selling every 3 months, it will take over five years to sell the entire inventory if home sales do not pick up in this high end category.

3rd Quarter Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 51 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings (All existing homes)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 30 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 30 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 47 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 13 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:

5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $274,900-$945,000

2 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Mallard Lake
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/07 through 9/30/07.

Featured Lakeshore Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota: 3608 Woodland Drive

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:
Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota
What Makes a House a Home-Ham Lake, MN
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 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/

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

The first half of 2007 has been a mixed bag for the Forest Lake real estate market in northern Washington County. Homes in priced below $300,000 are selling well but time on the market is lengthy in all price categories. Per the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors, sales for the 13 county Twin Cities area are down 16% in the first half of 2007 compared with sales in the first half of 2006. The average home price fell 2%.
This mid-year update for Forest Lake real estate reflects the sluggish market with many listings. Homes are stagnant in the high price ranges with the exception of lakeshore. 4 of the 7 homes priced over $400,000 were lake homes. Homes in Forest Lake are moving a bit faster selling with 168 DOM, than those in neighboring Ham Lake and Lino Lakes which have an average DOM of 173 and 208 respectively. (Click here for complete Lino Lakes Statistics.) (Click here for complete Ham Lake Statistics.)

The following are statistics of current single family residential market activity in the Forest Lake area for the first six months of 2007:

Under $300,000~ 88 Active Listings, 9 Pending Listings, 45 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 150

$300,000-400,000 ~ 53 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 204

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 181

$500,000 and Up~ 42 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 155

Lakeshore available in Forest Lake:
61 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings
Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $334,900-$749,000

• 48 Home on Forest Lake


• 10 Home on Clear Lake


• 2 Homes on Sylvan Lake


• 1 Home on Natural Environmental Wetland or NEDS Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/07 through 6/30/07.

Selling Tips: With homes in Washington and Anoka County staying on the market for months, it is important for sellers to remember to keep the front of the home showing ready at all times.
Here are a few quick tips to keep your home looking hot from the street:

• Flowers add color! If your spring blooms haven't blossomed yet, buy a dried floral wreath or colorful flag.


• Spruce up the landscaping with new wood chips. Make certain all of the landscaping bricks in the retaining wall are in place.


• Pick up trash from the yard.


• Rake any leaves that have blown in over the winter.


• Fix up that rusted mailbox at the end of the driveway.


• Seal coat the blacktop drive.
  Move Boats, Trailers and Campers to another location.


• Wash dirt and cobwebs from front of home paying special attention to door where buyers will enter. Paint door if necessary.


• Replace tattered American flags with new ones. (Remember proper to dispose of old one properly.)
  Repair any wind damage to gutters, siding, shutters and storm doors. If the shutters or trim has faded, replace or repaint.


• Paint or stain siding and front deck as necessary.

Buying Tips: There are many awesome deals on homes throughout the north and east Twin Cities metro for home buyers looking for a great opportunity to purchase a lakeshore or acreage home. But keep in mind that there are many misconceptions in a buyers market too. Here are a few points to remember as you consider purchasing a home in today’s market.

• A home with a high DOM is not always a problem house. The only problem with the home could be that it was priced too high when first listed.


• Not all sellers are so desperate that they will take any written offer. Sellers will not give away their homes. Homes are selling for fair prices in this market but not less than what they are worth.


• Buyers in this market it is more important than ever to have an experienced Realtor on your side to assist with negotiations. It is not a time to view homes “agent-free”. The listing agent represents the seller. With widely fluctuating prices, it is imperative to have someone representing YOUR interests in the transaction.

Featured Listings in the north and east Twin Cities:

• 1517 128th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449


• 5065 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304


• 1988 Robin Lane N, Centerville, MN 55038

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Relocating to Forest Lake Minnesota? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride
• 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
• There's More to Minnesota than 10,000 Lakes--Much More!

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/

Mosquitoes Moving in YOUR MN Neighborhood? Here’s the Buzzzzz on a NEW Way to Pinpoint Treatment!

Have you noticed the green trucks and people in hip boots slogging in ponds and roadside ditches? Wonder what they are scooping out of the muck? It is the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) out in full force working hard to protect us from Minnesota’s "other state bird", the mosquito!
The MMCD works throughout the seven county metropolitan area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties), controlling the insect population all summer long. With hundreds of beautiful lakes and wetlands in the Twin Cities metro area, this is a huge undertaking.

To help property owners understand what work is being done to control mosquitoes near their home, the MMCD has created a cool interactive map.

The interactive map is simple to use! Enter your street address and an aerial view of your property will be displayed. When you click an area outlined in yellow, an information box is available that includes the level of mosquitoes that were present at the last testing and what treatment will be performed to combat the pests.

I quickly pulled up a map for an area of residential acreage in Ham Lake that I frequent as a real estate agent. It was amazing how many breeding grounds and treatment areas in just one neighborhood of Anoka County!

Did you know MMCD does more than just protect against mosquitoes?

They provide several services including:

• Testing for and controlling harmful mosquitoes


• Monitor deer tick populations


• Testing and controlling nuisance mosquitoes, biting gnats, and mosquitoes that transmit dog heartworm


• Public education to reduce risk of mosquito and tick-borne diseases

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

Real Estate Market Statistics for Ham Lake, MN--Including Lakeshore

Ham Lake has not been immune to the sluggish real estate market and price correction that has affected the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Homes are staying on the market longer (the average DOM is over 100 days) and appraised market values have dropped 2.6% according the Anoka County assessors office. The following are statistics of current single family residential market activity in the Ham Lake area for the first five months of 2007:

Under $300,000~ 41 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 15 Sold Listings (All existing homes)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 42 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 35 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 52 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 18 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake

7 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range:

• $295,000-$899,900


• 4 Homes on Coon Lake



• 1 Home on Ham Lake



• 1 Home on Lake Netta



• 1 Home on Lake Amelia

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

• Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota


• 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 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

Minnesota Lakeshore Is Affordable Again!

In the past decade the prices on Minnesota lakeshore had become out of reach for many buyers. Prices shot up in the late 1990’s. Lake lots on Coon Lake in Anoka County went on the market in 1998 for $60,000 and were re-sold three years later for over three times that at $200,000. Homes on lakeshore saw similar increases. There didn’t seem to be an end in sight to what someone would pay for lakeshore in the Twin Cities.

Then “The Buyer’s Market of 2006” hit the Twin Cities and north metro. What a welcome relief to would-be lake home owners. The chance to own Minnesota shoreline is once again within reach.

The recent buyers market has affected the prices of lakeshore in Minnesota. With there being so many homes available, buyers have a selection that hasn’t been seen in the past decade. That abundance of homes is in all categories, including the wonderful lakeshore homes coveted by Minnesota sportsmen and nature lovers. To see what kind of an impact the buyer’s market has had Minnesota lakes, I did some research on lake homes sold in the past six months (August 2006 to February 2007). As a Realtor working in the north east metro for several years, I knew it was difficult to find reasonably priced Minnesota lakeshore in for the past few years…especially with a quick commute to the city. I wanted to see if the change in the market had made lakeshore more affordable. What I found is that an in-town lake home is not only affordable, they are available.

Focusing on the north east metro counties of Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington, I discovered some interesting facts. I set up a search for lakeshore homes sold that had at least 3BR/2BA and a garage and listed after August 1, 2007. The homes had to be a single family dwelling, not a town home or condo. There were 24 homes that met these criteria. I then took a closer look homes that sold for the lowest and highest price in each county. Since most homes sat on the market for several months, there were some amazing price concessions by sellers. The 24 listings were on the market an average of 178 days. But when I looked closer at the homes, I realized that this was not accurate. Many of the homes were cancelled and re-listed so the DOM would start again at zero. (In my estimation, the average time on the market for north metro lakeshore is 9 months to a year.)

So where are the deals on Minnesota Lakeshore? All over! Here are some of the highlights:




Sale Price of Lakeshore Homes in Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington County Fall06/Winter07

Anoka County
Lowest Sold Price $225,000
Highest Sold Price $507,750
Average $389,550
Total Homes Sold: 5

The lowest priced lakeshore home sold during the past 6 months was in northwest Anoka County in the little community of Burns Township. It was Twin Lakes rambler on 400 ft. of shore with 3BR/2BA and a 2 car garage. It sold for $225,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, in southern Anoka County, a Lino Lakes home with 100 feet of shore on Reshanan Lake. It originally listed for almost 2 years ago for $585,000 but sold for just $507,750. This home is located with a quick commute to either downtown is a multi-level home with 4BR/3BA and a 3 car garage.

Chisago CountyLowest Sold Price $292,500
Highest Sold Price $486,000
Average $382,125
Total Homes Sold: 5

Both the lowest and highest priced sold homes were located in Chisago Township about 45 minutes northeast of downtown St. Paul. The lower priced home boasted 150 ft of shoreline on Chisago Lake. It was a 3BR/2BA/2Car home built in 1956 and sold for just $292,500. On the high end, was a 2002 built lake home on Green Lake with 85 ft. of shore. It was listed at $534,900 but sold for $50,000 less after 6 months on the market.

Ramsey CountyLowest Sold Price $293,550
Highest Sold Price $673,000
Average $423,890
Total Homes Sold: 8

Ramsey County is the heart of the east metro and is home to the capital city, St. Paul. Surprisingly, there were some lakeshore bargains here as well. On the low end of the spectrum, there was a home with 100ft of shore on Goose Lake. The home located in White Bear Lake originally listed for $389,000 but after six months on the market sold for $295,550, nearly $100K less!

On the more expensive side was a North Oaks home with 150 ft of shore on Charley Lake. The home is on a 1.3 acre parcel in a private community. The 2 story was built in 1980 with 5BR/6BA/3Car. After being on the market for just over a year, it sold for $673,000.

Washington County
Lowest Sold Price $399,000
Highest Sold Price $1,599,000
Average $822,483
Total Homes Sold: 6

Washington County was home to the most expensive and fastest lakeshore sales in the north and east metro during the past six months. But there were bargains here as well. At the low end a lakeshore home in Oakdale, on Park Lake sold for at the listed $399,000 in just 45 days. At the other end of the spectrum a Mahtomedi 1930’s charmer on White Bear Lake sold in just 15 days for $1.6 million.

Are you interested in buying Minnesota Lakeshore? Now is the time. There are still hundreds of homes on lakeshore listed on the Twin Cities MLS. Many of these beautiful homes have been on the market for several months. Most of my clients are asking to be emailed with immediate listings of "just listed" and "just reduced in price homes". With the right offer and Realtor who understands the lakeshore market, you could be spending this summer on a Minnesota lake!


Contact me today to be set up for automatic lakeshore listings. Emails will be sent immediately when a price drops on a lakeshore home or a new listing hits the market.

Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

So you are once again dreaming of a lake home? The Land of 10,000 Lakes translates into millions of feet of shoreline in the state of Minnesota. But often it seems as only the very wealthy can live on the water’s edge. Is that an accurate perception? Stop dreaming and consider a few options that will make paradise more affordable.

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

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

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

Environmental Lakes and Wetlands
Very shallow lakes wonderful for privacy but not great for recreation. If you are looking for a home with awesome views of wildlife, this may be something to consider.

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

Lake View
A home with a beautiful lake view but no shoreline or lake access, can provide the wonderful picturesque views everyone dreams of without the high lakeshore taxes.Location with Public Access NearbyA final option is to look for a home that is near park with public lake access. I sold one such home where the public access to a good-sized full recreational lake was about a quarter mile down the street. This family uses the lake to canoe, cross country ski and fish without driving or trailers. There was none of the additional cost or taxes associated with lakeshore property but all of the benefits!

Lakes and Shoreline Link
Department of Natural Resources Lake Finder Comprehensive search engine to find information regarding the size, depth and condition of Minnesota lakes by county and lake name. There is even information on approximate numbers and types of fish found in the listed lakes.